Spirituality in day to day work, for Joy and Results
What is the relevance of spirituality in our day to day work?
Can spirituality bring about results and joy?
For a long time, I had this popular notion that work is work and spirituality is something akin to a hobby or free time interest!
Upon deeper quest, I realize that spirituality is the full-time occupation and work is a part of it!
Spirituality
This word has many meanings and connotations. For the sake of simplicity and the context of this writing, let me define it as – “a state of being ONE with one’s true nature”
You must grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul. – Swamy Vivekananda
Contradiction
Spirituality is stated to be about withdrawal from the materialistic and work or occupation as we all understand, relates to materialistic aspect of life.
This seeming contradiction is the basis for our belief that spirituality is about drifting away from everything materialistic including work!
Spirituality is about ‘going beyond mind’ and work is all about ‘mind and intellect’ put to use.
To explore the relevance of spirituality in our daily work and how it can bring about joy and favorable results, let’s bring our attention to the ‘symptoms’ of a ‘spiritual being’. These are the principles ‘spiritual beings’ live by.
The following nine principles can light up new age organizations and impact work cultures globally.
1. Awareness
It is gentle and total attention to the events around oneself moment to moment.
Our awareness is generally fragmented and present in shorter durations.
This dimension is achieved through a lot of practice.
Awareness when present in workspace can bring about clarity in action and decision-making ability.
2. Being non-judgmental
All that happens around us we tend to label. People and circumstances are constantly subjected to our judgements.
Being non-judgmental would appear to be against typical work practices as judging and evaluating is considered as essential part of performance.
The habit of being judgmental leads to doubt, suspicion and skepticism rather than producing results.
When judgements are replaced with confidence and trust, it can result in favorable outcomes.
3. One pointed focus
An inseparable part of spiritual practices is ‘Meditation’ which simply is bringing one’s attention to a single point of awareness.
Consistent practice of meditation helps us develop the one-pointed focus essential for any endeavor.
Multi-tasking has become the order of today’s workspace which drains efficiency.
This skill of one pointed focus is the only way to achieve maximum results in minimum time.
4. Being in the NOW
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have – Eckhart Tolle
Present moment awareness is possibly the toughest trait to achieve.
The mind is habitually swinging between the past and future, preoccupied in anticipation.
Our access to power and ability to act is available to us only in the present moment.
This presence of mind coupled with one pointed focus can resolve all challenges at work.
5. Equanimity
The quality of being in an even state of mind under all circumstances.
To be free from reactions both positive and negative has far reaching benefits.
This does not mean restraint from providing response when needed.
Equanimity during trying situations can save associations, embarrassments and help us from getting carried away.
6. Celebration
To be in a state of perpetual joy without assigning reasons or outcomes.
Our ability to rejoice at our day to day accomplishments has a spiraling effect that creates success habit.
Joy or bliss as it is commonly referred as is our true nature. To be true to oneself is to be in a state of perpetual Joy.
7. Acceptance
Unconditional acceptance is the true power of ‘spiritual beings’.
This stems from a deeper faith in the greater intelligence that is in operation.
This quality means we embrace in our minds all that is, around work life without choice.
There are no preferences, no favorable and unfavorable situations. This does not mean that one is deprived of true self-expression. It only means absence of inner resistance.
8. Silence
We live in a noisy world, noise is all around both external as well as the inner mind chatter.
True spiritual beings operate from a zone of silence. We have complete control over our inner chatter, however external noise reduction is not totally in our control.
Working in inner silence is true devotion.
9. Detachment
Finally, detachment from all actions and the results thereof.
This does not mean absence of dedication and commitment. It is also not about being indifferent.
Highest commitment and lowest attachment removes stress from the equation of work.
This coupled with faith and acceptance is a great recipe for success and fulfilment.
Conclusion
Your own Self-realisation is the greatest service you can render the world – Bhagawan Sri Ramana Maharshi
While all the above principles are seemingly in contradiction to what happens in a typical workplace, it is my strong belief that future organizations shall thrive with the above principles incorporated in their work culture.
Article By: Sathish Desai, Principal Architect & Designer at CREO, Bengaluru
To explore Heartfulness Meditation click the link below
