Reflections from GWALA Cohort 2 Fellows

Blog from Cara Padovano, Associate Dean, Master of Science in Nursing Program
GWALA Cohort 2

During my time in GWALA, in each session I gleaned takeaway “pearls” of wisdom to apply to my leadership journey. One of the things I had noticed throughout the year, was that many of the tips, strategies, and philosophies about how one could become a more successful and effective leader were echoed in my favorite pastime, which is my yoga practice. The idea behind a yoga practice is to take what one learns “on the mat” and apply it to one’s life  “off the mat.”  Likewise, the idea behind GWALA is to take what one learns in the sessions and apply it to one’s leadership journey.  Below are my favorite pearls from my GWALA experience and from my yoga practice.

Can you guess if they are from yoga or GWALA?

• Head on straight. Eyes open. Mouth closed. Breathe normally.

• Don’t believe everything you think.

• There is much work in not-doing.

• There is power and strength in the holding back, recovery, and relaxation.

• Your challenges are gifts and not punishments.

• You “get” to do this, you don’t “have” to do this.

• Observe the ripple effect from your emotions.

• Lean into your discomfort.

• Take control of your self-talk.

Thank you to all of my cohort 2 fellows for the lessons and the sharing, and I wish all the best to cohort 3!

With gratitude,
Cara Padovano