Standing in the Fire

9 CULTIVATE EVERY DAY READINESS

I’m a strong believer in the importance of my ongoing practices for helping me be present, unattached, and calm in the face of whatever messiness shows up in the room.

—Peggy HolmanProcess Consultant and Author,The Change Handbook

GREATDANCERS AND MUSICIANS invest thousands of hours practicing their craft before the curtain goes up. In order to ensure excellence during a game, athletes practice mental focus and technical skills well before they walk onto the playing field or court. Likewise, fire tenders must have an ongoing set of practices that prepare us to be at our best as leaders.

This chapter describes the value of ongoing inner-directed practices that assist us in achieving a relaxed and focused state of ...