There are tons of books, articles, and vlogs about the habits of the top 1% and the uber-rich. When it comes to material wealth, the masses tend to seek out information in hopes of applying findings on their own journey for similar results. There tends to be less value placed on discovering inner-wealth and how to build and maintain it. What many will find is that those who are not only materially wealthy but happily enjoying that material wealth are those who seek out the daily practices of those who are wealthy on the inside.
Meditation. It is vital to understand that meditation is not the absence of thought, but the ability to focus on a thought long enough for it to become materialized. The materialization of that thought can be tangible or intangible. It’s about the thought becoming a reality to the person. With that being said, meditation is a practice we all partake in, at all times throughout the day. It isn’t necessarily exercised on a mat with legs crossed and eyes closed. Mediation is accomplished while washing dishes, riding a NYC subway train, and even at one’s office desk. The core of meditation is to think and to think is to say to one’s self. So, when you consider meditation, you must consider what you are saying to yourself on a daily basis. That is mediation.
It’s a process of consideration over an extended period of time resulting in the formation of the thought of focus. A major key in meditation is discovering truth and focusing on that. As mentioned on LifeClub, in other Quick Reads, and in dozens of conversations: one can believe a lie to be truth. Too often, people focus on what isn’t true and take it for their reality. Discovering the truth is vital to meditation and experiencing a wholesome life.
Core Values & Beliefs. Meditation leads to what one ultimately believes and values. The reason you believe what you believe and value what you value is based on prolonged exposure to a thing. Exposure is a form of meditation. What is seen on a daily basis has the ability to tell a story. The more exposure to a certain lifestyle, the greater that story becomes, so much so that one can adopt this story as a belief (or truth) and extract values from it.
Our beliefs and values act as compasses, leading and guiding us to what we deem important, special, and worthy of our attention and resources. When it comes to inner-wealth, values and beliefs are rooted in assets far greater than what the human eye can see. These assets include love, peace, joy, integrity, and noble character. Without these line items, the materially wealthy tend to struggle with dissatisfaction with gains and find themselves on an unending quest of fulfillment. On the other hand, possessing these inner wealth assets has the ability to bring fulfillment with or without physical riches. You may even find that the top 1% are actually seeking these nonphysical assets in obtaining material possessions.
Recognizing Resources as Tools. The Inner-wealthy see material wealth as a tool for the greater good. They don’t personalize what they have as their identity but are cognizant of the fact that who they are is beyond possessions. There is a level of rest when it comes to seeing money and other finite resources as a means of exchange versus a reflection of the inner-being. Too often, people lose themselves seeking to find themselves in gaining the world; this is the result of an impoverished meditation, limiting core beliefs, and superficial core values. The Inner-wealthy are able to separate personal value from the value of an object, status, or position.
External riches without inner-wealth tends to be a very empty life; and if left unchecked the billionaire can feel as if they have nothing at all. As you journey throughout life, continue to seek and develop the-you-inside-of-you and the externals gains will follow.
LifeWork
Begin to take inventory of your meditation by looking at the the top three thought patterns you experience on a regular basis. (Simple examples of mindset or thought patterns include optimism or pessimism.)
Consider any prolonged exposure to a certain story and the beliefs and values that may have resulted from that exposure.
Discover where your personal value is derived and whether or not it is found in material possessions.
Be sure to journal your experience.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.