Guiding Light

What’s Spirituality?

SEVERAL years ago after I presented a workshop entitled “Spirituality at Work: Because You Can’t Leave Home without You” I got a phone call from someone who went on to ask, “How can I implement spirituality in our organization?” My response was simple. “You can’t. Spirituality isn’t something you implement; it’s something you are.”

Let’s be clear. Spirituality is not religion. Spirituality is an inner search for deeper meaning-a personal private journey. Or as Peter Block says, “the process of living out a set of deeply held personal values, of honoring forces or a presence greater than ourselves. It expresses our desire to find meaning in, and to treat as an offering, what we do.” If you want to bring spirituality into your company, just be spiritual.

Given that you can’t leave home, your work can then become a place for your spiritual practice. Plus, some of the great spiritual teachers like Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, HH The Dalai Lama, and Confucius, have much to teach us which can be directly applied to how we interact and live while at work.

For example, if you want to reduce stress and also become a better communicator, meditate and practice mindfulness. Dalai Lama says, “Everyday I experience the benefits of peace of mind. It’s very good for the body. As you might imagine, I am a rather busy man. I take many responsibilities upon myself, activities, speeches and trips. All that no doubt is a very heavy burden, and still I have the blood pressure of a baby. What’s good for me is good for other people. I have no doubt on that score. Good food, a struggle against every excessive desire, daily meditation, all that can lead to peace of mind. And, peace of mind is good for the body.” Not only is peace of mind good for the body, it is also good for the mind. Conscious, mindful communication reduces misunderstanding and increases productivity. Here’s a simple exercise you can do anywhere, anytime to help.