"In the relentless busyness of modern life we have lost the rhythm between work and rest and for the want of rest our very lives are in danger."^[i] This dire warning is offered by Wayne Muller in his book Sabbath.  He suggests that most Americans are simply exhausted by the relentless pressure toward action and accomplishment and promises of more; be it more money, recognition, satisfaction, love, information, influence, possessions or security. He concludes that without time for true rest, or Sabbath, we are unable to listen to the still small voice of inner wisdom.  As such, we are unable to remember where we are most deeply nourished nor can we see clearly the shape and texture of the people and things before us. We also believe this lack of clarity makes it difficult, if not impossible, to lead with integrity and authenticity.

As leaders, if we focus solely on the American social script of ambition and achievement, it is easy to lose track of who we are and thus forfeit the opportunity to cultivate a deeper sense of personal purpose and soulfulness in our work. When our capacity to hear the voice of our soul is diminished we become alienated from the very experiences and behaviors that are life-giving and which sustain and invigorate us, as well as, our organizations and communities. However, when leaders intentionally align a sense of soul with their work they can reconcile this alienating division and revitalize their leadership.

Read the complete article to find out more about taking your soul to work.

 Quotable Quotes

"We believe that organizational life has more to offer than a paycheck and a headache.  In uncultivated and largely unrecognized ways, it holds out essential spiritual resources to contemporary culture.  Our spirits are nurtured by living in relation - in relation to others and to a larger good."
 -  D. Susan Wisely and Elizabeth M. Lynn

"I believe that work can become a spiritual discipline when people do what they have set themselves to do with an abiding sense of excellence, not only in the results they achieve, but also in the very effort itself."
 -  James A. Autry

"As adults, we must achieve a complex integration that spans the contradictions between inner and outer reality, that supports both personal integrity and the common good. No, it is not easy work.  But...by doing it we offer what is sacred within us to the life of the world."
 - Parker J. Palmer

Developing Spiritual Intelligence: An Interview with Carole Kammen