I missed the mark
A few weeks ago I made an announcement. But I got it wrong.
A few weeks ago I made an announcement. But I got it wrong.
I said I was launching my next Journey Within cohort—a 4-month guided journey, in community, to help proven leaders shed outgrown identities, navigate the unknown, and step into their soul purpose.
Sure, I was excited about it. Because I deeply care about this inner work, which includes spiritual practices, rites of passage, and everyday integration—it changed my life!
Not only that, but the first cohort experience last fall was powerful. Here’s what some participants said:
“I’d highly recommend the cohort—it could alter the trajectory of your life.” —Christiana, Leadership Coach
“The most even-keeled, open hearted and generous coach and team leader I’ve ever experienced.” —Bob Bates, Executive Coach
“This was the rare course where I looked forward to the coursework… I have made the change I was hoping for.” —Katie, IT Executive
You see why I was excited to run it back?
Almost immediately after I announced it, however, something felt… off.
For one thing, interest only trickled in. And many inquirers said the timing wasn’t right for them. But as anyone who has run virtual programs or in person workshops can tell you, a lot of registrations come at the last minute, especially right now. So it wasn’t just this.
I was sensing something deeper: the timing wasn’t right for me!
Upon reflection, I realized that by launching this next cohort, I was interfering with what really wants to emerge.
Something that has been on my heart and mind for the last year1—and keeps coming up in my conversations.
Something that goes back more than twenty years in my life and work, but has been dormant for the past five years.
Something that is a piece of the Journey Within cohort, but not at the center…
It’s community.
I’ve been dreaming about starting an online community of like-hearted leaders. Leaders who are about all the things at the core of my 1:1 coaching and group coaching and courses—spiritual awakening, presence, and soul purpose. Leaders who are… Seeking. Growing. Integrating. Together with others. So they can experience aliveness and be agents of healing and service in the world.
Launching another cohort touches on community. But community isn’t at the center. A 4-month coaching container is different from what is being called for right now in these times. Different from what I’m being called to.
I’ve decided not to launch another cohort on April 9—wait, that’s today!—but I’m not bailing on the deep transformation I know I’m called to help facilitate.
I’m not ready to launch this community yet—many more insights are still coming through (about community as well as another aspect of my work I’m not quite ready to talk about). My dreams are still forming. I also have some more listening to do.
As part of this listening, I want to hear from you…
Are you interested in exploring this idea with me?
If so, please take 2 minutes to fill out [THIS SURVEY].
Grace & Peace,
Ben
P.S. Last week I decided to give my Within Meditation Course (regularly $97) for free for the entire month of April. If you’re looking for an easy, enjoyable, and powerful meditation technique, get the course here!
So much of this has been inspired by conversations with Tom Morgan and Jeff Williams of The Leading Edge. Learn more here.