Yūgen

Hamta pass base camp trek! #travel #india#himachal#hamtapass#adventure#nature (youtube.com)

(Yu) meaning “subtle” or “profound” and “玄” (gen) meaning “mystery” or “darkness”. Together, they represent a beauty or experience that is felt but is just out of the reach of complete expression.

My understanding of this Japanese concept "Yūgen":

As the word suggests, Yūgen is an experience that is inexplicable to put into words. It encompasses both a joyful feeling and a sense of mystery in a particular experience.

For example, leaders might feel yūgen when they see their team working together towards a common goal and the mysterious part lies in the profound beauty of the team’s harmonious effort and their unity.

While hiking to the mountain top, I saw beautiful meadows at an elevation of 3,500 meters above sea level. It was so mesmerizing, having an incredible experience while at the same time making me wonder about the mystery of nature and its wilderness.

 Share your Yūgen experience..

NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela, lovingly called Madiba by the people, spent 27 years in Robben Island prison, located off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. It was uncertain whether he would ever come out alive. However, he proved to the world that HOPE is a powerful and irreplaceable weapon.

While reading about Nelson Mandela, I learnt two very important lessons.

HOPE: He never lost hope that better days were ahead for South Africa. Keeping this hope alive for such a long time, especially while being in prison for 27 years, is unimaginable. Truly inspirational.

SECRET WEAPON: Language as a bridge to Unity

I was so intrigued knowing that Nelson Mandela secretly studied Afrikaans, the language of his oppressors while in prison and he used this skill upon his release to build bridges and foster unity.

From prisoner to President, his journey exemplifies the power of forgiveness and unity in bringing about transformative change. An Incredible human being.

 His leadership not only freed a nation but also became a global symbol of Hope and Inspiration.

The Soldiers and The Trench- A Leadership lesson

 Yet another incredible story on 'Leadership'

There was a man on horseback who saw a group of exhausted soldiers digging a trench. On the side is their section leader who was barking orders.

The passerby asked the leader why he isn’t helping his team. The leader just said that he is in charge and tells his people what to do.

The man decided to pitch in and help the soldiers dig until the trench was finished. After that, he approached the commander on foot and told him that the next time their rank prevents them from supporting his men, he should notify the top command – and that he will give a permanent solution to it.

The section leader then realized that the person he was talking to was none other than the historical figure, General Washington.

The learning from this story is to adopt a progressive mindset instead of being attached to being in charge.

Source of the story: https://inspirationalife.com/

Resilience Leadership

I came across a fine example of Resilient Leadership through the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's Expedition to the South Pole. 

What an incredible story of leadership!

In a nutshell, about 110 years ago, Sir Ernest Shackleton started his expedition in the year 1914 from the coast of the Weddell Sea, traversing the South Pole and ending up at the Ross Sea. His aim to cross Antarctica was halted due to the sinking of his ship 'Endurance'.

Despite the dire circumstances, Shackleton and his crew survived by camping on the ice and eventually reaching Elephant Island. Shackleton then led a small group on an 800-mile journey in a lifeboat to South Georgia to seek help. All 27 men crew got trapped for 1.5 years on Ice and remarkably were rescued without any loss of life. 

Shackleton’s leadership and the crew’s resilience have made this story a legendary tale of survival and determination.

Ernest Shackleton’s leadership during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition is a powerful example of resilience. Here are some key points on resilience leadership inspired by Shackleton:

1. Optimism in Adversity: Shackleton maintained a positive outlook even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. His optimism helped keep his crew’s morale high.

2. Adaptability: When the Endurance was trapped and eventually crushed by ice, Shackleton quickly adapted his plans. He shifted focus from the original mission to ensuring the survival of his crew.

3. Decisive Action: Shackleton made tough decisions swiftly, such as abandoning the ship and setting up camp on the ice. His decisiveness prevented panic and provided clear direction

4. Empathy and Compassion: Shackleton was deeply concerned about the well-being of his men. He ensured they were well-fed, kept spirits high, and addressed their individual needs

5. Leading by Example: Shackleton led from the front, sharing in the hardships and working alongside his men. This earned their respect and trust

6. Persistence: Despite numerous setbacks, Shackleton never gave up. His persistence in the face of adversity was crucial in keeping the team motivated and focused on survival

7. Effective Communication: Shackleton kept open lines of communication with his crew, ensuring everyone was informed and involved in decision-making processes

8. Resourcefulness: Shackleton made the best use of available resources, whether it was rationing food or improvising equipment, to ensure the crew’s survival

These points highlight how Shackleton’s resilience and leadership were instrumental in overcoming extreme challenges and ensuring the safety of his entire crew.

I am truly inspired by his unbelievable resilience!

Source:Leadership Lessons From the Shackleton Expedition - The New York Times (nytimes.com)