Morning Work/Life Meditation

A different way to start your day and stay sane in the office, or wherever you might be.

Some of us are heading into work, where many personalities are at play. How do we stay hopeful and helpful in these spaces?

I wrote this meditation a few years ago for a friend who managed a large team and often felt frustrated with them. I shared another way of living, life on life’s terms, that would empower both him and his employees.

I shared it at a talk over the weekend, and it seemed to resonate, so I'm sharing it here with you all. I hope it helps in your day-to-day life.

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Work Meditation

When I try to see what I can add to the work, rather than what I can get out of it, and when I focus my mind on what’s good about it, rather than what’s wrong with it, the work keeps getting better and better.

When I focus on what’s good today, I will have a good day, and when I focus on what’s “wrong,” I have a bad day. If I focus on a problem, the problem increases; if I focus on finding answers, the answers come.

I must remember that my peace of mind is tied to my expectations. I can guide my team and let the rest go. Once suggestions and guidelines are offered, it is preferable if I discard all expectations of how I think people should behave and encourage and empower them through gratitude.

Acceptance does not mean I approve of unacceptable work practices. It simply allows me to focus my energy on what I can change. Instead of trying to change others, I will focus on accepting things as they are and look for solutions.

Resistance is a waste of energy.

May we act and guide the work from a place of love and kindness, not fear and domination. Leadership at work is power with, not power over.

My energy sets the tone of the work, the day, and the people around me. Let people be. Let the good start with me.

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*12-step recovery programs inspire most of the wisdom in this meditation.