The Six Phase Meditation Method: Transforming Your Life Through Daily Practice

Meditation is often seen as a passive practice, but Vishen Lakhiani, founder of Mindvalley and author of "The Six Phase Meditation Method," believes it can be an active tool for personal growth and transformation. In a recent interview, Lakhiani shared insights into his innovative approach to meditation and how it can positively impact various aspects of life.

The Origins of the Six Phase Meditation Method

Lakhiani's journey with meditation began at a young age when he discovered the Silva Method, a technique that promised to harness the power of the mind to heal the body. After years of practice and study, he developed his own method, which he calls the Six Phase Meditation.

This method is designed to be a daily practice, much like a "coffee maker for the mind," that puts you in a peak state for work, happiness, and human connection. Unlike passive meditation techniques that focus solely on breath or mindfulness, the Six Phase Method is an active approach that tackles complex life problems while also cultivating a sense of peace and well-being.

The Six Phases Explained

Phase 1: Compassion

The first phase focuses on developing compassion, not just for others but also for oneself. Lakhiani emphasizes that compassion is not something you do for other people; it's something you do for yourself that changes the way you function and show up in the world.

Research has shown that practicing compassion can change your heart resonance, a biomarker of health. By starting with compassion, you train your love for others, which helps prevent narcissistic tendencies that might arise from self-focused practices.

Phase 2: Gratitude

The second phase involves expressing gratitude, not just for external things but also for what you love about yourself. This practice helps counteract the tendency of the world to point out our flaws and encourages self-love in a healthy, balanced way.

Phase 3: Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. In this phase, practitioners learn to forgive themselves for past mistakes and heal from guilt and shame. Lakhiani cites research showing that forgiveness can improve various aspects of health, from reducing back pain to increasing heart health and improving sleep quality.

Phase 4: Vision for the Future

This phase involves creating a vision for your future, focusing on the "what" and the "why" rather than getting bogged down in the "how," "when," or "who." Lakhiani suggests that this approach allows for more flexibility and openness to opportunities that the universe might present.

Phase 5: Commanding Your Perfect Day

In this phase, practitioners visualize and set intentions for their ideal day. This practice helps align daily actions with long-term goals and visions.

Phase 6: Blessing

The final phase involves connecting with a higher power or universal energy, fostering a sense of support and guidance in one's life.

The Impact of Regular Practice

Lakhiani emphasizes that the true measure of a successful meditation practice is not how it feels during the session, but how it manifests in daily life. He suggests asking yourself questions at the end of each day that correspond to the six phases:

1. Who did I help today? (Compassion)
2. What made me truly come alive today? (Gratitude)
3. What have I come to learn? (Forgiveness)
4. What new vision or desire emerged today? (Vision)
5. What was my favorite part of today? (Commanding Your Day)
6. Did I feel connected to a higher power today? (Blessing)

Beyond Meditation: Aligning Life with Purpose

Lakhiani's approach extends beyond meditation into overall life philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career and life choices with personal growth and quality of life, rather than societal expectations or immature wants.

He shares his own experience of leaving a successful tech startup to pursue his passion for personal growth and education, which led to the creation of Mindvalley and ultimately brought him more fulfillment and success than he had initially imagined.

The Difference Between Mature and Immature Wanting

Lakhiani introduces the concept of "mature" versus "immature" wanting, borrowed from spiritual teacher Michael Beckwith. Immature wanting is based on superficial or societal-driven desires, while mature wanting is rooted in a deeper understanding of what truly brings fulfillment and aligns with one's soul purpose.

He encourages people to focus on the quality of life they want to lead, rather than getting fixated on specific job titles or career paths. By clarifying values, desired lifestyle, and personal growth goals, Lakhiani suggests that the ideal career or path will naturally follow.

The Power of Lifebook

Lakhiani discusses the Lifebook protocol, a goal-setting system that looks at life from 12 different perspectives or "buckets." This comprehensive approach helps individuals create a more holistic vision for their lives, encompassing areas often overlooked in traditional goal-setting, such as emotional life and character development.

He shares how using Lifebook led him to unexpected opportunities and the fulfillment of goals he had set, even in ways he hadn't anticipated. This underscores the importance of being clear about the life you want to lead, rather than just the specific achievements you want to accomplish.

Overcoming Societal Pressures and Finding True Purpose

Lakhiani cautions against blindly following societal norms or expectations when it comes to career choices. He uses the example of the legal profession in the United States, where a high percentage of lawyers suffer from clinical depression despite the profession's perceived prestige and financial rewards.

Instead, he advocates for pursuing paths that bring joy and fulfillment, even if they don't initially seem financially viable. He argues that true success often comes from turning passions into careers, rather than choosing careers based solely on financial prospects or social status.

The Importance of Continuous Growth and Adaptation

Throughout the interview, Lakhiani emphasizes the importance of continuous personal growth and the willingness to adapt and evolve. He shares his own journey from being a tech entrepreneur to becoming a leader in the personal growth industry, illustrating how following one's passion and being open to new opportunities can lead to unexpected success.

Practical Application and Resources

For those interested in exploring the Six Phase Meditation Method, Lakhiani's book provides a detailed guide to practicing each phase. He also offers additional resources through Mindvalley, including a meditation app with 500 meditations, hypnotherapies, and ambient sounds from various teachers.

Conclusion

Vishen Lakhiani's Six Phase Meditation Method offers a structured, active approach to meditation that aims to transform various aspects of life. By incorporating compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, vision, daily intention-setting, and spiritual connection, this method provides a comprehensive framework for personal growth and fulfillment.

Ultimately, Lakhiani's approach encourages individuals to look beyond societal expectations and immature wants, focusing instead on creating a life aligned with their true passions and values. Through regular practice and a commitment to personal growth, he believes that anyone can transform their life and achieve a state of bliss and success that goes beyond conventional definitions.

Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, the Six Phase Method offers a fresh perspective on how to use this ancient practice as a tool for modern life transformation. By integrating these principles into daily life, individuals can work towards creating a more fulfilling, purposeful, and joyful existence.

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