Meditation enables healing, resilience, and clarity through consistent self-care, promoting emotional balance and overall mental well-being over time

We are perpetually in pursuit of the next thrill of happiness. Perhaps it's a luxurious Bentley, an exclusive beach getaway, or that coveted Birkin bag. These indulgences certainly light up our lives for a moment. But then, like clockwork, the novelty wears off. The stresses of life take over, and we find ourselves once again in the relentless pursuit of the next object of happiness.

In the 1970s, Richard Easterlin observed that an increase in income over time did not lead to a long-term increase in happiness. This paradox is often referred to as the Easterlin Paradox—remains a cornerstone in discussions about material wealth and its limited capacity to deliver sustained joy. While material comforts undoubtedly bring fleeting satisfaction, they fall short of providing the enduring happiness we so desperately seek.

Moreover, your happiness level is genetically influenced. If your mother isn't a happy person, chances are you aren't either. A study by Lucas, Clark, et al. in 2003 found that major life events such as marriage, divorce, or widowhood brought temporary changes in happiness, but most people returned to their baseline levels within a few years. This gave rise to the Set Point Theory, which explains that individuals' happiness levels are remarkably stable over time.

Within our brains, there's a division of duties: the 'Stress Brain,' tackling worries and tensions, and the 'Happy Brain,' spreading joy and fostering connections. Genetically happier individuals show higher activity in the 'Happy Brain' and lower activity in the 'Stress Brain,' shaping their positive outlook on life.

So, are those not genetically predisposed to higher happiness levels doomed to a negative state of mind? Not at all! Our brains have an amazing ability to reorganize themselves by forming new neural connections throughout our lives—a process called neuroplasticity. This dynamic ability of the brain means that our mental state is not set in stone, offering hope to those who wish to elevate their happiness levels.

One proven way to increase activity in the happy brain and reduce activity in the stress brain, thus raising the happiness baseline, is consistent meditation (Fredrickson et al., 2008). Beyond altering neural activity, meditation helps to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness, allowing us to separate fleeting desires from what genuinely brings contentment.

Our minds carry deep-seated traumas from childhood, parental influences, past relationships, and more. These emotional scars often go unnoticed or unaddressed, yet they dictate much of our behaviour. Rather than addressing these issues, we often suppress them and seek distraction in new pursuits. However, as Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score, buried trauma doesn't disappear; it can lead to physical ailments, mental health challenges, addictions, relationship difficulties, and self-esteem issues.

Meditation acts as a tool for healing and unwinding old negative patterns and traumas. It provides a safe space to clear emotions of sadness, fear and stress held in the body for weeks, years or even since childhood. In doing so, it allows the mind to focus and work through these issues. Consider this: meditating for just 20 minutes every day for a year accumulates 7.3k minutes of dedicated self-care and introspection. Over the years, this consistent practice allows significant time for the mind to process and resolve deep-seated issues. This builds a more resilient, confident, and calm version of ourselves, better equipped to navigate life’s inevitable challenges.

Supporting this, research by Davidson et al. (2003) found that an 8-week mindfulness meditation program significantly improved emotional regulation and immune function, demonstrating meditation's profound impact on both mental and physical health. The ripple effects of this practice can extend far beyond the individual, improving relationships, decision-making, and even workplace productivity.

Meditation doesn't make you happy. Rather, it alleviates what blocks you from finding and appreciating happiness. This distinction is crucial. Happiness isn’t something you attain—it’s something you uncover once you remove the mental and emotional clutter. The key, however, lies in consistency. Just as you cannot achieve a sculpted physique by working out strenuously for four hours once a month, you cannot see significant results by meditating for two hours sporadically. A few minutes of daily practice, however, can profoundly impact your well-being.

The benefits of mindfulness and meditation go beyond personal happiness. Communities practicing mindfulness often report lower crime rates and greater social cohesion. Families that meditate together strengthen their bonds, developing empathy and understanding for each other's perspectives. Imagine the collective impact if more people embraced mindfulness as a daily practice—it could transform societies, one individual at a time.

Furthermore, meditation enhances our ability to live in the present moment. In a world constantly pulling us in a hundred different directions—emails, deadlines, social obligations, and endless to-do lists—it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Mindfulness brings us back to the now, allowing us to savour the small joys we often overlook: the warmth of a morning sunbeam, the taste of a perfectly brewed cup of tea, or the laughter of a loved one.

Another compelling aspect of meditation is its accessibility. Unlike other tools for self-improvement, meditation requires no special equipment, expensive memberships, or even a lot of time. It is universally available, adaptable to any lifestyle, and backed by centuries of practice across cultures. Whether through guided meditations, breathing exercises, or silent self-reflection, there is a form of meditation suitable for everyone.

In conclusion, as Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher, said, "To a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." Meditation may not provide the instant gratification of a material purchase or the thrill of a vacation, but it offers something far more valuable: a pathway to inner peace, resilience, and enduring happiness. By embracing mindfulness and making it a consistent part of our lives, we can transform not only our personal well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world.

— She is a Life Coach and Founder of Soulful Wellness