Tuesday 21 October 2014

Feeding mind and body with meditation

Top Meditation Tips for a Super Productive Day from experts Art Giser, creator Energetic NLP and Dr Peter Fenwick, neuropsychiatrist
 
I recently had the pleasure to interview Art Giser, creator energetic NLP, intuitive healer and coach, and Dr Peter Fenwick about meditation. We discussed various thought processes with a focus on - with meditation - how you can make the most of your morning and / or evening, setting the tone for a great day.


Here is what they said about a regular meditation practice and how it can optimize your productivity - and help keep you sane when the life’s pressure starts to mount.


Interview with Art Giser (www.energeticnlp.com)

  • Once a niche activity for the spiritual set, how do you see meditation benefiting the modern man?
Most of us now lead very over scheduled and demanding lives. Work, family, friends, partners, the ever increasing pace of change, and the vast amount of information we are exposed to and need to be aware of. It helps us with all our relationships, and with work. As a very successful, "Type A" executive said to me once, "I couldn't possibly get so much accomplished if I didn't meditate". It has huge health benefits, and most importantly feeds our soul.

  • If more people meditated, what changes can we expect to see in an individuals life? In the workplace?
Individuals would be healthier and happier, and have better relationships. . They would handle challenges and stress more creatively and effectively. They deepen as a person, have more perspective on life, and grow spiritually.At work people are able to collaborate better, not be triggered as easily or hold on to it as long, are more creative and productive. They are better able to handle stess.

  • What is the best type of meditation a therapist can pass on to their client?
There are many wonderful types of meditation. Mindfulness meditations are very accessible and helpful. I personally prefer meditations that work directly with the human energy system and spirit.

  • When should an individual meditate? What time of day is best, morning or night?
There are different benefits from doing it at different times. Ideally, it would be morning and night (at least briefly).  The most important thing is to do it at least once when it works most easily with your schedule and personality. Some people find it easier to get up earlier and do it, some find it easier to do it in the evening or before bed.

  • In your opinion, what techniques are best for a beginner to meditation (please list your top three)?
 My favorite techniques are energetic and easy to do, but I can't describe them briefly. A wonderful and easy technique is a form of mindfulness, where you notice your breathing coming in and out, softly paying attention to the air as it enters and leaves your  nose. When thoughts come up you just leave them alone (don't try to stop them) and just keep noticing your breath.

Interview with Dr Peter Fenwick (www.expertsearch.co.uk/cgi-bin/find_expert?2033)
  •  How do see meditation benefiting the modern man? 
Meditation is ideal for everyone. It has wide benefits: it improves attention, concentration, memory and emotional control. It is helpful in schools, in fact in any large institution. There is wide scientific evidence on the benefits of mindfulness now available and NICE have recommended mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for recurrent depression. 1
  • What is the best type of meditation a therapist can pass on to their client?
Meditation should be fitted to the client. For beginners, eyes closed mantra meditation is good, as is eyes open mindfulness meditation. Form there you can progress to a wider range of other meditations.
  • When should an individual meditate?
HuangPo, an ancient zen Buddhist master, said meditation in the morning is golden; in the afternoon silver; and night bronze.
  • In your opinion, what techniques are best for a beginner to meditation?
See above but add yoga and a breathing meditation – Vipassana.

1. NICE (2009). Treatment of third episode recurrent depression.