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INTEGRATIVE LEADERSHIP INTERNATIONAL “Helping individuals and organizations become integrated.”

Lessons on the Path: February 25, 2005, Volume 1, No. 25

“The of Leadership” Richard John Hatala ______OBSERVATION:

Recently, Val Petrich of the Yoga College of Canada suggested that we give a talk on the “Yoga of Leadership” to interested participants at her Yoga Studio in northwest Calgary on March 12th. Given Lillas’s recent graduation as an Teacher and introduction of our work on Integrative Leadership into the marketplace earlier this year, we thought it would be an interesting topic to explore and share. In preparation, we asked ourselves: ‘How does the eastern philosophy and tradition of Yoga—which we would classify as an inner journey of self development—relate to the more western scientific concepts of human understanding—which we would classify generally as an outer journey—and leadership development?’ Yoga is a Sanskrit word that has a variety of meanings, among them: ‘union’, ‘yoke’ and ‘discipline’. It is a philosophy of inner personal development that dates back 5,000 years. Yoga is practiced within , , and , influencing many other Asian philosophies and traditions and, in the past 100 years, influencing western philosophies and traditions as well. , in his Yoga (2nd Century BC), was the first to systematize Yoga into the eight limbs (see information below) that if climbed successfully, would allow a student—through practice, discipline and guidance—attain higher levels of awareness, liberation, fulfillment and enlightenment. Teachers and practitioners of Yoga are quick to point out that Yoga is not a religion—although it is often mistakenly associated with them—but a way of life. Yoga entered the West mainly through the missionary work of Vivekananda, who spoke at the Parliament of Religions in 1893. Since then, many have followed spreading their teachings to the Americas and Europe including: Swami Rama Tirtha (no organization), (Self-Realization Fellowship), Swami Muktananda ( Dham), Maharishi Mahesh (Transcendental Meditation), Swami (), Swami Rama (Himalayan International Institute), Swami Venkatesananda (), Swami Vishnudevananda ( Centers), Swami Jyotirmayananda (Yoga Research Foundation), Sri Chinmoy (Chinmoy Mission), and B. K. S. Iyengar (Iyengar Yoga Association). Today, the mystic and yogic practices of disciplined mindful action, morality) and ethics (yama and , self-control, concentration, meditation, contemplation, and realization are becoming mainstream in the west (see Time Magazine articles in information) with over 30 million North American practitioners of one form of Yoga or another. Whereas a generation ago most western Yoga Teachers emphasized only the physical benefits of Yoga practice (that included exercise, strength, flexibility, stress management, relaxation and body awareness), today the philosophy and framework of Yoga as a tool for overall personal and leadership development is being more openly taught. One of our observations in examining this wave of eastern spiritually based philosophy washing over our western materialistic consciousness this past hundred years is that, as oriental teachers were migrating to the west, we of the west simultaneously exported our ideas of economics, science and materialism to the east. There seemed to be, in this time of global transition, an exchange between these two worlds: an exchange prompted by a deep inner need to have the tools and techniques to embark on our own inner exploration in the west that was also a deep inner need for those preoccupied with their inner journey, to become more aware and mindful of their material needs in the east. In this way, the inner and the outer story of our emerging global village had an opportunity, in the 21st Century, to become one.

1 In our further examinations we found many connections between Yoga and Integrative Leadership. Of the many schools of Yoga, the four key schools can be aligned with the four domains of intelligence as: Hatha (postures) & Karma (action) Yoga as physical intelligence; (wisdom) as mental intelligence; Bahkti Yoga (devotion) as emotional intelligence; and (royal-integral) as spiritual intelligence. Our three levels of awareness can be correlated to Tamasic (personality), Rajisic (character) and Satvic (universality) character types. And the journey from lower, personal to higher will can be seen as the evolution of awareness through the eight limbs of Yoga. We concluded this phase of our examinations by seeing yoga as one path that can awaken and develop the leader that is often, in our western world, hidden within. Yoga is an inner science and set of practices that are based on thousands of years of experiential and deeply subjective knowledge, that when actualized, produces astounding and often miraculous results. It is a path for those who have the courage to explore and the willingness to persevere in finding their true self within, and then allowing the spirit of their true self to assume more of the lead in their lives. Whereas in the western world we would suggest that the first rule of leadership is to “Know Thyself”: In the eastern world the first rule of leadership is to “Know thy Self”. And it is in cultivating a deep understanding of the principles and practice of yoga (inner journey) in harmony with the principles and practices of conventional leadership (outer journey) that we can gain a truer understanding of what it means, and the impact it may have on us and our world, if we choose to fully embody the Yoga of Integrative Leadership. ______APPLICATION: One of the first steps on the path of yoga and the first steps on the path of leadership is to develop a moral and ethical foundation from which one can build a bridge from their false self (ego) towards their true self (essence). The first of the eight limbs is the five yama’s or don’ts of the path: (1) Ahimsa or non- violence in speech, thought or deed; (2) Satyam non-lying or truthfulness in all that you think, say and do; (3) Brahmacharya or moderation in all things (self-control of all senses and desires); Asteya or non-stealing anyone’s things, ideas or spirit; (5) Aparigraha or non-covetousness of anyone’s possessions, wealth, health, position or power. Choose one of these five moral-ethical directives this week and see how well you do in applying them in your life and work. ______INSPIRATION: “Practicing Yoga will teach you balance, teamwork, trust, strength, flexibility and control; all qualities of a great leader”. Danielle Dill. "Yoga is skilfulness in action” Bhagavad-Gita. "Integrating you, others, life, and spirit is skilful action" Ken Anbender. "As soon as you start to tug on one part of nature, you realize it’s connected to everything else." John Muir. "Happiness is the product of true spiritual practice" Paramahansa Yogananda “Seekers who believe they must practice yoga only in the meditation room are under a great illusion. They must practice yoga in society as well. Practicing yoga in the meditation room is easy because there are no external disturbances. But one encounters many disturbances while practicing yoga in society, which makes it very difficult. The true yogi is one who can successfully protect his mental steadiness while in society.” Swami Kripalu. “Our conclusions are simple. A new leadership, a new science, new practices of education, a new kind of creativity and a new world are in turbulent state of birth. Humanity is waking up and arriving in the age of consciousness and consciousness technologies. The yoga of leadership is back on earth…” Jacques Groenen & Peter Ramaekers (www.Fun-da-Mental.nl) from their article on “Total Brain Leadership & Innovation.” ______INFORMATION: Time Magazine Articles: “The TM Craze: 40 minutes to Bliss”, Oct 13 1975: “The Power of Yoga” by Richard Corliss, April 23 2001: “Just say Om” by Joel Stein, August 4 2003: “The Science of Meditation” by David Bjeklie, July 13 2004. Other resources are: “. (1948). The Synthesis of Yoga: A discussion on Integral or Purna Yoga. Yogananda, Paramahansa. (1945). : A classic experience of the life, learning and leadership in harmonizing the philosophies of east and west. From Colliers: “Patañjali divides the practice of yoga into eight stages. Yama, or restraint from vice, and niyama, or observance of purity and virtue, lay the moral foundation for practice and remove the disturbance of uncontrolled desires. , or posture, and , or breath control, calm the physical body, while , or withdrawal of the senses, detaches the mind from the external world. Internal control of 2 consciousness is accomplished in the final three stages: dharana, or concentration, dhyana, or meditation, and (a state of deep absorption in the object of meditation). Through such practices acquire miraculous powers, which must ultimately be renounced to attain the highest state. In samadhi the subject- object distinction and one’s sense of an individual self disappear in a state usually described as one of supreme peace, bliss, and illumination. A common feature of different traditions of yoga is one-pointed concentration on a chosen object, whether a part of the body, the breath, a (phrase or word of spiritual significance), a diagram, a deity, or an idea.” ______UPCOMING PUBLIC PROGRAMS:

