Skillful Means 28 Day Challenge: Becoming A Master of Your Work and Time (Part I)

Description 

Have you ever wondered how to make your professional life as your spiritual path? This class inspires students to take a challenge whether it be a personal or professional challenge and to see our obstacles more clearly. Once identified we begin to breakthrough our own habits into using our three best friends: awareness, concentration and energy to move into their lives. We see this as a place for skillful means to be embodied and for students to live a richer, more meaningful life which ultimately centers around a work-life balance. Incorporating spiritual principles into one’s work can have various benefits, such as increased awareness, improved focus, and a sense of purpose. By perceiving work as a spiritual path, individuals may be more motivated to engage fully, find deeper meaning in their tasks, and foster a greater sense of connection with their actions.

This course is taught by Wangmo Dixey, Executive Director of Dharma College who uses her life as her spiritual practice. Lots of insights and examples to share and lead with in the class. 

Here are some of the key areas we will touch on over 28 days (just 30 minutes a day):

1. Identify the challenge: The class encourages students to identify challenges, both personal and professional, that they are facing. This is the first step towards self-awareness and growth.

1. Awakening Awareness: By starting to tune into awareness, individuals can become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, which can lead to better decision-making and a deeper understanding of themselves.

1. Strengthening Concentration: Concentration involves focusing one’s attention and energy on a specific task or goal. Developing concentration can lead to increased productivity, improved problem-solving skills, and a greater sense of accomplishment.

1. Energy Management: Managing one’s energy involves understanding how to allocate and replenish personal energy throughout the day. This includes physical, mental, and emotional energy. By managing energy effectively, individuals can maintain a higher level of performance and overall well-being.

1. Embodying Skillful Means: This refers to using effective and wise methods to address challenges and achieve goals. It involves applying insights and techniques learned from mindfulness and other practices to navigate various situations skillfully. We can use our skillful means by bringing work as our spiritual practice. 

1. Work-Life Balance: Achieving a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for overall well-being. By incorporating spiritual practices and mindful awareness, individuals may be better equipped to manage their time, reduce stress, and prioritize what truly matters.

1. Richer and More Meaningful Life: The integration of spiritual principles and awareness, concentration and positive energy  into daily life can lead to a deeper sense of purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction. It encourages individuals to find meaning in their actions and relationships.

This integration can lead to personal growth, improved relationships, and a more balanced and meaningful existence.

Format

Our class meets every day (Monday-Friday) for just 30 minutes using our Skillful Means manual to focus on a daily meditation practice and exercise for the day. The weekend exercises will be covered every Friday. It is encouraged that students also read Skillful Means: Patterns of Success and Mastering Successful Work which can be found in our Lotus Bookstore. 

Weekly Topics 

Week 1: Establishing a Balanced Relationship to Our Time

Week  Strengthening Concentration in a  Daily Habit

Week 3: Inspire the positive into our daily life

Week 4: Integrating Work Life Balance into Accomplishment

Readings From 

Skillful Means Workbook, Mastering Successful Work, 

Executive Director