Human doing versus human being
“The science of the mind can only have for its proper goal the understanding of human nature by every human being, and through its use, bring peace to every human soul”
– Alfred Adler
Are you a “human doing” where your life is fast-paced, crazy busy with work or other responsibilities and duties, and where you feel stressed out and constantly over-stimulated with information? Where do you have the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and clear your nonstop thoughts, and feel like a human being again?
Instead of ingesting caffeine to keep up with that fast pace, “quiet contemplation is seen as the new caffeine, the type of fuel that allegedly unlocks productivity and creative bursts,” according to the Enlightenment Engineers article by Noah Shachtman in the July 2013 issue of Wired magazine. This article also notes that Boston University researchers have shown how meditation improves working memory and the ability to manage time, focus, plan, organize and exhibit appropriate behavior. Currently, many technology institutions like Google, Facebook and Twitter offer meditation and mindfulness sessions at their offices. A popular meditation course at Google is “Search Inside Yourself,” taught by Chade-Meng Tan. This meditation class focuses on calming the mind and emotions. Attention is placed on the breath and visualizing goodness as white light. Other popular Google courses are “Neural Self-Hacking” and “Managing Your Energy.” Facebook is additionally encouraging employees to use compassion (empathy and kindness) with each other and in their business practices.
All of this is further confirmed in the February 3, 2014 cover story of Time magazine, “The Mindful Revolution,” written by Kate Pickert, which highlights the importance of creating a peaceful environment, experiencing the power of a quiet moment and learning how to unplug. The article also describes how Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MSBR) program and notes that being mindful is an exercise that can be taught. Once the exercise is practiced, awareness increases. Not only does meditation improve executive function in the workplace, scientists have also proven that it is also associated with a decrease in cortisol levels and blood pressure. Steve Jobs admitted that meditation increased his ability for concentration and pure work focus.
If your work environment does not offer mindfulness meditation courses, here are some other options to re-connect with your inner “light” and feel calm, rejuvenated and full of happiness. Instead of the typical coffee break, spend the time on the belly breathing. Smile as you inhale and exhale. Feel the exhale release the stress from your body and feel the inhale fill up your body with energy.
To increase this positive sensibility, breathe in some essential oils before or after doing your ExAIRcises. The essential oil can be kept in a drawer of your work desk, as long as it is cool and dry. According to Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic aromatherapy, chamomile essential oil is relaxing and can support the brain, nervous system, heart and muscles. Jasmine is another essential oil option that can soothe the brain and heart, and even improve memory. Rose is also effective in calming anxiety and opening the heart to feel compassion. After removing the bottle cap, a quick and easy way to use the essential oil is to hold the bottle where you can inhale with your left nostril, then your right nostril. Then quickly reverse this process and inhale with your right nostril and then your left nostril. It is that simple to recalibrate your disposition and start anew, feeling refreshed and energized, ready to work.
I hope the above mentioned ExAIRcise tips and aromatherapy suggestions will inspire you to schedule a few human being moments in your hectic human doing day.