Why do people meditate? Is it because they need to de-stress—or is it because they want to work smarter and be more productive? It actually can be both and much more. Many benefits can’t even be measured. But, it is a common experience that if you meditate you will feel better; you’ll feel more relaxed, calmer, and focused.
Today, on The Broken Brain Podcast, host Dhru Purohit and expert meditation teacher and author Light Watkins have a deep discussion about the power of meditation in your life. Light and Dhru talk about the history of meditation, different meditation types (including the style Light teaches), and very practical tips on getting started.
Light explains why meditation elicits a relaxation response that is deeper than sleep, why it’s important to have your back supported and sit in a comfortable place, and how his community events called The Shine are wholesome places for people to come together to lift each other up.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What does successful meditation look like (1:48)
- The relaxation response that is deeper than sleep (9:30)
- Meditation types explained (15:25)
- What a consistent meditation practice offers (22:24)
- Steps to getting started (23:34)
- Light’s EASY meditation technique (26:44)
- What does it look like when Light meditates? (28:38)
- Fear of bringing up past trauma and pain while meditating (35:29)
- Real world benefits of meditating (40:30)
- Selling it all…Light reveals his new life (46:35)
- The Shine and bringing people together in real life (46:35)
- Making meditation a regular part of your life (1:02:56)
I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Some people say they don’t have time to meditate and I say that I don’t have time to not meditate. I’m much more productive—and happier—when I do. You can find this episode on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.
Wishing you health and happiness,
Mark Hyman, MD
PS – Find Light Watkins online, read his book Bliss More, or join him in person at The Shine. Light also hosts international meditation retreats in beautiful places around the world!