Breaking The Habit Of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One

Dispenza begins by explaining the purpose of meditation: To shift attention away from external distractions like the environment, the body, and time. This inward focus allows the individual to change their internal state independently of external circumstances. Dispenza likens meditation to mastering any new skill—breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks that can be practiced repeatedly until they become second nature.

Dispenza introduces a four-week program to teach meditation techniques gradually. In the first week, participants focus on the induction phase, designed to quiet the mind and prepare for meditation. Each subsequent week adds new steps, such as recognizing old patterns, surrendering to change, and rehearsing a new reality. The process builds progressively, with each step rooted in the foundational knowledge provided earlier in the book.

Dispenza advises finding a dedicated, distraction-free environment for meditation, one that promotes focus and detachment from the external world. The chosen space should be private, free from interruptions, and associated with growth and renewal rather than routine habits like sleep. He recommends sitting upright in a comfortable position, wearing loose clothing, and addressing physical needs beforehand to avoid disruptions.

The chapter also addresses common challenges, such as the mind’s tendency to wander or the body’s resistance to stillness.