Since I was a kid, I have been obsessed with the spiritual dimension of human life – who are we? Why are we here? What is Divine and how do we find it? I was raised Roman Catholic and attended Catholic schools from grade school through college. But thanks in large part to the Jesuits who taught me during my four years at Loyola University of New Orleans, my mind opened up to learn about many other spiritual traditions as well.
In particular, I’ve found tremendous value in the beliefs and practices of Zen Buddhism. Not as a replacement “religion” for Catholicism or any other “ism” – but rather as very practical and simple wisdom for how to lead a successful human life. I’ve been meditating since my mid-twenties, when I took my first meditation/yoga class to help me deal with the stress of graduate school. Since then I’ve: invested regularly in many more classes/training/retreats; read more books than I can count on Buddhism and mindfulness; and am part of a Buddhist here in my home town.
I tell you all this because, if you become a regular reader of this blog, you’re going to hear me talk about mindfulness A LOT. Mindfulness is awareness – a very powerful form of awareness that comes from being fully present to the moments of your work and life. (While meditation is just one technique to get you there, mindfulness is the end game.) In terms of business/work/career, mindfulness helps you to see clearly what is present and to know with certainty what choice to make or action to take. In terms of life, mindfulness is the best way I’ve found to live deeply and happy, every moment. The path of mindfulness has been my route to professional success and work/life balance. There is no bigger, better gift I could hope to share with you.
