Guest Ann Swanson's journey is a testament to the power of persistence and presence. Despite over 100 rejections for jobs in her field, she maintained an daily meditation practice and vision-boarding positive affirmations. Through mindfulness, an unexpected opportunity arose - a major publishing deal. Ann illuminated meditation's profound mental and physical impacts. "It rebuilds critical brain areas, helping you think faster with better memory," she explained. Benefits include lowered stress, blood pressure, anxiety and depression. While the evidence grows, Ann reminds us science has yet to understand all. When asked about technique selection, Ann compassionately advised against inward focus during panic attacks. Grounding exercises like feeling one's body can help manage overwhelming emotions. Her willingness to share vulnerabilities showed mindfulness is a process, not perfection, with many paths to peace. As our conversation concluded, Ann left us seeing not divisions but unity. Like astronauts gazing at Earth, she sees our separations as artificial - we are truly one. Through practices like yoga and meditation, we can experience glimpses of "perfect peace and connection." While science seeks understanding, Ann says our intuition is also a gift - we already contain infinite wisdom and possibility within. Ann's website: https://meditationfortherealworld.com/ Episode page: https://www.loatoday.net/ann-swanson #MeditationChangesLives