Princeton University defines meditation as "continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature; the habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge."
It's all about calming the mind to allow for greater inner perspective.
The problem with meditation is that most people think of it as "sitting on a rock and humming OM for an hour."
In fact, meditation can be dynamic, moving, energetic and calming, all at the same time.
Here are 4 examples of excellent meditative exercises
1. Take a walk of about 1 to 2 miles. Go by yourself and don't think about the walk or your day- to-day activities. Instead:
* Notice your surroundings
* Think about how you feel as you walk. What is your body doing? How does that affect you?
* Focus on how you are breathing. Is it smooth or kind of jerky and irregular? What happens if you breathe really deeply while you're walking?
* Take a moment to appreciate anything beautiful you pass by. What do you see? How does that make you feel?
You are now meditating. You are calm, focusing on things you have never noticed before and appreciating the moment.
Please note the words "appreciating the moment." It means living right NOW and not in a past that already happened or a future that is yet to come. This is your goal when meditating.
2. Go play a round of golf. My personal favorite mediation exercise is golf. Oddly enough, golf is one of the best exercises you can do to expand and develop your creative mind potential.
Just learn to think differently. Instead of worrying about how you're going to play, notice your surroundings instead.
Look at everything as if you were going to paint or photograph it. See the details of highlight and shadows. Notice the beauty of the garden you're playing in. Bend down and notice a single blade of grass; realizing that it is life in and of itself.
Don't think about your swing. Just step up, relaxed, not worried about how you look and let it all go. Anytime the rational mind is out of the picture and feelings replace them you will hit much better shots.
Between shots, don't think about the shot that was or that shot that is coming. Spend time between shots enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Really notice the beauty that is all around you. Realize that the next time you step up to the ball, the potential exists for something exceptional to occur.
Before, during and after the round don't tell yourself stories about how, why, what you are doing or wish you did.
Just enjoy every moment. Remember, every hole (just like every day in your life) holds the potential of a fresh new start.
3. Go out and take a few pictures. Noticing beautiful things all around you is also an excellent meditation. Go outside, somewhere you consider beautiful and bring your camera. Any kind of camera will do.
Don't think about anything except your surroundings. Breathe the air; notice how you feel in the beautiful outdoors. When you see something (anything) that catches your attention, go over to it for a closer look.
Notice how light and shadows interplay. Focus on what you notice when you look at an object. Take a photo of what you actually see, not the entire scene.
Again, noticing what is REALLY happening around you right NOW is the key to successful meditation.
4. Begin your day by looking at your true goals in life. Write them down and read then aloud. Take 2 or 3 minutes to understand what achieving this goal will feel like to you.
Then write down ACTION steps you can accomplish today, which will take you one step closer to that goal.
Get used to experiencing NOW. As you get used to this idea, before starting your meditative activity, think about a challenge you want to solve or a new idea you want to create.
Write down what you want to gain perspective on, contemplate it for a moment, then set it aside and start the activity. Follow the steps outlined above.
As you notice your experience of RIGHT NOW, the answer to solve challenges or new inspiration will surface, seemingly out of nowhere.
The quiet, relaxed mind, focusing on right NOW inspires you to new heights in creative thinking.
New heights in creative thinking lead to exceptional ideas coming to the forefront; giving you a distinct competitive edge in both business and life.
Take This ACTION Step
1. Go for a walk. Follow the advice in example 1.
2. Play golf. with focus and purpose instead of apprehension of impending doom. Follow the advice in example 2.
3. Take photographs in a beautiful place. Notice your surroundings. Open your awareness and then bring that back to your daily life in business. Paying attention to every moment, not worrying about a past or future is meditation at it's finest. See article 3 for ideas.
4. Begin your day looking at your true goals and passions in life. What can you do today to move one small step closer to them?
Relaxing, opening your awareness to right NOW and focusing are the core principals of meditation. When that relaxed state of mind focuses on the talent and value you provide to other people amazing new ideas arise.
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