Be open to learning and using various mind training tools and practices, as different approaches can work in different times and places to improve concentration, compassion, awareness, and creativity.
Avoid individuals or approaches that claim to have the singular answer or ‘way’ to well-being, as a personalized and evaluative approach to different practices is often more effective.
Actively seek and engage with a ‘sangha’ or group of people who can serve as mirrors and provide support, as self-understanding and growth are difficult without reflecting off others.
Practice short, frequent meditations throughout your day, such as for a minute at a time or while in line or walking, to remind yourself where you need to come back to as you live life and manage stress.
Develop a ‘managed ego’ and strong listening skills to effectively pull together collaborations and solve problems, as these contemplative tools are crucial for system entrepreneurs.
Cultivate the skill of ’not knowing everything’ and a beginner’s mind, which fosters openness and better listening, essential for collaborative problem-solving and rebuilding solutions together.
Engage in both individual meditation and group practices, such as being quiet with others or discussing your practice, as both are beneficial and needed for a complete experience.
Intentionally build time for connecting with others into your schedule, as this commitment can leverage your output, impact, and joy in life.
If finding time for meditation is challenging, start with very short formal practice sessions (e.g., one to three minutes) instead of aiming for longer durations, as this can be the beginning of growing a practice or simply be sufficient.
Sit quietly, as Jeff did in a field, and practice body relaxation to experience a noticeably different and quiet state of mind.
Dedicate a portion of your yoga session (e.g., at least 15 minutes) to intentionally being present and centered, transforming it into a contemplative practice.
Practice taking a breath and not responding quickly in the business world to gain power, and cultivate listening and openness to gain an advantage in negotiations and partnerships.
Provide a range of contemplative tools (e.g., yoga, Tai Chi, meditation practices) to help individuals address stress and suffering, allowing them to pick what works best for them rather than prescribing a single solution.
When introducing contemplative practices, focus on personal, actionable issues like sleep or depression to make the benefits tangible and relevant, encouraging individuals to adopt tools that directly address their suffering.
When implementing contemplative practices on a larger scale (e.g., in schools), adopt a ‘system orientation’ by working with local stakeholders to tailor solutions that fit their specific needs and context, rather than imposing a single program.
Introduce contemplative tools into corporate environments to foster more ethical behavior and openness to teamwork, as these skills can positively influence how businesses operate internally and in the world.
Engage in group humming to experience immediate presence and connection, recognizing it as a form of shared meditation and an ensemble experience.
Organize ‘Jeffersonian dinners’ or similar formats to foster integrated group conversations among all participants at a table, rather than fragmented one-on-one discussions, to maximize collective insight and connection.
Utilize social media and other online platforms to connect with others who share an interest in contemplative practices, fostering a community for mutual support and shared learning.
Regularly connect with friends or a group (via phone, text, or email) to reinforce your contemplative practices, providing mutual encouragement and accountability.
Cultivate a personal contemplative practice that includes late-night meditation, somatic practices, regular mindful yoga, occasional Tai Chi, bi-annual retreats, and seeking presence in daily activities like listening to live music.
Explore ‘The Generosity Network’ to understand how to engage in philanthropy as a transformational experience where both donors and recipients are changed through collaborative action, building teams for major causes.