What do you do if your mindfulness practice is met with skepticism in a non-profit organization?

I clearly and politely disagree, also realizing that some skeptics actually help to create increased focus on the positive truths.

Something I have found helpful in addressing skepticism following developing a better understanding of it, is to find ways to model what it is I am hoping someone will adopt. And if said modeling can happen naturally and for them in the moment, it can be even more of a game changer.

You provide open access to your practice with the option for skeptics to opt out. As the impact of your practice is seen, you may find that skeptics buy-in later. Offer materials for people to practice on their own or as a group, based on their experience and comfort level.

Skepticism is important in mindfulness practice. There is nothing you need to believe - and if you don’t find the practice helpful, then stop. But make sure you have a good teacher that helps you grasp what mindfulness is truly all about before you make your decision whether to continue practice - or not. Being skeptical can also help you keep the practice alive. By asking questions and seeking answers you can make your own discoveries - and can judge the value of the practice from that rather than from taking advice from some “guru”. The practice can open up for your inner wisdom - not that which is driven by our “wants” and “shoulds”.

Skepticism is important for just about everything. If no questions are asked, there won't be any answers. Whether those answers are acceptable to the minds concerned or not, is another matter. Mindfulness can be an important asset in a non-profit organization but it is something that a person must be open towards experiencing. I would start by answering questions, clarifying the science in as simple terms as possible, and leading by example. If people see the benefits unfolding right in front of them, then it will increase the chances for a more open mind towards mindfulness. Information is not enough since people's beliefs alter their perspective of information. Observation is important, hence leading by example.

Yes! Sharing benefits in a way that isn’t forceful either is super important. We don’t want to drive away attention rather welcome it. Being aware of how we present our ideas is essential in gaining the right attention and increasing positive feedback!

Showing real examples can work well than just saying the benefits and features. This can be something like a social proof or a testimonial from your successful clients. By showing past work examples, the current organisation will get an idea of how they get result and what to expect from mindfulness practice.

By providing mindfulness training and resources, nonprofits empower employees with tools to manage stress, enhance resilience, and prevent burnout. As a result, staff are less likely to take sick days due to stress-related illnesses, reducing absenteeism rates and ensuring continuity of service delivery. Additionally, a workforce that prioritizes mindfulness is more engaged, productive, and motivated, leading to improved organizational outcomes and greater impact in serving the community. Overall, investing in mindfulness programs not only supports staff health and happiness but also strengthens the nonprofit's capacity to fulfill its mission effectively.

Encouraging participation in exploring mindfulness can involve creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing and trying mindfulness techniques. You could organize workshops, seminars, or group sessions to introduce different mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walking. Encouraging open dialogue about the benefits of mindfulness and sharing personal experiences can also help motivate others to give it a try.

I have conducted mindfulness workshops for nonprofits, and there were some skeptics present. I think it is important to acknowledge that mindfulness may not resonate with everyone and to respect individuals' autonomy to choose whether or not to participate. You should avoid imposing mindfulness practices on unwilling participants and ensure that participation is voluntary and inclusive. Thankfully, in my experiences, by respecting other perspectives, answering questions, and focusing on the intention, my workshops have ended with everyone's participation.