Last week we mentioned the fun thing that happens when we stare into the eyes of someone we love, and our heart rates synchronise. Humans are crazy and cool, and ultimately are wired to be part of a tribe. Which (mostly) works to our advantage, as we look after our young and make connections with others that enrich our lives. We come together, share skills and resources and create beauty. Of course there is another side to this: the difficult emotions that arise if we are ostracised by a group, creating an intense desire to have friends, or at least a wing-(wo)man who largely agree with us, or at least supports us.

One of the ways we can create more opportunities to connect with others is to recognise the ripple effect of our emotions. Just as dropping a stone into a pond sends out ripples, so does the way we express our emotions, both in the short and long term. The short term effects of anger or joy may seem relatively small, however when we look at the bigger picture, we may see that the ripples can amplify, and almost take on a life of their own. We will chat more about this ripple effect in the podcast, but for now, just imagine that everything you do and say has the potential to affect others in the future. How does that change the way you would like to interact with the people around you right now?

Perhaps you might want to bring some more light to your interactions? We often talk about being a Wayshower rather than a leader, as the point of Wayshowership is to shine a light on behaviours, actions and interactions, so that we can all move forward with love, compassion and success, and ultimately end up creating more wayshowers.

One of the most powerful ways we can illuminate situations is to get in rapport with each other. Staring into each other’s eyes is one way, but that could be a little disconcerting in the supermarket check-out, so we may want to employ something more subtle. An easy way is to get into physical rapport, where we adopt similar physical postures and actions to the person we want to relate to. Another is to attempt to enter the other person’s “model of the world”. To see things through their eyes and experiences and to understand where they are coming from. When we are able to do this successfully, we have an opportunity to really shine a light, as we can then keep pace with them, and lead them to a new level of understanding. Which is of course a fantastic way to really bring more light to the world, showing the way as we go.

This week we would love you to have a play with this idea of being a wayshower. 

Consider someone who you may have a different opinion to. It could be something simple like which football team they support, or something a little bigger, like their stance on body autonomy. 

First of all, try to figure out why they hold that belief. 

Secondly, try to soften your stance (it might help if you imagine them to be a young child, vulnerable or scared), if you really try, you might even be able to see the scenario through their filters. 

Lastly, imagine telling them you understand. 

And then wait for the feelings to lighten up.

We think you might be amazed at what shifting your intentions and emotions will do, and you will notice some fun shifts this week, if you choose to allow your light to shine.