You’ve probably heard the word “meditation” so many times it’s almost lost meaning. But there’s a reason it keeps coming up: it works.
More than a thousand scientific studies back it up. Meditation physically changes your brain and body, from lowering stress and blood pressure to improving your focus, mood, and resilience.
From Olympic athletes to billionaires, high performers across every field share one common denominator: a consistent meditation or mindfulness practice.
And here’s the good news: it doesn’t require incense, robes, or sitting cross-legged for an hour in silence.
I share my personal experiences with meditation in the video below.
The Biggest Myth About Meditation
For years, I believed meditation was about not thinking. I thought I had to sit perfectly still, empty my mind, and somehow float off into thoughtless bliss.
That belief nearly kept me from ever starting.
Here’s what I learned after a thousand days: meditation isn’t about not thinking. It’s about noticing when you’re thinking — and gently coming back to focus.
Every time your mind drifts off (which it will), you’re given another opportunity to practice. That’s why it’s called a practice.
You’re strengthening the muscle that lets you return to the present moment — whether that’s your breath, a word, a sound, or even an image. Over time, that practice trains your brain to stay grounded instead of getting hijacked by stress, anxiety, or endless loops of thought.
What It Gave Me
Through this simple daily discipline, I gained something I didn’t expect — space.
Space between my thoughts and my reactions. Space to breathe before responding. Space to choose focus over frenzy.
That space has brought me more peace, clarity, and self-grace than any other practice I’ve tried. It shows up in how I work, how I parent, how I lead, and how I love.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need hours to experience the benefits.
Some days I only managed 5 or 10 minutes — and it still counted. Consistency beats duration every time.
3 Ways to Get Started (or Restart)
If you’ve tried meditation before and gave up — or never started because it seemed intimidating — here are three easy ways to begin:
- Try the Headspace App
Headspace has a free 10-day beginner course that’s clear, practical, and not “woo-woo.” It’s even on Netflix. The guided meditations are approachable, and the main narrator’s voice (a calm British guy) makes it surprisingly easy to follow. - Read Eight-Minute Meditation by Victor Davich
This short, straightforward book broke through my resistance years ago. Eight minutes — the time between two TV commercials — is all it takes to start a daily habit. It’s a simple, no-pressure read that helps you build consistency without guilt. - Work with a Meditation Coach
If you prefer accountability and personal guidance, I highly recommend my longtime mentor and meditation coach, Joe Zarantonello. Joe was my 7th-grade teacher and has been meditating for over 50 years. His sessions are practical, down-to-earth, and tailored whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between. You can find him at https://looseleafhollow.com/.
How I Kept the Streak Going
I tracked my progress using a simple habit app called Streaks.
It turns out, psychology is on our side here — none of us like breaking a streak! Watching that number climb becomes powerful motivation to keep showing up.
And when you have a few key daily habits that define a “great day” for you, tracking them this way makes it easier to stay on course — one small win at a time.
Your Turn
You don’t need a cushion, incense, or perfect posture. Sit in a chair. Start with five minutes. Be kind to yourself when your mind wanders (it will). Then just begin again.
Because meditation doesn’t change you while you’re sitting there — it changes how you show up everywhere else in your life.
Give it a shot. Restart if you’ve stopped. Deepen if you’ve already begun.
Your commitment to a basic daily mediation practice is worth it — and the difference will ripple through every part of your day.
