Removing the creases from our chutes
Parachute jumpers follow a unique practice to hang their reserved chutes every once in 60 days for 24 hours to let the creases out, and get the life back into the material. What can we do to remove the mental creases that we have accumulated over the years of thinking? Relax, Reframe and Reimagine
Relax: Loosen physically and mentally
Reframe: Take a bigger perspective
Reimagine: Visualize a better future
“It’s very important that we re-learn the art of resting and relaxing. Not only does it help prevent the onset of many illnesses that develop through chronic tension and worrying; it allows us to clear our minds, focus, and find creative solutions to problems.” –
Thich Nhat Hanh, Spiritual Leader
Reason is not Rational
We have reasons for doing or being the way we are which may usually be to suit our convenience. It can be the very thing that makes us move away from rationality, principles, or even ethics.
There are valid reasons for talking over the phone while driving.
Enron had reasons to use special-purpose entities to hide debt off their balance sheet.
“So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.” – Benjamin Franklin
Having faith in people
Sometimes, it takes time for people to show their peak performance. In the recent India Vs South Africa match, Indian Captain shared what it meant to show patience for people to perform. “Even if the faith hadn’t been repaid (by Shreyas and Shami), I would have still stuck to them. We need to keep the trust.”
In the long run, a leader’s trust reverberates with the team giving their best when the situation demands.