While movement is essential for good health, moments of stillness are just as important for the body and mind. Wise people from all ages and cultures have practiced long bouts of silence and meditation to get in touch with their inner voices and tease out deeper wisdom from the universe. A core principle of Zen Buddhism is contemplation in stillness. In ancient yogic traditions, meditation is considered the most important aspect of the journey to self-realization, leading to an appreciation of greater truth. In Jainism, monks are expected to observe periods of silent meditation lasting weeks, while in Vipassana meditation, participants disconnect from all interactions and observe complete silence for ten days, directing all attention inward.
Compare this to our modern lives in which we spend our time going from one interruption to the next. Social media and mobile phones take distraction to a whole other level, giving us the irresistible urge to reach into our pockets to check the next 'like' or to respond to the ping of a new email as soon as it arrives. In this way, we can go into a zombie-like trance for hours or even days, barely noticing what is going on around us. Sean Parker, himself an early backer of Facebook, has warned that social media is highly addictive and particularly harmful to children who are particularly vulnerable during cognitive development.
The mind plays a vital role in good health and without a fresh, energetic and engaged mind, it is difficult to feel healthy or make healthy choices. A tired or distracted mind is more likely to give in to temptation. Have you ever noticed how quickly a giant bag of popcorn disappears while you are binge-watching your favourite TV show?
A healthy mind requires dedicated periods of time. You can meditate, go for a walk, journal, listen to music or just sit and daydream. You'll be amazed at how much more alive and alert you feel, and your mind will thank you for this increasingly rare luxury that is so vital to our well-being.
Compare this to our modern lives in which we spend our time going from one interruption to the next. Social media and mobile phones take distraction to a whole other level, giving us the irresistible urge to reach into our pockets to check the next 'like' or to respond to the ping of a new email as soon as it arrives. In this way, we can go into a zombie-like trance for hours or even days, barely noticing what is going on around us. Sean Parker, himself an early backer of Facebook, has warned that social media is highly addictive and particularly harmful to children who are particularly vulnerable during cognitive development.
The mind plays a vital role in good health and without a fresh, energetic and engaged mind, it is difficult to feel healthy or make healthy choices. A tired or distracted mind is more likely to give in to temptation. Have you ever noticed how quickly a giant bag of popcorn disappears while you are binge-watching your favourite TV show?
A healthy mind requires dedicated periods of time. You can meditate, go for a walk, journal, listen to music or just sit and daydream. You'll be amazed at how much more alive and alert you feel, and your mind will thank you for this increasingly rare luxury that is so vital to our well-being.
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