What does it mean to truly pause? For leaders in the non-profit sector, where the demands are constant and the mission is always pressing, this can feel like a luxury we simply cannot afford. Yet, this is precisely what we explored at our recent Midlands NGO Forum, “The Power of Pause: Finding Refreshing as an NGO Leader.”
Held on a warm Friday morning at the beautiful Karkloof Country Club, the event was a dedicated space for NGO leaders from across the KZN Midlands to step away from their desks, breathe deeply, and invest in their own wellbeing.
The core of our morning was a powerful and insightful workshop facilitated by the wonderful Doni Hogarty from TRU Connection Coaching. As a Certified Emotional Connection Coach, Doni guided us through the importance of intentionally investing in our own and our team’s emotional health. The session was a timely reminder that to pour into our communities and organisations effectively, we must first ensure our own cups are not empty.
We were challenged to ask ourselves a simple yet profound question amidst the sector’s constant demands: “Am I okay?” This act of checking in with ourselves is not an act of selfishness, but one of essential stewardship over our own capacity to lead with compassion and resilience.
No visit to the Karkloof Country Club is complete without immersing oneself in its natural beauty. Following the workshop, we took the opportunity to walk amongst the towering trees of the Karkloof Forest. The fresh air, dappled sunlight, and sounds of the forest provided the perfect setting to process our learning and truly refresh our souls. It was a powerful, practical application of the morning’s theme – using the simple act of a walk in nature as a tool for restoration.
A huge thank you to every single NGO leader who joined us and shared so openly. Your passion and dedication are an inspiration. The morning was a perfect blend of learning, genuine connection, and natural beauty.
We hope you left feeling as empowered and energised as we did, equipped with new tools to harness the power of a intentional pause. The work you do is vital, and at Love Howick, we are committed to creating spaces that support you, the leader, in continuing that work from a place of health and refreshment.
Love Howick is a non-profit organisation dedicated to inspiring, connecting, and mobilising the people of Howick and the wider KZN Midlands to see our communities thrive. To stay informed about our future events and initiatives, please follow us on social media or contact us at info@lovehowick.org.za.
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