“If we set aside time each day to be in a peaceful environment, to walk in nature, or even just to look at a flower or the sky, then that beauty will penetrate us and feed our love and our joy.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
What does this have to do with leadership?
Leading others is more than a task or a specific set of functions to be accomplished. It is refining and improving who we are as individuals so that we can appropriately care for and guide others on their path. If we want to live a life of influence and impact, we must disconnect, take the time to recharge our souls, and give ourselves the space and place to think. We are each a reflection of the experiences and environments we have had in our lives.
One of the challenges of our hyperconnected and always-on world is that we bring that frenetic pace to everyone we come into contact with. Intentionally curating opportunities to breathe in peace and beauty changes us and allows us to deliver this change to others.
I admit I am not good at doing this regularly, but it is an area of growth and opportunity for my leadership and influence. So, I’m going to disconnect, find a peaceful place to pause and reflect this weekend, and work to build this into my daily routine.
Can you find the time and space to do this? It isn’t selfish; it is a critical component of your ability to serve others well.
