The concept of leadership has been on my mind all month long. It is a skill, a trait, a value that I have reflected on my entire career. For me, leadership holds the weight of personal responsibility and requires humility and self-growth. When I look back at the times when I have not fulfilled my potential as a leader, I can clearly pinpoint the missteps. Arrogance that I knew more or self-doubt that showed up as taking the reins and doing everything on my own.
We have all had a moment in our lives where we have felt the impact of lack of true leadership. It slows growth and weakens purpose and vision. It creates a path for separation versus unity.
No matter if it is in your home, your work, your community or beyond, we all have the choice to show up as leaders.
When I break down leadership, it feels simple as it equates to just being a kind human.
Leadership asks:
-That you generously listen and suspend self-ingrained judgements in order to understand.
-That you are advocate for others growth, peace and freedom.
-That you acknowledge your mistakes and learn from them.
-That you remember that you do not have to have all the answers; just a willingness to ask for support.
-That you lead from a place of hope and inclusion.
This is a favorite excerpt that I read anytime I know that I am going to step into a place where I will be asked to lead. I hope you find grounding in it too.
“Thank you for this day of watchfulness. Give me the perception to notice the changes taking place inside of me. Help me see them clearly reflected in my environment. Purify my filters so that I can understand my connection to all living things, and my place in this Universe. Let me study what I see on the ground long before I come to conclusions, and longer before I speak. Bless me with an untroubled, uncrowded mind as I bring the whole picture into radical focus. As I witness the unfoldment of the world before me, help me to consider everything at work. Broaden my vision by showing me the critical moving parts in this constellation of life. Calm my fears about what I see. Show me the light and the dark, the forward movement and the setbacks. When I am ready to communicate, let me be sure that I will be heard by those who care to conference about such findings. Err me on the side of brevity, and provide me with listenership that appreciates clear deductions. Monitor my heartbeat, which echoes in time with Earth. Beat a drum inside of me that connects the soil to the skies. Make me an interpreter between nature and the villages of people, asking that each give to one another in equal amounts.”
Pixie Lighthorse from her newly released book Prayers of Honoring Voice
PS: VOTE
Need a meditation to support a clear and open mind? Head over for this 5-minute practice that you can do anytime.