Standing Up - What's Really Needed if we want Change that Lasts.

I’m not a political activist. But I am an Inner Fitness advocate. Not only because l believe whole-heartedly that the stability and strength of our mental-emotional state is the foundation for enacting sustainable social change, but because this is where I can best use my experience and skillset to serve.

And although I do not support the USA's current leadership, I’m also not anti-republican. I’m more progressive in nature and consider what each party's candidate has to offer, as well as their character traits and how they plan to deliver it. The manner in which something is achieved and the person leading it, is just as important to me as the end result itself. What Donald Trumps re-election reflects and the deeper-seated reasons I sense contributed, are not what’s most important right now. What we do next is. As well as how we do it. Standing up for what we value is one surely one way of resisting what Trump represents. But there's an additional way I believe would have longer-lasting affects, if we had enough people on board. So this is a brief description of what I sense is needed, if we want to see sustainable or lasting social change while advocating for (and fostering) healthier democracy. 

A 30,000 foot view 

Stepping out of the specifics of politics and looking through a wider angled 'lens', I understand that a lot people want to be heard, stand up for their values, contribute to change and make a difference. And we all have the ability to do that, even in small ways. 

But as we raise our voice and take those passionate actions, do you know how much is effectively contributing to lasting and sustainable change, and how much is simply offloading our own emotional distress in ways that are perhaps less productive? 

Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes yelling, protesting or shaking our fist as we passionately proclaim or defend something can have an effect. Redirecting an abundance of emotional energy can be productive. For a moment. 

Being a herald can get much-needed attention, abruptly interrupt an old pattern and cause someone to pause. And it can inspire and motivate people too. And maybe that’s enough to get things rolling. But then what? 

Although we hesitate to admit it, most of us know deep down that difficult conversations, challenging dialogue and collaborative planning need to take place for any lasting change to happen. And those difficult conversations, challenging dialogues and collaborative plans yield the most sustainable results, when they come from people whose mental-emotional states are centered, agile and able to think flexibly. That doesn’t mean upsets won’t happen. Oh they will. But they resolve more quickly as emotions rise, but don't escalate.. and then quickly return to center. 

What’s needed 

So yes, we need the disruptors, the attention-grabbers and those who passionately inspire people to pause and take notice. And we have many of them, for which I am grateful.  

And we also need people skilled in communication and more solid in their mental-emotional foundation. 

Said differently, we need both Heralds and Warriors, both disruptors and change-makers. Which are you? Did you know it's possible to be both? 

It’s possible to disruptively challenge, passionately inspire and get much-needed attention….while also following it up with action that contributes to longer-lasting results. 

It’s possible to vocalize upset and protect our values, while also working within our sphere of influence to contribute to lasting change, using the skills we have. 

How we contribute doesn’t need to grandiose or even have direct impact. Lasting change of any kind is a layer by layer process. So what you do at any level, in any way is important. No matter what your skillset is.

And we can learn to be both candid and respectful as we do it. We don't have to get it right 100% of the time. But it does require a mental-emotional foundation that can support the task. And that's something we all can build up ourselves. 

Parting thoughts

I understand that the idea of being both 'Herald' and 'Warrior' can seem a bit daunting. It takes effort to develop our Inner Fitness. And sometimes being a Herald, inspiring meaningful action and being disruptive...well, it can take a bit less effort, especially if that’s all we’ve ever known or done. Plus, it kinda feels good too, right? For a moment at least. Like we took a powerful action. Because we did! 

But will that powerful momentary action be enough long-term? 

Maybe for some things. And maybe for a while. But the ‘feel-good’ that really LASTS comes from standing on that gap between Herald and Warrior, implementing one, while developing the other and creating something completely new along the way.

Whichever you are, I’m grateful for both your voice or your action as long as it's helpful, unifying and an expression of your core values. And if you’d like to explore what it takes to be both, stick around and check out what we do here. Inner Fitness is what we work to cultivate in our community.

This month’s issue of The Connection Depot goes out on Sunday. In it, we'll cover What to Say when you have a ‘Big Ask’ or have a big request to make of  our co-workers, partners or family members. And how to handle it while maintaining respect, collaboration and connection. Although we talk about smaller scale interactions in this relationships community, it’s a step that supports larger-scale application. I hope you join us.

---

Come join us at the Connection Depot!

We share immediately usable tips and strategies from our own relational success, so you can see faster gains in yours! You're invited to a part of our community here.

---

The Human Infusion Project is a grassroots, not-for-profit personal development platform that draws from the combined fields of modern brain science, applied psychology and select spiritual philosophy. Our mission aims to augment and supplement the work of professional practitioners in simplified, practical ways, and to give clients an affordable home program they can use in between sessions. 100% of all online class profit funds the Wellness Assistance Grant. If financial constraints limit your participation, please contact me and we'll work something out.