Shared by Madhuri Kalyan
I always find it challenging to work together with a team of 10-15 people – in a diverse, multicultural environment, where each person not only has a different skill set but also comes with different mindsets and perspectives that affect the dynamics of team work. In September 2014, I traveled to India from Germany to find the most seamlessly managed event, consisting of 35,000 people!
This was the Navratri celebration at the Art of Living International Center in Bangalore (the Art of Living International Center), where people from all over the world came together in the green countryside of the bustling Bangalore city. Thus began some of the best lessons I could learn about teamwork.
Acceptance of chaos and allowing imperfections:
Coming from the West, there is a low tolerance level for chaos, where everything is naturally in order and on time. At the the Art of Living International Center, I was surprised to see that despite huge crowds, there was hardly any chaos. When one occasionally did arise, it was dissipated quickly, as people exhibited high acceptance levels. After a few days of yoga, meditation, and chanting, I could understand how this was possible.
Taking larger-than-life responsibility:
I learnt this from the the Art of Living International Center kitchen that would go on to provide delicious vegetarian meals for more than 100,000 people a day. There were only 25 people who ran the kitchen, but there were always about 300 people or more to volunteer in all ways – from cutting vegetables to cooking to cleaning and serving. It was amazing how the food always had the perfect amount of salt or spice. What seemed like an impossible task was being executed with perfection right before my eyes!
Feeling belongingness:
From the moment I stepped at the Bangalore Airport, as I guided the team of Russians who were traveling in the same flight to the the Art of Living International Center, I felt like I had come back home. Each person was like a family member. In a high energy, stress-free environment, it was easy to connect to everyone. And, as I felt more and more connected, wanting to contribute to the team was also natural. I would look out for opportunities to make sure that I could make everyone around me comfortable. Although I came in like a guest, I was no less than the host of this big celebration.
Getting back to your source:
As 35,000 people sat together in silence to meditate at the Navratri festival, all my worries from the day, the jet lag, and anxiety about the future just melted away in minutes. If every person could take some time off to go deep within, the conflicts would cease to exist. Spirituality is not only important for our everyday living but is also the need of the hour to create a violence-free, stress-free society.
Taking everyone together toward progression:
It is easy to focus on oneself and be a successful person, but to take responsibility for the success of others is a true sign of leadership. I see Sri Sri Ravi Shankar work day and night, travel to more than 30 countries and 200 cities a year, just to inspire people to be happy, healthy, and stress free. His commitment to serve and spread the message of love continues to inspire millions across the globe.
My lesson from Navratri
I take these lessons as my new mantra to survive working in a team, whether in the corporate world, working with volunteers, or handling dynamics within a family.
A little about Madhuri Kalyan
Madhuri is a Project Management and SAP professional living in Germany. She stumbled upon spirituality and discovered that it can lead to a healthy and happy career and personal life. She is also an Art of Living teacher, writer, and technology geek.
