A calling beyond ourselves

14/6/2013

Calling has long-standing roots in theistic spiritual traditions, often associated with being ‘called by God’ to a certain way of life or to a specific course of action. Existential psychologists have commented on how sometimes it feels like a situation is calling for its own response from us. In both cases, the source of the calling is attributed to someone or something beyond us. It’s a phenomenon that can feel like an evocative pull, tugging at something deep within us.

I’ve experienced this many times since becoming a Christian, a strange intuition that feels beyond me, prompting or leading me in a certain direction. Sometimes it seems very clear or inspiring, at others it’s more of a vague notion, a restlessness that compels me to move or change. I’ve often experienced it in coaching relationships too, an almost irresistible impulse to speak or act that feels like revelation, an energising compulsion from the situation itself.

It’s not magic, something I can make happen, something I can manufacture for myself. It’s sometimes unexpected, sometimes challenging and sometimes involves scary risk-taking. It’s not definitive either, something I can measure, test or prove in a lab. This can make the experience of calling feel mysterious, sometimes spiritual, a step in faith in response to a curious, invisible stimulus. It’s as if something ‘out there’ connects with something ‘in here’, setting up a dynamic resonance.

So how to apply this in leadership and coaching? How to listen for and discern calling in the midst of so many other tasks and preoccupations that clamour for our attention? How to weigh up calling in order to act wisely? In my experience, there is no simple formula. It’s mostly about learning to be still, to live with awareness, to tune into my intuition, to be sensitive to prompts from the situation itself, to experiment and see what happens, to be open to God in prayer.

I wish I could say I always follow this call. Sometimes I'm sceptical, sometimes I pull back for fear of embarrassment or failure. Nevertheless, I've seen and felt amazing things happen when I do listen and act. I would love to hear from others on this topic of calling. When have you felt called? What was the situation? What did the experience of calling feel like? What did you attribute the calling to? How did you act in response? What happened as a result?

76 Comments

Catherine Russ

15/6/2013 11:42:52 am

hi Nick
It's nice to see you taking the time out to reflect and identify ways in which we feel pulled to act in a certain way and being present. Our world is clamouring with noise and distractions due to the uncertainty and chaos we're experiencing and I feel there is a strong calling to all of us to ground ourselves more in stillness so that we can face the world in a way that will be more beneficial to everyone. I know I am prone to be an action-oriented person and the lack of stillness in my day can prevent me from being the person I want to be in the world. In fact, alot of people working in humanitarian causes are in emergency mode even when there's no emergency and this can add to the chaos. I was impressed that a couple of people at my work place are trying to introduce mindfulness practice in the office. There is of course, scepticism and some people aren't sure how to do it but the mere fact that people off their own steam are trying to get this embedded gave me a boost of hope that institutions can change when people are motivated enough to want to see something working differently. I feel the time has come where people are craving a different way of being with each other - and this is providing alternative kinds of leadership. You just caught me as I was finishing writing my journal for a reflective practice course and if I hadn't been doing that, I would have probably felt too busy or rushed to respond to your inspiring email. Best wishes to you,

Nick Wright

16/6/2013 02:16:40 am

Hi Catherine and thanks for your interesting reflections. Your comments on grounding, stillness, facing the world and different ways of being with each other etc reminded me of a previous blog that may resonate: http://www.nick-wright.com/1/post/2013/02/the-power-of-presence.html.

I agree with you that humanitarian organisations sometimes develop emergency mode as a cultural norm, even when there is no immediate external crisis to respond to. It influences who joins, stays and succeeds (or not) in such organisations and can create unhealthy pressure and stress.

It begs interesting leadership questions such as, 'What does this situation call for?' or 'How do we need to be in this moment?' rather than running in default mode. Mindfulness can help individuals handle the stress differently and there are wider OD questions about how to hold up a mirror to the organisation as a whole.

I would be interested to hear more of your thoughts on alternative kinds of leadership and to hear more about your reflective practice course too. Sounds fascinating! With best wishes. Nick

Annette Segal

15/6/2013 12:11:23 pm

I often make the distinction for clients between career and calling. My approach is secular yet spiritual. For those with whom this resonates, I assign work around deep self discovery. Sometimes, I assign Gregg Levoy's book Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life. The mystical and poetic come into play as clients work with ever deeper layers of themselves.

Nick Wright

16/6/2013 02:27:08 am

Hi Annette and thanks for the note. Your distinction between career and calling reminded me of similar distinctions between career and 'vocation', the latter of course drawing on the same word origin as 'calling'.

I was intrigued by your description of your approach as 'secular yet spiritual' - could you say more about what that means and looks like in practice? I would love to hear more.

Thanks for signposting Gregg Levoy's book. I haven't come across is before but I like the title, especially the emphasis on finding and following an authentic life.

Your work sounds fascinating. Would you be willing to share any examples of working with the 'mystical and poetic' with clients - what the issues were, how you approached them, what happened as a result?

With thanks and best wishes. Nick

Annette Segal

17/6/2013 01:47:02 pm

Thanks for asking Nick. First the "secular yet spiritual" response. I don't offer my clients any particular canon, however they are often assigned poetry, listening to music without lyrics, a Beauty practice and asked to notice what arises in them, how they know (cognitively, emotionally, somatically) I offer them readings on Intuition, Contribution, Compassion from various sources as part of their work again with self-observations assigned.
Part of the work I do with folks includes the body component of change - around old structures and how we metabolize these by integrating our cognitive, emotional and body centers - and building new neural pathways.
Most of my clients are already very 'successful" intelligent, resourceful and rely heavily on their ideas, thoughts, and past experience. Often, first as a pattern interrupt, then as an integrating process, my assignments require them to use other parts of themselves.

