Podcast Summary: Gather At The Well: Navigating Uncertainty with Lindsey Fuller
We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits
Host: We Are For Good
Episode: Gather At The Well: Navigating Uncertainty - Lindsey Fuller
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Introduction: Embracing Microdosing Wellness
In the latest episode of Gather At The Well, host Lindsey Fuller delves into the concept of microdosing wellness—small, intentional investments in personal and collective well-being that build resilience over time. Addressing nonprofit professionals, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of moving from mere thought leadership to actionable change leadership, particularly in times of uncertainty and crisis.
Navigating Uncertainty During Macro Events
Lindsey opens the discussion by exploring how microdosing wellness holds up amidst significant, destabilizing events—what she refers to as "macro events." These could range from leadership transitions and natural disasters to global crises like pandemics or contentious elections. She poses critical questions: How do we orient ourselves during such times? How can we respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively?
"How can we respond and not react? So much easier said than done."
— Lindsey Fuller [05:30]
The Role of Social Media and News in Our Nervous Systems
A significant portion of the episode critiques the overwhelming influence of social media and constant news consumption on our mental health. Drawing on a UC Davis study, Lindsey notes that with 4.9 billion social media users globally and an average of 145 minutes spent daily on these platforms, the pressure to present a perfect facade intensifies stress levels.
"Perfectionism is insidious. It creeps in and takes over the full somatic experience."
— Lindsey Fuller [10:15]
She highlights how this obsession with constant connectivity and visibility often leads to decreased genuine connection and increased internal turmoil.
Understanding Trauma Responses: Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn
Lindsey introduces the concept of trauma responses, elaborating on how leaders and team members react to uncertainty and stress:
- Flight: Avoiding challenges or withdrawing from responsibilities.
- Fight: Engaging in combative or confrontational behavior.
- Freeze: Becoming immobilized or unable to act.
- Fawn: Overcommitting and disregarding personal needs.
"Fawning is when you disregard what you need. Some people would say it's linked to people pleasing."
— Lindsey Fuller [18:40]
She explains that these responses are often rooted in past traumas and can significantly impact organizational dynamics and personal well-being.
Projection vs. Reflection in Leadership
A critical observation made by Lindsey is the tendency of leaders to project collective emotions outwardly rather than fostering individual and team reflection:
"You're projecting a collective truth rather than I statements you might hear. I know we are all feeling despair rather than validating a range of feelings and perspectives."
— Lindsey Fuller [25:00]
This approach can lead to a homogenized team response that fails to acknowledge the diverse experiences and emotions of individual team members.
Tools and Strategies for Resilience
Pro Social Pause
Lindsey introduces the Pro Social Pause, a tool designed to help individuals take a moment to:
- Notice and honor their somatic experiences.
- Reground by engaging in activities like walking, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend.
- Prepare for interaction by reviewing intentions and aligning actions with personal and organizational values.
"The pro social pause teaches steps to navigate, discern whether or not you're prepared, communicate in connected ways, and take action where necessary."
— Lindsey Fuller [30:25]
Somatic Practices: Ocular Reset and Breathwork
To combat the physical strain of constant screen time and mental fatigue, Lindsey shares the Ocular Reset—a simple exercise involving covering the eyes and taking deep breaths to relax the body and reset mental focus.
"Take five deep breaths here. Each time the exhale is a little bit longer than the inhale."
— Lindsey Fuller [35:50]
Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of regular breathwork to cultivate self-compassion and release perfectionistic tendencies.
Creating Trauma-Sensitive Environments
Drawing from her experience at The Teaching Well, Lindsey outlines the three core tenets of trauma-sensitive work:
- Consistency: Structured and planned interactions.
- Predictability: Creating environments where individuals know what to expect.
- Caring Relationships: Building trust through genuine, empathetic connections.
"When I think about major macro events or crises, I come back to these three tenants: consistency, predictability, and caring relationships."
— Lindsey Fuller [40:10]
She shares practical implementations, such as holding pre-crisis meetings to prepare teams emotionally and logistically for impending challenges.
Personal Experiences and Leadership Insights
Lindsey recounts her first year as an administrator in East Oakland, where she had to build a behavioral health program from scratch amidst personal and professional challenges. She credits external trauma psychologists and a steadfast commitment to the three core tenets for fostering a resilient and supportive team environment.
"We wanted to process here before you're in front of clients. We want to process now, at baseline, before the big news drops."
— Lindsey Fuller [45:20]
Conclusion: Key Takeaways and Critical Hope
In wrapping up, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of:
- Prioritizing Inner Stability ("Me, We, World"): Ensuring personal well-being before addressing team and external challenges.
- Cultivating Curiosity Over Reactivity: Allocating energy to understand diverse perspectives rather than succumbing to immediate emotional reactions.
- Community and Collaboration: Leveraging collective strength and innovative thinking to navigate uncertainties.
"Be a rabid fan of yourself, of your self-care, of your stability. Heal out loud, but do so in mindful ways."
— Lindsey Fuller [50:45]
She encourages listeners to reflect individually and collaboratively, aligning actions with their mission, vision, and values to foster sustainable and impactful change.
Final Thoughts
Lindsey concludes with a message of resilience and solidarity, reminding nonprofit professionals that navigating uncertainty is a shared journey best undertaken with compassion, self-awareness, and a strong community foundation.
"We’ve got this. I know it feels intense, but find your inner well and if you can’t, come back together with ours."
— Lindsey Fuller [54:30]
For further resources and tools discussed in the episode, listeners are encouraged to visit teachingwell.org.
Gather At The Well continues to provide invaluable insights and practical tools for nonprofit leaders and professionals striving to create meaningful and resilient organizations. Stay tuned for more episodes that inspire and equip you to make a lasting difference.