Work place-Work place stress is estimated to cost companies approximately $80 billion annually, due to absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover, and accidents. The National Safety Council estimates that one million employees are absent on an average workday as a result of stress-related problems. There are essentially two ways to deal with stress. The first is to change the environment – the second is to change how one deals with the environment (stressor). It’s not possible to eliminate stress in the work environment, but it is possible to help employees deal with it. A meditation program can help employees learn to manage stress, resulting in happier, more productive staff.
The overall goal of the meditation program is to help employees:
• Reduce stress.
• Increase mental concentration, clarity, and awareness.
• Enhance productivity, effectiveness, and communication in the workplace.
• Navigate tense situations with less explosive behavior patterns.
• Expand work/life/family balancing skills.
• Improve overall health and well-being.
Stress Management through Meditation – Six Week Program
This program is taught in six weekly one-hour sessions. The first session begins with the basics of meditation – what it is, how it works, how meditation can benefit each person, and ways to integrate it into daily life. Throughout the six-week course, participants are taught and practice over 10 techniques (see description of meditation techniques). A review and practice of previously learned techniques is done at each subsequent class. All of the techniques are hands-on and experiential, and participants are asked to discuss their experiences throughout the program. By the end of the course, the student will have learned a broad spectrum relaxation techniques, and be able to implement these stress reducing practices in their daily work and life.
One-Hour Learn to Meditate Class
For those with no time to reduce stress, but who need it most. This one-hour introductory course explains the basics of how meditation works in plain English and the many benefits of meditation. Participants are taught and practice three meditation techniques during the class. Every person leaves this class with the ability to reduce their stress levels using meditation, even if they never take another class.
Organizations I have served:
• Elizabeth House
• Mills College
• University of California at Berkeley
• Black Adoption Placement & Research Center
• Providence House
• Prescott-Joseph Center
• East Bay Church of Religious Science
• Huckleberry House Youth services
• Piedmont Elementary school
• Youth Horizons
