Did you know that meditators can learn to enter a feedback loop in their mind to enhance joy, concentration and happiness. Its true and some would say it is a hack to create deeper meditation states. But this understanding and practice you can learn to do this too and last Sunday we discussed this in our meditation group.
In the group meeting, we explored a powerful concept for deepening our meditation practice and improving our daily lives: the joy-unification-happiness feedback loop. This is the idea that a positive mindset can create a “self-fulfilling loop”. We have all experienced that when we are happy, we naturally see the world more optimistically—as a “glass half full”. What you may not know is that this state leads to what’s known as “unification of mind”. Unification is when the different competing agendas in the mind cohere around a single intention and the struggle leaves the mind. And with that unification comes happiness which leads to even more joy.
Now what is even better is this loop creates a positive bias shift in how we perceive our world. Good things seem great, Neutral things seem good, small problems are fine and even big problems seem less big and manageable. It’s like someone shifts the needle in our brain so everything is more rosy.
A waring however: the reverse is also true. A negative mindset can lead to a shift toward the negative. Neutral events can seem bad, and bad events can feel absolutely awful. We might have had more experience of this than the positive loop if we are stuck in depression.
The Feedback Loop
So, how do we create this positive ever increasing loop?
It starts with equanimity, or being calm when things are not going well. This was perfectly illustrated by a member of our group, Nigel, who found a sense of “equanimity” while in the hospital. Despite his pain and the medical procedures, he stayed focused on his meditation and a sense of equanimity, and found enjoyment in being grateful for the hospital staff and even the sound of the rain on the window outside. This appreciation made him feel good and made his experience better. Soon he found himself feeling joyful.
By intentionally practicing equanimity and actively looking for “the little things which are nice,” we can create a sense of joy. Then by focusing on not only the positive aspects of our experience but also the feeling of joy in the body, this builds the positive feedback loop.
Again, this is because joy causes the mind to unify. A concept which we teach in our mentor program, which in turn creates more happiness leads to more joy. Thus – the feedback loop.
Understanding and mastering this feedback look can not only significantly help your meditation but also create a positive mindset through life.
We concluded our session with a meditation to practice which I have recorded and included below: (Click this link)
Enjoy!
