EMBODIED: A Story Of Connection (Introduction)
I. INTRODUCTION
A mother and her toddler so simply portrayed embodied leadership in an unexpected encounter at the Farmer’s Market this weekend. My friend and I approached a long line of Angelenos waiting to purchase fresh fish. It was my first time at this market in a very long time and the first ever with this vendor.
I went to read the sign to see what she had in inventory and what the prices were like. As I was standing there a woman picked up her toddler to connect with her while waiting in the hot sun.
The movement had her dangling her child’s feet over my head. I was present to a mother caring for her child – she hadn’t noticed me. It didn’t bother me except to be mindful not to bump into them when I stood up.
When I stood up to tell my friend what I was thinking of purchasing the woman noticed me and profusely apologized and stepped away to give me space.
I felt the care and sincerity in her apology, and it was a connecting moment as I told her it really was no problem.
I walked one person back in the line to my friend to tell him what I had gathered from my peruse of the menu. As I announced that I planned to get salmon, but they had snapper -, a man walked over to cross the snapper off the menu.
The man in front of us started sharing his story about how he came for the snapper last week. missed it, and thought he was earlier enough this week. The man who crossed off the option shared the rockfish was still available and a great option. The woman and her toddler listened in and as we all commiserated over the sold-out snapper.
In a matter of minutes, in line at a Farmer’s Market community was created, amongst strangers. What sparked it?
It’s hard to tell. I was initially drawn in by noticing the love between the woman and her toddler. Her apology and the exchange after seemed to create an openness in the space around us including the man standing behind her and my friend.
Her simple presence created the space for connection and camaraderie on a bright Sunday afternoon in LA.
At a closer look, one may notice the act of love and care a mother had for her toddler in a long line on a hot day -consciously or unconsciously her response had a resonating impact. That impact was then layered with a compassionate response to a stranger’s space she had infringed upon while holding a child big enough to have dangling legs with joy and happiness.
This mother while standing in line with her toddler waiting to purchase fish on a regular Sunday sparked an energy of connection amongst those around her. A spark that may overflow into the lives of each person as they continue throughout their day and week.
This is precisely what embodied leaders do. Their presence and inner connection resonate outward and create a culture of community, relatedness, and mutual support. It happens not in what they say but in what they do – and more esoterically in how they’re being. So, what is the underlying current?
Hello, my name is Tiffany. My mission is to help you find soul-aligned solutions to birthing your vision on this planet.