Thriving in Uncertain Times: Soul, Work and Leadership

I’ve been reflecting deeply on what it means to navigate the chaos of the current world while staying connected to our growth, purpose, and leadership. This topic has been coming up not only in my own journaling and daily somatic check-ins but also in conversations with other practitioners in my programmes and those striving to make a positive impact in the world.

The truth is the world feels incredibly chaotic right now. From political upheavals and the rise of far-right ideologies to economic crises and societal shifts, there is so much happening all around us. For those of us who are sensitive, empathic, or values-driven, witnessing these changes can feel overwhelming, leading to burnout, anxiety, depression, and even hopelessness. We might question if we have any power to impact what’s happening in the world or whether our efforts truly matter.

Today, I want to share an invitation to approach these challenging times from a different perspective. What if we viewed the chaos around us as an invitation to plant seeds of transformation? What if we began this transformation with ourselves?

Starting Within: The Power of Self-Leadership

It’s easy to focus outwardly on what needs changing in the world, but the real power lies within us. When we start with ourselves, creating change from the inside out, we can begin to impact our surroundings - our communities, our environments, and the people around us. True leadership, I believe, begins within.

This means recognising that we have the power to choose how we respond to the chaos. Even if we initially react with freeze, shutdown, or overwhelm, we can find ways to shift those states. Through certain practices, we can cultivate a sense of safety within ourselves and build upon that foundation.

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to start is by pausing and turning inward. Take a moment to connect with your body. Feel the weight of your body supported by your chair or the ground beneath you. Notice your feet firmly planted on the earth. Allow yourself to feel held and supported by your environment. If you’re able, orient yourself by gently turning your head to take in the colours, textures, and objects around you. Let yourself acknowledge the safety of this moment, if it’s available to you.

When you feel safe enough, you can begin to turn inward and notice what’s happening within you. How are you feeling right now in response to the chaos in the world? Are you experiencing anxiety, fear, anger, or frustration? Maybe there’s a sense of hopelessness or exhaustion. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s important to acknowledge it as your starting point. This awareness forms the foundation for everything that follows.

Kindness and Self-Compassion

In moments of struggle, we often become critical of ourselves. But this is precisely when we need kindness and self-compassion the most. Imagine holding your experience as you would a scared, tender little animal. Be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge the parts of you that are struggling and make choices that help you feel supported and nourished.

Chaos and uncertainty can feel unsettling, but from a soul’s perspective, it’s an invitation to grow. Our souls are uniquely equipped for transformation, even when we feel unprepared. By staying deeply connected to our felt experiences, needs, and shared humanity, we can find meaning and purpose even in difficult times.

Somatic & Embodied Practices for Growth

One of my favourite practices for navigating chaos is Embodied Listening paired with journaling. This involves deeply listening to what’s true for you in the moment and reflecting on it through writing. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now? What are my needs? What stories am I telling myself about this experience? Journaling allows you to externalise your emotions and gain clarity. For me, this practice has been incredibly healing, helping me process overwhelming feelings and move forward with greater understanding.

If you’re someone who feels overwhelmed by the intensity of your emotions, consider making this a daily practice. It can help you clear space within yourself, addressing challenges as they arise rather than allowing them to accumulate. Over time, this creates a sense of spaciousness and clarity that supports your growth and healing.

Work as a Sacred Practice

Let’s talk about work. When the world feels chaotic, it’s easy to slip into autopilot or numbing behaviours just to get through the day. But I believe our work can become a sacred practice - an extension of our soul’s purpose. By approaching work with intention, curiosity, and compassion, we can reconnect with its deeper meaning.

One way to honour and make your work sacred is by creating small rituals. Light a candle before starting your day, set an intention, or celebrate small wins at the end of your day. These rituals help ground you and remind you of the sacredness of what you do. Celebrate every moment of connection and impact, no matter how small - a meaningful conversation, a smile shared with a stranger, or feedback from a client. These small moments matter more than you realise.

True Leadership: Embodying Presence

True leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes - it’s about embodying presence. It’s about moving towards more regulated state in your nervous system and physiology, and showing up authentically, with compassion and integrity. When we lead from this place, we create a ripple effect, reminding others of their own inner strength.

This kind of leadership can happen in the simplest of moments - in conversations with loved ones, in your work, or even during a walk with your dog. It’s about being present, connected, and grounded, no matter the context.

To be able to embody this kind of leadership you need to start by prioritising self-care, rest, slowing down, and creating space and time to think, so you can make better decisions and lead with greater clarity.

Celebrating Small Wins

Finally, let’s not forget to celebrate. Growth doesn’t have to be monumental to be meaningful. Celebrate the small shifts, the moments of connection, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward. Practicing gratitude and celebration are powerful ways to anchor yourself in the present and honour the progress you’ve made.

Closing Reflections

The world needs more Embodied Leaders - people who can hold space for themselves and others with authenticity and grace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around you, remember that you have the power to choose how you respond.

Start within. Take small, daily intentional steps. Honour your needs, your work, and your growth. And be kind to yourself.

Change begins with each of us, and together, we can create a ripple effect that transforms the world. I want to invite you to celebrate your growth, even amidst the messiness and uncertainty of life. Let’s honour our courage, our capacity for transformation, and the sacredness of our journey.

Take care, and remember: the seeds of change begin with you.

Ready to embody soulful leadership? We cover these themes and approaches in our accredited training certification: Trauma-informed Somatic Teacher and Coach for Women. We run this training twice a year in Spring and Autumn. Our Spring 2025 Cohort is now open for registration and I’d love you to join our transformational community.