Our August ‘Bid Break’ invitation is all about being present in the moment.
We all know the feeling – rushing through three meetings, answering a dozen emails, it’s easy to slip into autopilot mode, especially when deadlines are looming.
Here’s something interesting – research shows that taking mindful transitions between tasks actually improves focus and reduces the mental fatigue that comes from constantly switching gears.
There’s a beautiful Japanese concept called ‘ichi-go ichi-e’ (literally “one time, one meeting”) from the tea ceremony tradition. Each gathering is treated as a once-in-a-lifetime encounter because, when we think about it, this exact combination of people, weather, mood, and circumstances will never happen again.
Why not take five minutes between tasks, try this:
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Take three proper breaths: slow your breath down by counting to 5 when breathing in and 5 again when breathing out
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Tune into your senses: look around and spot three things you can see, two sounds you can hear, and one thing you can touch
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Remember: “This moment right now? It’s never happening again”.
This isn’t about becoming zen masters, it’s simply about being present for whatever comes next, whether that’s reviewing a proposal, catching up with a colleague or the next meeting.
