106. Daron Larson on Why Mindfulness Matters
On Episode 106, Dan sits down with Daron Larson, mindfulness coach, about the growing fields of mindfulness and meditation. Like Prognosis Ohio, Daron’s podcast, The Art of Attention, is part of the WCBE Podcast Experience. As a longtime (20 years!) practitioner of mindfulness himself, Daron helps others learn to respond to uncertainty more effectively. This has been a critical skill for many during the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Dan asks about the relationship between wellness and mindfulness, Daron mentions Donald B. Ardell, an original proponent of health & well-being on a continuum. Daron laments that solving problems of illness are more profitable than helping people to thrive. We are, in his view, a culture that loves supplements and quick fixes. The concept of wellness has, to some extent, been coopted by purveyors of dubious claims, often for purposes of profit. In America, alas, important concepts are frequently turned into brands.
True self-exploration may involve discomfort and transformation can be paradoxical. Attentional fitness is qualitative, accomplished through exercises and support. Daron says practice is key. He aspires to “demystify” mindfulness exercises.
Daron recommends making time to settle your mind (even 5 minutes) at end of a work shift to deal with the “residue” of the day and to feel what your body feels. This can lead to improved transitions from work to home life.
Daron and Dan also discuss corporate workplace wellness programs. Are they just window-dressing? Mindfulness Mondays, for example. There are few to no verifiable outcomes—so how to assess? Employers may have a general desire to help employees thrive but a built-in challenge is that the organization that provides a paycheck also causes stress. Participation must be optional.
Dan shares a story about speaking with physician about workplace wellness and suggests that employers often provide things like social hours and book clubs, but what people really want is time—for themselves, to spend with their families and their friends.
For Daron, mindfulness is not religious, though there is a strong Buddhist tradition of meditation that points to a monastic tradition of quiet contemplation.
Daron mentions Susan David’s book, Emotional Agility and the author Brené Brown. Mindfulness is not positive thinking, and it is not one size fits all. For example: you’re disgruntled at work. Why not breathe, relax, and make it work? True mindfulness can help you deal with the dilemma. Should you stay and deal with a micromanager and a backstabbing colleague, or put yourself back out on job market? These are two bad options. Mindfulness won’t remove discomfort but it can encourage you to be objective about the experience and help you see choices clearly.?
Marriages, families, and jobs can be crucibles for transformation. Observe yourself reacting. Savor small joys like a peaceful Sunday morning, delicious food, or getting back to sleep. When you walk your dog, just enjoy the sights and sounds of the walk. Don’t try to solve the world’s problems. Take an active role in taking care of yourself.
Dan ponders what he sees as an inherent individualism in mindfulness, but Daron sees broader social transformative capacities in the practice. Mindfulness is possible when you’re surrounded by other people. We can savor good things more and dwell on bad things less, all the while increasing empathy for the human condition.
As a Health Policy professor, Dan notes that kindness, empathy, and communication skills are all very important for aspiring doctors, but those “soft skills” are not rewarded.
Daron advocates stepping away from what can be measured and quantified easily. Humans are complicated. We are not tidy on a balance sheet.
Hosted and produced by Dan Skinner.
Editorial and production support from Trish Mayhorn.
Music produced by Kyle Rosenberger.
Prognosis Ohio is a production of Prognosis Ohio, LLC.