The first step to becoming antifragile in a time of change is to centre and ground ourselves. This reconnects us strongly with what matters most to us and who we are at our best. And after we’ve done that then we can respond better to any issue that arises.
One of the four ways we recommend for achieving this strong connection is meditation. Now a study has found that meditation not only calms us, helps us to focus, and connects us with what matters most, it also changes our genes.
Through a process called epigenetics, meditation reverses stress-related changes to our genes that are linked to poor health and depression.
The study found that these same changes also happen as the result of meditative practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and even simple mindfulness practices such as breathing exercises:
“Sitting meditation is quite different than yoga or Tai Chi, yet all of these activities — when practiced regularly — seem to decrease the activity of genes involved in inflammation that can impair both physical and mental health.”
More than that, this TED talk describes how meditation for as little as 12 minutes a day mends the sections at the ends of our DNA called ‘telomeres’. These are like the protective caps on the ends of shoelaces: they stop our DNA from fraying. And by repairing them we reduce our chances of getting cancer, which helps us live healthily for longer. This benefit can come about when we meditate regularly for as little as 12 minutes a day.
Meditation and meditative practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and mindfulness all increase our focus and connection with ourselves. They reduce our stress and risk of disease. And they lengthen our lives.
Do you include 12 to 30 minutes of meditation, yoga, or mindfulness as part of your daily schedule? Would it make sense to?
Adapted from Inner Leadership: a framework and tools for building inspiration in times of change.
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Photo By Johnny Silvercloud via StockPholio.net