The Leader Within

The day of Barak Obama’s inauguration, as the first African-American president, was magical.  There was such a spirit of excitement, of openness, willingness to reach across differences and unite in love and support of one another in recognition of our oneness. 

As I watched the days’ events, I reflected on soul purpose and leadership.  At my dear friend’s house we watched the Inaugural concert from the Sunday before, dancing around in celebration with our children. In between songs, inspiring quotes from our previous nations’ leaders were spoken.  Words that called us to greatness and examples of leaders who strove to live this.  Leaders who believed in possibility, and who, even when limited mindsets prevailed, rose above this to be beacons and challenge humanity to assume their greatness. 

One such beacon, Martin Luther King Jr., allowed his light to shine brightly and it continues to shine and inspire us to this day. And now, Obama, gracious keeper of the dream, allows us to project all of our longing for hope and justice onto him.  He knows many see him as a “savior,” but he continues to wisely remind us that he cannot do it alone. He is simply one man, and his life and the life of all of those courageous leaders before him, call us not to simply follow their lead but, to find the leader within us.

Within us is the truth seeker, the courageous truth teller, the steadfast holder of virtue and justice, the shining light that is God and greatness in all of us.  There is such a tendency to shrink back into smallness.  On a daily basis, we can get triggered into woundedness;  a squabble here, a power struggle there, where we disconnect from our true nature. But beyond and even within all of this, there is the opportunity for greatness.  The opportunity to step back and say, “No more smallness, there is more that is enduring. I will reconnect to love. I will surrender and walk in greatness.”  Not personal or ego greatness, but rather a surrender to the greatness that is;  allowing the greatness of Spirit to flow through you, to bring forth the brighter and peaceful world that we are capable of manifesting.  A greatness we can scarcely imagine, but for which we can be a vehicle.  I imagine that Dr. King did not know how far reaching his impact would be, but rather simply followed Spirit's lead day by day.

So as I recall and witness such triumphant journeys, I am reminded to see my own journey as a sacred call to great leadership. My spirit is always calling me to live deeper, to extend myself beyond the comfort of my home and family, to reach out and make a difference, to stay connected to myself and my place in humanity.  To live simply, with kindness, compassion, courage and integrity in every moment. 

This inauguration day sings to me that anything is possible.  Anything is possible! All of our impulses, all of our spirit leanings are there for a reason and our job is not to talk ourselves out of them, to get lost in misdirection, or the distractions of the day. Rather to hold steadfast to the beauty that we all have within, to celebrate it, to surrender to it and shine this light, this goodness, this hope for all. 

We must see our presence here not simply as a personal gift, but a gift to the world.  And to recognize that our daily choice to live in smallness or light is a choice that has greater repercussions.  We can choose to be leaders in any moment, holders of light and possibility, or we can allow the status quo to remain within and without.

Simple acts like staying at the front of the bus, or helping a friend in need, have changed history. As we surrender to Spirit and allow ourselves to be guided by greatness, we are part of the illumination and loving transformation of our soul and the world.