Inner Work - Edition 7 of Exploring, Inviting, Pondering.

Hello and welcome back to my monthly letter. Thank you here and now for the time, attention and intention you commit to being here with these words.

As in previous Editions, here I'll share a theme I've been exploring, invite you to examine resources I've found helpful and a gathering I'm looking to attending, and provide a prompt for your to ponder if you feel so inclined.

This month's theme is Inner Work, with the frame that this is work we do ourselves as interconnected and interdependent elements within broader networks, communities and systems, and reflect on how Inner work is both for each of us ourselves and collectively.

My exploring of Inner Work began at University, guided by my Karate sensei and Tai Chi sifu, ebbed as a distracted young man and returned with vigour around 12 years ago when the 'meditation' trend was drawing attention through platforms like 'Headspace'. For many years I considered this kind of Inner Work to be sufficient, that if I worked on myself, I'd be 'better' (calmer, more focused, perhaps less stressed) and would be more productive, a better husband and parent and hopefully do more good in the world. However, I found that this intention did not play out as I anticipated and hoped, until I connected with inner work in another way.

In more recent years engaging deeply with guides such as Carol Sanford , David Drake, PhD , Giles Hutchins and Mel Geltch I've begun exploring a both more expansive and deeper form of Inner Work. Working over years in developmental communities, with frameworks very much alive to the inner work of living systems and connective and collective nature of inner work, my inner work has been more meaningful, lasting and the effect on me and those I interact with has been much greater.

What is interesting now is to see the frequency with which forms of collective inner work are beginning to emerge in abundance, offering a variety of pathways for people of all contexts to engage with this more generative form of development. My explorations of inner work will continue indefinitely, and I'd love to hear from you where and how you are exploring.

I'd love to invite you to be resourced by a few of the sources of inner work frameworks I am working with, and would also love to hear what's working for you if there's additional resources you'd like to share in the comments below...

Indirect Work by Carol Sanford, which I've referred to in the Regenerating Edition, is a most marvellous pathway to engage with Carol's numerous works, all of which frame paradigm shifting development as a very necessary transformation. If this is of interest you may also enjoy Carol and my podcast conversation and my reflective video. Also keep an eye out for Carol's next book 'No More Gold Stars' coming in the autumn which provides another incredible framework for inner work.

Leading by Nature by Giles Hutchins, also referred to in earlier in the Regenerating Edition, provides an expansive set of frameworks to guide your own exploration of self and the teams and networks within your organisation. If this is of interest you may also enjoy Giles and my podcast conversation and my reflective video.

The Inner Development Goals is an international not-for-profit partnering with governments and organisations to provide an accessible framework for developmental work within shared contexts - large organisations, international groups and countries. The framework and toolkit are open sourced, and there are regular events where you can gather with fellows who are working with the framework for themselves, their organisations or as practitioners with clients. The first in-person gathering in Australia is tomorrow (register for free here) with Thomas Hübl, PhD and Daniel R. Hires ?? amongst the keynotes, I'll hope to see you there!!

A prompt for you to ponder, and carry with you as you shift away from these words and on into your world...

How can I flow with fellows to bring inner work into our shared collective endeavours?

There I rest this letter.

Be well, lead well, continue on your journey with inner work, and keep on co-creating regenerative futures.

Tim