Exploring the Power of Meditation: An Interview with Broadcaster, Author and Life Coach, Jeff Brazier
I’m not a fan of meditation. I’ve tried it a few times, but I feel as if I have better things to do than sit and listen to myself breathe. But then, so many really successful people seem to swear by it.
We’re told not to procrastinate, yet to sit and dwell on our own thoughts is supposed to be good for our mental health? I don’t get it, but I know someone who does. I decided to give monk life one last shot for your benefit and my 5am pain.
In today's fast-paced world, phone-free moments are something that have to be forced. Even eating seems to require an app, and there are plenty of those for breathing too. Actually, when you think about it, sitting on your own and shutting the door behind you does have a certain kind of lick to it.
Enter Jeff Brazier. As well as being a household name and prominent life coach, Jeff has been meditating for over a decade. I’m impressed, not because he’s ‘in tune with his own mind’, but because he doesn’t look a day over 21 and clearly has his house in order.
“My journey into the world of meditation began 13 years ago when a friend introduced me to the practice,” he tells me. “I was taught how to meditate using various techniques, including focusing on a Trataka naked flame. These practices became my refuge during times of stress, offering a way of healing without the need for extensive therapy.
“For me, meditation has become a way of accessing inner healing and experiencing a sense of liberation. It's about healing from within, freeing yourself from the noise of the external world. When you're in alignment with yourself, your outer appearance reflects that inner peace.”
I still wasn’t entirely sure what “inner healing” was, but decided to begin my “path to peace” with the same 3 beginner’s steps Jeff utilised in the early days.
- Challenge Misconceptions: Dismiss common misconceptions about meditation, such as the belief that you must empty your mind completely. Instead, meditation is like a muscle that requires consistent development over time.
- Explore Different Techniques: There is no one-size-fits-all approach to meditation. Experiment with various techniques, whether it's guided meditation, mindfulness practices or using music or binaural beats.
- Embrace Thoughts: Rather than seeing thoughts as the enemy to meditation, allow your thoughts to enter and exit your mind like passing clouds. By observing thoughts without judgement or attachment, you can cultivate a deeper sense of awareness and presence.
Tips taken, it was time to set the alarm. But what time is optimal for this kind of shit? “My morning routine starts at 5 am,” says Jeff. “I begin with some "good morning" habits: immersing myself in an ice bath, doing some stretching, reading a chapter from a self-development book and hydrating while taking my Mastermind supplement,” says Jeff. “This is all before I settle into a 20-minute meditation session.”
I don’t have an ice bath, nor do I want one. Wim Hof convinced me to do 30-seconds in cold water for a month, which was pretty easy given that I live in Southern Spain, but now winter has arrived I’ve reverted to a nice warm shower. One step at a time chaps! 5am came around faster than I could finish my sip of evening vino and up I jumped, ready to try the meditating monk method, as I’d dubbed it. I’m a morning person, so waking up a little earlier didn’t really bother me, but dodging the dog hairs on my lounge carpet to sit cross legged and stare at the wall certainly did.
I started with some breathwork and gratitude. What was not to be grateful for? When I’d finished meditating I could enjoy a nice coffee, fresh breakfast and wonderful family. But then, I do that anyway.
“Meditation helps set a positive tone for the day ahead, particularly on busy days,” says Jeff. “It allows me to tap into a deeper sense of peace and intuition. It's like having access to the answers that lie within my subconscious mind.”
I dug a little deeper. To my own surprise, I found myself starting to really relax. I’m an anxious person by nature, but after forcing myself to sit it out past the two-minute mark (which I told myself was only as long as a painful plank), the practice did begin to make sense. Five minutes passed, then ten, and before I knew it I felt so relaxed I didn't want to get up again - not even for my super strong coffee.
I planned to try meditation for a week and one month later, I’m still at it. I doubt it’ll make me look as fresh as Jeff, but just for the 5am “me time” it’s totally worth it!
Nourishing the Mind with Good Nutrition
In addition to meditation, Jeff nourishes his mind with brain-boosting foods.
“I can't emphasise enough how crucial good nutrition is for maintaining optimal mental wellbeing,” he says. “I've come to understand that what I feed my body directly impacts my mind's performance. While I do regularly eat brain-boosting foods like fish and nuts, I started Revive Active's Mastermind supplement a few months ago to cover all bases. Its blend of essential nutrients like Omega 3 DHA, Uridine and Choline is precisely what my brain needs to thrive. By adding it to my meditation ritual, I've noticed enhanced focus and mental clarity. Plus, the convenience of the powdered sachet mixed with water ensures I stay hydrated, hitting my daily water intake.”
Jeff Brazier is a brand ambassador for supplement experts Revive Active. Readers can get 15% off the range using his code JEFF15. See reviveactive.com
