In our high-speed world, unlimited access to technology and attempts to multi-task have made it increasingly difficult for us to focus and be fully present. If you are anything like me, even on vacation I find it difficult to fully disconnect from my iPhone and experience respite from the inflow of information. The big question is: How can we achieve a desired level of productivity while also maintaining as strong sense of well-being and fulfillment in our lives?
There is growing interest, supported by research, concerning the health benefits of mindfulness practices – suggesting that it may be an essential path to happiness. In a recent article in Time Magazine titled, “Health and Mindfulness”, contributor Joshua Lutz examines mindfulness practices such as Mindful Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR was created by MIT scientist Jon Kabat-Zinn to teach regular people mindfulness techniques and meditation. Based on growing popularity, the course has expanded to offerings around the world. While practices such as meditation stem from Eastern philosophies and spirituality, MBSR is presented as a practical means of building mental muscles to increase focus and reduce stress.
As with positive psychology, the value of meditation has gained recognition based on scientific research on neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to adapt as a result of changes in behavior and environment, resulting in improved memory and decreased mind wandering.
Based on the research and growing mainstream acceptance, the concept of mindfulness has found a place in the business world. Practices have been adopted by many successful organizations, from hi-tech giants to the U.S. military as a means of enhancing quality, innovation and resilience. Lutz cites in his article a story about Janice Marturano. During her tenure as VP at General Mills, Marturano recognized that many of the company leaders had challenges taking the time to disengage from the day-to-day tasks in order to focus on creative thinking and strategy. So in 2011, she successfully implemented a corporate mindfulness initiative which included meditation rooms throughout the workplace and training on mindfulness as it relates to effective leadership.
Another example of expanded consciousness in the business world is the Wisdom 2.0 conference, which was created in 2009 by technology companies such as Google, Twitter, and Facebook. The conference currently brings together over 2,000 professionals and leaders from 20 countries for an annual mindfulness gathering. Wisdom 2.0 speakers range from business leaders to spiritual thought leaders, with discussions around “living wisely and with meaning in the digital age”. Google, a company recognized as a leader in innovation and employee engagement, takes it a step further by offering an in-house course to its employees called Search Inside Yourself. The course includes meditation and attention-focusing techniques allowing engineers to free up their mind for creative and innovative thinking, which is critical to their product development.
While a main focus of being present includes disconnecting from technology, there are various apps that may be used as tools in mindfulness practices. If you go to the App store on your mobile device, you will see numerous options that offer everything from reminders to breathe to daily journals and guided mediation.
Due to the information overload present in today’s world, it may be wise to introduce mindful-based activities in your organization so that employees can learn to quiet the noise and more consciously focus on their work. It is also important for businesses and people to recognize the value of technology as a tool, but not a replacement for human connection and creativity. Successful organizations, small and large, that are committed to fostering a culture that values personal growth and innovation, are looking at both positive psychology and mindfulness practices as opportunities to differentiate from their competition and cultivate their talent. This growing obsession is no longer associated with Eastern philosophy but rather a business and people strategy. It’s about giving people tools and freedom to create and produce meaningful work, which in effect increases engagement, productivity and market competitiveness. Something to reflect on.
Source:

  • Health and Mindfulness – TIME Magazine article, February 2014 (Contributor Joshua Lutz)