Mindfulness

We live in a fast-paced world with many things pulling at our attention. Many of us find ourselves in a permanent state of high-alert and distraction. Mindfulness is a way of collecting ourselves and clearing enough mental space to take stock and see clearly. So often we miss important information and “weak signals” because we are preoccupied, skimming along the surface. When we’re running on auto-pilot we tend to absorb stress and get caught by reactive thoughts and emotions.

Mindfulness brings us back to what is actually happening, in the moment. It is a way of dropping filters that obscure our view. Mindfulness strengthens the habit of coming back to a fuller sense of presence.

Mindfulness at ALIA programs

At ALIA Summer Institutes and Leadership Intensives, each day begins with a session of group mindfulness practice. Often people find that it is a relief to “just sit” without any agenda. The instruction is to simply notice what is going on, inside and out. The eyes are open, the mind is relaxed and attentive.

Many of the people who come to ALIA have already discovered that some form of mindfulness practice is a necessary foundation for authentic leadership, especially in complex or pressured environments. As a group practice, mindfulness also sets the tone for authentic communication and deep learning. The arts reinforce many of these same principles, bringing mindfulness and awareness into embodiment, movement, listening, seeing, and interaction.

Authentic leadership

The posture and practice of “just sitting” helps us tune in to the inherent qualities of authentic leadership, to both the focused attention of mindfulness and the expansive field of awareness. By bringing together these two—mindfulness and awareness, strength and openness—we increase our ability to be both focused and receptive, still and engaged, fearless and gentle, powerful and compassionate. To use an ancient metaphor, we discover our own spiritual warriorship. We are able to be truly present and we are prepared to act decisively with compassion, courage, and humility.

See also the DVD Mindfulness and Authenticity with Alan Sloan and The Little Book of Practice for Authentic Leadership in Action by Susan Szpakowski (especially chapters 3 and 9). The DVD is available for order and the Little Book is available for free download on the Resources page.

For a review of the considerable literature and scientific research now confirming the positive effects of mindfulness on personal well-being and leadership performance, simply follow internet links on topics such as “mindfulness-based stress reduction,” “neuroleadership,” and “mindful leadership.” See also mindful.org for current articles and blogs.