Generosity and Appreciation Lead to Greater Effectiveness
The effectiveness of an intervention is in direct proportion to the quality of the state of mind of the intervenor.”
– Otto Scharmer
- Selling Water By The River
- A Favorite Quote
- What I’m Watching; Two Films
- Half Day Meditation Retreat (Sunday, March 30th)
- Tassajara Workshop, A Zen Inspired Retreat (August 26 – 31)
“Selling water by the river” is an expression that pokes fun at ourselves for failing to recognize what is right in front of us, and can be a gentle reminder to ask yourself – what if nothing is missing? What if we begin from a place that we have what we need?
It’s easy to focus on the many problems of our lives and the world, to see only what is lacking, the numerous challenges and the gaps between the world we want and know is possible and the world we have. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routines; aiming to get to the next task or event and missing or not appreciating what is right in front of us.
As Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki suggests — practice (mindfulness practice and mindful leadership) is more like finding things, or discovering things in our sleeves and less like collecting things in our basket.
A variety of leaders that I’ve worked with over many years assume they need to be self-critical, judgmental, and be hard on themselves in order to get things done and to succeed. I often suggest, as an experiment, the practice of generosity, and kindness; “Instead of being critical explore being more generous and kind with yourself and see if this negativity impacts your productivity and effectiveness.” This is a lot like discovering that you are already in the stream you’ve been searching for.
The voice of self-criticism is part survival mechanism and part negativity bias. From an evolutionary perspective, scanning for threats, for what is missing, for what can go wrong is an essential quality.
It can be surprising to discover and experience that we are more effective when we begin from a place of acceptance and appreciation. It is a shift in attitude to envision what we want to accomplish without self-criticism and from a place of generosity.
We have more inner resources and can cultivate more possibilities when we are open, curious, and generous.
Practice:
Experiment with the phrase: Selling water by the river, as a reminder that despite all the of challenges and problems, it’s possible to appreciate being here, now, alive.
Explore the approach of finding and discovering, instead of only adding more things to your list of what needs to get done.
What might the practice of generosity look like in your work and life?
(Walking in Central Park, NYC)
A Favorite Quote:
The effectiveness of an intervention is in direct proportion to the quality of the state of mind of the intervenor.”
– Otto Scharmer
What I’m Watching
A Complete Unknown – I loved this film about the genius of Bob Dylan. Set against the backdrop of 1960s America, it follows Dylan’s rise from a wandering folk singer to a cultural icon.
Still Here – Powerful film about Brazil’s military dictatorship. Tells the story of those who resisted oppression and fought for justice.
Half-Day Meditation Retreat, Sunday, March 30th
In person in Mill Valley and online
Tassajara, Step Into Your Life Workshop, August 26 – 31
Come join me at Tassajara, Zen Mountain Center for a 5-day retreat. Together we’ll follow a gentle schedule of sitting and walking meditation, interspersed with talks and discussions from the wisdom of Zen teaching as we explore how these stories and dialogues may be utilized in our relationships, our work, and our lives.
Warmest regards,
Marc