Finding Your Dharma in the New Work World
“Each of us was born with talents that play a role in serving the cosmic web of the universe, bringing about global equilibrium.” This, according to author Deepak Chopra, is the law of dharma—“the evolutionary impulse of the universe” that provides every individual with their “unique purpose in the world.”
With the abrupt shift from in-person to virtual interactions nearly three years ago, the global equilibrium Chopra writes about was threatened, overwhelmed by a heightened sense of confusion around the world. It is difficult to connect with others and find one’s true purpose when change is the only constant.
Yet we can still find ways to act on behalf of the collective well-being and bring harmony and peace into our lives. It all starts with mindset. As Wayne Dyer writes, “You create your thoughts, your thoughts create your intentions, and your intentions create your reality.” Consider the following methods for creating a better reality for yourself, your colleagues, and your superiors in the New Work World.
Communicating Purposefully
As English poet John Donne wrote in the seventeenth century, “no man is an island.” No one is self-sufficient, as everyone relies on others. With this interconnectedness in mind, consider the importance of purposeful communication in all your interactions. Speaking without thought can produce negative ramifications for yourself and others, such as miscommunication, misunderstandings, or harm on a personal or professional level. Instead, make sure your words have purpose, inspiring, elevating, and expanding your platform and those around you.
Practicing Mindfulness
“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” This is the foundation on which Jon Kabat-Zinn created mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a meditation therapy used to help people cope with stress, anxiety, pain, and illness. To apply mindfulness to your own life, consider starting your day with a fifteen-minute meditation, a run, a long walk, yoga, or Tai Chai. Such an intentional focused practice can settle you in the present and strip away any judgment you might otherwise carry forward, allowing you to make the most of the rest of the day. Beginning with mindfulness can help you gather more positivity into your space and interactions and realize a dharma of interdependence.
Generating Positive Motivation
Your motivations are of paramount importance; they influence your ethical and personal values, the choices you make, and how you accomplish your goals. With respect to dharma, your motivation should focus not just on yourself but on the wider community. In the New Work World, this would include your coworkers, colleagues, supervisors, and customers. Consider how your actions and activities might contribute to the greater good without the expectations of a personal reward.
Despite the recent disconnection our global society faces, we are all interconnected. We can each make a concerted effort to find our dharma by focusing more on our community and not just ourselves. By utilizing purposeful communication, mindfulness, and positive motivation, we can enact positive change within
Mary Ann had been a regular contributor to the USA Daily Post since April of 2020.
