Using Meditation Tools at Work

Meditating at home is something I do regularly, and it took me years to get comfortable using the scream towel. I was self-conscious and afraid the neighbors would hear me. The idea of using a scream towel at work was not an option. Until the time I got so triggered at work I was about to quit on the spot. I walked into the bathroom, picked the stall farthest from the door, and started silent screaming. Hard. Luckily nobody came into the bathroom and I released enough emotion that I did not quit my job. I was able to calm enough to finish my day and get home where I could do a longer meditation.

That experience cracked the door open enough for me to begin using some meditation tools at work. The tools I rely on most often are:

— Silent screaming in my office or the bathroom. Silent screaming is done with the same intensity as using the scream towel only I don’t let any sound come out of my mouth.

— Taking a prayer walk (or a walk where I focus on my intention)

— Playing two or three songs with my headphones on in my office

— Opening my throat chakra by opening my mouth widely, sticking my tongue out as far as it will go, and saying “Ahhhh” loudly for several minutes.

Using these tools helps me to:

Get clarity
Sometimes I have to present sensitive information in front of staff and it may be difficult for people to hear it e.g., company reorganizations, changes to performance evaluation, etc. Taking a prayer walk before I begin planning the presentation helps me get clear. I’ll start the walk with my intention to identify what needs to be shared on the subject. Then I walk and pray a simple prayer like “Please help me” over and over.

Get out of the way
When I facilitate a conflict resolution process between two people, it’s essential that I’m neutral and not hooked into their conflict. I usually shut my office door about 30 minutes beforehand so I can dance to a few songs with my headphones on. It grounds me and gets me connected. If it gets tense during the resolution process and I feel myself wanting to take control, I pray “Guide me”.

Get unstuck
I remember facilitating a meeting and emotions started to rise. I could feel myself tightening up because it was an important meeting and I wasn’t sure which direction to take the group. I suggested we take a fifteen minute break and then headed for a private bathroom where I could silent scream. Releasing the building fear allowed me to get present and see what the group needed next.

Speak clearly
Opening my throat chakra is a tool I love! Especially before a presentation or meeting. It’s funny how self-conscious I can be about using the scream towel but I’ll go sit in my car in the parking lot and touch my tongue to my chin without hesitation.

There are other tools I use like debriefing and creating a list of questions about a topic but those look like “normal” work behaviors. I can sit at my desk and no one knows I’m using meditation tools.

Large companies like Google and Virgin Airlines are beginning to embrace the positive effects of meditation in the workplace. At some point, I may feel comfortable hanging a “Meditation in Progress” sign on my office door. Until then, I’ll keep looking for ways to use the tools at work to get present, stay connected and give to others.

Many thanks,
Diane Wismer