From the moment we wake, demands lie at our fingertips. Headlines reach out to us in all capital letters and videos cause our stomachs to lurch. It’s tempting to scroll and tune out when paying attention can be overwhelming. And in the noise, a multitude of voices remind us that the time for compassion is now.
We’re not strangers to the threats present to both humanity and the planet. The impacts of climate change, social injustice, and war and the suffering these forces are causing are very present.
This is not the story we want to tell our grandchildren. Story arcs remind us of a hero’s journey – ones waiting for guides to take us on a quest, where we face a threat, and depend on others to overcome a fatal downfall. The hero often encounters a villain, one conspiring for evil. It’s easy to think of these evil forces, behind closed doors plotting in secret to do something wrong.
We’re often familiar with this definition in connection to storytelling:
Conspire – verb (used without object), con·spired, con·spir·ing.
1. To agree together, especially secretly, to do something wrong, evil, or illegal:
As in most good stories, there comes a point where the hero senses or knows another way is possible. This choice is often rooted in hope. Hope is in the unseen, an emergence from the unknown. We need leaders who can hold possibility and show others the power of exploring a new territory. By coming together in a supportive community, we can reignite our hearts and minds to notice the suffering throughout the world in a way that leads to compassionate action.
In the poem titled “Active Hope”, poet Joanna Macy writes,
“Active Hope is not wishful thinking.
Active Hope is not waiting to be rescued...
by some savior.
Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life
on whose behalf we can act.
…
With Active Hope we realize that there are adventures in store,
strengths to discover, and comrades to link arms with.”
What adventures could be in store if we instead conspire for good? How can we come together, locking arms, and apply the resources and wisdom and knowledge to do the good work our world so desperately needs. We can not do this work alone, especially because we encounter the old stories and obstacles that get in the way.
How often, in your journey, have you felt a call to conspire for good?
Conspire - verb (used without object), con·spired, con·spir·ing.
2. To act or work together toward the same result or goal
Isn’t it interesting that this dictionary definition of conspire also aligns perfectly with the classic definition of leadership? There is a quiet rumbling happening in the world of organizations where people are seeking another, more compassionate way. Educators, parents, caregivers, co-workers, doctors, policy makers, lawyers, architects, leaders, students and others are looking for ways to move into action. Caring people know and feel that this movement is aligned with their deeper purpose. And in this knowing lies an invitation for those leading others. It’s hard to do this work alone. At its very core, compassion is a relational act. We can only be compassionate WITH others.
In an earlier article we recalled the memories of chasing fireflies, which inspired us to notice “The Firefly Effect.” “It is like fireflies on a summer evening. As night falls, a look across the lawn turns up nothing. But then, a firefly flickers. It catches your eye so you pay more attention, and you realize that there’s more than one firefly. In fact, it’s not just one or two, but many. And before you know it, your entire field of vision is filled with numerous fireflies. The spread of compassion can unfold in organizations and beyond just like the lighting of the night sky with fireflies.”
If you feel like you’re standing alone in the dark, there is good news. The evidence is powerful that this movement is gaining momentum. We can see it in the changes occurring in organizations when a lone courageous person says, “I will lead with compassion and go first.” In many cases, change started with the hope sparking inside a single individual. Macy ends the poem mentioned above with the phrase, “None of these can be discovered in an armchair or without risk.” What movements do you need to make next?
The passion and purpose of our compassionate leadership alumni community who are conspiring for good is catalyzing impact in over 50 countries. Program alumni are taking courageous action to change large and small organizations and systems across every sector and every continent. We are starting to flicker, and collectively creating a movement of hope and possibility. A way to be human together in support of safety, connection, and belonging for all.
And, our organization is only one node in a much larger ecosystem of compassionate organizations. We’re coming together united by hope, evidence, principles, and practice, and the knowing that compassion can and will change our shared trajectory.
Here are just some of the many notable organizations supporting people who embrace compassion as the way forward: Center for Positive Organizations, Global Compassion Coalition, Compassion in Politics, Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, Compassion Institute, Greater Good Science Center, Othering & Belonging Institute, Focus Area on Compassion and Ethics, The Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Compassion Lab, Charter for Compassion, Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, compassion it, Compassion 2.0, and the Center for Compassion Studies.
This list is by no means complete, and we apologize for any organizations who haven’t been named. Who or what other organizations would you add as noteworthy on the list?
As we, as humans, continue to write our story, we have the power to shape a new narrative together. How might we collaborate? How can we at the Center for Compassionate Leadership support your work to grow compassion in the world of leaders? Send us a note or tell us what you’re working on in the comments below. It’s time for us all to conspire for good.