Be Here Now

Summary

The website content emphasizes the importance of being present in the moment to improve personal and professional interactions, suggesting simple steps to enhance mindfulness and reduce stress.

Abstract

The article "Be Here Now" discusses the common issue of not being fully present in our interactions, as illustrated by the author's own mistake of calling someone by the wrong name. It underscores the negative consequences of multitasking and distraction, such as missing important information, appearing inattentive, and experiencing unnecessary stress. The author advocates for small, immediate actions to cultivate mindfulness, such as limiting engagement with electronic devices, practicing active listening, setting boundaries for work-life balance, and engaging in activities outside of work for personal enjoyment and contribution. The article suggests that these practices can lead to clearer thinking, better leadership, and more empathetic relationships.

Opinions

The author believes that the modern environment encourages a hyperactive and multitasking lifestyle that detracts from our ability to be present.
It is suggested that one does not need to be a spiritual expert or have years of meditation practice to start being more present; simple steps can be taken immediately.
The author criticizes the idea of being constantly available and responsive to emails, advocating for prioritization and limiting responses to only the most important ones.
Active listening is promoted as a way to not only understand what someone is saying but also to empathize with their feelings and the importance of the topic to them.
The author emphasizes the importance of setting work boundaries and spending quality time with family to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Engaging in activities outside of work is seen as a way to reduce noise in one's life and contribute to personal well-being and happiness.
The article concludes with the suggestion to literally post a "Be here now" sign in one's office as a reminder to stay present.

Be Here Now

Photo by Ian Stauffer, Image on Upsplash

A few weeks ago we had supper with a delightful couple. He is going through a particularly difficult time in his life now. Tonight I commented to Kris “I feel such compassion for Steve” To which Kris replied, “His name is not Steve. It’s Joe!”

Where was my mind when I had dinner that night with Joe? I was busted for not being fully present on our dinner date. We live in a hyperactive and multi-tasking milieu and there is no more important advice that we can give or receive than

BE HERE NOW

We all have experienced some or all of the following. We are

On a conference call checking our e-mail while others talk

Continually distracted by intrusive thoughts

And the result is

Everyone knows we are not fully listening

We miss important pieces of information

We live with unnecessarily high levels of stress

We lower our intellectual and emotional horsepower And we call Joe, Steve.

So what is the answer?

First, one does not have to become a spiritual expert with high levels of mindfulness that can be sustained for long periods. That takes years of meditation practice. We can start with small steps now.

Second, there is no second. In fact there is no excuse for us not developing the clarity of thinking, focused listening, and inner tranquility for short periods of time that help us be more effective leaders and empathic partners. Here are some possible rudimentary steps we can take.

Take time out from electronic devices in meetings and in general. I know an executive who receives 300–400 email a day and has learned so to prioritize that he only responds to 10 a day. Such prioritizing is not easy but is possible

When we listen to people, hit the pause button in our minds. Don’t try and formulate an answer and ask yourself not just “What is this person saying?” but also “How do they feel about it?” and “Why is it important to them?”

Recognize that there will still be more work to do after your fourteen-hour day. So set limits on yourself and go home and have supper with your family, turn off your Blackberry, and focus fully on the people most important to your life.

Get a life apart from your work. The list of possibilities is endless but do something where you make a contribution and above all have fun. Have you ever noticed the gaps between musical notes. If these spaces were not there one would have noise. Reduce the noise in your life by finding silent spaces. And post a notice in your office “Be here now”.