Not many people realise the magic that lies underneath meditation. As someone who discovered the transformative power of meditation, let me tell you that meditation is not limited to Buddhists or extreme Yoga practitioners. Meditation is a mental toolbox and a truth factory, a pathway to uncover the greatest truths about ourselves and our emotions. In essence, it enables us to realise that our mind is much more than just a brain fixed inside a skull. It is a mystical, scientific, and also funny world which even Hollywood science fiction movies fail to encapsulate.
Before I started my journey of meditation, my emotional intelligence was like a half-baked pie - lacking and incomplete. But as I inched towards this new path, my understanding and handling of emotions got refined. I became more aware of my thoughts, feelings and reactions. I remember that one instance where I snapped at a friend over a silly argument. Confused and embarrassed, I turned to meditation. Gradually, it started making a difference. I went from being a hot-tempered person to someone who actually listens, understands, and reacts in a level-headed manner. So, trust me when I say meditation is a reliable charioteer that drives us on the path of emotional intelligence.
A lot of you must be wondering what exactly is emotional intelligence? Is it a fancy term for being sensitive? Or does it imply being a maestro in managing emotions? Well, let's unwrap this beautifully wrapped gift box of emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence or EQ (Emotional Quotient), to put it simply, is the ability to recognise, understand and regulate our own emotions and those of others. It involves empathy, self-awareness, social skills, and the ability to self-regulate.
Being emotionally intelligent implies having a balanced understanding of one's emotions and managing them effectively. It's an essential skill that helps us navigate our lives smoothly, including our personal relationships and professional lives. A high EQ person is like a well-oiled engine who runs the life machine smoothly without letting things go haywire. You'd be surprised to know that having emotional intelligence can significantly enhance our decision-making abilities, improve our relationships, and considerably reduce our stress levels. All sounds amazing, right? Now, you might be wondering, 'How do I increase my EQ?' Well, the answer to that is meditation.
Just like fine wine, our brain, too, needs to be nourished, only with the right methods and not alcohol. Exercising our brain enhances our cognitive function. One of the most effective ways to do this and enhance emotional intelligence simultaneously is through meditation. Meditation isn’t just about closing our eyes and trying to calm our brain, it's about exploring the realms of thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It's like becoming a tourist in our own cognitive landscape.
There have been numerous studies highlighting the benefits of mediation on our brain. It's known to improve the grey matter (the part of the brain responsible for processing information) concentration in our brain. It also helps in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. But the most astonishing aspect about meditation is its ability to increase our emotional intelligence quotient. Practising meditation activates the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the hippocampus, which are the parts of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and response control. All these might sound like heavy science talk, but in a nutshell, meditation is like the gym workout for your brain.
Now that we've established the excellent cordial relationship between mediation and emotional intelligence let’s jump onto the how-to part. Mediation is like a customised suit - there isn't a one-size-fits-all. Different methods work for different individuals. The key is to find what's right for you and then stick to it.
For starters, always go with a guided meditation. It's loved by many across the globe and for a good reason. It's like having a teacher guiding you with kindness and love. You won't feel lost or confused. Though there are many sources available, an app called Headspace is my personal favourite. You can start your journey here. You can start with just 5 minutes a day and then gradually increase the duration.
In this journey of yours, consistency is the king. It's not about doing hour-long sessions for a few days and then disappearing; instead, it’s about making it a part of your daily routine. Trust me, once you get the taste of meditation, you won't feel like skipping it. Moreover, it's not just your emotional intelligence that will increase, but your stress levels will decrease, sleep patterns will improve, and you'd just overall be a happier person.
While we fancy the tech world and love that we can meditate using an app, it is also good to disconnect from devices and meditate in natural surroundings. If possible, make a small meditation corner in your garden or balcony. The sound of the wind, birds, or water, combined with meditation, is a totally enchanting and refreshing experience. Remember: the aim is not to restrict your mind from thinking, but to observe its course without judgement. You'd be surprised at the hilarious and random thoughts that your mind produces. No Netflix comedy show can beat that!
As we wrap up, I just want to highlight that meditation is not a magic wand, it won't change things overnight. It's a process, just like tending to a garden. You prepare the soil, sow seeds, water them daily, and patiently wait for plants to grow. But once the flowers blossom, all the wait seems worth it. So embrace the process and journey of meditation and embark on the pathway to enhanced emotional intelligence, one breath at a time.
Written by Ethan Bancroft
View all posts by: Ethan Bancroft