I find this story inspiring. It turns out that there is a National Science Foundation research project, led by forest ecologist Nalini Nadkami, where inmates assist researchers by planting seeds and recording their observations about plant growth. Nadkarni’s goal is to learn how best to cultivate the dwindling prairie plants, but she notes that the inmates’ learning is equally valuable:

“Everyone can be a scientist – everyone can relate to nature, everyone can contribute to the scientific enterprise, even those who are shut away from nature.”

It strikes me that the benefit to the inmates is far more than meets the eye. It is about learning about nature – the natural rhythms of give and take. It is about cultivating life. It is clearly already having a positive effect, as the inmates seem to take great care in the craft of attending to the plants. It is not too much of a stretch to consider that people living in prison are there because somehow, somewhere, they lost connection to the natural rhythms of life and therefore lost trust in the universe. We might see the actions of criminals as a reflection of a loss of connection, a loss of love, and a loss of trust. They are out of balance with life. I’m reminded of the Birdman of Alcatraz, who, from learning to love and nurture a bird, began to shift from an imbalanced and bitter relationship to the world to one that honored nature’s way.

The implications of this tidbit of information for leadership may not be immediately evident to some, but if you think about conscious leadership as being in alignment with what nurtures growth, then you can begin to see the relevance. Conscious leaders know that all forces interrelate. They tend to see patterns unfolding and honor the natural rhythms of life. Karma is not just a concept for conscious leaders; it’s a way of life. Nadkami’s actions reflect this understanding, and I am inspired.