The Mindfulness Movement in Political Leadership
In the fast-paced and often chaotic world of politics, it is refreshing to see a leader like Cory Booker. Newark’s Mayor has been making waves in the political arena, not only for his policy initiatives but also for his commitment to mindfulness and well-being. Today’s reflections delve into Cory Booker’s journey and how mindful thinking has significantly shaped his leadership style. Nationally, He is well-known as a leader and advocate for social justice.
Recently, Mayor Booker has come under fire for acting in haste. This was surprising and directly contrasted his mindful messages about daily living and working together for a just world. As a seasoned politician, he knows the cost of such impulsive acts. But as a human, he is prone to err. Throughout his life, Mayor Booker has spoken about his mindfulness practices of meditation. He references running in the morning to clear his head and ground himself, but he still sent out a hasty tweet and ruffled some feathers.
The Art of Being Present
One of the core principles of mindfulness is being present in the moment. Cory Booker exemplifies this practice in his work. Whether addressing constituents, debating policies, or advocating for social justice, he is known for being fully present and engaged, actively listening to those he serves. On a personal level, he sees people and remembers who they are, which is rare in our world.
As humans, we look to our leaders for guidance in our behavior; they set the tone for a shared value system and inform our decision-making. I am sure we will soon forget the Booker Bungle and move on to the next story, but a therapeutic lesson must be had. Perhaps multiple lessons; we can learn so much in a single observed experience. We learn about making mistakes, thinking before acting, getting all sides of the story, practicing self-compassion, and accepting the consequences of our actions.
For the kids I work with and Mayor Booker (of whom I’ve heard only positive things from citizens in his area and youth within his community), I can process the message that we all make mistakes. We can’t go back, but we can move forward to be more mindful in the future and do our best to convey our best self daily. As a therapist, I can tell you that repair attempts are part of what we teach; how someone cleans up conflict is a tell-tale sign of their integrity. Hopefully, we will be judged on the sum of our actions and what we do for our community rather than on one speech.
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