Embodying Authenticity: A Somatic Path to Transforming Self, Team and Organisation

By Eunice Aquilina

Transformative change begins with those who seek to lead it and who are awake to who they are, their relationships and the wider organisation. As we lead and partner organisations, the powerful instrument we have is the person we are. Simply put who we are is how we lead.  Connecting the individual journey with the collective journey is what allows organisations transformation to unfold and sustainable to change to become possible.

Embodying Authenticity explores the theory and practice of an integrated somatic methodology and how this unique approach supports individual and collective transformation which are interdependent and inseparable.

In somatics the person we are and the body we have are inextricably linked, when we connect with the vast intelligence of the body powerful change is available. 

This book is for people who are leading and participating in transformative change in their work and in their lives; be that in the capacity of a leader, executive, business partner, consultant of coach. It is an enquiry into human leadership, into who we are being, rather than what we are doing. It explores how through the cultivation of the self, we continually move towards our authentic way of being, creating meaning and purpose in our lives and the lives of those we work with. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
• Release date: Aug 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781800466401

Eunice Aquilina

Eunice Aquilina is a business psychologist, consultant and coach, and the founder of eaconsult, a leadership and organisation development consultancy. In her work with women, she draws from three decades of working with global organisations. Her first book, Embodying Authenticity, was published in 2017.

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Praise for

Embodying Authenticity

A Somatic Approach to Transforming Self,

Team and Organisations.

Use of self is such a critical concept both for leaders and for any people/system helpers in OD and other disciplines, and it is the fundamental process to tap into that deeper level of our and others’ humanity. Eunice in this book has added an important contribution to both the concept and the practical application work in this area through her exposition of the significant concepts of the Somatics field of work. That competent exposition of the key concepts are supported by her amazing case stories. By doing this, Eunice has given life to concepts of being, integrative and coherent way of being, how to engage in the process of deeper knowing so that we can access the innate wisdom that resides in our head, our affective centre and our body. Tracing the flow of the book, I can see her skills in mapping the seamless journey of awakening grace -yearning for deeper sense of self and life, going through the Void before being ready to engage in the transformation grace of seeing, hearing for the first time while working against those patterns that have been so familiar, to the empowering grace" of self- renewal, continue in learning to access the innate wisdom one has about how to proceed in life’s journey while intentionally making the impact each of us have from our soul calling. A beautiful book that nourishes one’s yearning for more. More is what this book can offer.

Dr Mee-Yan Cheung-Judge, Director: Quality & Equality Ltd, author of Organization Development: A Practitioner’s Guide for OD and HR

Many of us work in organisations that we wish were different and we often talk to colleagues about what needs to change – it seems so obvious to us and we are amazed that the management can’t see it. This book invites you to approach this situation differently by starting with yourself and thinking about how you could be different in your life and work. It then takes you on a journey to explore how you could start this journey of being different. If you want a quick leadership fix – this book is not for you. But if you have an interest in understanding how your attitudes, and behaviours influence your world and are prepared to be brave and start changing them – then read it now.

Carrie Birmingham, HR Director: The Times and Sunday Times

Eunice powerfully reminds us how, in a complex world demanding emergent approaches to change, the rhetoric of the last 20 years that change can be linear, scientific and formulaic no longer (if it ever did) applies. This book illustrates how the leadership styles that are associated with this rhetoric are not helpful to our organisations, employees, nor to the leaders themselves. Instead Eunice offers a new model for leaders; humble, inquiring, able to connect to themselves and others. Her stories illustrate and provide evidence of the impact this can have and guide leaders towards some simple first steps.