Elvira Beracochea

15/6/2013 12:12:48 pm

Becoming aware of our unique calling is essential to advance in our professional careers. Yes, it is a sense of clarity and restlessness; a calling must be fulfilled; it cannot be ignored, or you will feel pretty miserable! Your calling will lead you to make bigger and bigger things, it changes as life and career move forward. I felt a sense of unique personal mission 8 years ago when my calling led me to start my own global health consulting company. It was a big and scary step, but my calling kept me going. You see, until then, my calling had been to help others by becoming a doctor. I had been a doctor for over 20 years when it became clear I had a new vision for my career, and it was to teach other doctors and health professionals what I knew to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and started MIDEGO, Inc. I had been working to improve health care delivery for many years in over 40 countries and had realized there were many things I wish I had known when I started my career that I needed to share with others. I did not want them to wait 20 years of more to know what I knew about how to deliver quality health services efficiently and consistently. Helping other health professionals fast track their careers, become experts and save more lives became my calling and have not looked back since then. Now I help others also discover and follow their calling. It is the most rewarding stage of my career, the most difficult and the most amazing journey. All comes full circle. Your calling gives meaning to life and meaning is essential to thrive in life. Thank you for stating this discussion. I am sure it will inspire others to "listen" to the little voice inside them that calls them to bigger things.

Nick Wright

28/6/2013 01:43:53 am

Hi Elvira and thanks for sharing such an inspiring account of your experience of calling and how you have acted upon it. It sounds like your deep inner sense of vision and conviction has enabled you to achieve amazing things and to exert far wider influence and impact in the world than would have been possible if you had stayed with your earlier calling.

I think that raises an interesting dimension on calling, for example how it may change or develop over time. I agree with your view about the importance of a sense of meaning in life. A related question is how people derive or develop their sense of meaning. I love how you are helping others discover and follow their calling too. With best wishes. Nick

Puneet Trehan

15/6/2013 12:14:14 pm

Hi Nick,

Let me start by quoting what you said that "calling" has its roots in spiritual traditions.

My view is that we do know that we have a primary desire for anything particular
.
Our desire serves us best when it is connected to our highest purpose

Let us say that someone wants to be a teacher as he likes to help people and believes that this is connected to his spiritual goal of sharing the wealth within to benefit many beyond self. The drive that this person will have towards his work will be very different from someone who wants to have a well respected job.

As per me we humans are driven by the meanings that we attach to what we think or do.

Warm Regards
Puneet

Nick Wright

28/6/2013 01:55:46 am

Hi Puneet and thanks for sharing your reflections on this topic. I think you raise a very significant point concerning the difference between feeling and outworking a sense of spiritual (or existential) 'higher purpose' and wanting to fulfil more 'ordinary' goals such as having a well-respected job.

The difference may lie in underlying beliefs, values, motivations and, as you say, the meanings we attach to what we think or do. It's one of the reasons why, in my view, a field such as career coaching can be particularly powerful if it includes an existential dimension, albeit handled sensitively. With best wishes. Nick

James Henman, Ph.D. link

15/6/2013 01:39:49 pm

Nick,
I so resonate to the process experience you are describing. In doing Therapeutic Coaching, my primary consciousness is experiencing God loving this client through me, and loving me too, as He shares Wisdom about the process of healthy change. This perspective helps me listen to the client at a deeper level of presupposition as to the underlying beliefs and attitudes that are causing the clinical issues.

Believing He is in the heart of the experience with the client gives me a confidence to "Be A Fool For God" by trusting what comes from that loving lantern of grace in a sense of understanding what is going on with the client and what can best help allow healthy change. This is 20/20 faith, not blind faith.

God has given me three safeguards for trusting these signals:
1. Does it contradict Scripture?
2. Does it reflect Papa God's Loving Nature and Style?
3. Does it come in lantern form (shining the same loving, respectful perspective with no double standards - what's true for me is true for you.

If any of these are violated, no matter how "right" it seems, I will hold back because it is not coming from Him. He is so much smarter than I could ever hope to be, but I can be smart enough to realize this and let Him do the work in the sessions, and I collect the fees! Seems like a great deal to me.

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 10:41:02 am

Hi James and thanks for posting such a helpful response. Your comments about listening, tuning in, discerning etc. reminded me of another blog you may find interesting: http://www.nick-wright.com/1/post/2011/10/listening-for-a-voice.html. I would be interested to hear if it resonates with your experience. I liked your emphasis on personal humility and integrity before God. With best wishes. Nick

Funmi Johnson

15/6/2013 05:21:50 pm

Hi Nick, thank you for a really thoughtful piece. My 'calling' is definitely around violence against women issues and broader gender equality issues. Whenever i find myself being tempted to wander off and do something new and exciting, i check back in with myself, to see how it aligns with my mission. There's lots to be done, but it doesn't all have to be done by me.

Blessings

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:05:46 pm

Hi Funmi and thanks for the encouraging feedback. It sounds like you have a strong and clear sense of personal mission. I would be intrigued to know more about how you 'know' what your mission is and how you discover and experience that 'knowing'. With best wishes in the important work you are doing. Nick

Funmi Johnson

9/7/2013 06:32:29 am

Hi Nick,

I'd like to say that i always knew, but that would be a lie:). However, once i started working in the field, i just felt a certainty about what i was doing, that this was how i was meant to play my part in helping women victims of violence. It's almost like an imperative, that just keeps me going everyday.

Luis Cochofel

9/7/2013 06:33:52 am

Dear Funmi... you've just reminded me of a Portuguese philosopher saying, that surely is adequate under this thread and in this interesting conversation. In Portuguese, it goes like this (I'll translate it, in a free style, afterwards...):

"A acção só vale quando é feita como um exercício, e um exercício com amor, quando é feita como uma ascese, e uma ascese por amor de que se liberte o Deus que em nós reside. E se a acção implica amargura, o que há a fazer é mudar de campo: porque não é a acção que estará errada, mas nós próprios.“ Agostinho da Silva

"Actions are only worthy when done as an exercise, and an exercise of love, when it is made as an ascesis, and an ascesis made of love from which we liberate the God that lies within us. And if the action involves bitterness, what needs to be done is to change our field of action: for it is not the action that might be wrong, but ourselves. "
Agostinho da Silva

( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agostinho_da_Silva )

Have a great day, and THANK YOU! dear Funmi, for having reminded me of these words, and THANK YOU! dear Nick, for laying the thread that made it possible!

