Zen@Work Book Proposal

Zen@Work Accelerator

Sample Curriculum 1

An 8-week program in psycho-spiritual development for social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven leaders. 

Who Is It For: Social Entrepreneurs at any stage of their business development who are interested in tools, techniques and teachings for the “inner work” of business leadership.

They may find themselves facing:

• Persistent issues with worry, stress, anxiety, overwhelm or burnout.  

• Persistent issues with resource availability and allocation (TIme, Money, Attention, Energy, Information)

• Obstacles, blockages, resistances and “looping” within and between phases of business development.

• Difficulty with ambiguity and uncertainty. Making decisions with integrity and wisdom.

• Inconstant connection to deeper purpose and mission.

• Questions around partnerships and colleagues. 

These tools and teachings complement the external tools, techniques and best practices for leading a business. 

To get the most out of the program, participants should be prepared to commit to 20-minutes/day of Mindfulness Inquiry practice. 

Questions for candidates:

• Where are you in your process of business development? 

• Where are you facing difficulties in moving forward? 

• Do you have persistent issues with resource availability and allocation (time, money, attention, energy, information)?

• What is the inspiration behind your work? 

Program Structure

• Length: 8 weeks. 

• One weekly live group session (90 minutes?) led by Paul featuring new principles and practices. Some time for Q&A / interactive. Session will be recorded for those who cannot attend.  

• One weekly live session (60 minutes) facilitated by Paul for open discussion, feedback, Q&A. (Not recorded.) 

• Slack channel for discussion throughout week.

• Two one-on-one individual sessions with Paul over three months.

Syllabus

Session 1:  Introduction to Zen@Work Accelerator

• Practice and Principles of Presence (Mindfulness 101)

• Practice and Principles of Purpose

• Attention and Intention

• Manifestation Model of Business Development

Session 2: The Three Meditations / Modes of Inquiry

• Focused Awareness

• Single Open Awareness (Shikantaza)

• Somatic Questioning (Koan)

Session 3: Practical Applications in Professional Life

• Work as Meditation, Work as Service

• Stress, Anxiety, Worry, Burnout 

• Handling Resource Constraints (Time, Money, Attention)

Session 4: Introduction to the Manifestation Sequence

• Your Body and Your Business

• From Inspiration to Embodiment

• From Purpose to Product

• Vows, Goals and Tasks

 Session 5: Manifestation Phase 1

• Inspiration and Purpose

• Vision and Mission

• Expression and Messaging

Session 6: Manifestation Phase 2

• Relationships and Networking

• The Essential Bridge: Market Development

Session 7: Manifestation 3

• Personal Power and Action

• Joy and Go-to-Market

• Grounding and Scaling

Session 8: Conclusion and Group Sharing