Wellness as a team building activity?
When I was working as a team leader, one of my main tasks was to keep the team connected. This greatly helps with coordination, sharing the workload, and supporting each other. More than that, it makes the workplace enjoyable when there is a good connection between the team members. At the same time, it's tricky to constantly find things to keep it interesting, and it's also restricted by the team budget, time, logistics as well as the involvement of different mindsets.
While I was trying out different things, I thought I'd bring something that I enjoyed myself: yoga, with its different components of stretching, breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices. Before we kicked off the initiative, I had a discussion with the team explaining the challenges we face physically and mentally as we sit at our computers working all day under pressure, and it would be a good idea to take time out to do something that benefits our body and mind so we could go home with more energy for other activities. There was a bit of reluctance due to shyness and awkwardness, though I got an instant positive response from the girls and some boys on the team, so we decided to take two breaks per day, and I led the sessions.
It was a bit of fun, and we laughed at ourselves in the beginning due to the awkwardness. I also felt very strange facilitating this since I had no formal training at the time, and as a team leader, it was initially weird. However, thanks to my meditation and self-enquiry processes, my ego was not that strong, so I dealt with my embarrassment well.
As we started doing it regularly, the others who felt reluctant also joined, and it gained momentum. It really felt good as we bonded with one another doing the same activity. It gave a kind of personal connection, and we started seeing one another in a different light, recognizing that we all have common challenges. Doing this practice together motivated us to continue, and the benefits we felt in our bodies, minds, and energy were truly satisfying.
I would say I saw myself in a different light at that time, realizing I could guide others in taking care of themselves. I think a seed was silently planted in the depths of my consciousness, which has continued to grow until now.
I would like to hear how you feel about bringing this into your teams as a suggestion. I could help you organize this with all my training now.
Sundar
Founder, Open Circle Yoga