Barry Stein

16/6/2013 12:53:27 am

Hi Nick;

That is a very thoughtful and inspirational essay, and I honor that, but I also want to suggest that the conclusions do not follow from the premises. For those of us with little religious faith or a sense of vocation, the thought of ideas deriving from a sense of "calling" is not only mystical but somewhat counter to at least my belief in a sensible universe, one that can be understood in its own terms, without reference to or need for something beyond that.

The perceived phenomena you describe are certainly real in some sense or you wouldn't feel them, but the source or driver of those feelings may be a simple moment of insight, in which the dominoes suddenly fall into place. Insight and recognition are two well-studied and reasonably well-understood physical phenomena, for which a more ethereal explanation is not required.

Believers (who of course may be right about this) are from my point-of-view, simply choosing to interpret normal and quite-understandable phenomena as proof of an unverifiable belief in another universe

Barry

Nick Wright

16/6/2013 01:36:18 am

Hi Barry,

Many thanks for such a thoughtful, respectful and stimulating challenge. You raise some interesting metaphysical and epistemological questions. I agree with you that it is not necessary to attribute a supernatural source to what I’ve described as a sense of ‘calling’. That’s partly what I was alluding to in the notion that sometimes situations themselves appear to ‘call’ (metaphorically) for a response.

I’ve experienced this phenomenon particularly dramatically when doing experiential Gestalt-inspired work with clients where I as well as they have been fully engaged in the mental, emotional, physical, relational and situational process. It’s as if an issue, an answer or an action can suddenly jump out or become vividly and vibrantly clear in that moment, as if out of nowhere, with powerful impact.

I should clarify too that I don’t believe that every insight or idea has a supernatural origin, or that my interpretation of some experiences as having a supernatural origin somehow offers proof of the existence of another universe. In fact, the spiritual beliefs I hold point to a different dimension and relationship that can be experienced within this universe…but that’s a much wider conversation!

On the whole, I don’t believe experiences interpret themselves but, rather, that we interpret them according to our own worldview or the beliefs we hold to be true. This may explain why you or I or others may attribute and be satisfied with different explanations for the same phenomena. An alternative explanation in the realm of ‘calling’ doesn’t prove itself or disprove other interpretations.

In the area of phenomenology and spirituality, I tend to ask of myself something along the lines of, ‘Do I have sufficient cause to believe what I believe to be true, even if I can’t know or prove it definitively?’ This calls for a step in humility and faith, an act based on conviction, that I can only hope to live out openly and with integrity without imposing it on others. With thanks again for the helpful challenge!

Nick

Luis Cochofel

17/6/2013 02:52:44 am

I've had a catholic education but I do not relate the two things -- being a catholic and listening to 'a call' -- as I believe every single human being gets 'a call' every now and then.

One thing I'm sure is that we should be a lot more attentive to what happens when we receive 'a call' and act accordingly, so that we can take that, as lessons, into our daily habits.

I've found myself following 'calls' more than once, and, as it happened to you, dear Nick --and you have been as corageous as to state it; thanks for that! --, I have obstructed those calls with reasoning, thus not acting upon what the call was meant for.

The major event that I recall -- I recall two, but the other one would easily be pointed as 'a management act', leading us to a discussion that is not the point in here -- happened some 23 years ago, on a saturday evening:

I was the HR manager of a company that produces stationery (using mostly paper and all sorts of plastics) and worked 24/7 in three shifts, except on the last ten days of a year. That saturday, and against my habits, I had the tv on; there was a Tina Turner's concert being broadcasted and the music was ok as background as me and some friends and relatives were playing cards and chatting. Suddenly, the broadcast was interrupted for some 'latest news': 'AMBAR (the company I was an HR manager of) is on fire!!!'

I don't remember reasoning about it... I just jumped, got my car and drove as fast as possible to get there. Don't ask me about the traffic or any other detail, for I simply have no image of that.

As I got there, everybody was running from side to side, apparently without knowing what to do, or what they were doing.

'There are twenty men inside the western side, doc...' someone told me.

Without thinking about it (otherwise I'd probably translate a loved Jim Capaldi's song -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQYSnx3shEo ) I went directly into where they were, and, after a few questions (q1: what do we need to get out, normally? a1: stairs; q2: 'what do we have that can be shaped into a staircase? a2: 'palettes, maybe...'; q3: do we have palettes in this area? where? a3: yes! beyond that door) we've all managed to get out with no scratch, no burn...

Only then I felt my own 'natural' feelings coming back to me, reason included...

You're now, probably wanting to ask: "OK Luís... now tell me...: how did you get in, in the first place? Of course you knew the place very well..."

The answer is 'I do not know, and I do not have the faintest idea on which path I took until I was in...; even those questions that I'm now writing so clearly, are the ones that some of the men who were there told me, later, that that's what I've asked.

There's one lesson I've taken to my daily life: ask questions to those who need answers, for they already have the answers... they just don't know where to search for them.

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:14:24 pm

Hi Luis and thanks for sharing such a dramatic and vivid experience. It sounds like you felt a strong 'call' to act in that situation and somehow knew what to do when you were in it, even though that 'knowing' felt different to your ordinary sense of knowing.

I had a similar experience once when I stopped in busy traffic because I saw one driver brutally attacking another driver. I leapt of my motorcycle and, to my own surprise later, instinctively asked the attacker, in compassionate voice, if he was OK.

The attacker looked at me completely confused...paused and walked back to his own car and drove away. I think I may have saved the other driver's life, but my way of acting was very different to how I may have intervened if I had thought about it beforehand.

Thanks again for sharing such a mysterious and inspiring story. With best wishes. Nick

Luis Cochofel

8/7/2013 05:51:59 am

Life's a permanent surprise, isn't it Nick?!?

That's why I love it! Thanks for sharing your own experience too.

Brian Bell

17/6/2013 02:53:35 am

I have been fortunate to coach both younger MBAs and senior executives over the course of my work history (more than 1200 total in some capacity individual or group). Regardless of faith tradition, or even among non-believing atheists, a greater majority do have a sense of career calling and are desperately seeking how to find out what it is the calling means. Some will say this is nothing but human nature and biology at work, while others of some faith are quick to say God or a supreme diety is behind it. This sense of calling is more real than discussed and provides a wonderful basis for discussing what people should be doing with their lives. Cheers!

