Mindfulness in the Workplace Conference

We just got back from an exciting conference at Naropa University on Mindfulness in the Workplace with guest speaker Chade-Meng Tan, Google's Jolly Good Fellow. 

We have had the privilege of going to several conference at Naropa: The Spiritually in Education Conference, Wisdom 2.0, and The Emerging Paradigms of Authentic Leadership Symposium. However, it was a rare pleasure to participate in the deep conversation that is, Mindfulness in the Workplace with a man who's actual job description at Google is to "enlighten minds, open hearts, and create world peace.”  

(Meng at 37, the Chinese guy, not the black guy)

It was an incredibly exiting conference for we at Apotheosis believe that the work we are all doing in this feild, sharing our collaborative wisdom, is absolutely essential for today’s, and tomorrow’s, leaders. It is Apotheosis' personal, and official opinion, that it is the convergence of innovation, technology and contemplative education which will enable our future generations to lead from that deeply informed place.

As Meng described in his talk, it is well known that the foundation of this insight is based in one’s personal meditation practice, a practice which gives us, as leaders, the wisdom, to lead. Meng has said that “he is an avid meditator, because meditation facilitates in him, inner peace and happiness, without, as he puts it, “doing any real work."

But even more importantly Meng also talked about how personal mindfulness is not enough, for we, as leaders, must also possess the skillful means of nourishing those around us, enabling others to awaken, too. We were very lucky, for this is something that Apotheosis not only knows, but practices deeply and feel very passionately about.

Meng's work has been very influential in the world of brining the fruit of meditation practice to cooperate and government leaders. He has been quoted saying that he “hopes to see every workplace in the world become a drinking fountain for happiness and enlightenment.” And that, “when he grows up he wants to save the world.” These sentiments are not jest or jokes, but also are far too important, he says, “to be taken seriously.”

We were so very happy to have the distinguished honor, and privilege, joining Meng in such collaborative work. Google was right, Chade-Meng Tan is a ‘Jolly Good Fellow,’ to which nobody can deny!

For more info on his work please visit his website and look for his new book coming out this Fall!