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Compassion in Action
August 12, 2021
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First, From the Heart
The skies are full of activity tonight, as the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak frequency. Waiting patiently for the next blazing light to shoot across the dark sky, we are rewarded with the joy and awe that arises as each meteor zips by in a heartbeat.
We can only imagine the profound wisdom of a universe that is always in motion. We too are inclined to take action – to fix, to solve, to improve, to serve. Especially as leaders, we tend to move into action before the rest of the pack. Compassionate leaders first consider the wisdom of their actions for themselves, for all concerned, and for the greater good. We learn to source our innate knowing and wisdom through the gifts of practice, relationships, and the profound experience of life. Our skillful and compassionate action will blossom as we discover who we truly are. Enjoy the light show!
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Best of the Blog
The Bookends of Compassionate Leadership
The journey of life and leadership is a never-ending series of cycles, requiring different optimal action depending on the circumstances. There are two constants central to the work of every compassionate leader: self-compassion and the recognition of our shared common humanity. These two provide a powerful foundation for compassionate leaders to act, and guide their choice of the approach to use. Read more.
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Practice Matters
We Are That
Look up at the constellations and imagine the trillions of stars we cannot see with the naked eye. Feel the light of the sun on your face and know that it shines for all of us. The shimmering gentle glow of moonlight on clouds or water signals its presence for all beings. When we consider the cosmos from our human perspective, it can certainly be challenging to wrap our heads around the idea that we are just as much a part of that as any star, sun, or moon.
Why then, do we often feel apart from all that is? We are composed of the same building blocks. We are in a constant state of flow, expansion, and change, as are all aspects of the universe. Yet many of us reject our connectedness and the comfort it provides. We expend precious energy striving to be recognized for our accomplishments and possessions. Why not savor the contentment and joy of sharing our unconditional love and unique capacities? We pretend something is other than it is. We pretend that we are something other than we are.
The paradoxical gift of cultivating a deep, joyful inner life is that it also creates a joyful outer experience. We yearn to be a part of the whole. Science and intuition are aligned – what nourishes us is connection. Connection to our true self, to each other, and to all there is. Starting with compassion for self, we can experience the most profound sense of wholeness and belonging. We are that. We are all that.
When can we practice? Always!
If you'd like to explore additional Practice Matters, you can find them here.
Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/UMass/Q.D. Wang; Radio: NRF/SARAO/MeerKAT)
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Recommended Reads
Empathy, Connectedness And Organization
by Kathryn Pavlovich and Keiko Krahnke
in Academy of Management Proceedings, Volume 2011, Issue 1, 1/1/2011
What is the role of empathy in connectedness organizing? That is the central question of this fascinating paper. The authors’ stated purpose is “to contribute to processes that build more ethical and vibrant organizational contexts that encourage the development, enlightenment and transcendence of the human spirit.” And, contribute, they have. This is an elegant, rich paper worthy of perusal by anyone interested in creating more compassionate organizations.
Would you like to see more ethical and vibrant organizational contexts? Would you like to see organizations encourage the development, enlightenment, and transcendence of the human spirit? If so, then... Read the research.
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Fall Training Programs
Accepting Applications Now.
Compassionate Leadership and Resilience Training for Global Health Leaders
8 Week Course – Attend online Sept 28- Nov. 16
Leaders from around the world are already benefitting from the groundbreaking training program developed in partnership with the Focus Area for Compassion and Ethics at the Task Force for Global Health. We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the next cohort starting on September 28, 2021.
Join your global health colleagues from six continents who are bringing their new compassionate leadership experiences and practices to work in their organizations and lives. Find out more and register now.
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Compassionate Leadership and Resilience Training for Business and Nonprofit Leaders
8 Week Course – Attend online Sept 29- Nov. 17
Join leaders from finance, technology, education, HR, healthcare, leadership development, and coaching as we build a more compassionate future together. Registration is now open for the upcoming cohort starting September 29, 2021.
Our signature 8-week training program will build your compassion from the inside out and connect you with a powerful global peer community for ongoing growth, inspiration, and support. Find out more and register now.
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