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How to Use Shamata in the Workplace

Shamata, or the practice of Calm Abiding, helps us cultivate a calmer and more centered life. It provides us tangible ways to embody compassion, joy, and courage to show up as our best selves in all areas of life.

Shamata can benefit not only us, but our co-workers, too!

Below are three exercises to broaden our and our co-workers’ capabilities to be present.

Gratitude. Gratitude is a practice that snowballs once put into action. Whether at a weekly meeting or on their own, encourage those around you to set aside time to write down three things they’re grateful about and allow them the space to share those if they want.

Kindness. Strengthen kindness muscles by inviting co-workers to engage in weekly random acts of kindness. Help them expand their awareness of what a random act of kindness is to include things they normally wouldn’t do. This will allow them to start seeing opportunities for kindness all around them.

Savor the ordinary. We’ve all heard the expression “stop and smell the roses” but how often do we put truth to those words? Encourage your colleagues to find an ordinary, everyday situation or experience and feel and think through how they’re grateful for it. By learning to savor the ordinary, our capacity for positivity can increase.

While it can be hard to see past tight deadlines and number crunching, focusing on workplace well-being can help prevent burnout and increase the ability to be present.

Published on Mar 07 09 : 00 am

We’re accepting applications and nominations for the 2025-2026 Compassion in Action Fellows Program.

The Compassion in Action Fellows program is a year-long inner & outer change program that supports next-generation leaders in learning meditation practice, building community, and promoting social change. 💟

Inspired by the path of the bodhisattva, awakened beings filled with compassion and committed to ending suffering and benefiting all life. Fellows embark upon a journey that includes personal development, community building, shared learning, and collaborative action as they transform their lives, campus, and society. 🌍

Next-generation leaders ages 18-27 in the United States and Canada who have a meditation practice and commitment to creating inner and outer change are encouraged to apply! If you know an aspiring leader interested in positively impacting the world, consider nominating them for this opportunity.

Reset & Renew

We invite you to join us for a precious opportunity to learn and immerse in foundational meditation practices in the presence of a supportive community and the beauty of the Namchak Retreat Ranch.

Over this in-person weekend retreat, you’ll learn foundational Buddhist meditation practices while enjoying the support and warmth of a like-minded community. Whether new to meditation or looking to refresh your practice, this retreat offers tools to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and resilience in your daily life. The retreat will be in-person at the Namchak Retreat Ranch: Bodhi House, in Hot Springs, Montana from Friday, April 11 – Sunday, April 13, 2025