A Self-Imposed Game Plan

Achieving mastery of the contemplative, vocationally driven life is certainly an effortful process. Which is why, in past generations, those drawn to vocation entered religious orders, whether they be Zen, Buddhist, Sufi, Native, Christian or whatever. There, away from the 'temptations" of "the world," the initiate could spend their time reflecting on the nature of humanity and "god," variously construed.

Such a "withdrawal from the world" is still an option today, either as a vocation or in terms of retreats. Indeed, The Phoenix Centre offers what we call "Weekend Residentials" for those who wish to focus in deeply, intimately and thoroughly. A weekend away, devoted to depth, bodywork and dialogue can work wonders. But most of us can only manage such "retreats" occasionally. What to do, what to do?

I suggest what I call a "self-imposed game plan."

What I mean is this: the organization you work for, as I mentioned in previous issues of Into the Centre, has as its goal making money. Pure and simple. Even social service agencies are, at some level, "bottom line" driven. Now, you may belong to a "Fast Company" that understands the spiritual / developmental needs of its employees, but no organization has this as its principal focus.

Therefore, while you are required, as an aspect of employment, to ascribe to the goals of your company, and to participate in their development of business, nothing prevents you from, also, fostering an environment of personal and corporate vocational development.

The key to this is to Plunge Ahead Slowly. In other words, I want to ask myself, as I make decisions, participate in the corporate culture and engage in the working through of corporate issues, "How can I depersonalize this activity?" Does that sound like a paradox? Good. It is.

One of the keys to mastery is the Buddhist concept of non-attachment. (There's a whole section about this in my book Living Life in Growing Orbits) Non-attachment is the relentless application of the mantra, "It's not personal. It's not about me."

Sure, others want to make it about you. Through blame. Through "reviews." Through manipulation and finger-pointing. The key, however, is to remind yourself that this is only effective if you assume that blaming, finger pointing and manipulation are actually tools that accomplish anything.

In other words, my game plan is to seek depth in my understanding of the true nature of life. People whose main occupation is to blame, to intimidate, may surround me. What I do with those who surround me will be governed, if I choose, not by them, but by me.

My approach, even though others don't "get it," is to breathe, stay centred in myself, and to remain curious. I will dedicate myself to asking questions meant to move past the games into greater depth. I will refrain from being drawn into "proving myself right." Instead, I will offer opportunities for dialogue and exploration of alternatives.

All of this is only possible through discipline. And the key discipline is to see, in simple terms, the wisdom of the idea, "And this too will pass."

More next week.

return to index

We use FeedBlitz to keep you informed. Every time I write a blog post, you get it by e-mail. Or Skype. Or by IM. Your choice.

Our blog is written with our mission in mind. Our goal is to help you to find meaning, purpose and depth. Our blog is always direct, always alive, and always committed to helping you find a rich and meaning-full life.

Your information is safe with us, and you can unsubscribe at any time.