| Bearing Witness to the Eclipse for Stronger Relationships and Resilience – Bearing witness is a term often used in psychology to refer to processing and validating our experiences by sharing them with others.
We bear witness to each other every day through social media, coffee breaks, ceremonies and rituals, and even working together on projects and in committees.
The Great American Eclipse afforded us a rare and wonderful opportunity to bear witness to an experience that transcended politics, religion, work, and even circumstances. Unlike a wedding, funeral, sporting event, or the election, the eclipse brought together millions of people around the country to share an experience without obligation, sadness, or sides.
Why is bearing witness so powerful?
- According to Gandhi, “bearing witness to the experience of others is itself a soul force.”
- Zen practitioner Bernie Glassman suggests that “bearing witness is a way of making peace one moment at a time.”
- Dr. Kristi Pikiewicz beautifully explains, “Sharing ourselves with others opens up a space where there once was none. Only through such space can positive memories occur and resilience prevail.”
And that’s how the experience felt on Monday when I trekked to Charleston SC with family, friends, and strangers. Individually and together, we toiled to arrive, stopped to look up, gaped in awe at the celestial phenom, and appreciated the wonders of the universe.
And then exchanged stories. While we each have our own story, chasing the eclipse is the commonality that bonded so many people together for just a moment, leaving us with new memories and strengthened resilience. As leaders, the concept of bearing witness can serve to bring our teams together.
Whether it’s the rare eclipse, a team activity, or pursuit of quarterly goals, bearing witness to each other’s experiences can easily bond us in wonder and astonishment …if we pause, look up, and gape.
What is your eclipse story? Please email me. I’d be delighted to bear witness to your experience! |
