How do we create islands of sanity that sustain our best human qualities?
Asks Margaret Wheatley, author, leader, thinker.
I feel this one of the most important questions we can ask right now. I don’t know about you but I feel our world is going faster and faster. Whilst being urged to “be prepared”, the uncertainty of global politics and A.I., I feel that “islands that sustain our best human qualities”are becoming fewer and fewer. And yet are more needed than ever. When we step back and pause, we remember all generations have faced challenge and upheaval since time began – and yet currently the reactionary state of the world makes now feel different.
What can we do to manage our own nervous systems, so that our communities, our families, are able to pause, to respond, rather than react. To embed pause into our life?
My favourite breath practice is here to create space in body and mind.
Sustaining our “best human qualities” – patience, compassion, tolerance, resilience, whilst honouring our own needs sometimes feels impossible. We just don’t have time – but is this really true? How do we actually spend our time and is it really nourishing us? Taking us towards our best human qualities, towards islands of sanity? Only we can decide. For me, like the illustration at the top, it’s about a long-term ‘strategy’. Time for me to nourish my “best human qualities” isn’t a treat, a luxury, a one-off; but a deep desire to live wholeheartedly. This might be through better sleep, or maybe through picking up litter. Through a sweaty or restorative yoga class where I remember the interconnections and being part of something bigger than myself. Maybe it’s a meaningful chat with a friend (with/out coffee or a glass of wine), or a cold swim!
What is it that takes you closer to your best human qualities? Where is your island of sanity?
~ YOGA IN OXFORD ~