Silence.
From peace to terror In silence, the feeling of being alone can bring out many emotions in any leader.
This is logical. With silence we are able to concentrate on getting the job completed efficiently and without distraction. Our minds could drift to joyful memories or fun weekend plans. Also, silence could provide an opportunity to think about stressful issues like deadlines looming, huge presentations, or past mistakes.
What would happen if there were a tool that helped us manage and manage how we respond towards our own thoughts? Imagine the way it could improve the focus of our minds while increasing our ability to make more informed choices.
As an executive, is there anything more important?
That’s exactly what mindfulness and meditation can teach the mind, and it can be beneficial for a position of leadership, but in everyday life! If we can learn to live in the present moment in awareness of our thoughts and feelings without judgment and without judgment, we’ll be better prepared to react appropriately when it is most important.
For retreats in Scotland check out Pause & Creathe.
Don’t take my word as gospel. Many other entrepreneurs and executive figures all the way from Bill Gates to Marc Benioff to Oprah have also advocated the virtues of mindfulness. Even research by Ivy League institutions like Harvard are revealing the benefits of meditation.
As with everything else, it’s difficult to begin. If you’re experienced with the technique but taking your practice to the next stage could be as challenging.
What’s next? Where do you go from here? Perhaps it’s just my nature as an Entrepreneur, but I think the best approach is to jump in headfirst.
Release the Fear
“I was astonished positively by the quiet. It was difficult to be silent, but it was also vital to be able to simply be me. It gave me the space in my brain.” -Silent Retreat participant
If going on a lengthy retreat with no distractions makes you nervous, you’re certainly not all alone. Personally, I’ve attended more than a dozen silent retreats and still feel anxious. Even today, I’m feeling the butterflies as the start of a new retreat. I also feel my brain fill up with thoughts such as:
Does my business operate smoothly without me?
How many emails do I need to reply to on my return?
Do I have the potential to become bored?
What thoughts are likely to pop up in my head?
What can I do the next few days without my phone! ?
The majority of people today don’t have the luxury of being connected in the global community. But, we weren’t created to be as interconnected to the world as we are today.
Indeed, more and more studies show the growing dependence on electronics is creating alarming rises in stress, anxiety and depression. It’s impacting our sleep and self-esteem, as well as our levels of distraction and the balance between work and life.
Imagine a prolonged silence as a method to re-set our current dependency on technology. By severing this connection for a short period it allows us to both be at ease without these devices as well as appreciate the advantages they can provide.
Silence also gives us uninterrupted time to think about the one thing that we often overlook: ourselves.
What really happens at an uninvolved retreat?
“I can bring some of the positive effects of meditation to my staff. I’ve learned to approach everybody with more respect. I’m also tackling employee issues with a more calm, productive manner.” -Silent Retreat Participant
Each silent retreat is unique and I can’t be a representative about all of them. However, what I can say is that the best mindfulness retreat experience is there waiting for you.
Don’t assume that a meditation implies that you’ll be in a secluded space for hours. Actually, it’s the reverse! Most retreats are characterized by regular movement and exercises such as mindfulness walking, stretching exercises hiking, meditation, and even talks about wisdom given by the leaders of the group.
The retreat, Leading With Genuine Care we, for instance, are completely silent during two days. Most meditation sessions last between 25 and 45 minutes. In between and walking across the hills, have an energizing meal or even just unwind. Each of these activities is designed to enhance your practice as well as teach you techniques that are mindful and easy to take to home.
Many participants have noticed that the days pass quicker than they expected! Many leave feeling rejuvenated at ease, refreshed, and motivated for taking their leadership skills to an even higher level. They’re also amazed at how close they were to others in attendance despite being in silence.
The most significant outcomes occur after returning home. Many participants say that they came back to work feeling rejuvenated, focused and energized not just as an employee, but also all over their lives. They also notice a noticeable change in their ability to make decisions as well as their responses to challenging questions, as well as their attitude in the presence of other people.
If you only attend one time–and decide once enough is enough, you’ll leave with important mindfulness tools that you can carry throughout your life.
Is it a difficult task? Absolutely, and it’s the most satisfying, rewarding leader’s challenge you’ve ever faced.