Bring in four different energies to change work
What are the Four Energies?
Years ago, I was part of an organization that would begin its gatherings by calling in the four directions, an indigenous practice in North America. It was a summoning of all we might need to do the work ahead of us. Each direction had its own colour, direction, sacred animal, and more.
The idea of drawing on different energies is powerful. It’s a way of recognizing both what’s within you, already present and perhaps sufficient; and also what might be lacking.
Often when we’re building a change team or coalition, we focus on roles and skills. A different question might be: what energies do I need for this group to make a difference?
Warrior energy brings fierceness, grit, and a capacity to push hard, and hold the line. It’s up for the challenge ahead. It takes no prisoners. It burns bright.
Healer energy creates sanctuary. It’s a place for not just rest, but where you can safely fall apart so you can recover and get it together again. It glows calm.
Teacher energy prizes wisdom and learning. It’s finding what works and doesn’t, it has a geeky willingness to try things out, run small experiments, and see what’s possible. It dances between curiosity and articulation.
Sovereign or Ruler energy holds the big picture and bold ambition. It sees the horizon, and remembers the game that’s being played. It’s strategic, and necessarily ruthless when it needs to be. It has a sharp edge.
In my experience, we typically hold one or two of these energies. I’d say I’m mostly a mix of Teacher and Sovereign. (How about you?)
And it’s useful to have all the energies on your team (define that as narrowly or as broadly as you wish). If you did a quick audit, where are you over- and under-indexed on energies? Do you have the mix you need, or is something missing?
I write more about this in How to Begin, my book on finding and starting a (thrilling, important, daunting) Worthy Goal, should you be interested.
