On Being a Non-Annoying Meditator
Just read another clever post about how not to put other people off both meditation and your personal company by Dan Harris, author of 10% Happier and a familiar face to anyone who used to watch ABC news or Good Morning America. In his book he describes, with considerable humor and eloquence, his meditation journey from ‘beyond sceptical’ to ‘rabid advocate’, so he is well qualified to write about this.
When we first discover the wonders of meditation many of us go through that uber-enthusiastic stage with an ironic lack of self-awareness. I remember when I was new at this (some time back in the pleistocene era), a lady came to our house conducting a survey for some company. Before she left she had forgotten all about her survey because she was now super excited about learning meditation. During this ‘newly converted’ phase I was bleating on about meditation to anything with a brain!
I’ve since mellowed a little, or at least become more sophisticated in my proselytizing. Here’s a pertinent gem (a particularly valuable mineral) from Señor Harris’ article:
“1. Don’t foist it on anyone
“Nobody loves a noodge who is intent on telling you what’s wrong with you and what you have to do to fix it. While you may feel that someone who is telling you how stressed out they are would benefit from meditation, it’s better to bide your time and let them ask you about it. Resist the urge to gush about your new favorite thing.
“An exception: There’s nothing wrong with suggesting it to your employer. It’s not as awkward to bring it up in an organizational context. You’re not really imposing on anyone. You can talk about the science, about how lots of successful organizations are using it (See David Gelles’ Mindful Work), and suggest someone to contact. If possible, it’s good to note that any successful mindfulness program must be voluntary.”
The first paragraph is sound advice but not news. But the ‘exception’ is really insightful and, for me, particularly timely. Lately I’ve been bugging my long suffering friends, asking them to proselytize on my behalf by promoting my program for meditation and creativity within corporations. I’ve been touched by their willingness, even eagerness, to help. This ‘exception’ provides a non-pushy path for anyone who feels inspired to introduce meditation to their organization or company. Now I simply suggest to my friends that they tell their boss how they have benefited from meditation, how science has now validated this time-tested practice, and if they want to know more they can talk to an experienced teacher, their monk friend.
I think that’s cool. Thanks Dan.