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Exercises / Practices
Embracing the Shadow: 5 Ways to Cultivate Political Compassion
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…
Exploring Dual Anchor Meditation: Waves and Breath
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…
Stop and Smell the Roses: Mindful Garden Bathing
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 …
Unlock the Power of Now: Reality Therapy Based 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…
The Opa Method: Laughing in the Face of Spilled Milk (and Broken Plates)
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…
Love thy Bully: 2-minute Exercise to Help with Toxicity at Work
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…
Harnessing The Power Of Reflection: The Start, Stop, Continue Exercise With A SMART Twist
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…
4 Stoic Strategies to Help Master Ego - Insights from Ryan Holiday
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…
Looking Back at 2023 - Top 5 Articles & Posts
By Mindful Leader Team
As 2023 draws to a close, let's take a stroll down memory lane with Mindful Leader's top articles of the year. With a whopping 122 articles and a staggering 220,025 views on our blog, we thank our readers for their unwavering support. Let's dive into some of the year's highlights, counting down in true year-end fashion. Whether you're taking a breather from the holiday rush or just curious, these articles offer insights and tips for a more mindful life. From embracing for…
Iterative Questioning: Unveil Your Year's Hidden Lessons with 10 Key Inquiries
By The Mindful Leader Team
As the year winds down, it's a season not just for holiday cheer but for contemplation and forward-thinking. Often, in our year-end musings, we barely scratch the surface of our deeper aspirations. To enrich this annual introspection and guide us in shaping goals that truly resonate with our ambitions, we've crafted an exercise rooted in a methodology known as Iterative Questioning. This practice, anchored in the philosophy of consistent and deeper inquiry, invites bo…