In this issue:
Distraction and focus | Warmhearted Leadership Study Group | Schedule | Good reads

Cutting Through Chaos (Part II)

Constant distraction in our work and lives has become accepted and almost fashionable. So much so that just doing one thing may seem boring and indulgent. Multitasking has nearly become a religion -- leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted. Imagine driving without being on the telephone, eating, or putting on make-up (the latter is something I notice, not something I do..) Imagine listening to someone else speak without already thinking about your response. Here are five practices that can be useful tools in reducing distraction or frenetic activity and cultivating focus:
1) Appreciate impermanence – The fact that life is short, that everything is changing can provide strong impetus to focus and be present. I saw a cartoon in a recent New Yorker magazine showing two people finishing their dinners at a Chinese restaurant. They are both looking at their fortunes. The caption says, “You are going to die.”
2) Clarify next steps – Make a list of your pending projects. Then, next to each one, list what your next step is toward completing it. Sometimes, just clarifying what action to take can help in focusing.
3) Frame your life as a laboratory for learning – Experiment with paying attention to the speed and pace of your thinking and your activities. Try slowing down or speeding up. Notice how focus and not focusing influences your state of mind.
4) Savor borrowed time – Take some time for yourself when nothing needs to be done. What if you could appreciate that all your time is borrowed time?
5) Modulate activity and rest to reduce stress – Like any good athlete, we all need rest time or down time, in between times of exertion. Rest well, eat well, play often.

With best regards,

Marc Lesser

Warmhearted Leadership: Study group, September 27, November 1, December 6

Our world needs leaders (like you) who can make a difference. Warmhearted Leadership integrates meditation and mindfulness practices, emotional intelligence, and business and leadership competencies.

The program is designed to explore, enhance and integrate your spiritual practice and your leadership capacity so that you can be more influential and effective in your work and your life outside of work. Topics and practices include: right speech, generosity, difficult conversations, self-confidence, business development, and turning obstacles into opportunities. We will address issues of self-awareness, collaboration and skillful communication.
Three one-day sessions from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on three Saturdays: September 27, November 1, and December 6. Lunch will be provided. In addition, Marc will meet individually (by phone or in person) for monthly 1-hour coaching sessions. Each person will also be assigned a buddy for short check-ins twice a month.

Cost: $340 per month or $850 for the study group. Maximum number of people in the group will be 12.

Please apply to participate in this study group by September 10th, 2008. It may be possible to attend individual sessions. Preference will be given to those who can attend all three meetings.

To apply: Please write a paragraph or two describing where you are now in your work life and what you hope to get from being in this program. Send to mlesser@zbaassociates.com, or call 415 389-6228.

Upcoming Workshops and Talks

August 15 – 17 – Leadership, Imagination, Zen, retreat at Tassajara, with Jackie McGrath 415 865-1899
September 6 - Company Time, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Green Gulch Farm, to register call 415 383-3134
September 20 – Company Time in Los Angeles, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please email mlesser@zbaassociates to register.
September 27 - Warmhearted Leadership Study Group (see above for details)
October 4 - Public talk, San Francisco Zen Center; 10:00 a.m., 300 Page Street, SF, 415 863-3136

Good reads
Why We Believe What We Believe, by Andrew Newberg – The mysteries of the brain, of intuition, and the sacred are explored by this professor of radiology and psychiatry.

Risking Everything – 110 Poems of Love and Revelation, Edited by Roger Housden – A terrific collection of poems with depth and wisdom. How great to read poetry!

Theory U, by Otto Scharmer – A theory and practice of leadership – seeing the future as it emerges. A dense, and worthwhile read.