Mindfulness, the Brain & Business

Managing and leading others with the brain in mind

Dr Jeffrey M. Schwartz & Josephine Thomson, MCC

Presenters

Jeffrey M. Schwartz, M.D.As one of the world’s leading experts in neuroplasticity and the co-founder of the NeuroLeadership field, Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz is a sought after speaker, and best selling author of 'Brain Lock' and 'You Are Not Your Brain'.Dr Schwartz has been practicing mindfulness within a structured cultural tradition for over 35 years. He has sustained a formal daily practice for at least one hour every day for over 25 years.

Josephine Thomson, MCCJosie Thomson is an internationally certified master coach, a Middlesex University neuroleadership graduate, lifestyle author, acclaimed business woman and cancer survivor. She partners with her clients to achieve sustainable change and breakthrough business/lifestyle results.

Overview

● Introduction to mindfulness● Deceptive brain messages● Meta-cognition, meta-attention, meta-awareness ● True self● Your mind● Your 'Wise Advocate'● Mindfulness defined● How it works● Benefits of mindfulness● Practice● Q&A

Deceptive brain messages

Any false or inaccurate thought or any

unhelpful or distracting impulse, urge, or

desire that takes you away from your true

goals and intentions in life

i.e. your true self.

The brain puts out the

call, the mind decides

whether to listen

● Meta-cognition – thinking about what you’re thinking

● Meta-attention – paying attention to what you’re paying attention to

● Meta-awareness – being aware about HOW you are being aware

True Self

Living according to your true self means seeing yourself for who you really are based on your sincere striving to embody the values and achieve the goals you truly believe in.

It includes approaching yourself, your true emotions and needs, from a loving, caring, nurturing perspective that is consistent with how your loving inner guide (Wise Advocate) sees you.

Your Wise Advocate

The aspect of your attentive mind

that can see the bigger picture,

including your inherent worth,

capabilities and

accomplishments.

Your Wise Advocate

Knows what you are thinking, can see the deceptive brain messages for what they are and where they came from, understands how you feel (physically & emotionally) and is aware of how destructive and unhealthy your habitual, automatic responses have been for you.

The wise advocate wants the best for you, it loves and cares for you, so it encourages you to value your true self and make decisions in a rational way based on what is in your overall best interest in the long-term.

What is mindfulness?

● An activity

● A state of mind○ While it eventually can become a way of being and a state

of mind, it does not start out that way. You can’t just be 'in

the zone' without effort.

● Awareness○ What is happening right now

● Focus○ Consciously directing your attention

● Acceptance

Non-judgemental?

Mindfulness is in fact BOTH non-judgmental and

judgmental

● With respect to thoughts, impulses, urges,

desires, interests, preferences and so on,

mindfulness certainly is non-judgmental

● However, this does not mean anything goes in

terms of our behaviors... we can and should

judge our actions and plans

Components of mindfulness

● Direct knowing and deep experiential awareness

● Being knowledgeable about what is happening in this moment as it is happening

● Approaching your experiences and feelings through direct observation, rather than through thoughts and concepts that cloud your perceptions

Behavioural

James Gross has shown that suppressing emotional reactions/responses does not work:

● Increases blood pressure and heart rate in the subject

● Decreases memory of events/encoding new memories

● Increases blood pressure of those around you

Mindfulness

A practical way to learn mindfulness...

Use the Four Steps:

1. Relabel 2. Reframe 3. Refocus 4. Revalue

Mindfulness

Let's practice...

Mindfulness works

In summary, any approach that allows you to:

1. Make mental notes/increase awareness2. Reinterpret the meaning or significance of

events3. Selectively focus your attention will lead to

positive changes in the brain, most importantly...

Mindfulness works

These brain changes result in:

● Decreased distress, anxiety and depression● Allowing for more rational decisions/actions by

increasing voluntary, conscious emotion regulation (and symptom management)

Modalities can include meditation, labeling affect, reframing or selective attention

Mindfulness works

Understanding that your brain has been activating in unhelpful ways and that you, through mindfulness and related skills, can change how your brain function in positive ways.

This helps people become more motivated and empowered to change their brain to work for them, rather than against them.

Overview

● Introduction to mindfulness● Deceptive brain messages● Meta-cognition, meta-attention, meta-awareness ● True self● Your mind● Your 'Wise Advocate'● Mindfulness defined● How it works● Benefits of mindfulness● Practice● Q&A

The Virtual Masterclass Series

Develop new techniques for taking control of your brain, changing bad habits & ending unhealthy thinking in this five week masterclass.

Why attend?

● Exclusive access to both of us for five weeks

● Become more mindful in your work and life

● End the negative self-talk● Increase your confidence, productivity

and happiness● Connect with like-minded people● Access to webinar recordings

The Virtual Masterclass Series

Commences Monday November 12th at 6:30pm (Pacific time)Class runs at 1:30pm Sydney time on Tuesdays. Commencing November 13.

Classes run weekly at the same time each week. If you miss a class, you can catch up by watching the recording.

$389 standard price$289 for today's webinar registrants

Thank you

● Order a SIGNED copy of 'You Are Not Your Brain' at www.josephine.com.au

● Order 'Simple Meditations for Busy People' for just $7.99 at www.josephine.com.au

● Register for the workshop using the code MIND2012 to take advantage of the special offer. Offer expires in 24 hours, so be quick!

● Register at: www.jeffreymschwartz.com