I’ve been blessed this summer – a trip to France to visit Hetty, fun at a new festival, time with family visiting my roots in Ireland and plenty of sea swimming.
And yet…. I’ve noticed a tendency when I return from these trips to race towards the next thing rather than savouring what I’ve just experienced. Even worse, when I’m away I find myself taking photos to record my holiday as a substitute for being genuinely present, subconsciously telling myself I’ll absorb the experience when I’m back home showing the pics to my friends.
So much of modern life encourages us to consume more; the addiction of the infinite scroll, the KPIs and stretch goals that get ratcheted up as soon we’ve hit the target – reaching for the next thing rather than truly receiving what’s here now.
When working with clients and colleagues, one of the biggest gifts we can bring is to be truly present. We have more capacity to be present when we allow ourselves to be nourished by our positive experiences, rather than racing through life to get to the next goal.
Recently on a trip to a gorgeous beach in Suffolk, I deliberately left my phone behind and challenged myself to truly look at the beauty around me – taking in the details as an artist would. It was SO much more satisfying than snapping away and adding yet more to my camera roll.
Leadership isn’t just about having a vision – it’s as much about the culture you create and your ability to bring out the best in others.
So, next time you’re having a nourishing experience, put down your phone, park your mental load and let yourself truly absorb the experience. What are you seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling, feeling? Our senses are the gateway to being fully present and counteracting the mental chatter. Let yourself smell the roses!