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:17:43 pm

Hi Brian and thanks for sharing such an intriguing response. I would be very interested indeed to hear more about how you approached helping your clients discern their calling, especially having worked with such a large number of individuals and groups. Please tell me more! With best wishes. Nick

John Parman

17/6/2013 02:54:24 am

Have you read Noisy Contemplation by Rev. Bill Callahan? It is a poetic biblical reflective on the difficult relationship many Christians have with the relationship to God and Christ through their tradition; their filial or familiar sense; and the transformational moment of personally being called to serve God as an adult inside and outside of tradition, paterfamilias, and analogy.

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:19:06 pm

Hi John and thanks for the note. I haven't heard of that book but it sounds fascinating. With best wishes. Nick

Angela C. Dowd

17/6/2013 02:55:05 am

Thanks for the topic Nick. Kind of a coincidence that today Bill Moyers is interviewing Joseph Campbell on PBS (old interview from 25 years ago). They are talking about following the call.

I started out wanting to do this but somehow lost sight of the path I was on. I recently returned to school and earned a masters in education. Now I feel like I'm back on the path. Joseph Campbell says that when you are following your calling, invisible helpers appear. I'm looking forward to connecting with others in the field of education who are listening to the call and following it.

Nick's and Elvira's stories are inspiring. For me, answering the call is moving away from the isolation of sitting at a computer for long hours and putting myself out into the world and sharing skills and ideas with others. It feels empowering to experience learning through an interaction with other people. Hopefully following the call will lead me to job where I can practice my passion.

Elvira Beracochea

17/6/2013 02:56:01 am

Yes, Angela. Joseph Campbell made his career and created a new philosophy of life on a simple concept: Follow your bliss. I do! Glad to know my story was inspiring. It is true,by the way, when you follow your "bliss" or calling, I think you are truly genuine and people respond to that. I have thousands of helpers in my career and lots of help and support since I started my company because I am doing what I am supposed to do, follow my bliss. Wish you do too!

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:23:27 pm

Hi Angela. Thanks for sharing such a stimulating and honest account of rediscovering and following your calling or 'path'. I too have found the notion of helpers to be true, people or (in my interpretive framework) God who have inspired, guided and challenged me on route. I wish you well as you move further into the world out there, sharing your skills and ideas. Keep us posted on what happens next! With best wishes. Nick

Angela C. Dowd

7/7/2013 01:58:13 pm

I thought of turning back but quickly realized I need to keep heading in this new direction. It's unfamiliar territory. I'm not sure how I fit in. I'll be volunteering a few hours a week and feel this will open some doors...or at least some windows ;-). I'll share more about it soon...thanks for the encouraging words Nick.

Rose M. Eliud

17/6/2013 02:56:57 am

Hi Nick. I have enjoyed reading your article on "a calling beyond ourselves". It is interesting I see this at a time I am thinking about a "scary risky" step I took to quit my job based on a some "voice" I heard tell me to do so. Had I read this post before this "voice" thing, I would have thought you are another too spiritual fellow. I am now walking in the dark trying to light my own path heading to a direction I feel led to. From a Christian perspective, I would say God is lighting the path for me. The step was scary, it still is considering I am letting go all the security I had set up for myself with regard to finances and livelihood. But the most exciting thing about where I am right now is I know for sure that I am living my purpose. It is not fully clear what's next for me...but I have a vision of the ideal and I have my ladder on the right wall ready to climb.

I am an experienced OD practitioner, and in my practice, I know that OD has a lot to do with discernment and breaking the norms, and at times it takes that somewhat spiritual prompting to go against the grain and champion a lasting change. Some of the greatest change agents in history heard a calling; Abraham was called out of Ur to the unknown land, Moses called from a burning bush to lead the Israelites to the promised land (I like to think of Moses as an OD practitioner ha ha), Martine Luther King, Mother Teresa, you, Me the list is endless.

What are your thoughts?

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:28:57 pm

Hi Rose and, wow...I love the way you articulated your experience and your reflections on it. I too know that experience of thinking about a scary, risky step, of walking in the dark, of God lighting a path, of not being fully clear about what's next. I felt excited too as I read how you now know for sure you are living your purpose and I really liked your analogy of the ladder on the right wall. Please do keep us posted as your journey progresses. With many blessings. Nick

Rose M. Eliud

5/8/2013 11:40:14 pm

Hi Nick, thanks for asking; here is a peek at the journey I believe I'm making from success to significance. http://theexecutivewoman.weebly.com/1/post/2013/08/what-are-you-successful-or-significant.html

Eric Bot

17/6/2013 06:01:27 am

Nick,

Your story is good and true, I appreciate the openness. Everybody should be this honest with themselves, especially on how to deal with these sensations.

In the professional environment when applied to a organization for me it is a bit hard. Organisations being a group of people, it most times lacks the clear and concise values and beliefs based on which you could develop preferences and thus notice any attractions or sense of direction.

Now if it comes to one-on-one interaction within an organizational setting, yes there I do recognize what you say as for OD purposes you can re-align a individual's perception with the organization and vice-verca . Great learning ground there.

With a well developed self-knowledge you can actually practice and gain experience dealing with certain attractions and situations where opportunities present themselves.

People also use the word "intuition" or just "feelings" when confronted with some degree of recognition or similarity. Most times it is called chemistry; when time, energy and influences or minds come together something will happen.

I would not go as far as thus believing something to be true or not, it is that situation, fluid as you also evolve, presenting a opportunity, result of a creative process which can be recreated and steered.

have fun.

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 07:40:13 am

Hi Eric and thanks for sharing your insights on this topic. I think you raise an interesting point about how to discern 'calling' at an organisational rather than individual level. In my experience of working with leadership teams, it's sometimes about stepping back from rational analytical processes such as SWOT, PESTLE etc to ask more intuitive questions such as, 'what's our strongest sense of why we/as an organisation are here', 'what is this situation calling for from us in this moment in time', 'what is our gut instinct telling us, even it if flies in the face of reason or evidence' etc. It can create a very different type and quality of conversation where fresh insights, passion and sense of purpose can emerge. With best wishes. Nick

Helene Samuels

17/6/2013 09:04:04 am

This is a deep and thoroughly philospphical discussion to which I cannot contribute much. While I am not a fervent relgious in any sense, I have the following prayer ascribed to Father Mychal Judge, FDNY died 9/11/0, up in my coaching space to keep me grounded:

Lord, take me where You want me to go;
Let me meet who You want me to meet;
Tell me what you want me to say; and
Keep me out of Your way.

