We are still guided, in part, by our primitive brain that only focuses on survival. In “Managing with the Brain in Mind,” neuroscientist Dr. David Rock teaches that the same neural responses that drove us toward food or away from predators still are often in charge. Even though we no longer have to defend ourselves against wild animals, we are just as stressed out. In such a stressful state, which is the norm for many of us, we cannot focus on our purpose. When we are stressed, there is reduced blood flow to the frontal lobes of our brains that help us carry out higher-order mental processes. We have less processing capacity to think loftier thoughts like how we can be our best or contribute to the well-being of others. Without a practice of meditation, we are not much different than our ancient hunter-gatherer ancestors, who had to devote all of their energies to protecting themselves from environmental danger. Today, our greatest enemy is ourselves and our daily stressors and triggers, which can be better managed by simply paying attention to our breath in the silence. Take a moment right now, and breathe. Pay attention to the way your body feels. Allow yourself to relax in the moment. Close your eyes and breathe in and out a few times, paying attention to how your body feels on the inhalation and the exhalation.
Even pausing for a single moment is meditation.
What is your purpose? Take a moment and think about it. Write in a journal or on a note any reflections from your meditation regarding why you believe you are here, in this life, right now.
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