How Practical Spirituality Can Help Professionals Navigate Complexity

In the latest episode of the podcast Spiritual Conversations, produced by HolisticCircle and hosted by Philipp Kobald, the spotlight is firmly on the complex interplay between corporate success and spiritual clarity. The guest, Sue Erhart — a corporate executive and author of the upcoming book Lose Your Critic for Good — delivers a compelling case for why modern spirituality needs to be more practical, inclusive, and actionable, especially for those who have long left their twenties behind.

A Voice for the Forgotten Midlife Seekers

One of the standout themes of this episode is the glaring lack of spiritual resources tailored for midlife individuals. Sue identifies a troubling gap in the current self-help and spiritual landscape: a glut of offerings for the Instagram-savvy, yoga-posing younger generation but a conspicuous absence of accessible, meaningful tools for people in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. These are individuals who often find themselves in the thick of corporate life, juggling familial responsibilities, and searching for a renewed sense of purpose.

“There’s this vacuum,” Sue explains. “Many of these people were raised within traditional religious frameworks but drifted away as adults. Now, as they approach or navigate midlife, they’re yearning for something deeper but feel alienated by vague or overly idealistic New Age spirituality.” Her goal? To serve as a bridge for these seekers, offering pragmatic tools that resonate with their busy, outcome-driven lives.

The Practical Spirituality Revolution

At the heart of Sue’s message is her belief that spirituality should not feel like a chore or an abstract concept. It should be “a smart way to live your life,” as she puts it. And this is precisely what she aims to deliver in Lose Your Critic for Good. The book, set for release in January 2024, combines 28 essays with practical exercises designed to help readers silence their inner critic, embrace their authentic selves, and tap into their spiritual potential without sacrificing their productivity or pragmatism.

One exercise Sue highlights during the podcast is her innovative replacement for the dreaded to-do list. Instead of using these lists as self-imposed measures of productivity, she advocates for a “logbook” approach. “Write down what you’ve accomplished,” she suggests, “and reflect on how it made you feel.” This shift, she argues, retrains your mind to focus on achievements and positivity rather than deficits and dread.

Dismantling the “Shoulds” of Life

One of the most incisive moments in the podcast is Sue’s critique of the “should” mindset. Too many of us, she asserts, live our lives asking, “What should I do?” instead of “What do I want to do?” The former question, she believes, disconnects us from our authentic selves and feeds the inner critic that thrives on societal expectations.

This concept, while seemingly simple, holds profound implications for how we navigate midlife and beyond. By asking ourselves what we genuinely want, we begin to align with our deeper purpose and unlock the kind of fulfillment that external achievements alone cannot provide.

The Courage to Look Within

Of course, embarking on this inner journey is not without its challenges. Philipp and Sue explore how the process of introspection often uncovers uncomfortable truths, which many of us prefer to avoid. But here, Sue’s approach is refreshingly compassionate. “When you pull forward a prior version of yourself who made mistakes or had regrets,” she advises, “just love that version of you.” It’s not about judgment or fixing; it’s about acceptance.

Her philosophy is underpinned by a sense of hope and empowerment. She believes that once you reconnect with your authentic self, you naturally begin to care less about external validation. “You just start showing up authentically,” she says. And for Sue, this authenticity is not only liberating but also a source of profound strength, particularly in leadership roles.

Spirituality in the Corporate World

As an experienced corporate executive, Sue offers a rare and valuable perspective on how spirituality intersects with leadership. She shares how her own spiritual practices have enhanced her ability to make decisions, process large amounts of information, and maintain clarity under pressure.

This raises an intriguing question: what if more corporate leaders embraced these principles? Philipp jokes about mandating ashram stays for CEOs, but the idea has merit. A new generation of spiritually attuned leaders could transform not just their own lives but the organizations and communities they serve.

A Podcast Worth Watching

The conversation between Philipp and Sue is as thought-provoking as it is practical. It’s rare to encounter such a seamless blend of personal insight, professional wisdom, and actionable advice. For anyone feeling the weight of midlife’s unanswered questions or the pressures of modern leadership, this episode is a must-watch.

To experience the full depth of their discussion, tune in to Spiritual Conversations on the HolisticCircle YouTube channel (@HolisticCircle). Beyond the highlights covered here, the podcast delves into the nuances of midlife spirituality, the role of community in self-discovery, and the broader implications of reconnecting with our authentic selves.

Connect with HolisticCircle

For more inspiring conversations and resources, visit HolisticCircle.org. You can also find this podcast episode at https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticCircle.

Copyright HolisticCircle.org 2024

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