• Stress Less, Lead Better: Mindfulness Techniques for Today's Professionals
    Jul 23 2024
    Host: Maria D. Baez, Organizational Leadership Psychologist and Consultant Guest: Keith Tully, CEO of Power Ties Consulting Group, Business and Life Coach, West Point Graduate, Former Army Officer Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Mindful Leader Podcast, host Maria Baez interviews Keith Tully, CEO of Power Ties Consulting Group, about the transformative power of mindfulness in the workplace. Keith, a seasoned business and life coach with a background as a West Point graduate and former Army officer, shares his journey from military service to mindfulness thought leader, emphasizing its role in leadership and stress management. Keith discusses the importance of building a supportive, values-driven work culture and offers practical steps to foster a positive environment. He addresses common challenges leaders face when practicing mindfulness and provides exercises like controlled breathing and mindful pauses to reduce anxiety and maintain focus. Keith also shares his daily mindfulness routine and tips for starting the day with gratitude, providing actionable strategies to manage stress and enhance well-being. The discussion highlights the significance of open communication and genuine interest in employees' well-being. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to mastering mindfulness and leading with intention, making it essential for both seasoned leaders and emerging professionals. Join Maria and Keith as they reveal the keys to reducing stress and improving leadership through mindfulness. Topics Covered: Importance of mindfulness in leadershipBuilding a culture of character and coachingAddressing stress and anxiety in the workplacePractical mindfulness exercises for leadersOvercoming daily stressful eventsRecommendations for practicing gratitude and mindfulnessMusic Credits: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Chapters Introduction (0:00 - 0:53) Introduction to the podcast and today's guest, Keith Tully.Maria Baez introduces herself and the podcast's purpose, focusing on mindful coping strategies for occupational stress.A brief overview of Keith Tully's professional background and his contributions to leadership and coaching. Keith Tully's Background (0:54 - 2:00) Keith Tully's journey from a West Point graduate and former Army officer to becoming the CEO of Power Ties Consulting Group.His experience in leadership, entrepreneurship, and coaching, including his role as an author and podcaster.Keith's involvement with various nonprofit organizations and his approach to integrating mindfulness into his professional and personal life. Mindfulness in Leadership (2:01 - 5:00) Discussion on the growing importance of mindfulness in leadership.How mindfulness helps leaders manage stress and make better decisions.The impact of mindful leadership on employee retention and job satisfaction.Real-life examples of how mindfulness practices have transformed leadership styles and improved workplace dynamics. Building a Culture of Character (5:01 - 9:00) Creating a work culture based on strong values and character is necessary.The role of leaders in fostering a culture of support and coaching.Practical steps to build a values-driven culture include setting clear expectations, providing consistent feedback, and recognizing positive behavior.It is essential to lead by example and demonstrate integrity and empathy in daily interactions. Managing Workplace Stress (9:01 - 12:00) Strategies for leaders to help employees cope with stress and anxiety.It is recognizing the signs of stress in team members and taking proactive measures to address them.They create an open and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges.Implementing regular check-ins, stress management workshops, and providing resources for mental health support. Practical Mindfulness Exercises (12:01 - 16:00) Mindfulness exercises and practices that leaders can incorporate into their daily routines.Techniques include controlled breathing, mindful breaks, and active listening.The benefits of starting meetings with a brief mindfulness exercise are to set a positive tone.They encourage team members to adopt mindfulness practices personally and professionally. Overcoming Daily Stress (16:01 - 18:00) Tips for handling daily stressful events and challenges.It is essential to set aside time for self-reflection and mindfulness each day.Strategies for maintaining a positive outlook and managing stress through gratitude and mindfulness.Real-life examples of how Keith uses mindfulness to navigate his day and stay grounded. Recommendations for Gratitude and Mindfulness (18:01 - 19:30) Keith's advice on starting the day ...
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    20 mins
  • How To Awaken the Awareness of The Nine Environments That Make Up Your Life.
