Today, Wednesday, July 27, marks the completion of the first three days of “Developing Leadership in a Time of Transition.” During orientation on Monday, I highlighted the three dynamics undergirding the course design. These are: KNOWING (the contextual study sessions), DOING (the civic engagement work), and BEING (community life and reflections on one’s “interior” journey during morning and evening meals). Together, these create the crucial pieces of a holistic learning community.
I have long been aware of the importance of giving self-conscious attention to all three themes. However, walking one’s talk is something entirely different! This is especially true in regards to solitary reflections on the interior life. I always seem to have other more “important” work to do that then excuses my lapses. It, therefore, has been very refreshing to be a part of a disciplined community that has set aside designated time for solitary reflection everyday. The evening journaling activity has especially been a treat. First, it allows me to review activities of the day. Most often, in the absence of journaling, I simply forget most of it. Second, journaling allows me to reflect upon the experiences. What did I find pleasing, what was distressing, what was truly important, and what was merely in the realm of routine (regardless of how necessary). Finally, it enables me to think more deeply about lessons learned and helps me to discern insights that I might otherwise miss.
For example, it was during yesterday’s journaling exercise that I began to “think through” a response to a stressful situation that is currently being experienced by some ICA staff members. Writing in my journal, I came to realize that an overt effort to quickly solve the problem was misguided. The starting point, I concluded, was to find a helpful way of enabling people to affirm what’s happened: though life is always stressful, everyone has an option to embrace it “joyfully” or to sink into debilitating “anger” about it. Being existentially clear about this truth is the key for finding a way forward on the problem. I found myself being very grateful for being part of a community that requires time spent on solitary reflection. Which raises an interesting question: What am I going to do when this program ends and students return to Oklahoma?!
