June 2023 TDM

The Summer Edition

Jun 05, 2023

Image credit: Natalia Bojanic, co-founder of Form Nutrition, meditation teacher & daily meditator

Welcome to the 50th issue of The Daily Meditator. This is your monthly resource for fun, quirky, interesting, and noteworthy happenings in and around the worldwide meditation community, curated by meditation teacher, Light Watkins and co. Our mission is simple: to help broaden the horizon of what a daily meditator looks like while providing you with relevant information and timely inspiration for staying committed to your daily practice.

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[ MEDITATION & NEWS ]

UCSD Scores $10M Grant to Unlock the Secrets of Meditation

UCSD Health — Image caption: Google Maps

UC San Diego is about to dive into the intriguing world of meditation and medicine! The nonprofit InnerScience Research Fund has generously coughed up a whopping $10 million to support UCSD's research on how meditation can put the brakes on serious illnesses, according to 10news.com. InnerScience is all about uncovering the effects of meditation on our bodies. With the grant, UCSD will be delving into the nitty-gritty of how meditation affects our brains and bodies, and how it can be used to help us out in the clinical setting.

The team over at UCSD will be observing almost 2,000 participants—who are immersing themselves in "intensive meditative experiences." These participants will be fitted with wearable devices to track their heart rates, sleep patterns, activity levels, and many more.

With InnerScience's support, the team hopes to uncover common signs in these meditative experiences that could indicate health changes.

Bottom line: Maybe they'll find the secret to levitation. One can dream!

[ MEDITATION & TECHNOLOGY ]

NFTs are Turning Meditation into Virtual Treasures

NFTs are not just for art and music anymore. According to ABPLive.com, NFTs making their way into the world of meditation and personal growth. Picture a marketplace where you can buy NFTs representing guided meditations and transformative experiences. Need to destress? Purchase an NFT for a soothing guided meditation. You'll own a unique digital asset that can't be replicated, like a virtual treasure chest of serenity.

NFTs could also create a marketplace for personal development content, from courses to exclusive material. Creators protect their work from unauthorized sharing, while buyers own valuable digital assets. It's a win-win. Of course, there are challenges, like preventing low-quality or harmful content. But with responsible use and regulation, NFTs could revolutionize the industry, empowering creators and buyers alike.

Bottom line: NFTs are here to bring zen to the digital world.

Join Light Watkins at his next Urban Meditation Retreat in Lisbon. Discover the profound benefits of Vedic Meditation, whether you're a beginner or an experienced practitioner. Gain the tools to meditate independently, cultivating presence, energy, and stress-free life. Explore Lisbon's charm while receiving personalized guidance from Light Watkins himself. Spaces are limited so book your spot now!

[ MEDITATION & TECHNIQUE ]

Mini Meditations: Tiny Techniques for Big Relaxation

Meditation is known to have numerous health benefits, but many people believe it requires a lot of time and effort. Enter micro-meditations, the solution to your mindfulness woes. According to an article by Glam.com, these tiny meditative practices can be performed in as little as one minute, making them perfect for busy individuals or meditation skeptics.

The article suggests several micro-meditation techniques to try. Box breathing involves mindful inhalation, breath retention, and exhalation, all while focusing on the count. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping involves tapping specific acupressure points while repeating affirmations. Candle breathing allows you to reset your nervous system by inhaling deeply and exhaling as if blowing out a candle. Intuitive movement encourages you to let loose and move your body in any way that feels right. Visualization techniques help you imagine positive scenarios or sensations. Finally, the simple act of humming can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a sense of calm.

Bottom line: If you're short on time or find it difficult to meditate, give micro-meditations a shot. They're the perfect way to bring a little peace and mindfulness into your busy life.

How to Meditate the "Write" Way

We've all heard about the wonders of meditation, but let's be honest—it's hard to sit still when there are a million things going on. So, why not try something more creative and active, like writing meditation? According to FirstforWomen.com, writing meditation is the practice of putting pen to paper and letting your thoughts flow without worrying about the end result. It's like journaling but without the pressure to spill your deepest secrets. You can write about your day, jot down random words, or simply observe the world around you and record your thoughts: no judgment, no editing—just pure, unadulterated writing.