    Jul 21 2023
    "By gaining a deeper understanding of these environments, we disco our way to a life filled with balance, joy, and well-being." - Dr. María D. Báez "Cosmic Groove: Dancing Through the Nine Environments of Life" Dr. María D. Báez, our guide and magical transformation maestro, explores the nine fundamental environments that shape, influence, and impact our lives in this enlightening and empowering episode of The Mindful Leader Talk. Building upon the foundational teachings from Buckminster Fuller's book "Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth," we examine the crucial roles that our social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, professional, financial, cultural, technological, and physical environments play in our lives. Each environment is presented as a unique room in our cosmic disco, a space that pulsates with energy, rhythm, and influence. As we dance through each room, we learn not only to navigate these environments but also to harness their power, turning every challenge into a source of growth and every stressor into a potential stepping stone toward greater resilience and joy. First, we engage with our social environment, encapsulating all our relationships, interactions, and connections. We discuss ways to enhance social bonds, reduce conflict, and cultivate a sense of community, facilitating a dance of harmony amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of human connection. Next, we enter the realm of our emotional environment. We explore emotional intelligence and stress management techniques, teaching you how to ride the roller coaster of emotions gracefully and cultivate positive emotions that can turn the disco lights on even during tough times. Our intellectual environment forms the third room in our cosmic disco. Here, we discuss how fostering a growth mindset, indulging in lifelong learning, and nurturing creativity can make this room a hub of enlightenment and innovation. As we move into the spiritual environment, we delve into practices that nurture the soul and provide a sense of connection with something greater than ourselves. Whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply discovering our values and purpose, we explore how spirituality can lend depth to our cosmic dance. Our professional environment is where we spend a significant portion of our lives. Thus, we discuss ways to align our work with our values and passions, maintain work-life balance, and foster healthy professional relationships, helping you hit every professional beat with vigor and satisfaction. The sixth room houses our financial environment. With practical advice on budgeting, financial planning, and decision-making, we ensure your financial dance doesn't become a tango of stress and anxiety. Our journey through the cosmic disco then takes us into the cultural environment. We emphasize the importance of embracing diversity, inclusivity, and cultural heritage, teaching you to dance harmoniously with everyone on the global dance floor. Next, we navigate the digital beats of the technological environment. Here, we discuss how to set boundaries, use technology mindfully, and leverage its potential to enhance our lives rather than become a source of stress. Finally, we groove into our physical environment, emphasizing the importance of our surroundings in influencing our well-being. We provide tips on creating a nourishing physical environment that supports your health and well-being. As the episode draws close, we remind you that every step in this cosmic disco is about more than finding balance or achieving a meditative state. It's about embracing your inner power, activating your creative energies, and dancing through life's challenges with a sense of purpose, joy, and resilience. Links and Resources https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/ (1.tech-logo-reveal-152542.mp3 (mixkit-relaxing-harp-sweep-2628.mp3 3.sound-effect-twinklesparkle-115095.mp3 4.mystical-wind-chimes-transition-fx-6327.mp3 5.chonology-of-love-6094.mp3 6.soft-piano-100-bpm-121529.mp3 7.disco-funk-loops-001-remix-1-long-loop-with-drums-120-bpm-6278.mp3 8.swoosh-fx-mediumwav-14619.mp3 9.angelical-pad-143276.mp3 10.celestial-melody-18337.mp3 11.serene-crystal-singing-bowls-29521.mp3 12.positive-orchestral-jingle-21444.mp3 13.ancient-99556.mp3 14.crowd-cheering-143103.mp3) Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Call to Action: If you found value in this episode, please rate us on Apple Podcasts, share it with your network, and don't forget to subscribe. Stay tuned for our next episode, featuring an interview with a Mindful Leader and former Army Officer. Contact Information: Email your thoughts, ideas, and success stories at maria@mbaezconsulting.com or visit our website at ...
