<![CDATA[Bonnie Penner - Bonnie\'s Blog]]>

<![CDATA[Bonnie Penner - Bonnie\'s Blog]]>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 22:44:58 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Unification Through Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy: How Zeal and Opinions Can Disrupt it.]]>Thu, 20 Feb 2025 20:27:47 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/unification-through-purpose-mastery-and-autonomy-how-passion-and-opinions-can-disrupt-it

Unification the Holy Grail

To achieve unification on a shared Vision, one must intentionally focus on three fundamental areas: Purpose, Mastery, and Autonomy.

Purpose is the foundation, as it instills a sense of belonging to something greater than ones self. Purpose gives people a reason to come together, work towards a shared Vision, and feel connected to a broader mission.

Mastery allows individuals to hone their skills, achieve competence, and experience a sense of accomplishment. When one feels confident and capable, they contribute more effectively to their community, strengthening the overall unity and purpose to achieve their shared Vision.

Autonomy ensures every member of the community has the freedom to decide how they will contribute to the collective, and feel empowered in their quest to accomplish the shared Vision. By respecting autonomy, one can foster a culture where individuals thrive independently, yet remain committed to the alliance.

When these three elements, Purpose, Mastery, and Autonomy, are intentionally cultivated, they create an environment in which lasting unity and harmony can flourish, resulting in a community that is both resilient and cohesive.

Purpose: To be a part of something meaningful
Mastery: To be competently accomplished
Autonomy: To independently manage affairs

Excess Zeal & Autonomy Creates Opinions & Fragmentation

Unification relies on a shared purpose that strikes a balance between zeal and autonomy. When either zeal or autonomy become excessive, it can cause the original Vision to diverge, leading to conflicting opinions and, eventually, the fragmentation of unity.

The key is to manage both zeal and autonomy in a way that they support the greater collective Vision rather than undermine it. The balance between zeal and autonomy is crucial.

Zeal ideally unite and inspire action toward a common goal, while autonomy allows for individuality within that collective effort. However, when either is taken too far, they can disrupt the unity and shared purpose needed for success.

Excessive zeal breeds strong opinions that oppose the collective Vision, while excessive autonomy leads to fragmentation and protectionism, making individuals feel the need to defend their altered vision.

The Impact of Excess Zeal

Zeal can fuel idealism—a strong belief in an ideal outcome or solution. However, this often leads to unrealistic expectations. Idealism can become disconnected from practical realities, making it harder to achieve the Vision in tangible terms. People may become so consumed by their idea of the "perfect" result that they lose sight of the necessary compromises or steps involved.

When zeal intensifies, it can transform into a force for individualism rather than unity. People who are zealous about a Vision often develop firm opinions on how things should be done. These opinions can be so strong that they resist collaboration, causing friction. Instead of working together, they focus on pushing their individual perspective, leading to opposition rather than cooperation.

The Impact of Excess Autonomy

Autonomy provides the freedom to interact with a shared Vision in an individual way. While this can be empowering, too much autonomy can make people protective of their version of the Vision and feel a need to guard it because they’ve invested time, energy and often money in it. As a net result, they now resist any efforts to unify or collaborate around the original Vision. This leads to fragmentation and division and eventually destruction of relationships and the shared Vision.

Ultimately when people have too much autonomy to interact with the vision they craft an alternative version of the original Vision. This alternate version has no other choice than to create dissension, division and destruction of the groups purpose together.

The Impact of Excess Mastery

When mastery is introduced into the dynamic, it adds another layer to unity. Mastery refers to the deep skill or knowledge that someone gains through practice and experience. While mastery can elevate both individual and collective efforts, it also brings challenges when combined with excessive zeal or autonomy.

Mastery often gives individuals confidence in their expertise, which can lead them to push their version of the Vision. This can intensify their opinions about what should be done. While mastery can lead to respect and authority within a group, it can also contribute to oppositional behavior if not managed properly.

People with high levels of mastery may become convinced that their approach is the “right” one, leading to friction with others who have differing views or methods.

Unification requires mastery be shared in a way that enhances collaboration. It should guide the group toward the common Vision, not overpower or dismiss others' perspectives.

Mastery, when coupled with humility and openness, fosters collaboration instead of division.

