Restoration
I’ve been dancing with this blog post since last Saturday, when the theme appeared to me. I recognized that the week ahead (now nearly past) called for a deep level of retreat and restoration, while maintaining full out engagement with the river of activity in my life (parenting, training, building, serving, etc.).
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I heeded the call and wove real retreat and purposeful restoration into the week. It began with the weekly Sweat Your Prayers convergence Sunday morning in Sausalito. Fortunately, the music perfectly supported a flowing, reflective, restorative wave for me (I didn’t even break a sweat, which is incredible since, as Meryl Fé observes frequently, I sweat just thinking about moving - i.e. dancing, running, training, etc.).
On Monday I was able to swing by Kabuki Hot Springs in San Francisco between meetings, and Wednesday afternoon I made a quick foray to Harbin Hot Springs for a deep dive into healing, hot water, beautiful open nature, and all that goes with it. Just the drive - taking in the mountains and music, fed the place that was calling for attention. And a 30-minute nap after a long soak probably replaced hours of sleep (I am still sleeping only 3 - 5 hours a night).
So what is this all about? I think it is a call to cultivate the ability to source stillness in any situation at any moment. I just started reading Yoga Nidra by Richard Miller (and beginning to explore working with Richard and his iRest material) and recognize this opportunity eloquently expressed in his work.
As I engaged with the rest of my life this week (that is, the aspects of my week that were not in hot water or slow movement) I recognized the profound effect of connecting to this source while engaged in action. Among other things, I was able to stay steady and present in a meeting that was not starting out with flow, and guide it to beautiful resolution. I held Meryl Fé through tears without leaving her (in any respect) and supported her to find solace and ease in spite of her fears and sadness. And yesterday, I had the most fun I have ever had sparring in a martial arts class. Coming from a relaxed, easy place, my speed, strength, precision, and seeing reached a level I have never really recognized before in that context. It was awesome. And I realize that it was the presence and energy that flowed through me by coming from the stillness that enabled the experience.
As I write this I am en route to a Conscious Capitalism leadership retreat at John Mackey’s ranch outside Austin. While a month ago I was somewhat reticent about attending, I am as enthusiastic as a child going to the circus, anticipating adventure, joy, and lots of energy. The facilitator (a good reason I am looking forward to this so much), Rick Voirin, is profoundly masterful. Last night, in an email to set the tone and deepen the context, he referenced the US Constitutional Congress and the work of Mark Gerzon Leading Through Conflict: How Successful Leaders Transform Differences into Opportunities, and truly set a transcendent frame for our retreat - tapping into the vast field of time and space in which Conscious Capitalism is emerging and supporting us to relax our small I - our individual interests and differences - to tap into the potential of a profound collaboration between us, with others, and with the unfolding potential of Conscious Capitalism itself. I like that it is called a retreat and I feel that the personal restoration process I tuned into this week is right in sync.
I look forward to witnessing and diving into what next week calls for. Right now, I’ll just show up for what presents itself - right here, right now.
January 29, 2010
Tags: Authentic leadership, awareness, conscious capitalism, conscious leadership, John Mackey, Working for Good Posted in: Principles, Reflections, Working for Good
4 Responses
Jeff,
This is so beautiful. And it is synchronistic. I have just begun a spiritual and self care column where readers can ask questions, kind of Dear Abby style. Dear Carin. Actually, for this purpose, it\’s Carina.
Anyway, I\’ll be sure to show you the first question/answer because it relates to this topic.
Blessings on being in the stillness while in motion.
I feel you/us/it. It\’s beautiful.
Carin
Thank you Carin. Wonderful news about your column.
Be well, Jeff
Jeff, Your words are inspiring. Thank you for the reminder of holding your harmony and making time for stillness…somehow always finding a way to “weave” restoration into our active lives. I look forward to meeting you in Sedona next month. Keep up the great work!
Jessica Conti
Hello Jessica,
Thank you for your comment. I look forward to seeing you and Jerry in Sedona. I am having a great time preparing for the workshop. It is definitely working on me every day!
Until soon. Be well, Jeff
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