For me the spiritual component, in whichever form it comes, is always present because is it so intrinsic to being human.

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 07:45:30 am

Hi Helene. I'm glad you did contribute to the discussion! I really like the prayer you quoted and your reflections on spirituality as intrinsic to being human. Very profound. With best wishes. Nick

Murray Peat

17/6/2013 09:04:50 am

Hi Nick. I warm to your description of the Lord's calling which you describe. For me this can happen at any time and sometimes happens over a period of time. It may be a nudge to go and pray for someone across the room (this has resulted in 3 instantaneous healings of backs/ear/bones). It may be an inner conversation - in 2005 He specifically called me to go to China to live and we did for 3 years.
It may be a picture in my head - one day the Lord put in my head a particular spot in a park about 40 minutes drive from my home and when I asked what time he wanted me there, "11am" sprang to my mind. I was to talk to whoever was there about Him. A park I had only been to about 4 times before. I drove there and walking towards the spot I could see no-one there. But as I reached the spot at exactly 11am suddenly a van pulled up into a parking space just there and an extended Indian family got out onto the exact spot. Two elderly Indians (who couldn't speak English), their son and his young baby. Looking for an opening, the 30 year old father got the stroller out of the van and turned back to his infant son. A small wind gust suddenly began to blow the stroller away so I hurriedly grabbed it and brought it back. This became the opener. He thanked me and we were away. The father translated what I said into Hindi for his parents. By the end they all happily received gospel material in Hindu and Gujurati, and the father asked if I would be in the photo they then got a passerby to take!
As Elijah found, I also find it is often through the small still voice of the Lord within, when seeking Him, that the instructions come.
Once while in Sydney in an Islamic suburb, a Middle Eastern man crossed the road towards me. I felt the Lord nudge me and so spoke to him. Ended up testifying to him and laying on my hands to pray for healing. Another time an Egyptian man in a wheelchair at a beach. Another time the Lord told me to talk to a Greek bank guard and I found the guard had recently had a dream. He told me the dream. As he talked I drew out my pocket New Testament and turned to Rev 19. When he finished the dream, I asked him to read aloud Rev 19:11-13. He did so quite slowly and his voice got quieter and quieter until he suddenly said very loudly, "This is the man in my dream! Who is this man?" I explained it was Jesus. He was amazed.
Every day at any moment of the day the Lord's Spirit may speak into our spirit to go and bless another person. What a privilege to be serving the King of kings.

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 08:10:40 am

Hi Murray and thanks for sharing such vivid and inspiring examples of hearing and responding to God's call in your life. What you shared reminded me of an experience I once referred to in this related blog: http://www.nick-wright.com/1/post/2011/11/to-do-or-not-to-do1.html. May God continue to guide and lead you. Nick

Linda J. Ferguson

17/6/2013 01:39:10 pm

Here's a quote I like from Rabbi Hillel -
"I will do what I love and have faith that the doors that need to open will be opened".
That quote has kept me going on many occasions re: building my coaching practice and other work.

Delia

19/6/2013 01:56:20 pm

Thanks for this quote. As I was reading through the earlier posts I was reminded of the times when I moved to follow what I sensed was my calling, even though it may not have seemed logical or clear at the time, and the next door openned allowing me to allow me to keep going ... I am now reflecting on how this can be trusted in the meeing with clients too ...

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 08:24:37 am

Hi Delia. Your comments to Linda reminded me of some work I've done in Gestalt coaching where, when acting out an issue with a client, the next step has become clear only once I had taken the previous step. It has felt like a kind of progressive revelation...one step at at time. I would be very interested to hear any further reflections you may have on how you may work with a client in this way. With best wishes. Nick

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 08:26:37 am

P.S. Here's a link to a case study article that may be of interest? http://www.nick-wright.com/just-do-it.html. I would be very interested to hear what you think! With best wishes. Nick

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 08:16:38 am

Hi Linda and thanks for sharing the quotation. It sounds like Rabbi Hillel may be saying that what we love most is what we were created for...that is, it points towards our purpose in life. If we follow that 'call', God will open the doors for us as part of His wider purpose. I would love to hear more about how you have used this principle in your coaching practice. With best wishes. Nick

Terrence Seamon link

18/6/2013 05:37:00 am

Nick, Thanks for another stimulating blog post. I've always felt and trusted that there is a calling for each of us. To me, the calling is the application of my gift to a need in the world.

So to your question, How does calling feature in my OD practice? I have always felt most alive and most in touch with my calling when I am facilitating a small group toward something meaningful for them, whether a strategy, a vision, a decision or a plan.

Kenny "The Monk" Moore is fond of retelling Plato's concept of the acorn and the daimon. Each of us is born with an acorn (a gift) that is destined to grow into a tree (some unique accomplishment that will give our life meaning). Due to the impact of the circumstances of Life, that acorn may be helped or hindered as it develops. So each of us has a daimon, a Guardian Angel if you will, whose duty is to assist in our growth toward our calling.

