The commodification of meditation is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed. It is important to bring back the ethical context in which meditation was originally embedded. The practice does not necessarily have to be religious, but can be approached in a universal ethical way. By setting the intention to meditate for the benefit of others as well as oneself, the practice becomes more powerful and transformative.
After a life-changing experience in India, Dr. Richie Davidson tried to convince his Harvard professors to let him study the science of meditation. No one took him seriously. Half a century later, Richie has measured the undeniable impact of meditation on our brains. And here’s the good news for people who know the benefits of meditation but struggle to actually do it: you don't need to carve out separate time for a practice. Richie walks Maya through how to integrate meditation into daily activities.
For more on Richie’s work, check out his book “Altered Traits" and learn more at the Center for Healthy Minds and Healthy Minds Innovations.
And if you enjoyed this episode, we recommend this one from the archives: “Maya’s Slight Change in Perspective.”
For a behind-the-scenes look at the show, follow @DrMayaShankar on Instagram.
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