‘SIY’ STARTLING REFLECTIONS FROM THIMPHU TECHPARK

 

“Today I realised my mistake. I thought I was always right in what I said. I have broken many relationships because of how I talked with them. My intent was for good, but I have been reactive. I was wrong. It was me who broke friendships!” Samten Choden, a Business Analyst at Thimphu TechPark sparked out her realisation.

Search Inside Yourself is a brainchild of one small man who dream to contribute towards world peace by reaching this training to at least 1 billion people. This small man is a software engineer. If a software engineer find profound meaning to live happier life by increasing emotional intelligence, it is not impossible for software intellectuals at the premier Information Technology organisation to redesign how emotionally happier they can live.

The two days’ SIY training on mindfulness and emotional intelligence organised on 2^nd and 3^rd April 2021 under the stewardship of CEO, Thimphu Tech Park, is a maiden journey into the minds and life of its employees. The park is the first among DHI companies to initiate the programme with support from RCSE, and perhaps first among corporate and private institutions. With a vision to reach SIY to all civil servants, RCSE began rolling the training across all Dzongkhag, facilitated by more than thirty trainers who were trained in 2017-2018 directly by proponents from SIY leadership institute, USA.

The CEO, Dr. Tshering Cigay Dorji, is undoubtedly an example of farsighted a leader. Dr. Cigay foresaw the need for his staff to have reflective session to understand emotion from a new perspective. It takes a leader of foresight and kindness to understand his team’s need to learn and transform to live more fulfilling and happier life. If leaders can envision best for the team, and do everything possible to initiate new ways to forge forward, with a heart to learn and unlearn from any sources, this is a signature of an outstanding leader.

“The feedbacks reported on social media after SIY programme from civil servants was compelling enough. I wasn’t wrong about the inspiring impact it would make.” “I do some meditation sometimes when I sit for prayer but I wasn’t clear about it. Now I know what I should begin with.” Dr. Cigay shared over the recess tea on the first day and intended to practice further in better ways.

“This programme was a timely session for the staff of TTPL. We are working on mega projects, against time and manpower, stressing the company intellectuals at work.”  Namgay Phuntsho, Director, with TTPL reflected on an optimistic note. The director envisioned to pursue preliminary Tersar practices soon, and after leaving service intend to take care of the feline community. SIY journelling session provided platform to verbalise his dream to make it tangible in future.

“Journeling exercise is indeed powerful. Our usual diary writing is a superficial information while journelling is reflective, drawing meaning from a deeper level. It helped me to discover values I was unaware of. It gives direction to life, by helping me identify my deeper strengths and weaknesses. It is a moment to internalise our thoughts.” Yadap, Manager, Application and Support Division.

After the self-compassion activity, Deki Yangzom, Assistant Manager in the Finance Office of TTPL shared that “ in whatever I wanted to do I was always insecure. I always worried about what others would say about what I do and what I say. I was concerned about other’s opinion than about my own intentions. Today I am deeply relieved that I must live my life with focus. I realise what I think about myself has greater impact on the quality of my life. Others’ opinion should not drive my moods and become obstacles in my life.”

Nandal Kumar Gurung, Software Developer, confessed; “I had learnt mindfulness meditation during school but had neither clear understanding nor interest to practice as a lifelong skill. It was just a school discipline then. If I was asked what mindfulness is meditation by anyone, I wouldn’t have been able to explain at all. Now I can tell how mindfulness can be practiced and what it is about.”

“I was living a stressful life. My job is stressful but I have never realised that it was hurting my health. When I focussed attention on the breath, breathing in and out, I felt less stressful. I calmed by restless thoughts.” Kezang Choden, a Software Engineer said.

And I thought, if software engineer can breakdown into tears, if they can feel the need for reassessing themselves after SIY, any other professionals undoubtedly need this moment of truth. The sense of making contribution towards nation building by inspiring and impacting intellectuals who are pillars of our nation is immensely fulfilling. It was even more fulfilling when the participants reflects that the SIY training had touched their conscience bringing deeper revolution, self- realization and new foresight into drawing greater sense of happiness and wellbeing in their life.