Cataloging Information
This paper is an executive summary of concepts presented in a slide show presentation by Ted Putnam at the 8th Annual Wildland Fire Safety Summit in Missoula, Montana (April 2005). Putnam reviews the eastern notion of the mind, and makes suggestions on how to improve mental functioning in everyday environments, especially under high risk environments. He puts forth meditation as "the single most powerful way to improve your mind and thus reduce accidents and fatalities". He recommends meditation training and practices to learn how to take one's mind off autopilot and "become more aware, see subtle interactions, analyze correctly and think clearer". Putnam's discussion concludes with a list of suggested readings for mindfulness meditation and the underlying psychology, as well as links to related websites. An expanded paper on this topic is being developed by Putnam.