MINDFULNESS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
A unique employee wellness half-day workshop to enhance mindfulness, connection, mental health, creativity and productivity – a “must consider” for any company that has the well-being of its employees at heart. By focusing on mindfulness, employees become more grounded within themselves. Mindfulness promotes inner calmness, clarity and our ability to stay composed, objective and in control. People who integrate mindfulness in their lives are more likely to regulate their emotions more effectively, counter negative thoughts and cope better under stress. Calmness allows us to access the brain’s creative side – allowing us to collaborate more effectively, come up with innovative ideas and solve problems. When we slow down, we are able to reach inside, spark imagination and access an infinite source of possibilities. Overall, employee wellness is vital for growing a healthy and successful company.
What is Mindfulness?
The Oxford Mindfulness Center defines mindfulness as “moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience, without judgment.” When practicing mindfulness, you become the observer of your thoughts, emotions and sensations without getting caught up in them.
Since mindfulness is about being present in the moment, it enhances mental and physical well-being. It makes us more resilient, is good for the heart, lowers blood pressure, and also aids those suffering from mild forms of anxiety and depression. It also improves our ability to focus and as a result, make us more productive. Over time, mindfulness helps us to change habits like negative self-talk, self-doubt inner criticism and perfectionism which often obstructs our creatively and true potential.
Combining Mindfulness with Photography
Photography is a superb and fun way to acquire and apply mindfulness. Long before I knew about mindfulness, I practised it in photography. Photography provides us with an instant opportunity to escape a cluttered mind and focus our attention on one thing. As we focus on something that grabs our attention, we gain greater insight into ourselves and connect with what we like. For a moment, we are able to disconnect from our problems and construct new positive experiences as we become more aware of what we see, hear, feel, touch and think. It puts us in touch with our inner self… our artistic and creative side which, for some people, is sometimes long forgotten. Our minds slow down and we settle into the present moment – we hold our breath… we pause, enjoy and capture what is in front of us.
What to expect from this workshop
Growth, excitement, relaxation and awe as we become by the wonder of photography! This hands-on employee wellness workshop is designed to boost employee wellness and office dynamics through subtle, non-demanding, fun-incorporating intervention. Here are some key benefits of the workshop:
- Understanding “mindfulness” and its benefits
- Acquiring techniques to become more mindful in the workplace
- Enhanced focus and productivity
- Learning techniques to deal with negative emotions and challenge limiting beliefs (optional)
- Gaining a better understanding of how the mind works and how to use it to get better results
- Learning breathing techniques
- Improving emotional intelligence
- Adopting a more positive and constructive mindset
- How to take control of thoughts and gain a quiet mind
- Increased appreciation and understanding of the importance, value and contribution of other team members
- Learning basic photography skills
- Guided meditation (optional)
Duration of the employee wellness workshop
Four hours. It is also possible to work individually with employees that require further assistance, for example coping with the impact of Covid-19.
FAQ
Do attendees need cameras?
Smartphones, tablets or cameras can be used. People can also share devices.
Can this be done at the office?
Yes… as long as all the attendees can fit into the room! Although not essential, an office with a garden, terrace, courtyard or park nearby would be ideal! Alternatively, a venue that leans it for an effective and inspirational experience can be arranged.
Can this be done virtually?
Yes.
What does it cost?
From R750 per person. The cost depends on the number of attendees, location, venue, etc. Please contact us for a quotation.