The Mindful Leader Talk

In this podcast, you will learn about topics such as: Mindfulness effects on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems Managing work stress for employees Emotions and leadership interconnectivity Habits to cope with occupational stress Mindful habits to enhance the leader role Mindful team synergy    Email maria@mbaezconsulting.com Website www.mbaezconsulting.com    Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Today's episode is about The myths and paradigms about mindfulness: what is not mindfulness! Several articles about the definition and origin of Mindfulness indicate that this term has been used for hundreds of years, but not before the late 19th century was explicitly connected with meditation practice. In 1881, Professor Thomas William Rhys Davids translated the word Satis from the Pali language into the English language as Mindfulness. Although it refers to memory, it is used independently as thought, the activity of the mind, and the constant presence of what the mind is generating. Thus, the term mindfulness already existed in the Buddhist context before reaching western culture. According to the meaning that the Buddhist culture gives to the term Satis, it is remembering, but it refers to memory when used with meditation. One of the most profound myths and paradigms about the term mindfulness is to relate it in one way or another to the concept of religion, spirituality, or some religious sect. However, thanks to the work done by Dr. John Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine and founder of Mindfulness-based stress reduction, since 1976, the approach to Mindfulness has changed. Although Dr. Kabat-Zinn incorporated various meditation techniques from Buddhist translations into his Mindfulness-based stress reduction program, he uses Mindfulness as a secular practice applied to science through scientific lenses. According to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, more than 22,000 individuals have been treated for and received some form of therapy-based Mindfulness as cognitive therapy to treat depression. Many studies confirm and recognize the benefits individuals obtain both in the psychological and physical fields; therefore, they disconnect the term mindfulness from its religious roots. But, what does Mindfulness means? In general, mindfulness practices are very likely to deliberately involve the effort to stabilize attention on specific physical sensations and emotional stimuli, reestablish and sustain the present moment and keep the mind away from wandering. This deep commitment to the here and now is combined with an attitude of acceptance and openness. To allow thoughts and emotions to come and go without applying a cognitive assessment. Focused attention on what the breath is helps us create awareness of what we are thinking and the sensations we are having in our physical body in the present moment. The psychologist and science journalist from Harvard University, Daniel Coleman, said Mindfulness refers to what moves inside your mind where you notice that it is wandering. So it's like monitoring what you do and where your mind is going. And meditation is one of the ways to train mindfulness attention. He also cites that among the most notorious benefits of mindfulness practices are to lower the stress levels produced by the hormone cortisol, promote and enhance the immune system's response, elevate mood, sharpen focus, delivered attention, and help us recover more quickly from any stressful situation. After reading one of John Kabat-Zinn's books, "Mindfulness for Beginners: Claiming the Present Moment and Your Life." I learned that Mindfulness is not a cold, hard practice, clinical or analytical therapy of one having to pursue something; I also learned that meditation means peace of mind, relaxation through the direct appreciation of our breath.  To practice Mindfulness, instead of doing it simply as a technique, a therapy, or as one more task that one has to perform within our hectic day, I would say that the first thing to do is understand the concept as a way of being.   Mindfulness is living, recognizing that life is changeable, that the awareness we put in the present moment is what makes life worth living, moment after moment after moment. Mindfulness is a powerful vehicle to carry out that transformation and possible healing within each of us and the world.   Thank you for listening and stay in tune for the next topic in two weeks, Are there effects of mindfulness on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems?    Music for this podcast:   Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Did you know if there are effects of mindfulness on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems?    The cognitive system is the source of all mental processes and products, arising from complex neural activity in the brain.   A cognitive system is a group of interactive and interrelated processes that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. Its job is to execute how information is treated and manipulated through thought, knowledge, and memory within the brain. It is how we understand, plan, decide, solve problems, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and judge information after perceiving it. Still, it also dictates our actions and behaviors.   The nervous system is the body's central control, regulation, and communication system. It is the center of all mental activity, including thinking, learning, and memory.   The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that fight infection, harmful substances, germs, and cellular changes to protect the physical body against disease.   By assimilating the definition of the cognitive, nervous, and immune systems, we can realize that the practice of mindfulness is implicitly within all these systems.   