We all understand the importance of exercising our body for relaxation and health. But how do we exercise, relax, and train the mind? Facing an ever-increasing overload of information through emails, voicemails, and more, our scarcest resource becomes our attention. So how do we keep our mind calm so we can direct our attention with clear intention?
Modern scientific research and most of the world’s wisdom traditions show that regular relaxation, self-awareness, and meditation practice improves concentration, mental clarity, work performance, general functioning, and well-being. Among the scientifically documented benefits of a regular meditation practice are:
- Improved scores on IQ tests
- Increased self-esteem
- Better physical health
- Better mental health
- Greater psychological well-being
- Greater sense of centeredness and inner peace
- Improved mindful presence
- Improved self-awareness
- Increased emotional intelligence
- Increased productivity and effectiveness
Simply play the below video (or download the mp3), find a comfortable and quiet spot, and follow along in a guided relaxation and awareness meditation. Download and practice for free!
If you dedicate just six hours to doing this practice (twice a day, five days a week for a total of six minutes a day over the next three months — 3x2x5x12=360 minutes or 6 hours), and you don’t notice a marked improvement in your work performance, simply send me an email and I will send you a check for $1,000, no questions asked. (The only requirement is that you are a CEO of a company with at least one outside director and ten full-time employees.)
Click here to download the mp3 now.
For more details on how to use this and other exercises to inspire yourself and those around you, please see my book, Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired.
(1) See Shapiro, S., Schwartz, G., & Santerre, C. (2005). Meditation and positive psychology. In Snyder, C. & Lopez, S. (Eds.), Handbook of Positive Psychology (pp. 632-645). New York: Oxford University Press.