Purpose, Mastery & Autonomy in Action

Purpose and Mastery:  When purpose meets mastery, the result can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, mastery can fuel purpose by creating confidence and competence. Zealous, skilled individuals can inspire and lead others. However, if their passion becomes too intense and zealous, it can overshadow others' contributions. Highly skilled individuals may push their vision aggressively, making it about their personal ideal rather than the collective goal, leading to frustration and division.  Zeal can drive individuals with mastery to believe they alone have the solution, fostering an environment where their opinion dominates and others' contributions are undervalued.
Autonomy and Mastery:  Autonomy combined with mastery can lead to protectionism in a different way. Skilled individuals may feel their expertise grants them greater freedom to execute the Vision independently. They may take ownership of their part, believing their experience entitles them to make decisions on their own. While autonomy is essential, excessive autonomy can fragment the Vision. They may diverge from the collective goal based on their personal approach, creating silos within the group and weakening the unification.  Additionally, those with high levels of mastery may become protective of their specialized knowledge, resisting collaboration or sharing insights. This reluctance to collaborate further weakens the sense of unity.
Mastery and Vision Divergence: When zeal over takes the original Vision, one will develop an entirely different vision they feel is superior. This will lead them to defend their version and oppose the original one. This creates competing visions, particularly if individuals with substantial mastery are skilled at convincing others to follow their interpretation. As some individuals rise to leadership positions based on their mastery, their interpretations of the Vision gain more influence, making it more difficult to maintain alignment with the original, shared goal.

Balancing Purpose, Mastery & Autonomy

Balance through Shared Expertise:  In a well-functioning group, mastery should enhance the collective Vision, not undermine it. Individuals with mastery should share their knowledge and collaborate, guiding the group toward the common goal. Purpose should fuel ones drive to pursue the common Vision while autonomy ensures that everyone’s expertise contributes in meaningful ways. Mastery must be tempered with humility and openness, so it doesn’t become a tool for dominance or fragmentation. Unification involves the integration of everyone's expertise and passion, allowing individuals to feel ownership of the Vision while maintaining a shared purpose. Those with mastery should recognize that their skills can lead the way, but should remain open to others’ contributions.
When Zeal and Mastery Collide:  A zealous individual with mastery may believe they hold the key to success and may impose their ideas in ways that disrupt the collective Vision. When others in the group are equally passionate but possess different skills or expertise, opposition can arise. The unification of the group is maintained when each individual recognizes that mastery, while crucial, is not the sole determinant of success. True mastery supports and enhances the collective effort toward the goal, rather than controlling or dominating the Vision.

Wrap it All Up!

While purpose, mastery and autonomy are key components to create unification around a shared Vision, they can also each lead to oppositional behavior and fragmentation if not balanced with humility and a collective mindset. Unification requires all members to align on the Vision, respect each other’s contributions, and maintain a shared purpose. Mastery should enhance the Vision but never overshadow the collective goal or create divisions. In this delicate balance, purpose, mastery, and autonomy can work together to create a unified and successful effort that will serve their unified Vision and make a difference in our world today!!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[Preparedness + Opportunity = Luck]]>Mon, 02 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/preparedness-opportunity-luck

I read somewhere that luck is simply preparedness meets opportunity. I love this definition, as it resonates with me on a faith based level.

Luck or Faith

Whether you are a person with strong convictions regarding faith or luck, it is my belief they are very similar within this basic definition.

Luck/Faith = Preparedness + Opportunity

Overnight Success

Many people when they say someone is 'lucky' mean that something completely random happened to someone who was in the right place at the right time (with no intention on their part). In other words it's like the rolling of dice, completely random and uncontrolled.

Lucky = Random + Uncontrolled

Often times, people say when a musician gets "discovered" and becomes an overnight success, that they were 'lucky'. Anyone who has ever 'made it' would argue they were not lucky but worked hard to get where they are. They would also argue that they were able to capitalize on the opportunity when it arrived only because they had prepared for this moment all their life.

Case and point, a musician never becomes an overnight success if they didn't first figure out how to play an instrument and put in thousands of hours of practice. The opportunity to audition for a band and be chosen, is lost because they lacked the skill set preparedness would have afforded them.

The Truth

With preparedness as a component of the formula for luck/faith (preparedness + opportunity), how does one then access the opportunity potion of the equation? The Truth is, opportunity is never our responsibility to create, control or manage.

For me and my journey, I discovered years ago that it's vital to define what my responsibly is and what Truth's is. Life has taught me I can't accomplish Truth's part and it can’t do mine. In other words it's a partnership and only I can prepare for the opportunity Truth has prepared for me. I've also learned if I choose to trust Truth and wait for the opportunity Truth has created for me, all the while preparing for it to arrive, I won't be disappointed.

However, as I prepare, I've learned if I create an expectation around an opportunity that's not mine, I will be disappointed and will likely stop preparing for the real opportunity that belongs to me. Therefore, my expectation needs to be adjusted because disappointed is proof I engaged in an opportunity that was not mine to have.

For me this usually means I need to circle back and stop engaging in opportunities based upon my expectations, for the Truth is they don't belong to me. My goal therefore is to continue to have faith and prepare for as long as it takes until the opportunity that matches my preparedness arrives.

