Evolution Revolution: Conscious Leadership for an Information Age

Table of Contents

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Evolution Revolution

Conscious Leadership for an Information Age

Text Copyright © 2017 by Abigail Stason

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

BookWise Publishing

bookwisepublishing.com

Cover Design: Martine Cameau

Interior and Back Cover Layout and Design: Francine Platt, Eden Graphics, Inc.

Production: Karen K Christoffersen

Cover image used under license from shutterstock.com

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017956597

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Stason, Abigail, author.

Title: Evolution Revolution / by Abigail Stason

Description: BookWise Publishing Paperback Edition. / Riverton, Utah, 2017

Summary: Join the evolution revolution.

Become the person you truly are and want to be.

1. Main Category Non-Fiction—Spirituality

2. Sub Category Non-Fiction—Leadership

ISBN 978-1-60645-196-0 Paperback $14.99

Second Edition

2 4 6 8 10 9 7 5 3

Printed in the United States of America

12/21/2022

To all of you who want to wake up—

thanks for being on this journey with me.

Chapter

1: The Evolution Revolution

Chapter

2: Presence—The Foundation for Conscious Evolution

Chapter

3: Stop Our Addiction to Drama

Chapter

4: The Mindfulness Movement

Chapter

5: Emotional Intelligence 101

Chapter

6: Stop Surviving and Start Evolving

Chapter

7: Presencing—Be in Your Direct Experience

Chapter

8: Conscious Commitments

Chapter

9: Conscious Expression—Responding to Life

Chapter

10: Masterful Listening

Chapter

11: Feedback 101

Chapter

12: A Culture of Evolution

Chapter

13: Values—The Congruent Individual

Chapter

14: Leadership Quality—The Congruent Leader

Chapter

15: Style Differences

Chapter

16: The Power of Breath and Movement

Chapter

17: Conscious Agreements

Chapter

18: Conscious Appreciation

Chapter

19: Don’t Gossip—Connect

Chapter

20: Pay Attention—Thrive Consciously

Chapter

21: The Importance of Integration

Chapter

22: What’s Next?

Chapter

23: Wake Up—Join the Conversation

Chapter

24: What Are We Talking About Exactly?

Chapter

25: Recognize Our Own Bias and the Wiring of Our Brain

Chapter

26: Navigating Bias Day-to-Day

Chapter

27: We Are Not Imposters

Chapter

28: Wake Up to Our True Nature—The Truth of Who We Are

Chapter

29: Stopping is the Ultimate Disrupter

Chapter

30: Answer the Wake-Up Call to Humanity

Chapter

31: Next Steps—There is Always More

Resources

205

Acknowledgments

Abigail Abby Stason

CHAPTER 1

THE EVOLUTION REVOLUTION

In a world where industries are being turned upside down, a new paradigm for leadership is being revealed, affecting how we interact and co-exist in the world. There is a higher vibration, and a higher level of existence evolving.

Knowledge and the ability to collaborate are some of the most essential commodities in this information age, requiring agility, strength of mind, and maturity to meet the demands for what lies ahead. Every industry is affected by technology. In fact, technology is advancing faster than we are as a species, and we’re playing catch up. It is through the workplace that we can meet this challenge. Our next revolution is evolution.

Businesses by their very nature bring people together. However, we spend very little time teaching people how to be in a relationship with each other. It is through relationships and love that we can expand into the truth and evolve spiritually and as a human species.

A new paradigm is emerging where being connected is the number one goal. It is through authentic human connection that business is transformed, and we consciously evolve.

Notice the consequences of unconscious behavior through global crises. The financial services meltdown, national and international healthcare issues, climate change, a divided country, deformed justice and educational systems, socioeconomic penalties, racism, addiction, and gender discrimination are some of the examples. They present to us the results of an uninvestigated life running on autopilot. We can no longer exist this way; it is neither sustainable nor satisfying.

The crisis that is critical to each of us is our journey. As individuals, we contribute to everything, from our current condition to the conditions around us, both locally and globally. We can no longer afford to run on autopilot if we are to lead more fulfilling lives and create a sustainable world. This journey requires that we make different choices that are in alignment with who we are. It’s time for conscious human evolution, and relationships are an accelerated path for growth.

Simple but Not Easy

As we awaken and face the truth of the changes that are taking place, we’ll encounter challenges on multiple levels. Love, compassion, and understanding for the human condition are the top priorities. People, especially in the workplace, must know how to be truthful and real and exercise the ability to create a nervous system to support the evolution of humanity.

