What makes a successful business person? Not allowing setbacks to get them down for long, self-awareness and knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses. Teamed with the ability to focus, and controlling emotions, these are some top attributes to have when navigating your way through the business world. If you are looking to find your way to these attributes in order to enhance your chances of realising your business goals, then the path of meditation can help lead you there.

FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHAT IS MEDITATION?

According to The Chopra Center, meditation is ‘the cultivation of mindful awareness and expanded consciousness.’ On his YouTube channel, Dr Deepak Chopra, one of the best-known and wealthiest members of the alternative-medicine movement, further explains that meditation ‘takes you to the source of thought, which is pure awareness of the unconditioned mind… It’s the feel of creativity…’

OM … ’SCUSE ME?

Basically, meditation is the practice of focusing on the present and turning away from distractions. The act of sitting quietly, focusing on your breathing by yourself or with the help of a guide doesn’t just assist you in the present moment but can have far-reaching benefits too. With your mind being your greatest tool in life – it needs to be in tip-top shape in order to navigate the business world successfully. So, gaining control of this asset has huge rewards.One aspect of gaining control of your thoughts is decision-making. Being decisive is a key attribute in success.

BENEFICIALLY SPEAKING

You can improve how you discuss ideas and topics at your job and exude an overall mood of calm – no one wants the person who freaks out all the time and can’t present an idea coherently on their team. According to a study published in Consciousness and Cognition, meditation can help improve overall mood as well as verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills. The study found that participants who meditated exhibited higher measures of mood, and better verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Not only that, the ‘meditators’ displayed an improved ability to hold and control information in their minds.

WANT TO START WITH AN EXPERT?

Take a look at these meditation classes in SA:

• Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre. Joburg.

If you’d like to start meditation with a seasoned professional, book a guided meditation class. At the Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre, the meditation classes consist of talks and guided meditations suitable for everyone. The first class is free, and it’s R60 per class thereafter. Visit meditation.org.za for more info.

• Tushita Buddhist Centre. Cape Town.

For Capetonians who what to know what a meditation practice is like, visit the Tushita Centre for an introductory Buddhist meditation class. The class offers

participants the opportunity to learn how to use meditation to solve daily problems and ask questions about the practice. Visit meditateincapetown.org for more info.

• Kadampa Meditation Centre. Durban.

Kadampa, a non-profit dedicated to helping everyone enjoy the benefits of inner peace in daily life, hosts weekly meditation classes around Durban. If you’re looking to dive straight into meditation, the centre also hosts retreats. Visit meditateindurban.org for more info.

WHO COULDN’T USE THOSE SKILLS IN THE OFFICE?

Top entrepreneurs and many of the worlds uber-successful have credited meditation with helping them achieve their goals.

Kobe Bryant, one of the world’s top basketball players, meditates every day. He told LinkedIn, ‘I think it’s important because it sets me up for the rest of the day. It’s like having an anchor. If I don’t do it, it feels like I’m constantly chasing the day, as opposed to me controlling and dictating the day.’

One of the most famous entrepreneurs the world has ever seen, Steve Jobs, reportedly used meditation to reduce his stress, gain clarity, and enhance his creativity too.

ON YOUR MARKS, GET READY, BREATH!

The mind is a busy place – it’s always thinking about the past and the future, and with it can come stress and anxiety. Focusing on breathing and the present moment can go a long way in calming the mind and cultivating attributes that will help you in business. From your space of Zen, your best self can come to the fore and achieve business success.

Words: Paula Rabeling