May is National Meditation Month, and it is an excellent time to explore the art of meditation, which is a powerful tool for managing financial anxiety by increasing focus and achieving a greater sense of peace and well-being.
Benefits
Meditation is a practice that involves training the mind to focus and quiet the constant chatter that goes on in our heads. This can be done by focusing on the breath, a sound, or a visual image. Meditation is a way to cultivate mindfulness, which is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. Mindfulness has been found to be effective in promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being.
Meditation has been around for thousands of years, and research has shown that it can have a number of positive effects on the brain, such as reducing activity in the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions such as fear and anxiety, and increasing gray matter in the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, attention, and impulse control.
How to Meditate
Starting a meditation practice can seem intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. For classic meditation, set aside time when you can meditate without interruptions, choose a quiet space where you can sit comfortably without distractions, and focus on your breath by taking deep breaths in and out, and noticing the sensation of the air moving in and out of your body. When your thoughts start to drift, just notice when your thoughts start to drift, and gently bring your focus back to your breath. You don’t need to meditate for hours on end to experience the benefits of meditation. Start with just a few minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend meditating.
Alternative Meditation Styles
There are alternative styles that can appeal to those who prefer more freedom and creativity in the meditation process. Walking meditation is a type of meditation where you walk slowly and mindfully while focusing on your breath and the sensation of your feet touching the ground. It can be a great way to cultivate mindfulness while also getting some gentle exercise. Yoga combines movement with breath and can be a great way to cultivate mindfulness while also improving flexibility, strength, and balance. There are many different styles of yoga, so you can choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
Other types of meditation that don’t involve sitting still include qigong, tai chi, and even running or swimming. The key is to find an activity that allows you to focus your attention on your breath or a specific sensation, and to approach it with a mindful attitude. The beauty of these types of meditation is that they can be done anywhere, and don’t require any special equipment or clothing. You can do walking meditation in a park, yoga in your living room, or qigong in your backyard. By incorporating movement into your meditation practice, you can experience the benefits of mindfulness while also getting some physical activity.
Everyday activities can also be a form of meditation if you approach them with the right mindset. By focusing your attention on the task at hand and being fully present in the moment, you can turn mundane chores like washing dishes or folding laundry into a mindfulness practice. Writing can be a form of meditation because it allows you to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings and process them in a mindful way. Whether you’re journaling, writing a story, or composing a poem, try to approach the process with a sense of openness and non-judgment. Trying new things can be a form of meditation because it forces you to step out of your comfort zone and be fully present in the moment.
How Can Meditation Help You with Your Finances?
The answer is simple: by reducing stress and increasing focus, meditation can help you make better financial decisions.
Financial stress can be a major source of anxiety and can lead to impulsive decisions or avoidance behaviors that can make the situation worse. By cultivating mindfulness through meditation, you can become more aware of your thoughts and emotions around money and make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions.
Additionally, meditation can help you cultivate a sense of abundance and gratitude, which can shift your mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance. This can help you feel more empowered and confident in your financial decisions, which can ultimately lead to greater financial well-being.
So, whether you prefer a traditional sitting meditation practice, a movement-based meditation, or incorporating mindfulness into your everyday activities, there are many ways to start incorporating meditation into your life. National Meditation Month is the perfect time to start exploring the art of meditation and experiencing the benefits it can bring to your life, including your financial well-being.
Bottom Line
Meditation is a powerful tool for managing stress related to finances, increasing focus, and achieving a greater sense of peace and well-being. Whether you choose a traditional sitting meditation practice or a more movement-based approach, the key is to approach the practice with a mindful attitude and a willingness to explore new ways of being. By incorporating meditation into your life, you can experience the many benefits that come with a regular meditation practice and improve your financial well-being in the process.
Did you know about the alternative styles of meditation mentioned above? Please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form, Twitter or Facebook. At LexION Capital, our priority is to make our clients’ financial goals a reality by providing hands-on wealth management solutions, backed up by science-based insights into the financial industry. We help you maintain well-diversified investment plans. Should you need help in the aspect of financial growth, please visit my company’s website, LexION Capital.
Elle Kaplan is the founder and CEO of LexION Capital, a fiduciary wealth management firm in New York City serving everyone who feels left out by traditional “Wall Street”, including women and the families they love.