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    14 mins
  • Mindful Habits to Cope with Life/Occupational Stress Successfully
    Dec 21 2021
    Mindful Habits, Coping Mechanism, Life/Occupational Stress, DML Method Episode Title: Mind Habits to Cope with Occupational Stress Successfully In this episode, we talk about what habits are, what they represent in our lives, and how to consciously lay the foundation to create the best day of your life. Points discussed in this episode: What is a habit?What studies on habits confirm.What behavioral analysis psychologists say about harmful habits and their effects on individuals.Example of a morning plan to set up a mindful dayAn audiobook title for meditation.The DML Method to start creating mindful habits.A thoughtful quote from Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn's book "Full Catastrophe Living".ReflectionsTitle of the following topic Transcript: The information presented in this podcast is general. It is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. It should never be used to diagnose, prescribe medical or psychological conditions, or replace a physician. And it is not intended to prevent, treat, or cure such conditions or substitute for mental care, preventive health care, counseling, or therapy from or a physical or mental health professional. Thank you for listening and blessings! Have you ever wished to discover how to help your employees with their occupational stress with a mindful approach? What if there is a way to build a productive and supportive environment for your employees that leads you to influence the organizational culture positively? Well, this is your invitation to join us for Mindful Leader Talk, a podcast on the effects of mindfulness as a secular practice on occupational stress and organizational culture. Blessings & Welcome to The Mindful Leader Talk podcast, mindfully coping with occupational stress!. I am María Báez, an organizational leadership psychologist, consultant, trainer, coach, and full-time magician! Did you know how to uncover habits to cope with occupational stress successfully.? Stay here to find answers in today's podcast. General knowledge tells us that a habit is a settled or regular tendency, an automatic reaction to one specific event or a routine practice made in a fraction of seconds. Studies confirm that the consistency of a habit becomes a behavioral pattern. A habit may form or shape human behavior, therefore the outcome in mood, emotions, anger reactions, and relational transactions daily. Behavioral analysis psychologists have concluded that habits can be molded or replaced by positive ones when they are harmful to the individual. For instance, I wake up this morning, and I give thanks for the beautiful day that awaits me. When I open my eyes, the first thing I see is a painting on the shelf with the colorful butterfly and the writing that says "Enjoy Life." Next, I go to the bathroom. At the same time, I brush my teeth. I look in the mirror to appreciate the beautiful, spectacular image reflected there. While preparing my coffee, I set up my favorite audiobook, "the circle of fire" meditation. Upon arriving at my workstation, I create my safe space, a work environment creek of harmony and peace with essential oils. Next, I greet my plants while I feed them. Finally, I do mindful movements for 10 minutes to conclude my daily routine of mindful habits. I have heard "it is easier saying than doing," and in my experience, I know this is true. Although, It also makes sense the idea of "if we keep doing what we always do, we will keep on getting what we always get." This tells me that something needs to change, and we must define and identify why we must change this pattern. No, just because we want, we should label the real reason or consequences we will be paying if we do not do it now! These real reasons, three opposite-habit things, will guide us when making the plan. They will be the opposite behaviors or doings as the usual current ones. Not everything is lost. Suppose we commit to a goal daily by visualizing the prizes to enhance ourselves by pulling out from those old habits. There is no doubt we will become the master of our own mindful living in that case. I created a method called DML to save the day. DML stands for Define, Make a plan, Live in it. Define: Describe or identify the harmful habit. Please remember to add your reason. Make a plan: Write down the opposite you chose to change, the one you will commit from now on. Live in it: Commit to your plan by logging your new habits day by day. A reflective quote from John Kabat-Zinn book "Full Catastrophe Living" -. You have only moments to live. Says: "Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead of each day". Amazing quote to reflect, isn't it? I have learned through my own experiencing. Also, wellness professionals mention that a daily routine of consciously established habits is the foundation for living the day in full ...
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    9 mins
  • Occupational stress, the physical body, and mindfulness from a chiropractic‘s perspective
    Sep 10 2021
    It is common knowledge that chronic stress can wreak havoc on the body. Back pain, muscle tension, tension headaches, fatigue, and neck pain are some of the symptoms people experience when under stress. Over time, stress weakens the immune system and makes the body more vulnerable to disease. Based on researchers, chiropractic treatments help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of chronic stress. Additionally, regular chiropractic adjustments can calm the nervous system and decrease the fight-or-flight response most people experience when stressed. Much research on human health confirms that the pressures of the work environment, job tasks, demands, and relationships with coworkers or bosses can increase people's susceptibility to health problems. In addition, they will increase the risk of job stress, especially when working in a fast-paced environment. And to corroborate the issue of occupational stress, the physical body, and mindfulness, today we have an exceptional guest, Dr. Cappel. MARIA: Hello Dr. Maxine! I am so, how can I tell it thrill to be here with you today to know more about your practices and what you do? Dr. Maxine is a chiropractor, third generation of chiropractitioners. Tell us a little bit more about you and what you do. DR MAXINE: Thank you, Maria, for having me here. This is very exciting. So as you mentioned, I am a third generation chiropractor, and I'm the sixth in my family. Wow, that's an unusual distinction because my grandfather was a chiropractor back in 1914, when the practice of chiropractic was only 19 years old. My family were actually pioneers in the chiropractic profession. And, you probably won't meet another third generation chiropractor, maybe not for a very long time. So it makes me quite unusual. And you might