Things feel overwhelming right now in ways that they haven’t felt in a very long time. The COVID-19 pandemic, the United States reckoning with its over 400 year history of systemic racism, political unrest, and the hate that seems to permeate so much speech today are but some of the disruptions making the world feel out of control. This level of disruption makes it easy to feel that change is beyond our control or power. Compassionate leaders know there ARE things that we can do to bring change forward. Consider these three ideas to help settle yourself into a place of empowerment, and focus yourself for change.
We are a part of the system, and the system is part of us.
When we think of the “system” as something separate from us, it is so much easier to view ourselves as passive victims of this ill-defined “system.” Every choice we make, every product we purchase, every click and like we offer on social media shapes what the “system” is. We have the opportunity to speak up or remain silent when we witness systems causing suffering.
It is important to remember, however, that this concept can be taken too far. In cases of oppression and marginalization, it is not the victim’s responsibility to change the system.
Focus on what you can do.
There are an unlimited number of things in the world that need changing, some big, some small. Thankfully, we have a choice. We can focus on the things that are beyond our control to change or we can focus on where we can make a difference. Through placing our attention on what is within our sphere of influence, we increase our impact. Every moment spent worrying about things where we have no agency, is a moment taken away from where we can add value. In reality, the result is even more negative, as the discouragement created by dwelling on what is out of our control spills over into our energy when we are working on areas where we do have influence.
It can be very hard to acknowledge that there always has been, is, and always will be suffering in the world. It may seem counter-intuitive, but when we are willing to acknowledge this common aspect of the human condition, it can energize us to bring our compassion forward. If each one of us simply tried to relieve suffering within our own circles of connection – or limit our causing of suffering – the impact on the world could be revolutionary.
Remember our interconnectedness.
We live in a world, a universe, that has so many more connections than we can imagine. The impact of even the smallest gestures – a friendly smile, a sincere compliment, holding the door for someone – has an impact on the recipient, which in turn ripples outward through their subsequent interactions. When we limit our consideration of the impact of our actions to what can be seen, we dramatically underestimate the full force of our actions.
The examples above show the expanding benefit of positive actions. Unfortunately, the impact of our negative actions is also magnified due to our interconnection. A single sneeze or exhalation in a crowded room can move outward and around the world at a frightening speed, as we are all witnessing in this moment. The electricity we consume, if it is generated using fossil fuels, leads to pollution that can impact the respiratory health of untold numbers of citizens downwind from generating facilities. A harsh word will spiral outward even faster than a sincere compliment.
We humans, and especially leaders, are so much more powerful than we can imagine. We can change the old systems that no longer serve the greater good. We do this by patiently bringing our awareness, intention, and focus to bear on what needs to shift. Know in your bones that shift IS happening. Keep your thoughts, emotions, and hearts moving through the challenges with positivity and hope. With compassion, we can lead the change.