Grow Your Roots Deep Through Meditation

People are forever asking me what I do to keep my life on track. A friend recently asked my advice on relationship issues. His question, “What would you do if you were me?” put me on this line of thinking. “If I were you (and I’m not so you’ve got to figure it out for yourself), I would take 10 minutes first thing every morning to sit in meditation. Get quiet and let the Universe guide you as to your next step. Don’t do anything until you get centered and then listen. Then act on it.”nnThe insight that came to me later was this. Our spiritual practices, meditation, Hatha Yoga, being in a spiritual community, are the roots that keep us grounded and on track. Without them, we’re tossed to and fro when the winds of change, hardship, and struggle blow. With them, however, our lives bear the fruit of a joyous, successful, calm life. Here’s how I know.nnIn late 2000, the company for whom I worked, The Associates Financial Services, was in the process of being merged with Citigroup. We knew that layoffs were inevitable. Everyone was freaking out, worried about whether or not they would have a job. Not me. I was calm and centered. My co-workers were amazed. “What’s your secret? How can you be so calm when everything is falling apart around you?” they would ask.nn“Simple,” I replied. “It’s the 10 minutes I spend on my butt every morning in meditation. From that, I know that I can’t control what does or does not happen in the future. I can’t control whether or not Citigroup hires me or lays me off. All I have to worry about is today, right now. I’ve learned to let the rest go.”nnMy meditation practice, a short 10 minutes every morning, was all it took to help me weather the storm of a corporate layoff. (Side note: I did get laid off and was thrilled because it gave me the opportunity to start my speaking and coaching business.) No matter what situation you are facing in life or in your business, you can handle it when you learn to get still and centered. It doesn’t take much. The deeper your roots, the higher your branches will grow, reaching toward the stars, bearing the fruit of a beautiful life.nnHere’s how to get started:nn1. Decide that you are going to meditate first thing each morning. Get up 10 minutes early if you need to (you won’t miss the extra sleep).n2. Pick a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed where you will sit every day.n3. Whether seated in a chair or on the floor, make sure your shoulders are aligned over your hips. Sit against a wall if you have to. Get comfortable (this comes over time).n4. Set a kitchen timer for 10 minutes.n5. Close your eyes, turning your focus inward.n6. Focus on your breath. BELLY EXPANDS ON THE INHALATION, CONTRACTS ON THE EXHALATION. Imagine your body as a balloon. When you inhale, you fill up the balloon. When you exhale, you slowly squeeze the air out of the balloon. n7. When your mind wanders, and it will, bring it back to the breath. “Be here now,” can be your mantra. Bring it back over and over again.n8. When your timer goes off, slowly open your eyes and re-orient yourself to your surroundings. Then go about your day.nnThat’s all there is to meditation. There are lots of different meditation methods and techniques, but 10 minutes of this basic practice is all you need to get started on growing your roots. People say, “I can’t meditate because I can’t sit still, get my mind to go blank, can’t concentrate.” Doesn’t matter, do it anyway. Do it now, if you can. nnSet your intention to meditate every day. You’ll amaze your family, friends and co-workers at your ease of handling the storms of life that come up because you’ve done the work to grow your roots deep.nn