The use of mindful practices like meditation, journaling, and introspection through executive coaching are taking hold in the business world, in such organisations as Google, Goldman Sachs, General Mills, even the Bank of England.

Mindfulness is the art of paying attention, skilled at being the observer in our own life. It is the capacity to be exquisitely aware of what is going on around and within us, what we are thinking, what we are feeling, on a moment by moment basis. Noticing and not judging. Unfortunately, we are usually only in this state for brief periods of time and are reabsorbed into react mode, lost in thoughts about the past or projecting ourselves into the future, pressured into activity around the never-ending to-do list or the next meeting.

With this heightened awareness, we are able to respond to situations whether external events or internal thoughts, rather than react to them. It encourages a less critical view and the self-deception that comes with making assumptions and avoids reflexive reactions.  In turn, this creates space for a more fluid and flexible response, aligned with personal and organizational values, attuned to what’s really happening and what’s really needed.

When there is less chatter and fewer distractions within our own head it is easier to gain clarity and perspective and access our creativity and intuition to gain inspiration. A still mind allows us to both notice more detail and see the bigger picture.

Mindfulness also helps us manage our emotions triggered by thoughts which are often unconscious. We learn to observe our thought patterns and can develop the ability to recognise when thoughts arise, and observe them in a detached manner, without the need to become involved in them (thus not triggering a disproportionate reaction.) 

Neuroscience research suggests that practicing meditation alters brain chemistry and elasticity, improving cognitive functioning, memory, learning ability and creativity. It also has a positive impact on our physiology reducing absenteeism caused by illness, injury and stress. Mindfulness improves performance, productivity, relationships with colleagues, clients and customers, improves overall staff wellbeing and reduces turnover. 

To learn mindfulness it is not necessary to take on any new beliefs or adopt a new worldview. It can be integrated into your life exactly as it is. It is not difficult, expensive or time-consuming. It does require consistency, discipline and patience.

We can bring mindfulness to anything we experience - breathing, eating, thinking, feeling, walking, even physical pain.

Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

• Conduct a periodic check-in with yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. ‘Physically, on a score of 1 to 10 (where 1 is really low and 10 is really good) I am feeling …’ ‘Mentally I am feeling ..’ etc 
• Find a quiet place to sit, upright, feet flat on the floor, hands relaxed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing .. in and out. Return your attention to your breath each time your mind wanders. Set the timer on your phone and try 5 minutes to start with.
• Start your meetings with a minute of silence.

Let us know how you get on and if you would like to learn more about mindfulness in the workplace email Kate@inspiredlives.com

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