Spiritual Habits for Productivity: Rituals and Practices to Cultivate Focus and Clarity
Volume 23, Chapter V, Number 022
Hello!
This Week’s One Great Thing: Spiritual Habits for Productivity: Rituals and Practices to Cultivate Focus and Clarity
The other day, I realised that I have been “studying” and living out the relationship between productivity and spirituality for more than two decades, without realising it. I am always amazed by people who have lived this integration in their lives: balancing both the spiritual and the productive parts of their lives in great harmony.
I have also seen firsthand how spiritual practices can help people achieve amazing levels of productivity in their lives. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen how the hyper focus on the practical and productive can diminish one’s spirituality. I remember the words of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, “Nothing is more practical than finding God…” It reminds me that the most ‘productive’ thing that can happen to you is to find your spirituality.
I remember when I was in University and was struggling to stay focused on my studies. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information I had to process and I was constantly procrastinating. I was desperate to find a way to stay on track and improve my productivity. In the last year of University, I found Ignatian Spirituality. This is when I discovered how spiritual habits can help cultivate more focus and clarity. I learned that the most powerful spiritual habits are the ones that involve connecting to something greater than ourselves. Meditation, prayer, and even simply spending time in nature can be incredibly effective in helping us become more productive. With this newfound focus, I realised how easy it was to get good grades. As I took my first post-graduate Masters, and then my second Masters, I did not just survive, I thrived in them. I realised I could easily have gotten latin honors if I had the same discipline, focus and clarity earlier.
Early in my career, I was struggling with burnout and lack of motivation in my career. I realized that I was too focused on achieving external goals and success, which left me feeling empty and unfulfilled. I started exploring different spiritual practices and rituals, and found that they not only helped me find inner peace and purpose, but also boosted my productivity and creativity.
I also remember the story of Lee Kuan Yew and how he implemented daily spiritual practices in his routine to help him lead and govern effectively. During the most difficult parts of Singapore’s history, when a big decision needed to be made, he would drive himself to the mountains of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. He would stay there for a few days and come back to Singapore with a clearer mind, a more convicted heart and a stronger spirit. I remember how I’ve always found refuge in the mountains of Mirador in Baguio City, Philippines. There is something about going up the mountains that gives clarity to our work and life. Maybe it is the longer view of things that give perspective. Every time I feel confused and overwhelmed, I remind myself that I am in flat land and need to go higher to see longer.
We should never forget that practices which bring clarity AID OUR MISSION. In light of this, I have decided to compile a list of spiritual habits that are so practical, you sometimes forget they're spiritual. These help cultivate focus and clarity in our daily lives. These practices can benefit everyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs or profession. By incorporating some of these habits into your daily routine, you may find yourself more productive, focused, and clear-minded throughout the day.
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Gratitude journaling – Writing down what you're thankful for each day can boost your well-being and positivity, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (Emmons & McCullough, 2003). Every morning, I write down three things I am grateful for in my life, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. This practice helps shift my mindset from scarcity to abundance, and reminds me of all the blessings I have in my life. This, in turn, helps me approach my work with a more positive and motivated attitude.
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Mindful breathing – Focusing on your breath for even just a few minutes can reduce anxiety and increase attentional control, as found in a study published in Frontiers in Psychology (van den Berg et al., 2015). Your main enemy here is your impatience to get things done so just focus your attention to your breath. Do it at the start of the day for 10 mins, it will make a huge difference to how the rest of your day plays out!
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Eating mindfully – Savouring your food and paying attention to the sensory experience of eating can increase mindfulness and reduce distractedness, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology (Kern et al., 2014). Check out mindful eating online and there are a lot of resources on how this is done and how it benefits you.
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Visualisation – Imagining yourself achieving your goals can increase motivation and improve performance, according to a study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology (Koo & Fishbach, 2012).
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Power posing – Holding a confident pose can increase feelings of power and reduce stress, as found in a study published in Psychological Science (Carney et al., 2010).
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Taking a walk in nature – Being in nature can improve attention and working memory, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology (Berman et al., 2008). There are more recent studies after Berman that shows how this also helps not just your memory but your overall well-being as well.
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Listening to music – Music can enhance cognitive performance and mood, as found in a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology (Lonsdale & North, 2011).
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Using a standing desk – Standing while working can increase alertness and productivity, as shown in a study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health (Benden et al., 2011).
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Power napping – Taking a short nap can improve cognitive function and mood, according to a study published in the journal Sleep (Brooks & Lack, 2006).
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Using productivity apps – Apps that block distractions or help with time management can improve productivity, as found in a study published in the journal PLOS ONE (Mark et al., 2018).
If you're struggling with productivity or feeling disconnected from your spirituality, I encourage you to explore some of these spiritual habits and see how they can benefit your life. Give yourself permission to slow down, connect with something greater than yourself, and cultivate the focus and clarity you need to thrive. Whether it's through meditation, prayer, spending time in nature, or reading spiritual texts, there are countless ways to integrate these practices into your daily life.
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More Great Stuff:
The Non-Linear Workdays Changing the Shape of Productivity
- The article explores the shift towards non-linear workdays, highlighting the benefits of flexible schedules for individuals and organizations. As more people seek to balance their work and personal lives, non-linear schedules are becoming increasingly popular, allowing workers to structure their days in ways that suit their needs.
- The article examines various approaches to non-linear schedules, such as compressed workweeks and flexible hours, and discusses the potential benefits for both productivity and wellbeing. By offering greater autonomy and control over their schedules, workers can reduce stress and improve their overall job satisfaction.
- The article also acknowledges the challenges of non-linear schedules, such as the need for clear communication and coordination among team members. However, the author suggests that these challenges can be overcome through effective planning and collaboration. Overall, the article provides an upbeat and engaging perspective on the changing nature of work and the potential benefits of non-linear schedules for modern workers.
Buying Experiences Probably Doesn't Make You Happier than Buying Possessions
- The article discusses whether buying experiences rather than things truly leads to greater happiness. It challenges the common notion that investing in experiences is better than material possessions.
- Research shows that spending money on experiences doesn't necessarily make us happier than spending it on material possessions. This is because experiences are subjective and the enjoyment we derive from them varies based on factors such as social comparison, the anticipation, and memories of them. Material possessions, on the other hand, offer more tangible benefits such as convenience and a sense of ownership.
- Experiences can also be stressful and may not always lead to positive emotions. For example, a trip that involves long flights and uncomfortable accommodations may not be worth the expense and stress for some individuals. In contrast, owning a car or a home can offer a sense of stability and security.
- The societal pressure to prioritize experiences over material possessions can lead to financial strain and neglect of long-term financial planning. Many individuals feel compelled to spend money on travel and events to keep up with others on social media, even if they cannot afford it.
- It is important to strike a balance between investing in experiences and material possessions based on personal values and financial goals. Rather than adhering to societal pressure, individuals should prioritize what truly makes them happy and fulfilled.
- In conclusion, the belief that buying experiences leads to greater happiness is a myth. It is important to recognize the subjective nature of experiences and the potential drawbacks of overspending on them. Instead, individuals should prioritize their own values and financial goals when making purchasing decisions.
Ok! Now pause, get yourself to a window, look up to the sky, smile, and have a great day! Look forward to send you another letter next week!
☕ eric santillan