Finding Solace: A Leader’s Path to Clarity in the Wild

In Wendell Berry’s poem, The Peace of Wild Things, he writes, “When despair for the world grows in me / and I wake in the night at the least sound / in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, / I go and lie down where the wood drake / rests in his beauty on the water.”

These lines capture a truth every leader knows: the weight of responsibility can be overwhelming. The relentless pace of decision-making, the pressure to perform, and the noise of modern life can cloud our vision. Yet, Berry reminds us that solace—found in the quiet of nature—restores our clarity and strength.

Leadership demands we navigate complexity with confidence, but confidence isn’t born in boardrooms or endless Zoom calls. It’s cultivated in moments of stillness, where we reconnect with our purpose. Berry’s wood drake, resting effortlessly on the water, embodies this. Nature doesn’t rush, yet it accomplishes everything. As leaders, we must carve out time to step away, to find our own “wild things” that ground us. Solace isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for leading with intention.

I challenge you to commit to one act of solace each week. Step outside—into the forest, by a river, or under a vast sky. Leave your phone behind. Let the rhythm of the wild steady your thoughts. These moments aren’t just escapes; they’re where you’ll find the courage to lead boldly, to live on the wild side of your potential.

Working with a coach can anchor this practice, ensuring you stay accountable to your growth. A coach challenges you to pause, reflect, and align your actions with your vision. Let’s lead not from chaos, but from clarity. This week, find your place in nature. Lie down where the wild things are. Let their peace guide you back to your best self.