How many people do something they really believe in? I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible, if you try: dreams are made, if people try.
~ Terry Fox
With a ‘we can and will’ mentality, we can overcome great challenges. The ‘we can’ mantra 
was a theme of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Ex-President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, led a lively debate on what women leaders can do to mobilize and strategize for equitable climate action ahead of the 2014 Leaders’ Summit. What came to my mind was that if we are to move in a positive, mindful direction, we need a nurturing quality to this mobilization.
Love, compassion, and caring need to be at the forefront of the climate change action plan. This is the wellbeing of our future, first and foremost, and Mother Earth is counting on us. It was lovely to hear Mary say in her talk that we need to ‘nurture mother earth’. For Uplift, this means leading with a very different approach and fostering a new way of conducting business. You see, all of this is interconnected but the grounding foundation is leading in ways that foster compassion and kindness–it really is just that simple.
The world is ready for your light, grace, and wisdom and your leadership.
The conversation about action at the World Economic Forum took me out of a period of hibernation. Providing the space and teachings for women to rejuvenate themselves and explore their limitless potential has been a long-time dream of mine. Some of the greatest progress and profound moments of learning is through sharing with like-minds and I have always wanted to facilitate programming that resonates throughout our community of women. Then, as soon as I felt the stirrings of action, it seemed the stars magically aligned and a new partnership arose.
I’m thrilled to host, in collaboration with a dear soul sister, the first of many Uplift retreats. It comes at a good time: with the call for women to rise up and a great need for feminine leadership to celebrate compassion and partnership. Along with mindfulness and movement, we will explore our great depths to take into the world. This will be a powerful day and I would love you to join us.
Of course, I’m continuing with the monthly community meditations, teaching yoga and mindfulness meditation, along with Leadership and Authenticity courses in partnership with Women of Influence and Queen’s School of Business. There is a lot happening in the next few months, so please stay tuned to my teaching and speaking page.
Collaboration is key for the coming years.
Another collaboration that makes my heart sing is with the work of Karen Armstrong, founder of The Charter for Compassion. Uplift’s role will be to promote the importance of the Golden Rule and encourage people to sign the charter. This is such a natural extension of the work we already do and I’m excited to work behind the scenes on ways to introduce this wonderful work to the Uplift community.
I am continuing my studies in 2014, going back to my roots in psychology with a focus on the connection of the mind-body-spirit. This move will be good for Uplift, and especially for my clients as I continue to expand the counselling and healing side of our services. This new set of services promises great things for our corporate clients as well by fuelling compassion and overall wellbeing in the workplace.
Finally, I’m excited to announce that we’re bringing a recent international business school graduate on board – it’s time to bring someone in to help behind the scenes. After all, we’ve got big dreams and this year is about action and collaboration is the way forward.
Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.
-Langston Hughes
With love and light,
Paula
Copyright © 2012-2024