Read the beginning of Chapter 5 (audiobook chapter 9) on The Exchange Principle (7 mins)
The Exchange Principle
One of the best ways to solidify your commitment to your practice is to make a meaningful exchange—that is, give away something you value in exchange for everything you want to receive from your practice. This is often the missing ingredient when learning to meditate from a book or an app.
The beauty of an exchange
Making an exchange will make you more enthusiastic about your practice, it will increase the personal value of your practice, you will be less likely to skip your meditations, and the energy behind your commitment will yield an overflow of benefits.
Ideas for your exchange
Volunteer your time at a non-profit
Make a significant financial donation to a cause
Help someone in a meaningful way
Perform a valuable service for someone in need
Give away something of value (to you)
Today's Challenge:
Before starting your day, meditate as previously instructed for 20 minutes and see if any ideas come through regarding a meaningful exchange you could make. You don't have to make your exchange today, BUT you should begin setting your exchange in motion (example: jotting down initial ideas, signing up to volunteer at a shelter for six months, or signing up to coach little league baseball for a season). The exchange can last over several days, weeks, or months, or it can be a one-time donation or gift. There are needs everywhere. Your opportunity is to find them. No need to mention that it's for your meditation. That's just between you and you.
Assessment
Try not to look at the exchange as a hassle or punishment. Rather, it's a wonderful opportunity to help someone or a group of people in a meaningful way, while creating the necessary conditions for the reciprocity you desire in your meditation practice. The exchange is a part of the process, and remember, "D" stands for "doubting the process," which is what makes meditation unnecessarily H.A.R.D. So I hope you have fun with your exchange. By the way, no need to ask me if your exchange is enough. If you have to ask, it's not enough. When it's enough, you won't need to ask.
Accountability Exercise
Post an image and your initial thoughts regarding some aspect of your exchange or the idea that you're thinking of an exchange and maybe ask for suggestions. Commit to it publicly, and take an extra minute to "like" some of the other posts under the #blissmorechallenge hashtag and "like" or encourage a few others. Make sure to tag #blissmore and #blissmorechallenge so we can find you.
Sample accountability post
Day ten of my 21-day Bliss More meditation challenge involved making an exchange in the form of giving back or volunteering in a meaningful way. I chose to sponsor 5 children for a year through Children International. It's an incredible organization that funds school and living expenses for children in developing countries. See more at children.org #blissmore #blissmorechallenge
Wanna get a head start on tomorrow's reading?
Finish reading the section in Chapter 5 about Asking The Right Questions (5 mins)
(Follow #blissmore to see everyone’s progress)