Commonly Asked Questions
Q: What is mindfulness?
A: There are many working definitions of mindfulness, but the one I love the most is offered via the magazine Mindful. "Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we're doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what's going on around us."
Q: As the head of HR, why should I be interested in
providing employees with mindfulness training?
A: According to a recent Gallup poll, employees in the US are overwhelmed & suffering as a result. Nearly 1/3 report feeling stressed, 70% feel miserable, only 30% feel engaged at work, and 41% are suffering from burnout. While mindfulness can't prevent stressful events from happening, the training helps people respond and react to stress in more skillful ways. Research shows that nearly 1/4 of all US companies are including mindfulness training as part of their wellness efforts as the training is helping employees:
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sharpen focus & decrease mind wandering
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build resiliency to stress
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increase productivity
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strengthen emotional intelligence
Q: Why are employees interested in learning mindfulness?
A: Prior to facilitating mindfulness training programs, I survey employees and ask this very question. While responses vary from person to person, most common responses include:
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I'm stressed, and want to learn how to be less emotionally reactive.
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I want to learn how to be more present at work, and at home.
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I'm often anxious and worried at work, and don't know how to handle these feelings.
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I've heard mindfulness can improve health, and I need to be healthier.
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I don't know anything about mindfulness, but I've heard there is science to back it up, so I'm attending.
Q: How quickly can someone apply the practices
learned from this training program?
A: My goal, whether someone attends a "lunch and learn," a 4, 6, or 8 week series, or half/full day retreat, is that participants walk away being able to immediately apply what they've leaned. The more in-depth the training, the more opportunities people will have to learn multiple skills, and get the support and guidance needed to
sustain their personal practice.
Q: What kind of feedback are you getting from attendees?
Those who have attended this program often express great appreciation to their workplace for the opportunity to learn such helpful information and techniques. Participants will often also share that they feel very engaged during the training and empowered by what they learn; they enjoy the format, appreciate that the information is backed by science; and notice feeling more present, calm, and less stressed as a result of attending.
Q: Do you have to go someplace special to practice mindfulness?
A: Mindfulness is a practice that can be done anywhere, and at any time. One of the reasons I love mindfulness is because you never have to go anywhere "special" (ie., the gym). Mindfulness practices can be applied at work, at home, by yourself, or with others.