Cultivating Health, Broken Treasures and Leadership Lessons: What I'm Reading This Week
This week was National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Week. I hope you had the opportunity to do some additional training. If not, there’s no time like the present!
It’s quite revelatory—and humbling—to realize you have the power to affect change. I have been reminded that sometimes the best thing to do is simply get started. After all, we’re all figuring it out as we go along, anyway.
Other things I’m trying to figure out: how to plan with so much uncertainty, how to accept and rest, and how to laugh more each day.
Wherever you are on your journey, please let us know how EHS Today can help. Also, don’t forget to eat and take breaks.
Until next time, stay safe, be well and be kind!
Cultivating Health
Over the past few months, I have seen several articles that espouse the benefits of gardening. Each one has made me excited about trying my hand at my own raised garden bed.
Even if I spend an afternoon in the backyard rather than at the gym, I’ll still get a workout. A recent study found that people who joined a community garden reported six extra minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than those who didn’t. That adds up to nearly 30% of the federal physical activity recommendations.
Beyond the physical benefits, there’s plenty of evidence that gardening benefits mental health: reduces stress levels, lowers anxiety and depression, improves mood and a greater sense of purpose. The community garden survey also found participating gardeners had a stronger sense of connection to their community.
And, perhaps at a more basic level, it’s incredibly satisfying to enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor. At least, that’s what I’m hoping!
Read the full story here, then roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Broken Treasures
I’m mulling over some big purchases, and it has me thinking about the lifespan of our stuff. It’s devastating when you break your favorite coffee mug. It’s frustrating that it can be just as expensive to repair as to replace, assuming you have the know-how or can find skilled artisans to do said repair. It’s heartbreaking when you must accept that those favorite broken-in jeans, jacket or shoes are now threadbare or worn-out.
That’s why Joshua Rothman’s essay—actually, more of an ode—to broken things, resonated so deeply with me. He writes: “The Breaking of things is inevitable—the sooner one gets used to that, the better. But things break in different ways, and brokenness can have a variety of meanings.”
Rothman describes the emotional response to brokenness. Yes, they are mere objects, but there are always emotions attached, such as fond memories of childhood or financial anxiety about their replacement. He says that the way we see, and respond to, brokenness is a way in which to see ourselves.
Do you discard and forge ahead? Do you try to discreetly repair? Do you follow the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and accept transience?
Rothman’s beautiful essay transcends from mere things to a state of being. It’s beautiful and made me reexamine the way I look at my own belongings.
I encourage you to read the full piece here.
Leadership Lessons
Like many, I have read a lot about the late Pope Francis, the papal conclave and other rituals of the Catholic church the past few weeks. My own religious beliefs aside, I have appreciated the extended discourse on the history and meaning behind some of the church’s traditions.
One such example is Brandon Pena’s short and straightforward piece for Inc. on lessons he learned from Pope Francis and how he has applied it to his business. Pena’s reflections on service and humility remind me that we can always learn from others, if only we take the time to listen.
This piece reminds me of the importance of servant leadership, a philosophy that always seemed to me more akin to a homily or sermon than business school teaching. Those of us who have had the privilege of working for a servant leader know that kindness is a better motivator than fear. I hope you can take some time this week to remember leaders who’ve made an impact on you—and how you could carry those lessons forward.
Read the full piece here.
