I’ve clocked up quite a few thousand minutes on the Headspace app over the years, doing my best to carve out a little room for my brain.
One of the guided meditations I like to return to is called ‘Finding Time for Joy.’ As it begins, it asks you to recall a time you found something really funny; something that made you laugh out loud. You can try it now as you read this if you like. I bet as you remember that moment you feel a little smile forming or – if you’re like me - you might even do a little chuckle out loud that surprises your cat (sorry Tony.)
The exercise continues to explain how laughter, joy and connecting with your playful side is really similar to the beginner’s mindset you adopt in meditation. Experiencing the world with a natural curiosity brings you into the present moment and enables you to see things with a fresh perspective, as if for the first time.
To me, laughter proves you can see an alternative view of a situation. A skill that can be really handy if you want to unlock a problem or a challenge you’re facing at work.
And according to numerous scientific studies, shared moments of joy and laughter increase trust and creativity. Who wouldn’t want that in the workplace?
When you feel tense and stressed, it’s very hard to be at your best. A well-timed laugh can pop that balloon and help reset things. It doesn’t remove the fact that things are hard, but it acknowledges it perhaps won’t always be this way.
Bring the Joy is a value that is central to Better and the way that we approach our work. We take our work seriously (and the only red nose I’ve sported was for a Comic Relief event) but seeking out joy ignites fresh resolve, opening up new ways of thinking.
I’ve had people recommend me for various formal skills on LinkedIn and I’ve completed my fair share of CPD and it all counts. But perhaps the thing I am proudest of is when people recognise me for living my values.
Which is why this line from a former colleague really fills my heart with pride:
‘You make hard work seem like fun and dark times feel light.’
If you think you could do with a splash of that in your charity or business, do get in touch. Email info@betterconsult.co.uk or find us on LinkedIn.
And during August 2024, Siobhan is running ideation sessions to help you get unstuck - find out more and book here today.
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