IN THIS ISSUE

In The World But Not Of It

Performance and Open-minded Mindfulness

Books by George Pitagorsky

Breakthrough

"Productive insight; clear (often sudden) understanding of a complex situation." Free Dictionary

Pop the bubble of conditioned thinking and emerge into the creative realm of "no absolutes," continuous change, uncertainty and unlimited possibilities.

Then, there can be innovation, adaptation and optimal performance.

Performance and Open-minded Mindfulness

Open-minded:questioning everything, accepting diversity and uncertainty.

Mindful: consciously aware; concentrated.

Foundation for blending process, project, engagement and knowledge management into a cohesive approach to optimize performance.

Breakthrough

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VOLUME VII ISSUE NO. 9 | SEPTEMBER 2015

In The World But Not Of It

By George Pitagorsky

What does it mean to be in the world but not of it? How does it make sense in practical, everyday life? How does it make for a happy, less stressed and more productive life?

Wisdom traditions invite us to explore the idea that we are more than we seem to be. The personality we identify as "me" is a dynamic process rather than a fixed object; a verb as opposed to a noun.

Those who are of the world dedicate their lives to the pursuit of material things and to reinforcing the idea that the ego is the center of everything. To them there is nothing else.

Those who are in the world but not of it have a different focus. They believe that there is something beyond the ego, an essence that is far more permanent than the individual ego. This essence is referred to in wisdom traditions as Buddha nature, soul, and conscious awareness, among other terms.

Essence is the intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something that determines its character. The something, in this case the ego, is an often distorted reflection of its essence. One who is not of the world seeks to find essence and in this search breaks down the structures, beliefs and pursuits that have defined him/her. He lets essence appear by dropping the veils that keep it hidden. As she does so a glow of clarity, happiness and compassion surrounds her.

There is no need to leave the material world and become a monk or hermit yogi. You can continue to do what you have been doing, your career, your family life, etc., all the time remembering that your ego personality is a reflection of essence; that your deepest aspiration is to actualize that part of yourself. Everything you do is directed towards that goal.

There is no need to drop out. You tune in and live life in the world, acting with the intention to let go of anything that keeps you from realizing essence. You excel in what you do, experience less unnecessary stress, and become healthier in your relationships. This is what it means to be in the world but not of it.

This, of course, is easier said than done. You may be in a situation in which those around you are only of the world. Speak to them about essence and you may be faced with ridicule, pity or concern for your mental health. Your own resolve may be shaky; based on a brief experience of essence. You might find that breaking down the beliefs and structures that have defined you as an individual in the world is frightening. Depending on what you have been doing in your life you might be changing outwardly and that might disturb family and friends. Relationships may change.

Resistance from those around you and conflicts with conventional thinking create confusion. Confusion leads to doubt and denial. At the same time, your experience of essence remains with you. It expresses itself as a subtle dissatisfaction. You may try to bury it in work achievements or in seeking fame or the perfect relationship. No matter what you do you cannot really deny it.

But once you acknowledge it, the rest of your life becomes simple.

You seek out teachers, techniques and teachings from wisdom traditions. You find others who are not of the world, while you guard against being drawn into false beliefs and distorted views. You build confidence in yourself and honor your experience of essence.

You live in the world while devoting everything you do to get to a deeper understanding of yourself with the ultimate goal of identifying with your essence.

� 2015 George Pitagorsky Top

Performance and Open-minded Mindfulness

Open-minded:

questioning everything, accepting diversity and uncertainty.

Mindful:

consciously aware; concentrated.

Foundation for blending process, project, engagement and knowledge management into a cohesive approach to optimize performance.

Learn More

Managing Conflict in Projects

By George Pitagorsky

Managing Conflict in Projects: Applying Mindfulness and Analysis for Optimal Results by George Pitagorsky charts a course for identifying and dealing with conflict in a project context.

Pitagorsky states up front that conflict management is not a cookbook solution to disagreement-a set of prescribed actions to be applied in all situations. His overall approach seeks to balance two aspects of conflict management: analysis based on a codified process and people-centered behavioral skills.

The book differentiates conflict resolution and conflict management. Management goes beyond resolution to include relationship building that may serve to avoid conflict or facilitate resolution if it occurs.

The Zen Approach to Project Management

By George Pitagorsky

Projects are often more complex and stressful than they need to be. Far too many of them fail to meet expectations. There are far too many conflicts. There are too few moments of joy and too much anxiety. But there is hope. It is possible to remove the unnecessary stress and complexity. This book is about how to do just that. It links the essential principles and techniques of managing projects to a "wisdom" approach for working with complex, people-based activities.

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