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It’s called mindfulness…and when we access it we have greater clarity and inner peace.  When we relax and become still, we are able to experience the moment with tender simplicity. It is in these spacious moments that we connect with our wisdom and make huge strides in our creativity and productivity.

Ironically, getting to a quiet space of calmness is not easy.  The constant clutter and chatter in our minds blocks us form our own intelligence and wisdom.  We replay the same subtle thoughts of fear, irritation and our competitive schemes over and over in our minds until they become background chatter that will not go away. Yet, when we train ourselves to be mindful of our thoughts, we become more spacious and less stressed.
When we fixate on random thoughts we are usually entering an intellectual race to nowhere.  Our thoughts have no clear destiny; they just are…loose, out of control and perpetual. The biggest problem with this cycle of indulging in continuous random thought is that it creates stress and blocks us from our own innate intelligence.  The less mindful we are of our immediate thoughts, the less spontaneous and in touch with the moment we really are.  When we are not present, but rather obsessing about our mistakes of the past or anxious desires for the future, we are creating obstacles to our own joy.

This mental spin out can occur at anytime and anywhere. We are in the shower on a Monday morning preparing to go to work and before we have even towel dried, it is 3:00 p.m. in our mind.  We are on the subway on the way to meet with a boss or customer and we have already had the conversation with the person in our mind.  Rehearsed and focused on the outcome, we have disabled our ability to listen and to access true two-way communication when the meeting actually occurs.

How do we become more mindful of our thoughts and keep them focused and present?  Through the skillful practice of meditation.  Mediation is a 2,500 year old stress reducer.  Simple meditation is secular, free of expectation and can be done anywhere (yes, even at your desk), anytime.

When we train the mind through meditation we are providing the spaciousness needed to make decisions that are far more reaching and effective through simple, secular meditation, we can develop the spaciousness needed to let go. When we cultivate mindfulness of our thoughts we can finally step off of our mental treadmill and explore first hand the freshness of a new, uncluttered way of thinking. . We are cultivating an awareness of what is truly important long-term. This “big mind” awareness is essential to de-stressing.

By starting your day with a simple meditation practice, you are also setting your intention for what the day will bring. Just like a regular exercise program, the healthy benefits of your practice can extend throughout your day and week. Unlike exercise, you can do this practice anywhere, on the edge of your bed, on the train during your commute, or in a chair at your desk.

Launching Your Meditation Practice

Begin with a basic form of meditation that uses your breath as the object of your meditation. The simple and most direct form of mediation is to focus on the breath. By directing your attention to your breath, you have a place to put your thoughts. This focus on the breath slows down your mind and takes your attention inward.

The following is basic meditation instruction that can enhance a daily well being routine for busy executives:

1. Sit with feet hip distance apart and flat on the floor
2. Check for an erect alignment of your body from the head to the shoulders and down to your hips. Rest your arms at your sides or fold your hands effortlessly in your lap.
3. Gaze four to five feet in front of you. Hold the position of your mouth relaxed and slightly open, with your tongue resting softly on the roof of your mouth.
4. Breathe in and breathe out, noticing only the breath and allowing the nourishment of the breath itself to cleanse your spirit.
5. As thoughts come up, (which they will) acknowledge their presence as just thoughts and then let them go, returning to the breath.
6. As you breathe, with a natural breathing pace, you will begin to release all anxiety, judgment, and worry.

In the beginning, you may find that you are able to engage in this exercise only for a minute or two. You sit, you begin to stir, your mind gets speedy, and you think that you are failing at the simple exercise of focusing on the breath. This discovery can be quite humbling for executives who consider themselves adept at mental challenge.
But, by doing this exercise for a few minutes each day, you are harnessing your stressed-out mind and replenishing your body with health and vitality. Ultimately, your communication with others is more effective, as you see the world from a wider point of view. Free of clutter and grasping onto a particular outcome, you articulate your thoughts with clarity. You mind focuses on what is important as you peel away the distractions. Less obsessed with taking short cuts to obtain an outcome, you begin to appreciate the process. You also appreciate time itself.

With continued practice, you are able to surrender to the breath with greater ease. Each session may be extended by a minute or so. Your mind takes hold of itself. Your priority in the moment is no more than to enjoy the breath itself. You are cleansed and freed of worry. You are revitalized with appreciation of just your breath. You can call upon this practice anytime that you feel anxiety or confusion or feel the need to sharpen your concentration.

Ultimately, we begin to experience the results of our meditation. Our effectiveness in conscious communication increases, as we see the world from a wider point of view. Free of clutter, we refrain from grasping onto a particular outcome, and we access the spaciousness required to articulate our thoughts with clarity. Our minds focus on what is important as we peel away the distractions. We are less obsessed with taking short cuts to the outcome and begin to appreciate the process.

Summary:

• Concentration with intention to stay in the moment cultivates mindfulness.
• The more we train the mind to concentrate without condition, the more prolific we will be at accessing our wisdom.
• By meditating we learn to let go, and the internal shift begins.
• The practice of calming the mind with intention on a daily basis provides clarity and inner peace.
• When we train the mind through meditation we can actually provide the spaciousness needed to make decisions that are far more reaching and effective, decisions made from a deeper awareness.

Giving back to the world to help make an impact is Nancy's number one priority.  She serves on the boards of the Shambhala Mountain Center, the Children's Health Foundation and The Aspen Center for Integral Health. In 2002 Nancy Co-Founded Devi Development, Inc., a development company dedicated to creating enlightened environments for sustainability.  You may reach Nancy at Nscem@aol.com