March 5 2005: Integrative Leadership: Book Signing: Time: 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Location: McNally Robinson Booksellers, 3130-8th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. For information, call Deneen at (306) 955-3599. This is an opportunity to speak with the authors on integrating life, learning and leadership.

March 9-11 2005: Integrative Leadership: Taking Leadership to the Next Level: Sponsor: University of Saskatchewan, Business and Leadership Programs. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Tuition: $895.00 per person. Topic: Experiencing the path of integrative life and leadership. To download a brochure and registration form, Click this link: http://www.integrativeleadership.ca/programs/uofs_march05.pdf. For more information, call (306) 966-5492 or visit the U of S website at www.learntolead.usask.ca .

March 12 2005: 2:00 to 3:00 pm: “The Yoga of Integrative Life & Leadership”. Where: Yoga Studio North, 211, 5403 Crowchild Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T3B-4Z1. Tuition: Free. Topic: Rick and Lillas Hatala will outline the Yogic philosophy, principles and practices in relationship to living integrative life and leadership. For more information: contact Val or Michelle at (403) 286-6161. To download a poster of the event, CLICK HERE.

March 12 2005: 3:30 to 4:30 pm: “The Tao of Integrative Life & Leadership”. Where: The Tao of Peace Martial Arts Studio, 5403 Crowchild Trail N.W., Calgary, AB, Canada T3A-4Z1. Tuition: Free. Topic: Rick and Lillas Hatala will outline the Taoist philosophy, principles and practices in relationship to living integrative life and leadership. For more information: contact Chris Leigh-Smith at (403) 288-0000. To download a poster of the event, CLICK HERE.

March 17-19 2005: Integrative Leadership: Taking Leadership to the Next Level: Sponsor: Grant MacEwan College, Downtown Campus, 612-10050 MacDonald Drive, Edmonton, AB. Tuition: $895.00 per person. Topic: Experiencing the path of integrative life and leadership. To download a brochure and registration form: Click this link: http://www.integrativeleadership.ca/programs/edmonton_march05.pdf. For more information, call Wade Bendfeld at (780) 423-6223, Toll Free at (888) 497-4622 or visit the Grant MacEwan College Corporate Learning website at: www.macewan.ca/business/ce.

April 14-16 2005: Integrative Leadership: Taking Leadership to the Next Level: Sponsor: Integrative Leadership International. Location: Inn on Crowchild, 5353 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB, Canada. Tuition: $895.00 per person. Topic: Experiencing the path of integrative life and leadership. To download a brochure and registration form: Click this link: - http://www.integrativeleadership.ca/programs/calgary_april05.pdf. For more information, visit the I.L.I. website at www.integrativeleadership.ca.______Adding and Deleting: If you are interested in removing your name from our distribution list, adding a name, or sharing with us your personal experiences on the path for possible use in the newsletter, please send a note to [email protected] . ______

3 Reprinting: Reprints are encouraged with the following attribution: From the “Integrative Leadership International: Lessons on the Path”. Copyright 2004 by Rick and Lillas Marie Hatala. Integrative Leadership International Ltd. E-Mail at [email protected] . ______Contact Information: Integrative Leadership International Ltd, P. O. Box 22204, Bankers Hall, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P-4J5, Alberta Phone: (403) 651-8351 Saskatchewan Phone; (306) 244-0934. E-Mail: [email protected]. Website: www.integrativeleadership.ca

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