Mind Full, or Mindful?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment.  Once thought of as being some kind of hippy-trippy flower -power  stuff, this ancient ­technique is being dusted off and being used by 21st-century company  to help chief executives and staff,  as they strive to manage the stresses and hyper-stimulation of the digital age. Businesses dealing with huge change, constant disruption and innovation, are finding their leaders are able to better manage the anxiety and pressure of such changes by practicing this ancient tradition.

Meditation is becoming so popular,  that companies are offering corporate mediation courses to this staff.   These ‘Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction’ courses (MBSR), where established by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, who’s  research began in 1979 and points to the positive effects of regular meditation on brain function, anxiety, pain and psoriasis.  Company giants, such as Google and Facebook now hold ‘in-house course’ on meditation, encouraging mind­fulness, as they claim they have seen absenteeism falling, productivity rising and business improvement.  Companies are starting to realise it’s not just about the ‘feel good factor’, it’s about reducing stress and unleashing higher performance, innovation and engagement.

Ambitious ‘Gen Y’s are using the brain-training tools, to get ahead in their business careers. Many of the younger generation progressing into the work force are saying they want to join ­businesses that have got soul. “When we come to work, we are ­looking for meaning in our lives and the challenge for business is to provide meaningful work;  the challenge for individuals is to tune in – you don’t find meaning in your life by running away.”

Its rising popularity in the Western World as a method to deal with the stresses of modern life and work,  has been proven by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn to have the ability to rewire your brain and by doing so, have a profound effect on your overall wellbeing and health.

The more mindful you are, the more focused you become and you start to understand that your thoughts and energies can play huge part in ensuring a more constructive work, home,  and overall life balance.  So take a moment to look around and engage yourself in the moment.