For about a year I had the intention to read Awake at Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Work's Chaos by Michael Carroll. The book came in as a donation to the Friends of the Library, as I was sorting through to see if anything was suitable for th
e library, the title caught my eye. I added my dollar to the Friends' money box and added it to my book shelf. First it was at work for several months, then it came home. I was sorting through my books a couple of months ago to take to the Friends and added the book to the Take Pile. Then when I was getting the books out, I decided that really I wanted to read the Awake at Work. So I left it in the back of my car. In January I needed to go to Urgent Care. I knew it was going to be a wait so I grab the book. I reasoned that since I was taking sick time from work, I should probably spend that time doing something somewhat work related. So I read while I waited and waited and waited. I found the book resonated with me. I am short staffed & I am struggling to remain engaged in the work culture. I am ready for the next stage of leadership but feel perhaps the current system isn't the best fit for me or my vision for library services.
The book suggested using sitting mediation to help keep your life in balance. Before I picked up the book, I had begun to explore this as an option. The further I read Awake at Work, the more I wondered why I had put off reading it for so long when I found I didn't want to put it down. All I can say is that, when I needed to read the book I was drawn to it. Since I have been searching for ways to build my team, keep myself and others engaged, I must have subconsiously understood that the book would give me perspective on my quest. Michael Carroll worked as a human resource professional holding a number of executive positions after his guru told him to go into the world rather than become a monk. He is now the founding director of Awake at Work Associates.