How do you open your leadership heart?

Where is your quiet place to reflect and grow?

Do you have a reflective practice that you do every day?
<h2>Yoga as a Heart Opener</h2>
In yoga there are a series of postures called <a href="http://blog.gaiam.com/blog/6-poses-to-open-your-heart-slideshow-instructions/">"heart openers,"</a>  targeted at strengthening the <a href="http://www.nothingbutyoga.com/4th-chakra.html">fourth chakra.</a>
<blockquote><em><strong>"The Sanskrit name for the 4th chakra is "Anahata." This word means "unstruck" or "stillness." This seems to imply that deep beneath our brokenness and pain, wholeness abides."</strong></em></blockquote>
Anyone who has ever done yoga every day for an extended period of time understands... something changes.

Side effects may include...
<ul>
	<li> a calmer spirit</li>
	<li> more energy</li>
	<li> new perspectives</li>
	<li> better posture...</li>
</ul>
You do the practice...and then the practice does you.
<h2>Turns Out Blogging is a Heart Opener Too</h2>
When I began my leadership blog, I knew it would be good for my writing… and likely inform my leadership.

I had no idea how it would open my heart and transform the way I show up in the world.
<h3><b>Reflection</b></h3>
It started as a reflective practice.  I first began examining my own leadership stories and what they mean.  I continue to be surprised as the old stories just seem to surface from nowhere.  They would just pop up when I was on a run or on the yoga mat.  It was as if the door to the archives has been pried off, and each story decided for itself when it is ready to peek out and be shared.
<h3>Connections</h3>
<b><i> </i></b>In search of content, I became thirsty for other people’s stories... talking to old friends and colleagues.

And then something shifted.  I began seeing everyone I met as someone with a fantastic story to share.  I just kept asking... and learning... and growing.

I am showing up in the world as a better story listener.

I have been astounded at how open “strangers” are to telling their stories... on planes and trains... but also through remote connections through social media. I am meeting some amazing human beings.

Sherpas keep surfacing around every corner.
<h3>Side Effects of Lead-Asana</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Deeper reflection</li>
	<li>An opening heart</li>
	<li>An eager spirit</li>
	<li>Better listening</li>
	<li>New relationships</li>
	<li>Better leadership</li>
	<li>More learning</li>
	<li>More teaching</li>
</ul>
This journey is expanding and I am delighted by the possibilities for what will show up next.

Namaste.

<strong>Please Share:  What reflective practices inform your leadership?</strong>

<strong> A Bit More About What's Been Surfacing on This Journey:</strong>

<a href="http://letsgrowleaders.com/2012/12/31/best-of-2012/"> Best of 2012:  Early Writing on Let's Grow Leaders</a>

<a title="Leader Athletes:  Training Long for the Long Run" href="http://leadchangegroup.com/leader-athletes-training-long-for-the-long-run/">Leader Athletes:  Training Long for the Long Run</a>