The Blubber

In a world shaped by rapid shifts in government, technology, climate, and more, hedge fund manager Ray Dalio emphasizes the importance of staying calm and connected.

Through uncertainty and upheaval, Dalio credits one daily habit with helping him cut through the noise and thrive through change: meditation. He told CNBC in 2021 that he began meditating in 1969—well before founding Bridgewater Associates.

“Whatever success I’ve had in life has been more due to my meditating than anything else,” the billionaire recently told CNBC.

Dalio isn’t alone in praising the practice. Entrepreneurs, athletes, and performers from Oprah Winfrey to LeBron James have touted meditation’s benefits. Former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who led the team to a national championship in 2023—their first since the 1990s—described meditation as a mental “tune-up” that helps him prepare for success.

“I can react from a higher perspective instead of reacting out of just straight impulse,” McCarthy said during an interview mid-season.

Meditation is widely recognized as a tool for reducing stress and staying grounded in the present. It's also a proven method to combat anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

“The best advice that I could give anybody … would be to meditate, and that’s because it gives you a calmness and equanimity,” Dalio said.
“It gives you a sense of spirituality, which means … connectedness to the universe, connectedness to people.”

Dalio practices Transcendental Meditation (TM), which involves silently repeating a mantra with eyes closed, helping individuals achieve a state of restful alertness. The Beatles famously practiced TM, and studies have shown it can improve self-esteem and reduce stress, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Typically done in two 20-minute sessions daily, TM is taught by certified nonprofits, with course fees ranging up to $980 based on household income.

Other forms of meditation, such as guided meditation with an instructor or mindfulness practices like breathwork, body scans, and nonjudgmental awareness, are also effective. These techniques can help regulate breathing and ease symptoms of anxiety and depression—and many are free or low-cost.

For those new to meditation, focusing on the breath is often the easiest entry point. When life feels overwhelming and fast-moving, meditation offers a way to intentionally slow down the brain and body, setting the stage for sustained success.

“You’re peaceful. You’re quiet,” Dalio told CNBC.
“You’re not awake, but you’re not asleep.”