Waking Up to the Illusion

"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." ~Albert Einstein

So much of what we're taught growing up points to one true reality. The idea that reality is what it is and humans interpret it based on ingrained beliefs, values and moods. In other words, our mind works like a camera, it takes a picture of what it sees and we then interpret that picture based on internal factors.

This is where the concept of positive thinking comes from. A difficult person is difficult, however we can respond to that difficulty in a myriad of ways and that depends on our capacity to respond rather than react. This at its core suggests that the mechanics of personal reality work from the outside in.

I don’t agree.

While the emphasis on choice, is better than seeing ourselves as victims of circumstance, we construct our reality moment to moment. It works from an inside out and not from the outside in.

Reality is subjective. What we see is entirely based on our projection, not our interpretation. I remember walking on the beach in Costa Rica a few years back. It was early morning, the sun was low, surfers were splashing around in the water and kids were playing and giggling on the sand. As I walked down the long sandy beach, I basked in the beauty of nature. I heard the chirping of birds and the crashing of the waves. I felt the warm sun on my face and the damp sand on my toes. Reality in the moment was a beautiful paradise and I its most grateful recipient. A moment later I received a call and I became frustrated, my reality changed in an instance. Everything on the outside remained the same, but my experience of it changed entirely. Sometimes that happens without an interruption, a simple unpleasant thought arises and my reality transforms in an instance.

Waking up to this illusion is the most freeing of experiences.

We begin to see that we are only ever one thought away from a whole new experience of life.

This realization is particularly powerful in the realm of leadership. As leaders, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of thoughts about past decisions and future strategies. We create an illusory world that disconnects us from the reality of what's happening right now. But what if we could wake up to the power of the present moment?

Imagine leading from a place of presence, where you're not trapped in a mental fog of rumination or anxiety. Instead, you're fully engaged with the unfolding of life, beautifully harmonizing your actions and emerging events as they happen. This is what what is core to mindful leadership.

When we embrace this approach, remarkable transformations occur. The constant pressure of anticipating future problems dissipates. Challenges are dealt with as they arise, often with greater clarity and creativity. We gain access to clearer insights and more concise ideas. Our emotional intelligence skyrockets as we become more present with our team members. And our minds, free from constant chatter, open up to innovative solutions.

But how do we cultivate this mindful leadership?

It starts with practice. Regularly bringing our attention to the here and now, especially during meetings and interactions. It means embracing mindful listening, giving our full, undivided attention to team members when they speak. It involves cultivating self-awareness, regularly checking in with our own thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.

As leaders, we have the power to transform not only our own experience but also the culture of our entire organization. By waking up to the richness of each moment, we can lead with greater authenticity, resilience, and impact.

"A man will be imprisoned in a room with a door that's unlocked and opens inwards; as long as it does not occur to him to pull rather than push." ~Ludwig Wittgenstein

This quote beautifully captures the essence of the illusion we can wake up to. So often, we push against the door of our perceived reality, not realizing that the key to freedom lies in simply understanding how things work. As leaders, when we wake up to the illusion of our thought-created world and embrace the present moment, we unlock a door to a new realm of leadership potential. We stop thinking about our leadership and start truly living it, moment by moment, in perfect harmony with the unfolding dance of life.