Uncover Core Values: Mindfulness Exercise for Meaning

How to Uncover Your Core Values Through Mindfulness

Discovering your deepest values isn't about creating meaning - it's about uncovering what already exists within you. This guided practice helps reveal what truly matters in your life.

Why Core Values Matter

Understanding your fundamental values helps you:
- Live with greater purpose
- Make aligned decisions
- Build authentic relationships
- Increase personal resilience

Step-by-Step Values Discovery Meditation

Follow this simple 7-step mindfulness exercise to uncover your core values:

1. Prepare Your Space

• Close your eyes or soften your gaze
• Notice your posture (upright but relaxed)
• Feel points of contact with your chair/floor

2. Focus on Your Breath

• Notice the natural flow of breathing
• Bring calm awareness to each inhale/exhale

3. Visualize Someone You Admire

This could be:
- A family member
- Mentor or friend
- Historical figure
- Fictional character

4. Identify Admirable Qualities

Name 2-3 attributes you admire, such as:
- Kindness
- Courage
- Generosity
- Integrity

5. Connect to Your Values

Recognize these admired traits reflect:
- Qualities you value most
- Your aspirational self

6. Record Your Insights

Write down or mentally note:
- The qualities identified
- Why they resonate with you

7. Reflect on Alignment

Consider how these values show up (or could show up) in your daily life.

Applying Your Values Discovery

This exercise reveals what psychologist and SIYLI CEO Rich Fernandez calls "your personal compass." The values you uncover can guide:

• Career decisions
• Relationships
• Life priorities
• Personal growth

Pro Tip: Revisit this exercise quarterly as values may evolve over time.

Next Steps in Your Values Journey

Once you've identified your core values, the next step is exploring:

• How aligned your actions are with these values
• Ways to better embody them daily
• Creating value-based intentions

Regular values reflection helps transform abstract ideals into lived purpose. What values will guide your next chapter?