Gifford Tanser, Head of Corporate OD: Boehringer Ingelheim

Sitting on the train, reeling from a familiar and frustrating day where once again more process and discipline was advocated as the solution to make change happen, I settle down to begin Eunice’s book. Immediately it slows me down, calms and nurtures me. The words are wise, sensible, and the concepts intuitive, yet difficult to sustain or sometimes even notice in the hub bub of busy organisational life. I have scratched the surface of somatics, experiencing and valuing Eunice’s practice as a Somatic Coach, and this book draws me in once more. It makes we want to learn more, experiment further and be bolder. It helpfully reminds me of the importance of purpose and taking action from this position. This book is presented in an open, authentic and clear manner. Whilst not a step by step guide, it uses real stories from real people willing to share pivotal moments for them as professionals and human beings to explore the topic. I would encourage OD practitioners, coaches and leaders of change to read this book, but in addition anyone seeking to make sense of themselves, questioning deep-rooted patterns of behaviour and wanting to explore how they show up in the world.

Caroline Taylor, Director, Talent Management: European bank for Reconstruction and Development.

This is a refreshingly different book about leading transformative change. I say this because Eunice made me think about my way of being and how I create the context for people to express their anxiety, to grow and change. It uniquely connected me with my own transformational journey with the organizational journey I have been on and triggered my curiosity about how I hold (or not) the space for my team and others to learn. From the outset Eunice encouraged me to wake up to my habitual reactive patterns of behaviour and to notice how they support or limit my capacity to effectively navigate the constantly changing environment.

Paul Collin, (SVP) Group Head of Leadership Development: Asea Brown Boveri ltd

Eunice artfully weaves together theory, her personal journey and soul-baring stories of transformation for leaders and organisations. She builds a compelling case for somatics as the missing link not only in leadership development but in culture change programmes and OD, and even beyond. This book speaks eloquently to the zeitgeist of integration – between organisations and individuals, between humans and the world around them, between mind, body, heart and soul.

Liz Hall, Editor of Coaching at Work, author of Mindful Coaching and editor of Coaching in Times of Crisis and Transformation

In a world at times dominated by the intellectual perspective, Eunice Aquilina has produced a book that examines the impact of our entire body on our self, whether we are a leader, coach or organisational development consultant. Illustrated throughout with useful stories, this book offers the questions to enable you to start moving through life in a more authentic and centred way. Refreshingly the book doesn’t offer seven steps, or five ways, to develop, but remains true to the messiness of change, and instead opens up a perspective on how our body impacts on our self, by providing you with the key questions to apply.

Dr Caroline Horner, Managing Director: i-coach academy

In this inquiry into somatics, with her warm, conversational style, Eunice invites us into a dialogue to consider our own story, our own self and how we might become our whole selves through somatic interventions and practice. At the same time, we can listen to her story and the stories of others who have engaged in this practice and achieved significant and lasting personal change in their journey to become more fully themselves. Her knowledge and experience is well grounded in theory, and without being an academic treatise on the subject. Her work is supported by leading authorities in the field of somatics, transformational change, organisational development and leadership. There are also very powerful examples of applying somatics in organisational change interventions.

Dr Alison Hodge Founder Alison Hodge Associates

This book is a wonderful collection of insights and wisdom that serves the population of people who are on the path to self-realization. Dr Eunice Aquilina offers a narrative that is current, attainable, and rooted in the fundamental mechanisms o how to be human.

Amy Castoro, Vice President: The Williams Group

Copyright © 2021 Eunice Aquilina

First published in 2016

The moral right of the author has been asserted.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be reproduced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside those terms should be sent to the publishers.

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From The Art of Somatic Coaching: Embodying Skillful Action, Wisdom, and Compassion by Richard Strozzi-Heckler, published by North Atlantic Books, copyright © 2014 by Richard Strozzi-Heckler. Reprinted by permission of publisher.

For Mark and Shaun

Your courage to step towards who you want to be, creating the life you want to lead has inspired me to have the courage to hold true to my dreams.

In Gratitude

This book began its life in 2013 when I embarked on a journey of discovery. I started by engaging leaders and practitioners in a series of action research cycles to explore what it means to be on a path of somatic learning. At the same time, I was learning in and from my own work as a somatic practitioner. It has not been a solitary journey. I have valued the wisdom and the guidance of others, who have challenged, encouraged and supported me along the way and to whom I now wish to offer my thanks and deep appreciation.

