Exercises / Practices

By The Mindful Leader Team

In an era defined by political upheaval, global conflicts, climate uncertainty, and rapid technological change, our emotional well-being faces unprecedented challenges. How do we maintain our center when it feels like the ground beneath us is constantly shifting? The answer might lie in an ancient concept that's more relevant today than ever: equanimity.

Understanding Equanimity

Equanimity isn't just staying calm when things go wrong. It's a profound state of emotio…

By The Mindful Leader Team

The Benefits of Breathing Exercises

Practicing breathing exercises offers several benefits for both physical and mental well-being. First and foremost, conscious breathing helps to regulate the body's stress response, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation. Deep, slow breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the "fight-or-flight" response and induces a state of calm. Additionally, focused breathing increases oxygen s…

By Mo Edjlali, Mindful Leader Founder & CEO

In today's fractured political landscape, disagreements have escalated beyond mere differences of opinion. People live in entirely different realities, a divide tearing at the fabric of society. This polarization isn't just about winning arguments anymore – it's affecting mental health, relationships, and even physical well-being.

However, there's hope. We’ve put together a set of practices, many that you might already be familiar with, that can help…

By The Mindful Leader Team

In the realm of mindfulness practices, we often seek new ways to deepen our awareness and connection with the present moment. Today, we're exploring an innovative approach that combines two powerful elements of meditation: breath awareness and sound focus. Inspired by the rhythmic nature of ocean waves, this dual anchor practice invites us to expand our attention in a unique and potentially enriching way.

Mindfulness practices have long been recognized for their pote…

By The Mindful Leader Team

In the 1950s, legendary golfer Walter Hagen offered sage advice in his book "The Walter Hagen Story," reminding us, "You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way." This counsel has evolved into the well-known exhortation to "stop and smell the roses," a metaphor for taking time out of our busy lives to appreciate the small joys and natural beauty around us. This concept aligns perfectly with the practice …

By The Mindful Leader Team

What is Reality Therapy? 

Reality Therapy, developed by psychiatrist William Glasser in the 1960s, is a powerful approach that helps individuals take responsibility for their choices and actions, ultimately leading to improved mental well-being and relationships. This article aims to provide an overview of Reality Therapy, its key principles, and its application in various aspects of life, as well as a self-guided practice to explore how to apply this approach in per…

By Mo Edjlali, Founder & CEO

Life, in all its unpredictability, often feels like a well-rehearsed play where suddenly an actor forgets their line, or the props fall apart. It's in these unscripted moments—like when a plate crashes to the ground, or a phone rings in the sacred silence of meditation—that we're given a choice. How do we react? With frustration, an outburst, or a shout of "Opa!"?

For some of us who have been in toxic atmospheres where a broken plate would result in shame, blame, a…

By Mo Edjlali, Founder & CEO

Confronting Workplace Challenges

In the early days of my meditation journey, I worked full-time doing IT program management for federal agencies. One memorable project was to champion our department's software needs and evaluate the work of a contracting firm eager to conclude their software development efforts.

This firm was ready to wrap things up and move on. The VP who was overseeing the development was eager to swiftly, and with as little cost, secure approva…

In the bustling corridors of modern workplaces, the need for self-reflection and continuous improvement is more crucial than ever. Rooted in principles of organizational development, the Start, Stop, Continue exercise is simple and effective. Its origins, while not attributed to a single creator, lie in the collective wisdom of management and human resources professionals who recognize the power of actionable feedback.

The Essence of the Model

The model is disarmingly simple: categorize action…

By The Mindful Leader Team

Introduction

In "Ego is the Enemy," Ryan Holiday masterfully explores the management of ego, blending Stoic wisdom with captivating historical anecdotes and key psychological principles. He argues that effective leadership is deeply rooted in the understanding and management of one’s ego. His insights are crucial for leaders seeking to navigate the complexities of ego, harmonizing the rational detachment of Stoicism with the mindful awareness at the heart of Mindfuln…