“Without a revolution of the spirit, the forces which produced the inequities of the old order would continue to be operative, posing a constant threat to the process of reform and regeneration.” – Aung Sang Suu Kyi
Welcome to our web site! We are so glad that you are here. Leading from the Heart started because we recognized that the incredible shifts, uncertainty, and complexity in our world is requiring us to think of our social change work in a new way. We are being called to a new way of leading, a time of greater authenticity, cooperation, connection and wisdom. In short, we are being called to a deeper and more transformative way of social change leadership.
Many organizations and programs around the country are moving toward this “transformative social change leadership” which relies on utilizing inner practices to help us achieve our missions and sustain us for the long haul. There are many definitions of inner transformational practices. Whether it’s mindfulness, meditation, somatic bodywork, creative expression, or journaling, these practices are meant to help us be more present, in-tune with ourselves and others, and create shifts in our awareness, patterns of thinking and behavior. All of this is inextricably linked to our end goal of promoting systemic and cultural change in our world.
While starting this project, I talked with more than 30 social justice leaders in our area (see our Interviews). Many expressed such passion for their work, and at the same time weren’t sure how they could keep going. Comments such as “We don’t have a place where we can talk freely,”, and “Sometimes we’re our own worst enemies,” along with direct statements of desire for more connection made it clear that Leading from the Heart was needed.
We have named this project Leading from the Heart, because the heart has so much intelligence and wisdom for us. Aung Sang Suu Kyi, Nelson Mandela and other great leaders knew that to carry on their social change work they needed to engage their hearts at a transformational level as well as their minds. In each of their own ways they cultivated what some call a spiritual awareness, heightened consciousness, and deep love. This type of integration of heart with mind helped sustain them while building their world altering social movements.
Our hope and expectation is that this combination of inner spiritual practice, leadership tools and alignment, and open conversations about power, privilege and bias will usher in a new wave of social change for our area. We are glad you are with us, and I welcome your comments, and your participation on this blog! If you have ideas you want to share on this blog, please contact me.
With heartfelt thanks.