Based on scientific research, there are four mechanisms by which we can have evidence of the effects produced by mindfulness practices. There is the regulation of attention, the awakening of the body, emotional regulation, and the change of self-perspective.   Theoretical accounts describe mindfulness practices such as focused attention, self-compassion, self-awareness, physical impulse control, clarity of thought, and emotional control.   Studies related to the effects of mindfulness practice in humans show that mindfulness practice can provide new solutions to current problems. And handle potential future issues that result from demographic and technological changes by which all human beings go through today.   An article produced by the Department of Health and Human Services USA called "Mindfulness Meditation and the Immune System: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials" confirmed mindfulness practices as a mental core training for developing a mindful daily life. The effects of mindfulness meditation on the immune system were measured considering parameters with a specific focus on outcomes.    The findings suggest the possible effects of mindfulness meditation on specific markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging.   Thus, Mindfulness mediation can be healthy for immune system dynamics. In addition, it can help improve self-reported measures of disease symptomatology, the effect that mindfulness meditation has on the biological mechanisms underlying aging.   Through a psychological process called intention of self-attention, mindfulness practices can help us to make conscious decisions and be present in a particular moment.   As a result, we can become aware of what is happening within us, with focused attention to what it is without presenting a judgment or qualification of what is happening to us at that precise moment; and so, we can reduce the problems related to our physical, mental, and emotional health.    This is pretty much it.  Thank you for listening! and stay in tune for the next topic in two weeks “Occupational stress, the physical body, and mindfulness from the chiropractic's perspective”.   Music for this podcast:     Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license   and   Kalimba   Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

It is common knowledge that chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body. Back pain, muscle tension, tension headaches, fatigue, and neck pain are some of the symptoms people experience when under stress.   Over time, stress weakens the immune system and makes the body more vulnerable to disease. Based on researchers, chiropractic treatments help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic stress. Additionally, regular chiropractic adjustments can calm the nervous system and decrease the fight-or-flight response most people experience when stressed. Much research on human health confirms that the pressures of the work environment, job tasks, demands, and relationships with coworkers or bosses can increase people's susceptibility to health problems. In addition, they will increase the risk of job stress, especially when working in a fast-paced environment.   And to corroborate the issue of occupational stress, the physical body, and mindfulness, today we have an exceptional guest, Dr. Cappel.   MARIA: Hello Dr. Maxine! I am so,  how can I tell it thrill to be here with you today to know more about your practices and what you do? Dr. Maxine is a chiropractor, third generation of chiropractitioners. Tell us a little bit more about you and what you do.   DR MAXINE: Thank you, Maria, for having me here. This is very exciting. So as you mentioned, I am a third generation chiropractor, and I'm the sixth in my family. Wow, that's an unusual distinction because my grandfather was a chiropractor back in 1914, when the practice of chiropractic was only 19 years old. My family were actually pioneers in the chiropractic profession. And, you probably won't meet another third generation chiropractor, maybe not for a very long time. So it makes me quite unusual. And you might say, it's my family legacy. And chiropractic is in my bones.   MARIA: Wow, that's beautiful, beautiful. And that seems we are sharing, basically, or information related to occupational stress. I have the first question for you.  What ways does the mind affects your physical body?,   DR MAXINE: Your mind is completely connected to your physical body. So your thoughts are probably the main way that you develop vertebral subluxation. So I just need to explain what that means. Yes. So chiropractic works on the basic fundamental principle that the nervous system controls and coordinates every function in your body, from your heart beating regular to your breathing, easy to your digestion going normally, and your bowels going every day, through your hormonal balance and your periods coming right or wrong to your blood pressure to your heart, B to your everything about you. So if your nervous system isn't clear, then there's going to be problems expressed physically continue. So one of the basic tenets of chiropractic is that how do you interrupt or interfere with the clear functioning of the nervous system? Well, there are three main ways. The first way historically by the developers of chiropractic back in 1895, is through emotional stress. This, and I'll come back to that. And the second way that people develop interference to their nervous system is through chemical toxicity. And the third way that people develop interference in nervous system is through physical means of physical problems. Wow. So and I could explain all that. But the first one, emotional trauma, or not even emotional trauma, just emotional stress is probably the biggest