Years ago, I came across a book by consultant Dick Richards called "Is your genius at work?" --where he uses the idea of genius as a unique spirit that infuses us and inspires our work if we allow it to-- by which I discovered that my calling is Facilitating Wisdom. From there I named my business Facilitation Solutions.

https://www.facebook.com/FacilitationSolutions

Subsequently I stumbled upon Nick Heap's methodology called Core Process which is designed to help uncover your calling. I interviewed Nick and published his ideas at my blog:

http://learningvoyager.blogspot.com/2013/01/nick-heap-on-core-process.html

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 02:16:13 pm

Hi Terrence. Thanks for sharing your reflections on this topic and for the links to your blogs too. I was struck as I was reading your post by a possible distinction between a 'general call' in life, e.g. to outwork my gift, talent or core process in whatever circumstances I may find myself and a 'specific call' to act in a certain way or direction in a specific situation. What do you think? With best wishes. Nick

Pam Kennett

18/6/2013 01:58:43 pm

I'm beginning to look at the area of meaning in work for my MSc. I'm not a spiritual person but I do think there is a missed opportunity to enjoy work and life by thinking more mindfully about what's meaningful for you and whether what you're doing is fulfilling that meaning. Whether that is building up one area of your life or work more than another or maybe something more drastic. Marjolein Lips-Wiersma has done alot of work in this area and says that as our lives are constantly moving back and forth our lives are never 100% 'stable' (my words) but that is no bad thing as that is what sets us on our path. I'm looking forward to exploring more about this area. As an atheist I'm hoping the god question doesn't come up too much but you never know. Specifically I'm looking at the impact mentoring has on an individual's meaning.If anyone has any useful references I'd appreciate it although there's quite alot out there - some mentioning the 'g' word and others not.

Nick Wright

7/7/2013 02:26:59 pm

Hi Pam and thanks for posting such an interesting response. My sense is that questions of 'calling' and 'meaning' sit closely together. I haven't come across Marjolein Lips-Wiersma's work but I would be interested to hear more about what 'moving back and forth' could mean as your studies progress. I wondered if you had considered including an existential dimension (see, for instance, van Deurzen, Existential Perspectives on Coaching, 2012). Your comment about hoping the God question doesn't come up too much made me smile. :) With best wishes. Nick

Maya Kalra

19/6/2013 03:22:49 am

I loved reading all the comments/sharing and maybe this was my calling today.......to read and understand more about calling. I am in a profession where I am very satisfied because I work with socially disadvantaged people. However, there still is a certain restlessness (can resonate with what Nick says) and a need to slow down and find my life purpose. I need to work more consistently on meditating and manifesting. I ask for all your support and prayers.

Nick Wright

17/7/2013 01:30:24 am

Hi Maya and thanks for sharing such honest reflections. I can connect with your experience of satisfaction as I too have spent most of my adult like working in the humanitarian/social sectors. The restlessness sometimes feels to me like e.g. a yearning for a deeper sense of purpose, a desire for a closer and more intimate relationship with God or a need to take a fresh step in faith. It's something for me about feeling fully alive whilst living out my life and calling in the deepest and most vibrant ways possible. I do hope you find and create the space to discover your life purpose too. With best wishes. Nick

Martin Klopper

19/6/2013 11:07:34 am

"Calling" presupposes there is someone or a situation that "calls"...

To respond to a "call" assumes that you are listening...in the case of the former ("someone") that they have a "voice" and that you recognize it as being spoken to you. It seems to me that in our hyper-connected world listening to that voice becomes more challenging but more necessary to find the way in the labyrinth of paths we face daily.

In the case of the latter ("situation" cf. Funmi and Luis' comments) maybe the compulsion to act comes from the "inner voice" of compassion or conscience.

Either way, a decision is called for...a choice needs to be made...either to respond to the calling or to ignore it. For coaching professionals the art and skill of listening and asking powerful questions of our clients are things we have honed with time and practice. Employing these in answering "the call" helps us both to respond and to will to act.

So the question I face is "what is the call that I am responding to today that is giving meaning and purpose to my journey?"

Nick Wright

17/7/2013 01:38:59 am

Hi Martin. Thanks for posting such stimulating comments on this topic. I liked your introduction of the idea that sometimes the call we are hearing could be our own inner voice. How do I respond to the call of my own voice calling to me? It's an intriguing question and speaks to me of listening, awareness and authenticity.

In my experience, the coaching relationship or dynamic often involves something of the coach discerning and outworking his or her calling whilst helping the client discern and outwork his or her calling. I like the question you pose to yourself and would add '...and to the journeys of others.' With best wishes. Nick

Rose Eliud

19/6/2013 11:08:51 am

Nick, I like the way you addressed the issue of "calling" from a metaphorical point of view. It is true that one may not believe in the existence of a deity, but that does not stop them from heeding to a calling. Your response reminds me, and clarifies one of the 7 steps of strategy development in World Vision "the discernment" that cuts across the whole strategy development process. In order to reach the point of determining "the call and aspiration" of a strategic direction, discernment in key.

Nick Wright

17/7/2013 01:55:10 am

Hi Rose.and thanks for the note. I think you introduce an important dimension to this conversation - how to discern a 'call' at an organisational level. This questions could apply to other entities or constructs too such as groups, communities, nations etc. I would be interested to hear about how you have seen this work in practice.

When I worked with World Vision, the leaders took steps to ensure that we stopped periodically, including around planning and review times, to listen for anything God may want to say to the organisation. This practice of prayer, of learning to be open in the midst of ordinary work, was embedded throughout the culture.

It can be challenging, of course, to discern what may be God's voice in the midst of so many other 'voices' clamouring for our attention. Different people may 'hear' different things so it takes a special kind of wisdom and leadership to hear, weigh up and act on what is heard.

Two of the important principles in this process were humility and integrity. Humility was demonstrated in taking time and space to try to hear God rather than simply depending on our own ideas or resources. Integrity was demonstrated in trying to act honestly in light of what we think we may have 'heard' or discerned.

I'd love to hear more about your or others' experiences in this area. With best wishes. Nick

Lisa Zaccagnini

20/6/2013 02:43:00 am

"When the deepest part of you becomes engaged in what you are doing, when your activities and actions become gratifying and purposeful, when what you do serves both yourself and others, when you do not tire within but seek the sweet satisfaction of your life and your work, you are doing what you were meant to be doing." --Gary Zukav

To me this quote defines a "calling." It is Flow, it is empathy, it is authenticity. Nick you mention in your article that sometimes you pull back out of fear or skepticism. That is good. You are always re-evaluating, re-structuring, re-embracing what you feel so deeply about. The important and empowering thing in the pull back is that after the questioning and answer gathering you return, you did not abandon your core. Awesome!

Follow your heart and where it calls to you. Even if it calls in different directions from time to time it is the pathway between each call that creates the circle and everything ultimately is connected.

