AOPA Pilot Magazine - January 2023 - 34

BRIEFING
MEDITATION /
How the best stay fit
Chill out
Become one with your airplane
The word " mindfulness " is the latest buzzword
these days, and so overused that it's become nearly
meaningless. However, mindfulness has been the
goal of meditation practitioners for thousands of
years. One definition is " the practice of maintaining
a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete
awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences
on a moment-to-moment basis. " In simple terms, a
mindful person is fully focused on what's going on in
the present moment.
Paradoxically, it's a mental workout that leaves
Michael Goulian: I use an app called MetPro. I'm linked with
a nutritionist and trainer who monitors my macros (carbs,
protein, fat) based on my metabolism. That person is available
all the time for questions, et cetera. The app also has specific
workouts that I do based on my goals. It's great! My workout of
choice is long distance road cycling; and I regularly log rides of
30-plus miles several times each week.
Patty Wagstaff:
I've always been athletic,
so I do a lot of different
things; I love to ride my
bicycle, ride horses,
swim, walk my dogs, and
work out. Now I'm doing
Orangetheory, the interval
training workout that's
popular. I mix it up with yoga and sometimes Pilates. I take the
stairs versus the elevator. I try to eat a plant-based diet but do
eat chicken and fish. I stay clear of fast foods, sugar (as much
as possible), and all dairy. I will indulge myself from time to
time, because that's what life is all about.
Kirby Chambliss: I try to
eat healthy; more protein
less carbs and skip
the bread. My workout
routine is I walk about
5 miles a day five days
a week and lift weights
several times a week.
34
AOPA PILOT / January 2023
you rested, and stronger. So, what's the good of this
for pilots? Meditation improves your mind's strength
of concentration and attention, and it's also known to
reduce overall stress levels.
Find a quiet spot without distractions or
interruptions. Subdued light is helpful. Sit in a chair
with your feet on the floor, or cross-legged on the floor
in the manner of most meditation practitioners (lotus
position). You can kneel, a posture that's easy on the
joints, or stand, or lie down; any way is fine. Use a pillow
or folded blanket for cushioning. Just be comfortable
enough to stay in that position for a while.
Set a timer for 10 minutes. If you're skeptical, even
one or two minutes is enough to get the idea.
Close your eyes and begin to " feel your breath, "
the sensation of breathing in and out. Try to only
concentrate on your breathing. You might silently think,
" breathe in, breathe out " as an aid to concentration.
Inevitably, your attention will wander. That's your mind
jumping from what's happening now-your breathing-
to an amazing array of thoughts.
Your thoughts will go something like this, " Breathe
in, breathe out. What's that smell? Did the dog pee on
the rug again? Breathe in, breathe out. Remember that
pizza we had in Hoboken? Breathe in, breathe out. I
need to buy oil for the airplane, " and so on. At some
point, you may think, " concentrating on my breath is
stupid, " but stick with it.
Just " return to your breath " and continue until the
timer goes off. Then, open your eyes and take a moment
to notice your surroundings and how you feel. That's
all, that's meditation. A meditation practice is a workout
for the mind, working to make it stronger so that it can
become more focused.
-Dennis K. Johnson
MICHAEL GOULIAN/ PATTY WAGSTAFF/GETTY IMAGES
AOPA Pilot Magazine - January 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - January 2023
