Reflections on the second leadership module in Simonskall, 24th -26th October 2022 - by Sabrina Dieter
Transformation
Transformation is a grand word. It describes a profound and long-term change, for better or for worse. When looking at transformation, it is all about un-doing, re-learning and re-dressing (addressing wrongs of the past). It can include a change of mindsets, behaviours, values, norms or language. The pathway to transformation most often is neither clear nor structured or guided. So the challenge is to let go of old ideas and open up to something new.
Leaving for our second leadership retreat in Simonskall in the rural Eifel, the MGG group of 2022 continued their journey of transformation. During these three days, we had a deep reflection and meaningful sharing of our current systems back at home and of our situation as it is now. Another important step for a deeper understanding of the transformation we each want to see and be in our lives.
One powerful moment in this was letting go. After having spent time to mediate on our status quo and situation at home, it was important to consider what you value and what you want to keep in your life and if there is something you want to change or let go of. Of course letting go and changing attitudes or behaviour is not done in one day or might not even happen during the duration of one MGG Academy. Still, it is important to start at some point. Furthermore, for something new to develop an empty space might be needed. Therefore, we noted down some of our adverse patterns, habits and current circumstances on paper cards to let go of them. In a big circle around a fireplace, we shared a moment of profound connection, while letting go of our cards into the flames, silently or with some explanatory context.
After making room in our minds and hearts, we headed out for a nature solo walk the next day. 
Guided with some words of advice by our fantastic facilitators Christine and David, we each set off to spend about two hours in nature – alone. The beautiful surrounding of Simonskall in the fall, with the hills covered in yellow, brown and red along the small creek, set the perfect scene for reflection, soul searching and (re-)connection with one’s self and with nature. As we shared some of our experiences in the group later, we could get a sense of the individual journeys and experiences. Some echoed that “mother nature is kind”, that the leaves “looked like they were dancing”, they “hugged a tree” and that they long for “magic in their lives”. Others shared that they remembered their relatives and childhood memories, how they trust in nature or sometimes push themselves too much.
With all these emotions, we consciously decided on the next day to take a break from the scheduled program and focus on different strategies for self and (mental) health. The practical knowledge shared included exercising and being in nature, meditation and prayer, enough sleep and good food, finding spaces to speak and share (with strangers, with friends/family or with a professional), reading, drawing and playing music, journaling, daylight and a gratefulness-list. Obviously, we included room in the program to do just that.
At the end, many people signalled that this break from the academic MGG program to pause and reflect came at a good time. In some cases it was more intense than anticipated and sometimes not easy but worth it. The second leadership module helped to have a deep conversation with oneself, a vital part of the (MGG-) transformation.
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