Frequently Asked Questions About Meditation

A senior data scientist at Aura Health, Brian Richmond specializes in applying data-driven models to generate personalized recommendations in meditation and mindfulness applications. Brian Richmond’s work in data science started in 2017 and he has become a dedicated practitioner and expert in the field.

Meditation has many benefits and it’s growing in popularity, but many people don’t really know where to start with meditation. Here are some questions that come up often.

Q: When and where should I meditate?

A: Most experts recommend meditating first thing in the morning in a quiet place with no distractions. Short, 3-minute meditation breaks at work can greatly improve focus and productivity, and meditation can really help people settle their minds at night so they can sleep better. However, any time is fine.

Q: Do I have to remain seated?

A: A seated or lying position is fine. If someone is meditating for a purpose other than sleep, lying down could make that challenging.

Q: How do I start meditating?

A: There are a number of resources that describe as many methods and approaches, but a simple and straightforward way to start is with a meditation app such as Aura.

Applications for People Analytics in Change Management

After working at WeWork’s New York City headquarters, Brian Richmond relocated to California and joined the early-stage startup Aura Health. In addition to his position as a senior data scientist for Aura Health, Brian Richmond participates in the meetup group Bay Area People Analytics, which gathers professionals in the field to discuss novel applications of people analytics in HR, such as change management.

Change management is a multi-faceted process that helps employers prepare their workers for newly implemented systems and solutions. By implementing people analytics methods and tools, HR professionals can collect and analyze timely information on the sources of change resistance and develop immediate solutions.

Likewise, people analytics allows for employers to provide instant feedback on training initiatives, workshops, and other methods used to raise awareness of the incoming changes. Outcomes such as employee attrition after a change can also be measured, and provide a more comprehensive picture of the effects of the new system or solution. The success of change management strategies cannot be measured without data, so people analytics is critical to driving improvements in change management.

The Health Benefits of Gratitude Journaling

Data scientist Brian Richmond has advanced the field of people analytics through his role at WeWork and his involvement with people analytic groups in the Bay Area and New York. In 2018, Brian Richmond accepted a position as senior data scientist for the startup Aura Health. Aura offers a wellness-focused app that offers guided meditations, life coaching recordings, and a gratitude journal.

The act of writing down what one is thankful for has become popularized in the health and wellness industry, due in large part to its multitude of physical and mental health benefits. Feeling gratitude releases many of the same neurotransmitters as happiness, such as dopamine and serotonin. This can improve mood and overall well-being.

In a study published by the Journal of Positive Psychology, adolescents who kept a gratitude journal were more likely to exhibit altruistic behavior. Other studies have linked gratitude journaling to lower stress levels, a more positive outlook, and healthier relationships. Establishing a daily gratitude journaling routine can also decrease depression and anxiety symptoms.

Typical Flavors of Mexican Cuisine

Over the course of his career in data analytics, Brian Richmond has worked with high-profile companies such as WeWork and Aura Health. In his personal life, Brian Richmond loves to cook and enjoys trying new recipes from Thai, Indian, and Mexican cuisines.

The unique flavor profile of Mexican cuisine combines Spanish and South American ingredients, herbs, and spices. Some of the most common components of a traditional Mexican dish include:

Chilis – Indigenous to Mexico, chilis are used in countless traditional dishes, including Mexican hot chocolate. Chilis range in spiciness, from the mild Anaheim pepper to the extremely potent chile de Arbol.

Corn – Corn has been grown in Mexico for thousands of years. Many Mexican staples, such as tortillas, tacos, and quesadillas, are made with a corn-based dough called mesa.

Epazote – This herb adds a pungent flavor to bean dishes. Epazote also has medicinal properties that can reduce stomach cramps, and ulcers and indigestion.