“The root of suffering is attachment”

(The Buddha)

A time to let go.

Autumn is when I feel myself stepping back; an almost primal reaction to the impending winter. Taking stock and hunkering down. It’s unlikely that I will say ‘yes’ to much at this time of year. Instead, I become increasingly minimalist, shedding ideas, projects and collaborations.

But, as I become more discerning and boundaried, I can feel my expert/achiever attachments taunting me, castigating me for apparent failure.

Just one last effort. One more step. After all, there’s no traffic on the extra mile…

There is an industry in this kind of thing. An industry that sells us our own industry. Over the years, I’ve been both dutiful and proud to accept the imperative; to change the world, just try harder. Anything is possible.

And that has cost me.

In a living world, the work hard(er) mantra fails and complexity humbles us. Effort lacks causality and effect becomes elusive; even if we are in charge we are never actually in control.

As I lighten my workload, I can sense into new patterns and relationships; noticing, looking for signs of renewal, spaces where growth could happen, finding new ways to make meaning and opening up moments of potential for change and shift.

Margaret Wheatley tells us that, “In organizations, real power and energy is generated through relationships. The patterns of relationships and the capacities to form them are more important than tasks, functions, roles, and positions.

Autumn is when I let go of dreams.

Which is always troublesome, but loosening our attachments is worth the disappointment.

Notes:

Thanks to @SimonBird on LinkedIn for the Meg Wheatley reminder.

Take a look at the implications of complexity via some of Ralph Stacey’s writing. I recommend Complexity and Organizational Reality. Stacey’s analysis of the collapse of financial markets is excellent.

Pema Chödrön tells us that, as we understand our attachments and how we get ‘hooked’, we spontaneously feel more tenderness for the human race. ‘When Things Fall Apart’ is a worthy read for anyone feeling increasing demand and the need for recuperation.

See also…

Attachment