Working Zen: Improving Focus, Relations and Stress

Mindful Work as a Tool for Performance

This class shows how to use the mental discipline of "mindfulness" at work to be more productive, be a better team player, and manage stress. Mindful work has been used for centuries across many cultures by people wanting to stay calm and focused despite pressures from inside and out.

Mindfulness at its most practical level is simply keeping your mind on what is going on in this moment. You try to focus your mind on one thing and let all other thoughts go on their way. For example, if while writing a report you think of another task you need to do, don't switch to that task immediately. Make a note if necessary, but then put your mind back on your writing. This does not mean you do not review the past for lessons learned or make plans for the future. But when you are reviewing, keep your mind on reviewing. When you are planning, just plan.

Another good example in the workplace is active listening, which could be called "mindful listening." Focus on the other person's words and body language, without thinking up responses (yet), or checking your text messages, or trying to connect with the speaker. Only respond when you are sure that you understand their position.

Applying Zen in the Next Moment

Zen philosophy is compatible with any religious (or nonreligious) belief and emphasizes the reduction of stress by focusing on what is going on in this moment, rather than worrying about the future or reliving the past. The "Working Zen" class combines centuries-old mental techniques with modern scientific research to provide practical skills students can use immediately. Topics include:

• What is Mindfulness?
• The Benefits of Mindful Work.
• Mindfulness and the Brain.
• A Brief Introduction to Meditation.
• First Steps: Mindful Eating and Moving.
• Work Practice: Mindful Writing and Listening.

This class is taught at your preferred site only by Team Coach Jim Morgan, a Zen practitioner and former martial arts instructor. Provide your team with useful applications of this ancient practice that can help at work and in students' personal lives. Contact TeamTrainers in this moment to give your team a Zen approach to daily work.