Get ready for an exclusive glimpse into a transformative book! This excerpt from *Meditate Your Weight: A 21-Day Retreat To Optimize Your Metabolism And Feel Great* reveals how meditation might be the missing link in your wellness journey. Strengthen both body and mind!
Although meditation is easier than many assume, it still carries an air of mystery—how does it actually work? Even scientists are still uncovering the details, but progress is being made. This uncertainty can sometimes lead to misconceptions, and I’d like to clear a few of them up.
“Meditation is a spiritual practice.”
MEDITATION IS PRIMARILY A MENTAL DISCIPLINE.
It’s not magic or mysticism. While meditation has deep roots in various religious and cultural traditions, the act itself isn’t inherently spiritual. At its essence, meditation is about training the mind. It produces measurable effects on the brain and nervous system—effects that can be observed through brain scans, blood tests, and heart rate monitors. Over the past 25 years, more than 3,000 studies from top institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford have shown that meditation leads to healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.
“Meditation just doesn’t work for me.”
MEDITATION IS ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE.
I often hear people say, “I can’t meditate.” But think of a baby learning to walk—if they fell and gave up, it would seem absurd. Meditation is similar: it’s a skill developed over time. Whether you meditate for three minutes or twenty, whether you go on a retreat or just sit quietly on the bus, you’re still meditating. From the moment you sit, breathe, and notice your thoughts drifting, you’re already doing it.
“The real meditation is [X]; anything else doesn’t count.”
ALL FORMS OF MEDITATION ARE VALID.
It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that there’s only one “correct” way to meditate. When I began meditating in the early ’90s, I heard all kinds of rigid rules. But the truth is, there’s no single right way. Whether you visualize, count breaths, or simply sit still, it all counts. The goal is to reach a place where you can return to that calm, focused state whenever stress arises. Choose the method that resonates with you and stick with it—science supports a wide range of approaches.
“You must meditate for at least twenty minutes to see results.”
EVEN A FEW MINUTES OF MEDITATION CAN BE LIFE-CHANGING.
Duration matters less than consistency. Forcing yourself to sit for twenty minutes when it feels unnatural can actually trigger stress. It’s far more beneficial to meditate for three minutes daily than to push through a long session once a week. Even brief, regular practice can lead to significant improvements. One study found that just five minutes a day for four weeks made a measurable difference.
Curious to learn more? Pick up your copy of *Meditate Your Weight* and continue the journey!
