When the world seems topsy-turvy

Our world seems to be more and more topsy-turvy, causing us to exclaim, over and over, “What?!?!”

We have natural disasters and manmade disasters, each with their concomitant humanitarian crises. The climate is changing faster than predicted and wreaking havoc all around the world. We periodically uncover yet more evidence of unabashed cruelty in our collective past (in several countries). In the U.S., the governors of some states forbid mask mandates while the governors in other states impose mask mandates, all of which leads to a plethora of lawsuits and protests. And the governor of Oregon recently announced that students no longer need to prove competence in reading, writing, and math to graduate from high school.

How can we feel grounded when the world seems so topsy-turvy?

We can cultivate stillness, ground ourselves in nature, and practice Personal Leadership (PL). That’s what I do, and it helps. I have been meditating regularly for three years now; I spend time by or on Lake Michigan every day; and I practice and teach Personal Leadership.

Cultivating stillness through a regular meditation practice reduces stress and gives us grace and equanimity as we deal with challenges. For many years I struggled to find a practice I could stick with, and I often said: “It’s just not for me.” But when I learned Vedic Meditation, I found it to be a game-changer. I highly recommend my teacher, Caroline Aulis, because of all I have learned from her. If you live in the Chicago area, she will be teaching here until the end of the year.

Grounding ourselves in nature helps us tune in to the rhythms of the natural world, which are so different from the more chaotic rhythms of our daily lives. If we live in an urban area, it may be a bit challenging but it’s not impossible. We can go to a park, actively listen to the natural sounds, and observe the plants and critters around us. I did it in New York City when I lived there, so I know it’s do-able.

Personal Leadership shows us how to center ourselves around habits that consistently honor both the self and the other, regardless of whether we agree. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about recognizing that each of us is experiencing the world through our own lens, and that any meaningful engagement with others requires us not only to consider the context of the other, but also recognize that there will always be pieces we do not see, know, or understand. It cultivates curiosity and humility.

I invite you to join one of my scheduled workshops this fall, or you can contact me to initiate one for your own organization or group. You will learn how to engage with difference effectively — at home, at work, and with friends — and you will feel less jostled by daily events.

I will be offering two workshops in September through the Women’s Exchange, a non-profit organization; all are welcome. Details are below and the links will take you to the Women’s Exchange website to register. The entry level class (Foundations) will be via Zoom. The advanced class (Beyond Foundations) is intended to be in person, but this class may also convert to Zoom if the virus continues to spread.

These workshops are structured as seven weekly sessions, but the program can also be structured as a full weekend workshop. Contact me to learn more.

One final note: I will be writing this blog less frequently — perhaps quarterly — so I can spend more time on workshops and a new podcast I’ve been working on with Nathaniel Cartagena. It’s great fun! Stay tuned.

———

Foundations of Personal Leadership – Level 1

Begins Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30-8:00 pm Central Time (US)

Personal Leadership (PL) is a highly effective tool for engaging with different viewpoints. It reduces internal stress from perceived discord and expands the possibilities for creative problem-solving. People who have integrated this method into their lives have found it to be completely transformative. For more details, click here.

Beyond the Foundations of Personal Leadership – Level 2

Begins Wednesday, Sept. 29, 10:00-11:30 am Central Time (US)

This is an advanced workshop for those who want to refine their skills and reap the benefits more consistently. Participants learn how to integrate the skills into their daily lives so they are able to generate more creative potential from challenging interactions and differing viewpoints. The more we practice, the more we see — and seize — opportunities to lead with grace and confidence rather than anger and conviction. For more details, click here.

———

Copyright © 2021 Sharon V. Kristjanson. All rights reserved.