Last week, I came upon a remarkable quote, attributed to Tina Turner:
 
 "Inside yourself, you shouldn't be running all the time."
 
 And it strikes me that the initial send of this edition of Leadership Notes was done in error, because I was running inside, trying to do too many things at once!

Stillness and contemplation are important for us as leaders, as they lead to calmness, quiet strength and gaining wisdom. Most importantly, the stillness inside is about being comfortable in our own skin, caring for and honouring ourselves as human beings, not just as consultants, CEO's, partners, lovers, parents, or the multitude of roles we take on.
 
An old rabbinic adage holds that a person who does not have an hour for him/herself everyday, is a slave.

How do you find time to be with yourself? Be careful of thinking that driving, listening to music or exercising listening to your ipod are being with yourself. To be truly with yourself requires silence and attention to yourself. Go for a walk by yourself, sit for a half hour in a quiet space in your home. See what comes into your mind in that time. You'll be surprised!
 
My hope for all of us this week is that we each find time for ourselves, to be alone with ourselves, and to plant and nurture the seeds we find there.