A Happier World -- And Laddership

Nov 7, 2016 | permalink

Community organizers from all across Europe convened for a "Happier World" conference. It was the brainchild of Shamash, who frequently shares that he's been deeply transformed by ServiceSpace.

I met Shamash at an Awakin Circle last year, he went on to do the six-week Laddership Circle, then adopted ServiceSpace's 3 principles for his Museum of Happiness movement, helped host first Karma Kitchen in London, and so much more. In his welcoming remarks, he flatly said that this conference was inspired by us, and had me open the conference. My talk title -- "Kindfulness is Mindfulness 2.0". :)

The entire day was filled with loads of inspiring stories and change-makers.  In the afternoon, I held a workshop.  Maybe about 50 people crammed into a room, to understand the "Shift From Leadership to Laddership".  We opened with a short circle of sharing, then some concepts and Q&A. 

By the end, the vibe in the room was completely still.  Couple people were in tears just asking the questions.  Someone spotted a "Smile Flag" outside the window.  As the session concluded, instead of leaving the room, everyone came together into a giant hug, with some silence and then a happy song.  Someone spontaneously passed around a piece of paper, so everyone could stay in touch with each other and "ladder" at least one other person in the circle. 

It was powerful beyond words and yet so natural -- it was laddership in action.