The magic of ordinary thinking men

I spent 24 hours exploring getting happy with 6 men of Wales last week. Before you create some strange image from the recesses of your imagination, it was purely professional.

I deliver a “send me your best and stressed ” explorations experience in organisations. A kind of self reflection experience which addreses some “what” and “how” questions . Things like; where am I , what do I value, who am I becoming, what do I want, how might I get there, how can I shift my state in ten minutes, how do I remain happy, how do I remember that life is good(great even).

Ultimately, how do I remind myself to live this one wonderful life well in all areas be that career, health, wealth ,relationships or simply within myself and with the world ? How do I maximise the experience of being me and of being around me?

We get through a lot in 24 Hours. A lot of stopping, reflecting, checking in, planning, and the ultimate luxury these days for senior managers …..We spend time THINKING

There’s a lot of power in thinking. Particularly for senior managers. Having some time and opportunity to stop, kick back a bit and do some exploration in a safe and supportive environment is in my world a necessity for living a focused and fruitful existence. If I was the minister for Health I would prescribe a 24 hour annual stop and explore experience for the top 100 managers in every organisation. To stop and think .To take responsibility for what is going on around you and in the roles you play in life.I’ve been coaching and training personal development for enough years to know from clients how beneficial they have found it to take the time to stop and pause between the everyday doing and delivering. Frankly, it refocuses our sense of control and personal responsibility and that inevitably reminds us how powerful we are and reduces stress.

I really enjoyed working with the men from Wales. They’re all in positions of influence. As such, they are wise teachers, who influence the lives of others both professionally and personally.

Sometimes I wonder if we celebrate the qualities and contribution of men enough. I wonder if we realise the responsibility that men feel as partners, husbands, fathers, sons, carers, providers, workers, managers, entrepreneurs and citizens ? If we take enough time to acknowledge their experience in a changing world. I don’t have the answer. It’s just a question that I pose and ponder from time to time.

I love how Nic Askew captures the powerful and positive influence of men through his many films. His film this morning highlights the quiet strength of male role models simply and powerfully and you can view it here .
It reminds us that everyday spirituality is just that- everyday.We are spiritual beings walking in a world of doing , gathering and having. We walk with the teachers in our lives and so often, we are the teachers of the living whether we walk with themor have left this life. Here’s to all the men of Wales and elsewhere this week who are learning how to live from that place of thoughtful, quiet strength.

Ask yourself. What roles do I hold in my life and who am I influencing in those roles? How am I being a great teacher ?

Have a great week.

Related posts:

1. Dream careers and a bit of magic at Westminster Abbey
2. The wheel of tortuous thinking
3. Are you thinking the impossible today?
4. A Volunteer is Worth 20 Pressed Men (or Women)