Training the mind's filter: How meditation boosts creativity and cultivates fulfillment
In the early days of my career as a creative innovator, I was a driven founder who completely underestimated the value of meditation. I saw it as an unproductive way to spend time, as something for hippies, irrelevant to ambitious individuals like myself, passionate about creating unique things. Little did I know how wrong I was and how meditation would become a game-changer.
From Skeptic to Advocate: A Shift in Perspective - Meeting Dandapani and the Power of a Simple Question
Back in 2005, when I was in my early twenties building my first company, I couldn't understand why anyone would meditate. I kept myself going with a mix of adrenaline, exercise, and youthful recklessness.
It wasn't until 2012 when I met former Hindu monk and spiritual teacher Dandapani at an entrepreneurial event that my perspective shifted. Ironically, it took something as simple and mundane as a question about cleaning to spark my interest in this direction. Dandapani asked, "How do you feel when you remember the last time you thoroughly cleaned and decluttered your home?" I realized that I had felt light and energized, even though I should have been exhausted from hours of physical labor. Dandapani, who has since become a good friend, explained that by letting go of unnecessary things, we free up our energy for what truly matters.
Training the Mind as a Filter
Dandapani also shared that our minds are the most powerful tools and filters for perceiving the world. He pointed out how often we try to change external circumstances, hoping to achieve inner peace and satisfaction, when in reality, the most effective way to do so is by working on our inner filter—the mind itself. This filter determines how we perceive and interpret everything that happens in the world, whether it's good or bad. Shakespeare's words come to mind: "Nothing is either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” This explanation resonated deeply with me, sparking my interest in practices that train this inner filter in the desired direction, ultimately enhancing our overall well-being and life experience.
Inspired by Dandapani's words, I began my meditation journey in 2012, facing various challenges and learning experiences over the years.
Magically Effective - The Science Behind Meditation
It's now widely known that numerous studies have shown the undeniable positive effects of meditation on creativity and personal well-being. For those of you who are still a little skeptical, here is a Harvard University study showing that meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and mental stress. At the same time, the official "National Center for Biotechnology Information" found evidence that meditation can enhance creativity and is therefore also crucial for professional success.
Meditation as a Game-Changer for the World's Most Successful Creative Innovators
The overall fact is clear: Meditation leads to greater creativity, enhanced well-being, and more focused decision-making. It's an indispensable tool for those who enjoy creating unique things and making a difference in the world.
Countless successful people from diverse fields like sports, design, music, and entrepreneurship have recognized the importance of meditation. For instance, Apple's founder Steve Jobs not only viewed meditation as a way to relieve stress and promote creativity, but he also attributed his ability to stay focused and innovative to his daily meditation practice. Basketball superstar LeBron James has also openly discussed how meditation helps him maintain focus and perform at his best on the court. One of the most successful rappers of our time, Kendrick Lamar, has even integrated the importance of meditation into his life and music, including four of his songs, such as "untitled 03 | 05.28.2013":
“Meditation is a must, it don't hurt if you try see you thinking too much, plus you too full of yourself worried about your career, you ever think of your health?”
In an interview for GQ Style, Kendrick elaborates on his meditation routine: “I have to have at least 30 minutes to myself,” he says.
These are just a few examples that illustrate the potential of meditation to significantly impact the lives of creative innovators. I could continue the list forever more.
The Transformational Power of Meditation
I hope I was able to show you why it is a "no brainer" both personally and professionally to make meditation a permanent part of your life.
Remember, it's not about achieving perfection, but rather about dedicating time and effort to cultivate a stronger, healthier mind. With consistent practice, you'll be amazed at the positive impact meditation can have on your life, both professionally and personally. To help you on your journey, consider starting with resources like Dandapani's app (link to his website with the app) or the Waking Up app (link to the article with my personal experiences, learnings, and essential tips to get the most out of the Waking Up app).
Maybe you have tried it before and just didn't manage to keep it as a routine. Then, this article of mine might give you some valuable approaches on how you can do it.
If you're interested in trying or revisiting meditation, you might also find my article "Why you struggle to find time for meditation and the best tricks for making it a daily habit" helpful, as well as why “Waking Up” is my personal favorite meditation app after 11 years of meditation and what you should know to get the most out of it.
Please note that I recommend these resources out of genuine conviction, and I receive no compensation or payment for endorsing them.