Stress has become the number one killer of the twenty-first century, linked to six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. Stress is rooted in our default negativity bias. We humans, on average, have 60,000–80,000 thoughts per day, 80% of which are negative.
If you find yourself stressed and constantly behind, you are a strong candidate for frequent doctors visits, hospital stays, and mortality statistics. Like smoking, it can take decades for stress to take its toll. What is the way out? Well, the way out is in. Meditation is found to be the "cure" for stress, anxiety, and depression. It literally changes the brain's structure with measurable effects on the prefrontal cortex, associated with our perception and decision-making.
The Ultimate Practice: Beginner Meditation for Everyone – Rewiring for a Healthy Brain is written by a yogini who traced footsteps of the ancient yogis all the way to the foot of the Himalayas. In this book, LoLo Shaw has collected important lessons she learned along the way from monks, yogis, and Zen masters. These lessons are like seeds, and a seed is a promise of a forest. With regular meditation practice, you are on your way to self-mastery. Master your emotions and you master your health.
