MODERN LEADERSHIP
(neurogenesis), particularly in the
memory and executive functioning
centres, dementia prevention and
reduced activity in the amygdala
(responsible for fear generation and
“fight or flight” reactions).
reduce social anxiety, improve our
ability to communicate our feelings,
increase empathy and decrease
emotional reactivity.
Enhanced creativity: Mindfulness
practice can reduce “cognitive
rigidity,” thus enabling us to respond
with greater flexibility to situations
in which we might otherwise be
blinded by past experience.
Increased compassion: In one
study, people who practised
mindfulness-based meditation over
just eight weeks displayed a 50 per
cent increase in compassionate
behaviours in real-life settings
compared with those who did not
meditate.
Stronger relationships:
Mindfulness has been shown to
Spiritual benefits: Mindfulness
has been shown to enhance self-
56 ModernBusiness
November 2016
insight, morality, intuition and fear
modulation.
Health benefits: Mindfulness
also provides a number of health
benefits, including depression
prevention, increased immune
functioning, pain control, improved
sleep patterns, greater ability to
curb and overcome addictions and
binge eating, and improved heart
health.
However, even when we know all of
these benefits of mindfulness, it can
still be difficult to choose. Giving up