Meditation can reduce cortisol, increase telomere length, improve concentration, and foster feelings of unity. But it’s also very, very hard to practice consistently. Stillness is a serious challenge. Despite the plethora of books and apps and mindfulness training programs, most of us still talk a good meditation game but fail to back it up with practice.  On this week’s show, you’ll meet an author, teacher, and lifelong meditator who shares his no-nonsense approach to the practices of Buddhist meditation and mindfulness.  Learn How Meditation:  Improves both proprioception and interoception  Decrease the fear and anxiety activity of the amygdala   Reduces Default Mode Network activity responsible for self-focused, rumination and daydreaming  Increases concentration   Links & Resources: Rick’s Website Rick’s Books on Amazon Satipatthana ABOUT OUR GUESTRick Hanson, PhD is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times best-selling author. His books include: Neurodharma, Resilient, Hardwiring Happiness, Buddha's Brain, Just One Thing, and Mother Nurture. He's lectured at NASA, Google, Oxford, and Harvard, and taught in meditation centers worldwide.  Nutritional Tip of the Week: Weight Loss for Summer Got Questions? Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question Or write to us: podcast@yogabody.com