John S. Gordon - Business and Personal Coach
"You have the greatness and the power. I just help you turn on the switch."
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MARVELOUS MONDAYS
October 11, 2010 - Issue 91
Mindfulness Meditation decreases AMYGALA
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Dear ,
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 Welcome to Issue 91. If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now. The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.
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MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
| This is the second in the series on meditation. I wish to acknowledge and thank my meditation instructor and good friend, Tom Jacobs. I also acknowledge Kelly McGonigal and her article in the June 2010 Yoga Journal entitled, "Your Brain on Meditation" and Frank Boccio quoted by Kelly in her article.
Do you every have doubts or worries or stress? Of course we all do! Sometimes we can deal with it effectively and at times it can lead some persons to panic or anxiety attacks. Research at Stanford University by Philippe Goldin shows that "mindfulness meditation" can actualy change the way the brain responds to negative thoughts. Mindfulness meditation is the practice of concentrating on the moment, paying attention to the "ever-changing process of thinking rather than to the content of your thoughts. As you begin to see that they are indeed just thoughts, they will begin to lose their power" (Frank Boccio).
Results from the Stanford study show that those who practice mindfulness meditation for 8 weeks had a decrease of the activation in the AMYGALA, which is the region of the brain associated with stress and anxiety. And the participants reported less worrying and less anxiety and less self put downs. In short, their self-esteem improved.
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EXERCISE
| Sometime in the next week most of us will have some worries. Here is a great opportunity to practice "mindfulness meditation" by simply sitting in a comfortable position, breathing comfortably, and being aware of all the sensations in your body as well as the "ever-changing process of thinking." I encourage you to do this for just 10 minutes a couple of times a week. An ideal time to do this is when you are experiencing stress or worry. If that is not practical, then reserve ten minutes later in the day. And, or course, do not judge yourself.
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To meditate does not mean
to fight with a problem.
To meditate means to observe.
Your smile proves it.
It proves that you are being gentle with yourself,
that the sun of awareness is shining in you,
that you have control of your situation.
You are yourself,
and you have acquired some peace.
- Sutra
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REVISED: JOHN'S BIO
| John Gordon is the owner of several businesses and a family law practice, which is the 3rd oldest (1881) Kansas City based law firm. He coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. He also coaches persons in career transition or who are considering retirement. He is also a personal coach.
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Did you miss a previous issue of Marvelous Mondays?
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John S. Gordon
Business and Personal Coach
N.E. Corner of 47th and Main
The Country Club Plaza
2 Cleaver II Blvd., Suite 445
Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 213-0125
john@gordonandgordonlaw.com
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