Video: What You Practice Grows Stronger

How do we change? In this 13-minute TEDx talk, Dr. Shauna Shapiro draws on modern neuroscience and ancient wisdom to demonstrate how mindfulness can help us make positive changes in our brains and our lives.

Do you ever find yourself impatient and judging yourself during your day—even during meditation? These are common emotions in our culture, so you’re not alone. But Dr. Shapiro’s main point is this: What you practice grows stronger.

She reminds us that when we’re meditating with judgment, we grow judgment. When we’re meditating with frustration, we grow frustration. Meditation isn’t just about sitting quietly; it’s about how you sit quietly, and how you pay attention.

No matter what you’re doing—meditating, cooking, driving—think about what you want to practice and what you want to grow in your life. If you want to become more judgmental and impatient, practice those feelings during meditation. But—if you want to become more mindful—practice mindfulness.

There are many definitions of mindfulness swirling around the world today. Dr. Shapiro defines mindfulness as intentionally paying attention with kindness. She suggests that if you infuse kindness when you’re paying attention, kindness will grow.

Watch the inspiring 13-minute TEDx talk to understand more of the science, stories, and tools from Dr. Shapiro: