2. Presence: We lend our undivided attention through deep listening to others.

Presence is the most important gift we can give to one another. It is the gift to witness each others lives, to see others in all of their glory. It creates the glue that binds us together. I think of it as social glue, which can foster a sense of deep belonging.  Whatever our relationship with another is, presence holds the key to connection; presence gives the other person the experience of our essence. In it we can hear and validate another's existence, feelings, notions, and their worth. We don't have to agree or disagree, we can just listen and very importantly - suspend judgment. We don't even have to respond when they pause, instead we can calmly wait for them to begin speaking again, and breathe.

True presence looks like a mindfulness meditation, where the other person becomes the precious object of that meditation. We can begin by setting an intention, asking ourselves the question, "who will listen to this person?" and then answer with a resounding, "I will!"

When we listen to another mindfully, we can set aside and turn-off the electronics. We can calm our breath making it slow and steady. We can free our mind from distractions, setting aside our own scattered thoughts. We can listen to the words and what is beyond the words. What is beyond the words includes the music of their voice as well as the enchanting dance of their facial and body expressions. We can acknowledge them with our own non-verbal expressions and short encouraging phrases like: I understand, go on, mmm etc. being especially careful not to interrupt their flow.

When we can bring ourselves completely into that moment with another, we give others what we all want most: a deep, undeniable connection with another person.

The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for - Mother Teresa

Why are our Future Generations Important?

Future Generations: We seek to be consistently aware of the consequences of our action on others.

This is directly related to our mission: to help make the world a better place for our great grandchildren by serving the spirit of leadership arising in all of us.

One might pose the question: Are those who are alive in 2016 responsible for any future beings welfare? There are many perspectives on this question. I'd like to explore two at this present moment.

First:  As each of my own children mature into adulthood and assume responsibility for their own lives, it's admittedly hard to let go and let them make their own decisions without the temptation to butt in. In that case, it’s not my responsibility, so I stay out of it unless asked. So in a real sense, many of us have faced this perspective in our own lifetimes. Second: Another perspective deals with a more pertinent question, which is a question about the condition of our planet, society, environment, economics, etc. Are we doing the right thing by future generations when they are left with: massive, national debts; environmental catastrophes, millions unable to provide the basics survival needs for themselves and their families; an over-populated world; the remnants and resentments of endless wars? Is this the inheritance we wish to leave for our future loved ones?  And, do we have a choice? Are there other options?

I had the good fortune to experience scouting as a young boy. One of the camping practices that we learned is called "Leave-No-Trace", which is the idea that when you have used a campsite one should leave it in BETTER condition than how it was found. Since I was a child, I have been wondering why Leave-No-Trace practices doesn't apply to our relationship with the whole world. I have wondered why it does not apply to the manner in which we regard and treat any worldly resource that may be a necessity for future generations. For example, if we cut down a tree we could plant two or more. This stewardship-oriented ideal may reflect the widespread interest in the notion of sustainability at all levels: environmental, social, economic, business, and energy to name a few.

Perhaps, humankind is genetically and socially programmed to dominate, conquer, and exploit resources. I can see that at the dawn of human existence how that might be a useful quality. However in 2016, like the aggression of a cancerous growth, this self-centric quality has long out-lived its usefulness as the dominating mode of operation in my humble opinion.

For me, the beginning of a solution starts with conscious leadership, which is an inside job. Why is it an inside job? We must develop the skill and wherewithal to lead and master our own drives so that we can lead others to do the same. Potentially, we all may fall victim to the unconscious urging of genetic and social pressure. For me, conscious leadership is about enhancing our awareness of these urges so that we may be empowered to do what's right as opposed to what's easy. <to be continued>

To the highest leadership among women it is given to hold steadily in one hand the sacred vessels that hold the ancient sanctities of life, and in the other a flaming torch to light the way for oncoming generations. Anna Garlin Spencer

©2016 Bruce Wayne McLellan