Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance
Deepak
Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, NIILM University, Kaithal, Haryana
Abstract
This study explores the transformative role of yogic principles in fostering mindful leadership for effective environmental governance in the Anthropocene epoch. The Anthropocene, marked by human-induced environmental changes, necessitates a paradigm shift in leadership approaches. Drawing on yogic values such as ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), and aparigraha (non-possessiveness), the research examines how mindfulness practices influence environmental policies and leadership behavior. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and case studies of environmentally conscious organizations reveals that integrating yogic principles enhances sustainability, empathy, and long-term ecological responsibility. The paper concludes with recommendations for embedding yogic mindfulness into leadership training and environmental governance frameworks.
Keywords:- Mindful Leadership, Yogic Values, Environmental Governance, Sustainability, Anthropocene
Impact Statement
The Anthropocene epoch, marked by unprecedented human influence on Earth’s ecosystems, demands a transformative shift in leadership paradigms. This research on Mindful Leadership for the Anthropocene: Yogic Values in Environmental Governance addresses the urgent need to embed ethical, conscious, and holistic decision-making into environmental governance structures. By integrating yogic principles such as ahimsa (non-violence), santosha (contentment), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and dharma (duty), the study presents a sustainable and spiritually grounded alternative to conventional leadership models rooted in exploitation and short-term gains.
The impact of this work is both theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it advances interdisciplinary dialogue by bridging ancient Indian philosophy with contemporary environmental policy discourse. Practically, it offers a values-based leadership model that can be incorporated into institutional training, public policymaking, and community-led ecological stewardship programs. The research contributes to the growing body of literature advocating for inner transformation as a prerequisite to outer ecological change. It empowers leaders to approach governance with empathy, equanimity, and a deep sense of planetary responsibility.
This study can influence educational curricula, sustainability frameworks, and international environmental negotiations by fostering a leadership culture that prioritizes ecological balance, intergenerational justice, and inner wellbeing. In an era marked by climate crises, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation, mindful leadership rooted in yogic values emerges as a vital paradigm for catalyzing systemic environmental change.
About Author
Dr Deepak is working as Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, NIILM University Kaithal Haryana, with extensive experience in teaching, and research. His areas of interest are cloud computing, IoT, and Machine Learning. He has participated in and presented research articles at various National and International conferences.
References
Bodhananda, S. (2022). Management and leadership: Insights from yoga philosophy and practice. Sage Publications.
Gelles, D. (2012). Mindful work. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Interface, Incorporated. (2019). Sustainability report.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full catastrophe living. Delacorte Press.
Bawa, N., & Lawal, N. I. (2024). Ergonomics, Students’ Well-being, and Technology-Enhanced Learning at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(04), 170–182. https://doi.org/10.59231/sari7754
Kaplan, J. (2024). The mindful leader: A review of leadership qualities. Frontiers in Psychology.
King, L. A., & Skaar, K. (2019). Ecological mindfulness: Reconnecting humans with nature. Ecological Psychology, 11(2), 85–92.
Otto, I. M., Donges, J. F., Cremades, R., Bhowmik, A., Hewitt, R. J., Lucht, W., Rockström, J., Allerberger, F., McCaffrey, M., Doe, S. S. P., Lenferna, A., Morán, N., van Vuuren, D. P., & Schellnhuber, H. J. (2020). Social tipping dynamics for stabilizing Earth’s climate by 2050. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 117(5), 2354–2365. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1900577117
Patagonia. (2019). Environmental & social initiatives.
Devi, B. (2024). Conceptualizing Digital Economy: Unraveling its evolution and impact in India. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(03), 210–224. https://doi.org/10.59231/sari7729
Scharmer, O. (2009). Theory U: Leading from the future as it emerges. Berrett-Koehler.
Senge, P. (2006). The fifth discipline. Doubleday Publishing.
Singh, A. (2024). The role of geography in the healthcare sector. Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 03(03), 96–99. https://doi.org/10.59231/sari7721
Unilever. (2020). Sustainable living plan.
Wamsler, C. (2020). Contemplative sustainable development. Global Sustainability, 3, e17.
Wamsler, C. et al. (2015). Mindfulness in adaptation and risk reduction. Sustainability Science, 12(1), 123–137.
Wang, X., & Geng, L. (2016). The influence of mindfulness on green behavior. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 47, 114–120.
Wang, X., Geng, L., Zhou, K., Ye, L., & Ma, Y. (2016). Mindful learning promotes connectedness to nature. Consciousness and Cognition, 44, 1–7.
Related Articles:
- Subhas Chandra Bose, The Crusader for Equal Rights for Women
- A Comprehensive Assessment of Fabaceae Family Plant Diversity and Ecological Dynamics at Raichur District Karnataka, India
- Myth and Memory: The Representation of Women in Indigenous Storytelling of Indian Culture
- Impact of Performing Arts on Individual Health management – A perspective of classical dancer as a dance practitioner
- Theatre and Ritualistic Storytelling: Performing Faith in Modern World