It is heart space for today’s leader. The silence and solitude that time so ill affords is paradoxically such a necessary component for the busy leader in demand. There is one thing for sure, a disquieted heart trembling with fear, stress and anxiety is not a good accompaniment for anyone with drive to succeed in their mission or calling of life.
s
I want to explore what it means to have personal mastery, spiritual peace, and relative enlightenment, within the context of silence and solitude. These two concepts are interwoven.
I want to explore what it means to have personal mastery, spiritual peace, and relative enlightenment, within the context of silence and solitude. These two concepts are interwoven.
s
Gordon MacDonald says we need to tend our inner garden, our inner world[1] – we need to get away from the noise of life, routinely and regularly. He tells of Mother Teresa’s famous quote, “God is the friend of silence.”[2] MacDonald says we need times of “rhythmic withdrawal.”[3] We don’t like it; we’re uncomfortable with silence and aloneness. But, we can “nurture silence” in our noisy hearts if we “value it, cherish it, and are eager to nourish it.”[4] To ‘reach’ this cherished “inner garden” of our souls takes at least fifteen minutes of resisting and fighting everything that will try to keep up from that goal.[5] It simply doesn’t feel good initially, and MacDonald even admits he’ll never adjust – it’ll be a lifetime struggle.
Gordon MacDonald says we need to tend our inner garden, our inner world[1] – we need to get away from the noise of life, routinely and regularly. He tells of Mother Teresa’s famous quote, “God is the friend of silence.”[2] MacDonald says we need times of “rhythmic withdrawal.”[3] We don’t like it; we’re uncomfortable with silence and aloneness. But, we can “nurture silence” in our noisy hearts if we “value it, cherish it, and are eager to nourish it.”[4] To ‘reach’ this cherished “inner garden” of our souls takes at least fifteen minutes of resisting and fighting everything that will try to keep up from that goal.[5] It simply doesn’t feel good initially, and MacDonald even admits he’ll never adjust – it’ll be a lifetime struggle.
s
Those who take a day out of their busy schedules once a week to restore, refresh, revive, and re-vitalise, will benefit enormously from it spiritually – along with spinoffs in physical, mental and emotional spheres of life. The benefits continue to grow over time. Using part of this day to have a “desert experience” of silence and solitude is the key. The Russians have a term for it. A ‘Poustinia’ is a small space, typically a cabin, used for prayer and fasting and silence before God. Catherine de Hueck Doherty says the following in her book of the same title, Poustinia:
Those who take a day out of their busy schedules once a week to restore, refresh, revive, and re-vitalise, will benefit enormously from it spiritually – along with spinoffs in physical, mental and emotional spheres of life. The benefits continue to grow over time. Using part of this day to have a “desert experience” of silence and solitude is the key. The Russians have a term for it. A ‘Poustinia’ is a small space, typically a cabin, used for prayer and fasting and silence before God. Catherine de Hueck Doherty says the following in her book of the same title, Poustinia:
S
“It seems strange to say, but what can help modern man find the answers to his own mystery and the mystery of him in whose image he is created, is silence, solitude – in a word, the desert [emphasis in original]. Modern man needs these things more than the hermits of old.”[6]
“It seems strange to say, but what can help modern man find the answers to his own mystery and the mystery of him in whose image he is created, is silence, solitude – in a word, the desert [emphasis in original]. Modern man needs these things more than the hermits of old.”[6]
S
We can transpose Doherty’s quote today very quickly and say post-modern people (being gender inclusive) have more of a need for silence and solitude than ever before. This is the key to healthy and balanced mental, emotional, and spiritual life. Never before has the world seemed more transient, more rushed, or more unsettled. Change is a feature of life in the 21st Century. It is often unwelcome, so we need a way of coping with it that’s sustainable.
We can transpose Doherty’s quote today very quickly and say post-modern people (being gender inclusive) have more of a need for silence and solitude than ever before. This is the key to healthy and balanced mental, emotional, and spiritual life. Never before has the world seemed more transient, more rushed, or more unsettled. Change is a feature of life in the 21st Century. It is often unwelcome, so we need a way of coping with it that’s sustainable.
S
Personal mastery through silence and solitude is the way to simultaneous healthy detachment and deep involvement. A leader needs to be involved with their people, but to be ‘most available’ they need to be able to ‘withdraw’ from the demands of life, and find that “cell” or quiet place to meditate and be alone. It can help in what Peter Senge[7] says is the critical step in the process of achieving personal mastery. “People committed to continually developing personal mastery practice some form of meditation.”[8]
Personal mastery through silence and solitude is the way to simultaneous healthy detachment and deep involvement. A leader needs to be involved with their people, but to be ‘most available’ they need to be able to ‘withdraw’ from the demands of life, and find that “cell” or quiet place to meditate and be alone. It can help in what Peter Senge[7] says is the critical step in the process of achieving personal mastery. “People committed to continually developing personal mastery practice some form of meditation.”[8]
S
Personal mastery is an amazing theory. It is the “discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively.”[9] In short, it is the ability to assimilate, work with, and acknowledge and accept truth, both personally and totally. Another way of putting it would be achieving maturity. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”[10] It is seeing the world for what it really is; and having an attitude of complete acceptance. We can’t achieve personal mastery without visiting the “cell” as Dave Fleming calls it.
Personal mastery is an amazing theory. It is the “discipline of continually clarifying and deepening our personal vision, of focusing our energies, of developing patience, and of seeing reality objectively.”[9] In short, it is the ability to assimilate, work with, and acknowledge and accept truth, both personally and totally. Another way of putting it would be achieving maturity. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”[10] It is seeing the world for what it really is; and having an attitude of complete acceptance. We can’t achieve personal mastery without visiting the “cell” as Dave Fleming calls it.
S
“Cell-less leaders” according to Fleming, do not make time for reflection.[11] In a role that must envision and plan for the future, it is critically important to use the past, and be able to reflect on it as a platform for the future. Leaders who are learners seek lessons from their past, from the environment of reflection. “Cell-less leaders” do not do this well, and this can have serious consequences for their key family and friendship relationships—those key personal support networks that are so foundationally vital in ensuring all bodes well, for the leader and all his/her subordinates. It is the family and key friendship relationships that suffer most when the leader doesn’t reflect – and this has the effect of rebounding onto the key leadership relationships with sub-ordinates.
“Cell-less leaders” according to Fleming, do not make time for reflection.[11] In a role that must envision and plan for the future, it is critically important to use the past, and be able to reflect on it as a platform for the future. Leaders who are learners seek lessons from their past, from the environment of reflection. “Cell-less leaders” do not do this well, and this can have serious consequences for their key family and friendship relationships—those key personal support networks that are so foundationally vital in ensuring all bodes well, for the leader and all his/her subordinates. It is the family and key friendship relationships that suffer most when the leader doesn’t reflect – and this has the effect of rebounding onto the key leadership relationships with sub-ordinates.
s
The “Cell” is also required to help keep the heart pure and unadulterated from the more poisonous influences of life. A healthy “cell” life provides both flexibility and vigilance (diligence), so that the delicate balance can be maintained and we can continue in spiritual wakefulness.[12] The truth is the “shallow me doesn’t want the rest of me to discover that the shallow me is an illusion that must be evacuated.”[13] The process of the Poustinia or the Cell is necessary; vital in reconciliation with self. Fleming says, as MacDonald indicated earlier, the “stark cell” forces us to “continue in the inevitable discomfort it brings [then we will have] the courage to let go of the illusion.”[14]
The “Cell” is also required to help keep the heart pure and unadulterated from the more poisonous influences of life. A healthy “cell” life provides both flexibility and vigilance (diligence), so that the delicate balance can be maintained and we can continue in spiritual wakefulness.[12] The truth is the “shallow me doesn’t want the rest of me to discover that the shallow me is an illusion that must be evacuated.”[13] The process of the Poustinia or the Cell is necessary; vital in reconciliation with self. Fleming says, as MacDonald indicated earlier, the “stark cell” forces us to “continue in the inevitable discomfort it brings [then we will have] the courage to let go of the illusion.”[14]
S
This brings in with it the principle of shalom. It can be variously defined as peace, abundance, and wellbeing — all of which are signs of the good life lived in harmony with God and God’s creation.[15] Further, shalom is worldly order, or better, universal order. God has set up an order and a ‘shalom,’ which is easily disturbed—“a balance that can be upset.”[16] The goal is congruence and knowledge of that which is not good so it can be safely discarded. At once, shalom is achieved.
This brings in with it the principle of shalom. It can be variously defined as peace, abundance, and wellbeing — all of which are signs of the good life lived in harmony with God and God’s creation.[15] Further, shalom is worldly order, or better, universal order. God has set up an order and a ‘shalom,’ which is easily disturbed—“a balance that can be upset.”[16] The goal is congruence and knowledge of that which is not good so it can be safely discarded. At once, shalom is achieved.
S
Assuming the value of silence and solitude is incontrovertible, let us focus more clearly on this concept of personal mastery. It’s been said that it is the ‘creative tension’ between the current reality and the vision the person holds for the future.[17] The vision draws us from the present situation toward the perceived goal. This is a passionate commitment to growth by “learning how to generate and sustain creative tension in our lives.”[18] Senge believes that meditative practices can augment productivity of the subconscious mind.
Assuming the value of silence and solitude is incontrovertible, let us focus more clearly on this concept of personal mastery. It’s been said that it is the ‘creative tension’ between the current reality and the vision the person holds for the future.[17] The vision draws us from the present situation toward the perceived goal. This is a passionate commitment to growth by “learning how to generate and sustain creative tension in our lives.”[18] Senge believes that meditative practices can augment productivity of the subconscious mind.
S
No one can quantify the power of established personal mastery. It is basically unlimited in what it offers the person who can embrace the principle of maintaining the creative tension required. It’s the ability to create the future direction toward the main goal and have knowledge of the gap, its size and design, whilst having the ability to ‘get there.’ That’s enough to fight for more of it. It’s a sure process in the achievement of your most desired goals.
No one can quantify the power of established personal mastery. It is basically unlimited in what it offers the person who can embrace the principle of maintaining the creative tension required. It’s the ability to create the future direction toward the main goal and have knowledge of the gap, its size and design, whilst having the ability to ‘get there.’ That’s enough to fight for more of it. It’s a sure process in the achievement of your most desired goals.
S
To summarise, the key is to:
- Find time and the place to meditate or reflect in silence and solitude;
To summarise, the key is to:
- Find time and the place to meditate or reflect in silence and solitude;
S
This is to:
- Continually clarify and deepen your personal vision or goals – make a choice to search for those things that are really important to you;
This is to:
- Continually clarify and deepen your personal vision or goals – make a choice to search for those things that are really important to you;
- Focus energy;
- Develop patience in the midst of trying circumstances; and
- See reality objectively – to be fully aware of the moment you’re in.
S
© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
S
[1] Gordon MacDonald, Ordering Your Private World, Updated Edition, (Highland Books, Surrey, 1985, 2003), p. 170.
[2] Quote originally from Malcolm Muggeridge, Something Beautiful for God, (Image, Garden City, NY, 1977), p. 48, in MacDonald, Ibid, p. 171.
[3] MacDonald, Ibid, p. 171.
[4] Quote originally from Wayne E. Oates, Nurturing Silence in a Noisy Heart, (Doubleday, Garden City, NY, 1979), p. 3, in MacDonald, Ibid, p. 173.
[5] MacDonald, Ibid, p. 173.
[6] Catherine de Hueck Doherty. Poustinia: Christian Spirituality of the East for Western Man. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1975. Revised edition with new subtitle: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude, and Prayer. Combermere, ONT: Madonna House, 2000. Quote available: http://www.hermitary.com/bookreviews/doherty.html
[7] Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, (Doubleday, NY, 1990, 1994).
[8] Senge, Ibid, p. 164.
[9] Quote is direct from Senge’s book but without page reference. Available online at: http://www.rtis.com/nat/user/jfullerton/review/learning.htm.
[10] 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV).
[11] Dave Fleming, Leadership Wisdom from Unlikely Voices, (Emergent Youth Specialties Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2004), p. 45f.
[12] Fleming, Op cit, p. 45.
[13] Fleming, Ibid, p. 57.
[14] Fleming, Ibid, p. 57.
[15] Paul E. Koptak, The NIV Application Commentary: Proverbs, (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2003), p. 122.
[16] Koptak, Ibid, p. 155.
[17] http://www.rtis.com/nat/user/jfullerton/review/learning.htm.
[18] Senge, Op cit, p. 142.
[1] Gordon MacDonald, Ordering Your Private World, Updated Edition, (Highland Books, Surrey, 1985, 2003), p. 170.
[2] Quote originally from Malcolm Muggeridge, Something Beautiful for God, (Image, Garden City, NY, 1977), p. 48, in MacDonald, Ibid, p. 171.
[3] MacDonald, Ibid, p. 171.
[4] Quote originally from Wayne E. Oates, Nurturing Silence in a Noisy Heart, (Doubleday, Garden City, NY, 1979), p. 3, in MacDonald, Ibid, p. 173.
[5] MacDonald, Ibid, p. 173.
[6] Catherine de Hueck Doherty. Poustinia: Christian Spirituality of the East for Western Man. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 1975. Revised edition with new subtitle: Encountering God in Silence, Solitude, and Prayer. Combermere, ONT: Madonna House, 2000. Quote available: http://www.hermitary.com/bookreviews/doherty.html
[7] Peter Senge, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, (Doubleday, NY, 1990, 1994).
[8] Senge, Ibid, p. 164.
[9] Quote is direct from Senge’s book but without page reference. Available online at: http://www.rtis.com/nat/user/jfullerton/review/learning.htm.
[10] 1 Corinthians 13:11 (NKJV).
[11] Dave Fleming, Leadership Wisdom from Unlikely Voices, (Emergent Youth Specialties Books, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2004), p. 45f.
[12] Fleming, Op cit, p. 45.
[13] Fleming, Ibid, p. 57.
[14] Fleming, Ibid, p. 57.
[15] Paul E. Koptak, The NIV Application Commentary: Proverbs, (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2003), p. 122.
[16] Koptak, Ibid, p. 155.
[17] http://www.rtis.com/nat/user/jfullerton/review/learning.htm.
[18] Senge, Op cit, p. 142.
S
This article is also featured on EzineArticles at: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=990726
No comments:
Post a Comment