Imagine a world where we connect and collaborate efficiently and authentically. Here we can have an impact for the greater good of everyone on the planet. We can interact with our whole being and not merely our egos. This world is a place where our work is easeful, where we experience the integration of work and personal lives, and every interaction is a learning moment. We are evolving and moving into a connected, innovative, fulfilling existence. This is the world being called forward.

Conscious Leadership is a Practice

My friends, colleagues, and clients have repeatedly asked: How do I become more conscious? How do I create a more fulfilling life? How may I be more effective? How do I remain connected to others? How may I become enlightened? How do I wake up and still live in this world? How can I accomplish this while still fulfilling my responsibilities?

I am also often asked, To solve for all of the above, is the goal to get rid of my ego? My response is always, Absolutely not! The ego is a necessary function of being a human being. It provides structure for our bodies and minds to navigate the world. The goal instead is to develop an ego as a more evolved function.

Even though business brings us together, we’ve never been taught how to interact while taking a product to market; how to show up authentically while achieving an objective; how to fully express ourselves from the truth of who we are; or how to collaborate and get along. We aren’t taught the answers to all these questions.

When we know how to navigate our experience with others through collaboration—when we are conscious—we create an unparalleled opening for human connection and discovery. It is this connection that leads to increased vitality, innovation, productivity, and evolution. It takes energy to show up fully, drop your stories, and get real. The following practices for Conscious Leadership are powerful and simple, but not always easy. Dedicated energy will shift your way of being. Practice is necessary.

If you are an achiever, a business leader, an entrepreneur, an influencer; if you are open-minded and want to bring compassion and love to your organization or into your life; if you want to bring your spirituality into your day-to-day activities; if you are ready to thrive, then keep reading. It is possible to be real, spiritual, and in the truth of who you are while achieving goals and making an impact.

Using Evolution Revolution

Part One guides you through a series of skills you can implement in your daily life to wake up and be more conscious.

Part Two introduces how to recognize your stereotypes and biases and discuss them in a way that is not harmful. To be a conscious and evolved person, you must be aware of tendencies to exclude so that you can start to include everyone.

Part Three concentrates on building skills involving self-concept and avoiding Imposter Syndrome.

Part Four delves deeper into ways of ending the suffering of identification with your thoughts.

Part Five is a challenge to wake up and start evolving.

Evolution Revolution is more of an instruction manual than anything else. Personally, I embody everything in this book and have found that my life is much easier as a result. But don’t take my word for it. Rely on your direct experience by trying it for yourself.

We’ll begin with the essential skill—presence.

CHAPTER 2

Presence—The Foundation for Conscious Evolution

Th e practice of presence is the foundation for Conscious Evolution. It is the foundation for everything and the spark for growth and lasting change. The overarching questions are: What am I present with right now? How am I present to myself at this moment?

Presence is being with what is, precisely as it is, and directly, clearly, and fully inhabiting our experience. Directly experiencing life aligns us with reality, and reveals the truth of who we are.

This is presence.

We are at a pool. Perhaps we’re discussing the temperature of the water, how we should jump in, whether we will like it, if it’s dangerous, how much chlorine is in it— an infinite number of thoughts and discussions about what it will be like to be in the pool are possible. Presence is about doing what we are doing while we are doing it; that is, being in the pool and experiencing it directly versus talking about being in the pool.

Presence is being in a state of flow or borrowing a term many athletes use, being in the zone. When in a state of flow, time disappears, and everything is of an easeful nature—even the most intense experiences. To be present also means to be mindful, conscious, and not resisting what’s happening, willing to notice what’s true in any situation and learn about anything at any time. We may drift from awareness, but we may become curious again.

Ask yourself this question: "From what state of being would I rather be interacting or making business decisions? Present or not present? Do I want my authentic, true self to oversee my experience, or do I want my mind chatter running the show? Do I want to talk about my experience or be in my experience?" The easy and powerful answer is Yes! I want real connection. It all starts with me.

