Meditation for Busy Executives: Making Friends With The Mind

When Elizabeth started her own meditation practice nearly a decade ago, her teacher gave her one valuable piece of advice.

" One thinks, "I can't do it. I can't stop my thoughts." However, thoughts aren't the problem. The way that you look at them is the problem. That's what I've been saying for years. Also, it doesn't matter whether you have a peaceful or active mind. What matters is whose mind is it and how are you looking at it? Someone may have an active mind and some of those activities could have great merit."

It was through this simple piece of advice that Elizabeth began to implement that changed her entire practice and eventually her life. It helped her to relate to co-workers differently, perform better at work, and eventually get a raise and awards for her performance. She found that her marriage thrived, as well as all relationships. Ultimately she found that her thoughts caused her a lot of stress and uncomfortable situations. So at work and at home, she implemented making friends with the mind to her daily practice.

Standing back and watching thoughts rather than reacting or identifying with the thoughts is the first step to relating with the mind and eventually making friends with the mind, which leads one to peace. How one relates to their mind and their thoughts are highly relative to their meditation practice and advancement. Many meditation practices teach that a person that meditates needs to stop or slow down thoughts. The reality is, that isn't possible - especially for a busy person in the working world, with timelines, demands, and obligations to work, family, and friends.

In this session, Elizabeth discusses:

How meditation practices can feel frustrating when one can't get 'there' and how to overcome being judgemental with oneself
Why feeling peaceful and then angry later is a part of the process
The first step in witnessing what happens in the mind and actually realizing how many thoughts one has during the day or even in an hour is a great place to start
How to not identify with the mind and thoughts
How to stand back and witness thoughts
Why judging yourself or being ashamed of yourself and you're meditation progress only adds to problems

All are welcome to join us. If you just started meditating or an advanced practitioner, you are welcome. Even those without a formal practice and are just generally interested in mediation are encouraged to join us.

We'd like this session to be collaborative so all can learn from different approaches and support each other. To that end, Elizabeth encourages all that register to bring questions or challenges that you'd like to share with the group.

This session is for all people of all denominations - regardless of religion or beliefs. It is specifically tailored to one that has a full, active life with demands.