The Direction of Intention

34.

Join me in inspiring truly powerful people. Each day I will add a new thought, story or idea to support your quest and mine.

I am preparing to tell a segment of a story at a conference. 500 people are returning to the main hall from various breakout sessions. I have prepared a story in which the conference participants can identify themselves. They already see themselves in the story and are beginning to speak from a common narrative; they are beginning to share metaphors and have vulnerable conversations that would not otherwise be possible. I’ve already told two segments; they are eager, coming back to hear what happens next in the story.

I am nervous (as usual) as I go through my ritual preparation. I’ve done this a thousand times, the stretching, the breathing, the calming of my heart and mind. I wonder why I am nervous and then it dawns on me: I am preparing as if the people assembling are going to judge me. My preparation is about steeling myself. My preparation is about protecting myself.

My actions are the antithesis of what I believe. The power of any performer is in their capacity for presence. If I am protecting, I am hiding.

This thought stops me cold. Why do I assume that these people are dangerous, judgmental? I’ve met many of them in sessions and at meals. I’ve yet to meet someone who is adversarial or who isn’t already captured by the story. My audience is not my enemy.

I recognize that this is not about them; it is about me. It serves me to cast them as dangerous because then I can hide. An old pattern no longer necessary. I am here to tell a story, not control what these people see.

I am ready to make a completely different assumption. I assume that these people are my friends. I assume that they are generous and supportive; in fact, that has been my experience. I decide to show up and offer without armor what I have to bring. It is time for a new kind of preparation.

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