What About Monday Morning? Awareness, Wisdom and Compassion in the Workplace

21 – 23 September, 2012

Tim Malnick

What if the very work we do, whatever it is, could become a path to greater awareness, deeper wisdom and wider benefit to the world?

In a time of global challenges, economic uncertainties and social change many of us are asking deep questions about the work we do and the way we do it. For some, the workplace can be a challenging even unfulfilling place that creates, stress, anxiety and tension. But should it be?

Far from needing to run away to a monastery or a cave, some spiritual traditions emphasise the value and potential of turning fully towards the chaos, challenge and emotionality of our work as a basis for self discovery and for benefiting others and the world at large.

This weekend course offers you the opportunity to explore this possibility by using tried and tested tools and approaches from both ancient and modern traditions in a safe, stimulating and supportive environment. It combines ideas and practices from leadership and organisational development alongside Buddhist practices of mindfulness and awareness.

This course will give you:

 Frameworks, practices and advice for approaching all areas of your work with greater courage, skill and open heartedness.

 Introduction to and guidance on simple awareness and meditation techniques that can be incorporated into the most demanding of daily schedules.

Time and space to reflect with others on the questions that you have about your work and the discoveries you are making in a safe, supportive environment.

 An overview of key Buddhist teachings on work as spiritual practice and why practicing in the chaos of everyday life can be more powerful than any retreat!

The course will involve periods of sitting and walking meditation as well as talks, reflective exercises and plenty of time for questions and discussion. There will be an introduction to the practice of meditation and mindfulness and particular emphasis on how this can apply to daily life situations, particularly work.

The exact topics we focus on will respond to the group’s particular interests and needs and are likely to include:

     Working beyond hope and fear – learning to let go of our personal agendas in order to work with genuine creativity and flexibility

    The paradox of ambition – considering whether trying to make things happen in a better future actually prevents enjoyment and fulfilment in the present

    The centrality of purpose – seeing our work as a natural expression of what we care most about

    Working beyond ego – work and leadership as service to others

    Moving between worlds – Buddhist approaches to working with communication, groups and change

    But what about Monday morning? – practical support and tools to take back to the office (or wherever) after the programme

 This course is likely to be of interest to anyone who:
 

•         Wants to get more from their current experience of work – whatever that is
•         Is dealing with issues of stress and frustration or facing particular challenges in their current work
•         Is in the process of creating or moving toward more meaningful and heartfelt work and wants to explore and deepen that journey
•         Is interested in finding new approaches to understanding work and organisations
•         Is interested in learning more about Buddhist ideas and practices in an applied and pragmatic setting

This weekend course was first run in 2011 and was well received, particularly by people who found that the weekend format made it possible for the first time for them to enjoy a course at Schumacher College. We look forward to welcoming others this year who would like to take some time to reflect and gain perspective on their working lives.

 Teacher

Tim Malnick is an experienced facilitator, educator, consultant & coach. As co-director of the MSc in Sustainability and Responsibility at Ashridge Business School, he works with many people who seek more fulfilment & greater contribution through the work they do.

Tim is also a student and teacher in the Longchen Foundation, a Tibetan Buddhist tradition. He has been teaching meditation for over 10 years. He has a particular passion for conveying the core essence of Buddhist teachings in a way that is accessible, practical and directly applicable for people in every setting amidst the chaos and complexity of modern life.

He still doesn’t really know what to say when people ask him ‘what do you do?’ and is gradually learning not to worry too much about that.

Course Fees -   £400 All course fees include accommodation, food, field trips and all teaching sessions.