Meditation is not just a practice, but a distraction from all stressful environments, situations, and problems.
The Beginning of The Journey
Matt Cali, Coach and Co-owner of Fitness Concepts Health Club, shares his own story of how he started meditation and mindfulness because of a client and their wise words.
“I met a client 10 years ago who was seeing me for one-on-one fitness coaching, and one day he said, ‘I’ll be away for three weeks at a silent meditation in Barre at IMS, but I’d like to get back on the calendar for when I’m done.’ My thirty-year-old self couldn’t fathom why or how someone would spend three weeks in silence on a meditation retreat.” Said Cali.
“If my cup is full when life brings its daily stresses, I can often handle them better because I am more patient, empathetic, and calm,” said Mrs. Leanne Roy, Wellness and Physical Education teacher at Oakmont High School.
“I also spent my thirties working on self-improvement and studying highly successful people. Meditation was one thing they all shared in common. Many highly successful people can’t be wrong.” Cali said.
The Roles and Routines
Studies have shown that meditation has helped 80% of businessmen, artists, movie stars, and top athletes become successful. Many people have found that meditation helps them stay on the ground and solidify relationships.
“Many people struggle to stay consistent with fitness. I definitely struggle staying consistent with meditation.” Cali said. “When I’m consistently meditating, awesome things happen in my life, every time.”
“When practicing meditation daily, you have the ability to experience all the benefits. Like anything in life, it takes practice!“ said Roy. “ The more you practice, the deeper the understanding and the greater the benefits.”
Research has collected data that students are also most likely to become more successful in school, sports, and even work.
It’s recommended that most people start their day off with their meditation practice in the early morning. This has shown that it helps people have a good mindset throughout their day.
The Meditation Increase
Meditation is a peaceful environment, used by many people, which is popular all around the world. This is most likely the reason for the increase in meditation practice.
Research has shown that one of the many major causes of stress can be from constant media coverage. Whether or not it’s because of global issues like terrorism, climate change, or economic downturns, which cause general fear and stress.
“We are inundated with daily stressors that find us every day.” Said Cali, “Deploying strategies to destress is invaluable.”
Many stories have mentioned that the main reason for the growth of meditation is that kids, especially teenagers and even adults, feel uneasy or stressed throughout their entire day due to being stuck on social media all day.
“I believe that people should practice meditation because the benefits are worth the time and effort,” Roy said. “Reduction of stress and anxiety, improved mood by increasing positive emotions, enhanced focus, increased self-awareness, reduction of blood pressure, improved sleep, strengthening of the immune system, and improved decision making are just a few of the benefits, and I believe we all can use a little support in these areas.”
Try It Yourself!
If you’re feeling up to it, try practicing meditation on your own!
“I practice every morning before I exercise. Again, as a way to fill my cup. During the day, if I have a stressful situation that seems overwhelming, I will find a way to breathe and reset my thoughts.” Roy said.
Matt Cali shares his personal advice for people beginning their journey. “Whether or not you stay consistent depends on the perceived benefit and the approach you take. Get a coach who’s doing the thing well and can keep you accountable rather than simply hoping you’re doing it right.”
“Trying to figure out on your own if it’s working can fail you if you don’t already have a formal education in meditation,” Cali said.
