While the explosion of the wellness movement has yielded a wealth of cortisol – lowering offering, any expert will emphasize: nothing wards off stress as effectively as meditation. And yet, who has the time? is still an acceptable excuse for many with endless to-dos and a go-go-go schedule.
But a slight shift in perspective on what it means to meditate, as well as when, where, and how you choose to do so, can be a game changer. And the shortcut could lie en route. “if you can find a place to sit on a commuter train, in an Uber, or on an airplane, you can by all means meditate as effectively as you could at home in front of an altar”, says Light Watkins, a Los Angeles – based meditation coach and author of Bliss More: How to Succeed in Meditation Without Really Trying.
From your morning commute to long – haul flights, Watkins provides his quick guide to meditating in transit. Because, truly, what’s more enticing than a less fraught 2020?
First and Foremost, Breathe
The irony of using public transportation as a vehicle for relaxing is that it’s inherently replete with stressors, particularly during commuting hours. According to Watkins, a fruitful hack with instantaneous results is to sit down when possible and take 10 deep breaths over a period of two to three minutes; it will create a noticeable shift in your state of consciousness. “If you find yourself anxious or overwhelmed during a commute, which is especially common if you live in or around a busy city, controlling and regulating the breath can induce a meditative state, even in that environment”, he says.
Remember, Preparation is Key
Hell hath no fury like a crowd of antsy travelers. And in the face of such strife, defense is your best offence, says Watkins. “Show up at the airport or train station early and give yourself a good 10 or 15 minutes of sitting quietly and taking deep breaths”, he instructs. “It’s a way of resetting and gearing yourself up mentally and physically for the trip ahead”. And not only will it make for a better trip, it will make you less tense and more adaptable if plans veer off course, as they so often can. “Meditating will allow you to be calmer and less frantic in the face of delayed or cancelled flights”, he says.
Work With Your Surroundings, Not Against Them
“When we’re under a lot of stress, we tend to have tunnel vision, which makes us focus either on the ground, straight ahead, or on our smartphones”, explains Watkins, underscoring the importance of remaining mindful of your environment, from the people and places around you to small details, such as the temperature or sensations in your body. “Especially when you don’t have the luxury of sitting while on your commute, try to start really noticing the things near you. It will bring you into a more present moment awareness – even if you’re (technically) in action. “If you’re in touch with the good, the bad, and the ugly of what’s happening around you on a crowded subway train, from a heated argument to total lack of personal space, and still able to be contemplative and bring yourself peace of mind, meditating in a quint, sunlit room on a cushion will seem like a breeze in no time. in fact, a lot of difficult things are likely to become easier. “The sooner you start practicing settling your mind and body in chaotic environments, the more resilient you’ll be in future situations”, he says.
Utilise Accessories, But Don’t Rely On Them
Aromatherapy is a tie-tested complement to putting the mind and body at ease, and the latest calming essential oils boast more mobility than ever before, from Aromatherapy Associates’ potent Revive Morning Rollerball to De Mamiel’s pocket-size Altitude Oil. And there’s the cutting-edge technology offerings, such as the Breathe app on the Apple Watch Series 5, or noise-cancelling headphones used in tandem with meditation apps for smartphones like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer, which are not only introducing individuals to meditation, but also inspiring them with daily reminders, prompts, and innovative features. And while Watkins acknowledges how helpful they can be, particularly in the beginning, the ultimate goal is to not have to rely on anything to get into a meditative space. “All of these tools can be useful, but if you rely on them and they’re not at your disposal in certain situations, you might not be meditating as much,” he points out.
Practice Makes Perfect
As far as Watkins is concerned, Gandhi summed up the importance of meditation best when he said, “I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” While it’s essential to note that minutes, as opposed to hours, are a much more realistic goal in modern society, dedication and consistency are key to reaping the benefits of meditation long-term. “I always tell my clients, the meditating version of you is always going to outperform the non-meditating version of you,” explains Watkins. “If you fit meditation into your busy day, you’ll find you’re able to do things faster while being calmer and more accurate.” And rather than waiting until you’ve read a certain book or studied with a teacher or for the new year, it’s crucial to stop pushing it off and just do it. Like, now.
