Yesterday was the Spring Equinox in the northern hemisphere – Spring is here and the days are getting lighter and longer. It’s time to express those ideas you’ve been germinating over the winter.
As I write this, I flip between despair at the alarming developments in the world and a renewed determination to double down on the areas where I can make a contribution. “Think global, act local” has never seemed more appropriate.
The temptation to doomscroll is huge – yet when I pull away from this addictive habit and focus on creating and connecting (e.g. a newsletter or webinar) rather than consuming in isolation this immediately lifts my spirits.
Technology and social media can keep us increasingly separate and isolated, withdrawing into our curated bubbles. Listening to podcasts becomes a substitute for real life conversation.
Leadership expert Margaret Wheatley talks about the need for “islands of sanity” – pockets of coherence where people come together in small groups to support each other and make a meaningful contribution. In the past, community groups such as churches and trade unions, whilst imperfect, provided these spaces. As these have withered, it’s easy to retreat into ever smaller circles and disconnect from true community.
The groups of women we convene on our Purpose Power Presence programmes have that quality of community – I always find them inspiring and restorative; doing this work sustains me in these challenging times.
This equinox, I invite you to consider:
- Where are the “islands of sanity” in your life?
- What is one small action you can take to nurture those communities?
Enjoy the Spring and see you next month.