Just Sit Quietly for Three Minutes. Seriously.

This week’s external resource is a transcript of an interview with Mirabai Bush. She teaches meditation and mindfulness.

The article describes different programs she has been involved with and the myriad benefits of increased mindfulness: better listening, team work, stress and anger management and improved health.

I want you to read the article, but more importantly I want to impress upon you the importance of taking some time to increase your mindfulness.

So many people say they don’t have time to meditate, or they don’t know how. They think they have to set aside 30-45 minutes and completely empty their minds of thought.

Neither is true.

Start small: three minutes per day, for 21 days.

All you need to do is sit quietly, close your eyes and notice your breathing. As you get distracted by a thought – and you will! – just return to your breath.

Imagine learning how to meditate is like a baby learning to walk. You’ll stumble at first, and it’ll be awkward for a while, but you’ll get the hang of it. And once you do, the World will open up for you.

Again, here’s the article.

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