A short half-hour drive south from the Seattle Temple, the Infinite Paths to Peace (IPTP) Leadership Retreat #2 took place at Dumas Bay in Federal Way from October 28th to 30th, 2022. Following a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this retreat marked a revitalization, reigniting the momentum of Shinnyo-en Foundation’s IPTP Leadership Retreat Series. The fall foliage and the welcoming retreat grounds provided the perfect setting for the seventeen participants to reconnect as a group, in person.
The retreat began with the (re)introduction of the Five Petals of Shinnyo-en Leadership which remained a common thread across the two days. The Five Petals of Shinnyo-en Leadership embody the essential qualities identified by Shinnyo-en youth as pivotal aspects of effective leadership. These petals, namely Serve Others, Build Relationships, Is on a Growth Journey, Leads by Example, and Adapts to Change, serve as guiding principles for individuals aspiring to embody leadership within the Shinnyo-en community. The five petals serve as a valuable tool, fostering self-reflection on one’s leadership style and personal values. It emphasizes that there is no fixed “ideal” leader and refrains from imposing a standard for what a leader “should” be.
The Pacific Northwest weather, fortunately, cooperated with the retreat agenda, allowing for several activities and moments of reflection to take place outdoors. This was the ideal environment for each participant to be inspired by the surrounding nature and seize the chance to reflect on their own individual leadership style and path to peace.
In conclusion, the Infinite Paths to Peace (IPTP) Leadership Retreat #2 in Seattle was not merely a retreat but rather a symbolic resurgence after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The retreat served as a renewal, resparking the momentum for future IPTP Leadership Retreat Series.
