Is the System (Education, Health Care, Social Services, Political, Government) Broken, or do the humans in the system collectively and individually “feel” broken?

The statement “the system is broken” implies that the problem is outside and that something can be fixed - we often call this “othering” or “projecting”. Actually when we think or make that statement we likely have some fixing or healing to do ourselves. What we see outside ourselves is a reflection of our mind.

There is a significant shift in the work force in education, healthcare, social services, as well as upheaval in our political and governmental agencies, across all areas. This is also reflected in the “great resignation” happening in corporate America. When people leave a job, are they leaving their “job” or are they removing themselves from a toxic culture - “system”? Are all of the systems broken?

It is the human beings in a system who make the policies and implement them. “We” are all connected to these systems. Sometimes stepping out of a system is the only way to feel better. I left a system, and I can tell you it was important step along my healing journey. That action allowed me the opportunity to gain perspective.

The word broken implies that something is wrong and needs fixing. Is that true?

Are the human beings broken? They may feel tired, burnt out, exhausted, left out, rejected, disconnected… but that does not mean they are broken. They need the opposite of what they are experiencing. They need to rest, they need to establish practices of well being, they need to feel belonging, they need to feel accepted, they need connection. How does that happen? In Relationship!

We know this… the environment is a reflection of our inner states of being. We often say the children’s behavior and level of wellbeing is a reflection of our community’s well being. This is also the case when we consider the state of affairs of all of the systems “we” have established.

This requires a change in being - or as Gandhi said: “ Be the change! “ When each person shows up as the person we want others to be; well, connected to ourselves, with a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset and emotional well being, or at least actively working toward that, then the systems will change.

So how do we do that, we do it NOW… Be present NOW. The key ingredient to change is TRUST! When you are clear that you want this change to happen you have to trust that what you are doing is going to work out for the best. If you have doubt or fear, it will keep you stuck in old patterns and in a place of “comfort” where growth and change just don’t happen. It requires being uncomfortable and mindful so that you can watch the process of healing, in the people and the system, unfold. We know connection is the cure… what does that mean, what is a healthy connection? Many of us have lived and worked in “unhealthy systems - family, work, communities” and have not experienced healthy relationships that are based on each person being comfortable and connected with themselves and clear about their individual values.

This doesn’t happen overnight, but it can start NOW and happen today. Trust me, trust this process.

Instead of saying “What is wrong with the system?”, and throwing more money and time and energy and individuals with unresolved trauma at it, let’s see what is happening within it. Try this: “What happened to the people in the system? What is their story? Where did they come from? What is their purpose in being where they are.”

We can’t teach children right now, we have to start by “being with them” and giving them a sense of belonging and connection. Guess what! Their parents need that too. Their parents feel disconnected because of what happened to them, and their relationship with education was often times less than desirable.

We can’t keep treating people who are sick by implying that they are “broken” and need a diagnosis, pill or procedure to “get better”. We have to show them how to be with themselves so they can be with others and stay well. Our immune systems are compromised by a lack of connection and a true sense of belonging.

Let’s stop teaching and treating, let’s be and connect. Let’s take a look at how we are being and connecting with each other.

We can’t find, train, or hire enough mental health workers or social workers to do this work for us. We have to do this work ourselves, every day and begin now. The system will change because we change and it may look very different than it did in the past or does now. It will BE different because we will be connected and consciously a part of it! Wow! This is how I want to live. How about you?

This Trauma Informed Coaching Intensive will get you and your “system” or organization on it’s way! NOW.