Nick Wright

31/7/2013 12:15:59 pm

Hi Lisa and thank you for sharing such an inspiring and evocative quotation from Zukav. Your reflections in your final paragraph reminded me of 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran. Wondered if you have come across it? With best wishes. Nick

David Johnstone

20/6/2013 02:43:41 am

I don't believe a coach or someone operating in a similar role can truly give integral coaching / guidance if they themselves are not living into their own "calling" or "commission" - Divinely or earthly inspired.

Getting to the depth of a person's heart and soul, and all of the subtlety, deep listening and sense-making it requires, is not something that a series of coaching questions or a framework for getting a person to that core place of a felt sense of ":calling" will really get to where the client needs to go...sure there may be some exceptions, but in my experience as a Mission driven coach and change agent, and being around a lot of "coaches" and personal development types over a long period of time, I see that most coaches haven't done deep enough personal work, nor delved into the deeper realms of personality structure and study, and most do not have a deeper and broader understanding of the true complexity of values...and one must have the ability to navigate in these deeper, more complex realms of a person's psychological / emotional being...this is a loaded topic, but I needed to put this out there.

It takes courage, drive / obsession, tenacity and resilience to do what one will be called to do in taking the journey of fulfilling one's true Mission in life...it is not a path for the feint of heart...

Warm Regards,

David

Nick Wright

31/7/2013 12:21:58 pm

Hi David. Thanks for posting such deep and challenging reflections on this topic. Interestingly, I was invited to write an article for the July 2013 edition of the BACP's 'Coaching Today' journal touching on some similar issues, especially the power of incorporating existential or spiritual dimensions into coaching practice. I really liked your final statement: 'It takes courage, drive / obsession, tenacity and resilience to do what one will be called to do in taking the journey of fulfilling one's true Mission in life...it is not a path for the feint of heart...' With best wishes. Nick

Rachel Conerly

20/6/2013 05:17:58 am

Hi folks - we've come at this VITAL topic from a slightly different angle. So I'll throw our pov into the pot. So appreciate the thoughtful comments.

Here's a talking piece we labored long and hard over in an effort to create meaning and understanding around the topic of calling (i.e. purpose): http://thecos.org/content/files/PurpProcessJan2013v2.pdf

Trudy Arthurs

20/6/2013 07:42:04 am

What a beautifully intrigueing conversation. I particularly love Lisa's contribution, and your quote from Gary Zukav. And your comment David in your middle paragraph, about this being a loaded topic. Well done Nick on raising the question in the first place. This type of soul-deepening conversation can only add to the quality of our lives.

In all honesty, 'calling' is such a powerful word, it's not one I'm comfortable using as a general rule. Like Luis I was brought up catholic, and now refer to my self as spiritual more than religious. The 'calling' word brings memories of Vocation Sundays to my mind, asking us all to pray for an increase in vocations. Lots of stuff around that for me.

When I look at the word 'calling' metaphorically sitting in my hand, in reference to my being an active, professional, dealing with the world coach, I want to protect the word with love, from the ever-present cynicism that we encounter in our lives thru media etc. Many clients over the years have told me of the differences our time together has made to their lives at so many different levels. One said to me on Tuesday morning last that even tho it's several years since our regular contact, the seeds planted at that time through our connection and focus, are continuing to flourish today. This followed my admission to her that I was finding it challenging to motivate myself just now, to continue in this work, following many years of health challenges.

So maybe I do have a 'calling'. It's up to me now to fully open up to that thought.

So Nick, thankyou for raising this. It's been extremely helpful.

Best,
t

Nick Wright

31/7/2013 12:27:43 pm

Hi Trudy and thanks for posting such an honest and thought-provoking response. I can understand your reservations around the word 'calling' because of some of the connotations it holds for you. I felt inspired by the account you shared of the person whose life you touched and how that influence continues even today. It sounds like you do have a calling and that you are rediscovering something of its impact. With best wishes as you continue on that journey. Nick

Devon Reid

3/7/2013 02:48:30 am

I'm not sure if this is helpful.
I have come realize through my own work and working with clients is that there are parts of ourselves trying to get in touch with us. Something deeper and more authentic is often knocking at our door but usually the loudest voice is that of the Ego through our thoughts.

So perhaps when our body is speaking with us, when something more authentic or our truth is speaking, we don't hear it, we ignore it or we've lost the capacity to listen on that level. Our truth often whispers, through our bodies (pains, illness, reaction) through our hearts (feelings, intuitions, insights). Most of the time we ignore it for the sake of something we think we should do, or something we feel is more 'realistic', 'rational' and 'practical'.

I feel that we are called to be ourselves, to seek through the rubble or all the layers created throughout our lives and find what is our 'truth'. 'Truth' is often buried beneath so much past, that we often do need silence and expansiveness to hear it.

We are all a unique piece of a intricate whole - in this sense I believe we each have a unique and specific role to play in the web of things.

Devon Reid

3/7/2013 02:49:21 am

if we see ourselves as a piece of greater intricate whole - then I suppose there is no calling beyond ourselves because we are connecting to everything.

Terrence Seamon

3/7/2013 02:50:06 am

As the Irish bard James Joyce once said, "Hear comes everybody."

Or as the contemplative Richard Rohr says, "Everything Belongs."

Whether beyond or deep down within, it's the same.

We need to access our inner poet and artist and let them express themselves.

Jon Matsuo

6/7/2013 10:24:06 am

How interesting. I have pondered this privately, but would never have ventured to express it before, without Nick's prompting.
I believe that we are all endowed with certain unique combinations of skills, senses, values, feelings, powers, and other abilities that enable us to be a gift to others. In my case, there was an intersection of abilities and what I most enjoyed doing. I feel that my faith makes me who I am, so the word "calling" does fit.
Having a sense of purpose can provide this, whether or not you have a religious connection. "Calling" also fits because I feel that my abilities are a gift with a purpose, which makes it imperative that I share them. So calling can also take on the context of "duty" as well.

In my case a prompting did not shape the choice of careers, but a realization that I could perceive things that made solutions apparent. I know that many have this ability, and that in turn calls for us to be a light, a leader. Yet another perspective or application of the term is that I look at it as an opportunity to bring happiness and fulfillment to the greatest number of people.

