A Leadership Pause

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“Slow down so your soul can catch up.” I read the advertisement for a “Wine and Spirits” store as I jogged towards Bahamas Street. The phrase made me smile as I shifted paces and contemplated the message

We often rush through life without savoring the small, meaningful moments. Meditation and reflection are critical tools for sustainable leadership success.

Hours before my run along Bakersfield, California’s blocks and parkways, I stood in a classroom with student leaders at Umoja’s Student Leadership Summit (SLS). My breakout session, “Wellness in Your Leadership through Music and Movement,” highlighted how holistic fitness and music can enhance student leadership skills. Much of what I shared came from previous work experiences in Antigua and Barbuda.

As an associate professor, I served as the faculty advisor for multiple fitness clubs. I helped leaders of the running, fit, and capoeira student clubs organize events and host weekly workout sessions. Some advising sessions took place while I ran with students on a route along the Caribbean Sea.

Learn patience and trust the process.

On multiple occasions, the island lifestyle forced me to stop the relentless rush to get things done. From driving behind tractors to standing in long checkout lines at the grocery store, Antigua taught me the value of patience. The culture embodied the saying, “No worries, no problem mon.”

It's important to pause and listen to life's teachings. Sometimes it’s best to slow down and trust the process.

A pause to focus on breathing can help leaders make thoughtful decisions when faced with stressful situations. During my presentation at California State University, Bakersfield, I emphasized the importance of engaging in mindful practices, such as yoga and meditation. To demonstrate a powerful pause, I led the students through a one-minute guided meditation.

Following the meditation, we explored movement. Quotes and questions enabled us to discuss physical, political, social, individual, and collective-led movements. To tie in resistance, bridge music, and illustrate physical fitness, I provided a brief capoeira demonstration.

The acrobatic, self-defense, dance, communal, and musical components of capoeira injected energy into the room.

Our session continued with a discussion on how learning and music can develop and enhance leadership skills. I shared active reading strategies and explained how songs can serve as soundtracks to support studying for classes and organizing efforts. Before dismissing the group, I answered questions and asked the students to complete an evaluation.

One Umoja scholar raised her hand and said, “I’ve been to a lot of conferences, and this was the best breakout room I’ve ever attended.” I thanked her and others who echoed similar sentiments. The workshop finished, and I stayed afterward to talk with several young leaders.

After Dr. Kmt Shockley delivered an engaging session on African-centered education, I led a capoeira class in the gym. I left the campus after 7 p.m.

On some days, leaders must be willing to work long hours.

When I jogged the next morning and saw the sign on the busy street reminding me to slow down, I found the words for this blog post.  

Sometimes we come across signs, and a pause is necessary to interpret and internalize the instructions. As we lead today, let's pay attention to the subtle messages in our environment.

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