What do you do if you want to enhance your sustainability career with mindfulness and meditation practices?

It might at first seems contradicting. Sustainability is about reducing emissions, numbers and business initiatives. However I came to realize it is important to have an nurture your inner balance to contribute to the outer balance. We focus a lot on the imbalances of our planet, whoever it is important to focus as well on us, on our inner balance. Stress, frustration, setbacks can take a toll on us. Meditation and mindfulness are critical to have this balance, inner and outer.

I think that the disconnection humans/nature that we are witnessing today is really a disconnection from ourselves to our most pure self. Anyone working in sustainability has noticed this disconnection and is therefore more connected or at least looking to find that connection with nature and therefore with ourselves. Meditation, Self care, eating healthy, are all practices that have a deep connection with bringing us closer to nature.

To enhance your sustainability career with mindfulness and meditation practices, consider incorporating mindfulness meditation into your daily routine. Mindfulness meditation involves maintaining attention on the present moment without making judgments, and it has been shown to reduce stress, enhance working memory capacity, and improve overall well-being. Additionally, mindfulness practices can help build sustainable habits and promote eco-friendly behavior, aligning with the principles of sustainability.

correct. You can as well learn. I did a podcast on this with a mindfulness expert and business expert. Or read articles. Spiritual traditions are linked with our relationship with mother Earth and can be a strong source of inspiration.

Developing habits can be challenging initially. You attempt, stumble, and find it daunting to persist. What proved invaluable for me was James Clear’s book, ‘Atomic Habits’. In it, the process of building habits is scientifically and psychologically explained. Key Messages: Small Habits Make a Big Difference: Never underestimate the impact of gradual improvements over time. System Over Goals: Instead of fixating on distant outcomes, focus on cultivating good habits in the present. Build Identity-Based Habits: Align your actions with your true self, rather than comparing to others

A routine is crucial both to develop discipline with ourselves but also to develop habits that take us closer to that person we want to become. Executing a habit every day has a tremendous impact when we do it for a very long time. The best example is washing your teeth, you won't notice the difference from one day to the other but you will in the long term. Habits are the same, and here is my morning routine that may help anyone to get some ideas for this practice: - 10 minutes yoga - 15 minutes meditation (to teach to my mind to stay quiet sometimes) - 10 minutes cleaning something in my house - 3 pages writing - 15 minutes reading PS: I do not grab my phone until my routine is done!

Having a set routine for your practice, like meditation, at the same time and place every day is super important. It helps you stay consistent, build good habits, and get into the right mindset more easily. Plus, it cuts down on decision-making and removes any excuses to skip your practice. Practicing in the same spot also creates the perfect environment for you to focus and relax, leading to better results in the long run.

Applying it at work also encourages others to do the same, if it does not interfere with your work. Discuss it with your HR and tie it to such as SDG#8, which pertains to work, and includes work life balance.

If you have to make a decision, focus on your values in a meditation. Therefore, become aware of your values and use them as a compass. Feel within yourself which of the possible decision alternatives harmonizes better with your values.

It can be quite controversial to reflect on past activities when aiming to enhance your present focus. However, as humans, we have evolved and learned from our past experiences. Taking a moment to step back and see the entire picture you’ve drawn up until now is a highly beneficial practice. And undoubtedly, you’ll recognize that maintaining a constant mindfulness practice significantly enhances productivity and brings peace even during stressful times.

I can truly emphasize the importance of building a network where you can exchange ideas and learn from others. In today’s highly competitive world, collaboration is more crucial than ever to address the pressing challenges of the economic, ecological, and social spheres. Consider finding a group or creating one yourself, connecting with people who aspire to contribute to something greater than themselves.