10 Steps to Zen in a changing World
Summer is underway and you may be wondering what new global challenges
or events it will bring. Here in France, the summer holiday is a true
break that can last up to six weeks. September
is a true reunion with office colleagues, a time of setting professional
objectives for the year to come, and dealing with unknown economic prospects in
a climate of ongoing war on the European continent.
Traditionally, the
autumn is a season of harvest or abundance, celebrating what farmers have
produced, and in West Africa, where I grew up, hopefully storing up food for
the coming year. Increasingly, this is
an uncertain period for farmers. Autumn
is also the season where nature rests, moves into dormancy, shredding leaves,
and seeds to perpetuate the species.
Yet societies
across the globe are faced with a new reality : the old rules no longer apply, or if you try to
follow them, they are no longer adequate.
We receive the message that we can no longer afford to take our time, or
slow down. The harvest is reduced or
absent, fire and floods have destroyed some resources, companies are having to
invent measures to save energy. It is
the era of adapting, management of change, learning new technologies,
transition… and this requires deeper inner resources.
We could be
forgiven for remaining attached to the OLD rules of society. These would have been trusted by my parents’
generation, who were teenagers or young children at the onset of the second world war.
1. If we are honest, work hard, our life will get better
and better. With
each generation things will improve (linear improvement).
2. If
we work well, life will be stable. We
will reach a level of security and happiness that should last the rest of our
life (state of equilibrium).
3. Our
private lives are determined by external factors ; if we follow them as
good children (directives on schooling, relationships, career, law), then all
will be well.
4. Learning
is for the young – that is the stage for affirming your career, your role in
society, becoming adult. Adults spend
the majority of their time working, and only a small percentage on learning or
self-development.
However, we are currently confronted by "New rules, New society" :
1.
Our
life is no longer linear, automatically leading to higher promotion,
better salaries. We are in constant
renewal, preparing for the next cycle and new chapter.
2.
We
experience continuous change that allows little time for rest. We are often forced to begin again from
scratch. We are obliged to adapt to a
state of instability, unpredictable performance, and endless movement. Managing your stress is an increasing
challenge and important to maintaining health and work-life balance.
3.
Our
new certainty is the necessity to continue learning, whatever our
age. Uncertainty and fear lead people to
avoid long-term planning, to live from day to day. Decision-making amongst younger people
becomes a quagmire of uncertainty.
Professional reorientation becomes a common focus.
4.
To
stay in the race, it is mandatory to dig into our internal resources, what we believe, our capacities to innovate, to
respond to a new limitation or new market.
The opportunity revealed by change
Personal
development in resilience is one way to manage these changes.
I have been
reflecting on the necessity of accepting the new rules and how I could
personally ensure I would move towards serenity in the midst of what could
spiral into stress and despondency for any normal human citizen.
I came up with some steps to introduce in my
own life, that you can find below. If
you wish to invest in some deeper reflection, I can recommend taking a small
notebook or journal, and jotting down your thoughts as you go through each
point.
10 STEPS TO RENEW YOUR LEVEL OF ZEN in our changing world.
- Recognise and note down the positive aspects of your ‘old rules’, but accept the aspects that are no longer sufficient, and release yourself from any loyalty and guilt if you logically realise that things need to change.
- Imagine a new way of working or being. Imagine how it could benefit you, how it could enhance your productiveness, your success or influence. Brainstorm here, draw, imagine, write down those key words.
- Be receptive to new systems, despite the challenges of adjusting. Passing through a ‘neutral zone’ of transition involves a period of instability or uncertainty, and it can feel very empty. This is normal, and healthy. What would be those new systems in your situation?
- List the positive aspects and opportunities that are now open to you. Note all the craziest ideas and inspirations that come to mind. Reflect on how many new initiatives, applications, products and working methods were introduced despite the challenges of confinement. How can your own life expand ?
- Your workplace is undergoing transformation? Are you under pressure to adapt your job description? Speak to your relevant department about training or support that may be available, the possibility to receive coaching, whatever level of job you have, or revaluate your career development options.
- Begin to move forward with concrete, baby steps. This is the ‘new beginning’ stage of your transformation. Type these on a sheet of paper; place them on a wall where you will see them every day. Contact your coach to assess your objectives and create a well thought-out action plan.
- Network with others who are going through the same process to enhance your motivation and perseverance.
- Believe in yourself and your capacity to grow. Speak it in front of a mirror, if necessary! Write down what you need to say to the new you.
- Celebrate your talents, uniqueness, and progress. Remember what you are bringing to the table! Be sure to write these in your journal.
« He has half
the deed done, who has made a beginning. »
(Horace, Epistles Book 1 :2)
These steps should
empower you to feel more able to face the changing horizon with confidence.
A new you,
thriving in a new society, resilient and flowing whilst navigating new rules.
