Rather esoteric for a workday Wednesday morning, no? And how, you might ask, can such reflections, have any influence on workplace culture, personal wellbeing, or public service?  For those questions, our information cups overflow with the fast-growing body of research on how mindfulness practice can optimize our focus, increase our productivity, and cultivate a sense of shared purpose with others. (Check back every Friday for more of such resources!)  What the Mindful FED community endeavors to do differently (that in my experience decades of workplace conversations haven’t been able to), is enact the values and principles espoused by our myriad strategic plans and leadership intentions. How? Through practice. Big ideas, meaningful conversation, and careful planning, important as they are, only get us so far. At some point, we must take the field, so to speak. For the uninitiated, curious, and even skeptical, the invitation remains wide open to take this "field" with us. But don’t believe the research. Don’t believe others’ testimonials. And, perhaps, don’t even believe what your own mind tells you for or against. Rather, come sit still long enough to feel that distant thunder. Let that stillness stir your heart; let that silence reveal your voice.