thinkLA An Introduction to Mindfulness 2014 Allen Weiss Presentation Slides
Transcript of thinkLA An Introduction to Mindfulness 2014 Allen Weiss Presentation Slides
Mindfulness- Effectiveness, Leadership, Happiness -
w/ allen weiss
Mindfulness Works
Reduced rumination
Stress reduction
Less emotional reactivity
Boosts to working memory
Aids creativity
More cognitive flexibility
http://www.mindfulexperience.org http://biomind.usc.edu/
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/meditation/http://www.wisebrain.org
Why Companies ProvideMindfulness Training
• Improves workplace effectiveness, leadership, and happiness through:
– More emotional intelligence
– Increased clarity of thinking
– More productive collaborations
– Lower health care costs
Documented by anExplosion in Medical Research
Black, D.S. (2014). Mindfulness-based interventions: An antidote to suffering in the context of substance use, misuse, and addiction. Substance Use & Misuse, 49(5):487.
And It’s Very Popular Right Now
What If You Could…?
• Work in a crazy environment, with deadlines looming…
• And have the motivation to work towards goals and achieve higher performance…
• But without stress, self-judgment and anxiety?
• You can – with mindfulness!
What is Mindfulness?
Awake – knowing what is happening right now
Are You Awake?
• Probably not! Mostly in the past or future
– Rehashing and rehearsing stories
What’s So Great About “Now”?
What is Mindfulness?
Awake – knowing what is happening right now
Open – receptive and non-judgmental to your experience
You heard it correctly…
Mindfulness Creates New Habits
• To balance out our human tendency to alwaysinstantaneously react
• So you habitually “respond” instead of “react” when necessary
What is Mindfulness?
Awake – knowing what is happening right now
Open – allowing what is happening right now to be – “letting be”
Kind – responding with self-compassion with whatever arises
Let’s Practice Being Mindful
What is Mindfulness Again?
Awake – knowing what is happening right now
Open – receptive and non-judgmental to your experience
Kind – responding with self-compassion with whatever arises
3 Common Questions
Do I need to be mindful 24x7?– No, unless you are a monk
Will mindfulness make me be a “doormat”– No, with mindfulness you will make more skillful
decisions
I’ve been practicing for 2 weeks now, and things haven’t gotten better…what gives?– Be patient – the way to practice is without
expectations
Mindfulness of Emotions
Why did she say that?
I’m a horrible person!
This is the story of my
life!
Mindfulness of Thinking
We regard our thoughts as important!!!
– They take over our attention
– We believe they define who we are
– We get hooked into the content of our thoughts
• the stories they tell us
• the meaning they weave out of our experiences
Thought
Thoughts and Thinking
In meditation, most thoughts arise and pass away
- Like clouds in the sky
When you find yourself jumping on a “thought train”
- Turn your attention towards the “process” -> thinking
Cultivating Kindnesswith Purposeful Thoughts
• May I be free from [fear and anxiety]
• May I be deeply peaceful
• May I live my life with a sense of ease
• May I accept myself completely, just the way I am
Thank you