The 'Why' of Work (part 2)

A few weeks ago I wrote the first part of my view on the 'why' of work.  And then I got busy at work...  I also paused for a moment and took a break by the ocean.  This has given me time to reflect on the 'why' of work with greater depth.

Through the lens of Connectedness work is viewed from the contribution and purpose perspective as indicated in my earlier post.  As I get excited about the changing world of work and the incorporation of greater purpose in many businesses globally I have to remind myself that part of Connectedness is a world view of abundance and not scarcity, patience rather than haste:

“By the time it came to the edge of the Forest, the stream had grown up, so that it was almost a river, and, being grown-up, it did not run and jump and sparkle along as it used to do when it was younger, but moved more slowly. For it knew now where it was going, and it said to itself, “There is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” But all the little streams higher up in the Forest went this way and that, quickly, eagerly, having so much to find out before it was too late.” ― A.A. Milne, The House at Pooh Corner

I look around me at the world rushing forward being pursued by a great beast of fear.  We are afraid we won't have enough time, money, love or accomplishment - we are afraid we won't be enough.

As I sat looking out over the ocean a few weeks ago I realised that this world is in motion and it is a force far greater than I can ever dream of controlling.  I find that what I do not know I want to control, I also see it many other people and specifically 'leaders' and managers.  As the quote above illustrates, we will get where we have to go; I will get where I have to go.  I cannot live in the future at the expense of the present.  Letting go is beautiful!

The 'why' of work is about us, about here, about now and doing whatever is here and now.  It is about trust.  It is trust based on a world view that in the end we will be okay.  If it is not okay it is not the end.

So today I call to all that feel that the burden of ambition is driving a wedge between you and those you care for, between you and the parts of yourself that you do not know yet and in fact creating a self-defeating drive yearning for an unidentified emptiness.  Stop running.  Breathe slowly and start living, here and now.

Go from survive to alive.