Strengthened attention. Improved concentration. Enhanced learning. Reacting less strongly to upsetting situations and quicker recovery. These are just a few of the benefits of practicing meditation. Now, you may be asking, “how can I begin meditation?”
First off, you could locate a reputable meditation center near you. A qualified instructor with a positive reputation can make all the difference. If that’s not possible, you may be able to find an app for your phone that can take the place of an in-person instructor (Myra uses “Calm” every morning & has heard good review for “Headspace”). Once you’ve gained an understanding on how to meditate, you can use these practices in your everyday life to practice on your own:
- Start with your breath and find a quiet place where you’ll be free of any distractions. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Notice your inhales and exhales, don’t try to control them but feel them for about 10 minutes.
- Notice if you begin to think of other things, problems, distractions. Harness your thoughts and bring your mind back to your breathing. Don’t judge yourself if your mind continues to wander; this is normal. Merely refocus on your breath. In, out, in, out, in, out…
- Bring your non-judgmental attention back to your breathing. Send yourself love; remember the positive things in your life; think of your loved ones sending you positive energy; feel the love they have for you.
- Accept that interfering thoughts are normal. The process of meditation is not an instant victory, rather a process. Realize that everyone starts as a novice. With every breath, you’re improving your ability to meditate. You’re becoming aware, and that’s the best place to be.
The Wall Street Journal says this about the immediate effects of meditation: “The compassion studies show effects within seven minutes, although they’re short-lived. The longer you do it, the stronger the benefits. This is why we called the book “Altered Traits.” A trait is a lasting change. Every time you meditate you strengthen the neural circuits that are used during that meditation. At a certain point, this becomes lasting. We think this happens gradually—the more hours you put into it, the stronger the effect is, just like strengthening a muscle.”
You’ll become an expert in no time.
Finally, you may be asking, “what does this have to do with financial planning or investing?” Meditating will help give you a sense of perspective. When your portfolio takes a rapid turn [in either direction], you will not let the change define your mood. You will understand what is truly important and focus on that. You will not let your portfolio change your mood or your true self.
Ahhh! 😊