Can you remember back to Fall 2016? I know, it was a whole 'nother eon.
I remember going to hear Dr. Gabor Mate speak at our local hospital’s Health Education Center. To be honest I don’t remember the main topic of that day, I just remember that he was a wonderful speaker and I learned what I needed to learn at the time.
That being said, here’s what I do remember. It was Q and A time, and it was an election year (ah, now you are remembering). And one person in the group of a hundred of us was visibly and understandably agitated about a particular social/political issue. And she said, "What are we going to do about it?” And Dr. Mate came over in her direction slowly and calmly responded,
“Well, I think the more helpful question is ‘Who are we going to be in the face of it?’”
This question has continued to ripple in my consciousness since then and has arisen as the focus of my work with clients.
Who do we need to be and become in order to face the complex challenges of our times?
Here’s one thing I love about this question. It reminds us that we have a choice.
When we are in the incessant wheel of doing and action, in our ultra sped up world, it feels like we don’t have a choice. Too much to do. Gotta keep moving.
When we slow down and reflect, and dialog about this question of Who do we need to be and become?, we have the opportunity to tap into deeper wisdom, and we have the possibility of cultivating our capacity and becoming the leaders that are needed for such times as these.
Reflection to ponder:
This blog post is intentionally short. I invite you to set a timer for 2 mins, and step away from your devices, look out the window, pace a bit, and ask yourself this question,
Who do I need to be and become in order to face the complex challenges in my life, in my work, in our world?
Be curious and see what comes up for you.
I’d love to hear from you if you would like to share.
Next Week’s Post: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - and how they are asking the deeper question - of Who do we need to be and become to meet these vital goals?