Can a Leader Be Contemplative?

Discovering and growing into contemplation is one of the greatest joys of my life. Becoming contemplative changes everything for me, enriches my life beyond description, and helps me begin each day to be a stronger leader.

Contemplation helps me learn to let go.

Being contemplative is all about letting go of everything that distracts us. We are surrounded by more and more that demands our time and attention. There is very little room for silence or solitude in our lives. Even when we are alone, our own thoughts keep us from listening to anything deeper.

Contemplation is what teaches me the value of letting all of those demands, all of those sources of anxiety, pass by. There is great comfort in taking a moment to breathe, to remember that I may not be the center of the universe, and to be open to the depth.

Contemplation allows me to gain awareness and perspective.

Contemplation takes place in the present moment. Contemplative practices teach me that I can experience my own ability to be open and pay attention without being fixated on a specific task or goal. Each day is a new beginning, and each day is full of opportunities to learn and grow. When I am not grasping and holding onto the past or the future, I am able to appreciate and receive what today has to offer.

As my contemplation grows over time, I begin to be able to see things in a new light. Projects and people who have been frustrations in the past slowly become lessons to incorporate and new parts of the journey to explore.

Contemplation makes it possible for me to recognize my true self.

As I let go of all those distractions that I do not really need and become able to pay deeper attention, I become more aware of who I really am. I meet and get to aspects of myself who are new to me. I realize that the things I was so focused on achieving or saving are not things that I truly value.

As I become more acquainted with my true self and my core values, the ways that i lead and relate to others become less and less about other people’s expectations and more and more about who I really am.

How will contemplation affect your leadership today?

[Image by wayne’s eye view]