I am grateful to Dr Richard Strozzi-Heckler who agreed to work with me and who has contributed significantly to my development as a person, and to the contribution I can make through my work. Throughout this book, I have drawn on his unique methodology of somatic learning, which has been the result of a rigorous dedication to blend his early career as a somatic psychotherapist with his studies in the pioneering work of Dr Randolph Stone, Ida Rolf and Moshe Feldenkrais. Dr Strozzi-Heckler’s work continued to evolve through integrating the discourses of the martial art of Aikido and his long-term meditation practice. Furthermore, having spent time working with Dr Fernando Flores, he incorporated the linguistic theory of coordination and communication into his somatic approach. The result has been a somatic learning methodology that supports transformative change.

Richard, you have been a consistent source of encouragement, offering me guidance from a place of deep wisdom and experience. Thank you for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself and for making this journey possible.

I have also had the privilege of learning from a number of thought leaders and teachers in the field of organisational and leadership development and their influence can be felt in this book and my work. My heartfelt thanks goes to Arawana Hayashi. You woke me up to myself and to the world, without which, this journey may not have began. I extend my appreciation to somatic teachers Staci K Haines, and Mark Mooney. Thank you both for supporting me to deepen my capacity in the somatic discourse and in particular to your teaching during my three years in SITTi. I also want to acknowledge Bill Torbert, Fernando Flores, Judith Hemmings, Juanita Brown, Julio Olalla, Mee-Yan Cheung-Judge, Meg Wheatley, Michael Chender, Mike van Oudtshoorn, Otto Scharmer, Peter Hawkins, Peter Senge, Ralph Stacey, Tiphani Palmer, Toke Paludan Moeller and Wendy Palmer; teachers all. Thank you for your work and your generosity in sharing it with the world.

Bringing in the voices of leaders and practitioners is central to this book. Your stories are exceptional and bear witness to the power of this work. I am deeply touched by your willingness to trust me with your stories as well as your generous, unswerving commitment to me and to this book. I feel enriched by the journey we have shared. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Claire Hyde, Chrissy Rodger, Eric Perlin, Jo Miles, Karin Radegran, Maureen Silvester, Maxine Burrell, Michael Gambs, Mihaela Cazacu, Paul Armstrong, Stuart Lloyd Evans, Sue Woods, Teresa Rose, Virginia Diamond, Wendy Bedborough and Wendy Oliver as well as those of you who have chosen to remain anonymous. I also wish to thank those of you who offered your stories and which I have been unable to include.

I would like to acknowledge the leaders of those organisations featured in this book. Thank you for allowing me to share your very human and diverse stories of leading change and transfor- mation. I would particularly like to mention Colin Davey at Microsoft; Mathias Margreiter, Tom Ban and the Finance and Administration core management team at Swarovksi; Dave Newborough, Stephen King and Håkan K Petersson of E.ON. Each of your stories is a unique and powerful example of what becomes possible when we connect with our humanity and embody an authentic presence. I feel privileged to be a part of the journey with each of you.

This book would not have come into being without the generous and unending support of friends, personal and profes- sional, who have contributed in different ways to its creation. You have been a constant source of inspiration, listening to me as I tested ideas, reviewing sections I was struggling with and reminding me over and over again to stay true to my voice. I value and appreciate your presence in my life. Amy Castoro, Ian Byrne, Lydia Kan, Sandy Sagraves, Stuart Whalley, Sytske Casimir and Wendy Briner. I would like to give specific mention to three people who have spent more time with me on this book than anyone else. Kate McGuire has tirelessly read and re-read different versions of the chapters. Your incredibly helpful feedback has both challenged and shaped my thinking. Throughout, you have been a constant support, sharing the highs and the lows of this journey with grace, good humour and gentle encouragement. Maureen Silvester carefully proofread every page of this book.

