Isolation is the antithesis of our natural humanity.
Sure, a Buddhist monk can sit under a tree for hours and days on end, meditating on life, peace and suffering.
But raw isolation itself — the mere feeling of being disconnected from other people, uninvolved in the lives of others, even wandering down the street and feeling so desperately alone — is the absolute epitome of human hell.
The heart screams for connection. The spirit demands interaction, just one smile. To, by chance, with a single glance, meet another’s eyes — the very gateway to the soul.
That’s because humanity is social by its nature. We are communal, we are come-together-to-survive, we are unite-to-create, we are share-and-explore. Humanity’s evolution and survival over the course of history has depending upon unity, togetherness and teamwork.
Your very survival depended upon others right from your birth.
A newborn baby can’t fend for itself, feed itself, hold up its own head or even crawl. Human beings are uniquely dependent upon others to survive — whereas baby mammals start walking within seconds of their births, starting right away to join and learn from the herd.
How do we lead in our everyday lives?
My first book, Lead Without Followers: How to Save Our World by Radically Redefining the Meaning of Leadership, was the presentation of an idea.
A seemingly backwards one.
One with a huge scope, and enormous vision.
That idea? That it’s not only possible to be a leader without followers — whoever you are and whatever you do, in any walk of life — but further, that redefining leadership in such a radical way can help correct the course of a nation that’s lost it’s way, and save our entire world.
…I did say “enormous” vision. :)
Of all the feedback I received about my first publication, I loved engaging with readers like you who were hungry for more.
What I’ve discovered is that you want a “How-To” resource, something like a guide filled with practical tools, “next step” methods and practices on the ways in which you can cultivate leadership within yourself, every day.
“For it is in giving that we receive.” ~St. Francis of Assisi
Good morning and happy Friday from a bright and sunny New York City!
It’s been a pretty damp and dreary spring since I’ve moved to the Big Apple, but I’ve been completely adoring living amongst the people and energy of ol’ Gotham.
New York has been helping to fuel my will to give, my wants to create unique and brilliant work in conjunction with awesome collaborators, and simply to meet more and more amazing people.
So, what better time to share a bunch of great announcements, positive developments and share a new Social Good Friday cause to you? :)
“Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” ~Albert Camus
What do you get when two brothers, 12 years apart, decide to dedicate their summers to traveling across the United States to be in the service of others?
“What we speak becomes the house we live in.” ~Hafiz
Quiet? Silence?
How could quiet speak louder than noise?
When could silence trump commotion — especially in the battle for attention?
Remember, we’re talking about leadership here. Human leadership. Examining, questioning and reclaiming what it means to lead, for all the right reasons — and in ways that effortlessly endure.
So, when it comes to the power of quiet, let’s think over these vital questions:
If you answered yes to these questions (and why wouldn’t you! if you’re here, you’re an unleader), I’m relieved — your “leader’s drive” exists to lead, first and foremost — with followers, finances and fame all coming secondary to the will to be a catalyst for positive change.
What fire burns in you?
Nah, we’re not talkin’ arson, here. I’m talking about the fires of your spirit, your love, your passion — those biz ideas, your sincerest interests and personal endeavors, those deepest (and maybe never-spoken) dreams that call your name every single moment of the day.
What fires do you need to start — in your life, in your world, in our world?
…What makes you come alive?
It’s an easy question to ask, but a tougher one to answer. I think you know the answer deep down; it’s not hiding. There are things you love. Topics and subjects you cannot stop consuming. Interests that grab the gaze of your eyes and won’t let go. Ideas that beg you to come after it, like a lone bread crumb that leads down some swirling, unknown path.
Fires. The ones that emblazon your thoughts obsessively, with drunken intrigue.
I want you to start those fires… we all need you to stoke ‘em.
Welcome! My name is Dave Ursillo and as a writer and entrepreneur I love to help creative self-starters discover more freedom in their lives through personal leadership, happiness and artful living. I want to help you make your journey its own reward. Will you join me? Learn more »