What appeals most when you think about ways to renew yourself as a change leader? These days many of us are depleted, even exhausted, whether at a physical, emotional, soul or spiritual level. Some find that the efforts to lead change are like pushing a rock uphill. Others are overwhelmed by negativity, pushback, or just the sheer magnitude of what we are trying to accomplish.
We long to nourish ourselves, and to reconnect with our deep source of energy and purpose. We know that nothing less than this is required, if we are to recover from the overwhelming collective exhaustion and infuse the energy and purpose that is essential for our most important work.
Where to begin?
Much of my work revolves around providing time and a place – a space – for reflective practice. It’s a healthy habit that helps leaders join in a reflective partnership to become tuning forks, resonating with the energy that sustains us all. Although energy is glowing and alive, being neither created nor destroyed, we may have shut down our capacity to connect with it. It is by doing the deep work of considering our past relationship with change, acknowledging our shadow, and reconnecting to purpose that we open ourselves to the flow of energy.
Reflective practices for spiritual renewal
Last spring, it was my pleasure and privilege to support our Soul Sala participants to sense, amplify, and channel their energy effectively. While our Spanish retreat offered a glorious venue for self-renewal, you can use the same practices to resource yourself anywhere.
Set intentions
Start your day with a clear intention. This could be a simple affirmation, an awareness of the energy you want to bring, or a specific goal. Setting intentions helps focus your energy and aligns your actions with your purpose.
Check in with yourself
Make a daily habit of asking yourself how you’re feeling physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This helps you stay aware of your needs and encourages addressing them promptly. Where are you sustaining yourself with healthy food and sleep habits? (Several of our Soul Sala participants found a rejuvenating dip in the Mediterranean Sea to be a quick way to reconnect with their physical selves!)
Connect through the senses
How often are you taking time to notice where you are and what your senses are telling you? Part of our practice was to regularly draw attention to what was happening in the here and now. Developing this capacity allows you to respond rather than react, becoming more conscious and intentional in your choices.
Journal
Do you feel a sense of anticipation when handed an empty notebook? One of the first gifts we gave our change leaders at Soul Sala was a clean journal bound in deep red paper, a launching pad to explore their thoughts and emotions, identify patterns, and create space for clarity and insight.
Observe nature
The seasons have a cadence, and so do we. Waves ebb and flow, as do our emotions. Plants flourish and fade, leaving quiet time for renewal before they bud again. Spending time in nature is a powerful way to reconnect with the universal energy, providing a break from the daily routine and offering a serene environment for reflection.
Seek a reflective practice partner
One impressive takeaway from our immersive experience together was the strong relationships that emerged. Don’t hesitate to seek support from peers, or even a mentor, professional coach or supervisor who can act as a reflective practice partner. External perspectives can be magical in providing valuable insights and expanding the view on what you’re working through.
Reflective practice is remarkable in that it can ground your approach to leadership even as it develops your spiritual practice. This grows you as a leader, and can create a positive ripple effect throughout your organization.
Kerry Woodcock PhD, PCC, ORSCC, ACTC, EIA-SP, ITCA, ESIA, develops core, collective and change leadership capacity in leaders, teams and organizations, coaching pioneers and influencers to amplify the power of relationship and lead over the edge of change.Â
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Dip in
Our complimentary Conversations for Change Leaders invite you to step back and consider where you might be getting in your own way in. Please join us.
Dive deep
If you’re ready to dig into the richly rewarding work of exploring your own change leadership journey, connect with Kerry in a complimentary 1:1.