Monday, December 8, 2008

PROFESSIONALISM AND SPIRITUALITY!!!


What you are inside always reflects outside. Chaos in your inside is bound to surface on your face and in your behavior which is constantly being observed by people at your workplace who form opinions about your competence, character, and commitment. But how you want them to perceive you may be different from how they actually perceive you. So how do improve this perception?

Study of the lives of successful men and women point at two important characteristics, common to most of them:
1) An abundance of energy, a spark that never dies, an urge to do more, specifically in the domain in which they have achieved success, and
2) A greater-than-usual degree of awareness

We provide you with tips and tricks for garnering these two characteristics. Here are a few practices that will help you in the endeavor:

1. Still your mind through meditation
It is believed that stillness of the mind or meditation can recharge minds fatigued by thinking about ways to win the consumer. So slow down the thinking speed of your mind, focus on any one object and let your brain blank out for a while. Meditate. When you return to the world, you will feel more empowered and ready to face professional challenges.

2. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly and sincerely with deep attention is essential. Physical exercise will not only help to keep the body fit, but will also enliven the mind. This enlivened mind concentrates better and this liveliness reflects in your gestures, postures and even the way you look.

3. The deep breathing trick
Deep breathing is an easy stress reliever that has numerous benefits for the body, including oxygenating the blood, which ‘wakes up’ the brain, relaxes the muscles and silences the conflicting mind. Take off your shoes and preferably lie down and breathe. While you breathe try to concentrate on nothing by utilizing controlled breathing as the center of focus. Take long, slow breaths, and listen to the sound of inhaling and exhaling. During the inhalation phase, first pull your abdomen out and next expand you chest. Try to think of nothing but the act of breathing. You will be amazed at how much our minds are addicted to wanderlust and how much they resist being tamed. Indulge in deep breathing exercises several times a day. Repeat this exercise six or twelve times in succession in a day. You will feel your mind getting de-stressed and a smile automatically gliding on to your face.

4. Relax your mind and body so that you don’t act impulsive at work
Most problems happen when one becomes impulsive and thus looses focus. For instance, if you are doing a particular work and someone calls on you or comes up to you for a different task, do not jump at the new project immediately. Slow down. Complete the work in hand first before you take up the new task. Your original plan for the day is more important. In fact, you should keep track of what you have planned for the day on a hourly basis. To help you keep your mind and body relaxed, indulge in progressive muscle relaxation. Along with each inhalation tighten one part of your body as much as you can. With each exhalation, relax that part of the body. Start with your toes and feet, then your legs, then trunk, then hands, then arms, then neck, and finally face. After relaxing the entire body as above, do it again. This will help you recognize and relax tight muscles.

5. Get a massage
Sense of touch, which is widely neglected is closely linked to the mind and is vital to your sense of well being. It improves circulation, reduces muscle pain and spasms and eases tension. So get a friend or a professional to give you a massage as you let your mind concentrate on the sound of music.

6. Bask in the glory of music
Concentrate on the beats of the music. Let your soul get lost in the pulsating rhythm. Choose any genre of music that helps you relax. Even after the music stops, keep lying in bed and bask in the silence for about 5-10 minutes. This will give music the time to really work on your mind, body and soul.

The idea is to bring your self back to the wisdom of the body--the inner intelligence of all living things that propels them toward fulfillment without struggle or compulsiveness. Indulge in these practices to feel unison in your body and mind. Feel enriched, empowered and energetic. This will automatically reflect in your poise, deeds and personality

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