From the Summit: An Invitation to Reflect

As we arrive at the final installment of our journey "From Desert Sands to Mountain Peaks", we find ourselves in a space for reflection.

Framed by a photo I recently snapped during a reflective drive between Las Vegas and my hometown, it encapsulates the spirit of our journey, bringing together the wisdom gleaned from the desert sands to the challenges overcome at the mountain peaks. From this vantage point, we can appreciate the entirety of our journey thus far and ponder on the uncharted territories still awaiting our steps. It is here, in the silent beauty of the high desert, that we truly come to understand our journey, one marked not just by the landscapes we traverse, but by our inner exploration and transformation.

Drawing from the profound wisdom encapsulated in "The Invitation" by poet and storyteller Oriah, this final piece is an invitation to introspection, to question not only our professional paths but our deepest values and longings.

The Soul's Yearning and the Journey's Challenge

Embarking on our professional journey is akin to stepping onto an expansive, intimidating landscape that often forces us to be vulnerable, taking steps but never quite knowing where they will lead us. As Oriah, beautifully captures,

“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.”

With every step we take, we're not just navigating our careers, but aching for something more profound, seeking a path that satisfies our deepest longings.

Embracing the Wilderness

Oriah challenges us to enjoy the journey, embrace the wild, and just go with it. I know how difficult this can be for some of us who want to control every step, every situation, and every outcome. But, when we realize we are almost always "in the wild" and allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to let go and ride the rapids, we may find ourselves at unexpected, beautiful meadows along the way.

“I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you…”

Whether you're at the beginning of your career or a tenured professional, can you be with joy, despite the professional wilderness you find yourself in? Can you dare to dream, to risk looking like a fool for your vision, for the adventure of being alive, even as you navigate your way through the desert, the river, the foothills, and the mountains?

The Shepherd's Call and the Sherpa's Guide

In our careers, we traverse these landscapes, each with its challenges and triumphs. But we do not, and should not, journey alone. Those of us with experience must heed Oriah’s words,

“I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul.”

Our responsibility is to be Sherpas, guiding others, to be shepherds, caring for our flocks. We must dare to remain true to ourselves, to our values, and by doing so, inspire those who are following in our steps.

The Courage of Starting Anew

But what if we decide to start anew? Oriah asks,

“I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done…”

Is the journey the same, or does it take on a different form? How does the landscape shift when we already carry the wisdom of past travels? As we question these aspects, we realize that even in change, there is a deep-seated preparedness, an inherent wisdom that propels us forward, no matter how drastically our paths might change.

An Invitation to the Empty Moments

As we summit, we must reflect on Oriah’s closing lines,

“I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.”

The journey, after all, is not just about the destination, but also the solitude, the introspection, and the integrity of our climb. In these moments of solitude, can we truly say we appreciate our own company?

And so, as we look back at the paths we've taken, and forward to those we've yet to explore, let us do so with courage, integrity, and a willingness to be true to ourselves and our values. After all, it's in the silent introspection where we find our inner strength and shape the landscapes of our professional journeys. It's here that we not only meet but truly come to appreciate the company we keep in the empty moments.

Thank you for taking a journey with me

This series was always intended to be about more than just Agile, though I wasn't certain where it would take us when it started a month ago. It has, as it turns out, been a reflection on a journey that intertwines both personal and professional aspects, a journey that has taught me to appreciate my own evolution and has motivated me to extend a helping hand to those who walk alongside me.

In this exploration, I've discovered more about my identity as "The Agile Alchemist", a role that transcends mere instruction or mentorship. It's more about the Alchemist than the Agile - about the transformative alchemy of uniting diverse minds and fostering environments that encourage discovery, innovation, and the challenging of conventions. This alchemy turns the basic elements of collaboration and shared knowledge into the precious ore of enlightened perspectives and innovative ways of working.

As we reach the end of this series, my hope is that our shared journey has sparked introspection, learning, and growth. And in this understanding, we can all become alchemists in our own right, capable of transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, and more importantly, capable of teaching others to do the same.

"I want to know if you can see Beauty, even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence."