Mindfulness

Need a break from the contemporary flood of special effects movies? Check out This is Spinal Tap. There’s plenty of memorable scenes; one of my favorites is the interview with Nigel Tufnel in the studio. He explained how his rig was unique. The amplifier was modified to make it the loudest, with special volume controls that went to 11. (Conventional amplifiers stop at 10.)

Lots of things are measured with volume, not just music, liquids, and books. I sometimes like to measure the volume of “quiet.” Silence can be hard to get. Harder to appreciate. Until you find yourself remarkably aware of its unexpected arrival. What a treat.

Good things happen in that space and it’s certainly no secret. People sign up for meditation classes and retreats probably more now than in the past. They recognize the value and will book themselves (for days) to participate in organized activities – at secluded retreats – and surround themselves with silence. Maybe it’s their path to rejuvenation. Calm. Sanity.

Has there been a growing departure from the “popular” airport, resort, restaurant, hotel getaway? To get away from what? Let’s go to the map. Orlando. Take a quick look at adults with children visiting Disney World. (If you’ve been there you’ve seen them.) It’s supposed to be a very happy place. Fantasy land. Does everyone look happy? Full of wonder? Not so much. People often say they need a vacation – after their vacation. What’s missing?

I work with professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping business owners. One of the biggest challenges they have is convincing these folks to take a break. Many don’t get much time away from work and even if they do, their mind generally doesn’t follow. Too many things to think about. Too much “noise”. They may not have roadies, guitars or a bus, but they’re always touring with their amplifier. It’s small but very loud and never unplugged. It’s a battle of the bands right in their palm with no audience and no applause.

Ever been to an industry conference and watch the horde assault the exits during the obligatory bathroom break? Every phone is out, cell towers are inundated with signals…so many rush to take out their mini-computer, turn up the volume and check messages – even in the stall. (At least they’re not driving.)

Maybe for the next business owner summit I co-host, I’ll suggest to my team that we include time devoted to mindfulness. Yes. I want to improve the experience attending an off-site meeting with a session of silence.

I’d like it to go to 11.

#putdownthephone

Michael J. Mainardi, Co-Founder - Selling Technologies