way to provide interference to nerve system. And if your nervous system isn't working, right, there's interference to its functioning. And there's interference to the messages getting from the brain to all the parts of your body, from the brain to your heart, your digestive system to your lungs, to your ovaries, or your prostate, or the blood vessels, or the muscles in your legs or, or to your shoulders, or anything that you can think of in your body, also, including your inflammatory system. If there's some interference to that, then there's going to be expressions from any number of organs, that they're not functioning, right, because you're not getting the life energy, the signals the vital mental impulses from the brain to feed the organs than normal information on how to function when to stop. And they may over function, they may under function. And this manifests is physical problems. Of course, it could be neck, pain, the neck, shoulders, or the back. But it could also be heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, skin rashes, it could be asthma, it could be allergies, it could be it goes on and on and on. There's no stopping it. It could be painful periods, it could be chronic inflammatory diseases, is because the nervous system controls and coordinates all this if there's emotional stress, then there will be interference to the nervous system working right.   MARIA:  Right. It's when when you were talking a word pop into my mind, emotional exhaustion. Is that related to occupational stress?   DR MAXINE: Well, absolutely. Well, first of all, stress is in the eyes of the beholder. Yes, you know, and so this person who is stressed while there may be many reasons for it, but the stress causes an over secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal glands, which are on top of the kidneys, and they're so important, and so under disgust, and so under spoken about, and they're completely interconnected with the nervous system. As I mentioned before, the nervous system controls those hormones and the functions of the adrenal glands. And so the adrenal glands get exhausted from emotional stress, it brings down your energy, you become fatigued, you become less patient, you become more irritable. And then you're and then you're the adrenalin makes your muscles contract, you're getting pain in your neck and your shoulders, your arms, your hands, your fingers, your your back and everything you become like a. So this emotional exhaustion definitely creates a downward spiral of physical ailments.    MARIA: Is there any relationship between occupational stress and physical pain, the pain that we may feel in any part of our body?   DR MAXINE: Absolutely. And as long as we're talking about occupational, you know, this past pandemic, well, I'm calling it in the past tense, because I'm hoping it's in the past tense. Okay. But uh, so, we have been extremely busy in our Chiropractic and laser practice, I didn't mention that we have this amazing high tech state of the art cutting edge, multiple wavelength lock system, fully robotic, amazing laser, which is, which gets rid of pain gets rid of inflammation, improves circulation, clears swelling. And the long lasting part is that it stimulates the cells to have more rapid healing and repair of damaged tissues. And that's us for the long run. Anyway, so in our Chiropractic and laser practice, during this pandemic, we have been deluged with people who are feeling the effects of occupational stress. So these are people who are trapped at home working on their computers, instead of going to the workplace and not even getting out of their house. So they are emotionally like depleted. And some of them have children at home, which is probably the worst combination, right? Yes. Family stress, family stress, right. So there's the emotional stuff, but they're sitting at makeshift workstations there where they don't have proper chairs. They don't have proper, you know, height of the computer. They're working on laptops, Instead of desktops and so when you're working on a laptop, your neck is craned down, you're straining your neck. And they don't necessarily get up, well, maybe those who are making frequent twitch trips to the refrigerator. This is another problem that get many of many people working at home gained weight. Yeah. And so that it's more stress to the joints and muscle system, of course. But we had tons of probably 60% of our flow during pandemic has been educators. And one, one teacher said to me, oh, you'd scream if you saw how I am. I have three screens in front of me teaching my class, and I have and so I have to lean over all the way this way. And she's toppling out of her chair, and she spends hours like that, and then goes back this way. And yeah, terror raising for me. So occupational stress makes physical pain and they got pain in their neck, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, their back their tingling in their feet, they're everything headaches, everywhere.    MARIA: Yes. How those physical pain may interfere on occupational stress?   DR MAXINE:  That's a big question. If you have physical pain, how does that make you interact? How does that impact your relationships with work? And how does that impact your productivity? How are you more productive? If you are trying to focus on your work with a headache? Then if you don't have a headache? patients, you know, and are you more? So if you're in pain, are you able to sit long enough to focus and concentrate possible? No. If you're if you're in physical pain, can you sit without long enough so that your legs aren't going to sleep and your back hurting you and, and your wrists hurting you and you know, so occupational stress can create tremendous physical pain. And and vice versa. You know, if you're in pain, that you're not as productive, and you're not as nice person, you may go home and, you know, strike out at your kids and be impatient with people and it's short tempered with your husband or your spouse, I should say, Yes, we have to be PC about everything. Yes, that's truly correct.   MARIA: What are the most common pain conditions that you have treated at your clinic that are related to occupational stress?   DR MAXINE: That's a big question. The most common number one reason why people go to chiropractors, okay, is for low back pain, and neck pain and pinched nerves. But that's because most people pretty much know that chiropractors fix that stuff. And that's why God invented chiropractors. But what they don't know is that chiropra

