3. Fragmented Fields of
Attention
O With the proliferation of modern technology
and communications channels/devices, we
are virtually never unplugged, and the being
“out of pocket” and “off the grid” is a vestigial
pleasure we once enjoyed, barring remote
camping trips.
O Our ability to be fully present in any given
moment has been severely compromised by
our addiction to connectivity to
everyone/everywhere/all the time.
5. The most important thing you
do everyday…
O What is the most important thing you do
every day?
O You breathe…
O How many times a day do you think you
breathe?
O The average person takes around 20,000
breaths a day.
O The average person takes the majority of
their waking breaths in a less than
optimal, usually shallow way…
6. Effects of Shallow Breathing
O Cascade of negative effects:
O Anxiety
O Inability to focus
O Increased Cortisol Levels
O Adrenaline surges at inappropriate times
O Induces a permanent, low-grade fight or
flight response
7. Benefits of Mindfulness
Practice
GENERAL BENEFITS:
O Increases activity in a number of
brain regions, including those
parts involved in learning and
memory processes, emotion
regulation and perspective
taking;
O Improves psychological
functions of attention,
compassion and empathy;
O Activates the parasympathetic
nervous system, calming the
autonomic nervous system and
decreasing cortisol;
O Boosts the immune system
Work-specific Benefits:
TIME SPENT
PRODUCTIVELY
FOCUSED!
8. Practical Applications…
Why should I care about mindfulness at work?
O Enhanced Listening Ability
O Hearing your clients and coworkers is critical to success
O Take Perspectives
O Placing yourself in the perspective of your client is critical to
understanding their needs and requirements
O Non-reactivity in the face of stressful circumstances
O No work environment is without its stresses, and no business
deal with a client is without its challenges to overcome, and
displaying equanimity and poise in the face of adversity is
extremely useful in building trust.
O Increased memory and attention span
O Capturing and retaining information is critical to the success of
any business deal, and a single missed (or remembered) detail
can be the difference between a win or a “learning opportunity”.
9. Quick, Effective Exercises…
O 4 Part Breath
O Inhale 3 seconds, Hold 3 seconds, Exhale
3 seconds, Hold Empty 3 seconds
O Repeat for 2 minutes.
O Alternate Nostril Breathing
O Place index finger on the right nostril and
inhale through the left, pivot index finger to
cover the left nostril and exhale through the
right. Inhale throught the right and repeat
on each side for 2 minutes.
10. Companies with Mindfulness
Programs…
O Google
O Apple
O Target
O General Mills
O Deutsche Bank
O Procter & Gamble
O Aetna
Further reading links:
O http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/29/mindfulness-businesses-
corporate-employees-meditation_n_1840690.html
O http://www.forbes.com/sites/drewhansen/2012/10/31/a-guide-to-
mindfulness-at-work/
O http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/mindful
ness-at-work/5617546
