The twin trails are a concept of which we have focused on, it originates from America’s First People, as they would trust a leader who would focus on their inner self development and wisdom, therefore helped them become a better leader.

Mac Macartney describes the twin trails as ‘The act of the courageous leader is to step out, simultaneously walking the twin path, inner and outer, to learn, grow and deepen while also making a difference in whatever context might be appropriate to our circumstances, gifts and passion.” This project has been about both the outer and inner trails and how that has effected me which subsequently has made a positive impact on my community.

In order to be able to help my community, I had to work on my inner trail first. Looking at red and green thinking helped me realise that if I am in red thinking, it is okay to just sit in that space and let my mind settle. It takes the pressure off, as I feel like I don’t constantly have to be in green thinking.

Although I am more at peace with myself and my thoughts, it is something that I will continue to work on. But now that I am aware of my own inner diamond, I am able help others find theirs and be able to listen to them.

Dicken Bettinger believes that we cannot listen and think at the same time, if we are thinking whilst listening then we are not truly present in the conversation. This resonated with me a lot as I tend to think of how I am going to reply to the person that I am listening to, especially when talking about difficult topics. He also says that ‘when the tension of thinking goes away, it is easier to listen.’ I would have to agree as I have put this idea into practice, and it makes listening easier, and I go into deep listening. Instead of thinking about what I want to say, the right thing comes to mind.

This came into fruition when volunteering with Ivy Caring, I visit an elderly lady once a week to keep her company and I was able to listen deeply and help her find her inner diamond. We were having a conversation about her disability, how she had died when she was a baby and how it has limited her. She was becoming upset at recounting her history, when I reminded her of how strong she is and how she has defied death. I said that it was amazing and how strong she is, it made her smile, and she looked a lot happier. Everything I said, I wasn’t thinking as I was in deep listening, but when I started to think about what to say, it became harder to listen. I had entered a wellbeing conversation without realising it, and when I did realise it, it became harder to remain in it. The inner trail work that I had done on myself was impacting other people and my community without me even realising it.

Furthermore, there have been conversations that I have with my friends, family, and my partner that I automatically go into a wellbeing conversation without realising it. Especially when it is difficult topics or where they are looking for advice.

With a wellbeing conversation, it is all about listening and not giving advice. I have struggled with that, but similarly, it has made listening so much easier as I am not putting pressure on myself to solve the issue but just listen. For example, my mother has been struggling with her health and she is being retired. We have had conversations about how she feels and what she should do. Before wellbeing listening, I would’ve advised her on what she should do, but I now know that she already knows what needed to be done (she needed to be retired) and that she just wants someone to listen to her. The knowledge helped me, as I was able to deeply listen to her without trying to fix the situation.

The community listening program has had a massive impact on my life and my community as I am now able to listen to myself and recognise red and green thinking, knowing that I will settle at some point and that it is okay just to sit in it for a while. Also, knowing that the world is inside out rather than outside in, therefore, I am in control of my thoughts and emotions, and the world cannot impact them.

Lastly, I am now able to hold wellbeing conversations, which has a positive impact not only on myself but also my community and the people around me. I have thoroughly enjoyed this journey and look forward to the continuation of it and the positive impact it has on me and my community.