Nita Sweeney, author of Depression Hates A Moving Target, has been featured in an article by Martin Caparrotta on the purpose of mediation, take a look.
What Is The Purpose Of Meditation? (12 Experts Explain)
By Martin Caparrotta
Meditation has become something of a buzzword as people look to detach and unwind from the stresses and strains caused by modern life.
But have you ever asked yourself, what is the purpose of meditation?
We asked a selected group of experts to answer this very question and share some of their valuable insights on the subject.
Here’s what they said.
Meditation Is A Tool For Navigating The Waters Of Life
Nita Sweeney, Writing Teacher and Author of ‘You Should Be Writing’
One of my favorite opening lines comes from the book Mindfulness in Plain English by the Sri Lankan monk, Bhante Gunaratana, Why bother? he asks.
I would answer, It depends.
People who seek me out for coaching often have emotional symptoms that prevent them from living a fulfilled life. Many are writers and artists, but everyone struggles.
Meditation practice offers tools to help navigate the treacherous waters we all face. My clients may lack a sense of purpose, be unable to focus and complete projects, or struggle with relationships.
While meditation rarely cures all ills, much evidence supports meditation practice, especially mindfulness, as a tool for overcoming these types of challenges.
In their extremely well-researched work, Altered Traits, New York Times bestselling authors Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson document physical, emotional, and creative benefits of various types of meditation.
These altered traits include increased focus, a greater sense of well-being, improved relationships through compassion, and possibly even the potential for a longer life.
So, when someone asks me why I meditate or, more importantly, why they should, I often ask about areas in which they feel some lack.
Those desires and deficiencies bring people to the practice. Once they have begun to experience the results, a curiosity develops which leads them to want the additional benefits as well.
Read entire article here.
Depression Hates a Moving Target
How Running With My Dog Brought Me Back From the Brink (Running Depression and Anxiety Therapy, Bipolar)
It’s never too late to chase your dreams. Before she discovered running, Nita Sweeney was 49-years-old, chronically depressed, occasionally manic, and unable to jog for more than 60 seconds at a time. Using exercise, Nita discovered an inner strength she didn’t know she possessed, and with the help of her canine companion, she found herself on the way to completing her first marathon. In her memoir, Sweeney shares how she overcame emotional and physical challenges to finish the race and come back from the brink.