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Mindfulness has gained significant popularity in recent years, with its positive impact on mental well-being and focus becoming widely recognized. In a session at Mindful Leader’s 2019 Mindfulness at Work Summit, Diana Winston, the director of mindfulness education at the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, shared valuable insights into various meditation practices. Her discussion centered around moving from focused awareness to natural awareness through a spectrum of mindfulness practices…

By The Mindful Leader Team

We are all still dealing with the aftereffects of the pandemic: studies have shown that isolation, fears, and anxiety related to COVID-19 caused a significant increase in anxiety symptoms across the general population. On top of that, with the state of polarization and technology addiction, we are more scared and uncomfortable in social settings than ever before.

In the workplace, we have added pressures from presentations, deadlines, layoffs, high-stakes meetings, p…

By The Mindful Leader Team

In the last few months, our field has been rattled by AI, with primary two camps - those who are excited and thrilled about the possibilities and those who are concerned with the ethical and moral implications. Over the last few months, we have explored ChatGPT, AI Tools, the ethics of AI and spirituality in a series of articles you can find here. With all the buzz around AI, we decided to conduct a comprehensive survey and get a pulse from the field about the current…

By Piero Falci

While reflecting on the process of training and certifying individuals to become teachers of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program that he created, I once heard Jon Kabat-Zinn say, “There are times when I ponder: ‘What makes one a capable mindfulness teacher? Who is capable of transmitting the teachings?’” I think about what he said, and I often ask myself: “Am I capable?” 

When I began teaching, I was not sure I knew enough. I was insecure. I was afraid that I would fo…

By The Mindful Leader Team

Caught in a whirlwind of work idealization, many are on a quest for the quintessential job. In a recent interview with Onpoint’s Meghna Chakrabarti, Simone Stolzoff discussed his new book “The Good Enough Job” and offered ten insights into our understanding of work, suggesting that a subtle shift in perception could unlock the doors to more enriched living.

1. Shattering the Perfection Illusion: Stolzoff drew an analogy between our work idolization and mid-20th-centur…

By The Mindful Leader Team

This month, we learn about new research that uses ultrasound to trigger a meditative brain state as well as the positive benefits of meditation for old and young populations alike. Then, we shift to the findings of two workplace wellness studies, one centered entirely on the needs and priorities of younger millennial and Gen Z workers and the other looking at how C-suite executives can better support employee health and well-being. For our last article, we’ll see how …

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…