Learning Has Seasons: Showing Up At The Dojo

It's been a while since I've shared an update on my karate journey. Long story short: I'm still at it.

Even though my kids are both off at university now, I'm showing up two to three times a week, working toward my 3rd degree black belt.

Right now I'm in a season of integration and application (think 500 reps). I’m preparing for an exam that's still several months away, and my practice is very focused. I have both new material to hone, and years of training I need to keep sharp. This season of learning is testing my memory, coordination, and stamina in every class.

As adrienne maree brown writes, "Everything we attempt, everything we do, is either growing up as its roots go deeper, or it's decomposing, leaving its lessons in the soil for the next attempt."¹

Learning has seasons.

In workplaces, collective learning moves through seasons too. There's the season of beginning, when a team is just stepping into new ideas or a new commitment. There's the season of application, when people are practicing, integrating, making sense of what they've learned. Then a season of growth and expansion, where thinking stretches and confidence builds. And there's the season of evaluation, stepping back to ask what's working, what needs adjusting, what comes next

Most organizations are in one of these seasons right now. This year I've led learning sessions with boards welcoming new members to the table. I've worked with teams to integrate equity practices into their operational plans. And I've supported staff teams to build shared understanding of equity and anti-racism practices to strengthen alignment and collaboration.

So where is your organization?

Is it time to start something new, to bring collective learning into the room for the first time? Time to bring new people along who missed the beginning? Time to practice and integrate what you've already learned? Or time to pause, evaluate, and course correct?

Knowing your season matters. It shapes what you need, what you offer your team, and how you lead. At the dojo, knowing my season helps me show up with more focus and purpose.

How are you showing up for equity?

I have availability this summer and fall to support your team or board. Let's connect and discuss the season you're in.

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¹brown, adrienne maree. Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds. AK Press, 2017, p. 105.