Sunday Reflections

Meditation is often associated with Buddhism. Indeed, my own introduction to the practice was in a Thai monastery in the forests of Thailand one summer in the last decade. Historically, however, meditation was practiced in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Taoism and even in the Bahá'í faith. Today, it is practiced by CEOs, TV personalities, New Age spiritual movements, lifestyle gurus and just about any one who finds interest in this practice.

Meditation? What's all this mumbo-jumbo?

Meditation is a practice of reviewing one's own mind in a objective, third-party perspective. It allows us to detach from the negative emotions arising from day-to-day stress and bring balance to our lives. This was the favorite past-time of Steve Jobs and other business leaders (see https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/18/leaders-meditation_n_3916003.html)

I am too busy for all this.

Meditation doesn't take up much time. In fact, it saves you time, by organizing your mind into a calm, collected being just before that big presentation, or that make-or-break exam. It can be done in 5 minutes, or 50.

So where do I start?

Three simple steps:

1. Find a quiet spot away from your usual daily routine. This does not have to be a cabin in the woods, just a spot in your bedroom will do. Do not sit on the bed (this encourages dozing off!), try the floor instead.

2. Sit down, back straight, take three deep breaths. Let your thoughts flow. Do not focus on any particular thought.

3. Slowly, imagine yourself as someone else observing your own thoughts and life. What would that person (who isn't you), think of your reactions and viewpoints to things in life? What are your strengths? Are there any thinking habits that are unnecessary, or hurting yourself?

Repeat daily, two times a day - once just right after you wake up, once before you go to sleep. Feel free to share experiences.

Happy Sunday!