How are we going to get a handle on our time and reduce the overload and our stress? Seriously: When will you start getting back your quality of life? Whatever you read, see, or hear, everyone is talking about meditation. As a busy entrepreneur, it seems counter-intuitive to sit and do nothing. But in my experience, if you can direct the thought traffic in your head, even for a minute, the benefits are enormous. It is especially useful as a pause button in the fast-paced, often chaotic world of an entrepreneur.
Meditation is a way to focus your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity so you can achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. It has been around since antiquity. As it crossed the many oceans to the western hemisphere, especially in this country, we have, of course, complicated it. There are thousands of books out there on how to do it, the best way to do it, and how to get an “A” in it. Many studies have been launched to measure its benefits.
Meditation is simply one way to direct the thought traffic in your head. The wandering mind is acknowledged and stopped and the right of way given to the object of the meditation. It’s impossible to shut down the traffic altogether, but you can be mindful of wandering and turn your attention back to the object of your meditation. It’s not about being a “good” meditator but simply finding a way to manage your mind.
For me, the goal is not just clarity or calm, but a state of being in the present moment. Jack Cornfield speaks about training the mind. You pick an object and train the mind to come back to the object. He suggests it’s like training a puppy, always bringing it (the puppy) back to the paper to pee.
When you first try to meditate, I would encourage you to abandon your overachieving ways and heed Wordsworth’s succinct advice. “To begin, begin.” The intention to meditate is enough. If your learning style is such that you must dive deep, Google meditation and check out the many books podcasts, seminars, etc. available.
Right now (or when it’s convenient for you), just sit in front of your computer or go to a comfortable chair. Close your eyes. Focus on your breath, as that is usually a good way to begin. Bring your attention to the in and out movement of your breath. When you find your mind wandering, just observe that you’ve wandered, without judgment, and bring your attention back to the breath.
Everyone’s meditation experience is unique and personal. Try not to have preconceived expectations. Meditation is an exploration of our being and that can change daily. If you continue with it, your approach to meditation may expand as well. There are so many tools available, including guided meditation, podcasts, seminars, etc.
And don’t presume because you’re so high energy that you can’t possibly meditate. Jamie Anderson, 27, the Olympic gold medal winner on the US snowboarding team, seeks to calm off and on the slopes through meditation. According to the Washington Post: “She wins, she worries. She’s known for her Zen-like temperament. She doesn’t think she’s a good meditator because she doesn’t like to sit in one place for a long period of time. So when she can, she walks a meadow . ‘I’ve come to find out I’m a ‘meadow-tator,’ she said, underscoring that you do meditation in whatever way works for you.”
