I guess that I am the one who has missed something. For me, the
distinction between soul (or spirit) and religion needs to be made
explicit when we are dealing with organizational phenomena. Do we not all
use, albeit rather loosely, the notion of team spirit and the like? What
does Billy Joel mean by "it's all about soul"? Is not there some
integrative energy source that exists even if we don't understand it? Do
we HAVE to understand something in order for it to exist? As a fellow
martial artist, with over 20 years experience, I would have to disagree
with your assessment of some of the experiences that you described. I
have witnessed events for which I have no explanation, not even one
grounded in classical physics. I suggest that you studied under the wrong
sensai!
Back on track--What is our "spiritual essence?" How do we manifest it at
work? Are we even conscious of our "spirituality" or soul in
organizations? The latest issue of the Harvard Business Review (May-June)
includes an article that refers to "beyond systems". Moreover, it says,
"The most basic task of corporate leaders is to unleash the human spirit,
which makes initiative, creativity, and entrepreneurship possible." To
paraphrase Forrest Gump, "Soul IS as Soul DOES." Do you agree or not?
-- Alex patakos@PrimeNet.Com (Alex N. Pattakos, Ph.D.)