| Everybody has wants. We want that iced green | | | | out the initial wave of "I must have that NOW." |
| tea soy latte from Starbucks in the morning, or | | | | That way, you can gain perspective and decide if |
| that slice of strawberry cheesecake for dessert. | | | | that's something you truly want in the grand |
| We want to get that new book, see that new | | | | scheme of things. |
| movie, buy that new Blu-ray player, or go to | | | | One of the benefits of your Zen Stick meditation |
| Cancun for a vacation. | | | | tool is that it's portable, so you can engage in |
| For some people, though, those wants get out of | | | | meditation techniques wherever you are. When |
| control. There's a reason that Americans are | | | | your wants first rise, take a quick moment to |
| collectively $17.3 billion in debt. Unable to maintain a | | | | toss your Zen Stick and achieve instant focus. It |
| balance between immediate wants and long-term | | | | will make it easier for you to think outside of |
| goals, people get caught in a vicious financial cycle. | | | | your "wanting mind," as Buddhism calls it. |
| And though they seek outside for answers - | | | | Whenever you find yourself agonizing over wants |
| from yet another financial adviser or debt | | | | that seem incredibly important, use your Zen |
| consolidation firm - they're missing the one place | | | | Stick to regain your balance and perspective. |
| where they could get those answers: from inside | | | | Think of sources of joy in your life and appreciate |
| themselves. | | | | what you already have. |
| The link between meditation and finances | | | | Strengthen your meditation habit |
| It's no real secret that your state of mind affects | | | | Find a time every day that you can have 10 or |
| the entire rhythm of your life. Why is it any | | | | 20 uninterrupted minutes for your chosen |
| surprise that it affects the financial part of your | | | | meditation techniques. It may be difficult at first, |
| life as well? | | | | but a sticking to a strict daily schedule can help |
| If you studiously avoid looking inward, you could | | | | make it a habit and make it easier to reach a |
| be ignoring the true root of your financial | | | | meditative state. |
| problems. Regular meditation with your Zen Stick | | | | You also need to create a place of peace where |
| meditation tool can help you find balance and bring | | | | you can truly tune in to your inner self. Let go of |
| both your immediate wants and long-term goals | | | | the thousands of other voices and ideas in your |
| into perspective. By finding the heart of your | | | | mind and really relax. That will make it much |
| behavior, rather than seeking outside ways to | | | | easier for you to achieve the focus and peace of |
| treat the symptoms of it, you'll become better at | | | | mind needed for the most beneficial meditation. |
| managing your money and your life. | | | | First, know thyself |
| On-the-go meditation | | | | Don't be a slave to your behaviors, following them |
| Every decision we make has some wanting | | | | unthinkingly. Healthy finances come from a healthy |
| aspect to it. The question is whether it's | | | | life. Use daily meditation to get to the heart of |
| something you're able to ride out. No matter how | | | | the problem and start solving your financial issues |
| many times you give in to those wants, you'll | | | | from the inside out. |
| never be satisfied. Meditation can help you ride | | | | |