Workplace Spirituality:
Taking a Time-Out for Reflection

Susan Kramer

If we integrate insight gained during a few minutes of thoughtfulness before action, don't we can get the job done more efficiently?

The flow of thoughts through our mind is never-ending. We have free will to dwell on thoughts as they arrive, or let them go by replacing them with thoughts of our choice such as positive affirmations, prayers, or other uplifting thoughts. So, if using an affirmation to replace a negative thought pattern, by all means do it.

If you are concentrating on adding a column of figures you will probably be focused on that. Our mind dwells on what we are concentrated on in the moment. If you need to concentrate on a worldly matter, concentrate on it fully at that moment.

We need to regulate our time so that we meet work and family obligations, while simultaneously maintaining peace of mind.

If you know you will have a chance to be by yourself for several set periods of the day, you might then be able to concentrate on your workplace obligations more easily, (knowing that later you can reflect on a troublesome issue).

Spiritual practices are practice sessions in learning to maintain balance and harmony in the midst of activity, whether at work or home.

Maintaining harmony at work:
1. By being kind and caring with each person, whether on the phone or in person;
2. Prioritizing tasks for the month, week, and day; making a very broad outline with lots of between time for the unexpected.
3. Lying down in a deep relaxation pose during part of the lunch hour.
4. Standing and stretching at least 4 times during the workday.
5. Taking a one minute mental break occasionally, by eating a piece of fruit or some nuts, while thinking about the taste of the food, and not the project/problem at hand.

Workplace Spirituality: Taking a Time-Out for Reflection © 2004 Susan Kramer
web site http://www.susankramer.com
email susan@susankramer.com
Near the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Photo credit Stan Schaap

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