It was when I had my first child I realized how disconnected from the present moment I was. Slowly and off and on I started practicing presence. A minute of meditation here and some breathing there. I was inconsistent. Then over 8 years ago something clicked and I started meditating every single day.

The consistency in my practice is what has allowed me to be where I am in my journey now. It is my number 1 go to each and every day in my daily routine and tool box for life.

Now, I started meditating to become more present, to hear myself. That was why I did it. Then a few years ago I watched a TedTalk by neuroscientist Sara Lazar and was excited to learn:

1. Meditation decreases the aging of the prefrontal cortex (controls higher cognitive abilities). In one study the brain of a 50 year old person that has been meditating has the brain of a 25 year old.
2. Meditation creates more gray matter in the brain. More gray matter allows for greater processing and mental development. 
3. Increased neuroplasticity: the more you meditate (a behavior you do over and over), this behavior can change the brain.

I love that her journey to understanding and learning about meditation began when she was injured while training for the Boston Marathon. It’s amazing what happens when we see the breadcrumbs the Universe gives us and then we take action and follow them.