Creating Space (3)
Original source: satipanya.org.uk
This essay explores how to bring the core principles of vipassanā meditation directly into our working lives, particularly when dealing with interruptions and challenging interpersonal encounters. Bhante Bodhidhamma draws parallels between the balanced awareness we cultivate on the meditation cushion—where we remain focused yet loose, observing whatever arises without attachment—and how we can maintain this same quality of attention in our daily work environment. The teaching emphasizes practical strategies for maintaining equanimity when colleagues approach us in states of stress, irritation, or urgency. Rather than reacting with equal agitation, the essay suggests creating a moment of space to acknowledge both our own state and that of the other person, then turning our full attention to their needs. Key guidance includes listening more to what people are saying rather than getting caught up in their emotional states, and allowing time for our own reactive emotions to subside after difficult encounters. The essay concludes with the understanding that consistently applying these vipassanā principles to workplace interactions naturally increases our overall sense of calm and equanimity, transforming ordinary work situations into opportunities for mindful practice.
After a disturbing event or encounter, wait for the reaction to subside.When we sit in vipassana, we are instructed to watch, feel and experience anything that draws our attention. We’re meant to be both focused and yet loose, not attached or caught up in any particular object. So if we are experiencing pleasant states and pain in the knees starts, it is simply something else to turn our attention to. If our calm concentration is such that we are locked onto the breath and someone sneezes, we’re not supposed to desire the annihilation of that person’s nose, but to observe, ‘hearing, hearing’ and also to note any reaction that might come up’.Why can’t we be like this all the time - and at work? We happen to be ‘getting on with job’, feel a bit pressured even, and someone comes. They may come calmly and excuse themselves, but often they come loudly, or in a rush or in some sort of irritated state. What is our reaction? Are we irritated? Do we feel panicked? Do we despair!Why not bring the lesson of vipassana directly into our lives. Even when we are working under considerable pressure, or working with enthusiasm and don’t want to be disturbed, we can still be relaxed. All we have to do is remind ourselves that someone may come and ask for our attention.When that someone comes, we only need say, ‘Just one moment’ and acknowledge where we are, most important acknowledge what mood the person is. It may demand patience! And turn our attention entirely to the person. No fuss. No wasted energy.This turning our attention towards someone is to be completely open to what they are offering. Should it be anger, anxiety or some other unpleasant state, we need to feel it and listen to what they are saying. Their emotional state can resonate strongly within us and we need to hold steady instead of reacting with equal impatience or anxiety. I have found it most helpful to listen to what they are saying more than attend to what they are feeling. That way I find it easier to remain equanimous. And then to genuinely answer their concern.If, of course, they have come quietly and calmly, then it’ s good to note how that brings the best out in us. So that if we should find ourselves irritated and rushing, we can remind ourselves, that if we want to get the best out of someone, this is not the way to approach them. So we need to attend to our own state and wait till it calms down.Should we fail to behave skilfully or if we lose it somewhere in the middle, then whatever mental state has arisen from an incident or encounter, we need to give it time to subside. If not the emotional state tends to escalate through constantly revisiting the event in thought and imagination. And if it starts to do that, to keep stopping, contacting the emotional feeling and a give it time to burn out even if only a little.This way of bringing the practice into our daily life increases our sense ofcalm and equanimity.