One of my talented clients, reflecting on the changing nature of work in these late pandemic days, asked aloud, “What business am I in?” Such a great question! He is working on that question before our next call. And he acknowledged that the answer today (in the 2020s and in his 50s) is likely to be different from his answer ten years ago, when he was serving in a different time and place.
As the Great Resignation unfolds across the world, and across many industries – this same question looms all about. What business are we in? People went to work in a particular field, with a particular employer years ago, with the understanding that they were going into a particular business. But as the world morphed, they discovered that the business has changed, and they have changed – and (by Gosh) they just aren’t going to settle for misery.
So many this year are dealing with fatigue born of the shifting sand beneath our feet. “This is certainly not what I signed on for!” Clergy can so testify. Teachers certainly can testify! Retailers, the same!
But it is hard to make good decisions about ‘what next’ when we are feeling under siege. We may need to rest a bit in order to get ready to quit and take a momentous turn in our lives. Not for most clergy, but for many: the pandemic offered a moment of rest where people asked some existential questions – and then when it was time to pick up where they left off, and to do so with an angry public – they said, “No --- way!"
Now we approach a new year. The first year of the rest of our lives – it is a season that will be markedly different from previous seasons! How to get started? For most of us, just finding renewed clarity will be more helpful than throwing ourselves into ridiculous goals and metrics around a business that we no longer really believe is right for us.
Might I suggest some opportunities for centering and clarity?
• Imagining What’s Next: This series has both group and individual sessions. Gary Shockley and I will serve as facilitators. We will work first on reexamining our personal Enneagram wiring, then move into meditative mindfulness, and finally into appreciative inquiry of our past work, so that we can make some soulful decision making about where the Spirit is leading us. The cost is $395 for the entire experience, which starts January 18 and ends just before Easter. For more information, reach out to us at epicentergroup.dc@gmail.com and flag your email with the word “Imagine.” (1.0 CEU offered.)
• Leading with Renewed Energy and Joy: a self-paced 30-day course starting January 3, led by Beth Estock. Beth’s critical question: how can we lead in a way that brings healing in an agitated world, even as we ourselves are stressed out? This course integrates the latest research on burnout, trauma and systems theory with Christian spirituality. Beth’s passion as a leadership coach is to help leaders embody their fullest potential. “Original insights, healing practices and actionable strategies will help to awaken you to your true vibrant self so that you can lead with increased strength.” Cost of $250 is 50% off through Dec. 7 – so just $125! https://transformativeleadership-177b.thinkific.com/courses/Resilience
• An 8-week adventure in Ignatian Contemplative Practice: an international group led by Rev. Jonathan Mead of London. This group will meet on consecutive Wednesdays, starting January 19, at 3 pm ET, 2 pm CT, noon PT. Space is limited and the experience is free. For more information, reach out to us at epicentergroup.dc@gmail.com and flag your email with the word “Ignatian.”
It is an exciting time to be alive! And also a time when a lot of us are wondering anew with our kids and grandkids – what do I want to be when I grow up? What business do I want to be in?? I am confident that the Spirit will help us discover some beautiful answers.
Blessings to each of you this liminal Advent season!
No comments:
Post a Comment