Even Less Than Recommended Amounts Of Caffeine While Pregnant Could Impact Your Child’s Life
Starting the day with a hot cup of caffeinated coffee or tea may sound divine to some, but it could have negative impacts on the children of people who are pregnant, according to a new study. Children who were exposed to small amounts of caffeine before birth were found on average to be shorter than…
Princess Mary Of Denmark Epitomizes Royal Elegance For A Charity Event
Crown Princess Mary of Denmark appeared every inch the glamorous royal as she attended an event held in honour of UNICEF. The Danish princess arrived at the 60th anniversary of the UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen wearing a burgundy Alexander McQueen Blazer on top of a black ensemble. Known for her love of ultra-chic tailoring,…
New York Flower Show Celebrates ‘Remarkable Women’
NEW YORK – Thousands of flowers in brilliant hues of pink, purple, blue, orange, and yellow greeted visitors at Manhattan’s Hudson Yards in New York City for the Fleurs de Villes FEMMES floral show. ‘We’re so thrilled to be back here for our third show at Hudson Yards. And we’re bringing our FEMME show, which…
Spain Lauds Queen Letizia’s Modernizing Role As She Turns 50
PARIS, France – Spain’s Queen Letizia turned 50 on Thursday. It’s only a birthday but Spain is taking the opportunity to assess its scarred monarchy and ponder how the arrival of a middle-class commoner may help shake up one of Europe’s most storied royal dynasties into a modern and more palatable institution. Divorced and a…
‘Important Work Can’t Wait For Tomorrow’: Meghan’s First UK Speech Since Royal Departure
LONDON – The Duchess of Sussex made her first public address in the UK yesterday since stepping down as a senior royal in 2020. Meghan addressed audience at the opening ceremony for One Young World in Manchester, where young leaders from more than 190 countries were present to listen to a number of notable figures…
Your Taste Preferences Could Be Down To Your Genes, A New Study Reveals
Olives, chilies, anchovies, tofu, sushi, liquorice, blue cheese, mushrooms and mayonnaise. Are you a fan of all these foods? It would be very surprising if you were. But why do people love certain foods and turn their noses up at others? A new study reveals that the reason is not just to do with people’s…
Prince William And Kate’s Children To Start New School Near Windsor
LONDON – The three young children of Britain’s Prince William and his wife Kate are to start at a new school next month, his office announced on Monday, as the family prepare to move to a new home on his grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s Windsor Castle estate. Prince George and Louis, aged 9 and 4, and…
3 Surprising Bad Things That Can Happen If You Eat Many Nuts
PARIS, France – You already know nuts are incredibly healthy. The crunchy snack is associated with better heart health, lower cholesterol, and even weight loss. ‘The benefits of nuts definitely outweigh any other drawbacks or cons’, says Jerlyn Jones, R.D.N., L.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and owner of The Lifestyle Dietitian.…
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Set To Visit UK And Germany For Charity Events
PARIS, France – Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are returning to the United Kingdom. The royal couple is ‘delighted’ to work with several charities ‘close to their hearts’ in early September, a spokesperson for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed to Fox News Digital. Harry and Markle will travel to the northern English city…
The Duke Of Sussex Files Second Lawsuit Over Police Protection Battle
LONDON – The Duke of Sussex, who now resides principally in the U.S., has been engaged in a drawn – out dispute over whether he is entailed to pay for his own police protection when visiting the U.K. Earlier this summer, he was granted permission to bring a High Court challenge against the Home Office…
Zuhair Murad Turns The Mesh Covering The Destroyed Buildings Into A Couture Dress For Charity
PARIS, France: ‘For me, Lebanon is the land of eternal hope, To it, I’ll forever be devoted’, Zuhair Murad had said in a love letter to his home country, shared with Vogue Arabia two months before the blast in Beirut in 2020. On the tragedy’s second anniversary, the Lebanese couturier whose atelier was decimated in…
Razane Jammal Wore A Dior Gown And Diamond Jewelry TO The Sandman Premiere
LONDON – Razane Jammal recently walked the ref carpet for the world premiere of the highly – awaited series, The Sandman in London. The Lebanese talent, who is the first Arab actor to join the DC Cinematic Universe, stepped out wearing a delicate number by Dior for star – studded evening. Jammal embraced pared -…
Gold Compartment At Luxor’s Habu Temple Regains Luster
CAIRO – Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities completed the restoration of the gold compartment at Habu Temple on the western bank of Luxor Governorate. ‘The restoration work was carried out by Egyptian restorers from the Supreme Council of Antiquities’ Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziry, said in a statement. ‘The process…
Princess Charlotte Makes A Surprise Appearance At The Commonwealth Games
LONDON – The royal family is out in full force this week at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham – and that includes the younger generation. Tuesday morning, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s daughter, Princess Charlotte made an unexpected appearance at the competition! This marks the first time 7 – year – old Princess Charlotte has…
Even Simple Exercise May Help Aging Brain, Study Hints
PARIS, France – New research hints that even a simple exercise routine just might help older Americans with mild memory problems. Doctors have long advised physical activity to help keep a healthy brain fit. But the government – funded study marks the longest test of whether exercise makes any difference once memory starts to slide…
Taylor Swift Responds To Critics After Jet Tops Worst Private Plane CO2 Emission List
