I'd Rather Be Fishing: 3 Ideas for Transformational Isolation
I’d rather be fishing! It’s not that I go fishing to catch fish; I haven’t caught a fish in I don’t know how long. I go because I enjoy the solitude. I just like to get away from it all for a moment.
In the book Isolation—A Place of Transformation in the Life of a Leader, Shelley Trebesch calls attention to the inward and spiritual transformation that can take place in isolation.
For some, a state of isolation is forced by situations in life. For others, isolation is brought about by their choice to get away from it all, like going fishing. In any case, Trebesch emphasizes that isolation can be transformational.
How is isolation transformational? According to Trebesch, the experiences of life can be like layers of paint on a beautiful piece of furniture. There can be so many layers of paint that the character and beauty of the piece of furniture is hidden. It is in times of isolation that the layers of paint can be peeled away, revealing the character and beauty that, in some cases, have lain hidden many years.
Though the transforming power of isolation applies to all leaders, I think that it is particularly applicable to middle leaders.
Middle leaders often serve in what could be called a state of stratified organizational obscurity. In other words, they serve in the center layer (the heart) of the organization. They do their job and they do it well—frequently with limited resources. They keep things moving forward. They make tough decisions and work closely with people. Middle leaders are the link between the hopes, dreams and mission of an organization, and the day to day carrying out of those hopes, dreams and mission. However, their work and dedication can easily go unnoticed. Consequently, middle leaders can feel under appreciated and under valued, making the transforming power of isolation even more valuable to the middle leader as a person.
With that in mind, here are three ideas for transformational Isolation.
Go fishing. Even if you don’t like fishing, being near water, nature, fresh air and sun is always good for the soul.
If fishing is not your thing—I can’t imagine that—but, if fishing is not your thing then doing something Creative can be transformational. Creativity is water for the thirsty soul. Maybe you can express your creative side through cooking, painting, woodworking, arts, crafts, music or writing. The point is that doing something creative causes you to focus completely on the task at hand, taking you away from the world for the moment. Some creatives call it “being in the zone.” In this zone, you forget anything exists but what is in front of you. Research suggests that being creative is a part of being a healthy person.
If you feel you’re not the creative type, then try to find time to completely disengage from the pressures of life, just for an hour or two. Disconnecting from social media, texting, television, pod casts, and even interaction with others for a couple of hours can help recharge your batteries. Can’t get away to the mountains? Visit the library and find a quiet corner, or visit a chapel and just sit quietly. If you really “can’t” get away, try journaling for 20 minutes, or simply contemplating or praying. Getting away from the normal routine, even for a moment can be refreshing and healthy.
For the middle leader, the need for purposeful and transformational isolation is more important than ever. And so, instead of feeling guilty about saying, “I’d rather be fishing,” maybe it’s time to go fishing!
