Reference no: EM133712744

Comment on this story

I have been profoundly influenced by self-awareness and Buddhist principles in my life story. Following the loss of my grandmother to cancer, I found myself grappling with a loss of my identity and purpose in life. Overwhelmed by grief and suffering, I began to question my ability to endure such a huge loss. After approximately three months, I resolved to focus on self-motivation and self-awareness as means to regain strength and cultivate a renewed sense of self. I dedicated nearly a year to an in-depth study of Buddhist teachings, which significantly transformed my thoughts, actions, behavior, decision-making, and leadership. This intellectual and spiritual journey facilitated the development of a more positive and resilient version of myself.

Through the practice of right mindfulness, I have developed the ability to control my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors towards myself and others. According to Narada (1980), right mindfulness connects to the body, feelings, thoughts, and mind objects (p. 250). Therefore, I consciously cultivate a positive mindset, which enhances my care for my physical health, mental phenomena, emotions, and mind. This practice allows me to maintain neutrality towards the actions of others, enabling me to experience feelings without attachment.

Purser and Milillo (2015) advocated that Buddhist-inspired mindfulness can unlock productivity and creativity in organizational contexts by enhancing ethical sensitivity, moral development, well-being, and stress reduction (p. 19). This practice has provided me with a profound understanding of what requires focus in life and what should not undermine my mental resilience, such as anger, sadness, failure, emotional harm, and unpleasant actions. I have recognized these as natural aspects of the human experience.

This awareness enhances my emotional intelligence, allowing me to support myself and others in the workplace. By engaging in acts of kindness and maintaining an awareness of diverse thoughts and ideas, I contribute positively to my team's supportive environment by taking advantage of sharing ideas and alternatives as family members. I take pleasure in learning from seniors and colleagues' different perspectives and constructive feedback, rather than criticizing opposing viewpoints. With a sense of opening to diversity, it enables me and my team members to develop individual flexibility, open communication, improved problem-solving skills, enhance ongoing education, and create an inclusive work environment.

In short, this approach to right mindfulness helps me regain my life strength and develop my leadership. Therefore, I can balance team perspectives, create a safe space for authentic self-expression, and improve continuous personal and professional development. Being rational, kind, and open are my foundational thoughts towards actions.