Embrace struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[Transparency – Clearer Than Glass, Stronger Than Steel]]>Tue, 26 Jul 2022 23:12:31 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/transparency-clearer-than-glass-stronger-than-steel

Letting others see me when I'm at my best and my worst is what makes transparency difficult. Revealing my fears, hurts and mistakes while owning it all, may sound simple but it's not easy.

No Masks, No Walls

Transparency means I'm not what others tell me or want me to be, I'm only what I was put on this earth to be. No masks to project and no walls to protect. Transparency brings struggle but provides strength and imparts patience, tolerance and compassion. It truly does strengthen one. The trials of transparency are often things we try to avoid but learn to value as we mature. Kind of like the broccoli and spinach we hate as kids but enjoy as adults.

Transparency Leads to Trust

Being transparent means I am clear about who I am, what my beliefs are and what I stand for. It is an active autonomous choice I choose each day. For if I can’t trust to expose the raw me, how can I expect others to trust me? Without trust, there really is nothing. When our time on this earth is done, all one can do is trust that we accomplished what we were put on this earth for, because no one can see what's on the other side. Transparency really is clearer than glass and stronger than steel!

Embrace Struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[Surrendight - It's All You've Got!]]>Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:33:41 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/surrendight-its-all-youve-got

My journey here on this earth has taught me that every life experience I encounter generates an emotion I feel, positive or negative. Initial emotions are neither right nor wrong, they just are. However, what I believe about my experience will create a state of being attached to an outcome that I am responsible for. I’ve learned there are only two choices to make when encountering any emotion. They are ‘Surrender’ or ‘Control’ and because they’re polar opposites, they cannot be chosen simultaneously. Therefore, the Truth is, it's all about the CHOICE I CHOOSE to attach to the emotion I’ve encountered because of the life experience I've had.

What's Your Belief?

If I choose to surrender, the natural result of my belief (to surrender) is a state of peace, no matter the end result of my life experience. Being in a state of peace naturally opens gateways for solutions to materialize at the right time and in the best way. If I choose to exercise my power to control, then the natural outcome of my belief (to control) is a state of disharmony that creates roadblocks which stop answers from actualizing and breeds ongoing troubles.

Life Experience (happening) = Emotion (feeling) = CHOICE (act) + SURRENDER (belief) = Peace (state) = Solutions (outcome)
Life Experience (happening) = Emotion (feeling) = CHOICE (act) + CONTROL (belief) = Disharmony (state) = Troubles (outcome)

Expectations Box

I’ve learned being human means I have a tendency to create expectations around how, what and when solutions materialize. I’ve discovered that if my expectations are obstructed or blocked I experience additional emotions, which are usually anger and frustration. Sadly, it's my pride that regularly stops me from recognizing I am the one who created the expectation that built the limiting walls which boxed in and closed off a solution from materializing. Resolution to this issue is of course to circle back; to surrender and fight for my right to choose and actively come to the end of my self-created expectation.

The Surrendight Choice

I created a new word to describe the above process because when I searched the dictionary for a term that communicated the concept, I came up empty handed. Surrendight is the combination of the two words, surrender and fight. One must surrender in order to trust, and must fight in order to surrender, hence the word Surrendight.

By definition Surrendight is the art of mastering surrender and fight simultaneously. It is to surrender what you have no power over and fight for the one thing you do have a choice in, that of course being the right to choose to surrender. It truly is an art because you are utilizing your ability to war without weapons, clothed only by your determination to seek and find Truth!

Becoming aware of and accepting Truth generates a natural resolve to trust which creates Vision and generates solutions that once seemed impossible. Focusing on a problem, issue or an expected outcome limits actualization of new realities but restricting expectations and trusting Truth opens doorways to endless possibilities.

Embrace Struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[Trust or Expectation - What's the Difference?]]>Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:43:25 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/trust-or-expectation-whats-the-difference

I've learned that understanding the difference between trust and expectations is crucial .

Trust = Unconditional Expectation

Trust at its core is an unconditional expectation or more simply put, an unrestricted belief in the integrity of someone or something. A great example of trust is ones willingness to jump on a trampoline. You trust that the trampoline has been engineered to handle the weight and tension bouncing creates, so you climb on and jump.

Expectation = Premeditated Resentment

An expectation, apart from trust, can be labeled as a premeditated resentment or an assumption that disappoints. When the outcome your expectation creates is different than you imagined, a resentment is generated. To be clear it’s not unreasonable to have an expectation, it’s what you choose to do with your expectation once it's not been met that makes the difference.

If you remain humble and fluid when an expectation falters, you will continue to be at peace because you trust in the Truth that there is always an answer. This is why I pray every morning, "Help me embrace struggle, so Truth is revealed, acceptance achieved, expectations adjusted, no matter the outcome."

Sadly, if you choose to hold onto your expectation, not only will you be disappointed you will likely feel upset, angry and/or sad. Once your premeditated resentment takes over, there really is no way for a positive outcome to materialize.

