Not Just for Boomers ---But for Everyone

The title of this blog is, of course, "Not Just for Boomers."  And that is exactly, what it is intended to be. I am a baby boomer myself, but the material in this blog is not limited to baby boomers. It is really intended for everyone who has an interest in an eclectic mix of travel suggestions, help with your finances and health and exercise issues. Over the last almost two years, I have written almost 200 posts, all original, and covering material from a Mediterranean cruise to the many benefits of meditation and mindfulness.I hope what I have written has been helpful to you.  And no, I am not shutting down the blog. On the contrary, I expect to keep on going.  I appreciate your support, but I would ask you to remind your friends and not just boomers, that this blog is "Not Just for Boomers--But for Everyone."

3 Simple Ways to Meditate and Improve Your LIfe

I have written several times about the many benefits of mindfulness or meditation. http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2013/03/understanding-mindfulness.html; http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/11/what-is-mindfulness.html; http://notjustforboomers.blogspot.com/2012/12/sherlock-holmes-and-mindfulness.html.  Here are three simple ways to incorporate mindfulness in your daily life:

1. When you awaken in the morning, while still in bed, concentrate on your breathing.  Start with a minute or two and then build slowly from there to 5 to 10 minutes.  It will clear your head and put you in a good mood the whole day.

2. When driving your usual commute to work, concentrate on one word or sound when you begin to feel frustrated with the traffic tie-ups and crazy drivers around you. I use the word "ten" and just keep repeating it until I feel relaxed.

3. Finally, at night when you are in bed, use the 4-7-8 breathing method three or four times. That's where you breathe in for a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7 and exhale for a count of 8. I predict you will be asleep even before you finish the last count.

Meditation and Tai Chi

I begin each morning by doing a meditation exercise.  Usually while still laying in bed, I will just concentrate on my breathing. With my eyes closed, I will do this for as long as I feel comforable.  Sometimes it is just a minute, sometimes it is half an hour. No matter. Even a short period of meditation seems to make a difference in my attitude, sense of well-being and mental acuity.

I usually follow up with a session of tai chi.  If you are not familiar with tai chi it is a form of martial art without the martial.  It is very nature oriented in its movements and is said to follow  the path of least resistance.  Yet it is great for stretching and improving balance.  A great resource is the exercise dvds of an instructor, Scott Cole.  www.scottcole.com. He has videos of all types and for all age groups focused primarily on tai chi but with additional types of exercise such as yoga. Check it out.

For more information on meditation, click on the relevant links on this post.

The Beneficial Effects of Meditation

The many beneficial effects of meditation continue to be recognized.  In an earlier post, " Every Breath You Take," I discussed a number of different forms of meditation or mindfulness. In today's edition of The New York Times,an article entitled "In Sitting Still, A Bench Press For the Brain," the Times reports on a number of studies which tend to show that meditation has a number of beneficial effects on the brain. These are believed to include increased gray and white matter which can improve cognitive performance in older adults.  What is fascinating is that the longer meditation is practiced, the greater the benefits appear to be. This is in addition to the physical benefits such as lower blood pressure as shown in such studies as the "Relaxation Response.."

Moreover, it is never too late to start. It requires no equipment and almost no time. Just get started.