Ugh, Drama! How to Joyfully Skip through Workplace Challenges [Writing Yoga® Prompt #2003]
A recent challenge with a coworker left me reeling. I often hear from clients and colleagues about serious challenges, inequities and outright mean-spirited behavior that they must deal with on a daily basis. Maybe that is you? I rarely experience conflicts and live in a way that makes conflict rare, but as a human, it can and will happen.
In this situation, I compromised, but also took a good look at myself. What could I do better? How can I validate their experience? Were they right? Well, no, they were out of line, outright wrong, but does it matter?
Acceptance is key. Having healthy outlets like yoga and a meditation practice discharge the negativity of others and so after steaming about the conflict and the injustice of it all, I am back in balance. I said what I needed to say, left them to think about it, and let-it-go.
Reading the Tao Te Ching, translated by Stephen Mitchell, really helps me think about balance and how to live in a calm & compassionate way:
In dwelling, live close to the ground.
In thinking, keep to the simple.
In conflict, be fair and generous.
In governing, don't try to control.
In work, do what you enjoy.
In family life, be completely present.
"Be fair and generous." Just saying that phrase calms me down.
"In work, do what you enjoy." Yes, I love my work! I love being part of various learning communities. I love to learn. If I have one bad experience out of 100, how can I not feel gratitude?
In the end, we often have more choices than we realize and we always can change the lens.
WRITING YOGA® PROMPT #2003: Challenges at Work
SIT: Let it Go!
When you are having a workplace conflict, try this. Carve out 5-10 minutes to sit quietly. Close your eyes. Say silently to yourself the word, "let" as you inhale. Say the word, "go" as you exhale. Inhale say, "let." Exhale say, "go." I use this exercise a lot. When you breathe in, think of all the joy, love and light you want to bring into your body. As you exhale, think of everything you want to release.
Before you open your eyes, just relax and stop repeating the words to yourself. Take several deep breaths and when you feel ready, open your eyes. Ah, just…let…go…
WRITE: The Workplace Challenge
Oh, boy, I hope you didn't have the week I did, but if you are feeling frustrated with a person or situation, take it out on paper! Writing brings clarity.
Set a timer for 7 minutes. Write about the situation as if you were an objective reporter. Just the facts. Notice your tendency to be subjective to your own point of view. When you are done, wait a while and then read what you wrote. Who was right? Who was wrong? What can you do better? Does being right matter? Why or why not? Answer these questions in your journal from your heart. Notice how you feel.
MOVE: Bounce through the Halls!
When was the last time you skipped? I mean literally skipped to your Lou. This may seem ridiculous, and if you are a very serious person, you may stop reading, but it is impossible to feel anything but utterly happy when you are skipping like a little kid.
In case you forgot, this is what it looks like: Find someplace where no one is looking, such as a bike path or a long empty hallway. Get ready to travel! Lift your left foot up off the ground and hop forward, landing on your right foot. As you land on your right foot, lift your left foot up again, bring it forward and kick It out in front of you. As you kick your left foot out, use it to propel yourself forward and hop onto your right foot. Repeat. Swing your arms as you go. Breathe deeply and smile!
Not feeling Luminous? Got workplace challenges? Let us help!
Join our next class starting in May 2023 for live support and tons of activities to help you feel healthy, creative & calm! Book a free consultation to learn more about workplace retreats and professional development. (We can skip the skipping and go straight to yoga.)
