playing a macro violin

"I choose to risk my significance; to live so that which came to me as seed goes to the next as blossom and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit," writes Dawna Markova.

This choice then: To get out of the way. Giving my best to what comes to me. To go with what seeks to unfold. Let go. No attachment. A courageous sensing of what is real about me, others, this world. Humility, empathy, attentiveness.

One virus shows how non-significant we are. Yet how much we can contribute for our flourishing. A paradox for leadership.* Lao Tzu has said that "a leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."

It seems apt. And scary too. No pride, fame, reputation, praise, no labels into identity. We like significance. But letting go sets us free. Even as we show up.

Meditation teacher Jesse Maceo-Vega Frey asks "to get more and more at ease with the imperfections of ourselves and the world and the folly and ignorance at the root of trying to control everything, everyone — including ourselves." But even that practice will give us nothing. "And that nothing will be an unfathomable relief," he says. (Deep breath here.)

Non-significance: It's about perspective, generosity. A way of being. Open to awe, understanding interconnectedness, awareness of our utter impermanence. Giving up story. Heart at peace. Meeting ourselves in this one reality, a stillness.

This as an art of leadership? It really is such a paradox. Per chance to dream. Reimagining our world. 

When asked to speak of key moments, the violinist Miha Pogacnikkey recalled his first concert in Chartres. “I felt that the cathedral almost kicked me out. ‘Get out with you!’ she said. For I was young and I tried to perform as I always did: by playing my violin. But I realized that in Chartres you actually cannot play your small violin. You have to play the ‘macro violin.’ The macro violin is the whole cathedral that surrounds you. Playing the macro violin requires you to listen and to play from another place, from the periphery. You have to move your listening and playing from within to beyond yourself.”*


A broad definition for leadership: "A leader is anyone who is moving intentionally toward a commitment of some sort." (adapted from the author Doug Silsbee.)

mind at peace conrad-ziebland | unsplash.jpg

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