Benefits of Presence—Being Present and Not Present

Present Not Present

In the pool Talking about being in the pool

Being connected Being right or getting my way

Constantly learning Maintaining conflict

Emotions add wisdom Curbing emotions

In the moment In the past or future

Win for all Personal or team agenda

Appreciation Criticism

Innovation This is the way

Compassion Fear

Breath and movement Adrenaline

Taking responsibility Hero, Victim, Villain

Quality of action Quantity of action

Childlike wonder Childish perturbation

Doing from being Doing from mind

Truth and reality Stories and mind chatter

Conscious commitments Unconscious patterns

High self-concept Imposter Syndrome

When we are present, we are more loving and compassionate with ourselves and with others. No one person is perfect. As we learn to have compassion for the human condition, we experience more connection. We all have our patterns of thinking and behavior. By being present with our patterns and not resisting them, we can treat each other with respect, within healthy boundaries. This phenomenon makes for a more delightful work environment and overall existence.

The benefits of presence include efficient use of time, real connection, easeful collaboration, access to creative capacities, and increased vitality. When we are present, we are fully empowered and in charge of our experience. We can connect with others in a more profound and meaningful way and gain experience, wisdom, and insight. This wisdom, plus cognition, makes for a compelling combination.

The Characteristics of Being Present

We are open to and see more possibilities.

We are mindful.

We are breathing and free of constriction.

Everyone is our ally, not our enemy.

We take responsibility for our part in any situation.

We collaborate creatively and are inclusive.

We easily feel and express emotions.

We organize our activities around the truth of the moment.

We are curious.

We are continually learning and growing from every experience.

We easily laugh at ourselves and with others.

We seek connection and contribution over anything else.

We accept others, ourselves, and all situations.

We stretch our observed reality and use it as a starting point for action.

Through presence, the energy we might expend in conflict and tension can be redirected to connection and innovation. Productivity significantly increases when we harness our energy through presence. We are open and available to allow room for mistakes to happen and learn and grow from those experiences. Creative ideas and solutions appear. Space and capacity for experiences keep us from feeling constricted.

We drift from presence not just in the workplace, but in our entire lives—in relationships with coworkers, spouses, friends, family members, children, money, food, and even our creative capacity. We can be alone and drift from presence, even during meditation. Presence is a practice that applies to all facets of our being.

Recognizing How We Drift from Presence

When we deny the truth of the moment in any form, reject what is here, or resist our current experience, we have drifted from presence. Consciousness is about awareness, not perfection. Consciously recognizing when we have drifted from presence empowers us to take responsibility for our experience and respond to life with aligned ability and action. Only you know the truth of your experience and can determine if you are present or not present.

Here are common ways we drift from presence:

The Drama Triangle. The ego drives our behavior, responding by putting on masks or personas to hide our authentic, genuine self and create a dynamic.

Mind Chatter. Mind chatter overtakes reality and organizes our activities around a false narrative. We create a state of being based on stories, illusions, a false narrative, and we are not dealing with the facts of any situation. Our lives become an illusion, and we begin to organize our activities around what is not real.

Example. Vanessa received an email from her manager on a Monday. It read Because of what you pointed out here, the project won’t go as planned. Notice he never said the project wasn’t going well, but she assumed the following narrative: "I’m in trouble. He didn’t like my suggestions. The project is going to fail. I will lose my job.

Vanessa went home that night and spoke with her husband. He was rattled from what she said. I’d better work on my résumé. He agreed and began to worry since she was the primary breadwinner and felt the pressure of needing even more than he currently providing.

The next day, she told two of her colleagues. One of them offered to introduce her to a headhunter. That evening, she said to her husband that she was going to start looking for another job.

She spent Wednesday in internal drama, worrying about her career, as well as trying to connect with a headhunter. She spent the day proofreading her résumé. Her colleagues also spent the day in drama, worried that their friend would be leaving their team and the project.

At midday Thursday, Vanessa received a follow-up email from her manager: I want to follow up on my last note. As I said, because of what you pointed out, the project won’t go as planned. I had time to consider your ideas, and you’ve brought to light some issues that, when resolved, will improve the project. I reviewed your points with others and would like to meet with you today so we can regroup. Her narrative turned out to be very far from the truth of the situation.

In my review with her, Vanessa realized how much time she’d wasted that week lost in a false narrative she had created in her mind. Her actions aligned with it; she avoided her manager; she lost sleep and was exhausted; she spent very little quality time with her own kids; she and her colleagues were unproductive. Her husband also experienced stress. This client is a high performer, a high achiever, a caring and loving mother, a mature individual—a remarkable person—the last person you’d expect to react this way.

It’s all too common that we make up stories about what we think will happen or what we think another person will do. When we create false narratives, aligning