Principles are ways of successfully dealing with reality to get what you want out of life.
Ray Dalio, one of the world’s most successful investors and entrepreneurs, cites principles as his key to success.
In 1975, Ray Dalio founded Bridgewater Associates, out of his two-bedroom apartment in New York City. Over forty years later, Bridgewater has grown into the largest hedge fund in the world and the fifth most important private company in the United States (according to Fortune magazine), and Dalio himself has been named to TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Along the way Dalio discovered unique principles that have led to his and Bridgewater’s unique success. It is these principles, and not anything special about Dalio, that he believes are the reason behind whatever success he has had. He is now at a stage in his life that he wants to pass these principles along to others for them to judge for themselves and to do whatever they want with them.
Life Principle
Meditate.
I practice Transcendental Meditation and believe that it has enhanced my open-mindedness, higher-level perspective, equanimity, and creativity. It helps slow things down so that I can act calmly even in the face of chaos, just like a ninja in a street fight. I'm not saying that you have to meditate in order to develop this perspective; I'm just passing along that it has helped me and many other people and I recommend that you seriously consider exploring it.
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Are there any tools you use in your meditation practice?
I recommend reading Strength In Stillness by Bob Roth and Superminds by Dr. Norman Rosenthal. I also recommend an app called Headspace.
Can you recommend any sources to help us to meditate correctly and effectively?
I suggest two books – Strength in Stillness by Bob Roth, and Transcendence by Norman Rosenthal. After you read them you will find the motivation and the path you need.
How many times a day should I meditate?
One Ideally meditates for 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the late afternoon every day. However, I’m not that regular. I’d say that on 1/3 of the days I do that, on 1/3rd I meditate just once and on 1/3rd I miss my meditations. However, because I have meditated since 1969 (I.e., for 50 years) I get into it pretty quickly so I get a lot out of it.
What suggestions do you have for beginner meditators as I can't still my mind for more than a fewe minutes.
Do it regularly. The rest will take care of itself.
When is the best time to meditate and how often?
Before breakfast and before dinner for 20 minutes each time.
Where’s the best place to start/learn meditation for someone with no experience?
I recommend that you read Bob Roth’s book “Strength in Stillness” or Norman Rosenthal’s book “Supermind” to learn more about TM and, if you want to get taught, contact Bob Roth at the David Lynch Foundation.
What do you suggest to help meditate correctly and effectively?
I suggest two books – Strength in Stillness by Bob Roth, and Transcendence by Norman Rosenthal. After you read them you will find the motivation and the path you need.
Do you still experience stress and fear?
Mostly I experience an intensity of focus and a bit of excitement at the challenges, though sometimes I experience bits of stress which are relieved by meditations.
I find that TM is very valuable, but it is not cheap. Is the expense worth it?
Regarding the cost of TM, I thought it was expensive until I looked into the time and cost it takes to have trainers and then I got it. My understanding is that they will cut or eliminate the costs for those who have financial need. While I think that’s the best way to get taught and to have on-going guidance, there are other meditation services that people tell me that are getting good value out of so I’d go for those rather than nothing. Having said that, if you think about how many hours you’re going to spend meditating (I.e., a lot) and you dive the cost by that, it’s not so expensive that you shouldn’t do it the best way possible.
Meditation has been life changing for me. What are the greatest benefits for you?
Equanimity, creativity and spirituality.
What do you think about while meditating?
There are no thoughts. I go into a quiet void that is literally my subconscious.
Life Principle
Any person or organization can adopt Principles to better achieve their goals.
Learn what Principles are and how they are applied at Principles.com
