Empirically confirmed, Buddhist practitioners and Zen masters got it right. Mindfulness is an effective tool. It should not be ignored by any worker, counselor, leader, writer… human! ~ David M. Reile, Ph.D.
Photo by Mark Adriane on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Defining Mindfulness
American Psychological Association (APA) authors Daphne M. Davis and Jeffrey A. Hayes, define mindfulness as “a moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience without judgment”. Their lengthy compilation of benefits, based on research, include reduced rumination, stress-reduction, boosts to working memory, focus, less emotional activity, more cognitive flexibility, relationship satisfaction, and more. Read the full APA Monitor article for examples of mindfulness-based interventions for clients, including the ’emotional regulation’ example, “Can you breathe with what is happening right now?”
TOP TEN: Mindfulness Can Make Better Leaders
All leaders, particularly women, can relate to this personal revelation by Henna Inam, executive coach and speaker. Her list of ten mindfulness practices that can transform leaders include managing energy, tapping into intuition, and embracing change. Read the full list and view the Chinese calligraphy character for mindfulness at “Coaching & Leadership Development for Women”.
FOR PRACTITIONERS: An Exercise in Control
Practicing ways to maximize the positive and minimize the negative are undeniably beneficial. Mindfulness is one such practice, especially when dealing with disruption in life, such as the loss of a job or a forced change in college major. Career practitioners who embrace the “career voyage” metaphor (instead of career “path”) can implement this “Voyage Exercise” from Eric Anderson as a brief yet powerful awareness-raising moment.
WHAT ARE OTHER CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS SAYING ABOUT… Mindfulness: Think and write with a positive voice.
Nancy Miller, M.S., is a Career Counselor, Creativity Coach, and writer. In her blog, she asks us if we need to change our thinking. “Some people are born seeing the positive in everyone and some are born very critical. In fact, some people make a living writing very critical and sometimes uncomplimentary articles and reviews. That is not the type of writer I want to be. I want to use my critical mind to make positive change.” So, answer the question – do you need to change your thoughts about work, your boss, your career, your life?
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QUOTES
Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. - Thích Nhất Hạnh (Stepping into Freedom: Rules of Monastic Practice for Novices)
You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. - Marcus Aurelius (Meditations)
We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship. - C.S. Lewis (The Weight of Glory)