Tiger Woods’ apology fuels talk of meditation at work & in life
The very public apology from Tiger Woods for his marital wavering caught the world in a whiz of water cooler conversation as the televised statement blasted through the media. Along with words of redemption came a contemplative toned message about how he had strayed from his governing belief system of Buddhism:
“Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously, I lost track of what I was taught.”
As Buddhism is associated with meditation and is in fact a cornerstone of the practice, the internet was flooded with articles about the benefits of meditation over the last few weeks. (Check out this NY Daily News article) Throughout Woods’ career, his belief system wasn’t a huge target of interest. But it did make us wonder if the focused behavior that made him a superstar in his “workplace” of the golf course, was somehow thanks to the discipline of his personal practice and beliefs on and off the course – which likely included some sort of meditative exercise.
Your Brain on Meditation
Recent studies on the effects of meditation on the body and brain have been trickling into the webisphere as has commentary on the use of meditation at work and in business. The Mayo Clinic, University of Pennsylvania and the University of Wisconsin are all involved in such research. In this weeks WorkLife Nation webisode, we take a look at the science and impact of “meditation on the brain” with Andrew Newberg M.D., author of How God Changes your Brain.
Work/Life News This Week
This topic is getting much airplay as we begin a busy month of work life news. This week, the American Psychological Association holds its Psychologically Healthy Workplace Conference in Washington D.C. (I’ll be speaking on a panel discussion on work life issues) You can catch conference highlights by following #phwc or @PHWP_online.
Also, March is Women’s History Month which kicks off with numerous conferences and lobbying efforts to boost the voice and stature of women in the workplace and business. Head to the site of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation for information on Policy & Action Day which is Tuesday, March 2nd. The group will be on Capitol Hill, addressing concerns that impact women and families such as healthcare, workplace practices, paid family leave, and equal pay. You can follow their progress this week at @womenmisbehavin.
One Response to “Tiger Woods’ apology fuels talk of meditation at work & in life”
When Tiger Woods made news for all the wrong reasons and became a black sheep from the blue eyed boy overnight, I thought it was unfair! If we look deeper, Woods has indeed lived a Buddhist life by focusing and immersing himself completely in the task (read- Golf) he has undertaken. which was why he achieved the precision that is required to be perfect! By no stretch of imagination or claim was he idolized as a husband! Meditation happens in life, not in a quiet room with orange lights and soothing music, that is relaxation NOT MEDITATION! Meditation as taught by Buddha happens at all times and in all situations, the essence of which is, to be completely here and now in mind and body, immersing yourself completely in whatever that occupies you!!
Comment made on March 2nd, 2010 at 9:08 amLeave a Comment