We have a great community in the west of Ireland of meditation stations, yoga rooms and relaxation therapy centres, all which can add to the essential tools needed when it comes to running a successful business. In the same way that we exercise and watch our nutrition to keep in good shape you’ll find that meditation is a key factor in running a healthy company.
This is especially true in the current economical climate which can be poor performing, competitive in a dog eat dog manner and stressful. The main focus for many business owners in this present moment is how to pay the rent, balance the books, increase footfall and bring their business to a point of strength in a recession. Most business meetings are filled with conversations that create panic and stress.
This thought pattern doesn’t allow us to tap into the same source of energy and thinking that allowed us to put a spark into the business to begin with. Meditation is a fantastic way to balance your business mind. It’s an activity, or for some an inactivity that helps us to develop the capability to listen, observe and to think creatively. Ten minutes a day before we start work or indeed when we finish our work is all it takes to clear the mind and relax every muscle in the body.
When we unwind the body and mind we can see situations from different angles. We create possibilities that go unseen under the spotlight of our everyday business routine. When meditation is continually practiced you will notice a release of tension which will put you at ease with the daily struggles that maybe stressing you. The results are not always apparent after one day. With time it can become more noticeable to you and to others that you are less anxious and have more enthusiasm and energy. When repeated this creates a more effective and satisfactory environment for people to connect and do business. It produces better work interaction with others.
To meditate find a quite place to sit. Switch off all devices such as mobiles, televisions, radios and computers. Make yourself comfortable and relax into the chair. Close your eyes. The idea is to clear the mind and relax the body. A simple way to do this is to concentrate on your breathing. Count to four as you breathe in through your nose. Hold for two and control count to four again as you exhale. Hold for two with an empty diaphragm and repeat over for five to ten minutes. Many people use positive affirmations and visualization during meditation to guide them through the process.
There are many secondary gains that we receive from meditation. We learn breathing techniques that help improve overall health. It helps us to keep things in perspective. It helps to build self-confidence and resolve inner conflict. It has no negative consequences. It can be done anywhere once you master the basics. Once you know what you are doing it’s free. If you are unsure where to start go to the classifieds section of this newspaper and you will definitely find something that will suit you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results that mediation will bring to you and your business. If meditation isn’t on your to do list be sure to write it down as job number one. It will make all the other jobs on your list easier. Don’t give up before you start. Give it a go.
