work life balance: attending to what matters

Mindful LIfe/Mindful Work is a different sort of name for an organization.   The operative word Mindful speaks to a way of being as well as a practice.  The name came to me from hearing clients and students  introduce themselves by saying they had a career,  (usually hand gestures would point somewhere to the side) and then there was Who They Really were.  (Hands would be in front of them at this point).   Then there is the Real me, they would say. 

Its interesting that people think of themselves as split into two; the real version (that contain the off-hour interests, family, fun stuff) and the career version of themselves.  (Don’t worry, if you see yourself in this picture, its a common idea).  But if we think of ourselves as dual or split, we can only be partially present.  It speaks to a holding back, holding on, a sort of disconnect.

Mindful Life/Mindful Work is saying its about balance.  Integrating the facets of who we are, a sense of self, is the subtext to all our lives.  Its about being present and aware of the situaton and the person in front of us, applying all our abilities.  Sure we’re probably more fun outside of deadlines and business meetings, but we’re truly still the same person.   And through it all, its a process of enhancing skills of Emotional Intelligence; learning to be more conscious. authentic, genuine. 

Our multi-functioning modern gizmos are reflecting back to us the wisdom of this ancient truth:  the concept of a dual nature, a segmented ”Real Me” hidden while at work is just an illusion.  The reality is, the real me is this one person, all facets being part of a uniquely flowing whole. 

Technology’s bigger story is that it underscores the themes of individual wholeness as well as our interconnection with the rest of the planet.  Our hectic schedules are a constant flow between work and home.  The boundary between the two is mighty slim these days, we use these same tools, computer, cell phone, Facebook, Twitter et al, to keep us connected to both job and life, as we do the work. stay connected and have some fun. 

Through Mindful Life/Mindful Work we expand the notion of compartmentalized thinking, using practices that teach being present, releasing stressors, focusing on personal insight and desired change. Think of it as whole brain functioning: utilizing right brain creativity and insight, combined with left brain strategic planning.