Use Meditation to Grow Your Business

Countless studies show the positive effects of meditation on your life. Then why, I ask, do so few practice it on a daily basis? Meditation balances your physical, emotional, and mental states. It allows your body to de-stress, and if done in the morning, sets a focused, peaceful tone for your day. Wouldn't you love peace and joy to be the baseline and foundation of your every day? Yes, I know - me too! The results are unparalleled. So why doesn't everyone meditate? I think the reason is twofold: One - they think they don't have the time, stamina, or ability to meditate for hours on end. Well no wonder, we're not Tibetan monks. There's no rule that says meditation is only effective if done for hours at a time. Studies show that as little as 10-15 minutes a day over the span of 30 days rewires the way your brain functions, creating happier, more focused, and less stressed interactions. Did you just read that? Did you take it in? Well, read it again, if need be. (I know, I'm bossy. But this is worth it.) 10 minutes a day!?! You have that much time don't you? You can surely sustain sitting and breathing for 10 minutes, right? I thought so. The second reaso I believe is because people can't trace the immediate results to the action. Yes, if you meditate, you'll feel more focused, but then the mind starts prattling on about who's to say if it was the meditation that's made the difference or all the broccoli I've been eating? The results of meditation are similar to exercise. If you haven't exercised in a while and you start, you won't see an immediate difference. But you will see changes over time. Conversely, if you stop, you won't see the immediate decline of your muscular structure, but over time you will. Meditation is a muscle. Think of it as your happy work out. Or your focus workout. Or your money manifestation station. Wait, what? Margie, did you say money manifestation station? Yes, yes I did. You know why? Because when you're focused and happy and peaceful your business will bloom. The small stresses won't bother you as much. You'll connect with potential and current clients better. You'll be happier and therefore more people will want to work with you – which translates to more money coming in, right? Yes, it sure does. Okay, I'm nearly sold, but how do I meditate? There are many many courses, books, audios, and information out there on how. (I'll share a few of my favorite resources at the end of this article.) Another way is to simply set a gentle timer, sit and focus on your breath as it flows in and out of your body. Or you could choose to focus on a repetitive sound in the room, like an air conditioner, or the ticking of a clock. Or meditate to calming music. In every practice, the aim is to still your mind and, when a thought arises, acknowledge it (don't fight it), and then gently let it go (just for now). There is no judgment in meditation. There isn't a right and a wrong way. There is no competition; they don't hold meditation-offs in sports arenas worldwide. Meditation is for you, and the only thing that matters is that you practice. Isn't that a lovely thought? It's simply a practice. There is no end-goal. There is no perfection. It's a daily practice that becomes an essential part of your journey and your wellness. And as an added bonus it will become one of your secrets for creating a successful and sustainable business you love. Here are just a few of my favorite meditation resources, in no particular order: Christopher Germer, PhD, the author of Mindful Self-Compassion has a plethora of free meditation downloads available at his website. Adyashanti offers excerpts of his teachings online and has authored numerous books. Check him out here. Joseph Goldstein and the Insight Meditation Society. Pema Chodron, Buddhist teacher, author, nun and mother. Deepak Chopra runs a 21-day meditation challenge that’s free (when it's happening) and they're wonderful meditations. They also sell them on their site. Kristin Neff offers guided self-compassion meditations for free on her site. Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of mindfulness based stress reduction and author of a large selection of books.