In these uncertain times, I encourage everyone to pray this prayer, so you can have the peace that passes all understanding which only trust in Truth can bring.

Embrace Struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[VISION VERSES A DREAM]]>Wed, 06 Jul 2022 02:45:14 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/vision-verses-a-dream

In my life I have suffered greatly. A long time ago I made a promise that if I was given the opportunity to live a vibrant, healthy life I would choose to serve others. This Vision is what sustains me in all I do; it flows through me and from me. I work from the end of my life backwards to serve others I may never get to meet.

My Vision many times has been perceived by those around me as a dream. This perception however is incorrect and causes confusion. There is a difference between working to fulfill a dream or being engaged in Vision. Knowing the difference is crucial and is why I do what I do; it can help you achieve incredible things too!

A dream is a feeling, a want.
Vision produces purpose, meaning and direction.

A dream one is hopeful to fulfill.
Vision one is driven to achieve.

A dream never satisfies and causes one to seek more.
Vision provides unceasing and unending contentment.

A dream is wishful thinking.
Vision is revealed truth.

A dream is generated by internal cravings.
Vision is created by something greater than oneself.

A dream is an indulgent aspiration.
Vision is selfless, magnanimous and incorruptible.

A dream is perceived as a right and a possibility one can achieve alone.
Vision is accepted as a gift and impossible to accomplish alone.

A dream one can quit on.
Vision never leaves you, it is a burning within.

A dream once achieved provides hunger for more and dissatisfaction of what one has obtained.
Vision is ongoing and provides a deep satisfaction that lasts a lifetime!

Problems do not deter or weaken me, they excite and inspire me. They create a strength to continue towards the Vision I've been entrusted with. When I encounter trials they create a STRENGTH in me like NOTHING I've ever known. How else can Vision be proven true except to go through the refining fire!

Embrace Struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

]]><![CDATA[Three Steps of Forgiveness]]>Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMThttps://bonniepenner.com/bonnies-blog/three-steps-of-forgiveness

To end the cycle of abuse, it's crucial for victims to complete a three step process of forgiveness. Understanding the Truth behind forgiveness ensures victims don’t become perpetrators, as a trauma response, or continue to be victimized by the transgressor.

3 STEPS OF FORGIVENESS

Validation
Cancellation
Empathy

It's All About You

Forgiveness is for you, comes from you and is your responsibility to yourself. In other words it's all about you! To forgive, one must first become aware of and acknowledge the offense that's been committed and how it has devalued you. This process is called validation and without it, there is nothing to forgive.

One cannot cancel a debt they don’t know exists, which is why validation is the first step toward forgiveness. Everyone is different and whether it takes moments or years to validate your loss, it is essential time not be a factor in the equation.

You Were Wronged

Cancellation of debt is the next step in your journey towards forgiveness. It is acceptance that you are giving up your right to collect that which was legitimately yours and was wrongfully taken from you but can never be returned. It's accepting there is always some level of debt incurred by an aggressor that can never be repaid. As an example, even if the thief returns all the money they stole from you, the emotional trauma of the theft can never be repaid. Cancellation is acceptance that this portion of the debt is lost forever.

Cancellation of a debt does not need to be communicated to the offender because forgiveness is for your benefit not theirs. Also it's important to know forgiveness does not automatically generate reconciliation between the victim and the perpetrator. Reconciliation is an obligation only the wrongdoer can pursue and is never the victim's responsibility too seek or accept.

Empathy Empowers You

Empathy is the last step on your journey to forgiveness and it is the ability to sense and understand the emotions of another by imagining what the other person might be thinking or feeling. When applied to forgiveness of a perpetrator, the victim experiences deeply the inherent injustice of forgiveness because they are expected to feel empathetic emotions for the person who didn’t show any regard for them. If one is to look at empathy as compassion for the human condition, which we all suffer from, then it begins to seem plausible to obtain. Empathy is what releases a victim from the mental grip the perpetrator’s unjust actions hold over them.

Be careful to not confuse empathy with sympathy. Sympathy is feeling sorry for the culprit and is equated with pity. In the Greek, ‘sym’ means together and ‘pathos’ refers to feeling sorry or sad for. Another way of viewing it is that sympathy is becoming one with the trespasser in an emotionally sorrowful way. Whereas empathy, in its basic form, is the action of understanding. Differentiating between the two is ultra-important because one entangles you with the perpetrator and the other frees you from them!

Remember forgiveness is for your benefit and is an issue of the heart, which means nothing needs to be communicated to the offender. Having empathy does not excuse the perpetrator for their behavior and it is not victim blaming. Empathy empowers you to move fully through forgiveness so you can live from a point of healing and peace instead of trauma.

Embrace Struggle!

by Bonnie Penner

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