"Be The Change"...

"You wish to see in the World". Mahatma Ghandi is attributed to this quote, however, it was a paraphrasing or what I think is more of a watered down version, of something even more powerful. What Ghandi actually said was,

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

I find so much power in this actual statement, as it speaks so appropriately to taking full account of our thoughts and how we run with them to create pleasure or displeasure in our lives. For me, this version of Ghandi's statement speaks to the ability to be introspective and recognize that our thoughts and inner dispositions, truly create our outward conditions.

This morning I was listening to "The School of Greatness" podcast by Lewis Howes and I had to replay his recent discussion with Dr Joe Dispenza , speaking about the "4 Hacks to REWIRE YOUR MIND & Attract Your Dreams!" It was the line that Dr. Dispenza noted, saying, "Your Personality, determines your Personal Reality." that got me to pause.

You know those moments when you have a small lightening bolt in your belly and things just make sense? Well if you have not had that feeling, I really do wish for you to have it soon. This is what Ghandi is saying in his timeless message, "We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body..." Sit with this for a moment. Think about the frustrations and the anxieties you have been feeling lately. Those upsets are actually of your own making. Here is another quote for you, "If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."- Dr. Wayne Dyer.

I have shared over the past couple of newsletter musings, that I had to take a break. A mini sabbatical of sorts, so that I could work through the third episode of burn out, due to a very poor and toxic workplace experience; which compounded a number of previous earlier experiences. I needed to change the way I was looking at things AND I needed to be even more introspective than usual, to assess why I kept feeling frustrated and so uncomfortable in various work experiences. Part of the matter was me and the way I had been looking at things along with the work environments not being shaped in a manner, that was supportive and also not capable of being introspective. Yes, what a profound concept for a work environment to be collectively introspective and intentional about shifting to be better. One can dream.

I have been sharing recently my pivot to carve out a space for managers, people leaders and other employees that are struggling at work. I know the numbness, the agitation of being minimized, not being supported in professional growth and feeling undervalued. I want to help others, especially those who look like me, to not have to go through that or at least mitigate what they are currently experiencing. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts were seen as an attempt to relieve the hardships of micro-aggressions, gaslighting, micromanaging and marginalizing of minorities and other differing groups. Recently we have seen a resurgence of the dismantling of such efforts across various work environments, most prominently in academia.

Dear I point out something very obvious...Workplaces were not truly interested in having DEI efforts work. DEI work takes very deep and intentional introspective processes and workspaces were not adequately equipped for such things. It takes more than one person leading DEI initiatives for a company. And organizational leaders must be bought in having gone through their own DEI process of introspection and reflection. It takes both leaders and staff to formulate a collective consciousness about "being the change".

So, with all this said, from thinking about how Ghandi's words were truly more powerful than many could grasp; so much so they have been watered down throughout history, to Dr. Dispenza reminding us that our realities are an extension of our personalities, we have an opportunity to greatly shift our experiences at work. Taking account of ourselves and then taking action (shameless plug for my upcoming February workshop series, purchase your tickets here) can be done and it can be done in a supportive way, should you need the help.

There is no reason we should be struggling and battling poor workplace frustrations alone, when far too many of us have gone through it. There are options and I am in full support of you figuring out your plans for one or more of the options you so choose. I will leave you with two last quotes, that I truly adore, from Caroline A. Wanga ...

"Who you are is non-negotiable."

And...

"Who you are is who you are. If you can't be who you are, where you are, change where you are, not who you are."

Be Well!

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