We know that physical balance is important in life – it enables us to move with confidence in the world without a sensation of dizziness, instability or indeed actually falling over. Some of us even consciously work on this physical stability by strengthening our core muscles and providing our bodies with a strong base.
We have the same work to do with our inner balance, that part of us which enables us to move in the world with emotional stability, clarity of thought, and even a higher sense of awareness and insight. These capabilities are so vital at any point but especially so when everything is, or appears to be, in turmoil and uncertainty. As leaders our ability to provide a true sense of clarity, calm and insight comes from how we show up if not more so than what we say or do.
Steadying our inner balance is a deep process which demands of us awareness, vigilance and perseverance. Noticing when we are becoming hooked in the outer dramas of life and consciously removing ourselves into a place of objective perspective which we might liken to dis-identifying – that is taking our personal identification with the drama out of the equation. Really ensuring we don’t over personalise without becoming sterile or devoid of connection. Clearly as leaders this objective stance and perspective is a core requirement and one we cultivate over time. Do we, though, pay enough attention to the things that hook us?
Another aspect of steadying the inner balance is the space we give ourselves for silence and genuine reflection…a deeper level of thought that goes beyond the more task-based focus and one which enables new insights to emerge – as Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
That new thinking isn’t just the obvious bringing in of different people and perspectives, it’s also about allowing a new alchemy to take place within us, so that we see the challenges from a whole new perspective. This requires a steady inner core.
So as we do those ‘crunchies’ for our abdominals let’s also consider the space and time for our inner workout to strengthen our inner balance.