Exercises / Practices

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

By The Mindful Leader Team

In the hustle and bustle of the modern workplace, where deadlines loom and stress can mount, cultivating a sense of gratitude may seem like a lofty goal. However, integrating simple and effective gratitude practices into the daily fabric of team interactions can foster positive emotions and enhance the overall work environment.

Picture this: a team standup, a meeting, or a meditation session seamlessly incorporating a moment of reflection, which can easily incorporat…