Bringing Mindfulness
into Your Leadership
¡Las Jefas! 40 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 28, No. 1, 2022
By Marisa Rivera
Throughout my years in leadership positions, I have learned
that leadership starts with YOU. Are you focused, happy,
energetic, mindful, sad, angry, fearful, or resentful? A
mindful leader embodies leadership presence by cultivating focus, clarity,
creativity, and compassion in the service of others. Your attitude, intentions,
presence, and ability to give full nonjudgmental attention in the present moment
will affect your ability to lead.
Mindfulness is not new, but has in recent years made the transition from
Tibetan monasteries to corporate boardrooms (Time Magazine, Pickert). Jon
Kabat-Zinn, professor at the Univ. of Massachusetts Medical school, defines
mindfulness as “The awareness that comes when we pay attention-on purpose
-the present moment, while suspending judgment.”
Mindfulness is about how we show up every day by becoming self-aware,
transforming ourselves, and living our purpose. Your purpose is your internal
compass, the vision that pulls your everyday choices. It’s what motivates you
and propels you forward. Mindfulness is the mechanism that helps you check
in with your emotions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as you travel through life
and make decisions.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness reduces stress, boosts our
ability to concentrate, have greater clarity, and enhances our leadership presence.
Mindfulness helps you regulate strong emotions, keep your composure and cope
with difficult situations to generate fresh new ideas, and be a stronger team player
and a better leader. Mindfulness requires
discipline, commitment, intention, and daily
practice.
Supported over a sustained
period can lead to valuable change and
effective leadership.
Learning to bring mindfulness
into your leadership is an important
skill. Here are a few strategies you
can incorporate int o your daily
routine to bring mindfulness into
your life.
Practice breathing: Taking
time to learn how to breathe
effectively can help you alleviate
stress, reduce anxiety,
and maintain focus.
Practice calming breathing by inhaling and exhaling several times slowly
and bringing your attention to the present. You can also use alternate nostril
breathing, breathing through one nostril at a time. Breathing is the link between
body and mind.
Practice meditation: One of the easiest ways to bring the power of
mindfulness to your leadership style is by practicing meditation. Clearing your
thoughts, using breathing techniques, focusing on the positive outcomes you
want for the day, being grateful for what you have, and repeating affirmations.
Practice body scans: Focus your attention and check the different parts of
your body from head to toe. Close your eyes, scan your body, and think about
what you love and what area may need special attention and care. Your body is
your temple, take good care of it.
Nourish your body towards wellness: Food is our energy source. Plan your
meals and choose healthy food to nourish your body throughout the day.
Exercise and “Me time”: As leaders, we need stamina. Finding the time to
exercise your body and doing something you love for yourself can help you bring
mindfulness and happiness into your life.
Ultimately, all these techniques can help you channel your energy towards
what matters most in your job and your life. It makes sure that your intentions
match your impact and your purpose. As women and as Latinas, we must learn
the art of mindfulness as we navigate our busy lives. Become a mindful leader
today!
LS
Want to comment or have any questions on this article?
Email us at info@latinastyle.com
Marisa Rivera is president of Mpowerment Works, a
motivational speaker, executive coach and leadership and
empowerment consultant.
Marisa@ MpowermentWorks.com
/www.latinastyle.com
/MpowermentWorks.com
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