Not only does writing meditation relieve stress, but it also combines the benefits of writing and meditation individually. Studies have shown that both activities promote well-being, emotional processing, and positivity. So, grab a pen, find a cozy spot, set a timer, and let your thoughts pour out onto the paper. Don't worry about grammar or spelling, and don't pressure yourself to be the next Shakespeare. Writing meditation is your personal escape, a moment to unwind and observe your thoughts without getting tangled up in them.

Bottom line: Even if you think you're a terrible writer or a hopeless meditator, give writing meditation a shot. It's a no-pressure, judgment-free zone that might just empower you and bring a little more peace into your chaotic life.

Pre-order a copy of Travel Light and gain exclusive access to a FREE 7-Day Spiritual Minimalism Challenge. But that's not all! By pre-ordering, you'll automatically be entered into a drawing to win extraordinary items from Light’s own minimalism journey. And as an added bonus, you’ll receive personally signed and notated copies of Travel Light. Pre-order today and head to lightwatkins.com/travel to enter the drawing and embark on the 7-Day Spiritual Minimalism Challenge instantly!

[ MEDITATION & LIFESTYLE ]

Apple Fitness+ is Taking the Health & Wellness World by Storm

Apple Fitness+ is revolutionizing the health and wellness world. According to an article by Macrumors.com, Apple Fitness+ has over 4,000 workout and meditation videos, with more added every week. Men's Journal got an exclusive tour of the Fitness+ studio in sunny Santa Monica. They've got high-tech equipment, robotic cameras, and a crew ensuring every angle is captured flawlessly.

Apple wants to make fitness and mindfulness easy for everyone, whether it's a supplement to their existing routine or their sole health and wellness endeavor. They've added new workouts like pilates and kickboxing to keep things exciting. Just download the Fitness app on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV, and don't forget your Apple Watch to track real-time metrics. You can even share the subscription with five family members, so the whole crew can join in.

Bottom line: Apple Fitness+ proves that Apple's tech wizardry isn't just for making shiny gadgets.

[ MEDITATION & POP-CULTURE ]

Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Secret to His Physical and Mental Fitness

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Left Out of the Family Photos at Netflix Premiere — Image credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Yearning for an Olympian Physique? Let Arnie tell you how it’s done. Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor, former governor of California, and 7-time Mr. Olympia winner, swears by meditation for his mental and physical well-being. Since the 1970s, Arnie has been meditating to tackle overwhelm and chaos. According to an article by Bransontrilakenews.com, Arnie said that meditation is all about focusing on one thing and blocking out distractions—mind-blinders, if you will.

Now, our Terminator star is rocking his first TV series, 'FUBAR,' as a CIA operative, nailing daring stunts like hanging upside down on trains. How does he do it? He says he's best buds with the stunt team— they save his behind and make sure he looks cool and stays safe.

Bottom line: Who needs a gym membership when you can just channel your inner Terminator?

The Happiness Insiders® is a diverse community of folks who are actively engaged in cultivating real, lasting happiness through daily inner work, created and facilitated by long-time meditation teacher and inspiration author, Light Watkins. The Happiness Insiders® is the world’s first secular online community for learning a variety of practical, real-world spiritual practices that are intended to help you create the lasting happiness you ultimately desire. Click here for more info

[ REALITY CHECK ]

Two Types of Happiness

By Light Watkins

We may get short-term happiness from repeatedly hitting the snooze button, binging on ice cream, and obsessively watching Netflix. It’s all about living in the moment and ignoring the consequences.

Long-term happiness is the deep feeling of accomplishment we may feel after clawing our way out of debt, getting back in shape, or mastering a new skill that we once found impossible.

Whereas one type requires us to ignore our long-term goals, the other type of happiness requires us to sacrifice many of our short-term cravings over extended periods of time.

Remembering that one has an impact on the other is a long-term happiness strategy that can motivate us to make smarter choices for the kind of life we ultimately want to create.

Maybe that means finding in-betweens—you know, a workout that we enjoy, or a diet that feels clean yet tasty enough to be sustainable, or adhering to a budget that makes allowances for occasional treats.

Winging it requires little self-control and therefore favors short-term cravings—which means not doing anything is still a choice. Decide which you'd like to experience more of and act accordingly.

