In the world of law enforcement, where chaos and high-stress situations are part of daily life, finding ways to maintain focus, calm, and mental resilience is essential. In exploring the transformative power of mindfulness in this demanding profession, Crawford Coates is the author of “.mindful responder” – We sat down with Sergeant George Ryan, a 32-year veteran law enforcement officer, to discuss how meditation became more than just a habit, but a lifelong commitment spanning over 40 years.
Crawford Coates: How did you learn about meditation?
Sergeant George Ryan: My 10th grade high school teacher taught me meditation. One afternoon, he asked his class to put their books under their chairs. He started telling us about meditation and its amazing benefits. After a few minutes, he began our first practice by dimming the lights and verbally explaining the visual meditation.
At first, I heard some kids giggling under their breath in the back of the room. But he didn’t seem to mind that. He continued to eloquently guide us through meditation. I quickly discovered that this practice was relaxing and energizing at the same time. Afterwards, my mind became clear and positive and I felt like I had a new superpower. Since that day, meditation has become a part of my life.
Coates: What can you gain from meditation?
Ryan: Overall, meditation has had a positive impact on my mind, body, and spirit. It has always given me a sense of presence, relaxed awareness, and tranquility. With regular practice, my intuition has also been greatly strengthened. Additionally, meditation has increased my ability to laser-focus on all situations, work, projects, and other meaningful aspects of my life. Therefore, I consider meditation to be a form of elite cognitive training. These positive impacts are especially transformative for first responders.
For example, first responders are exposed to a huge number of critical incidents throughout their careers. Meditation helps first responders step away from the trauma of a critical incident and focus on what they need to do to achieve a successful resolution. In my opinion, the ability to detach and focus during a critical incident helps counteract any potential negative impact from the incident. Therefore, meditation reduces the emotional and physical effects of stress and trauma.
Coates: Many people start meditating, maybe because a friend recommended it during a stressful time, and then stop. Why did it get stuck in your case?
Ryan: Most first responders have tried meditation and been frustrated. Some people think it was actually the worst. At least, that’s what many first responders have shared with me. But this struggle is not their fault. Most meditation instructors set too much time for their initial practice. The shorter the time, the better! First responders need to slowly adapt to actually sitting still and quieting their minds. First responders also need to remind themselves while adapting to meditation that it is a worthwhile process that can dramatically change their lives.
Personally, I find that meditation allows me to gain real psychic powers and even strengthen them. This superpower is the ability to proactively achieve a relaxed and positive state of mind that allows you to focus on the task at hand, no matter how chaotic the circumstances around you.
Coates: Why should first responders adopt meditation?
Ryan: Scientific research shows that meditation has many life-changing benefits. These include improving concentration, promoting cognition, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, reducing stress, lowering tension, and increasing heart rate variability (HRV).
In addition to these amazing benefits, meditation can help you excel in both your professional responsibilities and life as a whole. So all first responders have access to tools that improve their performance during crises and other critical daily tasks.
Just 10 minutes of daily meditation a day can produce all the benefits mentioned above. A small investment like this can really change your life.
Coates: Now that you’ve been teaching all this time, what has the reception been like?
Ryan: Over the years, meditation has received a certain amount of skepticism and criticism. Nevertheless, of the many people I have met who regularly practice mediation, all of them truly believe in and have experienced its incredible benefits.
I received great feedback while coaching first responders. This is also because I structure my practice around making the most of their current environment and lifestyle. In doing so, first responders understand that meditation doesn’t have to compete with their busy schedules or daily work challenges. This understanding allows you to focus on the meditation itself.
Additionally, sitting still and gently focusing on words, sounds, phrases, sights, breathing, etc. is definitely an adjustment. However, we caution first responders to balance expectations when starting out. Therefore, they understand that this new practice should not cause stress. Instead, you should increase your sense of presence and relaxation. Meditation is about them and for them.
Finally, my advice to first responders is that high-level college sports teams and elite military units are incorporating meditation to enhance peak performance and recovery training. In some cases, this is enough encouragement for first responders to start practicing or continue practicing.
Coates: Do you have any tips for people who are starting to meditate?
Ryan: Enjoy the process. Think of meditation as an epic journey towards elite cognitive training. It is a journey where you give yourself time to go inward, to feel and experience being. Experiences like this are unusual for most first responders, who have busy minds. Also, understand that it is okay to have thoughts while meditating. don’t judge them. Simply return your attention to the mantra, word, sound, phrase, sight, and breath. It’s that simple. Before long, you will experience the blissful sense of realism and the art of “Just Be.”
George Ryan is a sergeant at a major agency in Southern California. He spent his 17 years with his SWAT team full-time and created his performance and recovery training program to peak his division. George can be contacted at: George@R3Tactical.com.
