Archive for Wednesday 15th October 2003 - Mark Winter's World of Alternatives

The Dalai Lama  The secret of happiness at work is not what you do but how you do it. To acquire such positive poise, according to the Dalai Lama, requires a meditative stability, the embracing of positive virtues and a varied and balanced life. With more than half the workforce complaining of job dissatisfaction, the leader of Tibet, whose traditional culture did not include the concept of ‘unemployment’, believes we should treat our lives as a laboratory. We can then practically test his passionately held beliefs in the ‘supreme importance of the basic human values, like kindness, tolerance, compassion, honesty and forgiveness.’ Try, for example, being kind and considerate towards a colleague you don’t normally get along with - and gauge the results. His idealism though, is tempered by realism. He encourages self-appraisal to ensure that we do not project an image beyond our capabilities, and cautions lest confidence develops into arrogance. Ultimately he believes the only true measure of success in life is happiness. . A new way of working A new corporate philosophy of encouraging employees NOT to work is catching on. European banking giant ING, with 115,000 employees, discourages workaholism and encourages people to go on holiday to gain new perspective and recharge their batteries. US Internet search engine Google go a step further. Google allows their 1,000 workers to spend 20per cent of their work time pursuing outside interests. Google Stabilise your life The Dalai Lama recommends this simple meditation: Sit or lie comfortably with a straight spine. Take a couple of deep breaths, then breathe effortlessly, counting as you go (each complete out and in breath count as one). As your mind wanders, focus back on your breath. Start at five minutes and then progress. The art of happiness at work by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler was published by Hodder Mobius (£12.99). Superfood Number 5: Tofu Tofu is the oldest of all processed foods. Chinese legend has it that a cook chanced on the cheese-like substance 2,000 years ago by curdling some cooked soybeans. Extremely adaptable, tofu, or bean curd, can be used as a meat substitute. Chinese vegetarians enjoy it cooked to resemble beef, pork and even chicken drumsticks. A true superfood, it is low in calories and provides calcium, iron, eight essential amino acids, and high-quality protein. It can be helpful in breast cancer prevention. Mark Winter   If you have any feedback or a subject you'd like to see covered on this page, write to Mark: Email jon@bubble.com with subject heading: Mark Winter Please note, we regret that due to time restrictions personal replies may not be available.

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