On October 2nd, we will be hosting the first session on the topic “Celebrate What’s Right with the World”. This event came together quickly as I was losing myself in the down’s of this political season. In an attempt to separate myself from the emotions of anger, frustration and more anger. . . I found myself needing to adopt a different strategy. The one I was engaging in was NOT working to my advantage, and was leaving me feeling and being a person I did not like.
I began to consciously move into observation mode, making a very deliberate effort to detach from some of the emotion I was exerting. In observation, you are blessed with the ability to witness and actively notice. I watched political commentary on Facebook. I observed perspectives on various issues. I discovered fears and hopes; ideals and values that people held true. The beauty of observation is that it allows you to release negative energy and see people, issues, and perceptions with compassion and enlightenment.
I found myself considering the very nature of our political system. We are in election season every 2-4 years (for representatives, senators or presidents). Regardless of whether we are Republicans or Democrats, we are bombarded with messages about how our country is failing. . we can do better . . we are in a downward spiral, and all hope is lost unless you vote for (such and such). Our system and our unconscious psychology actually reinforce the need for candidates to promote devastation and ruin in our current state in order to create urgency for something different. With a constant message from the media and both parties about the never ending poor state of our nation (and the world), I wonder how much of our destiny is a self-filling prophecy.
There is a great deal of research emerging about the neuroscience of emotion. The underpinning of this data is that we are actually rewiring and reforming neurological connections when we engage in negative or positive thinking. As it goes, the more positive you are, the more positive you will continue to be and vice versa. As you engage in positive or negative thought, your brain is configuring in that way. For me, that insight has led to a much different perspective on my thoughts.
There was a poem once I read as a child; Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” ― Lao Tzu
We now have research to confirm what ancient philosophers have known all along. Which brings me to my point. . . “Celebrate What’s Right with the World”. As we are inundated with negative messages, it becomes even more critical that we continue to consciously create positivity. Celebrating what’s right is about finding beauty in what surrounds us, seeking meaning in the mundane and loving life for everything is has to offer. It’s about knowing and trusting in something bigger than ourselves. It’s about being in gratitude for the little things.
I would be curious my dear friends. . . what do you wish to celebrate in this moment?
Feel free to join us for one of our upcoming sessions. Go to www.innovativeconnectionsinc.com and select classes to register.
Business leaders are facing immense challenges right now, including managing anxious and fearful employees. Wondering how to help employees move beyond negative emotions and seize the opportunity within the heart of the crisis? Innovative Connections CEO Dr. Laurie Cure provides some insight in a recent CEOWorld article. Read the full article here.
Remote work is challenging organizations everywhere. Read Innovative Connections CEO Laurie Cure's expertise on the hurdles ahead for organizations and what they need to think through to sustain remote-work setups. Read the full article here.
I had a wonderful opportunity to connect with Eric at E podcast network about fear in the workplace. The more I work with and speak about fear, the more I become increasingly aware of the difficulty we have in identifying and naming our fears. After a decade of research and study,I continue to appreciate the complexity of fear in our lives and the challenges around facing it with any sense of confidence.
Enjoy the interview as an introduction and reminder of the role fears plays :)
http://epodcastnetwork.com/audio/EnterpriseRadio_LaurieCure.mp3