say, it's my family legacy. And chiropractic is in my bones. MARIA: Wow, that's beautiful, beautiful. And that seems we are sharing, basically, or information related to occupational stress. I have the first question for you. What ways does the mind affects your physical body?, DR MAXINE: Your mind is completely connected to your physical body. So your thoughts are probably the main way that you develop vertebral subluxation. So I just need to explain what that means. Yes. So chiropractic works on the basic fundamental principle that the nervous system controls and coordinates every function in your body, from your heart beating regular to your breathing, easy to your digestion going normally, and your bowels going every day, through your hormonal balance and your periods coming right or wrong to your blood pressure to your heart, B to your everything about you. So if your nervous system isn't clear, then there's going to be problems expressed physically continue. So one of the basic tenets of chiropractic is that how do you interrupt or interfere with the clear functioning of the nervous system? Well, there are three main ways. The first way historically by the developers of chiropractic back in 1895, is through emotional stress. This, and I'll come back to that. And the second way that people develop interference to their nervous system is through chemical toxicity. And the third way that people develop interference in nervous system is through physical means of physical problems. Wow. So and I could explain all that. But the first one, emotional trauma, or not even emotional trauma, just emotional stress is probably the biggest way to provide interference to nerve system. And if your nervous system isn't working, right, there's interference to its functioning. And there's interference to the messages getting from the brain to all the parts of your body, from the brain to your heart, your digestive system to your lungs, to your ovaries, or your prostate, or the blood vessels, or the muscles in your legs or, or to your shoulders, or anything that you can think of in your body, also, including your inflammatory system. If there's some interference to that, then there's going to be expressions from any number of organs, that they're not functioning, right, because you're not getting the life energy, the signals the vital mental impulses from the brain to feed the organs than normal information on how to function when to stop. And they may over function, they may under function. And this manifests is physical problems. Of course, it could be neck, pain, the neck, shoulders, or the back. But it could also be heart attacks, strokes, high blood pressure, skin rashes, it could be asthma, it could be allergies, it could be it goes on and on and on. There's no stopping it. It could be painful periods, it could be chronic inflammatory diseases, is because the nervous system controls and coordinates all this if there's emotional stress, then there will be interference to the nervous system working right. MARIA: Right. It's when when you were talking a word pop into my mind, emotional exhaustion. Is that related to occupational stress? ...
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    25 mins
  • Effects of Mindfulness the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems
    Aug 4 2021
    Did you know if there are effects of mindfulness on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems? The cognitive system is the source of all mental processes and products, arising from complex neural activity in the brain. A cognitive system is a group of interactive and interrelated processes that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. Its job is to execute how information is treated and manipulated through thought, knowledge, and memory within the brain. It is how we understand, plan, decide, solve problems, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and judge information after perceiving it. Still, it also dictates our actions and behaviors. The nervous system is the body's central control, regulation, and communication system. It is the center of all mental activity, including thinking, learning, and memory. The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that fight infection, harmful substances, germs, and cellular changes to protect the physical body against disease. By assimilating the definition of the cognitive, nervous, and immune systems, we can realize that the practice of mindfulness is implicitly within all these systems. Based on scientific research, there are four mechanisms by which we can have evidence of the effects produced by mindfulness practices. There is the regulation of attention, the awakening of the body, emotional regulation, and the change of self-perspective. Theoretical accounts describe mindfulness practices such as focused attention, self-compassion, self-awareness, physical impulse control, clarity of thought, and emotional control. Studies related to the effects of mindfulness practice in humans show that mindfulness practice can provide new solutions to current problems. And handle potential future issues that result from demographic and technological changes by which all human beings go through today. An article produced by the Department of Health and Human Services USA called "Mindfulness Meditation and the Immune System: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials" confirmed mindfulness practices as a mental core training for developing a mindful daily life. The effects of mindfulness meditation on the immune system were measured considering parameters with a specific focus on outcomes. The findings suggest the possible effects of mindfulness meditation on specific markers of inflammation, cell-mediated immunity, and biological aging. Thus, Mindfulness mediation can be healthy for immune system dynamics. In addition, it can help improve self-reported measures of disease symptomatology, the effect that mindfulness meditation has on the biological mechanisms underlying aging. Through a psychological process called intention of self-attention, mindfulness practices can help us to make conscious decisions and be present in a particular moment. As a result, we can become aware of what is happening within us, with focused attention to what it is without presenting a judgment or qualification of what is happening to us at that precise moment; and so, we can reduce the problems related to our physical, mental, and emotional health. This is pretty much it. Thank you for listening! and stay in tune for the next topic in two weeks “Occupational stress, the physical body, and mindfulness from the chiropractic's perspective”. Music for this podcast: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license and Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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    10 mins
  • The myths and paradigms about mindfulness: what is not mindfulness!
