by Mark Weinstein, GPU Energy

Some GPU Energy employees in Reading are reducing their stress by gaining a sense of inner calmness through meditation. It's a tool they are finding beneficial at a time when change continues to be a constant in the energy industry.

Jeff Sturm, director of Materials and Services (M&S), was attending a meditation class and learning about the benefits. He realized such a tool could help his colleagues as well as the company

"I had been concerned about Materials and Services employees'' stress." Sturm said. "I had read about stress decreasing the immune system, affecting the quality of family like, decision-making abilities and relationships.

He reached an agreement with his instructor Greg Schweitzer to teach the class to members of the M&S staff, who were given the option to participate.

"The feedback we got was extremely positive," Sturm said. "I had a number of people come up to me and thank me for trying to do something about the stress level. This is a lifelong tool we've given people.''

Other process leaders have heard about the class and have taken it. Participants have included Carl Brooks, vice president of Human and Technical Resources, Sandy Lendacki, director of Revenue Operations, Rick Fidler, director of Information Technology, and Dave Roberts, director of Power Contracts. Sturm said other process leaders may offer the class to their groups.

Larry Wentzel, director of Human Resources, attended the program and has made it available to his staff. "It works and will be beneficial to the company," he said. "You're more productive, more alert."

Sturn emphasized that there is no religious connection to the meditation instruction. "Greg describes it as restful alertness," Sturm said. "It's just silence, sitting with your eyes closed . People are more effective and productive after they meditate. There's a sense of clarity"

About 100 employees have received instruction from Schweitzer. This begins with an introductory class of approximately one hour; participants, if they choose, can continue the instruction for four days, with each of those sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes. Sturm and many employees tend to meditate for about15 minutes once a day at work and also at home.

Schweitzer, who has been a meditation instructor for more than 20 years, calls stress "health enemy number one." Meditation has worked for Vera Admore, manager of Information Support Services. "I've been through several situations I had to deal with and because I meditated, I didn't feel the tension," she said. "I took it to enjoy my life more and to be less hurried through the day," added Michelle Fostec, an analyst in M&S. "Meditation helps me live more in the moment. You're more focused. I enjoy the time with my kids more."

Bill Evans, a buyer Sr. in Logistics Services, said: "I've noticed significant benefits from reduced tension in my muscles and neck, and I have more energy. It tows you to have a break. Initially, a couple of the guys were giving us the business about it but it works for me. Some people have a smoke. We go chill out.