Why Meditating Can Be Hard To Do & How Vital Breathwork LLC Makes it Easy!

You have probably heard the benefits of meditation. The science behind meditation has been researched for decades and practiced for thousands of years. The benefits are well-proven. Meditation can help to alleviate stress and calm our minds. It has the ability to improve sleep quality and decrease blood pressure. People who practice meditation claim to have greater clarity and a deepened sense of spirituality. We are sure that meditation is one of the most effective wellness practices available. So why can it be so hard to do?

When I first started my meditating journey, it was difficult for me as well. At the height of my burn-out, I knew that I needed it the most. I had all of the resources gathered - the YouTube videos, the podcasts, the yoga mats, and the athletic clothing. I'd create a calming, serene environment by lighting candles and diffusing essential oils. I would even schedule it in my planner and set a timer. But despite my best intentions when it came time to sit still and clear my thoughts, I would feel anxiety and dread. My mind would race, my body would become restless, and I'd find myself no less anxious (if not more) than when I began. I felt defeated. I'd think, "why can't I help myself?" Sound familiar?

Turns out, there are actually scientific and physiological explanations that neuroscience has discovered, for why meditation can be difficult; particularly for those who can benefit the most. Neuroscience recognizes three major regions of our brain, each with its own set of responsibilities and functions. These regions include the Brainstem (aka the Reptilian Brain), the Midbrain which involves our Limbic System (aka the Emotional Brain) , and the Neocortex (aka the Reasoning Brain). The first brain region to develop is the brainstem. It is responsible for all of our primitive and autonomous functioning, such as our digestion, body temperature, regulation, cellular respiration, etc. These functions are unconscious and automatic; however, the brainstem is largely affected by its neighbor, the midbrain/limbic system, which is responsible for our sensory input processing and emotional regulation. This part of our brain processes our physical environments and relationships in order to determine our sense of safety or danger. Depending on the emotion we experience, our brain releases endorphins or hormones to engage the environment or retreat from it. These processes are largely unconscious and automatic. They are also instantaneous, so there is little opportunity to engage the third region of our brain, the neocortex, which helps us to reason with or fully assess our environments.

Upon detection of danger the limbic system fires off signals to our brainstem to activate our nervous system's sympathetic branch (responsible for fight/flight response) or its dorsal branch (responsible for freeze/fawn response). Once the nervous system is activated, our body's ability to function is compromised and the reasoning part of our brain quite literally goes dark. Brain scan imaging reveals that when our brainstem and limbic systems are activated, these regions of the brain are lit up. Contrastingly, our neocortex and areas of the brain responsible for joy, creativity, motivation, and organization are dormant. As a result, our bodies and minds experience symptoms of anxiety. Some typical symptoms include muscle tension, restlessness, racing thoughts, high blood pressure, and irritable digestion. We may also experience depressive symptoms such as fatigue and lethargy, feelings of hopelessness and a lack of motivation, low blood pressure and a shut down of our visceral organs.

These physiological responses by evolutionary design, send signals of danger and immediately mobilize us towards safety or prepare us for impending harm. These signals were essential for our ancestors to flee from predators or protect against harsh environments and warring tribes. However, our modern-day stressors are much more subtle and ironically, far less escapable. We may be overwhelmed with sensory input from constant media exposure. Our sense of stability is continually threatened by financial responsibilities and our need to belong is persistently challenged by the pressure to perform at school or work. Our nervous system is chronically activated, leaving very little opportunity for our neocortex to think freely from emotional or physiological influence. We lack the ability to explore curiously, participate in creative expression, and discover things that may bring us joy. Collectively, this is why despite your best intentions to meditate and practice self-care, you may find it difficult to sit still and relax.

Vital Breathwork understands this difficulty and incorporates a research-based approach to regulate your nervous system and brain chemistry. Our program is intentionally designed to counteract the stress effecting your body. It allows you to enter your desired meditative state with efficiency and achieve impactful results. By employing various breathing techniques (rhythmic breathing and intermittent hypoxia training), Vital Breathwork slams the brake pedal on the sympathetic(fight/flight response) and dorsal branches(freeze/shutdown response) of the nervous system. In turn, it activates the parasympathetic branch, which is responsible for regulating the body's ability to rest, restore, and achieve homeostasis (balance). This practice supports our ability to relax physically, emotionally, and mentally. When our body is relaxed, our cognitive and motor functioning is optimized. By controlling our breath, our need to act immediately on stressors is satisfied by consciously inhaling and exhaling on cue. This communicates to the body and mind, a sense of control and agency(self-determination).

Additionally, Vital Breathwork utilizes brain entrainment music during all meditations that has been specifically audio-engineered to affect our brainwave frequency. Our meditation music stimulates alpha-theta brainwaves, which counter the flow of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol and release positive hormones, such as dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and melatonin. As a result, your body is rid of the negative physiological stimulators and flooded with "feel good" endorphins. These kinds of endorphins elevate your mood, deepen your meditative state and provide your neocortex (reasoning brain) and limbic system (emotional brain) with the opportunity to reprocess your experiences, as well as undo emotional imprints and resolve your mind's perception of fear and danger.

The Vital Breathwork approach is also based in the teachings of Soma. Soma is a Greek word which means "one body, one mind, one consciousness." It is a holistic philosophy that all things are interconnected; especially the mind, body, and spirit. We believe for a wellness program to be effective, it must account for all of our parts. Vital Breathwork fuses the past with the present by incorporating the ancient practice of Pranayama Yoga and melding it with modern science and technology to create an experience that optimizes our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our meditations are designed to empower you to regain control of your body's health and transform your brain chemistry. Combining these techniques can help you finally achieve the peace of mind that the science of meditation promises.

To learn more about Vital Breathwork and its benefits, check out our services or try the free 10-minute meditation!