Embracing the Transformative Potential of Mindfulness, Compassion, and Wisdom
by Dr. Chris Reina
Slowing down in order to be more present and form high-quality connections with others may seem at odds with the fast-paced, competitive work environments that have come to dominate our organizations. Yet, mindfulness has quickly become a familiar word increasingly across work and home domains. And yes, while mindfulness may originate within an individual, the benefits of mindfulness do not end with the individual who practices mindfulness—when an individual’s mindfulness is translated into mindful interactions and when such interactions are infused with more intentionality and presence, relationships between individuals can improve and undergo a positive transformation.
When two individuals interact with high levels of mindfulness, they are well on their way toward furthering their relationship quality. However, mindfulness represents only one of the three pillars which together can be a transformative force for change in our world. The definition of the word transformative is to “bring about a marked change in someone or something”. Beyond bringing their mindfulness to their interpersonal interactions, individuals can also bring compassion and a recognition of others’ dignity—that is, the belief that all people hold a special value solely due to their humanity. When we honor another person’s dignity, we embrace them as having inherent value, which has nothing to do with anything beyond their innate humanness. And when we interact with them in a way that is deeply compassionate, we seek to listen carefully, to understand their perspective and their ideas, and we are motivated to relate with them in a way that gives them strength and energy rather than depletes their strength and energy. Compassion thus forms a vital second component of positive transformation.
The final pillar that comprises positive transformation is wisdom. Wisdom involves seeing things as they really are without the veil of attachment, greed, ego, and other delusions. When we interact and connect with someone with wisdom, we recognize the interconnectedness and interdependence of all humans, practices, and systems. When we live out wisdom, we view our own experiences with increased objectivity and can more easily shift toward observing ourselves almost as if we were a third party, rather than getting sucked into living our own experience as if it were the only “true” or “right” experience. And although all three pillars are needed for full transformation, it is important to note that mindfulness and compassion tend to together bring about higher levels of wisdom which then reinforces and brings about deeper levels of mindfulness and compassion in a circular process, process of transformation.
In sum, bringing mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom to our interactions with others opens the door for transformative experiences to occur—ones which define and re-define relationships and move them toward higher levels of positivity and deep connection. When we bring these three aspects to our leadership and to all our interactions, we have the power to bring about a fundamental change where we unleash a more humanistic, compassionate world in which people feel connected and a sense of belonging.