Now, Be Here

I've discovered that observing an individual who is genuinely present in a business meeting can be a remarkable experience. In such group settings, one must navigate various factors, including hierarchy, competition, and group dynamics, to effectively engage with others.

Someone who is truly present in the "Now" can foster a sense of community, even in casual discussions. This individual will enhance understanding and utilize it as a tool to achieve consensus among people sharing a common vision.

The capacity to be fully engaged in daily interactions can help cultivate mutual understanding, creating a harmonious atmosphere within families or in the broader Social Network. In social networking contexts, being present can enhance cross-cultural communication, resolve seemingly insurmountable problems, encourage others to express their thoughts and feelings, and build trust.

There’s no intellectual or logical pathway to enter this state. You simply declare, "I will have no regrets about the past or expectations for the future." You must nurture this intention without attachment while remaining committed to your practice of wisdom.

At its core, your business acumen is merely a blend of mindful and mindless meditation. In this state, you continuously engage in necessary actions throughout your daily life (i.e., chopping wood and carrying water). This process is endless and deeply satisfying at every level. As you engage in life, it transforms into a series of peak experiences. Clarity, focus, contentment, and happiness become the norm in all aspects of your business, benefiting peers, associates, employees, and customers alike.

The Fundamentals of Meditation

As a business leader and spiritual mentor, I've found that meditation can manifest on various levels. Shunryu Suzuki, in his book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, states, "The best way, and the highest stage of meditation is to simply do it without seeking any joy in the process, not even spiritual joy."

To meditate, sit upright on a cushion or stool and focus on your breath and mindfulness. If sitting isn't comfortable, try standing or walking slowly, all while observing your breath or contemplating kōans. The highest level of awareness involves forgetting physical sensations, mental judgments, or even your own identity — meditate without objectives, expectations, or intentions — just sit.

At the next level, you may seek physical pleasure and emotional fulfillment from your practice. Often, the mind is driven by the desire to avoid discomfort or seek pleasure; thus, if meditation brings enjoyment, you're more likely to continue practicing. If meditation alleviates emotional stress and inner conflict, you're likely to return to it again and again.

The level below that focuses solely on meditation as a source of physical enjoyment. Here, the mind is driven by the avoidance of discomfort and the pursuit of pleasure. Even if one does not find mental calmness or emotional peace, physical pleasure from meditation can encourage ongoing practice.

The least desirable form of meditation is motivated by fear, regret, guilt, shame, expectations, or envy. In this mindset, one may feel compelled to outshine others or achieve better results than before. There is a misconception that meditation will enhance your spirituality. However, any form of meditation, even if self-serving, is valuable, as it will eventually lead to wisdom along the Path.

The Key Takeaway

Meditation is a gradual, step-by-step journey that can begin with just a moment of practice each day. Regardless of the form your meditation takes, you will soon encounter what is known as Monkey Mind.

This narrative is an excerpt from my course "How to Become Really Wealthy."

©Lewis Harrison, all rights reserved.

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Before you go…

I am Lewis Harrison, a successful entrepreneur and advisor to philanthropists. I have authored over twenty books on business, leadership, personal growth, and strategic thinking. I offer programs, courses, and coaching, along with seminars and talks on personal development and life strategies. Connect with me at askLewis.com.

Here are links to three of my best-selling spiritually-oriented business books:

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