As much as we might resist the idea, society is the collective body with all of us. We are an integral element of society. It is tempting to think in terms of “us” and “them” whoever “they” may be. You can apply this in relation to society at large, your community, your organization, your team, and your family, for example. In any group that you are a part of, you are actively contributing to the overall energy all the time whether it feels that way or not.
You are influenced by the structures and systems you live within and you, in turn, influence these same structures and systems.
Deep personal responsibility ~ yes! Expanded capacity for freedom ~ absolutely! Totally worth it ~ you betcha!
The community does not exist without the individuals. However, as a community develops and grows, shifts and changes, the community itself becomes an energetic being that is created through the collective consciousness of the people involved.
Where to Begin?
What I am about to say next will probably not come as a surprise.
It starts with you.
As you may be aware by now, one of the foundational components of The Conscious Service Approach is Self-Connection. As you grow in your capacity for self-connection, you automatically enhance your contribution as a co-creator of any community you belong to.
You are contributing all the time – so the questions become, “what do I wish to contribute?” and “how do I wish to contribute?”
What is Contribution?
Let’s talk a bit about what it means to contribute. At first glance, it might seem that contribution is active and obvious. Consider for a moment, that you are also contributing on an energetic and emotional level. It is not always about what we say or do ~ or don’t say or do for that matter ~ it is often just about how we “be.”
Active ~ not always. Dynamic ~ for sure.
Are you present?
Are you engaged?
Are you open-hearted?
As you establish practices that allow you to reflect upon and answer questions like these, you will come to know a deeper sense of self-connection and ultimately bring more of your authentic self to your communities.
How Does Mindfulness Fit?
Practicing mindfulness at the corporate or organizational level is a path towards meaningful co-creation of community.
So what is mindfulness anyways? Mindfulness has often been perceived as meditation. And while meditation is a part of the development of mindfulness, they are not one in the same.
To practice mindfulness does not require that you lock yourself in the supply room for an hour with eyes closed and legs crossed. To be mindful is to be present and engaged, not only with other people and external experiences, but first and foremost, with yourself.
Corporate Mindfulness creates a space for individual authenticity and creativity. It offers a process for the resolution of conflict and thoughtful decision-making. Corporate Mindfulness provides an opportunity for the expression of the individual in ways that are supportive and safe and offers an avenue towards personal joy and fulfillment. And all the while, encourages a sense of connection and belonging ~ investment in the greater good that is possible when we truly walk together.
Corporate Mindfulness creates a space for Conscious Service at the Community level.
In a world that is often fraught with competition, comparison, instant gratification, and achieving outcomes at any cost, the potential benefits of corporate mindfulness feel like a much needed and long awaited breath of fresh air.
The Mindful Moment
Close your eyes and imagine what it would feel like to wake up each morning filled with anticipation for the day that lay ahead of you. Imagine that you are filled with excitement at the opportunities you have each day to contribute in ways that are meaningful for you with people you feel connected to within a community that encourages your engagement and your sense of fulfillment.
Organizations like that can do anything.
Energized, engaged, and connected communities have greater capacity for problem solving, decision-making, innovation, and leadership.
Who doesn’t want to be part of something like that?
Join Us for a Conversation about Corporate Mindfulness
In response to the old adage “There is no I in Team,” my next guest on Serving Consciously ~ Jivi Saran says, “There is no Team without the I.”
And if you like we can take that a step further. If you rearrange the letters in Team, you will eventually find a “me.” We cannot get away from ourselves as an integral part of any group process.
If I don’t bring me to the team process, then I won’t be there!
Co-Creating Community – The Role of Corporate Mindfulness is the topic of the next episode of Serving Consciously on Friday October 14 at 12:00 noon (PST) on www.ctrnetwork.com.
Next week, I will introduce you to my guest for that show. Her name is Jivi Saran of Winds of Change http://windsofchange.ca. Jivi is a Mindfulness expert with many years experience in the area of Corporate Mindfulness. I hope you can join us for what is sure to be an enlightening and entertaining discussion. I can’t wait to tell you more about Jivi in next week’s article.
