Years ago, I recall the precise moment when
I realized, very tangibly, the impermanence of life.
I sat on the couch, contemplating, dreaming,
longing for my mother. She had died just
weeks before of cancer. In that very typical,
and yet not normal, passing moment, it hit me -- I too will die. In that moment I was aware of my physical
being; feeling my heart pound beneath my skin.
My heart would someday stop.
It is so unconscious. I take it for granted. My body does all of these amazing things
without me even being involved. My mind
can’t control what the body already knows what to do and the immanent wisdom it
already has. Funny that is probably why
nature took that option away – it knew the monkey brain would go for
controlling all of it, if it could.
Imagine if you had to control when and how often you breathed or
digested? We would find ways to mess
with it for sure.
And yet we take for granted, every day,
that our bodies will keep on keeping on, delivering for us, serving us. At that moment, feeling my own heart beat, I
became acutely aware that they won’t and they aren’t even designed to do so.
Which then brings me to this moment, and
applying this existential reflection to my work, I think about how we as leaders
need to make time for reflection and not take for granted anything in our lives.
Not take for granted the talent and skill we have around us, the depth and
breadth of relationships we have within our community, or even the ground we
ourselves have covered with our work and our lives.
Every week, there are talented colleagues
bringing their very best and yet, how often do we recognize that effort, or who
they are and let them know how much we truly appreciate the gift they give of
themselves, day-in and day-out.
Every few months or so, we can reflect back
on work we have done in the past month that demonstrates a level of aptitude
perhaps we couldn’t demonstrate before. Do we celebrate it, do we take stock
and reflect on what that experience and knowledge now gives us greater access
to?
Every day, we have an opportunity to invest
in the relationships around us – those we work with and those in our personal
life. Why not take the time to tell them how much you value who they are and
how they contribute to your life and your work.
Yes life and mortality have much to teach
us, if we are willing to listen. Certainly
one of the lessons is we best not take anything for granted.
So how will you be
intentional about not taking things for granted? Will you – appreciate health
and care for your body? Or make it a practice to recognize colleagues? Or
continue to invest in relationships--even those people you struggle with?
Or
perhaps reflect on your accomplishments and what they give you greater access
to ...
Joanne
