Of Pain, “au naturale” and Fixes

by David Bernard-Stevens

I was reading a dialogue string within a wonderful group of leaders this morning on LinkedIn (LCF or the Leaders Foundation Café). There was a comment by Kwai Yu of the United Kingdom that I responded to there, and I write of here. The overall issue was the world’s economic crisis and that maybe the best way to learn and to create better systems is to, when they crash, let them crash so they can be rebuilt in a better way. Yet it was acknowledged that this would be very painful to millions so in the end, maybe it is best not to let those systems crash when they are in trouble and to do what we can to keep them going while fixing what we can. So it was within that context of “pain” and of our trying to minimize the pain our systems create at times for people that the following comment was made:

“…Perhaps … we should embrace Jugaad: A New Growth Formula … one that accepts pain as part of growth?”

What came to mind with the above quote was that the natural systems that surround us DO accept pain and joy, suffering and excitement… all of it for as natural systems they can be no more that they are… complete and whole. I suspect it is only in the systems we create within the natural systems surrounding us that we naively attempt to control all that is within. Don’t want to feel pain? No problem, we can manage and control that. Don’t want people to bring the emotions of home into the work place? Not a problem… we can control that through policies! Yet there is pain and because it has been ignored it can come back with a vengeance… as the pressure pot explodes when the pressures within wishing to expand cannot be held back any longer. But wait… it exploded? No problem, we can handle that! Let’s create a new policy that….

The point that came to me this morning was that the answers may again lie within us… that we first as leaders need to see, understand, and truly know who we are… and then be all that we truly are. We are pain and joy. We are suffering and excitement. We are passion, hate, fierceness, creative, compassionate, loving and a whole lot more. That maybe, if we begin to create systems that reflect all of the knowledge and balance found deep within each of us, we will be able to create systems for the benefit of all that are also in sync with the natural systems that have always surrounded us. I make up that if we can do this, then instead of fighting nature to make it what we wish it to be, we will be a part of nature (the universe) and from there become creators of what we were always meant to be. Then again, that is probably just a dream. I’m sure there is a policy or concept that can control that…

That’s my share for this morning or afternoon or evening depending upon where you are at this moment! As always, my best wishes to you all!

David

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A few days ago there was a “Summit-9″ held in Suriname. The Summit was intended to focus on the “findings” from a recently completed study to meet the challenges of the 9 million youth within the Caribbean. Many of the Caribbean leaders who often spoke of their commitment to the youth of the Caribbean were “no shows”. During the Summit a few days ago, 24 Youth Delegates and two National Youth Directors stood for 9 minutes to bring awareness to that lack of attention. It was a courageous thing to do and it has already had impact.

I believe that those 24 Youth Delegates are leaders not because they did something dramatic, but because they stood for what they believe in. They stood for the 9 million youth they were representing and working tirelessly to help… to make a difference. I believe that because of their actions, and the support they received from two National Youth Directors, they will know that they can stand their ground and as such the next stance will be even more powerful. I suspect they have already begun to inspire others to also stand firm to demand the attention that the issues facing the youth of the world need… a demand for action that stands apart from political rhetoric.

And I also know that there can in these cases be repercussions… that leaders of state and people holding positions of authority do not like to “look bad” or to be publically criticized. Yet I sense the die is now cast. That people around the world are finding within themselves what they truly care about (core values) and are beginning to draw their own line in the sand. I sense a shift taking place where people are beginning to believe in their power to truly make a difference in not in their life, but in the lives of others… in this case 9 million others.

I sense that there is an awakening within hearts and spirits of people all over the world. I sense what has been referred to as a “Spiritual Conspiracy” beginning to take place. And though this “standing firm for change” will not be easy, nor will it be a quick journey, the end results will be amazing.

I know one of those Directors who stood with those 24 Youth Delegates. I wish for each of you to know her too and to remember her and those with her, as they stand firm for the needs of youth not only in Jamaica and the Caribbean, but the world. Her name is Roberta Brown-Ellis and in her heart is love, courage, and a passion to make a difference. AND, she is a servant of God.

So if any of you have an urge to say something, or offer encouragement, here would be a place to do so. I promise you they will see it… and it will have impact.

Blessings to each of you this day…. David

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