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EL2 Project: Community Garden

Be Mindful. A Storm is Approaching.

Feeling frustrated with Emerging Leaders? Uncertain what the future holds? Not sure where you fit in and what your role is?

You may be experiencing similar reactions and feelings as everyone. And you're part of everyone.

Experienced group members welcome conflict. It is an indication that something needs attention. Without attention, that thing sparking the conflict might break down the group. Conflict is normal, inevitable, and manageable. Welcome conflict. It means your group is moving into meaningful territory where people want to feel that what they do matters. Frustration comes when fears arise that we may not get along, that we might fail, that this might be challenging, that this may take time, and so on.

How a mindful person might experience a storm

Understanding the inevitability of a storming phase of group work, a person might anticipate and recognize it when it comes. When conflict emerges, rather than digging in or avoiding it, a mindful person might strive to remain open and curious to the tension. The rush to “make it go away” would be experienced as “I’m really uncomfortable with the tension that is building in the room right now. I wonder what that’s about?” The rush is accepted as a normal reaction to be understood, rather than an impulse to be acted upon. A mindful person might consider how they feel when an alternative proposal is presented that is different from their own. There may be a lesson in that reflection that one does not have the opportunity to experience everyday.

Are things moving slowly? Seems so. Does that mean this will take time? Yes. Is that something you anticipated? Notice your reaction.

What was it like for you when structure was established for the second meeting? Did you feel any pressure or tension building? How did you react to it? What was that tension about? Rising expectations? Increased accountability? Pending confrontation? Rules!? What can you learn from these experiences and your reactions to them?

How do you respond when you experience frustration over something not happening as quickly as you'd like? What does it feel like when thoughts cross your mind that you might not get "your way?" A mindful person will approach these questions with curiosity, openness, and acceptance. This is learning by doing on another level. Experiencing the external and seeking to understand it by truly experiencing it internally as well.

Emerging Leaders is a group. Groups storm. Emerging Leaders offers you the gift of conflict and tension. Keep breathing. It will be okay.