What is Mindfully Strong Co-Working?

Mindfully Strong Co-Working (MSCW) was developed and evaluated by Lutz Hempel as a certification project for the MBSP certification (Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice), tutored by Dr. Ryan Niemiec from VIA Institute, the world's leading institution in the science of character (including character strengths).

MSCW is a format that integrates mindfulness and strengths practices in the work routine. In a mindfully facilitated space with others, you do your regular desk/office work which, in the work phases, can include phone calls, talks and meetings if the mike is muted. The space is positive and safe, there is a supportive structure. Well-selected little mindfulness and strengths practices nurture you and your work. The presence of the co-workers helps you cultivate more mindful and stronger ways of working. There is opportunity for exchange.

MSCW is available for dedicated groups and teams.

Structure of the sessions (CET):

08:45 – 09:00 Intro to newcomers (optional) - Zoom open from 08:45

09:00 - 09:20 Welcome, guided practice (incl. strengths activation), check-in (incl. intention setting)

09:20 - 10:45 Work phase (with scheduled 1-3 min. guided mindful pauses)

10:45 - 11:00 “True break” (individual, unguided)

11:00 - 12:20 Work phase (with scheduled 1-3 min. guided mindful pauses)

12:20 - 12:30 Sharing circle (voluntary sharing about the individual co-working experiences in mindful exchange mode, facilitated)

12:30 – 12:45 Further exchange / Q&A (optional) - Zoom open until 12:45

Individual (mindful) pauses during the work phases are, of course, always possible.

(Mindful) Exchange, counselling etc. among pairs or groups of co-workers during the work phases is possible on request (performed in break-out groups).

Benefits

Participants have repeatedly reported that the co-working energized them, helped them to stay focused and to be more present, made them feel more connected and balanced, stimulated more productive work, helped them achieve more with less net time compared to had they followed their normal work routine.

Here is some of the participants’ overall feedback:

• “This is a useful application and is certainly a promising pathway for boosting work engagement/joy/performance but also for building community/relationships if done over time.”

• “It helped me focus on getting the job done, feeling the silent energy of the group and being aware of my inner states, my progress and boosting my commitment.”

• “A virtual experience with the potential to contribute to individual authenticity and collective goodness.”

Who is it for?

Anybody with desk/office work, a set-up for video meetings (Zoom) and an interest in working more productively, with more joy and connection. Previous mindfulness and/or strengths practice is not necessary but may be an advantage.

Session host & facilitator

Lutz Hempel, MBA, is a consultant, facilitator and teacher specialized in inner practice, wholeness and mindful business and a certified MBSP (Mindfulness-Based Strengths Practice) as well as a Zen practitioner. He is founder of Groovin' Organization, co-founder of The Flourishing Circle, a team member of Center for Mindfulness Basel, Switzerland, and leads the Basel regional group of Network for Mindful Business .

I look forward to co-working with you, mindfully strong!

Lutz