Mindfulness in the workplace Mindfulness can be translated as: “being aware in the present moment without judgment.” What is mindfulness? • •
Being aware in the present moment rather than anticipating the future, or reflecting on past events. Not pre-judging situations or experiences with habitual behaviour. Mindfulness - Doing
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Doing – restless, dissatisfied, focused on the external world. When we are ‘doing’ we project and fantasise about the qualities of external phenomena. Nothing external can affect our state of mind – it is in the way we “react” that causes problems. Response is better than reaction. Mindfulness – Being
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Being – calm, inner awareness, peaceful, silent. When the mind is simply ‘being’ we become the observer rather than the participant. Through observation we can reduce habitual patterns of behaviour. Without habituation we can develop new ways of dealing with experiences using emotional intelligence. Intention
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Establishing the correct intention is essential in the practice of mindfulness. Re-asserting intention throughout the day brings awareness to every activity. Is this action concordant with my intention? If it is not, can I respond in a different way? Possible Intentions
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Developing a calm mind Dealing with stress Dealing with anger Enhanced concentration Improved health Better tolerance and patience
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Greater emotional control Increased kindness and compassion Strengthening resolve and motivation
Attention
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Once intention is established, attention (awareness) is required to enhance it. Attention is focused awareness, mindfulness training develops and sustains attention. Meditation is required as a tool to training. Attitude
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The correct attitude towards mindfulness practice is necessary to reinforce perseverance. The attitude is like the seed, it requires nurturing with suitable nutrients. Habituation Habits formed from repetitive behaviour. Repetition reifies the habit. Mindful awareness acknowledges the habit and allows the potential for change. New ‘positive’ habits are formed. New neural pathways are formed in the brain. Reduced stress response. Ignorance of reality
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All phenomena are experienced from our own perspective. Not always viewed from how they actually exist. This causes stress and conflict. Stress impacts directly on immunity – sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Meditation
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Ancient practice for mind training. The nature of the mind is clarity and awareness. Meditation is a way to look internally rather than externally. Meditation allows clarity, awareness and calm to arise. Establishes new pathways of thinking.
Meditation technique • • • • • •
Meditation practice
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Correct environmental conditions Correct physical position Awareness of the breath. Observer not participator. Applying kindness and compassion. Acceptance (not complacency)
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Formal Practice– regular daily sessions of 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a day. Informal Practice – utilising daily experiences as mindfulness practice. Driving Meetings, working Cooking, cleaning, hobbies Advantages to the individual
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Greater Orderliness of Brain Functioning Improved Ability to Focus Increased Creativity Deeper Level of Relaxation Improved Perception and Memory Decrease in Stress Hormone Lower Blood Pressure Reversal of Aging Process Reduced Need for Medical Care Improved immunity Increased self esteem Decreased Cigarette, Alcohol, and Drug Dependency Improved Health and More Positive Health Habits Advantages to the employer
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Improved motivation of employees Improved health and fitness of workforce, less sickness absenteeism Enhanced inter-personal communication Better management functionality Reduced accident incidents Better productivity Improved corporate perception (company perceived to be more
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caring) Enhanced employee retention Enhanced job satisfaction Improved skill sets Next steps
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Implementation of mindfulness workshops. 6 week program (half day session each week) Mindfulness days, weekend retreats Regular guided meditation practice. Support Follow up