[ READ. WATCH. LISTEN. ]

Read: The Creative Act: A Way of Being

If you're looking for a book that will ignite your creative spirit, then The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin is a must-read. Rubin, a renowned music producer, and cultural icon, takes you on a transformative journey into the heart of creativity. With his wealth of experience working with legendary artists, he shares practical advice and fresh insights to help you tap into your innate creativity. From embracing vulnerability to the power of collaboration, Rubin's conversational writing style will inspire artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking a more fulfilling life. Get ready to unlock your creative potential and embark on a truly enriching adventure. Read more

Watch: Air

The biographical sports drama film "Air" is a must-watch for sports enthusiasts and fans of inspiring true stories. The movie, directed by Ben Affleck and featuring an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Jason Bateman, and Viola Davis, delves into the origins of the iconic Air Jordan basketball shoe line. Based on true events, "Air" follows a Nike employee's quest to strike a business deal with rookie player Michael Jordan, against the backdrop of a struggling basketball shoe division. With positive reviews praising Affleck's direction, a compelling screenplay by Alex Convery, and stellar performances, "Air" immerses viewers in the captivating journey that led to the legendary success of Air Jordan. Watch now

Listen: Dissect Podcast

The Dissect Podcast is a captivating audio experience that takes listeners on an in-depth journey into the world of music. With meticulous attention to detail, host Cole Cuchna skillfully dissects iconic albums, revealing the intricate layers of meaning, production techniques, and cultural significance behind each track. From acclaimed works like Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly" to Frank Ocean's "Blonde," each season of the podcast offers a deep dive into a different album, providing listeners with a newfound appreciation and understanding of the music they love. With insightful analysis, compelling storytelling, and immersive sound design, the Dissect Podcast is a must-listen for music enthusiasts and curious minds alike. Listen now

Have you listened to Light’s podcast, The Light Watkins Show? If inspiration was a drop of water, The Light Watkins Show would be like an ocean. Each candid interview is sure to leave you uplifted, inspired, and motivated to follow your heart, take a leap of faith, and believe in yourself. Listen or watch now.

[ REPORT FROM THE FIELD ]

Through meditation, I’ve gained a deeper sense of connection, confidence, and clarity.

What have you gotten from meditation? I’ve gained a deeper sense of connection, confidence, and clarity. What’s more interesting is what I’ve lost; fear, the need to be right, and the tendency to be judgmental. Together these, support me in navigating life in a more skillful, peaceful, and meaningful way.

Strangest meditation moment? Bursting into uncontrollable laughter, non-stop for about five minutes! I have no idea how and why it happened, but I still remember the blissful feeling and the tears of joy.

An unexpected benefit from meditation? Being able to reach Everest Base Camp during winter time was my first ever hiking trip. I didn’t do any physical training, but I was in a Tibetan Monastery in Nepal for the four weeks prior cultivating my mind and expanding my heart. I am sure without the intensive spiritual training I couldn’t have done it.

[To see the latest from Natalia, go to nataliabojanic.com]

Two of Our Favorite Instagram Accounts with a Purpose

Naomi Osaka (left) is a remarkable athlete who has not only made waves in the world of tennis but has also become an influential figure off the court. Hailing from Japan and representing both her country and her Haitian heritage, Osaka's exceptional skill and poise on the tennis court have earned her multiple Grand Slam titles. Beyond her athletic prowess, Osaka is a powerful advocate for social justice and mental health, using her platform to raise awareness and spark important conversations. With her unwavering determination, humility, and commitment to making a positive impact, Naomi Osaka is not just a tennis star, but a role model for generations to come. Follow her @naomiosaka

Shaman Durek (right) is a well-known spiritual teacher, healer, and shaman. He comes from a long lineage of spiritual practitioners. Shaman Durek describes himself as a "spiritual guide and gifted healer" and has gained popularity for his unique approach to spirituality, blending ancient wisdom with modern practices. He has worked with a wide range of clients, including celebrities and influencers, and has been featured in various media outlets for his insights and teachings. Shaman Durek is known for his charismatic personality, engaging public speaking, and his ability to guide individuals on their spiritual journeys toward healing, empowerment, and self-discovery. Follow him @shamandurek

Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

— Paulo Coelho

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