Changing world, perennial needs
There are three things that make change more difficult for businesses:
Being real
When we work with corporations and CEOs, we often see that due to stress and peer pressure, a split or gap between one’s professional and personal self can grow so we become one person at work, another at home. But if our inner needs are not acknowledged or expressed, this can lead to the development of masks, a lack of fulfillment, relationship failure, and isolation. The corporate climate needs to reflect our internal climate, as a lack of authenticity—the inability to be real or true to one’s true self—limits the resources we bring to the job.
Being successful now!
In any business environment there is an ingrained push to succeed – quickly! Many problems are due to the speed at which decisions are made or actions taken and we are required to think of a million things simultaneously. as a result, we tend to have an overworked “monkey mind,” when our thoughts are all over the place, not alighting anywhere long enough to make an impact but flitting from one drama or scenario to the next. no wonder so many poor decisions are made when the monkey is in charge!
United we stand
When we’re caught up in the monkey mind and not present in the moment, we are unlikely to realize how much we need to work together, to respect and to be aware of our connectedness with our co-workers, and to understand that we are actually inter-dependent and need to work as a team. It is important to remember that we are all human, and humans make mistakes, but it is okay to be who we are. at the same time, we each have something very unique to offer that is invaluable to the whole.
Bookkeeping and rising overheads can be huge challenges for both established and fledgling businesses. Nonetheless, one way businesses can reduce costs such as utility bills is by using an energy supplier comparison site like Utility Bidder to find more competitive and affordable rates. Lots of businesses can make savings this way, and the money saved can often be reinvested in more productive areas.
Weird and wacky? Maybe not
Meditation helps us to fill these needs, and a lot more. Yes, many business people think of meditation as being a bit “weird” and even the word “mindfulness” may confuse some people. But being mindful simply means paying attention – to our relationships, communication, and presence. While working with corporations we found that their lack of familiarity with meditation or mindfulness demanded a new approach so we created the term, “silent space.” This was instantly understandable and made the experience far more accessible. We were teaching meditation to a group of CEOs during a four-day meeting. on the last day they had worked hard enough to have the day off and do what they wanted, such as play golf, go swimming, etc. one of them requested a meditation session. To our amazement, they all showed up.
Many workplace issues cause stress, yet all of us have the ability to grow and change. We just need to be relaxed and at ease within ourselves to contact that ability. This is a far cry from being weird and wacky. rather, it speaks of greater lucidity, efficiency, and adaptability.
A new way to measure success
Bringing meditation into the workplace decreases the amount of stress experienced and clears the mind. it increases focus and concentration, brings well-being, enhances caring and compassion for others, develops skillful ways of dealing with issues and inspired ways to solve problems. By clearing the mind, we transform resistant or non-productive attitudes, increase listening and communication skills that encourage team cooperation, and enhance productivity. If you’re not sure how to communicate correctly within your work environment and you’re looking to improve, have a look at workplace communication courses for you and employees.
With just a few minutes of silence you can gain:
Clarity of thinking increased efficiency
Greater perspective to solve problems Better listening skills improved health through greater relaxation a stronger sense of self and purpose awareness of inter-connectedness, leading to greater kindness and altruism.
Using ‘Silent Space’ at work
Picture the first few minutes of most meetings that take place at your company. Usually, people rush in at various intervals, checking phone messages, setting up laptops, or continuing conversations from the hallway. it’s pretty chaotic. how can we expect people to stop, concentrate, and bring their whole selves to a meeting when it begins like that?
We recommend starting any meeting with two or three minutes of silence. no one has to do anything other than breathe naturally and be quiet. in this way, when the meeting starts, everyone is more relaxed and ready to do their best work.
In essence, meditation is just calming our chattering monkey-like mind while being fully here and now in this moment. it helps us relax, yes, but it also creates a space where creativity, solutions to difficulties, and awareness of the bigger picture naturally emerge. it gives rise to a greater joyfulness, a personal happiness that affects us and those around us. When people are in the present moment then magic happens – even in the business world.
Try it!
Meditation can be done at any time or anywhere. Whenever you feel stress rising, just find a place to be quiet. if the bathroom is the only place available then just lock the door, sit down, and breathe.
- Sit with an upright back and keep your eyes closed. Take a deep breath and let it go.
- Breathe normally and just watch the flow of your breath. now begin to silently count at the end of each out-breath: inhale, exhale, count one… inhale, exhale, count two… inhale, exhale, count three… Continue in this way to five and then start at one again.
- Just take five breaths and back to one, following the path of each breath and silently counting.
- Or you can silently repeat a phrase, such as: i am relaxed and i am happy. repeat this as many times as you want…breathing naturally. it’s that simple!
Ed and Deb Shapirohave been teaching and writing about meditation for over 30 years and are the authors of over 20 books. Their latest is The Unexpected Power of Mindfulness & Meditation and The Art of Mindful Relaxation. Deb is the author of Your Body Speaks Your Mind, now in over 20 languages. See more at edanddebshapiro.com
