Lessons from a Cactus

Imagine silence, stillness, in the middle of the desert, listening to the birds, walking in silence, and taking a pause. It's a feeling that I can't describe; it's pure joy! Our whole team went to the Sonoran Desert this week for a leadership retreat. It was an experience that fed my soul! As leaders, we don't take a moment to step away from the routine; In the past 18 months, everything has become a transaction on a boxed zoom screen.?

I was amazed by the powerful lessons of leadership I learned as I hiked through the majestic desert. The stark and quiet beauty created awe that defined "mindfulness." A rich experience of stillness and balance between the mountains, rocks, desert, and a blue sky. What struck me?was the regal Cactus full of lessons about survival, resilience, and adaptability.?

Many legends and stories about the cactus plant are often revered within the desert ecosystem. It is a tree that survives with little water in a dry and hot environment, providing sustenance and shelter to many desert animals and insects.

Like many of Nature's wonders, which teach us about balance and inter-connectedness, cactus have adapted and thrived over time. Here are a few fun facts from of this majestic plant:

• Cactus thorns are highly modified plant leaves. The sharp spines and the thick, tough skin of the stem protect the Cactus from animals who would otherwise have easy access to the liquid inside.
• The Cactus collects water using an extensive root system. A taproot, which grows much deeper, reaches underground water supplies when dry topsoil. Small thin roots grow near the soil's surface and collect rainwater as quickly as possible during the few times it rains.
• Cactus can gather and hold water in their stems. The water is not pure, clear water but viscous. However, the fluid is drinkable and has saved people's lives in the desert.

The bottom line; Cactus is not just a plant but essential to the ecosystem of the desert for the survival and growth of many.?

Following are a few leadership lessons that I took away from this amazing experience:?

• Stand Tall! Even if you haven't spouted your arms yet, be proud of what you have accomplished today!
• Conserve your resources. Be wise and smart with what you have. Take risks but also have a backup plan.
• Think long-term. We all know not to check our stocks and investments daily. Keep focused on your daily objectives but remember to think about the big, long-term picture.
• Stay sharp! The Cactus protects itself and wards off threats. Be on top of your game; be informed; stay connected; and keep growing.
• Develop a "thicker skin" like the Cactus. Throw off negative challenges with positive energy and action.
• ?Use your energy to be proactive vs. spending time being defensive, trying to maintain the status quo.
• Find an internal space of strength — that you can tap into with confidence and remember that feeling when confronted — a "bank" of positive emotions and successes that you can draw from when faced with negativity.
• Create an ecosystem of support among your peers and colleagues that creates a buffer against adversity.
• Counter stress by giving and kindness — an antidote to anxiety- ultimately making you stronger.
• Take accountability and ownership for the situation and mistakes, and then move on with the action.

We overlook such amazing wonders like the Cactus, It's not just a prickly plant but a plant of life. Leadership is complex with many layers, and as leaders, we need to step away, take a pause sometimes and gain clarity to continue thriving. I am grateful for a leader that made this possible and a coach that gave us more tools to grow as leaders.

Feeling renewed, rejuvenating, and ready to go!!!