‘There’s a crack, a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in’

Leonard Cohen

Letting in the light

As we leave January behind and turn the page on the month, we welcome the coming of Spring as we spot the first snowdrops emerging. We notice the days are a little longer - the light is returning.

Some of us may mark this time through observing the feast of Candlemas or the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc . Both celebrate the transition between midwinter and spring. They offer us an invitation to let the light in and relish signs of growth. This practice of turning toward the light can offer us moments of illumination.

So it is in our leadership. In my coaching sessions leaders and I often talk about stepping back, and using our torch beam of attention to shed light on areas where we may feel stuck. We then practise swapping our torch beam for a search light giving ourselves the opportunity to see an issue from a broader perspective, to let in a little more light and spaciousness. This can give us a moment in which we can step back with curiosity asking 'what else may be true here?’, or 'how might this look and feel to the other person?'.

Dr. Rick Hanson tells us that we can perceive information in two ways - allocentric and egocentric.  Habitually we tend to look at things close up and personal thinking ‘it’s all about me’ - that's egocentric perception. What we can learn through mindfulness, is to practice allocentric perception. This practice opens us up to the bigger picture, the wider horizon and helps us realise that we are part of a greater whole. We can become more aware that there are multiple views of a situation. We let the light in and see a range of possibilities.

When we are mindful our perception can move beyond the simple act of observing. It can bring a heightened awareness of the mental filters through which we view the world. Our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape the lens through which we interpret our surroundings. By acknowledging and understanding this process, we gain the ability to shift our focus from surface-level appearances and start to see deeper underlying truths.

When we practice in this way our leadership becomes more authentic and wiser. We are more present to the world as it is. How might we use this time of the light returning to illuminate our own perception and deepen our presence?

Here’s how mindfulness can help.

The practice of mindful seeing

Why not try some of these practices to strengthen your allocentric perception and bring a little more light and spaciousness into your day?

Come to your senses
Yes, quite literally come to your senses by using your senses. Broaden your awareness of the space around you by taking a moment to notice the sights, smells, sounds and interplay of light and shadow within your surroundings. Bring a sense of spaciousness into how you perceive what’s around you.

Cultivate your curiosity
Approach moments that matter work with a sense of curiosity and wonder, as if seeing the world through the eyes of a child. Allow yourself to explore what's happening without an agenda or expectation. Allow yourself to move into the space of possibility.

Practice being non-judgmental
Release the impulse to judge or analyse what's happening. Instead, adopt an attitude of acceptance and non-judgmental awareness, allowing each moment to unfold exactly as it is. Be open to learning asking yourself 'what is this moment is trying to teach me?'

Cultivate the art of gratitude
Practicing gratitude shifts our focus. It redirects our attention from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in our lives. When we notice and deliberately name the green shoots of kindness, positivity and potential in others, this shifts our perception even in challenging situations. Gratitude helps us train our minds to illuminate the goodness around us.

With thanks to Andrew Housley from whom I learned some of these practices