Thought Leaders: Wayne Muller on what is enough

We live in incredible times, when a small business owner in rural Southwest Michigan can sell her goods to customers halfway around the world, when status updates let us know what others are thinking in real-time, when possibilities seem endless.

The speed of technological advancement pushes forward at a pace unlikely to wane, powered by an unyielding engine churning-out the cutting-edge advancements modern economies crave. At the other end of this whirling motor is a jet stream of creativity: Insightful products, intuitive forms of new media, applications that can tell you everything from how you well you slept last night to what clothes to wear.

But how often do those living in this age of economic globalization stop to think whether they need to take their foot off the accelerator? In the relentless pursuit to do more, to keep up, to compete, to acquire more resources, are we actually losing ourselves? When is enough, enough? Are there costs to this perpetual progress?

Wayne Muller thinks there are.

"Truth, honesty, love, generosity – these things take time," Muller says. "But in our society they are receiving thinner and thinner topsoil in which to grow. We are spread thinner and can’t reach groundwater to feed us. At the same time, more is expected of us.

"Modern culture keeps raising the bar about what’s possible. Technology creates the illusion that the faster it goes, the faster we can go. The brain might be able to do that, but the heart has a speed limit. We’re left feeling bad for ourselves that what we’ve accomplished is never enough."

Muller, a bestselling author, minister, community advocate, therapist and public speaker, will be leading a retreat at the Congregation of St. Joseph’s Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Rd., from March 2-4. The retreat, "A Life of Doing, Having, and Being Enough," runs $295, which includes two nights in a private guestroom with bathroom, five meals and materials. A commuter rate of $215 includes materials and two lunches.

Activities will include readings from ancient folktales, sharing personal stories, time for quiet reflection, performing exercises to more fully examine "the things they (participants) really do love" and creating tools to "take pressure off the drudge of the day," Muller says.

"Technology changes. The needs of people don’t," he says. "How do we find a crucible large enough to take in all the joy and sorrow that exists in life? That’s at the heart of any enterprise--not just how to make money.

"There is an illusion about how much we can do beautifully and well in a human life. I feel terribly sad for people who can't step back to think about how sufficient even a few small, beautiful contributions are."

Muller admits that the message to slow down and embrace one’s own unique place in the world runs counter to the modern, go-getter business culture. But in the end, he says, good business is always more about people than profits.

"Entrepreneurs are seduced by the latest research, the best metrics, but ultimately it’s all about relationships," he says. "I think when folks are present and listen and serve one another they thrive. It’s not hard."

Muller co-runs the Institute of the Southwest, an educational organization specializing in leadership through collaborative relationships and based in Santa Fe, NM, where he lives with his wife and institute partner, Kelly.

Perhaps one of Muller’s best-known grassroots initiatives is "Bread for the Journey," a program that provides burgeoning entrepreneurs with micro-grants to get them off the ground. Twenty-six chapters exist nationwide, including one in Southwest Michigan.

"If we pay attention to the small things, the big things will take care of themselves. It’s called mindfulness," Muller says. "There’s a rhythm to life, a time to slow down and listen to sound of our contributions and admit how wonderful we are."

Chris Killian is a freelance writer who travels the country looking for good stories. He now is in Kalamazoo.

Wayne Muller, a bestselling author, minister, community advocate, therapist and public speaker, will be leading a retreat at the Congregation of St. Joseph’s Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Rd., from March 2-4. The retreat, "A Life of Doing, Having, and Being Enough," runs $295, which includes two nights in a private guestroom with bathroom, five meals and materials. A commuter rate of $215 includes materials and two lunches.