The Art of Teachability

Teachability: 1. a : capable of being taught b : apt and willing to learn 2. favorable to teaching teachableness -Merriam-Webster

Ahimsa: (in the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jainist tradition) respect for all living things and avoidance of violence toward others. -Oxford Dictionary

                   Alana in Rishikesh, India

Hey there, fellow seekers of wisdom and growth! Let’s dive deep into something that’s been on my mind lately – the beautiful dance between staying teachable and practicing Ahimsa in our personal and professional lives. It’s a journey that’s both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to explore it with you.

Ahimsa is a fundamental principle that Mahatma Gandhi applied in many areas of life, including politics, social organization, economics, education, and conflict resolution.

The Humble Path of the Eternal Student

You know, there’s something magical about embracing the mindset of an eternal student. It’s like we’re opening ourselves up to a world of endless possibilities. The Bhagavad Gita puts it so beautifully when it says, “The wise see knowledge and action as one.” Isn’t that profound? It’s not just about accumulating knowledge, but about living it, breathing it, and letting it transform us from the inside out.But here’s the thing – staying teachable isn’t always easy.

Our egos love to whisper that we’ve got it all figured out. And let’s be honest, sometimes it feels good to be the ‘expert,’ doesn’t it? But what if we could find joy in not knowing? What if we could approach each day with the wide-eyed wonder of a child, ready to be amazed by new discoveries? What if we trusted* the process and really lived in the moment, free from judgement or fear?

Actionable steps:

1. Start your day with a simple mantra: “Today, I am open to learning something new.”
2. Practice active listening like your life depends on it – because in a way, it does! Our growth is tied to our ability to truly hear others.
3. Seek out trusted perspectives. It’s in the sharing of differing ideas that we often find our greatest insights. This is innovation.
4. Trust your inner guidance. Cultivate a daily meditation ritual and make it a routine.

The Gentle Art of Non-Judgment

Now, let’s talk about Ahimsa. This beautiful concept of non-violence extends far beyond physical actions. It’s about cultivating a mind free from judgment – of ourselves and others. It’s a radical act of love and acceptance in a world that often pushes us to be critical. Remember what Jesus said in the Bible? “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). It’s not just good advice; it’s a pathway to freedom. When we release the need to judge, we create space for understanding, growth, and genuine connection.Actionable steps:

1. Next time you find yourself forming a quick judgment, pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself, “What if there’s more to this story that I can’t see?”
2. Practice empathy as a daily exercise. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes, especially when you disagree with them.
3. Start a gratitude practice. It’s hard to judge when your heart is full of thankfulness.
4. Typically when we judge others, it stems from something within. Ahimsa asks us to be gentle with ourselves and others.

The Inner Journey of Growth

Here’s a truth bomb for you: while external learning is valuable, the most profound growth happens within. The Bhagavad Gita reminds us, “You have a right to your actions, but never to your actions’ fruits.” This is where the rubber meets the road in our personal development.It’s about doing the work, showing up for ourselves day after day, without attachment to the outcome. It’s about trusting the process, even when we can’t see the results yet. This inner work is where true transformation happens.Actionable steps:

1. Set aside time each day for self-reflection. Even 5-10 minutes can be powerful. Just make sure you do it. When someone decides to dive into their first 3 month Integrative Leadership journey, that is something that is essential for their progress towards their goals. This is how you discover your inner most passions and get clear on the steps to get there.
2. Start a journal to track your inner journey. Write about your challenges, your victories, your questions.
3. Celebrate your growth, no matter how small it might seem. Remember, every step forward is progress.

The Delicate Balance

Now, here’s where it gets really interesting. How do we balance learning from others with trusting our own inner wisdom? How do we stay open to guidance while also honoring our own journey? The Bible offers some wisdom here: “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (Proverbs 19:20). But remember, listening to advice doesn’t mean blindly following it. It means taking it in, processing it, and seeing how it aligns with your own truth.Actionable steps:

1. Seek out mentors and teachers, but always filter their advice through your own discernment. A good mentor will reflect your inner most wisdom. Choose your mentor wisely and trust your intuition.
2. Practice saying “I’ll think about that” instead of immediately accepting or rejecting new ideas. Immediate answers can stem from trauma. Be sure to cultivate mindful breathing practices while listening to others and pause before answering at all. Let every single word you utter be intentional. If you sense your nervous system is rattled/triggered, practice some breath-work or do some gentle yoga stretches and somatic movement to calm yourself down (there are easy and effective practices I can teach you do to at your own desk when you’re in a pinch).
3. Regularly check in with your intuition. How does a piece of advice or a new concept feel in your body? Does it resonate with your core values? Is it an 100% deep yes? If it’s a maybe, that is still a signal that it is a no or a not yet. If you practice mindfulness regularly over time and treat your mind, body with love and respect, you will be able to tune into your intuition in a greater way.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

Ahimsa in the Business World

Now, let’s bring this all into the business world. Imagine a workplace culture built on the principles of Ahimsa and teachability. It would be a place of continuous growth, mutual respect, and innovation.The Bhagavad Gita teaches us, “By worship you will nourish the gods and the gods will nourish you in turn.” In a business context, we can interpret this as the power of mutual support and respect. When we create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures, we set the stage for incredible success.Actionable steps:

1. Foster a culture of constructive feedback. Make it safe for people to share their thoughts and ideas.
2. Encourage collaboration over competition. Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.
3. Lead by example. Show your team what it looks like to stay teachable and practice non-judgment.

In closing, remember this beautiful quote from the Bhagavad Gita: “The superior man is he whose mind can control his senses; with no attachment to results, he engages in the yoga of action.” This is our invitation – to engage fully in the action of our lives and businesses, to stay open and teachable, to practice non-judgment, all while releasing attachment to the results.It’s a journey, my friends. A beautiful, challenging, rewarding journey. And I’m so glad we’re on it together.

So, what resonates with you from all of this? How do you stay teachable in your life and work? How do you practice Ahimsa in your learning journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s keep this conversation going!

Remember, we’re all in this together. Keep growing, keep learning, and above all, keep being kind to yourself and others along the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey of growth and leadership, I invite you to book your first Integrative Leadership Training (ILT) workshop with me! This 90-minute session is designed to empower you with the tools and insights you need to thrive in both your personal and professional life.

Why join the ILT workshop?

• Transformative Learning: Engage in interactive sessions that foster deep understanding and practical skills.
• Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored insights that resonate with your unique journey.
• Community Connection: Join a supportive group of like-minded individuals committed to growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and unlock your potential. Click the link below to schedule your workshop today:Book Your ILT Workshop Now!I can’t wait to work with you and support you on this exciting path!

About the Author, Alana Roach: Proud Single Mama of 2 & Remote Entrepreneur. ILT, Events & Social with 15+ years experience. God, family, homestead, nature, yoga, surfing, ukulele, animals. These are a few of my favorite things.