Conscious Leadership #4. Success – Mindful Presence

In this podcast episode, Chris Walker discusses the importance of mindfulness as the second level of success in Conscious Leadership. He emphasises being fully present in the moment, whether through simple daily rituals like savouring a cup of coffee or profound experiences in nature. Chris shares personal anecdotes, including a zen retreat in the Blue Mountains and a trek in the Himalayas, highlighting how distractions can prevent us from appreciating the beauty around us. He concludes by stressing that to live an inspired life, we must overcome these distractions and embrace the magnificence in every moment.

PODCAST

Introduction

Good morning, good afternoon, wherever you are! This is Chris Walker, and today, as I take a stroll on the beach, I want to share some thoughts on the second level of success in Conscious Leadership. Having moved beyond the limitations of anger, greed, and hate, and graduating into the mindfulness of mind, body, feelings, and objects, it’s time to delve into the next level: mindfulness. Yesterday, we explored the concept of a beginner’s mind, seeing every situation as an opportunity for discovery and adventure. Today, I want to discuss the importance of mindfulness in fully engaging with your surroundings and living an inspired life.

The Power of Mindfulness

Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment. It’s about engaging with your surroundings and noticing the details that often go unnoticed. For example, imagine taking a moment each morning to truly savour your food. Instead of rushing through it, you feel the warmth of the mug in your hands, inhale the rich aroma, and appreciate the experience. This is why I invest in high-quality coffee at home, using a plunger instead of a Nespresso machine—I love to savour that first cup of coffee. It’s a ritual that helps me be present and start my day with intention.

I once participated in a mindfulness retreat where we were encouraged to engage with nature in this way. One morning, I sat by a small stream, simply observing the play of light in the water, the sound of the birds, and the feeling of the breeze on my skin. These were things I had experienced before, but never with such awareness. This experience taught me that life is filled with beauty, but we often miss it because we are not fully present. Practising mindfulness can turn even the most mundane moments into rich, fulfilling experiences.

A Zen Moment in the Blue Mountains

During a zen retreat in the Blue Mountains, I had an experience that took mindfulness to another level. Walking through the bush, I came across the most beautiful flower. The light of the sun was filtering through the trees, illuminating this one spot in the forest. I was captivated. I couldn’t move forward because I knew it would change the story, and I couldn’t move back for the same reason. I was stuck, mesmerised by this single flower for at least an hour.

This experience highlighted the importance of being present and of taking the time to truly see the world around us. In our busy lives, we are often so focused on getting things done—worried about getting there, getting home, and finishing tasks—that we miss these moments of beauty. We are thinking, thinking, and never stopping to have experiences like the one I had with that flower.

Finding Beauty in the Himalayas

I carry This mindfulness lesson with me, even when I lead trekking groups in the Himalayas. The Khumbu Valley, which runs perpendicular to Mount Everest, offers one of the most magnificent views on Earth. After a long climb, you finally reach a point where you can see Mount Everest clearly. It’s a moment that brings many to tears, overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and grandeur of the mountains.

Yet, I’ve noticed that some people, even in the face of this awe-inspiring sight, are distracted by minor discomforts—a stone in their shoe, a small blister. They miss the beauty because they are focused on the discomfort. I believe this is the core lesson of the second level of inspiration: the ability to overcome distractions, to see beyond the mind-numbing pains, the discomforts, and the time-poor lifestyle that prevents us from experiencing the magnificence around us.

The Importance of Living in the Moment

Standing here on the steps outside the pavilion, waiting for someone to arrive, I am reminded of this lesson. I could be worrying about when they will turn up, or about the raindrops falling on my head, or about whether my coffee is getting cold. But instead, I choose to be present. I choose to observe the beauty around me—the magnificent ocean, the yellow sand, the footprints scattered across the beach.

Inspiration is in the moment. To live an inspired life, we must be in the moment, fully aware and engaged with our surroundings. We must be able to observe the beauty that exists in every single moment of our lives.

Conclusion

Mindfulness is not just a practice; it’s a way of life. It allows us to see the world with fresh eyes, to find beauty in the mundane, and to live inspired every day. As you go about your day, I encourage you to take a moment to stop, observe, and appreciate the world around you. You’ll be surprised at the richness of life when you are fully present.

This is Chris Walker. I wish you a beautiful day. Stay inspired and in the moment. Bye for now.