In thinking about Mindfulness, I am mindful of the fact this term can mean very different things to people, depending on who you are speaking to. Some expressions of mindfulness might manifest in the continuum from being ‘present’ to meditation, from a therapeutic technique to staying calm in the midst of life-storms; or simply being ~ aware.
I think this range of definitions are all correct, and yet – incomplete, because everyone has something personal to add to the dictionary meaning as stated, and also influenced by circumstances and the environment. From a neuroscience point-of-view, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans have purportedly revealed that the survival brain region, which includes the brain stem, amygdala and the limbic system, lighting up during stressful encounters. This region is known for responding to danger through flight or flight response. In contrast, according to the body of work by Shirzad Chamine, the PQ Brain consists of three components: in the pre-frontal cortex (MPFC), the empathy circuity and the right brain. The MPFC is a relatively small area but plays several critical PQ functions, such as: observing self, pausing for action, soothing fear, staying centered in the middle of challenging situations and Gut Wisdom. Furthermore, the Right brain deals with big picture thinking, whether in terms of imagery, non-verbal language and the detection of invisible things such as energy and moods, which helps with the awareness of physical sensations and emotions. This is where the Sage dwells, and with it comes powers to be joyful, thriving and mindful.
What I have found helpful from a coaching perspective is that being able to quieten the chatter in the mind allows for new pathways to open up, not just in the realms of the brain, but also within the body. Being in such a state means that the mind is not –full, filled with worry, anxiety, shame or fear. Mindfulness for me is being able to shift from a frenzied mind to a state of open-heart, open-will, open-mind; as espoused in Theory U.
So what exactly are we silencing when we practice mindfulness? The literature out there suggests it is the dissonant worries that are being moved to the background – be it the voice of care, voice of judgement or voice of fear? These are saboteur voices of fiends that seek to drag you down. The important thing is being able to recognise these voices and having a plan to counter or silence them. For example, for a Mega-Accomplisher, the voice of fear might come in the form of loss of progression or obsolescence at work. The voice advocates that self-acceptance is continuously conditioned on the next success, and this may cause one to lose touch with innate feelings and ability to connect deeply with others. One way to overcome this voice of fear is to cultivate and nurture unconditional self-love through the Hero’s Empathize Power and being able to practise self-care in a mindful way can help silence this voice.
What then, emerges in the being of an individual as these dissonant voices are quietened? I can imagine empathy, innovation, navigation, exploration and decisive action becoming possible through the activation of one’s heroic powers of the leader within, resulting in an inner-game shift, literally and neurologically towards happiness.
Coach Tom’s Inquiry: What is the gift and opportunity that mindfulness offers to you as a leader?
You may also wish to check out Coach Tom’s first published Forbes article here.
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