Why should we meditate at work? To refresh. To energize. To rejuvenate. To clarify. How does meditation bring clarity or energy? Meditation helps quiet the mind.
Often, we’re at work and plugging away at an issue. We think if we just push through, a solution will come. We can’t see the solution because we’re stuck in the problem. We’re furiously working on our issue and a coworker pops in and asks for input on their project. Our cell vibrates (we were smart enough to at least turn the ringer off). The email icon illuminates, indicating three new emails in addition to the 162 we have yet to read…from this morning. Double vibrate…text message from daughter…washing machine is leaking. The screen freezes while we’re thinking about the piles of laundry and water on our floor. Not only have we lost our focus on the work issue, our mind is now racing with 30 other thoughts. It has been suggested that we have between 60,000 and 80,000 thoughts per day. Enter: Meditation. What if we spent 15, 10 even 5 minutes breathing slowly, the kind where our belly moves in and out (as opposed to the shallow, chest-breathing we normally engage in). Our frenetic mind slows to a crawl and has one goal…to breathe. We open our eyes after a few minutes of stillness with a fresh perspective and a calmer mind. Our minds operate better under relaxed conditions, not the frenzied pace we typically let them run away under.
Conduct an experiment for yourself. Go full throttle with something you’re dealing with at work. Let your thoughts and your determined-to-get-this-done self take control. Evaluate how you feel at the end of that day or session. The next time an issue arises, step back, close your eyes and breathe. Practice at home if you’re self-conscious at work. Which method is more effective?
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