[vn-families] Put a little Zen in your workplace

[binhp at mylinuxisp.com]

Source: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2006/102006/10062006/227162

Put a little Zen in your workplace

Casual Friday

Date published: 10/6/2006


By ELIZABETH PEZZULLO

The good folks at The Five O'Clock Club--a career coaching
service--have gone Zen on us.

This month's edition of their mini-mag, the Five O'Clock News,
features an article written by Richard Bayer, author of "The
Good Person Guidebook."

The book basically takes real-life workplace issues and infuses
them with a little Buddhist wisdom.

Regardless of religion, there is a deeper meaning to this
logic. So get into the lotus position--if you're physically
able--sip some Darjeeling tea and read on.

According to Bayer, the chief "unhappiness factors" afflicting
workers today are:

They don't earn enough money.

They work too many hours.

They fear losing their competitive edge.

Bayer addresses the first gripe head-on with some Eastern
philosophy. One should aim to seek out some middle ground
when formulating goals. You don't want to be poverty-stricken,
but you also don't need to make $300,000 a year to be happy.

If you spend your time chasing the almighty buck, you may be
clinging to what is "unreasonable, unfulfilling and passing,"
Bayer says. Lest you forget, the average per capita income in
the U.S. is $32,400, he adds.

If you work too much, to the detriment of your family, are
you putting your own needs first? Do you believe you're at the
center of the universe? If this is the case, you may need to
make an effort to be more compassionate to others or develop
more social relationships, Bayer advises.

Do you spend your days trying to outsmart your co-workers? If
so, you have the false view that competition with others is
more important than being a part of the whole.

"The perspective of isolation logically cuts off compassion
and heightens envy," according to Bayer.

Bayer recommends a few mental exercises to help you focus on
your goals. First, write your own obituary. I know, never a
pleasant task, but it gives you free rein to imagine how you
want your life to unfold. Second, create the perfect job for
yourself. This will provide more than a mere glimpse into how
you should be channeling your energy. Also, decide what you
would do if you had a million dollars. The way you spend it
also sheds light on your priorities. And, lastly, look forty
years into the future and create a vision for yourself.

Any of these will assist in honing your goals. And if this
doesn't work, you can always ditch work and spend a few months
contemplating your life under a bo tree, à la the Buddha.


To reach ELIZABETH PEZZULLO:540/354-5421
Email: epezzullo at freelancestar.com


Date published: 10/6/2006