Finding Stillness in a Busy World

I have just returned from an International Womens’ Conference with 500 women from 52 countries, including Be Wellers, Suparna Bhasin-Cooper, Seri Renkin and Peta Christie!, hosted by the Art of Living in Bangalore, India. The conference theme was Just Be – The Secrets of Mind & Consciousness and this pic is of me on stage with other speakers talking about human values, young people,  mental health and education. 

I have never been in a room (or Ashram actually!), with quite such a group of women including Bollywood actors, singers, social justice warriors & advocates, journalists, Government ministers, social entrepreneurs, filmmakers, First Nations leaders, educators, environmentalists, health experts, chefs, philanthropists and business leaders.

It’s hard to describe the magic of a seamless connection between women from all walks of life – so, so many having overcome great adversity. We listened  and learned about the nature of the mind. We ate, sang, danced, talked, shared stories, breathed, yoga-ed, meditated and brought ancient knowledge systems to each other for 4 days, along with exploring numerous ayurvedic and body treatments for self care.

One of the speakers even coined a new Be Well mantra: To do well, you have to be well!  After an inspiring few days I came home and dived into the latest science and research on the benefits of meditation and advanced breathing techniques.

Meditation is now a scientifically proven practice with profound benefits for the mind and body. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, improve mental health, or unlock your creative potential, meditation offers a powerful and accessible tool to help you thrive. Backed by decades of research, there is clear evidence that meditation improves focus, reduces stress, and fosters innovative thinking.

Just these three key benefits alone are why it’s worth incorporating into your daily routine:

1. Meditation for Productivity

Staying productive can feel like an uphill battle these days. Endless distractions and mounting stress often make it difficult to stay focused. Studies have shown that regular meditation can enhance attention, improve decision-making, and reduce workplace stress—key factors in boosting productivity.

Meditation strengthens neural pathways responsible for focus and self-regulation. A study involving 108 employees practicing Heartfulness Meditation found that 90% reported increased productivity, while 81% experienced better focus. By training the mind to stay present, meditation reduces our dependence distractions like emails or social media.

Additionally, meditation lowers cortisol levels, fostering a calmer state of mind that allows you to approach tasks with clarity. Workplace mindfulness programs have been shown to increase job satisfaction and overall work engagement.

2. Meditation for Mental Health

Mental health is the foundation of overall wellbeing. Meditation significantly improves emotional resilience while reducing anxiety and depression. By calming the mind and fostering self-awareness, meditation helps individuals manage stress and negative emotions.

A review of over 200 studies found that mindfulness-based therapies reduce stress by altering brain activity in regions associated with attention and emotion regulation. Meditation also increases metacognitive awareness—the ability to observe thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them—which is effective in reducing anxiety.

For those struggling with severe mental health challenges like PTSD, studies suggest that meditation can reduce suicidal thoughts and foster greater emotional stability.

3. Meditation for Creativity

Creativity thrives when the mind is open, flexible, and free from stress. Meditation enhances divergent thinking (the ability to generate new ideas) while reducing cognitive rigidity.

Research published in Consciousness and Cognition found that just four sessions of mindfulness training improved visuospatial processing, working memory, and executive functioning—all critical for creative problem-solving. Harvard researchers also discovered that 10 minutes of guided meditation before brainstorming led to a broader range of innovative ideas.

Meditation fosters creativity by reducing fear of judgement, encouraging open-minded thinking, and promoting flow states. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or a professional solving complex problems, regular meditation can unlock creative potential.

How about Breathing Techniques?

Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique, is a form of meditation that enhances mental clarity and emotional resilience. Rooted in ancient yogic traditions, it involves specific breathing patterns that synchronize the body and mind, leading to deep relaxation.

Research has shown that practicing Sudarshan Kriya can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase serotonin levels. Another Harvard study found that this breathing practice significantly decreased cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and improving emotional resilience. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a calm, focused state of mind that enhances productivity and creativity.

One of the key benefits of Sudarshan Kriya is its ability to detoxify the body by increasing oxygen levels and improving lung function. Regular practice sharpens mental focus and promotes emotional stability.

Want to Get Started?

Whether you aim to excel at work or seek greater peace of mind, incorporating a daily meditation can lead to transformative results.

No need to go to India! There is an Art of Living meditation and Sudarshan Kriya breathing course this weekend, and one every weekend a month at Be Well. (There are still a couple spots available, check out below).

Start today—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this life changing practice unlocks your full potential!

Here’s to being healthier, happier, and calmer.