As a final example, perhaps the term calling has a broader context than a career or business. I don't feel that opportunities to assist, improve, and reach for potential should be confined to one's OD practice, and try to employ them in as many situations as possible in daily life.

Richard Thayer

6/7/2013 10:25:00 am

Interesting discussion. My choice of career was heavily influenced by Geoffrey Bellman and his inspirational "The Consultant's Calling: Bringing Who You Are to What You Do." I agree that it has a broader context and that people are much more productive (and satisfied) when following passions connected to their strengths.

Robert Crosby

6/7/2013 10:25:57 am

"Research for over a half century has confirmed that democracy ferments creativity and initiative far more than autocracy or laissez-faire. These foment scape-goating. Market conditions and product relevance being good enough, democracy also enhances productivity, bottom-line results, morale, and the equalizing of opportunity for all.

At its heart, it is a constantly evolving social justice system. Difficult to learn, it always lies in danger of tipping to styles of too much order or too much freedom.

Enter institutions, consultants, and others who share the values highlighted in this article!

We have an important mission!!!"

The above is how I end end my "Roots" paper about OD and social justice-my calling!

Robert Crosby

6/7/2013 10:27:17 am

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive!"

Thank you Howard Thurman

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 10:32:11 am

Thanks for sharing the quotation, Robert. I often use something similar in career coaching when I ask people to reflect on (a) what makes you feel most alive, (b) what do you find easiest to do and (c) what do you find easiest to learn. With best wishes. Nick

Jonathan Lee

6/7/2013 12:40:35 pm

I find it interesting that you bring religion into your sessions. I too have felt a sense of calling but I would not call it religious in any way, just a feeling that all my learning so far has brought me to a certain point in time. However in a despearte moment with a religeous coachee, when they were not moving from their position over several weeks, I lost my patience and said, "You know, I dont believe any more, you refuse to move and the only one in the building that does, is all around you at the moment. He does not judge, he just accepts, its up to you to remember your religion and what the big guy thinks of you. " He looked stunned and then laugh and eventually left his job. Did I do a good job, not sure. Was using my calling inapproriate in the coaching situation? At the time I thought not, but your comments have made me think otherwise.

Nick Wright

6/7/2013 12:46:53 pm

Hi Jonathan and thanks for such an honest response. I think you raise some interesting and important questions about when and how it may be appropriate to introduce an overtly spiritual dimension in coaching conversations. I think it partly depends on acting on one's own calling in the moment, partly on being sensitive to the client's own framework and desire or willingness to engage in such conversations and partly on the professional or organisational policies or boundaries that you are operating within. I would be interested to hear if you client offered any feedback on how they experienced your intervention. With best wishes. Nick

Jonathan Lee

7/7/2013 07:14:35 am

Hello Nick

At the time he was thankful I had reminded him of his faith and how his god was everywhere. I also let myself of the hook by using his god to make up for my own frustrations and lack of belief in him.

I could see only one outcome for him, which was to leave his job. He was so stuck I was loosing faith in my own skills.

You have reminded me to use follow up feedback when I can.

Peter Dean

8/7/2013 05:53:10 am

Hi Nick - great article, heres my take on our calling:

I have always had the firm belief that we are either part of the problem or part of the solution. I shall not venture into my beliefs here as I do not see this as the right forum for such talk - personal preference. I feel that we were called into our line of work as we saw so many people being hoodwinked and disillusioned by 'smoke and mirror' companies and paying the price for their lack of understanding. We could not stand idly by and let this happen when we had the wherewithal and tools to fix the problem, we are still up against many snake oil salesmen, but our plain speaking and open aptitude with our clients, has kept them coming back and referring us on to others.

Upon the point of not always following the call, I personally think that sometimes we must make a leap of faith and trust our gut feeling - following this to its natural result. It does not always work I admit, but again it comes back to our personal and moral beliefs - we cannot and will not stand by and watch when we can solve a problem. One of our first charity sites was built and launched for free as we saw the way that the owner was being treated by his current designers and found it to be simply unacceptable. We did not make a penny on that site, we did however make a huge fan!

Much to our accountant and business advisors frustration, we may never be rich - but we can at least ay that every site we have created has been a personal achievement - we are in short, part of the solution.

Mark Honman

9/7/2013 06:35:30 am

There is a kind of nexus between calling, skills, and passion. Only if your professional life makes sense in all three areas is it really sustainable... this is especially important in roles where a person is dealing with problems that don't have an easy solution - or perhaps don't have one at all. And almost by definition charities are dealing with those kinds of problems.

It's not just Christians who may be called to "step out in faith" - a lot of the open source movement works that way, with giving prioritised over receiving.

Without a sense of calling - "I'm here because this is what God wants me to be doing" it is all too easy to give up in the face of insuperable problems, and the biggest struggles in my charity experience have been when the organisation has required that I work outside my calling.

In these years it has helped to regularly revisit my calling, gifts, and passion and re-focus on areas of my professional life that match these. Unfortunately the norm for me has been that it is hard to get the blessing of one's organisation for that re-focusing... there can be a tension between "job" and "calling".

Oskar Abley

9/7/2013 06:36:30 am

Hi Nick, I started the same thread in another group. Good man.

Many agree that there are far too many men and women in ministry that have not been called but see ministry as their business, the word says we all get a reward for what we do and all of them are eternal.

Kind regards Oskar

Angel Harlins

9/7/2013 01:30:57 pm

Some are called but few are chosen . You know you are chosen when you have accepted the call. Praise God.

Tammy Hoffman

23/7/2013 03:06:50 pm

Hi Nick. Thanks for the article and your interest in "calling". Right now, my sense of calling is in the area of organizational and societal consciousness--where we develop not only different practices but a change of organizational heart. The corporate and overall world,in my opinion, has become way too bottom lined--economy at the expense of humanity and workplaces are indeed suffering. Organizations need callings, but if its call is only greater profit and not tied to something beyond that, in the end, it rings an empty tone--the "calling" that no one really hears.

Para jugar link

25/2/2014 09:38:30 am

I do not understand much about things like that. Because I've never met at all. It may be somewhat idealistic.