More and more I am coming to realize that there can be no real leadership unless there is self-leadership, and that self-leadership can be one of the hardest and loneliness things to do, which is probably why so few people do it.
Like not letting anyone or anything affect you emotionally unless you let it, like saying no to what everyone else is saying yes to, like choosing long-term gratification over the instant hit right in front of you.
It is knowing that no one other than you is responsible for what is happening in your life right now and for what will happen, and that can be a damn lonely road to travel. Lonely, not lonesome, and still necessary.
But how do you still lead yourself at the end of the day, when you’re beat from a long day at work, feeling sore and bruised at the end of a hard day? How do you make yourself get up early in the morning, raring to go at another day?
I’ve discovered that there is no chance in hell you can lead yourself and others if you can not come from a place in yourself of inner strength. Like any muscle, inner strength comes from you working it day in and day out, and here’s a way for you to do just that.
Creating A Place of Power
Here’s the key: you must build feelings of inner power, strength and vitality inside of yourself daily, even when the world doesn’t give you a reason to. There is simply no other way; if you cannot create it before other people or circumstances do, in other words if you cannot lead with your own heart, mind and soul, then it just won’t happen.
So how do you do it? Here’s a modified visualization method my friend Eleutherios taught me, but which I’ve seen in varying formats elsewhere. I’ve found this supremely useful and it always works to get me smiling again at the end of a tough day.
1) Block out time. 5 to 10 minutes when you won’t be disturbed, switch off the phone and lock the door if you need to. Be certain that this is a special time you have set out for you and you only; think of it like setting an appointment with a very very important person.
2) Get comfortable, relax. Sit down comfortably and straight. Or lie down, symmetrically. Relax, but stay in good posture.
3) Close your eyes, and imagine yourself in a completely safe haven. Pick a place in your mind that resonates with you, real or imagined. This is your realm, your territory, you are completely safe here where you are the king. Get comfortable here, spend some time and make that space more and more real. Build detail and clarity, see, hear, feel, smell and even taste it.
Building Inner Strength & Power
4) Imagine a ball of pure, positive energy spinning above you. See it right above the top of your head, its immense vibrant energy compressing it on itself, getting denser and denser and stronger and stronger. This is a ball of pure positive power. Listen to it, what sound does it make? What color is it? Can you feel it swirling above you?
5) Absorb the ball into you through the top of your head, and feel powerful, vibrant positive energy soak into every cell of your being. Feel it as it moves through and fill your body from top to bottom, from your head, down to your chest, arms, stomach, your legs and your toes. Feel what it feels like to have your entire body, every single millimeter and tiny little cell be transformed to pure, positive energy. Soak in it, absorb it, and enjoy it.
6) Come back into the world, and bring the energy back with you. Feels good, doesn’t it? Open your eyes, and notice how you still feel as good. This is the sense of inner strength and power you can bring with you to the world, after whenever you choose to do this little meditation.
Create Places of Power
I know that some people have created places of power and sanctuary out here in the real world, in their homes, rooms where they have an altar, a meditation corner, or things that are important to them.
My next goal is to make my (too) long neglected room a place of power and sanctuary, with things that are dear to me and remind me of how far I have come.
If you’d like to do that but don’t have the means, I understand. So what little thing can you do to create more places of power for yourself?
May 16th, 2007 at 3:12 pm
I just started giving myself a short time of about 5 - 10 minutes for self-reflection and prayer before I sleep, with very light music at the background. It really feels very good, and allows me to know what else I can improve.
Takes quite a bit of discipline really, especially when I’m feeling really sleepy. Maybe I can test this ball of energy out too ha!
May 16th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
This is such a weird coincidence…I do the energy ball thingy too…in exactly the same way Alvin describe everyday.
Whenever I am training or coaching, I will also manifest positive energy as much as I can and project the energy in the space that we are all in.
I believe when we project positive energy, we open ourselves to receiving them easily as well.
Great post!!
May 17th, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Great post.
In fact this block out time is also mention in the Free Report by The Teacher in The Secret, which I have updated it in my blog.
This ball of positive power is new to me. I like to try it out and let you know how it works out for me. Cheers!
May 18th, 2007 at 2:21 am
True, all great leaders are able to draw strength from within. Good leaders make tough decisions, and making tough decisions can be a lonely thing to do. Most of those who you protect don’t know you are protecting them with your tough decisions! Good post.
May 18th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Almost all top executives I come across in my headhunting career have one thing in common: they make time to contemplate, meditate and recharge.
Inner strength that is harnessed as a result allows for appropriate detachment from emotions that are in the way of necessary mindfulness.
May 21st, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Great exercise to build inner strength and power! I’ve just tired it and it felt fab. Thanks for a new visualisation to add to my limitless development toolkit I am busy acquiring.
Love, light and abundance x x x
May 22nd, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I read this post a few days ago and when I try and absorb the energy ball, it doesn’t go past my head. I know, this sounds like a lame joke. But I do feel more uplifted when I’m done.
June 18th, 2007 at 1:01 pm
Bruce lee was killed by the american chempions like Chuck Norris , Bob Wall ………….
June 20th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Excellent article!
You cook really excellent “food” for enlightment!
2 James Coburn: It doesn’t matter. The way he gave us is immortal. Even his death/dissapearance has boosted attention of the publicity to his teachings.
And saying like “Karlos (Chuck) Norris has killed Lee” has no ground under the feet. Chuck really respected Lee and was his friend, he is one of the last persons, who could have done it. Besides Lee was NOT that stupid.