The highly stimulated state we exist in is causing increased stress – no arguments there! Constant noise is not good for our well-being. What percentage of your day is in silence? There are therapeutic benefits and solutions in being still and quiet.
The World Health Organization reports that workers who are stressed are also more likely to be unhealthy, poorly motivated, less productive, less safe at work and less likely to be successful in a competitive market. Stress is costly!
Meditation is often recommended as both a prevention and treatment for stress. While few would dispute the benefits, meditation is not widely practiced in the Western World. Slowing down and sitting in silence can be challenging. I’m no guru, however, the more we practice the better we get.
In Ian Gawler’s book Meditation he lists the benefits:
• A deep physical, emotional, mental and spiritual healing
• Being calmer, more peaceful and less stressed
• Cortisol hormone goes down and immunity improves
• To perform better at work
• To become more loving
• To be less fearful, defensive and resentful
• To lighten up and drop some seriousness
• To stop struggling with self, others and life
• To become a better person.
Meditation may be seen as an “alternative medicine.” But in my mind treating the serious illnesses caused by stress is a lot less attractive than sitting quietly and committing to this highly beneficial daily routine.
There are solutions in silence – when you sit with it.
Every Minute Counts and You Can Have It All! ®
