This practice works for groups. Embodied, heart-centered, and Self. I use them interchangeably.

A group of individuals can be thought of as a body--a collective body. Focusing on the wellness and harmony of the collective body is crucial for sustaining health and balance in changing and chaotic times. Heart centered, embodied, Self leadership is about integrating and lowering from your heads to your hearts and then grounding yourselves as individuals and as a collective body. One outcome is the practice of embodying the fullest expression of who you are as individuals and as a group of heart centered leaders. A goal is to walk in the world, to lead, with a critical mass of self.

A Heart-led, Self-led human system at its best consists of four mutually influential dimensions:

Balance = equitable distribution of resources, influence, and responsibilities according to circumstance. Functional and flexible boundaries, that are neither too rigid nor too porous.

Harmony=relationships are cooperative, collaborative, and flexible. All members are valued and feel valued. Differences are respected. There is a common vision.

Balance + Harmony requires Leadership.

Leadership=ensures safety of all members. Models respect. Allocates benefits equitably (not necessarily equally). Facilitates flow of accurate information. Mediates conflict. Provides a vision. Acts as a trusted ambassador when dealing with others.

None of the above occurs without an emphasis on Development. Heart-centered, embodied, Self Leadership needs time to develop and needs adaptable development that takes into consideration current circumstance.

The system at its best needs a sustaining environment that is safe, nurturing, and unconstrained by limited conditions and beliefs. (Safety means different things on different bodies. The system at its best honors the differences and listens carefully to diverse differences.)

Self Leadership is drawn from learnings from Guthrie Sayen and excerpts from Dr. Richard Schwartz, Internal Family Systems Model—characteristics of accessing a Critical Mass of Self.