image © Shutterstock/Toranico
Model used for illustration purposes only.
Model used for illustration purposes only.
Cultural currency - Why meditation offers extraordinary benefits.
Written by Lorraine Alexander
When we hear the term currency, we think of money. However, cultural currency or capital can refer to non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means. Examples can include education, intellect, style of speech, dress, or even physical appearance.
Let's expand that thought further. Cultural capital includes interpersonal skills, like the ability to acclimate to a variety of social situations. This adaptive skill is better known as EI (Emotional Intelligence), which defines our unique reaction to social situations. Some social situations may be viewed as highly stressful, while others may take the very same experience in stride.
Meditation trains the mind to encounter negative experiences, without reacting negatively to them and enables one to perceive unpleasant situations more objectively, rather than reacting with immediate anger or anxiety (Epstein 1995).
Those perceived to easily adapt and respond positively to unusual, negative, or stressful situations would most likely be perceived to possess high levels of confidence, and possibly even traits of leadership. In general, the ability to keep your cool has measurable benefits.
Meditation proves to drop the metabolic rate as much as 12-16% — significantly lower than during sleep. This profound rest aids in the release of stress, which can be a fundimental factor in our response. The regular practice of meditation often yields a clear mind. A clear mind yields optimal problem-solving abilities, increased productivity, and greater effectiveness at work. Meditation research also proves higher levels of compassion and improved personal life. Meditation can offer a sense of calm, peace, and balance that benefits emotional well-being and overall health (according to the Mayo Clinic).
Equally important, the ability to cultivate compassion and other positive human qualities lays the foundation for an ethical framework unattached to any philosophy or religion, which could have a profound beneficial effect on all aspects of human societies (Scientific American, November 2014).
For more information go to www.DASAmeditation.org - celebrating 40 years of teaching.
Meditation trains the mind to encounter negative experiences, without reacting negatively to them and enables one to perceive unpleasant situations more objectively, rather than reacting with immediate anger or anxiety (Epstein 1995).
Those perceived to easily adapt and respond positively to unusual, negative, or stressful situations would most likely be perceived to possess high levels of confidence, and possibly even traits of leadership. In general, the ability to keep your cool has measurable benefits.
Meditation proves to drop the metabolic rate as much as 12-16% — significantly lower than during sleep. This profound rest aids in the release of stress, which can be a fundimental factor in our response. The regular practice of meditation often yields a clear mind. A clear mind yields optimal problem-solving abilities, increased productivity, and greater effectiveness at work. Meditation research also proves higher levels of compassion and improved personal life. Meditation can offer a sense of calm, peace, and balance that benefits emotional well-being and overall health (according to the Mayo Clinic).
Equally important, the ability to cultivate compassion and other positive human qualities lays the foundation for an ethical framework unattached to any philosophy or religion, which could have a profound beneficial effect on all aspects of human societies (Scientific American, November 2014).
For more information go to www.DASAmeditation.org - celebrating 40 years of teaching.
RSS Feed
