Fiona Hill, Maria Yovanovitch, Alexander Vindman, David Holmes, Laura Cooper, William Taylor, Jennifer Williams and George Kent are to be recognized and honored for following their duty as career diplomats and government professionals to testify in the face of intense scrutiny and partisan criticism. They came forward at the request of Congress, risking  their jobs, their reputation and the security of their families.  Their testimonies confirmed a deep commitment to truth, liberty and freedom. Each testimony exemplified qualities of leadership and conveyed how the workings and security of our nation depend on our career diplomats and government professionals.  

I was emotionally moved by the dignity Ambassador Yovanovitch displayed as she recounted the disinformation campaign and false scandal she endured. How amazingly self-possessed she was. What magnanimity she expressed when emphasizing that she serves on behalf of the President; not a disgruntled comment was expressed, only her wish to understand what she had done to cause her removal. 

In leadership training, the magnanimity session is saved for last. Magnanimity refers to a greatness of mind that helps us face insurmountable challenges and difficult situations with tranquility and firmness. 

To find tranquility and firmness, we need to incorporate the concept of non-attachment into our daily lives. For everyone, this is a significant and lifelong challenge. Nonetheless, meditation and breathing techniques can help you become more “magnanimous” by practicing the letting go of thoughts and things in our lives that create stress, resistance and self-doubt. We discover that we can choose which challenge we want: the challenge of change and growth, or the challenge of remaining as you are. Like Ambassador Yovanovitch, we can speak with truth and compassion.