Aligning Hearts, Minds, Body and Spirit: The Emotional Labor Behind the Tree of Engagement

By Nora F. Murphy Johnson, PhD

In the quest for transformative change, whether in organizations, communities, or individual lives, understanding the dynamics and drivers of change is critical. The “Tree of Alignment,” a metaphorical concept, provides a comprehensive framework for fostering environments that are conducive to meaningful and lasting change.

This blog post describes what it feels like to do the work (rooting, illuminating, navigating, acting, and welcoming), as well as what we may specifically experience physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Spoiler alert: It’s a mix of “good” and “bad” feelings that reflect the natural ebb and flow of deeply transformative work. While it can be challenging and uncomfortable at times, it also offers opportunities for profound growth.

Rooting

Rooting is a reckoning with our personal and ancestral histories to identify and carry forth what is most precious, reclaim agency, heal wounds, and rewrite narratives.

Rooting involves delving into one’s personal and ancestral histories as a strategy for transformation. This approach enables individuals to ground themselves in their identities and histories, providing…