We need our own "re-combobulating" stations

I recently learned that the Milwaukee International Airport has an area for passengers to gather and put themselves and their belongings back in order after becoming discombobulated after going through security. It is called the Recombobulating Station. 

It's a brilliant idea, and one that is a great symbol for our times. 

The whole world feels discombobulating right now. Uncertainty, complexity, chaos, conflict, polarization - every time I turn around there is something else to deal with, address or confront. Some days I can feel my centre shifting - my ability to stay grounded sliding so it all leaks in and overwhelms me.

As a leader, this discombobulating effect can be contagious; I transfer it to those I work, live, and play with. A bit like a virus, discombobulation is contagious.

When I'm discombobulated it brings out my shadows rather than my strengths. Instead of being brave, I sometimes lean too hard into brave and find myself in risk taking or making quick choices to stop the uncertainty, choices that aren't well thought out or right for the moment. I speed up, going too fast.

I try to lead with generosity but because I'm moving so fast, I lean into the shadows of generosity like accommodation, self-sacrifice and even avoidance.

When I'm discombobulated I am often scattered, overwhelmed and have difficulty focusing, which makes it hard to be creative, solve problems or effectively collaborate.

When I'm discombobulated I'm less of a leader.

These times need me - and all of you - to lead as best as we can. Discombobulation is a disruption - of our mental, physical, emotion and spiritual states. 

Available for purchase on Etsy, a sign to signify where you will put yourself back together

Recombobulating feels like coming home to myself.

I find my equilibrium again. I feel grounded, centered, steady, no matter what is happening around me, or what I need to lead from.

I feel steadier physically, less stomach churning, tense shoulders, aches and pains. I can re-connect to my hope and yearning for the world.

I feel comforted and settled. I feel ready to begin again.

When I'm re-combobulated I lead well, from whatever life gives me, rather than for what I hoped life would send my way. 

What if we all literally and figuratively set up recombobulating stations to get us through these days? 

Physically

For me, physically recombobulating looks like rhythmic, patterned exercise. Activities like cross-country skiing, paddle boarding, swimming, walking. Using my body in a repetitive pattern where my breath and movement sync up processes out stresses and ushers in calm. It works the cortisol and adrenaline out of my system, and the rhythmic patterns act like moving meditation. If I need to source creativity, in the midst of working I will take a quick break and get on my skis and do a few circuits of our cross-country ski trails (in the winter), or head out for a quick swim or paddle board (in the summer). When I come back to my desk I am open and clear.

What physical movements and patterns connect you to your body and release stress?

Emotionally

When I think of recombobulating emotionally I dream of rest, silence, stillness. Time alone to process my experiences and challenges through writing or journaling. Time with people I love and trust to talk through my feelings so I can find meaning. If I don't make the time to do this, the emotions build up and physically seem to settle in my shoulders and joints and cause headaches and tension.

There is also an in the moment recombobulating for emotion. There are so many easy, evidence based tools available for use in the moment, if we choose to apply them: box breathing, EFT tapping, Jin Shin Jyutsu, and humming are a few that I lean into when I need them.

What tools and choices will support you to calm your nervous system and find meaning in your emotions?

Spiritually

Spiritual recombobulation gives me an opportunity to come home to myself, to explore life from a place of peacefulness with a deep connection to something beyond myself.

For me that often comes from time in nature or with my family. For others, faith or religion can be a source of connection to that greater spirit. Time with community can also achieve that. We lead best when we have clarity on what matters most to us, and can answer the "why" we are choosing to lead.

What connects you to greater possibility, re-affirming your commitment to leading?

Mentally

Spiritual recombobulation is about letting go, and feeling settled and clear.

Recognizing what is mine to carry, and what is not is crucial. It is also about sorting through the volume of overwhelm, and making some kind of order that allows me to see a path forward. For me that often means a process of sifting: what can I say yes to because it aligns with my values and commitment (and what will I say no to as a result), what is mine to pick up and carry forward, what can I influence and what is within my control? All those things are mine to move forward.

Then can I order them in ways that reduce my overwhelm? Sometimes that requires a big brainstorm and lots of sticky notes on the wall to theme and prioritize an initiative or project. Sometimes it means a clear to do list with achievable tasks for each day. Sometimes it means stepping away to give my brain and body a rest so I can come back to the work with more energy. Sometimes it means clearing my physical space so it is organized, uncluttered and clean, like a symbol of the mind space I am hoping to create.

What allows you to clear the overwhelm, find clarity and alignment in challenging times?

In these times, we all need to do some recombobulating.

• Rest.
• Recover.
• Recombobulate.
• And then Begin Again. Come back to leading with calm, clarity and commitment.

How will you recombobulate today?