Why energy, seasons, and the body matter when we’re leading real change
If you have been on this journey with me for a while, you will know how much I center my work around seasons, energy and mind-body connection.
These three core elements are an intentional shift from the elements which used to govern my life entirely; quarterly business cycles, time and disconnection from my own body.
From an early age, the rhythm of my working life was set by the structure of a quarterly business cycle, and the pressure to perform and deliver within them.
For me, this created an unnatural relationship with time. I felt I never had enough time; everything felt rushed, pressured and forced. I simply assumed this was just the way it was in the working world. I needed to get on with it.
My mind was in over-drive, always. As an ambitious young woman stepping out in the corporate world, I felt I needed to prove myself in so many ways. I was constantly putting myself under pressure to do more, when I got there, it was onto the next thing.
Over the years, I became so disconnected with my body that I did not feel the signs of burnout, until my body shut down entirely one morning four years ago.
Since that day, I have been on a journey of un-learning and re-learning what it means to hold space for ourselves, and those we are responsible for in the workplace.
- Space to notice energy, not just manage time.
- Space to know what season of life we’re in – mentally, physically and energetically.
- Space to feel what’s happening in the body, not just think our way past it.
These are some of the conditions for transformation from within – solid ground from which to lead, and hold space for those around us.
Emboldened and inspired by Aiko Bethea’s approach in her book: Anchored, Aligned and Accountable, her language for a fulfilling, transformational life named something I already believed but hadn’t put into words: that real transformation asks more of us than pace and tactics ever can.
Which is the real question: how do we shift from the status quo of tactical, fast-paced change, to spaces that actually transform?
“Transformational change is people-centered and mandates introspection and self-awareness.” ~ Aiko Bethea, Founder of RARE Coaching and Consulting & Leadership Coach.
Over the last four months, I have been fortunate enough to work with a group of thoughtful, inspiring leaders who have been working through what it would mean to create transformative spaces.
As a Mindful Transformation Coach, this means introducing concepts and practices to the workplace which have long been on the periphery of the working day.
- Some of the practices we have been experimenting with recently are:
- Somatic and mindful practices for self-awareness
- Creative, visual exercises for curiosity and adaptability
- Agreeing guiding principles for deeply human work to truly re-think systems
In my experience, most leaders are trained to expertly run the operating system in an organisation, very few are trained to navigate the human system as well.
We are living in a time when the status quo cannot continue if we want our human systems to flourish, not just function in the modern workplace.
Here are the top three things I have learned so far:
- ‘Status quo’ is deeply embedded into culture and systems, it is not a quick fix and requires attention and courage to change
- Transformation requires vulnerability; to observe and process our feelings in the workplace can feel uncomfortable, creating an appropriate space for this is critical
- Cultivating curiosity is the catalyst for fresh thinking and new perspectives
In an uncertain world, one thing I know for sure; we need to keep learning and working through this together.
I’d love to connect with anyone who is doing this work, meaningfully transforming the environment in which we can truly flourish will require combined attention and intention from all of us.
