I have an article in the March issue of Shambhala Sun that's been bubbling up everywhere, and with it, my list of 10 Tips for a Mindful Home. Last week I had a message from a magazine reader asking if I had a similar list of tips for mindful work. I admitted that it had been 15 years since I'd spent 60 or more hours each week in an office, and at no time during the long stretch of my career was I anything but profoundly inattentive. Still, those days brought the dawn of a penetrating realization that my work was not the problem. Work is never the problem.
In that spirit, I offer these 10 Tips for Mindful Work, or What I Would Do Differently if I Had It All to Do Over Again:
Be on time
Self-discipline is the foundation of all success and the essence of self-respect.
Care
Work is not a distraction from your life; it is not a detour, hindrance or necessary evil. If you think this way it is the wrong view. When you are working, work is your life. Care for it as you care for yourself. As Dogen Zenji says, "If you find one thing wearisome, you will find everything wearisome."
Make a list
Start each day with a list of things to do. Control is an illusion, so wise up and keep the list short.
Forget the list
Do not mistake a list for the thing. Adapt to the flow of real events as they occur. Adaptation is innovation and innovation is genius.
Attend to what appears
What appears in front of you is the only thing there is. Respond appropriately as things arise, and crises will not overtake you.
Avoid gossip
Viruses spread. Keep your hands clean and cover your mouth.
Smile
The workplace is a theater, and the drama is make-believe. Everyone appreciates a good laugh. When you can do anything as though you work at nothing, you have the best days of your life.
Give credit
No amount of money is enough. Be generous with your kindness, courtesy and thanks. They will always be repaid.
Take the rest of the day off
Do your work, then set it down. Let others praise or blame.
Do it all over again
Rise and shine. An ancient teacher said, "A day without work is a day without eating." Take every chance to do it differently.
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"Momma said there'd be days like this..."
13 minutes ago
13 comments:
Hmm.. I do all these tips every day. Except for the 'mindful' part. Thank you for the reminder.
I love this list...I'm now headed to read your list for a Mindful Home...
Big exhale - this is exactly what I needed.
I would add...be grateful for the chance and the space to be mindful! So many in the world don't have this freedom.
(my thoughts after reading about riots in Burma today, where workers are demanding a $10/month increase and a shortening of their working day, currently 7am to 11pm...but one example of millions...)
I shared your tips at a meeting this morning.
Teachers are the worst at setting things down. We have been carrying every poor grade around our necks this year. And it shows, because we have been treating each other horribly and spreading a lot of virus.
Thank you for the well timed teachings in mindfulness.
Words to work by!
Should be in every break room wall.
You say it so well.
This is a wonderful list. Thank you.
Have you read the Frog and Toad story "The List"? It is a perfect illustration of making the list and then forgetting it (or not . . .)
Thanks for this.
Just what I needed to hear! thank you.
I really like this! Now as I adapt throughout my day, I will think of myself as more "genius-like." LOL.
How about leave when it is time to leave?
Treat each being as your child.
Continue to work as though your child is watching you to learn about life.
Oh wait this is the list for working for money after working to raise kids at home for the love of it.
Accept the gratitude of people which is to eat the food you prepare.
What a wonderful list and great reminder. Thank you!!
I completely agree about punctuality...when one is later than a said time, to me it shows disrespect.
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