MINDFULNESS AND PRODUCTIVITY

Mindfulness is a simple technique that seems to be today’s mantra. Mindfulness meditation is becoming popular, world over. While mostly, this technique is considered to be an important technique for spiritual practices, Jon Kabat Zinn recommends it for reducing stress. Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgemental,[ https://www.mindful.org/jon-kabat-zinn-defining-mindfulness/]as defined by Jon Kabat Zinn,founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction[ MBSR ] Technique.

Mindfulness is simply being aware in a non judgemental space.Many a time one tends to confuse awareness with focus. Awareness is paying attention, while focusing is concentration. To explain further, When one is driving a vehicle, his/ her focus is on the road that will take him/ her to his/ her destination. Simultaneously, he/ she is aware of other vehicles on the road, the traffic signals and pedestrians, if any. When one is paying attention to other vehicles beside one’s own on the road, one is not judging them. One is simply paying attention to them in order to have clarity about one’s path not facing any hindrance because of them.

Mindfulness is simply paying attention without judgment. One would be surprised to know that we do practice this technique, unintentionally in many spheres. When we are listening to a favourite song, there is no other thought or opinion. We just immerse in the song. When we are captured by our favourite hobby, we are just there. No future; no past. When we spend time with a baby or when we are enjoying nature… These are instances when we are subconsciously practising mindfulness. There may be more.. We also practice mindfulness when we are empathetic. We are “there”.

So, we are mindful many a time in our life. We are also not so mindful very often. Before we comprehend the correlation between mindfulness and productivity, let us attempt to understand why and how we cease to practice the same more frequently and in stressful situations..

Judgemental perception plays an important role to steer us away from mindfulness practice. Insecurities, self centeredness, discriminatory behaviours poor control over one’s emotionsandpoor emotional maturity drive judgemental perception. This becomes the foundation for focusing on achievements and neglecting accomplishments. When one fails to celebrate one’s accomplishments, he/ she is unable to experience happiness.

While working towards goals[ personal & professional], the focus will be only on achievement instead of a healthy ratio of both accomplishment and achievement.

Mindfulness helps us to remain in the present . No regrets; no cravings/ yearnings. At the same time, mindfulness also helps us to chalk our goals objectively ; helps us to analyse if we have not been able achieve them and reworkthe goals. Mindfulness also reminds us whenever we are not mindful. With regular practice, introspection becomes easy. Self criticism decreases and self love increases. It helps us to move from guilt to remorse.

PRACTCING MINDFULNESS

This involves three parts. To begin with, practicing mindfulness by paying attention to even the most insignificant stimulus in our environment . For eg; listening to the sound of the air conditioner ; watching a bird in flight until it disappears; sunset and sunrise watch; mindfully drinking your coffee/ tea. The second method would be to practice mindfulness meditation. The third is to apply it in daily life; introspect whenever you have applied and whenever you have slipped. Mindfulness practice soon becomes a way of life!

MINDFULNESS AND WORKPLACE

Let us try to understand the benefits of applying mindfulness at workplace. An employee practicing mindfulness is capable of handling workplace relationships positively. He/she is able to differentiate between the colleague and his/ her skills . This in turn helps him to avoid throwing the tub with the baby in it. A mindful employee contributes to team cohesiveness ; minimises office politics ; ensures the practice of work ethics. A mindful employee is realistic and hence takes care not to burn out. He/ she also is aware of his potential as well as his/ her weaknesses and limitations and has clarity of what he/ she can achieve and what he/ she cannot. His/ herempathy, which is enhanced through mindfulnesshelps to understand yet not approve his colleagues short comings and this approach reduces friction / conflicts. He/ she is open to feedback and simultaneously, he/ she gives healthy feedbacks to his/ her colleagues .Mindfulness helps an employee to be productive and utilise his/ her skills and talent to the optimum level.

Last but not the least, though mindfulness is being perceived as a Buddhist practice, research on this reveals that this practice is an underutilised treasure. Are we ready to plunge into this beautiful practice for our well being?