Welcome,
And I hope that each one of you will come to find peace within yourself.
Today I'm doing part five in my series for people who are curious about meditation,
But honestly it can be for anyone.
In this session I'm going to talk about the marketing of meditation.
Meditation marketing leverages technology,
Science,
Community,
And personalized experiences to reach a wide audience that are seeking mental and emotional well-being.
In today's world,
Meditation has become a popular practice,
And its marketing strategies have evolved to cater to a diverse group,
A diverse audience.
Meditation and mindfulness has become big money and big business.
But before I get into that,
Once again I think we should connect with our breath and settle in so you can just breathe while I talk.
Make sure you're someplace where you won't be disturbed,
And make sure your devices are silenced.
Remember,
This is your time.
This is your meditation.
Make the most of it and set yourself up for success.
As I said before,
Remember that it doesn't have to be a special room or a spot that you use every time.
It can be any empty room,
Or a porch,
Or a car,
Wherever you can find someplace where you won't be disturbed.
And the more you practice,
The more you'll realize that like your position,
Where you meditate doesn't really matter either.
Now as you breathe,
Take note of that little pause that's there in between the inhale and the exhale.
Notice that we don't go instantly from inhale to exhale,
But there is that natural little pause at the end of the inhale and at the end of the exhale.
Just breathe and notice that little pause as you breathe.
Start to relax and scan our body.
Relax your neck and your shoulders.
Maybe roll your neck around in a circle to loosen it up.
Shrug your shoulders and let them drop.
Relax your arms and your hands.
Let go of any tension in your chest or your belly.
Consider yourself getting heavier with each breath.
Relax your legs and your feet.
And just notice any place in your body where you may be holding tension.
And as you begin to relax and settle into this moment,
Start to focus even more on your breath.
Our breath is like a river as it flows in and flows out.
Just inhale slowly and then gently exhale.
Notice your breath as it flows in.
Notice where you feel it in your body.
The movement of your chest and belly as the breath flows in and flows out.
Just continue to breathe at your normal pace and don't force anything.
Just let your breath flow.
Thoughts are a part of us,
But they needn't bother you when we're meditating.
Just follow your breath and listen to the sound of my voice breathing in and breathing out one breath at a time.
Listen to my voice as I talk about how meditation and mindfulness is marketed in today's world.
Digital platforms and apps are used and they offer guided meditation sessions,
Mindfulness exercises,
And relaxation techniques.
There are also online platforms that provide articles and videos and resources related to meditation.
They often promote courses and workshops and community forums.
There are also online courses,
Websites,
And platforms that offer meditation courses,
Both free and paid,
That target beginners and experienced practitioners.
Of course,
We have books,
And nowadays there are lots and lots of books,
Where authors and experts publish books on meditation techniques,
Scientific research,
And personal experiences.
These books are marketed through bookstores,
Online retailers,
And social media platforms.
And while I continue this talk,
You're there breathing in and breathing out one breath at a time.
Just focus on each breath.
Meditation is also marketed through magazines and wellness publications that feature articles on meditation's benefits and practices.
Meditation and mindfulness is also marketed through yoga centers and studios,
As well as corporate wellness programs.
Companies recognize the value of employee well-being,
So corporate wellness programs often include meditation sessions.
And then we have meditation being marketed through social media and so-called influencers,
Who share their meditation journeys on platforms like Instagram,
YouTube,
And TikTok.
They often endorse specific techniques,
Products,
And apps.
Marketing emphasizes evidence-based benefits of meditation,
Such as stress reduction,
Improved focus,
And emotional well-being.
Studies and research findings are shared through articles and webinars and conferences.
And personalization is key.
Marketing messages highlight how meditation can address individual needs,
Whether it's managing anxiety,
Improving sleep,
Or enhancing creativity.
Brands that promote holistic living incorporate meditation into their narratives.
And they align meditation with other wellness practices like nutrition and fitness.
By 2032,
The meditation industry is projected to be worth $30.
2 billion.
Even here on Insight Timer,
You can see how meditation and mindfulness is often marketed through your perceptions of what meditation is and does.
Take a look around the app and notice how many pictures feature tranquil settings.
How many pictures feature teachers with their eyes closed,
Or hand over their heart,
Or hands pressed together as if in prayer?
How many have smiles?
To me,
It all seems very hokey,
But the images are based on stereotypes that meditation makes you smile,
Makes you calm,
And makes you tranquil.
I can only tell you that you won't see me exhibiting any of those things because it makes me laugh.
Now,
As we come to a close,
Open your eyes and come back into the room,
Being aware of each breath,
Being aware of everything that's around you,
The birds and the trees and the flowers in the yard,
And the needs of those all around you.
We are blessed to be together in this moment and to be a part of this community.
Wiggle your fingers and toes and stretch and feel how good it is to be alive,
How good it is to be alive in this moment,
And this moment is the only moment there is.
It's the only moment that matters.
Forever is now.
The past is unchangeable and the future doesn't exist.
This,
Here,
Now,
This is all you can be sure of.
And that's why I always say we are breathing in and breathing out,
One breath at a time.
Take time to get in touch with your breath throughout the day so you can appreciate your life more fully.
I hope this has been a beneficial and calming session.
I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to join me in this practice.
Time is the most valuable commodity that we have,
So I appreciate you sharing some of yours with me.
If you're interested,
You can join us in our group here on Insight Timer,
Meditation with Michael.
We'd love to have you.
Till next time.
