So, I recently went on a 10-day silent meditation retreat, and it was not easy. Sitting for 13 hours a day, tolerating physical discomfort, dealing with constant mind chatter, moments of doubt, frustration and worry…my retreat experience was far from perfect. And as one of the teachers reminded me at the end, the most important thing by far was the fact that I’d set the INTENTION to come on a 10-day silent meditation retreat, to self-examine, to develop my awareness, to do battle with my ego and to increase my care and compassion for others.
Regardless of inevitable frustrations, it is from this intention that more freedom from anxiety and more love and generosity to others will come. It is from our INTENTIONS that our experience, our relationships, our career, our creativity and our whole life path unfolds.
The Buddhist teachings on the retreat align beautifully with 4D’s notion of ‘intention.’ Your impact as a leader and humanbeing doesn’t start with your actions or communication – it all starts with your intention. In fact, the same ‘action’ or ‘words’ will be experienced completely differently based on the intention behind them. The teacher on the retreat gave the example of someone cutting open another person’s stomach with a blade. This action could be performed by both a mugger and a surgeon but the experience is completely different based on the different intentions driving each individual. The mugger’s intention is to frighten and harm, the surgeon’s intention is to help and heal.
Most of us, most of the time are on an autopilot mode. Playing out repeatedly the same unconscious reactions, behaviours and beliefs, even if these reactions cause us misery. The word ‘Saṅkhāra’ sums up this ‘unintentional’ way of living. The word Saṅkhāra means both ‘reaction’ as well as ‘mental conditioning.’ Our ‘Saṅkhāras’ are the automatic thoughts, beliefs and reactions that our upbringing and history has conditioned in us. The practice of Vipassana meditation helps us to become more aware of these conditioned reactions, so as to become free of them. By observing our unconscious habits and thoughts, we become more aware of our reactivity and the suffering it causes us – and others.
While 4D coaching and training is packed with tools, techniques, energy and fun – just like Vipassana meditation, the 4D training and tools all help you to become far more aware and intentional. 4D means 4th Dimension. The first 3 dimensions, similar to Buddhist philosophy, are your Physical, Emotional and Intellectual dimensions. Your actions, feelings and thoughts. The 4th Dimension is your Intentional Dimension. So, when we talk about becoming a 4D humanbeing, we mean becoming more aware, awake and intentional. Breaking free of your conditioned patterns and painful reactivity (your ‘Saṅkhāras’) to truly be conscious and #AtChoice in every moment. Making you a better leader and a happier humanbeing, living with more compassion, creativity and vitality. What’s not to love!
So, how can you become a more intentional 4DHumanBeing?
TIP: Being a more intentional 4D HumanBeing takes some focus, care and attention. As we say at 4D – put your ATTENTION on your INTENTION. Try this exercise: identify your top 3 values. How are you living these every day through your attitude to people and work? Look for meetings and conversations where you can demonstrate at least one of these values. What challenging situation could you change by acting from this value?
New to 4D Human Being? Learn more about our 4D2C model and how to make INTENTION your core value in both your personal and professional life through our 4D Essential Communications Skills course.