Practice means learning from life instead of being bounced around by it. Once you know the worst isn’t going to run you over, you can look the world in the eye without blinking. - Krishna Das in The Sun (March 2011)
Times of great change invite us to discover our practice as EveryDay Leaders. How will I approach each day, each person, each joy or fear? I often ask my coaching clients to tell me what brings them back to center – breathing, a walk, a cup of tea, chocolate? Knowing and using these tools is essential to in-the-moment practice, creating a foundation of calmness and clarity. In my experience, practicing compassion and surrender also deepens my ability to hold the paradox of what is and what is possible, supporting me to lead my life from my loving, joyful, creative center. I believe this opening to love and creativity is essential to leadership development in these times.
What does it take to look the world in the eye without blinking? 
Coming across Krishna Das’ words today, I felt such strong resonance of truth. Earlier in life, I was “bounced around”, often quite dramatically. Always curious, I discovered many teachers and many ways of designing a reflective life practice, an approach to both learning and developing trust in myself and something greater that unconditionally loves me. Last November, I got bounced again, this time through being injured in an auto collision (the first in decades). After the initial shock and swelling subsided, the real healing opportunity surfaced. Something sculpted into the articulation of bones and muscles in my upper body began to shift. Working with my chiropractor, I stand, move, breathe more freely. Reflecting in my journal, I called this releasing the “cringe”, a fearful recoiling from anticipated anger, rejection, danger learned in my childhood environment. Through the years, I had layered calm and relaxation in myself, attempting to soothe these core somatic responses. Now, I’m deeply changed and sense that a cage has fallen open and away from my heart. Friends, clients and co-workers tell me I appear radiant, like I’ve just fallen in love. I have, in a way. I’m lovingly looking “the world in the eye without blinking.”
Discover and embrace your practice. Find the courage and the partners to do the work of releasing your fears. Lead your life with love and creativity.
With an open heart I remain your Quirky Auntie,
Nika
