There are leaders that influence the spiritual vibration of the world, cultures and people, leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who we honor this weekend. Dr. King was a leader who inspired respect and freedom from oppression for people through nonviolent means. He did not champion one race over another. He said, “First and foremost, we are human beings, not members of races”. He criticized his culture for sometimes using oppression “as an excuse for mediocrity.” His leadership was a powerful motivator for personal growth and an expression of ideals for the evolution of oneness in humankind. He was a spiritual leader whose memory will continue to inspire generations.
Also, there are leaders like you and I, who have an effect on our families, friends, workplaces, communities, and especially, our own inner world. Although lots of people deny or seek to escape leadership roles, we can’t really escape the most important aspect of leadership: being a leader of ourselves; and without a doubt, an example to others.
You are familiar with the principle that leaders lead others by their example. I heard IPM Founder Dr. Francisco Coll say, “Everyone is an example of something.” That impressed me. According to his expression, everyone is a leader. We can be examples of what not to be as well as examples of qualities to admire and emulate. So, what am I exemplifying with my life, my habits, expressions, and actions? If I cannot escape being an example (leader), what kind of example (leader) do I aspire to be? To me, it all starts and ends within, being the leader of my life, charting new or expanded standards of freedom and growth in me; and seeking to express those standards in my sphere of relationships.
To me, there is no better training ground for leading and expanding myself as the spiritual training and experiences offered by IPM and New Spiritual Horizons Programs; and no greater opportunity to learn and grow in teamwork with others than that offered by becoming an active IPMI member. See ipminternational.org for info.
-Dr. Dorinda Fox, IPMI President