Mindful Habits, Coping Mechanism, Life/Occupational Stress, DML Method Episode Title: Mind Habits to Cope with Occupational Stress Successfully In this episode, we talk about what habits are, what they represent in our lives, and how to consciously lay the foundation to create the best day of your life. Points discussed in this episode: What is a habit? What studies on habits confirm. What behavioral analysis psychologists say about harmful habits and their effects on individuals. Example of a morning plan to set up a mindful day An audiobook title for meditation. The DML Method to start creating mindful habits. A thoughtful quote from Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's book "Full Catastrophe Living". Reflections Title of the following topic Transcript: The information presented in this podcast is general. It is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should never be used to diagnose, prescribe medical or psychological conditions, or replace a physician. And it is not intended to prevent, treat, or cure such conditions or substitute for mental care, preventive health care, counseling, or therapy from or a physical or mental health professional. Thank you for listening and blessings! Have you ever wished to discover how to help your employees with their occupational stress with a mindful approach? What if there is a way to build a productive and supportive environment for your employees that leads you to influence the organizational culture positively? Well, this is your invitation to join us for Mindful Leader Talk, a podcast on the effects of mindfulness as a secular practice on occupational stress and organizational culture. Blessings & Welcome to The Mindful Leader Talk podcast, mindfully coping with occupational stress!. I am María Báez, an organizational leadership psychologist, consultant, trainer, coach, and full-time magician! Did you know how to uncover habits to cope with occupational stress successfully.? Stay here to find answers in today's podcast. General knowledge tells us that a habit is a settled or regular tendency, an automatic reaction to one specific event or a routine practice made in a fraction of seconds. Studies confirm that the consistency of a habit becomes a behavioral pattern. A habit may form or shape human behavior, therefore the outcome in mood, emotions, anger reactions, and relational transactions daily. Behavioral analysis psychologists have concluded that habits can be molded or replaced by positive ones when they are harmful to the individual. For instance, I wake up this morning, and I give thanks for the beautiful day that awaits me. When I open my eyes, the first thing I see is a painting on the shelf with the colorful butterfly and the writing that says "Enjoy Life." Next, I go to the bathroom. At the same time, I brush my teeth. I look in the mirror to appreciate the beautiful, spectacular image reflected there. While preparing my coffee, I set up my favorite audiobook, "the circle of fire" meditation. Upon arriving at my workstation, I create my safe space, a work environment creek of harmony and peace with essential oils. Next, I greet my plants while I feed them. Finally, I do mindful movements for 10 minutes to conclude my daily routine of mindful habits. I have heard "it is easier saying than doing," and in my experience, I know this is true. Although, It also makes sense the idea of "if we keep doing what we always do, we will keep on getting what we always get." This tells me that something needs to change, and we must define and identify why we must change this pattern. No, just because we want, we should label the real reason or consequences we will be paying if we do not do it now! These real reasons, three opposite-habit things, will guide us when making the plan. They will be the opposite behaviors or doings as the usual current ones. Not everything is lost. Suppose we commit to a goal daily by visualizing the prizes to enhance ourselves by pulling out from those old habits. There is no doubt we will become the master of our own mindful living in that case. I created a method called DML to save the day. DML stands for Define, Make a plan, Live in it. Define: Describe or identify the harmful habit. Please remember to add your reason. Make a plan: Write down the opposite you chose to change, the one you will commit from now on. Live in it: Commit to your plan by logging your new habits day by day. A reflective quote from John Kabat-Zinn book "Full Catastrophe Living" -.  You have only moments to live. Says: "Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day". Amazing quote to reflect, isn't it? I have learned through my own experiencing. Also, wellness professionals mention that a daily routine of consciously established habits is the foundation for living the day in full consciousness, present, in mindfulness. I hope you have enjoyed this episode. Thank you for listening! and stay in tune for the next topic in two weeks "How to awaken the awareness of the nine environments that make up your life." If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please visit my website www.mbaezconsulting.com or send me an email at maria@mbaezconsulting.com. This is the Mindful Leader Talk, a podcast on the effects of mindfulness as a secular practice on occupational stress and organizational culture. Feel free to invite to listen or share this podcast. Stay in tune for all coming episodes to build profitable organizations driven by the well-being of their employees and, therefore, of our society, and in the meantime, please stay safe. Blessings!    