Do you have space for Spirit in the workplace?
There is much literature, audiobooks, and online programmes about the importance of Spirit in the workplace, and yet I wonder, is there not a simple way in which you can ensure that within your workplace there is a place for Spirit.
First, it might be helpful if I offer a definition of Spirit.
We all share a universal concrete, or we are all the same, we are all sentient in that we notice or we have some quality of perception, this goes right down to the smallest particles of matter. It is the importance of perception, which allows for our interconnectedness, as we see each other, and we are seen by each other, this allows for you and I to be an element of an evolving reality. Yet we are also a singular concrete, we have a rhythm to our lives, which creates our unique self.
These two important elements, the universal concrete, and the universal singular form the basis for spirituality. We are both a part of the world and apart from the world.
To ensure that we find space for Spirit in the Workplace we have to work towards identity over difference, yes we are all different but that difference is a manifestation of the sameness that we all share. Take a look around your office today and notice just how little difference there is, and how much we are drawn to sameness, it is the universal concrete that is used by Apple to drive up sales.
Our first Spirit in the Workplace task is to bring more awareness to identity over difference. As you sit reading this post, try this exercise; notice something in the room that you are in, anything, the important thing is to notice the gap, the space between you and the thing that you are looking at, ask yourself:
What am I aware of?
Then ask
What am I not aware of?
This shifting of awareness brings you closer to a deeper understanding. As it brings you nearer to the things that you are observing, you are closing the gap from difference to identify. You are becoming truly aware of the thing you are noticing. And that thing does not have to be a material thing, it could be a feeling, an emotions, a creative act, the next line management supervision session you are running.
Moreover, as you do this practice you are working towards unity over split. You have begun to really notice your awareness and in noticing the gap, you can then ask the next question:
What do you and I need to do in this moment to create a space of agreement?
I am not saying that all things need to come to an agreement; I do not see agreement, as positive or negative, agreement is just the space you enter when you truly see the other people in your office. Just as a football team are fully in agreement to be aware of each other, you and your team at work need to agree that each person will be seen, notice as both different, and yet the same.
When you all agree that the aim is to work towards a unity this is robust enough to find space for difference, you are all working towards finding a little more space for Spirit in the Workplace.