Surely it’s difficult to wrap the head around the idea that more emptiness for the corporate world would be good? What does that even mean?

When asked about the meaning of stillness in his movies, moments where the story doesn’t evolve but the viewer is given a sense of time and space, Japanese Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki offered a profound insight.

“We have a word for that in Japanese,” he said, “It’s called ma. Emptiness. It’s there intentionally.”

He then clapped his hands three or four times. “The time in between my clapping is ma. If you just have non-stop action with no breathing space at all, it’s just busyness, but if you take a moment, then the tension building in the film can grow into a wider dimension. If you just have constant tension at 80 degrees all the time you just get numb.”

This concept, “ma,” is more than just a cinematic technique; it’s a powerful principle applicable to all aspects of life, especially leadership. In a world that glorifies constant activity and relentless productivity, “ma” reminds us of the essential role of space and stillness.

Think about your own leadership style. Are you constantly reacting, jumping from one task to the next, with no room for reflection? Do you feel like you’re always operating at 80 degrees, perpetually tense and overwhelmed? If so, you’re likely experiencing the “numbness” Miyazaki describes.

Now, replace the film with the way you work or lead. Imagine creating intentional moments of “ma” in your daily routine. What would that look like?

• Recognising the Ground of Being: Before a meeting, simply notice the stillness that is always present.
• Allowing Thought to Arise and Pass: Rather than planning strategically, simply notice the arising and passing of thoughts and insights.
• Listening from Awareness: In communication, notice the space from which listening arises, rather than focusing on a response.
• Resting in Awareness: Instead of taking an “intentional break,” simply rest in the awareness that is always here, regardless of activity.

When you incorporate “ma” into your leadership, you’ll find

• Increased clarity: Silence allows you to see the bigger picture and make more informed decisions.
• Increased creativity: Space allows new ideas to emerge and flourish.
• Improved communication: Pausing before responding fosters deeper understanding and empathy.
• Greater resilience: Moments of stillness help you manage stress and maintain balance.
• Greater happiness and impact: Creating intentional space allows you to lead with more presence and authenticity, leading to more fulfilling work.

That moment in between clapping your hands? Maybe this can serve as the mnemonic for you.

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