Music for this podcast: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod. Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought. License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod. Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music. License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license.   Now is your turn! We'd love to hear your concerns, stories, or questions to include in future podcast topics. Please write to us at maria@mbaezconsulting.com or contact us through our website https://mbaezconsulting.com/contact/  

"By gaining a deeper understanding of these environments, we disco our way to a life filled with balance, joy, and well-being." - Dr. María D. Báez   "Cosmic Groove: Dancing Through the Nine Environments of Life" Dr. María D. Báez, our guide and magical transformation maestro, explores the nine fundamental environments that shape, influence, and impact our lives in this enlightening and empowering episode of The Mindful Leader Talk. Building upon the foundational teachings from Buckminster Fuller's book "Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth," we examine the crucial roles that our social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, professional, financial, cultural, technological, and physical environments play in our lives. Each environment is presented as a unique room in our cosmic disco, a space that pulsates with energy, rhythm, and influence. As we dance through each room, we learn not only to navigate these environments but also to harness their power, turning every challenge into a source of growth and every stressor into a potential stepping stone toward greater resilience and joy. First, we engage with our social environment, encapsulating all our relationships, interactions, and connections. We discuss ways to enhance social bonds, reduce conflict, and cultivate a sense of community, facilitating a dance of harmony amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of human connection. Next, we enter the realm of our emotional environment. We explore emotional intelligence and stress management techniques, teaching you how to ride the roller coaster of emotions gracefully and cultivate positive emotions that can turn the disco lights on even during tough times. Our intellectual environment forms the third room in our cosmic disco. Here, we discuss how fostering a growth mindset, indulging in lifelong learning, and nurturing creativity can make this room a hub of enlightenment and innovation. As we move into the spiritual environment, we delve into practices that nurture the soul and provide a sense of connection with something greater than ourselves. Whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply discovering our values and purpose, we explore how spirituality can lend depth to our cosmic dance. Our professional environment is where we spend a significant portion of our lives. Thus, we discuss ways to align our work with our values and passions, maintain work-life balance, and foster healthy professional relationships, helping you hit every professional beat with vigor and satisfaction. The sixth room houses our financial environment. With practical advice on budgeting, financial planning, and decision-making, we ensure your financial dance doesn't become a tango of stress and anxiety. Our journey through the cosmic disco then takes us into the cultural environment. We emphasize the importance of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and cultural heritage, teaching you to dance harmoniously with everyone on the global dance floor. Next, we navigate the digital beats of the technological environment. Here, we discuss how to set boundaries, use technology mindfully, and leverage its potential to enhance our lives rather than become a source of stress. Finally, we groove into our physical environment, emphasizing the importance of our surroundings in influencing our well-being. We provide tips on creating a nourishing physical environment that supports your health and well-being. As the episode draws close, we remind you that every step in this cosmic disco is about more than finding balance or achieving a meditative state. It's about embracing your inner power, activating your creative energies, and dancing through life's challenges with a sense of purpose, joy, and resilience.    Links and Resources https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ (1.tech-logo-reveal-152542.mp3 (mixkit-relaxing-harp-sweep-2628.mp3 3.sound-effect-twinklesparkle-115095.mp3 4.mystical-wind-chimes-transition-fx-6327.mp3 5.chonology-of-love-6094.mp3 6.soft-piano-100-bpm-121529.mp3 7.disco-funk-loops-001-remix-1-long-loop-with-drums-120-bpm-6278.mp3 8.swoosh-fx-mediumwav-14619.mp3 9.angelical-pad-143276.mp3 10.celestial-melody-18337.mp3 11.serene-crystal-singing-bowls-29521.mp3 12.positive-orchestral-jingle-21444.mp3 13.ancient-99556.mp3 14.crowd-cheering-143103.mp3) Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, please rate us on Apple Podcasts, share it with your network, and don't forget to subscribe. Stay tuned for our next episode, featuring an interview with a Mindful Leader and former Army Officer. Contact Information: Email your thoughts, ideas, and success stories at maria@mbaezconsulting.com or visit our website at www.mbaezconsulting.com.