Meditation: Secret to Success

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Updated 4 years ago

I sit in a cross legged position.

Eyes closed, I tune into my breath, and silence my mind. I listen to the gentle breeze outside, hear some birds chirping, smell the faint scent of the ocean. I enter into a state of peaceful tranquility. Upon awakening from this trance-like state I feel more calm, re-energized, focused, happy, and I have regained a sense of purpose.

For many, this is a typical visual that surfaces upon the mention of meditation. A cross-legged yogi with closed eyes, searching for some form of enlightenment. But what does it actually mean to meditate? And how does one do it, exactly? Does it really lead to success like people say?

I have been meditating regularly for over 6 years now, and I'll be answering these questions today with insight I have gained from my own personal journey, and in the passage following you'll learn why meditation is a secret to success.

Disclaimer: there are many forms of meditation, and in writing this I am not claiming to be an expert in all or any of them, I am simply sharing what I have found beneficial along my journey, and I am hoping this will inspire you to embark on your own journey with meditation through whatever method you choose.

What is Meditation?

It is a challenge to define meditation exactly, because I believe it holds a different purpose for each person, and it is practiced in many different ways. It has been used since ancient times by spiritual practitioners all over the world, and is used by thousands of over-achieving individuals in modern day society who claim it as their secret to success.

For me, meditation is the experience I enter in to when I allow myself to simply be. I tune out all distractions from the outside world, and I tune in to my inner world - my thoughts, emotions, and senses.

I do this for the purposes of: relaxation (to relieve anxiety and depression), to help refocus my attention on my work, to help with major decision making, and to remember who I am and why I am here - a.k.a. my purpose.

Sometimes this looks like me sitting in a cross legged position, sometimes I am lying down, and sometimes I incorporate meditation into my daily mundane activities such as standing in line at a grocery store or washing dishes. That is one of the beauties of meditation: it can be done anywhere, anytime, for any amount of time!

Out here on Maui, there are many "peaceful" places you can go to practice meditation. But there is also a remarkable amount of value in the fact that monks living in New York City choose to meditate in the midst of all the noise and chaos. So it can be practiced anywhere, despite what's going on around you.

Meditation can be practiced regardless of your belief system or religious background. People of everything religion can benefit from this is some way, shape, or form.

So now that you have a better idea what meditation is, how does it actually work?

How Does Meditation Lead to Success?

1. Increases Relaxation

Meditation involves deep breathing, which is known to relax your whole body, mind, and emotions. When you are calm you are able to make better decisions and produce better quality work. Meditation has also helped me immensely to reduce my anxiety and depression over the years.

Even to this day, whenever I feel negativity, anxiety, depression, fear, anger, or racing thoughts, meditating is the most effective method to completely transform my mindset and calm me down again. I always leave my meditation session more peaceful than I arrived.

2. Refocuses Your Attention

The simple act of closing your eyes is so effective. By blocking out all outside distractions, you are able to focus on what is really most important to you, what you really need to accomplish that day. And when your meditation is finished, you will be able to think with greater clarity, and focus on what needs to get done.

3. Re-energizes You

A 10 minute meditation sessions is equivalent if not more effective than a ten minute power nap, or a ten minute walk - as it involves conscious breathing, and increases blood and oxygen circulation to the brain and entire body. This not only boosts endorphins and leaves you with a "runner's high" feeling, but it also leaves you refreshed and ready to tackle the next part of your day. For this reason meditation is great to incorporate in between work sessions throughout your day.

4. Increases Creativity

When you enter into a deep state a meditation, it's like entering into a dream state but being conscious. During this time, a part of your brain called the pineal gland produces DMT, and this is the same chemical emitted when you dream. Because of this, during meditation people often see more vivid pictures and have more creative ideas than normal (this process is completely natural and can be achieved without use of any substances.) These ideas can be developed further outside of mediation and used to enhance your success in your personal life as well as in your business.

5. Increases Your Sense of Purpose

Tuning in to your inner world during meditation allows you to connect with who you really are. When I meditate, as part of my practice I separate myself from all the things in the world that I would normally identify with. Meaning I detach for a moment from my identity associated with my job, my past, my appearance, my reputation, my relationships etc. and this allows me to remember who I really am without all of these labels society puts on me. When I come face-to-face with who I really am, I remember what my purpose is, and this is the driving force of everything I do. It's so important to connect with this part of yourself if you are wanting to be successful, and meditation is an amazing way to do this.

