Today, so many people talk about mindfulness as a quality to be improved and a skill that we should all master. The word mindfulness, in fact, means having a conscious attitude towards oneself, full of compassion and trust. This is not easy, but we can reach a state of mindfulness through meditation, a daily practice that promises results only to those who are willing to try.
Marc Lesser has identified a 7-step practice, or rather suggests a progressive method, that consists of 7 different practices, to increase mindfulness in our lives. By following this method, its creator assures us that we can stimulate the development of some fundamental skills, thereby helping both ourselves, and the people around us, to improve.
The method has been widely used in big companies, such as Google and Twitter, who recognised the opportunity it presents, and it is highly valued for the results obtained.
At a leadership level, greater awareness has proved a valuable strategic tool, because being a leader does not mean giving orders, but rather creating the right environment in which people can grow together. When a leader manages people thoughtfully, he favours their human development. This behaviour stimulates the cultivation of a fertile ground, where everyone becomes personally invested in the work they are doing. Being a mindful leader means being present with oneself, free from the emotions that appear to want to get the better of us, such as fear and anxiety. When everyone becomes aware, they are able to separate the superfluous from what is really important, and truly focus on those decisions that need to be made and actions that need to be taken, for us to be able to achieve our objectives.
Awareness is something that we need to work towards. Meditation helps bridge the gap between what is, and what could be, bringing the two aspects together in a straight line that unites our action and intention. When the mind is healthier (meaning more balanced) it leads to a healthier body and to healthier relationships.
Lesser’s 7 principles can be applied by any person at any level, and can provide the tools to transfer us from an unconscious to a conscious state. All we need to do is start practicing.
