What drives you crazy at work? Heavy workload? Looming deadlines? Difficult people? Poor teamwork? Uninspiring leadership? Lack of focus?

Generally, no one alone can fix all the challenges in the workplace, but one thing we can do is cultivate a practice that responds more skillfully to difficult situations. Through practice, we can more quickly get to the heart of issues, establish our own priorities with confidence, and collaborate productively and respectfully.

Mindfulness is an inherent human ability that can be easily learned and strengthened with basic techniques. Yoga practitioners know a feeling of calm and centeredness found on the mat. From that place we often experience insights that help us move through a challenge with more ease and grace. Wouldn’t it be nice, whenever we step into a burning crisis at work, if we could trigger for ourselves an internal state of calm insight?

The Authentic Leadership Center at Naropa University has developed a mindfulness course for everyone - beginners as well as experienced practitioners – that teaches how to nurture and access a mindful state even when confronted with a wide range of workplace circumstances.

One core element of the practice is reminding ourselves to stay present, in the moment, without judgement. As we open our awareness to deep listening and compassion for others and ourselves, we may find that we’re better able to focus on what’s essential and not spin off into unproductive reactions or stress.

Meditation can be part of a mindfulness practice, but the true goal of this teaching is to be able to maintain or tap into a mindful state anytime throughout the day.

Naropa’s “Mindful at Work” course is accessible by anyone, anywhere online. The next online instructor-led session starts February 3, 2020, and it runs for eight weeks with about two hours per week engaged in online presentations and practices. The course also offers the ability to learn in connection with online study partners so that you can share experiences and hone your practice before taking it back to your work environment. Group discounts are available for friends or teams taking the course together. You can find out more information HERE!