The group came to 2 conclusions:

1. It is difficult to talk simply about what we do (as meditators and Shambhalian Buddhists)
2. It is hard to move what we learn in Shambhala Training into the workplace

To address the first problem, the group proposed coming up with a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ's) such as : Why do you meditate? What is that pin you’re wearing? What are you doing this weekend? and contemplating how to answer them in a way that is accessible to colleagues and other non-practitioners.

To work with the second issue, the group discussed ways to hold one’s seat in difficult situations (or in the workplace) including raising lungta, using slogans (including the Dorje Kasung slogans), shamatha, stroke practice (using a nontoxic marker!), and tonglen. Also there were suggestions for how to manifest in the workplace: hold your seat, create a gap, work with the environment (e.g., ikebana in a meeting room), step into the chaos, maintain connection and share our experience.

There were also suggestions for possible workshop topics connecting the benefits of meditative discipline to common workplace issues such as balancing your life, power gaps, working with intensity without burnout, how to survive success, how to relax, how to retire, etc.

The group plans to continue in 3 ways: by documenting the findings and distributing them, reporting back to Shambhala Centers, and networking among themselves on an ongoing basis.

In the collaboration, we acknowledged our shame in not being able to articulate at work what we do as Shambhalian Buddhists; then through opening and sharing we found a practical workable path that brought us joy and the experience of connecting heaven and earth in doable steps.