This past month has seen many ‘shifts’ for many people. You might even call them ‘shocks’. Often into uncharted territory – something we may not have experienced before, and even if we have, it feels different this time.
How we turn these shifts or shocks into leverage is dependent on our perspective – if you like, how we look at them.
As Leonard Cohen says “ There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”.
When we are moving into uncharted territory, it is important to look at how we let the ‘light’ in. Do we go into action based on the past; trying to control (or feeling as though we are in control). Or do we have the courage to stay in the unknown and trust that we have the resilience, resources, knowledge and mastery to transform these changes into leverage for something bigger, and more radical than we may have done previously?
In times of unprecedented change, we do often need the capacity to access radically new ways of thinking, new tools and new information.
I spoke about the need for re-purposing last month, and to have ‘strong scaffolding’. I would add – that it must be flexible, to allow one to be centred, to tap into one’s expression of authentic creativity.
I went to see the movie “Joker” this weekend. Whilst I am not one to condone violence in any form – the messages underlying the story of a society totally out of kilter, were incredibly powerful. The impact on the citizens of Gotham city, (an imaginary city), affected by such a society- where all hope is lost, the gap of inequality which is so wide and the subsequent actions then taken to redress this perceived imbalance, was very confronting. And yet, it is something we all need to be aware of.
How would we respond to such challenges? The collapse of old structures – money, relationships, career opportunities – and possibly disruptions of the outer world?
Hopefully with a deep sense of inner resolve!
Having recently returned from a visit to Christchurch, where the ‘rebuild’ is still happening, I can say that there was a definite feel of hope this time. New structures, people talking to each other, authentic creativity, was evident everywhere.
Of course, there are ongoing challenges. Yet they appear to be addressing them, at least from my observation. A sense of “ re-membering, re- storing + re-storying “ by updating what they tell themselves ( as a city) to celebrate survival, resilience and resourcefulness.
None of us are immune to change or challenges – we are seeing these everywhere. Climate change rallies and ‘extinction’ rallies are two that are prominent at present with young people taking the lead. There is also the fight for democracy in many areas of the world. Whether we agree with all the underlying principles the protesters are rallying for is irrelevant on some level. What appears to be happening, is a need for dialogue, for a deeper belief in something, a sense of meaning even. To step forward to a resolution of polarities.
There certainly appears to be a surge of authenticity – ‘tell it like it is’ Truth with a capital T. Integrity + Truth telling.
If we are to rewrite our story, speaking up – speaking from truth is key for all of us. This increases the bigger story in which we are involved. Standing on the sidelines no longer seems an option. It also requires deep listening and deep respect for our ‘self’ and others – compassion if you like. This also requires us to be more resilient to access our inner power and strength.
A client demonstrated this last week. He was asked to lead a division within his organisation, for five weeks whilst the incumbent leader underwent a medical intervention. His biggest learning was that he did not need to ‘know’ the business, but rather, in the first instance, to ask insightful questions, listen deeply and observe processes and systems. He could then engage and make informed decisions as the conductor and not be the orchestra.
This was a big shift for him given his propensity to DO and take action. Aligning his expectations with efficiencies and right execution resulted when he shifted his focus and intention. So, a “re-storying” of how to lead was the outcome.
Now the question is how does he let go and ensure the efficiencies he identified are implemented when the leader returns? More importantly – how does he take these learnings and apply to his own role as General Manager.
This is how we stand tall as a leader – to know our place and to own our place.
The Maori have a saying “Find your Turangawaewae and stand tall”.
This relates to our power of place, where we access great strength in times of adversity and joy in times of celebration.
• Where are you willing to take a ‘stand”?
• Who are you to BE?
• What are you here to DO?
Standing tall is about pride, about being aware of our Mana, about having faith in our abilities and feeling worthy.
Walking Your Luminous Path
“It takes powerful inner resolve to manifest a deep sense of the rightfulness of existence at a time when we’ve been conditioned to fear it.” With all the chaos, misinformation, or should I say ‘dis’-information distributed from mainstream media sites, plus the overload and misuse of Social Media, it can be difficult to discern the…
The Path Ahead – Finding YOUR Path.
Much has happened since December 2020. For many of us, it seems that monumental changes have occurred, or will do as we continue to navigate and transverse these new energies and indeed different times. Moving countries, moving to gentler environments, relocating to more supportive communities and equitable societies seem to be on the minds of…
Re-tuning to the Energies
“ It’s amazing how a little tomorrow can make up for a whole lot of yesterday” John Guare That rickety bridge has felt even more rickety at times during this last month. It felt that possibly a few rungs were missing. Minding one’s step seems increasingly important, especially when the next step is toward…
Winds of Change
“ Honour the space between No Longer and Not Yet” Nancy Levin A friend of mine told me “2020 is best described as being a rickety bridge between Epochs beginning in one Era, and ending in another. It may not feel particularly safe or inviting, but it’s the only way across. I thought that was…
Fight for the things you care about
These times are calling us to take a stand and fight for the things we care about. Twenty years ago, Sydney celebrated the “best games ever”. Well, according to those who attended. Over this past month there has been a literal trip down memory lane, recalling how, as a collective, everyone came together to help…
Conversation – the bigger picture, a bigger purpose.
Conversation – real conversation, where reflection, respect and deep listening occurs is something I feel is needed at this pivotal time in our lives. This has been a recurring theme for me as I, and many of us, navigate these uncertain and yet very opportune times in our respective lives. And then last week, a…
Roots of Connection – Heightened Attention.
“Beware the stories you tell yourself for surely you will be lived by them” – William Shakespeare In these unprecedented times I am noticing how easy it is to get caught in the ‘story’ if one is not operating with heightened awareness. One day can so easily morph into the next and the next. The pulse…
Seeing your shadow as a source for Transformation
Recently I am noticing a lot about ‘shadow’s – most notably my own, but also those of society. Shadows of the past, which seem to be coming up to be redressed and, in many instances, healed. Otto Scharmer, The Presencing Institute states: “What I have learned from various conversations and reflections on our blind spots…
The Path Ahead.
It will have direction and shape – IF you have done the work! “There are times when you have to take bold steps. Make up your mind; know where you are going and never waffle. Many wonderful opportunities are missed by those who are indecisive. In times when you have to take bold steps; take…
The Re-Write
“You are the sky. Everything else – it’s just the weather”. Pema Chodron. The past 4 weeks may have seemed like an eternity for some, and for others, a time pressured haze of days. It is all to do with context, personal circumstances and focus of attention. Is your attention on the sky or has…