6. Helps with Major Decision Making

Whenever I am faced with a huge life-altering decision, I make sure I set aside time to center myself. I usually start each meditation with an intention, and sometimes it's in the form of a question like, "which path should I take?" Without fail, I always find the answer to the question I am seeking within myself. It still amazes me how beneficial and transformational meditation is!

How Do You Meditate?

Again, there are many methods through which meditation can be practiced, and I highly encourage you to explore what works best for you. That being said, this is the way I usually meditate, as it is the way that feels most natural and beneficial to me:

1. Find a Quiet Spot Where You Will Be Undisturbed.

If you have a spot in nature you like, feel free to enjoy those outdoor sounds. If you don't have a spot like that available at your convenience, try using head phones to listen to relaxing music or just to cut out any extra noise instead. If you have the time and are inspired you can set up a nice clean space with a candle, some incense, and/or anything else you feel would help you relax.

(This step isn't always necessary as you can apply meditation to any moment throughout your day like standing in line at a grocery store etc. but if you have the time and space it will definitely enhance your experience. This all depends on what you intend to gain from your session.)

2. Close Your Eyes

Tune out the outside world, and tune into your inner world: your thoughts, your feelings, your body, your senses.

3. Set an Intention

This is whatever you hope to get out of this experience, and can be in the form of a question, or simply to gain some relief from anxiety, gain more focus etc. You may want to include a journal with your meditative practice and you can write your intention down before you begin, as well as any thoughts or ideas you have after your experience.

Sometimes I like to use guided meditation videos to help guide the experience along, and these are great to use especially for beginners. If you choose this method, as you are setting your intention you can pick a video that corresponds with that. If not, you can continue as your own guide.

4. Tune Into Your Breath

This step is about simply becoming aware of your own breathing without trying to change it. Notice how it feels to inhale the air around you into your lungs. Notice what smells and senses are associated with that. Notice if you are breathing shallow or deep. Again, no need to change this at first, just simply observe. Then do the same with your exhale.

After a few moments of gently observing your breath, allow yourself to take a deep breath in from your diaphragm. Hold it for a moment, and then as you exhale deeply, release anything that you are holding on to (fears, worries, anxiety, shame, pain). Use breathing as a tool to take in new fresh air and to release everything that you no longer need to hold on to.

5. When Thoughts Come Up, Simply Let Them Pass

As you are on your journey of stilling your mind, thoughts will arise. It is common to want to force them out or get frustrated with yourself for having these thoughts. This is simply part of the process.

Understand that you don't need to change anything, you can just be, exactly as you are. As thoughts arise, notice them and how they make you feel. Some people find it helpful to categorize the thoughts that come up, (like worries about past, fears about future, task related thoughts, angry thoughts etc.).

Become aware that these thoughts are not you, necessarily, and therefore you have the freedom to watch as they come and go, without forming any attachments to them. If you find yourself getting distracted and spiraling off into your thoughts, as soon as you notice this, gently let go, and turn your attention back to your breath.

6. Remain for However Long You Feel You Need

There is no right or wrong way to meditate. This experience is for you, and you are free to decide how long you need to remain in this peaceful space. Some days you may have a whole hour to dedicate to this, other days you may only have five minutes, or can only spare the time you have waiting in line at a grocery store.

The amazing part about this is, it really only takes a few moments of conscious breathing to refresh your mindset and your body, and reenergize you for your next task. So there are no excuses! Meditation can be done anywhere, anytime, for any amount of time!

In conclusion, meditation has many amazing benefits for your body, your mind, your spirit, and your business! It can be practiced by anyone (from any age, culture, or religion), anywhere, at any time!

I am happy to share with you what I have learned in my 6+ years of meditating and I hope this inspires you to embark on or continue your own journey with it.

Sarah,

Maui Entrepreneur

https://maui-entrepreneur.com/

https://maui-entrepreneur.com/meditation-secret-to-success/