‘Practice mindfulness; have a more positive impact on the world’

To revolutionise the way each department functions as well as to bring them a step closer at Apeejay Education, the Human Resource Department launched an innovative programme – ‘VisioSpeak: Perspectives from Apeejay Visionaries’. According to Dr. Anjana Nath, Chief People Officer, Apeejay Education, VisioSpeak is a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance collaboration and streamline communication while fostering a culture of growth and development. Through this programme, the Apeejay family aims to improve efficiency and productivity as well as create a more enjoyable and fulfilling work environment.

Introducing the concept and theme to the audience, Dr Nath explained, “In today’s time, we all are busy juggling between our day-to-day work and daily household chores. We hardly get time to introspect and make changes in the way we think or go about managing our lives. The purpose of the VisioSpeak is to help employees gain from the vast experience of leaders we have in our system. This would also help foster a positive work environment, imbibe a few good behaviours, and help build connections.”

Last week, Apeejay members attended the second discourse of VisioSpeak — Mindfulness for a balanced life. The session was delivered by Dr. Vimala Veeraraghavan, Dean Academics and Emeritus Professor, Center for Liberal Arts at Apeejay Stya University.

Introducing Dr Veeraraghavan, Dr Nath said that the professor is a Gold Medalist in MA Psychology and doctorate from the University of Delhi; she has teaching, training, and research experience of over 40 years at Delhi University; she has been the recipient of many awards, amongst which the notable ones are those of The Asiatic Society Award which is a prestigious award for her lifelong contribution to psychology; she has also authored 22 books, and contributed chapters in many books written by renowned professionals.

Taking over the session, Dr Vimala began by stating that the most important thing to understand is that mindfulness and meditation are not the same. “Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which the focus is on being intensely aware of what the person is sensing and feeling in the moment. The PRESENT rather than the past or future is given the highest importance in mindfulness.

It is done without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind to help reduce stress,” Dr Vimala said.

Mindfulness, is a combination of mental attitudes, developed through practice and it has three important components: Focus on the present; having compassion for others and self, and staying away from negative thoughts.

Differentiating mindfulness from meditation, Dr Vimala pointed out meditation is practice, mindfulness is a quality. Meditation is practiced for a specific period, mindfulness is for short or long periods.  It can be used in treatment without meditation; not so in the case of meditation. The focus in mindfulness is on mind-body knowledge rather than physical postures; whereas in meditation it is the integration of mind, body, and spirit — posture is important. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere anytime, even while walking.  It is all about becoming aware of the various sensations, and feelings in one’s body,” Dr Vimala stated and added that mindfulness is just one aspect of meditation, whereas the latter (meditation) has several aspects.

She also introduced to the Apeejay members the steps involved in the practice of mindfulness. She said one needs to take a comfortable position. Asking them to inhale (breathe in) and exhale (breathe out,) she asked them to concentrate on breathing and stay in the present.  To begin with, the mind will wander but it is okay. The idea is to bring it back to the present and be aware of the five senses. Look at the inner and outer world through these senses. The most important thing to keep in mind is to feel the sensations in the body without judging or interpreting them.

About the thoughts, while practicing Mindfulness, Dr Vimala said that almost all humans spend 50 per cent of their time in thoughts and nearly 60,000-80,000 thoughts bombard us in a day.

“Being aware of our thoughts without being judgmental helps in focusing on making correct decisions. And it all starts by being in the present and focusing on one thing only,” Dr Vimala explained the application of mindfulness for the family and the several benefits that accrue from it for the entire family and not just individuals.

Participants at VisioSpeak

Mindfulness for the family

Mindfulness in the family can strengthen relationships. It can deepen connections, increase everyone’s well-being, and is a great way for parents to practice being informally mindful. It nurtures children’s overall well-being. “In particular, when we keenly listen to our child, the relationship is made strong. Mindfulness improves physical health in that it relieves stress and anxiety, lowers blood pressure, improves the immune system, improves sleep and digestive issues, reduces emotional reactivity, and increases positivity.

For children, she pointed out that mindfulness is an excellent way to provide experiences that enhance their emotional intelligence. It also enhances their ability to self-regulate and control their impulses and emotions. It also helps children become more aware of themselves.

Explaining about mindfulness for leadership, she enumerated the benefits of what it means to be a mindful leader.

It refers to leading the team effectively during times of change and uncertainty. It means refocusing efforts and aligning values and competencies to what matters the most. A leader who practices mindfulness can meet new challenges by fostering inclusive environments leading with courage and respect.

“Such a leader leads from the front, achieves success, and protects the company’s reputation with integrity, character, and consistency, and develops the ability to adapt to changing demands and situations. This in turn leads to high emotional intelligence,” Dr Vimala shared and suggested that at the workplace, people can practice mindfulness such as practicing mindful walking – a simple walk where one is aware of one’s bodily movement such as how the hand moves while walking. That is focusing on sensations and breathing.

Continuing on mindful leader, she added that mindful leader stays clear of trivia and needless worries, are able to nurture a passion for their work, become more compassionate towards others and self, and show their gratitude towards the employees. All this makes them more open and adaptive, make better decisions, and become better listeners.

“A mindful leader owns up to mistakes made, is transparent, takes the team’s mistake as his failure, and helps his team learn from failure and move ahead,” Dr Vimala said.

This insightful session was followed by quick questions to the professor who answered them with precision, especially when it came to answering how to teach children mindfulness. “Practice is the best exercise and when done regularly, it becomes a way of life,” she answered. This was followed by a vote of thanks to the professor for her insightful session.

She concluded the session with the lines by Dalai Lama: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.”