Want to be the best version of you in 2018? This simple exercise helps

According to meditation master davidji, we fool ourselves if we think competing with others makes us achieve more. This meditation helps you to be the best version of you, in the moment.

If you step away from all competitions, you’ll feel better and, ironically, achieve more. Another thing that gets in the way of what you want to do is thinking about all the things you ‘have to’ do. That’s why this meditation has two parts.

Step 1: Place yourself in the present moment

First, you can repeat the affirmative mantra, silently or out loud. davidji’s favourite one comes from the Bhagavad Gita. It’s called ‘Yogastha Kuru Karmani’. There are several translations, but according to davidji it means: ‘Place yourself in the present moment.’

It’s the good advice that Krishna gives the warrior Arjuna about the question: how should I act? You can repeat the mantra for half a minute or five minutes, whatever is possible at the time. It’s advisable to repeat regularly, though.

Step 2: What would the best version of me do?

For step two, you ask this question, in all openness: what would the best version of me do to achieve? Just let the answers enter your mind instead of actively come up with them – as if they spontaneously whirl into your mind.

Sometimes it takes a while, but with a little exercise, the answer will come quicklier. They can be words, images or feelings. An answer might be: ‘The best version of me is in a flow or enjoys the process.’ Or: ‘The best version of me doesn’t have to act like they’re better than someone else, she’s happy if it’s good enough.’ Or: ‘The best version of me prefers happiness over being right.’ This insight makes you the best version of you – and makes you ready for a good achievement.

Photo: Julian Santa Ana