Many professionals think that they would be better off if their minds were more alert and they were less distracted.
The first fallacy that I’ve learned is that people think there is an ideal mind and that their mind is not living up to that standard. The truth is that everybody’s mind works differently, especially in a world of constant information, notifications, and demands on our attention. To coach somebody to access the full potential of their mind, we need to let go of the idea that there is an ideal mind. Instead, we should ask: What is possible for this mind? What is the highest potential for this mind?
To do this we’ll:
- look at four qualities of mind to recognize and how to develop them
- explore practices you can do to cultivate a clearer, more effective mind
Four Qualities of Mind
Think about yourself, or someone you’d like to support, and ask: “What is possible for this mind? What is the highest potential for this mind?” You can do this by becoming aware of four qualities of mind.
- An aware mind
- A powerful mind
- A heartful mind
- A visionary mind
An aware mind
The strength here is being able to see wide in scope. This is the mind’s ability to see what’s missing, see from different perspectives, and see around corners. It can notice gaps, patterns, and assumptions, and go find out more. For this kind of mind, what people often label as distraction can actually be beneficial. You deliberately look from different perspectives. You look at what you look like through different eyes, and what the world looks like from different sides. You’re willing to look at your own blind spots, shadows, and quirks.
A powerful mind
The strength here is focus. The powerful mind can see what needs to be done, prioritize it, and make it so clear that everyone understands what matters most. It brings clarity in complex environments. We see what the goals are, what resistance is present, and how to move forward despite competing demands.
A heartful mind
The strength here is being attuned to deep feeling. The heartful mind notices what you are feeling at a deeper level and picks up what others are feeling as well. It is capable of sensing pain, sadness, and loss, and also joy and care. It notices the impact you’re having on others and is comfortable having needs, naming them, and receiving support.
A visionary mind
The strength here is seeing into the future. The visionary mind sees patterns in how the future is unfolding. It sees the future as a compelling, positive opportunity rather than a threat. It invites others to contribute and take part. The visionary mind sees people’s gifts, draws out their contribution, and celebrates what “good” can look like.
Growing these qualities
To grow somebody’s mind, you want to understand which qualities of mind this person already leads with and how to further develop those areas.
Which ones do you lead from? How can you get even better at this quality of mind, while also noticing and working with its liabilities?
There are younger and more mature expressions of each quality, and the work is to help the quality grow up.
For example, a less developed visionary mind can be dreamlike, with a lot of focus on “me.” As it matures, it shifts toward helping others feel confident and expanding its focus to include the whole system.
Practices
Emptying practice
Begin this practice with a release. I usually suggest release before quiet. By release, I mean doing something physical to discharge the emotions and agitation that might be overloading the mind. It’s much easier to settle if you first release excess tension.
In your own space, shake it out. Stand up, walk around for two minutes, and move your body. Take some deep breaths, sigh out loud, jump up and down a bit, or swing your arms.
Then sit quietly for five minutes. Afterwards, notice the quality of your mind.
Distractions practice
Next time you notice that you feel distracted, pause and look for the root of the distraction. Notice what is pulling your attention away from stillness or presence, and write about it.
A helpful question to consider here is: “What am I protecting?”
Journaling
I encourage people not to do pure stream-of-consciousness journaling. Start with a question and follow a train of thought rather than dumping everything out.
For example, …
Enjoy your mind as it is
Most importantly, enjoy your mind as it is. Even in meditation. We’re not trying to get to a special state or eliminate thoughts. We’re learning to be with whatever arises, just as it is. The only true distraction is judging the mind. Everything else can be worked with and used.
If this resonates with you, I do hope you’ll leave a comment or let me know personally!
Best,
David Lesser