A New Use For A Wise Old Way Of Thinking :: December 2006
By Andrew Burnham - December 02, 2006
Become a Scientist of your Own Mind
Our mind is accustomed to thinking whatever its wants when it wants. At first it resists the mode called being in the moment. To get there and stay there, become like a scientist; keenly interested in getting to the truth of what is happening in your mind -- especially during difficult times. What are you focusing on? Do you have a choice?
Watch where your focus goes
A biologist observing the behaviour of seals doesn't get upset when some seals are gathering here and others are gathering there. She is just interested in what they do. She is not interested in what they should do. The only reason why she may be interested in what they should do is that it is different than what they were doing yesterday. Like the biologist, we first want to discover what is happening and make no judgements about what we think should be happening. Of course people should be honest, your food should arrive warm, your boss should appreciate you more, and so and so should be different. But then, these are not the real problems. Our "problems" come from what we focus on.
Help Others
What it would be like to be calm, centred and focused, despite what is happening on the outside? Isn’t this an essential tool for leaders, change agents and forward thinkers? Like the invention of the computer, would it help us do almost everything better?
Management from the Inside
As you learn to be more in the moment you will still take action, manage situations and people, plan, anticipate reactions, innovate and lead. All these management activities become easier, less stressful and more enjoyable when you are in the moment. You will also find that you are more creative and constructive in all of your activities.
