WHY RISE & SHINE LAB?
We are living in times of transition & change. You may be experiencing frustration with the chaos, stress, busyness, and loneliness that comes from the pressure for evermore productivity in the midst of these transitions. Yet there is hope. Change can be a catalyst for the better when we to pay attention to who we are, what we have to offer, and work together to make a positive difference in the world.
TRANSITIONWe live in a time where the prevailing mode of operation is of ever greater productivity and material growth, promising us happiness and prosperity. Yet many of us have discovered this to be false. We never feel we have enough time, work pressure and stress levels are on the increase, and more and more people fall into depression or burnout. With all the technological and digital developments our world is changing at an increasingly rapid pace. These changes require new ways of communicating, collaborating, and organising.
Especially at non-profits and social enterprises we often operate under great levels of stress. We work hard towards essential goals seeking to bring about positive change in the world, like protecting human rights or empowering marginalised groups, but forget to ensure our own health and well-being in the process. In addition the systems used to develop programmes often use old hierarchical formulas, not taking into account new developments or fostering working together and seeking innovative solutions. |
EFFECTS OF CHANGE & STRESSContinuous changes in your surroundings and stress can activate human survival mechanisms, which lead to isolation and getting stuck in old (ineffective) ways. Perhaps you recognise the signs in yourself or those around you. Protecting yourself by withdrawing or feeling less, holding on to the known, a strong resistance to change, and being in a state of over-control.
This could result in your looking at the world around you with more distrust and cynicism, and loosing your compassion for others. This pressure overload is a complex process that can create burnout and other (chronic) illnesses. Prevention is better than the often time-consuming and painful healing process. BE THE CHANGE"Be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Gandhi.
Real change begins within us. Often we have great plans for global change, but forget to start at home. If we want to change and improve "things" in the world, we must first change our inner and outer selves. We need authentic personal leadership. Leadership that comes from a rooted place, moves people, and motivates cooperation and courage. This is not only reserved for chief executives and managers of large organisations or social enterprises, but for everyone. The participation of "ordinary" professionals and entrepreneurs is necessary and essential! Our work is about fostering authentic personal leadership, where each individual takes responsibility in order make the positive difference together.
Will you join us? |