In our world of challenge and change, we can get so busy rushing from one problem to another that we lose sight of possibilities. Mindful leadership often means stepping back, taking time to reflect instead of simply reacting.
A few years ago, I heard Jon Kabat-Zinn give a talk on mindfulness to a group of therapists and graduate students in counseling psychology. At the end of his talk, one woman in the audience stood up and asked, “With all the problems in the world, isn’t it self-indulgent to spend time meditating when we could be doing something about them?”
Jon paused, compassionately acknowledged her concern and said, “When I go to the symphony, the orchestra members always tune their instruments before they play.” I smiled, recalling how I love the powerful moment when all the musicians—strings, woodwinds, brass—play the same note together in a resounding monochord.
“For me, daily meditation is a way to tune my instrument,” Jon explained. “Then I can face all the day’s challenges more skillfully.”
A beautiful reminder: if we take time to tune our instruments, then instead of mindlessly reacting, we can respond more creatively, discover new possibilities, create greater harmony within and around us.
Do you have a daily mindfulness practice?
If not, try beginning your day with ten minutes of meditation.
First, set your intention. Why are you meditating? For stress relief? Better health? Greater clarity? Compassion? Something else?
- Then sit in a chair or on the floor with your spine straight and your eyes closed.
- Feel your body relax as you focus on your breathing.
- Feel your breath go in and out, following the rhythm of the breath’s sensations.
- Notice any thoughts or body sensations that arise.
- Don’t get caught up in them—just note and name them: as “worry, worry,” or “restless”
- Then gently bring your attention back to your breathing again and again, with an attitude of kindness.
- As you conclude your meditation, resolve to take this sense of presence with you as you go about your daily activities.
- After a few days of practice, you may wish to gradually extend the time of your meditation.
Tuning your instrument on a daily basis will open your awareness to the subtle harmonies in your life.
Namaste,
Diane
Reference
For an introduction to the practice and benefits of mindfulness meditation, see Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full Catastrophe Living. New York: Bantam Books.