Tag Archives: freedom

A Voice in the Wind, Calling to be Free

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A Voice in the Wind Calling to be Free

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free is the title of a poem that took decades to complete. The inspiration surfaced when I was in high school. The title summoned me to speak and tell its story. Initially, the idea had numerous possibilities. Its profound potential for simplicity filled me with enthusiasm. I wanted to craft a powerful declaration about freedom. I visualized a story that could connect with people all over the world. However, I was unsuccessful and never seriously finished a paragraph.

Weeks of frustration forced me to abandon my pursuit. I set the title aside for another day, unfortunately postponement was a routine act. Life took the lead, and the poem became out of sight, out of mind. Periodically I would return to the title to see if it provided inspiration and information.

During the dormant years, I made many attempts to complete the poem. But there was significant writer’s block. I could complete many blogs, articles, and books, but not this poem.  I was frustrated. I felt like Captain Ahab chasing the elusive Moby Dick in Herman Melville’s novel. I wondered if I would ever achieve success. The title was an unfulfilled obsession.

More than 30 years passed. One day, the title arrived for another visitation. A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free. There was nothing special about this occasion. However, I meditated on the title, changed my thinking, and finally, a breakthrough.

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free became a reality. It emerged with three perspectives. The perspectives were as follows;

  1. People confined to destructive and nonproductive relationships
  2. People trapped in dead-end jobs and unfulfilling careers
  3. People in dangerous countries/surroundings with oppressive circumstances

These multiple voices were in turbulent situations, environments, or circumstances. Their emotions were in turmoil and shrouded in fear. They were examples of desperate people seeking freedom. Neighbors who were near and far, with similar circumstances, vying for their freedom. Individual and collective voices formed a chorus. The voices were captured and were in solidarity with freedom seekers from all corners of the earth.

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free is a poem about perseverance, stamina, and persistence. It urges individuals to have hope, grit, commitment, consistency, and empathy.

The poem took over 30 years from concept to completion. I was anxious to share the story with others. I chuckled when I imagined a potential response; “It took 30 years, and this is the best you could do? “

I humbly submit, A Voice in the Wind Calling to be Free. I am hopeful that you can identify with the scenarios presented.

Copyright © 2024 Orlando Cease7

A Voice in the Wind Calling to Be Free

Solitary confinement
In a relationship going nowhere,
Out of touch,
No alignment
Or gentle words to share;
Addicted to nostalgia
To lift you from despair,
It is replacement therapy
When intimacy is not there,

There’s a voice in the wind
Calling to be free,
To release you and put an end
To misery.
A voice in the wind
Falling on history,
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

Every day in a dead-end job
Where talent is inconsequential,
Frustrated by scenes that rob
Your skills and your credentials,
Confounded by the rhetoric
Of those who are influential,
Restricted by the politics
That tries to nullify your potential,

So, there’s a voice in the wind
Calling to be free,
A choice to transcend
The misery.
A voice enthralling
As a whispered plea.
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

On the outskirts of hamlets burn
The unquenchable desire
Of villagers who seek their turn
To join the liberation choir.
The countries learn that tyranny
Can not extinguish the fire,
The cries of freedom and liberty
That instigate and inspire,

Through voices in the wind
Calling to be free;
To honorably defend
Expressing autonomy;
A voice in the wind
Installing the victory;
A voice in the wind
Calling to be free.

There are voices in the wind
Calling to be free,
A choice to put an end
To bigotry.
They would rejoice
And cheer triumphantly,
Celebrate independence,
Celebrate being free.

Copyright © 2004 Orlando Ceaser

Reprinted from the book FREE which can be ordered at OrlandoCeaser.com


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I Am Not Enough

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We work together as a team. No person is an island and no person should work in isolation. Most goals are designed to be reached i coordination with others. Additionally, no one should think that they should go through the ordeal on their own, that the objectives should be reached on their own merits.

You are sufficient, as an individual. You are enough within your own right, but when the storms of life are raging and objectives and performance targets must be achieved., you are not enough, nor should you be all that is needed. Involve the team. Involve mentors and coaches and peers. Your growth will accelerate and escalate when you realize and say to yourself, “I am not enough.”

 

I Am Not Enough

 

In search of wisdom I think vanity

Will hide the weakness of humanity,

As ego converts the truth into lies.

Misguided in the darkness I confuse

Reality with an elegant ruse;

What I surmise as wisdom is not wise.

Sometimes rejected, the world will mock me

And life will rock me, and friends will shock me,

Reminding me that I am not that tough.

Though I consider myself fully grown;

The evidence is present and has shown;

When I am in need, I am not enough.

I am proud of being spontaneous,

With wit that’s sharp and instantaneous

And eloquent when speaking off the cuff.

I state opinions with precision

Use intellect to discuss religion;

An empty vessel who’s seeking more stuff.

The myth of the person who is self-made.

The courageous one who’s never afraid.

Gregarious in the face of trials.

Despite a vivid personality,

I’m stuck with the truth and the reality

That something is missing behind the smiles.

A goal in life is to be prominent;

To play a role, forceful and dominant;

Confident life, will never call my bluff;

A revelation is inside of me;

Doubt points to an innate deficiency.

I was created for community,

When I am alone, I am not enough.

And when friends have aching hearts filled with grief;

I search for the right words to bring relief,

But silence is all that I can bestow.

The pain seems permanent as I confess,

To being anemic and powerless,

Aware that my incompetence might show.

I often question what I see in me;

An arrogant idol, a deity;

I cannot survive independently;

I finally came to the conclusion,

That life without God is an illusion;

When I was lost and bound; He set me free.

