As I indicated in my previous blog, a major contribution to the creation of Global Leadership came from my experience as an Earthwatch volunteer at Arid Recovery in the remote South Australian desert.
I have long felt an affinity for this country, having spent my early childhood not far away in Woomera and wandered with my sister on the gibber plains and clay pans near our home.
Today, whenever I think of this land I experience a calm and reflective feeling. Images of never-ending horizons, deep red sand, the brilliant red and black faces of Sturt Desert Peas, and ever-changing sunsets form clearly in my mind.
As this experience occurs, no matter where I am, I notice a change in my physical being. I feel ‘grounded’ and connected, both to the land and to what it offers, even though I may be far away from the country I am recalling. My mind also seems clearer and less cluttered, providing clarity of thought, innovative ideas and broader perspectives.
This effect of the land seems to have been with me from an early age. Yet, as I was growing up I often dismissed it as reminiscing or daydreaming, telling myself I had better get back to the real world. As an adult I started to see and appreciate the benefit of what this really was, that is, to be present in the moment. I realised this experience facilitates levels of greater insight and awareness into what is happening both to me and around me, and I make wiser decisions as a result.
Interestingly enough, when we speak to those who live and work in this environment, such as Frank and Sue in Alice Springs or Kylie Piper and her team at Arid Recovery, they recall and confirm similar feelings and experiences. So it isn’t just my imagination! In fact, we often see a wry and contented smile appear when these conversations happen, almost as if they were saying, “Now you get why we are here in this amazing country”.
To be honest, there is a ‘healing’ quality in this experience as well – a renewal of mind, heart and body. Whilst that may seem somewhat ethereal in the context of a leadership blog, it is definitely something I wouldn’t be without. It is also something that those of us who work in remote environments have identified as critical to the way in which we lead and engage others.
In forming Global Leadership Foundation, Malcolm and I knew that building wisdom and appreciation into the leadership journeys we offered would make a significant difference to the lives of others – individuals, organisations and communities. Who would have imagined that 10 years later the gift of the Eastern Arrentre Leadership Experience would provide a direct link to this opportunity as well as reconfirming the initial affinity with country I experienced all those years ago.
Gayle
Global Leadership Foundation are proud to offer a new leadership experience in 2013 which will take leaders to the Eastern Arrernte region, east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. For four days you will learn how Indigenous beliefs, practices and connection with land and spirit can support personal and professional challenges and renew and reinvigorate our perspectives of ourselves and others. Full details are available here.
Deep and beautiful in spirit, Gayle.
Rob