Wash Away Everyday Irritations
According to a theory proposed by Daniel Goleman, author of The Meditative Mind, and Tara Bennett-Goleman, author of Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart, meditation affects the relationship between the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex in the brain. The amygdala governs fear responses and is linked with aggression; the prefrontal cortex causes you to pause, stay calm, and think before taking action. Meditation increases activity in the prefrontal cortex so it prevails over the amygdala, thereby reducing tension, anxiety, and irritability. The following meditation lets you wash away everyday annoyances and stress whenever you wash your body. Perform this simple practice in the morning, at night, or any time you wish to cleanse yourself of irritations. (From the book ‘The Best Meditations on the Planet, by Dr. Martin Hart & Skye Alexander)