But sometimes I just want to stop the bus and get off…
Do you sometimes feel that you’re rushing from the get-go? That your attention is taken up by the wrong things?
Today – despite best intentions – I am thrown off balance by unplanned for stuff: ‘quick’ questions from husband, coffee mugs to gather up, wilting flowers catch my eye. I Leave the house late. Nervous system already scratchy and rising. Run to catch bus, then the Piccadilly line is down. Five, now 10 minutes late for dentist.
Anxiety rising, taking hold… But seriously, I tell myself, is the dentist going to excommunicate you for being late?
Recognise the scenario?
Only a few days ago I wrote about the beauty of paying attention to the moments of the day – how attention slows time down so a busy day can feel joyous. Meditation in action. My yesterday was like that – the story beats falling one after the other so beautifully.
But today I am reminded of the shadow side of attentiveness. My day threatens to go off kilter if I keep focussing on what’s going wrong, if I keep scrambling to catch up.
That’s where purpose comes in. Not just the big life plan but a sense of purposefulness in the everyday. On the tube I take a breath, reconnect with my backbone and heartspace, let my shoulders slip down my back and bring to mind someone or something that makes me smile. In this moment I regain a sense of perspective and proportion. And my smile!
I still jog from Holborn station to the dentist…But I’m not frantic. I’m able to apologise with a calm smile, the dentist responds in kind. I breathe out. And I’m back on track with my day.
Our programmes don’t aim to make you the perfect leader – we’re all imperfect human beings after all. Instead, we teach you robust techniques and approaches that help you get back on track when you inevitably fall off. These invaluable tools also support you to clarify and strengthen your leadership style so you can make your contribution in the world with power and presence.
If you’re a working woman, join us for our ATHENA LEADERSHIP INTENSIVE programme for women. You’ll learn more about your purpose and how it links with your power and presence to help you better live your life and work.