PARIS, France – Taylor Swift is getting backslash from critics about her private jet’s carbon footprint. The ‘Shake it Off’ singer was accused of polluting the earth by flying in her private jet 170 times between Jan.1 and July 29, according to Yard, a sustainability marketing agency that prides itself on ‘cutting – edge data…
Angelina Jolie Dances On TikTok After Announcing Daughter Zahara Will Go To Spelman College
PARIS, France – ‘Maleficent’ star Angelina Jolie has some pep in her step, after announcing her eldest daughter, Zahara Jolie – Pitt, is heading to Spelman College. The Academy Award – winning actress was see dancing on TikTok with her daughter, attempting to learn the electric slide. The mother of six posted to her Instagram…
Brooke Shields Says Women Over 40 are ‘Unrepresented’ In Her Career: ‘You’re Put Out To Pasture’
PARIS, France- Brooke Shields has accomplished a lot in her career, but she’s not slowing down anytime soon. In a clip shared on Instagram, Shields, 57, teased an upcoming interview with Gayle King for ‘Oprah Daily’ in which she discussed aging in Hollywood, her career and her online platform ‘Beginning is Now’. ‘I’m still in…
Notre – Dame On Track To Re – Open In 2024 – French Culture Minister
PARIS, France – Notre – Dame cathedral in Paris is on track to reopen to worshippers and the public in 2024, Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malek said on Thursday, more than three years after its roof was destroyed in a massive blaze. She said the clean – up phase of the restoration project had ended,…
All The Arab Films Announced In The Venice International Film Festival Lineup
PARIS, France – This year, the 79th Venice International Film Festival will see an exciting lineup of Arab movies among other titles from the world. The annual event will run from August 31 to September 10, 2022 with several movies from the region across different sections. In the Horizons category, Algerian – born filmmaker Rachid…
The Best Vegetables For Your Health, According To Nutritionists
PARIS, France – It pays to love your veggies – especially when you’re loading up on some of the healthiest. Read on for a list of nutritionist – approved vegetables to support good health. SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS ‘Shiitake mushrooms are not only a low – calories vegetable but have been shown to reduce inflammation and benefit…
Queen Elizabeth’s Jewels On Show At Buckingham Palace For Platinum Jubilee
LONDON – Portrait pictures of a young Elizabeth II taken at the beginning of her reign and the jewels are going on display at Buckingham Palace from Friday. Tiaras, earrings and necklaces from part of ‘The Queen Accession’ exhibition making her record – breaking seven decades on the throne. Ninety – six – year -…
The Duchess Of Sussex Opts For Timeless Wardrobe Classics Out In New York
PARIS, France – The Duchess of Sussex, alongside her husband Prince Harry, arrived at the United Nations Headquarters in Manhattan, wearing an event – appropriate low – key look. Embracing the timeless impact of wardrobe basics, she opted for head – to – toe black, accessorising a sleek Givenchy pencil skirt and top with matching…
Actress Julianne Moore To Head Venice Film Festival Jury
PARIS, France – OSCAR winning actress Julianne Moore will head the main competition jury at this year’s Venice Film Festival, organisers said on Friday. Moore will be joined in deciding this year’s winners by French director Audrey Diwan, who scooped the festival’s Golden Lion award last year for her film ‘Happening’, Iranian actress Leila Hatami,…
Hidden Van Gogh Self – Portrait Found Behind Painting In Scotland
LONDON – A self – portrait of Dutch post – Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh has been uncovered hidden behind one of his paintings. National Galleries of Scotland said on Thursday art conservators made the discovery, believed to be a first for a UK institution, during an x – ray examination of Van Gogh’s 1885…
Adele On Canceled Las Vegas Residency: “I Was A Shell Of A Person For A Couple Of Months’
PARIS, France – On Sunday, the singer spoke to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Desert Island’ where she reflected on her last – minute decision to call off her shows in Sin City earlier this year. ‘I definitely felt everyone’s disappointed, and I was devasted, and I was frightened about letting them down’, the 34-year – old…
Princess Iman, Daughter Of Jordan’s King Abdullah And Queen Rania, Gets Engaged
PARIS, France – Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II is engaged to marry Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, the Royal Hashemite Court announced on Wednesday. The 25 – year – old princess’ engagement took place on Tuesday in the presence of her parents King Abdullah II and Queen Rania and her siblings Crown Prince Hussein, Prince Hashem,…
Shocking! The Surreal World Of Elsa Schiaparelli Opens At The Musée Des Arts Décoratifs
The new exhibit highlighting the work of the fashion visionary fitting opens during Haute Couture Week F/W 2022 in Paris. The line between what is fashion and what is art always been blurry, whether you’re referencing Salvator Dali’s jewelry, or taking in the red carpet at the Met Gala. In 2022 we are comfortable with…
Hajj Pilgrimage Set To Begin With One Million Vaccinated Muslims From Around World
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – The annual Hajj Pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islams, will start on Wednesday with one million vaccinated Muslims from around the world allowed to take part this year. In 2019, some 2.5 million pilgrims from around the world participated. But then the COVID-19 outbreak forces Saudi authorities to dramatically…
IVF Children Fare Better At School Than Naturally Conceived Kids: Study
PARIS, France – Children conceived through medically assisted reproduction treatments, such as IVF, artificial insemination, or ovulation induction, appear to perform better at school than those born through natural conception, according to a new study. The research, conducted by University College London in partnership with Finland’s University of Helsinki, also found that while IVF children…
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
ALKASSANDRA الكسندرا 