Having space to be; physical, mental and temporal.

"If the peak cannot be reached without losing touch with the body, or if it is reached through alienation of the body, then new games must be invented" - Dr. Michael Conant

Fast pace, hyper connection and high expectation are all a norm in the world today. Along with them come increased demand for productivity, engagement, and decision-making. Many of us thrive in such environments but nonetheless there is a cost we pay.

Reflection is a deliberate process of pausing and to step back. In our personal life, it aids self-awareness, emotional regulation, and personal growth. When we lack time to reflect, we risk repeating mistakes, missing the opportunities around us, and diminishing the valuable wisdom around us. Reflection transforms information into knowledge and knowledge to wisdom.

Continuous cognitive effort does lead to mental fatigue, even for the most disciplined or for those of us with conditions where such fatigue is masked. Just as physical muscles tire after prolonged exertion, our brains need rest to recover and perform optimally. In such a fatigued state, we often revert to automatic thinking, become less innovative, and struggle to solve complex problems.

"Learn to think with the whole body; moving naturally without any personal intervention. If you think too much, actions become slow and hesitant. When questions arise, the mind tires; consciousness flickers and wavers as a candle flame in a breeze" - Taisen Deshiumaru

Re-energised thinking requires more than just physical rest; it involves engaging in activities that rejuvenate the mind, open up the heart, and allow the gut to be supported for a while. This can range from engaging in nature, grounding with mindfulness or hobbies, or even just those moments of quiet solitude. In these moments, neural connections and divergent thinking are strengthened. It is from this place we become open to new ideas and perspectives. Some of the most transformative ideas in history have emerged when individuals had this mental spaciousness. Space and time to reflect enable what psychologists call incubation; a period when subconscious processing helps solve problems or generate creative insights.

It remains a true privilege to be a Leadership Fellow with Society of Leadership Fellows in Windsor Castle. Walking a path alongside some truly amazing leaders who are agitating, energising and empowering change across the spectrum of our society. I have some big decisions in the year ahead and some even bigger changes. It was both peaceful and joyful to be in this space, to immerse into the rhythms and cadence of Windsor, and to be held gently by those around me.

My past four years as a leadership fellow have been truly transformational. Both in each retreat and incrementally across all of them. There was no plan, in particular, or overall objective I was seeking. My own sense of inquiry came from within and around me whilst in the space. As did the wisdom. In an exercise at this retreat, I found myself asking a repeating question - what time is it in my life?

What time is it in my life? It's time to gather and make **** happen in the promise of joyful service.

What time is it in my life? It's time to accept me for who I truly am and to accept I am good enough.

What time is it in my life? It's time to accept it was not my fault, and to be despite and not in spite of it.

What time is it in my life? It's time to affirm a fond farewell to an orthodoxy of service for which I have defined myself.

What time is it in my life? It's time to energise and empower change in how we treat those most in need.

What time is it in my life? It's time to breathe, to laugh, to be.

As I stepped out of the Castle, my thoughts crystallised on the state of just being and how I carry it in my life.

Protect the time to be In a grounded, present and awake state. This state is one of being here, now, today, in this place, at this time. With no expectations nor limitations. It has been revealled to me that perception isn't clearer or more focused; it's elevated with fresh perspective.

Stay in flow with the world. Not as a passive act but as a proactive act of awareness. Once in flow, there is little need to grab or reach for that which we seek. Simply allow the invitations of the world to present themselves without any expectation on us to respond.

Safeguard the time and space for our teams. As leaders, we all have great responsibility but we have levers we can use. We can create and protect the space for our people to be, to wander, to energise those around them. It can be hard to do in the 'permacrisis' world but finding the balance ultimately pays a creativity dividend for everyone.

"Imagine yourself approaching the top of a mountain, feeling a growing internal alignment with the rhythms of nature. You round the last bend on a state of satori; in the flow, in the zone, and you see the peak before you. Then you notice someone standing there, smiling at you with bright, clear eyes - a master of daily life. You walk up to the master filled with gratitude. As the master's face comes into focus, you realise the master is you." - Dan Millman

I considered it a great privilege to have been in this inquiry and conversation alongside Dr. Babette Claas , Jane Harris , Jonathan Heawood , Jonny Palmer MBE , Joseph Cerilles Romero , Laks Mann MBE , Lisa Pinney MBE , Mark P. , MOK O'Keeffe , Peter Hay and to be held and guided by Chris Blakeley and Karen Stefanyszyn .

What time is it in my life? It's 05:00.
From this place, in this time, I am moved to purposeful being. I step out for a walk in the joy of an expectant dawn; with grace, at peace and in flow.