HEALTH BEAT 8-1-2003

Meetings & Conventions: Short Cuts August 2003 Current Issue
August 2003
Short Cuts:
HEALTH BEAT

Mindful Meditation

For many people, the idea of meditation conjures up images of cross-legged monks. But the ancient practice has gained wide pedestrian and even corporate appeal, says David Gamow, a meditation expert.

Gamow is co-founder of Mountain View, Calif.-based Clarity Seminars (www.clarityseminars.com), which teaches corporate executives to tame stress and manage anger through meditation.

Anyone can benefit from the ancient art, which is much simpler than some might believe. Neophytes need only a quiet, dimly lit room and a chair, says Gamow. “Pay attention to your breath, both inhalation and exhalation, and focus on that,” he advises.

For those who find their thoughts wandering, Gamow dismisses the notion that the mind must be a blank screen. He suggests steering thoughts to the positive, rather than trying to think of nothing.

Above all, consistency of practice is the key to making meditation work. According to Gamow, “Just 10 minutes every day is better than 45 minutes once a week.”

• MARTHA COOKE