“After periods during which one has actively tried to solve a problem, but has not succeeded, the sudden right orientation of the situation, and with it the solution, tend to occur at moments of extreme mental passivity… A well-known physicist in Scotland once told me that this kind of thing is generally recognized by physicists in Britain. ‘We often talk about the Three B’s,’ he said, ‘the Bus, the Bath, and the Bed. That’s where the great discoveries are made in our science.’”
— Wolfgang Kohler
In our modern world, we have witnessed both the potential for great benefit and extreme destruction through technological advancements. On one hand, there are medical breakthroughs and technologies that can cure cancers. On the other hand, there are devastating weapons capable of destroying entire worlds within seconds. However, alongside these external technologies, there exists a realm of inner technologies that possess the power to create profound change beyond our conventional understanding.
One such inner technology lies in the secrets of meditation, an art and science that has been integrated into human history for a long time. Even skeptics, who once dismissed meditation as a meaningless pursuit, now recognize its significance. To gain a glimpse into the impact of meditation on individuals and organizations, let us momentarily set aside our preconceived notions and open ourselves to the realm of possibility. We must understand that we are not defined by our thoughts, feelings, perceptions, or even our physical bodies. Our identities are not tied to our work, circumstances, or financial status, as these conditions are constantly in flux. So, what exactly is meditation, and why does it matter?
Meditation is an exploration that delves into the essence that lies beyond the ever-changing aspects of ourselves and our circumstances. It takes us into the depths of silence, where everything exists, waiting to be discovered. Even the next generation of external technologies that could potentially save our planet and leap us forward into a safer, more beautiful life for all may be found in this silence.
Meditation is an ever-deepening investigation into silence,
the Great Silence where peace reigns supreme.
There are countless paths and techniques that lead to this silence, as diverse as the individuals who seek to learn them. Whether it is through observing the breath, contemplating a flower, stargazing, walking along a beach, studying Zen or a Bible verse, practicing mindfulness, or even recalling a childhood passion, each of these can serve as a gateway to a profound inner silence. It is important to note that meditation is not confined to any specific religion. It transcends all differences and boundaries. Whether one is a believer, a scientist, an atheist, a Democrat, or a Republican is irrelevant. The way one enters this state of quiet may be influenced by the individual’s reason for turning to meditation. Some may seek stress relief and respite from life’s challenges, while others may search for purpose, meaning, compassion, peace, spiritual understanding, or enhanced creativity.
Meditation provides a space for coalescing information in a way that linear thinking may not achieve. As physicist Wolfgang Kohler noted, “After periods during which one has actively tried to solve a problem, but has not succeeded, the sudden right orientation of the situation, and with it the solution, tend to occur at moments of extreme mental passivity…”
It may seem counterintuitive that it is during moments when we are not thinking about anything specific that our brains are able to rearrange information and make connections not normally seen. This phenomenon is exemplified by several major scientific discoveries that have been made in dreams. Our tendency to think in a linear manner can sometimes trap us in repetitive thought patterns. However, in moments of quiet, we can experience insights and inspiration, leading to fresh ideas and brilliant discoveries.
It is remarkable that these “Ah Ha” moments and their contributions to humanity often arise in what I refer to as the in-between space. This space exists between what was and what will be. When we release ourselves from the constraints of our previous beliefs and thoughts, a tension is released, allowing for a broader range of free thought and renewed energy for action in a new direction. We feel a greater sense of aliveness, vitality, and creativity. Our body and mind can mobilize their forces in ways previously unexplored. This in-between space, which I sometimes refer to as the Grace of the Unknown, resides within us, flows through us, and is always present. It is both ancient and familiar, yet often forgotten. Meditation serves as one possible key, one inner technology that can reconnect us to this awareness once again.
In addition to the recognized advantages of meditation in promoting relaxation and boosting the immune system, you may wonder how it applies to your organization or company. The benefits of meditation for organizations and industries stem from its effect on enhancing one’s creativity. When CEOs and executives adopt a meditation practice that aligns with their needs, it cultivates a profound sense of focus, which helps them to address company needs.
If you are curious to how this could occur, imagine a group of people actively engaging in meditation, restful relaxation, or even playful exploration with the intention to foster creative ideation and collaboration. Now, envision introducing questions to help the group focus on their individual strengths and the strengths of the organization. By focusing on what they would love to create, the needs of the organization, and strategies to achieve their goals, the collective focus on the possibilities dissolves previous limitations. Perceived problems begin to shift or align differently to serve the trajectory of the organization. The resonance of a group working together using similar tools yields different benefits compared to those who do not work together or work in a disconnected manner.
When an organization embraces relaxation or meditation as a technology and combines it with appreciative inquiry and uplifting, possibility-focused language, empowering results emerge. A starting point for this could be breath awareness, sensory exploration, or guided imagery, followed by group conversations to augment connection and collaboration. Introducing questions deepens inquiry, listening, and teamwork.
For example, individuals can be asked to recall a time when they felt deeply relaxed and peaceful, describing the specific conditions of their life during that period. They can be prompted to share a time when they felt truly heard and experienced creative flow at work, as well as reflect on an experience of empathy and compassion from others. These inquiries alone can induce a profound state of relaxation. While they may seem touchy-feely to some, they are foundational to building trust and respect. From there, the work agenda is continuously integrated. The process can begin by recalling or imagining a time when work flowed effortlessly, gradually shifting focus to the current agenda and the envisioned outcomes. By creating an action plan that the group can align around, the organization can move forward with purpose, harnessing individual and group strength to work towards collective goals while still addressing individual needs. This kind of environment promotes happiness, health, and energizes innovation.
Meditation and other practices that were once considered esoteric arts are gaining wider acceptance. These internal technologies support all the other technologies that will emerge. They can be utilized by CEOs in boardrooms, the justice system, government organizations, the military, hospitals, healthcare workers, scientists, and the tech industry. Since the early 1990s, I have envisioned this potential, and now we see these seeds sprouting and breaking ground across various industries, with the recognition of the powerful benefits that meditation in the boardroom can bring.
What’s most interesting is that studies have shown that meditation by a few can affect the many. Such is the impact of this inner technology in which quietude has the power to change the planet to inspire peace and creative connection for all the people of this world.
By Elizabeth Welles is a writer, author, speaker, and storyteller
Elizabeth Welles is a writer, author, speaker, and storyteller who has been practicing meditation for 48 years. She grew up with a mother who taught yoga and meditated for an hour a day in their home. Elizabeth is known for her work in helping people enhance their creativity and find inner peace. She has authored books, CDs, meditations, and online courses. Additionally, she offers private sessions, group workshops, and corporate speaking engagements. To learn more about Elizabeth Welles and her work, you can visit her website at www.elizabethwelles.com
