We’ve got an inside look at a fantastic book! This excerpt is from “Meditate Your Weight: A 21-Day Retreat To Optimize Your Metabolism And Feel Great.” It really explains how meditation might be the missing piece to your health puzzle. Be strong both physically and mentally!
Meditating is easier than many think, but it remains a bit of a mystery—how does it actually work? Scientists are still figuring that out, and this mystery sometimes leads to misunderstandings about meditation. Let’s clear up a few of those.
First off, meditation is primarily a mental practice. It’s not voodoo or anything mystical. Although various cultures and religions have used meditation, the act itself isn’t inherently spiritual. Essentially, it involves training your mind and has direct, measurable effects on the brain and nervous system. Over the past twenty-five years, more than three thousand studies from top research institutions, like Harvard and Yale, have shown that meditation contributes to healthier, happier lives.
Some people think, “Meditation just doesn’t work for me,” or “I can’t meditate.” But meditation works for everyone, and anyone can do it. Think about how a baby learns to walk. They fall a lot but keep trying. Meditation is similar; it’s something you start doing in small increments and get better at over time. Whether you meditate for three minutes or twenty, you’re still meditating once you sit down, take a breath, and notice your thoughts wandering.
There’s also a misconception that only certain types of meditation count. This isn’t true—any type of meditation is valid. When I began meditating in the early nineties, many people had strict views on how to do it. However, for your health goals, there are no absolutes. What matters is what works for you, whether that’s visualization, focusing on your breath, or simply sitting quietly. Anytime you take a moment of stillness, you’re meditating.
The goal of meditation is to reach a state where you can quickly access that relaxed mental space, helping you stay calm and collected. If a particular method works for you, keep at it. There are many “right” ways to meditate, and from a scientific perspective, consistency matters more than the method itself.
Some believe you need to meditate for at least twenty minutes to benefit from it. But any amount of meditation can help. The key is frequency, not duration. Forcing yourself to sit for longer than you’re comfortable can actually trigger a stress response. It’s better to meditate briefly every day than for longer periods less frequently. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
To learn more, grab your copy of “Meditate Your Weight” today!
