A commitment to embodying joy in the service of social justice : embodied leadership when exploring difference
Subject
action learning research; embodied leadership; first-person action research; joy; social justice; somaticsAbstract
This thesis explored the question, “How might I, a first-generation white Canadian settler of
British and Irish ancestry, navigate difference through reflexive and embodied practices to more
intentionally lead with joy in the service of social justice?” As a first-person action research
inquiry applying an action learning research methodology, methods included reflexive
experiential learning, structured and emergent journal practices, and semistructured dialogues.
This study found somatic indicators supported researching which was complex, and embodied
leadership in the service of social justice may experiment with a yes-and approach to shift from
old to new behaviours. Findings highlighted my interwoven and oscillating learning through
moments of joy, difference, and actions toward social justice. Findings included reembodying
the whole person; reclaiming my more authentic, wild wisdom; acknowledging white fragility
and still acting in allyship; and learning to embody joy. Recommendations for embodied
leadership praxis and areas for further study arose from this study.
Keywords: action learning research; allyship; embodied leadership; first-person action
research; joy; navigating difference; social justice; somatics.
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