Our deepest calling is to grow more and more into our authentic self — this is the work of a leader — and constitutes the redefinition of past leadership models.
We are all called to leadership. Leaders consider this life precious and are thus willing to act deliberately in service to life. Moreover, leadership is an inward journey into the depths of what it means to be human.
Leadership is about being fully expressed, about being called to one’s greatness, and about having the courage to act in ways that are in alignment with one’s highest self. The world relies on each of us to heed the call of our heart. There is a divine unfolding of life to hear your personal calling, and the path of yoga can provide the tools to answer this call, and to live a life of possibility, passion and integrity. By liberating your own heart and stepping fully into your authenticity you inspire others to do the same — this is the new way of leadership.
– Coby Kozlowski
[It All Started with Joel]
This week, I resigned from a prestigious position at a well-known resort at probably the worst time of the year. You might say I broke- publicly and painfully. I feel bad for those I’ve let down. But, I realized that I wasn’t living my life, for whatever reason; that my life is indeed precious; and that there was no better time than now for me to explore my authentic awesomeness. You might also say that Hanuman forced me to take a leap of faith… again… Or that my Dad guides my way.
It’s interesting that the vision I championed in my former work was all about being inspired, about learning, and about serving the guests that came to our Green Mountain resort. “Be your authentic self… and be inspired!” But the world relies on each of us to heed the call of our heart. For me, it was time for me to take the next step in my authentic life of inspiring leadership, from my heart.
Part of adapting to a changing world is realizing that each of us changes too. We grow. We experience things. We learn. We adapt. If we view ourselves from the perspective that we are always the same, it can be harder to adapt as things change around us. If we view ourselves from the perspective that we are always changing, it can be easier to cope with external changing circumstances… and have success in finding our true selves.
We’re not who we used to be. We are who we are. And it is what it is. In our ever-changing life experiences and our constant growth and adaptation towards our authentic selves, we learn about who we are, we hear our own life’s calling, and we step into our own authenticity, leading others in the process. I learned a lot about myself this past year; it’s time to move forward and learn more.
I’m not who I used to be. It is important for me to look at the future with open eyes and an open heart… not based alone on what I can do based on previous experience and expertise… but based on my quest to grow in alignment with my highest self.
I always felt like snow sports provided me inspiration to be my higher self. Nowadays, there is something more heartfelt and sacred that inspires my current pursuit of an even higher self. It’s something to do with Oneness and the connectedness of a happier (and healthier) society and a sustainable planet.
It’s time for me to say to myself: “Celebrate impermanence. Live and learn. Step fully into your authentic awesomeness, inspire others with good intentions and a compassionate and joyous heart, and lead in a positive, dignified, and connected way!”