    Jul 13 2021
    Today's episode is about The myths and paradigms about mindfulness: what is not mindfulness! Several articles about the definition and origin of Mindfulness indicate that this term has been used for hundreds of years, but not before the late 19th century was explicitly connected with meditation practice. In 1881, Professor Thomas William Rhys Davids translated the word Satis from the Pali language into the English language as Mindfulness. Although it refers to memory, it is used independently as thought, the activity of the mind, and the constant presence of what the mind is generating. Thus, the term mindfulness already existed in the Buddhist context before reaching western culture. According to the meaning that the Buddhist culture gives to the term Satis, it is remembering, but it refers to memory when used with meditation. One of the most profound myths and paradigms about the term mindfulness is to relate it in one way or another to the concept of religion, spirituality, or some religious sect. However, thanks to the work done by Dr. John Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine and founder of Mindfulness-based stress reduction, since 1976, the approach to Mindfulness has changed. Although Dr. Kabat-Zinn incorporated various meditation techniques from Buddhist translations into his Mindfulness-based stress reduction program, he uses Mindfulness as a secular practice applied to science through scientific lenses. According to a mindfulness-based stress reduction program at the University of Massachusetts, Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Healthcare, more than 22,000 individuals have been treated for and received some form of therapy-based Mindfulness as cognitive therapy to treat depression. Many studies confirm and recognize the benefits individuals obtain both in the psychological and physical fields; therefore, they disconnect the term mindfulness from its religious roots. But, what does Mindfulness means? In general, mindfulness practices are very likely to deliberately involve the effort to stabilize attention on specific physical sensations and emotional stimuli, reestablish and sustain the present moment and keep the mind away from wandering. This deep commitment to the here and now is combined with an attitude of acceptance and openness. To allow thoughts and emotions to come and go without applying a cognitive assessment. Focused attention on what the breath is helps us create awareness of what we are thinking and the sensations we are having in our physical body in the present moment. The psychologist and science journalist from Harvard University, Daniel Coleman, said Mindfulness refers to what moves inside your mind where you notice that it is wandering. So it's like monitoring what you do and where your mind is going. And meditation is one of the ways to train mindfulness attention. He also cites that among the most notorious benefits of mindfulness practices are to lower the stress levels produced by the hormone cortisol, promote and enhance the immune system's response, elevate mood, sharpen focus, delivered attention, and help us recover more quickly from any stressful situation. After reading one of John Kabat-Zinn's books, "Mindfulness for Beginners: Claiming the Present Moment and Your Life." I learned that Mindfulness is not a cold, hard practice, clinical or analytical therapy of one having to pursue something; I also learned that meditation means peace of mind, relaxation through the direct appreciation of our breath. To practice Mindfulness, instead of doing it simply as a technique, a therapy, or as one more task that one has to perform within our hectic day, I would say that the first thing to do is understand the concept as a way of being. Mindfulness is living, recognizing that life is changeable, that the awareness we put in the present moment is what makes life worth living, moment after moment after moment. Mindfulness is a powerful vehicle to carry out that transformation and possible healing within each of us and the world. Thank you for listening and stay in tune for the next topic in two weeks, Are there effects of mindfulness on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems? Music for this podcast: Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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    13 mins
  • The Pilot
    Jul 2 2021

    In this podcast, you will learn about topics such as:

    • Mindfulness effects on the human cognitive, nervous, and immune systems
    • Managing work stress for employees
    • Emotions and leadership interconnectivity
    • Habits to cope with occupational stress
    • Mindful habits to enhance the leader role
    • Mindful team synergy

    Email maria@mbaezconsulting.com

    Website www.mbaezconsulting.com

    Kalimba Relaxation Music by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5711-kalimba-relaxation-music License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

    Deliberate Thought by Kevin MacLeod

    Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3635-deliberate-thought

    License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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    8 mins