This year is off to a good start.
Last week I met with an organization to bring mindfulness into their workplace, something I have done for many years now, but this meeting touched my heart in a delightful and unexpected way.
Entering the building, I was greeted with smiles and a big ‘hello’ from one of the women I was meeting, and a gentleman sweeping the floor and humming a happy tune.
The energy felt uplifting and optimistic as we walked down the hallway. I commented on how I felt along the lines of, “Wow – your office has such a good feeling.” She nodded and said, “Yes, it does.”
As we sat down, the organizers wanted to give us time to introduce ourselves. It wasn’t about getting to business and feeling like we were on the clock. Connecting on a human level came first. How refreshing.
I was touched by how openly they shared about their journeys, and they wanted to know about mine and how I got to where I am today. They listened and asked questions.
This meeting was more than just a business interaction. It was a meaningful human connection.
Was it surprising this company was innovative and successful? Not at all.
The one leader shared how her meditation and mindfulness practice has increased her resiliency and connection to inner strength. Her mindfulness practice has changed how she feels and relates to others; how powerful it is when we lead from our hearts.
As a society, we need to understand what true power is. We see many examples of business and world leaders who are power-hungry and want control, all driven by ego.
Someone with a heart-centered approach, who is confident and connected to who they are, wants their people to shine and succeed without a need to control. I was sitting with leaders of this caliber.
We continued to talk about love and self-compassion, and I felt my body was alive as we did. Why was this experience different? Why was I surprised to have such a meaningful and authentic connection?
For many years in my career, P.M. (pre-mindfulness), I felt like I had two lives. I worked during the day, caught up in the hustle and bustle with little present-moment awareness, and then when I came home in the evening, and on the weekends, I would have my spiritual life. My life felt split or fragmented. I felt fragmented.
I was making them two different things. I now know they don't have to be separate at all.
Mindfulness is a life practice. It is a way of being in the world. Connecting to the depth of who you are, being more present and aware, calmer, happier, resilient, clear-minded, healthier, and compassionate. It's not soft and fluffy. It's life-changing. We connect to our humanness instead of living like a robot on autopilot.
"Too many of us leave our lives – and, in fact, our souls – behind when we go to work."
Arianna Huffington
I remember very clearly, in my pre-mindfulness career, that it felt like there was a missing piece. The company did good work, but there needed to be more discussion about the value of people going inward, being present, aware, slowing their minds, calming their bodies, and being happier—the impact this could have individually and collectively.
Fast forward to today, and it's happening! It's interesting how the Universe had a plan for me that aligned with this desire. I had a vision or dream that I could bring more heart and mindfulness into the workplace, and I'm working to make it happen.
Now is the time to put love and compassion into our conversations and interactions – with friends, family, strangers, and colleagues at work. Within all facets of our lives.
People are hungry for it.
We need to change the current concept of power.
This connection I had last week was wonderful. To know it is not only possible but is already happening.
Let's chat if you are interested in bringing mindfulness into your workplace. Together, we can help shift the power perspective, leading by example with a heart-centered and compassionate approach.
With loving kindness,
Diane