When I deliver all I can provide,

I still fall short of being satisfied;

Love has made me a diamond in the rough.

I bask in the splendor of His brilliance;

I ask the Lord to give me resilience;

Until I’m with Him, I am not enough.

Copyright © 2013 Orlando Ceaser

 

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31 Day Leadership Gauntlet – Day 29 – Burnout

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 Burnout occurs when we try to do all things and be all things to all people. When we bite off more than we can chew and much more than we can digest. When we are running 100 miles an hour and need to reduce speed and take a rest, but we ignore the warning sign and keep going. Burnout occurs when we fail to acquire the skill to shape our lips and say No.

Burnout has three definitions that I would like for us to consider. The first two are from the Oxford dictionary.

  1. the reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion.

  2. the failure of an electrical device or component through overheating.

The third is from http://www.helpguide.org which defines burnout as “a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. … Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.”

Together these definitions describe a situation where an individual is physically and psychologically drained. This is not a desirable state in high performance individuals or organizations. We are more productive and more valuable to our company and families if we develop strategies to preserve our overall health.

I coined the phrase, “we will kill you if you let us.” This was spoken because I saw people with good intentions, deny their families, allow the workplace to encroach into their living rooms by failing to structure their time and priorities properly. They refused to delegate or ask for help when the workload was too high.

When the burden is great and before it is too late, we must slow down. Review the poem, Slow Down and make a list of tactics you will use to improve work/ life effectiveness. This is a phrase that many organizations use instead of work life balance, because they realize that balance may not be possible.

 

Slow down

How many signals do you need?
A mind is tired,
A body fatigued;
A heart is idling
At high speeds;
As you push harder
To succeed.

You’ve seen examples
Of careers,
That crashed and burned
In overdrive.
You’ve seen the sorrow
In your peers,
Who lived each day,
But never alive.

You better slow down
Before you go down
For the count.
You’re running red lights
And go to bed nights
With what amounts
To a weary heart.

How long have you seen
Warning signs?
How long have you been
Scorning signs?
You awake and
The morning lines,
Are unkind,
For you can’t unwind.

You better slow down
And get the low down
On your soul.
Don’t let the red zone
Lead to a headstone
On the goal.

How many signals do you need?
A mind is tired,
A body fatigued;
A heart is idling
At high speeds;
Create the balance
And succeed.

Copyright © 2001 Orlando Ceaser

Reprinted from Leadership Above The Rim

By Orlando Ceaser

Personal Reflections

  1. What can you do today to slow down?

  2. What activities can you remove from your plate as you delegate?

  3. Who do you know that has a reputation for being well organized?

  4. What books or other resources can you on time management?

  5. How do you prioritize what’s important to accomplish?

  6. How can you need more of your work at work?

  7. Do you schedule time with your family?

  8. Do you schedule time with your spouse to decompress and relax?

Working Weekend

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31 Day Leadership Gauntlet – Day 23 – Spiritual Leadership

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New leaders, in my day, were given 3 pieces of advice. These words were to guide us throughout our business careers. These words could also be a gauntlet for any leader. They have been known to demolish the morale in an organization and destroy someone’s reputation and career. We were told to never get involved in conversations regarding sex, politics and religion.

A new leader had many areas to grow and we did not need to be distracted by these very volatile topics. We can debate the relevance of this advice today, but I would like address one of the topics in a positive way.  We frequently hear about the desire for employees want to bring their entire selves to work.  We cannot deny that spirituality is important for many people.

Spirituality is a key part of our makeup that defines who we are. Organizations may not discuss religion in the workplace, however many of them will provide space for people to reflect, study and pray at work. Organizations should be sensitive and aware enough to encourage religious expression, outside of proselytizing (recruiting) and making others uncomfortable.

Spiritual Leadership in our 31 Day leadership gauntlet refers to the way our spirituality influences our decisions and our interaction with others. It also covers how we express personal values that align with corporate values. Creating a climate where morality, respect, responsibility, integrity, caring and forgiveness are practiced, is essential for a respectful workplace.

 

The Lord is My Leader

The Lord is my Leader I shall not lack

Direction for He is standing at my back;

While in front of me He makes decisions

To meet my needs with ample provisions.

I shall not want for his abundance fills

My cup with affluence and as it spills,

As water flowing from a mountain top,

His goodness and mercy will never stop.

He mends my brokenness

And I find rest,

As He restores my soul,

He refreshes my spirit,

Changes my countenance

And makes me whole.

  

He leads me where the waters are still;

He tutors me as I study His will;

He comforts me in righteousness;

Though I walk through the valley

Of difficult times;

Disease, disasters and immoral crimes

I fear no evil for He

Protects me from my enemies

And loves me though there is sin in me,

And promises me an eternity

Of matchless splendor and serenity.

(Adapted from Psalms 23)

Copyright © 2013 Orlando Ceaser

Practical Reflections

  1. How can we address spirituality in a way that allows people to be comfortable at work while practicing their faith?

  2. Can people gauge from your behavior, the spiritual foundation that influences your leadership style?

  3. Can people of different faiths practice prayer and Bible study in your workplace?

  4. What role does God play in your decision-making process?

  5. Which spiritual values do you illustrate at work?

  6. Do you believe in the second stanza to be true? How powerful is your faith?

  7. God is making you whole as you read this. Discuss the importance of these words. The Lord is your leader.

  8. How are you resting on His promises and finding comfort in His words?

  9. God as a leader has a vision for your life. Discuss your thoughts about his vision for you.

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