The coronavirus is here and the whole world is talking about it. But what does it have to do with meditation? Can meditation help you stay safe, calm and fearless in these times of chaos? Are there specific coronavirus meditations? This article aims to answer these questions.
Behold, the natural uncertainty of life has now been increased! Maybe you’re worried about the coronavirus, or worried about family and friends getting sick or dying. Perhaps you are concerned about the future of your community or of humanity. You may also be feeling overwhelmed by the constant news updates and a growing number of deaths.
Although I take reasonable precautions, I personally am not afraid of the coronavirus (if you read this article you will realize why).
Don’t panic: practice!
This disaster is a great opportunity to take the skills and qualities you develop through meditation – such as serenity, equanimity and acceptance – and practice them in your daily life.
We can use this time to work on ourselves, grow as a person, meditate more, and spend quality time with the people we care about. It’s also a good time to think about what really matters in our lives.
Here are three principles to keep in mind.
Conscious preparedness
We must be careful, but not panic.
Let’s be careful with our hygiene, our health and let’s avoid non-essential contacts with people and gatherings.
These are all concrete steps we can take, but we don’t have to panic or become neurotic about them. That doesn’t help; in fact, it simply weakens our immune system (which is not a good idea right now)…
As meditators, we try to find the middle path to balance: being gentle yet calm.
Human tribe
One of the lessons we learn from meditation is compassion and unity. This is very relevant now because we realize that we are all in this difficult situation together.
Caring for yourself is caring for others, and caring for others is caring for yourself. You are not alone in this!
Mental fitness
In situations of emergency and danger, taking care of your mental health is essential. Hence the importance of meditation. It helps you manage the stress and anxiety of this situation, stay calm and think positively.
Not only does this make you feel better, but it is also proven to strengthen your immune system, making you stronger against viruses.
What can we do?
(Note: I am not a doctor nor do I provide medical advice. Everything in this article should be considered an opinion piece, the result of my own personal research.)
There are five types of actions we can take:
- Limit your exposure (avoid non-essential travel, meetings, events and public places)
- Hygiene (constantly and thoroughly wash hands, avoid touching your face and public surfaces)
- Prepare for quarantine (a few weeks supply of food, water, medicine, etc.)
- Boost your immune system
- Control your fear
In this article I will focus on the last two items, things that meditation can help you with.
The weaker your immune system is, the greater the risk to you. So, strengthening your immune system should be a priority now as it could be a matter of life and death!
As mentioned, there is still a lot we don’t know about the coronavirus. Some argue that boosting your immune system may not even help prevent you from getting the virus. Even if that is the case, a properly functioning immune system can make the difference between not developing illness from the virus or having serious complications.
There are several ways to strengthen your immune system. Many people talk about vitamin D and other supplements, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet.
Another thing that will help boost your immune system is taking a cold shower every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This is a practice I have followed daily for the past four years and I feel the benefits in immunity and wellness.
And of course meditation! Because a stressed or overly anxious mind will weaken your immune system.
How meditation helps: immunity
Constant exposure to stress and anxiety is known to weaken your immune system (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). The same goes for other negative emotions.
There is even a study published in it Psychosomatic medicine (2002) show that people with negative emotions are less resistant to colds than people with predominantly positive emotions.
This means that learning to manage stress, anxiety and other negative emotions is an essential part of keeping your immune system strong against viruses. And meditation is a great way to do just that.
If the stress and anxiety triggers of our modern lives weren’t enough, we now have all the triggers caused by the constant news and public panic about the coronavirus. So now it’s more important than ever to learn how to master your mind with meditation – in whatever way works best for you.
There are several scientific studies showing that meditation helps strengthen the immune system, makes you more resilient to stress and helps manage anxiety. You can see the full list of benefits and scientific resources here. However, for that purpose, the practice must occur regularly (daily) over a period of time – and this is a challenge for most people. That’s why habit is the first pillar of meditation. Does it matter which type of meditation? Yes and no.
There are many different types of meditation, but they all have one thing in common: they calm you down and help you deal with stress and anxiety more effectively. Each style is unique and some are given more emphasis on techniques like Pranayama and Yoga Nidra, which are powerful in terms of strengthening your immune system.
How meditation helps: Placebo effect
Meditation in the form of affirmation and visualization exercises can also help strengthen your immune system by using the placebo effect. The placebo effect involves a bogus treatment that improves a patient’s condition simply because the person expects it to be helpful. The more someone believes they will benefit from a treatment, the more likely they are to benefit from it.
The most important element here is not the form of treatment, but how much you believe in its activity. The placebo effect shows us that our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs change our bodies. By believing you’re healed while taking a "sugar pill," you can actually be healed.
My life experiment with placebo
I conducted an experiment in my own life where I convinced myself that I will never get sick again using affirmations and visualizations. For the past six years, I haven’t taken any medicine and have felt great every day. Meditation has helped my mind become more powerful, and it can help yours too.
Coronavirus Meditations
In response to overwhelming demand, two special guided meditations have been created to help strengthen the immune system and manage fear and anxiety related to the coronavirus. These meditations are incorporated into the main meditation program, Boundless Life.
Meditation 1: Immunity Booster
Learn three powerful tools to strengthen your immune system: relaxation, pranayama breathing, and a special visualization and affirmation exercise. This will help you improve your health and significantly strengthen your immune system.
Meditation 2: Fear and Anxiety Management
This meditation will help you reduce fear and anxiety by processing them in your body through the ROAR method. If you are already a member, you can access these meditations in the member portal. If you are not yet a member, you can join now and take advantage of the $1 USD trial for the first 14 days.
Unlock Your Full Potential with the Limitless Life Program
Are you ready to take your meditation practice to the next level? If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to start or deepen your meditation practice, the time is now!
While you can certainly embark on this journey on your own, why not consider becoming a member of the Limitless Life Program? This program offers a step-by-step system designed to help you enhance your meditation practice with the guidance of a seasoned teacher (yes, that’s me!) and the camaraderie of a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
Whether or not you decide to join the program, whether you choose to focus on meditation or not, my ultimate wish for you is to prioritize your health and safety above all else. 🙏🏻
Why Choose the Limitless Life Program?
As a man, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being and personal growth. The Limitless Life Program is tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of men like you. Here’s why you should consider joining:
Personalized Guidance
With a dedicated teacher leading the way, you’ll receive personalized guidance to help you navigate your meditation practice effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned meditator, you’ll find value in the individualized support provided.
Community Support
Joining the Limitless Life Program means becoming part of a community of conscious individuals who share similar goals and aspirations. The support and encouragement you’ll receive from your peers can make a significant difference in your meditation journey.
Structured Approach
Forget about aimlessly wandering through your meditation practice. The program offers a structured approach that allows you to progress steadily and consistently. You’ll have clear milestones to work toward, keeping you motivated and engaged.
Stay Healthy, Stay Safe
Regardless of whether you choose to participate in the Limitless Life Program, remember to prioritize your health and safety above all else. Taking care of yourself is crucial for your overall well-being and success in all aspects of life. So, whether you meditate or not, make sure to look after yourself and stay safe. 🙏🏻