Mindfulness

My response has taken me a while to complete. Whenever I watch That Nhat Hahn, I am calmed by his words but they always seem so simple. I say to myself, “Well if all I had to do was take time to meditate and wash dishes, I could be that mindful too!” Instead, I find myself making lists of lists for all the day-to-day occurrences of life…work, home, people to follow-up up with. I even have a list of people to hold and send energy to because of what they are dealing with. I try to program in all the world demands…as well as my mindfulness. I know this is not the answer.

I appreciate Kim’s comments about the sermon on washing dishes. My grandmother was a home economics teacher prior to becoming a mother of six girls. She would always say that lots of dirty dishes are sign of a good gathering so enjoy the memories of it while doing the dishes. Ironically, I don’t remember her washing many dishes but I agree with the point. How many of us choose to wash dishes? I know mine go straight into the dishwasher. I think part of our challenge is to be intentional about when and how we choose to be mindful because society has given us all the options and excuses to skip that time. For some it might be washing dishes or filing paperwork, for others it might be folding laundry or drinking a cup of coffee and watching the sun rise. How do we give people the permission to choose their time for mindfulness?

Over seven years ago while writing curriculum for National FFA, they offered an intense facilitation workshop for those of us going out to train teachers on the curriculum. Each of us presented and were coached on our presentation style. The tip I have held onto the most was on how to close a session. The coach said, “Stop, take three breaths, think about the experience and then speak from your heart about what has occurred and what you hope for the participants.” Essentially, ensure you are present in the moment and allow mindfulness to take over and support the process. I know the power this holds. Anytime I am not present in my work and rush, I am doing a disservice to those whom I am entrusted. I think our workplaces would be transformed if mindfulness towards those each employee holds in trust (other employees, customers, etc) were honored. This is the role of a leader.



PROMPT
An area of personal and academic interest is mindfulness. I am interested in how mindfulness can generate clear thinking, intentional action, and connectedness. What I have increasingly found, particularly in corporate America, is that there is little “room” and hence value, for reflection. Action equals results. Inquiry can be threatening. But how can we grow and be content without robust refection?

I invite you to watch a 6-minute video clip from That Nhat Hahn, a Buddhist monk and respected authority, in mindfulness. Click or Copy/Paste to play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aubF7v-MlMM

I am curious how you see mindfulness influencing the leadership process; in general, and how the practice of mindfulness can enable change in our organizations, at home, and in life? If you have critique or questions that linger, I invite these as well.