72. Ann Swanson: Meditation For The Real World

If meditation isn't your thing yet you still feel burnt out, behind, anxious and overworked...this conversation just might change your mind! When most of us think of meditation, we think we have to do it "right" by sitting cross legged, eyes closed, with a straight back and zen music in the background. But meditation is not experienced in this one limited way and is not a 'One Size Fits All' experience! Instead of writing off meditation all together, guest Ann Swanson suggests different meditations for varying situations, even beginning with just ONE minute.

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https://youtu.be/iEGjDdTzLdE

Ann Swanson is the author of the internationally bestselling book SCIENCE OF YOGA and Meditation for the Real World, which illuminates the fascinating science behind meditation with step-by-step practices to help you find peace in everyday life. Although she's now written books on yoga and meditation, Ann wasn’t a naturally “chill person,” and meditation did not come easy to her. But her journey of overcoming chronic pain and anxiety led her to India to study yoga, to China to explore tai chi, and eventually to earn a Master of Science in Yoga Therapy. Now, Ann blends cutting-edge research with ancient wisdom to bring you realistic techniques that you will feel inspired to practice whether it's for reducing anxiety or manifesting your dreams!

Ann even explains how meditation quite literally changes your neural pathways, making it more likely to manifest your desires...which is exactly how she manifested her very first book deal with absolutely NO following or connections to the publishing world!

Highlights:

-How even one-minute meditations can make a difference

-Breaking down the Harvard research explaining constant mind wandering + how our happiness may depend on the ability to pay attention to the present moment

-Where science and tradition converge: groundbreaking research on gratitude and compassion practices that'll make you commit to practice

-Why most fail at developing a consistent meditation practice + how to stick with it for a lifetime of benefits

-How to use meditation for manifestation!

Timestamps:

00:00 The Science of Meditation: Impact on Brain and Body

08:35 Journey from Skepticism to Embracing Meditation

10:53 Meditation for Manifestation: The Power of Intention

30:15 Navigating the Challenges of Meditation

32:43 Understanding the Default Mode Network (Mind wandering!)

46:00 The Impact of Nature Sounds on Mental Health

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