Wise leaders are not reactive. Even in crisis, they maintain their inner balance.
However events may whirl around them,
They remain centered and calm.
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 26
For centuries, the wisdom of the East has taught the lesson of self-mastery. As the Tao tells us:
Analyzing others is knowledge,
Knowing yourself is wisdom.
Managing others requires skill.
Mastering yourself takes inner strength.
. . .
Be present, observe the process.
Stay centered and prevail.
Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33
Wise leaders stay centered in challenging times because of their commitment to a regular centering practice—which can be daily prayer, meditation, or a physical discipline like yoga, tai chi, or the martial arts.
What is your centering practice?