Word of the Day: Equanimity. Carrying the ember of equanimity.
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Essential Conversations and Equanimity
Word of the day: equanimity [noun] equa·nim·i·ty | \ ˌē-kwə-ˈni-mə-tē
1: evenness of mind especially under stress
2: right disposition : BALANCE
In yesterday's Essential Conversation, Ellen Schillace posed this as a quality to hold during times of stress or intensity.
In Buddhism, equanimity (Pali: upekkhā; Sanskrit: upekṣā) is one of the four sublime attitudes and is considered: Neither a thought nor an emotion, it is rather the steady conscious realization of reality's transience. It is the ground for wisdom and freedom and the protector of compassion and love.
The ember and the honor…
What you are feeling at this time? Rather than reacting to events, let's tune into creating constructive action that brings us increased relational connection, belonging, and resilience.
The ember: 56 of us gathered today, each representing a larger community. Each of us can carry the ember of presence, love, and compassion into our community.
The honor: For the 29th session, a community of purposeful leaders from around the globe gathered to share ideas, listen, and consider: "What is a positive response in these times of disruption?" We know it is a privilege to gather and "hold space" for peace and unity on behalf of those we serve and care about.
Essential Conversations: Creating Possibility in the Face of Political Uncertainty: A 3-Part Series.
Context of November 2nd: Energetic Preparation for Holding the Space for Difference. Responding vs. Reacting
1 - How to sustain the ability to respond vs. reactive. Interior shifts, less than an activity.
2 - What is a generative action forward?
3- What actions or ways of being will sustain the space I would like to live in this week?
REACTION TO RESPONSE
Credit: Bob Johansen, Institute of the Future
Here are three practices to be present to what is needed around you:
1. Listening
FIRST. LISTEN. A natural respect for all voices emerges when we listen with respect for everyone’s voice without fixing, problem-solving or advice-giving.
The practice: next time you are with someone, listen as if your life depended upon it. Because their life might depend on it.
2. Speak from the Heart
Take a chance to speak about what has meaning and purpose for you. It will most likely be meaningful for the person you are with. Speaking honestly and simply from the heart is compelling and authentic.
The practice: Pause, take a deep breath, put your hand on your heart. Ask yourself, “what is at the heart of the matter, right now?”
3. Slow Down the Conversation
Being interested. Follow the other person’s lead. The tendency to have a quick response, or talk over someone with excitement, isn’t the same as deep listening.
The practice: Allow pauses between the speakers, for connection to occur and to allow something new to emerge.
Wordcloud from 11/2 Essential Conversation Chat
#purpose #artofconvening #convening #listening #leadership #practice #authenticengagement
