So far in my career, I've taught 1500 students. Just one year left to go in their high school career, I focused our final projects on helping them follow their bliss into a dream career, whether that is the astronomical entrepreneurial path like that of Elon Musk or diving into the intricacies of underwater welding. Students have a genius and it's school's responsibility to help empower it. Or at least that's been my philosophy all along.
To help students find their own path, I also interviewed over 100 leaders in a multitude of respected fields to share how they found their path and tips they would have for my students.
There's one thing in common with those I interviewed: meditation was their secret source of personal empowerment.
Here's a meditation I created that combines the research of the American psychologist Abraham Maslow with the ancient practice of visualizing chakra centers to help manifest your dream career.
Ready? Read on your own below, click the image below to listen for free or download a personal copy by clicking here.
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Begin in a comfortable seated position in a space that is free from distractions, either on a chair or sitting on a meditation pillow with your arms gently resting on your knees, palms resting up to feel lifted or palms down to feel grounding.
Softly close your eyes or gaze gently down the tip of your nose to focus on a pebble or a spot on a wall that will not move.
Begin by slowing down the breath to a smooth four-count: counting on an inhale up to four (1,2,3,4) then exhale counting back down (4,3,2,1).
Do this for a few moments on your own.
When ready, continue to breathe steadily while saying aloud or to yourself the following affirmations at least three times:
#1: I am mastering the skills I need to thrive in my career. Imagine a bright red light glowing at the center of the pelvis glowing brighter with each breath.
#2: All the relationships I need to thrive in my career are with me now or well on their way. Imagine an orange light glowing around the naval glowing brighter with each breath.
#3: I find balance and grow stronger every day through the choices I make. Imagine a yellow light at the solar plexus glowing brighter with each breath.
#4: I challenge myself and see failure as a sign of growth. Imagine a green light at the heart glowing brighter with each breath.
#5: I speak with confidence and continue to mentor others. Imagine a bright blue light at the throat glowing brighter with each breath.
#6: I am open to guidance and use my skills to walk my unique path. Imagine a bright indigo light between the eyes glowing brighter with each breath.
#7: I embrace change, follow my inspiration, and breathe away fear. Imagine a bright violet light above the crown of the head glowing brighter with each breath.
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Continue to breathe steadily with a smooth four-count inhale and exhale and imagine experiencing the following thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Allow whatever comes up to come to your attention and embrace these visualizations with the playfulness of a dream.
-- Imagine sitting down at a table with a cup of coffee or tea. Across from you sits someone whom you admire deeply for their work. What would you ask them? Experience this conversation for a few breaths on your own.
-- Imagine sitting in a room with a large open box in the middle. You have the ability to place in the box all that you need to create the legacy and impact you wish to have in your career. What would you place in this box? These could be real items as well as symbols or metaphors such as the ocean or a bird. Experience this for a few breaths, placing as little or as much as you wish in the box.
-- Imagine walking up a magnificent stage with the roar of the audience's applause. In your hand, you hold an award for your life's work. Experience this moment... Perhaps you may think of who is in the audience, or what you would say, or what your award may be for. Experience this moment for a few breaths on your own.
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Continue to breathe steadily for several minutes to find grounding before you venture off into the next part of your day. Maintaining that steady four-count breath, count each breath. When you get to ten, start back down at one. Whenever a thought distracts your counting, simply come back to focusing only on the breath.
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Gently open your eyes or loosen your gaze and take a couple breaths before moving on to the next part of your day. Send a note of thanks to yourself for taking this time to practice meditation as you continue to grow into the greatest version of yourself.
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Thank you so much for reading and/or listening to this meditation. I know it's helped me greatly and I wish the same for you. If you got something out of this, please consider sharing it with a friend.
(Download Mark's free spirit-based life plan template called Your Life On Purpose by clicking here. No email opt-in required. You can join his personal Sunday newsletter by clicking here.)