If we could only see reality more as it is, it would become obvious what we need to do.
⏤ Joseph Jaworski
Most of what we “see” is shaped by our past history, social programming, and preconceived notions.
It’s taken me many years and a lot of “working on myself” to come to this realization, but I have found it to be true.
We don’t see people and situations as they really are because we’re too busy reacting based on our own internal responses from on our own past experiences.
We mostly relate to internal memories from our own history that are triggered by whatever is outside of us.
You might say that we rarely relate to reality as it really is ⏤ even though we are all absolutely convinced that we do.
What do the experts tell us?
Psychiatrist and awareness teacher, Dr. Helena Lass, says that “99% of our lives run on autopilot.”
Think about that number for a minute ⏤ and the significance of it.
We are living 99% of our lives based on instincts that are automated and reflex like.
Perhaps a turning point for me in deepening my own understanding of how much we “see” is based on our past experiences was something Dr. Helena Lass also said in my interview with her:
The more we clear out who we actually are not, the clearer it becomes who we actually are. That’s when our real-life begins and that’s when you start to live your real potential—what you can do and what you have been called for. ⏤ Helena Lass
While 99% seems like an unbelievably high percentage, and you might disagree, I believe most people would agree that our past experiences play a significant role in how we think and react in our daily lives.
Like many others, I’m finding it challenging to keep myself focused, motivated, and moving forward during these unprecedented times.
This has been somewhat of a surprise to me.
Because so often in my life, I have stepped forward in a visible way to lead myself and others forward.
When there was a challenging project that no one else wanted to lead, I was one of the first to raise my hand.
I thrived on turning around challenging projects and stepping into the unknown.
And as a pilot, I went out of my way to fly to out of the ordinary destinations and missions.
Shifting our center of gravity.
When the world shifted beneath our feet a few months ago, it was a tectonic shift that shocked all of us.
Projects and upcoming engagements no longer seemed important ⏤ or even possible in the scheme of things.
It was time to rethink everything and our priorities.
Instead of stepping forward in a more visible way, I was surprised to find myself stepping back.
There is another way.
This past week I shared my dilemma with a mentor of mine. When I told her that I seemed to be finding myself more in a state of surrender to be open to letting life unfold, this is how she responded:
I’m curious if we can play with your notion of leadership a bit, Bill. Is it possible that someone like Joseph Jaworski might, in this unprecedented time, perceive that “surrendering to life unfolding” could be a “leadership” activity?
Wow. My mentor’s question really jolted me.
At present, people create barriers between each other by their fragmentary thought. Each one operates separately. When these barriers have dissolved, then there arises one mind.
⏤ Joseph Jaworski
Suddenly, I was completely at peace stepping back and surrendering to greater wisdom to lead me forward.
Are you interested in exploring this topic more deeply?
If there’s enough interest, I will setup an online event to explore it together. Please email bill@billfox.co to let me know.
As always, to your great work life & success!
Bill Fox