Knowing your attention to detail allowed my system to relax, I could let go of worrying over grammar, the missing comma or the misplaced semi-colon. And finally, my editor Liz Gooster who remained calm and relaxed even though I routinely missed every deadline you and I had agreed. Your professional advice and support to me as an inexperienced writer was simply invaluable. It is always the people closest to us that are impacted most when we take on something like writing a book. And so last but certainly not least, I want to thank my family. Your patience and understanding for the number of weekends I hid away in my study, tip tapping at my keyboard. There are no words to express adequately my gratitude, so I am simply going to say thank you and send you my love.

---

i Strozzi Institute Teacher Training

Contents

Foreword

Introduction:

Chapter One:

Chapter Two:

Chapter Three:

Chapter Four:

Chapter Five:

Chapter Six:

Chapter Seven:

Further Reading

References

Glossary

Notes

Foreword

Every year hundreds of new books are published on leadership and management training, organizational development, change initiatives and team building. The majority of these books emphasize tips, techniques, or the six easy steps to success. If you, reader, are looking for these kinds of quick fixes you will not find it here. While this book is direct, informative, and simple in the way that wisdom is straightforward and uncomplicated, it does not promise a formula for facile solutions to the problems that face organizations. Rather, this book will take you on a journey that will ask you to deepen your inquiry into the Being of leadership and will ignite your curiosity about a new possibility of supporting change and transformation.

This book also doesn’t skip over the disorder and mess of large-scale change projects with a tidy, pre-packaged prescription for transformation. Those readers who have been part of massive organizational changes will find the familiar ground of messiness present, and ways to navigate it. The author doesn’t dodge the chaos and uncertainty that exists in organizations, whether they are large global institutions or start-ups, but rather uses these conditions to stimulate your thinking, acting, and emotional life. Through first hand accounts of personal and organizational change, a historical perspective of why authentic leadership now is more relevant than ever, and the critical importance of somatic practices you will build a map for your transformation and the transformation of your company.

Eunice Aquilina is not an academic (although she has academic qualifications) who sits in an ivory tower and comments from a distance, but has walked the path she puts forward here. Eunice grew up in a multicultural environment that later served her in working with global companies. She spent thirty years in corporate life working in executive positions at several blue chip companies; the final one being the BBC where she created groundbreaking programs that challenged the status quo and stimulated innovation and creativity. She has also been a rigorous student at the Strozzi Institute studying Somatics for the past decade. This study deepened her embodied knowledge of how change occurs through Somatic Awareness, Somatic Openings, and Somatic Practices. The depth of her knowledge is not book learning, but a pragmatic wisdom hard earned as she fully immersed herself in the discourse. In this way she became the change she teaches and writes about. The authenticity you will feel when you read this book is the result of her struggles, challenges, and victories both personally and professionally.

If you are a coach, consultant, trainer, manager, or executive who sees it is time for individuals, teams, and organizations to create a more socially responsible world this book will move you towards the embodiment of that ideal.

Richard Strozzi-Heckler, PhD. Author of The Leadership Dojo and The Art of Somatic Coaching Founder of Strozzi Somatics

Introduction:

We cannot think our way to being different

Her instructions were simple: move as you breathe out; be still as you breathe in; and as you move let yourself occupy one of three states of lying, sitting or standing. The teacher invited us to let our attention drop to our body and to simply notice, without judgement, what might get revealed in the stillness and in the movement. This is something new, I thought. I looked around and I noticed how everyone else had lain down without hesitation. My sceptical inner voice was already questioning how could this possibly be relevant to leadership or change?

As I too lay down on the floor and closed my eyes, I could feel my level of self-consciousness rising. I felt anxious, my mind kicked into overdrive with questions: what should I be doing; what is the right move here; what is the wrong move? I felt the need to check if I was where everyone else was in the sequence, not recognising that there was nowhere to be but where I was. The moment the teacher asked us to make our last move I felt sheer panic, not knowing if I was going to end in the ‘right place’. Our dance, as the teacher, Arawana Hayashi called it, was complete and in just twenty minutes I had met myself, and my habitual way of being