All too often business plans are focused on being productive. So much time spent on this productivity hamster wheel can easily lead to burn out and losing sight of the bigger picture. But there is an alternative, you can choose a natural, holistic more sustainable business plan that is aligned with the cycles of nature.
I’d like to invite you to pause for a moment and try to imagine your business as a tree. What does it look like? Perhaps it is a little seed lying dormant underground waiting to be called into action. Perhaps it is already a fully grown tree. What is the root system like? Is it balanced or top heavy? Perhaps, it has beautiful autumn colours, but you are aware that some leaves are waiting to fall. Maybe all the leaves have fallen, but with time new life can sprout from these fallen leaves.
We are part of nature, so it makes sense to observe how our businesses weave into the big cycles of nature. Nature does not produce constantly. Sun shines down on us during the day, but as he withdraws for the night, darkness beckons us to rest. Moon waxes and wanes, when she is full, her influence can be felt down here on Earth as our inner and outer waters ebb and flow with the tides. As Moon wanes, we can follow her example and let go of whatever is weighing us down before we start a fresh cycle. When Moon is completely dark, this could be the perfect time to go within and use our inner wisdom to connect with our personal needs and the needs of our business.
What do you do when a problem comes up in your business? Do you take your problem into a dark abyss or see it as a mountain that should be conquered? Or do you call on a bird like eagle to carry you up high to have a wider vision, so you can see the trees from the forest and perhaps see the problem as an opportunity to grow your business.
How often do you take your business out for a walk to get some fresh air and to listen to the songs of the birds and smell of wild herbs? Perhaps there you will discover what lies beyond the horizon for you and your business.
There is a Zen saying that I love: “you should sit in nature for 20 minutes a day… unless you’re busy. Then you should sit for an hour.”
You might consider having a little sit spot in nature. A space where you visit frequently just to be and open your senses up to what there is. You may see how ants all work together for the wellbeing of the whole community. You may perceive that leaves have no fear when they fall from a tree. Perhaps you will notice that flowers don’t need an alarm to tell them when it is time to bloom and that not all bees visit the same flower. This may make you ponder on what type of visitors you would you like to visit the flowers on your business tree.
There are many other ways that nature can inspire you to grow a healthy business with strong roots and nutritious fruit. If you are suffering from burn out or need some guidance to work towards a nature based sustainable business, please reach out to me at info@storyarte.com.