The rules you were given were the rules that worked for the person who created them, and the more different you are from that person, the worse they’re going to work for you. When you’re mindful, rules, routines, and goals guide you; they don’t govern you.
–Ellen Langer, Mindfulness in the Age of Complexity
Mindfulness. It’s everywhere these days. In the nonprofit sector, though, we often feel too busy to figure out how to find time to walk the dog, much less be mindful. We’re just trying to get the important work done. And yet, neuroscience confirms it: Mindfulness practices increase our awareness, self-regulation, and resilience, which in turn leads to centered, compassionate, and connected leaders – leaders that are skilled at motivating others toward a common commitment. Sounds pretty inspiring, doesn’t it?
Just in the last decade, mindfulness practices in the workplace have lowered health costs, increased employee productivity, helped employees stay “on task,” and reduced employee stress. According to a UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School study, just a few benefits of mindfulness are “improvements in innovative thinking, communication skills, and more appropriate reactions to stress.” All-important results for our nonprofit work.
That’s why we’ve developed a series that explores mindfulness, and how it can help you be a stronger leader, a more engaged employee, and an even more successful organization:
- Six Month Mindfulness Circle
- Transform Interpersonal Conflict into Connected Conversations
- Mindful Visioning Workshop
- Manage your Energy, Not your Time
Now go out and walk the dog.
–The CNE Team