As polarization becomes more and more prevalent in today’s world, corporations need to address the elephant in the room. I believe the public’s yearning for socialism comes from the void created when corporations reneged on their share of responsibility in the evolution of humanity. The emphasis on profits over everything else by the few has created the need for socialism for everyone else left to divide the scraps.
I am in favor of capitalism over socialism if the rules are fair. The problem is the rules have not been fair for a long time. Many corporations cheered over the Supreme Court’s ruling that they are equal to people in the political realm. At the same time, they resist taking responsibility for the harm they cause on many levels to the planet and people they profit from, by not doing their fair share.
The elephant in the room is that many corporations lack a soul, or, at least, a healthy soul.
There are great corporations out there that are making incredible contributions to the world because they have done the work to create a soul-vision of enhancing the world while making a profit. These corporations’ bottom lines are not driven only by money. Most of them have a soul-mission of doing good in the world through their products or services that focus on their footprint, more than their spreadsheets. The problem is that there are not enough participating, or they don’t go far enough.
I have come to discover that everything existing on earth has some level of a soul. In the cases of corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneur projects, they do have a soul on the energetic level. If more people realized this, there would be more thought on the company’s mission statement, which is a projection of their soul.
When I talk to professionals who are struggling with where their companies or careers are going, I ask them what their soul mission is. Using the metaphor that their company or project represents a physical body, I ask them to consider three essential parts to this body:
- The Brain
The brain is the part of the company or project that processes incoming data. It performs the tasks directed by the heart to keep the organization running, including following instructions from the heart for all company departments (organs of the body).
- The Gut
The gut is the part of the company or project that connects to the collective human consciousness that informs the heart spiritually. It also creates the corporate karma that drives the positive or negative direction the company or project is traveling.
- The Heart
The heart is the part of the company or project that drives creativity and expression of the company’s mission that affects the inner and outer worlds that it exists in.
After they understand the nature of this metaphor, I ask them this question: Is the company or project balanced and whole in these three areas?
- For example, is the heart in alignment with the gut? Is your soul mission in alignment with the challenges that you or your employees and customers face? Does your soul mission improve their lives, as well as yours? Does your soul mission protect the planet, or improve it, or bring the world a sense of joy?
Offering a quality product or service that also cares for people and the planet will attract the kind of people you want to serve. People respond positively to conscious-choice options. Promoting quality choices elevates the collective consciousness of the entire world. Having a corporate mission based on love and not fear will influence society’s actions. Love is the primary factor missing in many systems today.
- Is your brain working in balance with the heart and gut? Are the various departments in your company or project working as a cohesive entity that respects the input from each other and follows the soul mission?
When an organ in the body becomes imbalanced, it pulls resources meant for the other organs and systems of any healthy body. This damaged organ can eventually develop cancer that will affect the different areas in due time. Every part of the organization, from the CEO down to the cleaning or maintenance employees are essential to a fully functioning organization. Respect and receptivity are vital elements of a balanced company. The sooner imbalances are identified and weeded out, the healthier the organization is, which will maintain a stable flow of abundance. Abundance includes profits, healthy and happy employees, and repeat customers.
- Is your gut connected to the divine? By recognizing that your company or project comes from the creative source through you, you can tap into the realm of infinite possibilities that can super-charge your creations and mission. The world’s future depends on all organizations reconnecting to divinity to reimagine their roles in our human evolution. Corporations need to connect to the energy of love so that capitalism can thrive.
Can we create a society where there is fairness throughout our systems? Can corporations create a capitalistic world that shares the abundance with everyone and still makes a suitable profit for their shareholders? I know the answer is yes! It is my soul mission to help you see this new world too!
Helen, I love the way you made the transition from corporate “personhood” to the corporation as a person with a body and soul, and the associated analogies.
“When an organ in the body becomes imbalanced, it pulls resources meant for the other organs and systems of any healthy body.” Just like when treating the body, it can be easy to compartmentalize. Corporate health is bigger than the books. Let’s hope we pull it together before there is a catastrophic shutdown.
Your post is right on time. I’m reminded of the August 2019 announcement from the Business Roundtable about the move away from “shareholder supremacy” to attending to all stakeholders. I want to have as much confidence as you in corporations to “…create a capitalistic world that shares the abundance with everyone and still makes a suitable profit for their shareholders…” It’s time for me to consider my soul mission.
Thank you for an insightful and thought-provoking article.
Thank you for your reflections and keep in touch about your discoveries on your soul mission. Also, I love switching shareholder to stakeholder! I have always been bothered about the lack of shareholder responsibility in the corporate structure. The pressure they (we) put on corporations regarding profits have hindered research and restructuring corporations need to do at times to keep the flow of innovation and profits going.
I like your metaphor of the brain, the gut, and the heart in explaining to businesses about all three working in syncopation together. Love and capitalism is a very interesting pairing and I believe that if the two were intertwined capitalism could be further sustained in a much more conscious and mindful manner. I admire your take here, Helen and I wish you the best in working with companies in this regard!
Thanks, Maureen for your comments. The challenge for the future is pairing the energy of love with everything. Many only associate love with sentimentality. Love is a powerful force that fuels justice and the right actions.