Workout? Check. Healthy eating? Check. Mindful of your wellness journey? Working on it. Us too. Increasingly, meditation and the mindful component of self-care are becoming an even bigger part of the conversation about wellness. And it’s often the one we struggle with the most. So, we sat down with Ash Kumra, Mindfulness Coach and Co-founder of Peak Meditation, to get his thoughts on wellness and what a successful meditation experience looks like.

1) Ash, there are a lot of definitions of Wellness. What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness means being well from the inside to out. Oftentimes our outside environment or relationships dictate how we feel. While it is great to feel appreciated by someone else, wellness needs to first start with how you feel inside. That is optimal well being.

2). Why should one meditate?

Meditation helps you achieve mindfulness which is connecting with your inner self. This state of feeling can help alleviate burnout and make it easier to be productive. It is also a great massage for your brain, giving it a break from the busy day. And that’s not just my opinion. Countless research papers touting the benefits of meditation have been published by scientific and medical organizations including Harvard Medical School and Hoag.

3). What does a typical meditation look like? Can you take us through a guided meditation?

Here is a simple practice to do at your home or office. Don’t worry about how long you meditate; focus instead on being present and creating space in your mind to reflect.

A. Focus on yourself:

Take 3 gentle breathes in your nose and out your mouth.

Rationale: Presence is important in everything you do, especially when achieving anew goal. Be mindful of your breath and body. Breathing is an essential part of being mindful. When you can take focused deep breaths, your mind becomes more present.

B. Be grateful:

Think of 3 people you are grateful for.

Imagine giving each of them a gift and telling them how much they mean to you. Envision the happiness you will feel after.

Rationale: Gratitude shifts and raises your vibration or positive energy. Gratitude allows us to appreciate the blessings we have and distracts us from the challenges we face on a daily basis.

C. 1 year from now:

Visualize yourself a year from now financially. What achievement happened?

Visualize yourself a year from now personally with family and friends. What are you doing?

Visualize a hobby you are enjoying. What is it?

Rationale: Focus on the present and who you are now. Visualize happiness and fill yourself up with this feeling, because you deserve it.

D. Creative time:

For 60 seconds or more close your mind to outside thoughts. Sometimes it easier to do this with a timer on your phone.

Rationale: It’s important to give your mind a break from the busy world. It’s like a brain massage!

E. Wake Up Process:

Gently open your eyes, feel a sense of gratitude and belief that no matter what happens you are here to thrive.

4.) Living in Newport Beach, there are so many ways to feel grateful. What is a good way to give back and express gratitude?

I love living and working in Newport Beach for so many reasons. The amazing weather and active lifestyle are two big ones. Another one for me is the opportunity to give back through so many incredible organizations including the Newport Beach Foundation, Chamber of Commerce to Hoag’s community outreach. Everyone has the opportunity to pay it forward.

5.) Is there somewhere serene in Newport Beach that you like to find your peace of mind?

The beach! I live by the beach and make it a daily habit to visit the ocean.

Interested in learning more about meditation check out the incredible Wellness Week offer from Peak Meditation here.

Watch here for a guided meditation from Peak Meditation’s co-founder, Ash Kumra.

Written by Peak Meditation