April, 09 2009

Too Much Preaching

I'm a bit upset with the amount of "preaching" that is going on. Bloggers, writers, consultants and coaches -- we all seem to be giving instructions and I think it's gotten out of hand. I'm not sure that any of us can be sure of anything at this time. There's a whole lot of stuff that no one knows and it may be time to just say that -- I don't know... we don't know. I'm thrilled that there are smart people in Washington, who are trying to figure out some practical stuff, and mostly I'm excited that they care so deeply. To my mind, that counts for a lot. Uncharted territory is not a bad thing though it can be uncomfortable. We're being stirred up and I have the belief that I'm going to be just fine when the dust settles. While the world is changing, what is important to me isn't. Love, peace, truth, honesty -- that's what matters to me and I rejoice in this time and this place.

April, 01 2009

Passing along...

"It doesn’t seem fair that we can look back and connect the dots in life, and see what led from that to this, but we cannot look forward and anticipate in any way what constellation today’s dots will form in the vast space ahead of us. I guess it’s just best to assume that heaven is right here, right now, and let the stars fall where they may."

This is the last paragraph of a piece written by Margaret Gunther in the NY Times on March 29th. The article was about a personal journey in which Ms. Gunter endured some very trying times -- like all of us. Therefore that paragraph could be a conclusion that each of us refers to when we think of some angst that we are enduring.

I thought it was beautifully written, poignant, truthful, and powerful and I wanted to share it with you.

March, 18 2009

What are you thinking right now?

If I had asked you that question, I might have heard about any number of problems, negative thoughts, or worries that were wondering around in your head. In fact about 75% of what we think each day is on what I call the "minus" side. It brings us down, shuts off creativity, and diminishes our energy. Therefore, we only spend about a quarter of all of our thinking time on plus stuff -- being happy, appreciating our lives, love, and joy, expressing our true selves. That's why it is so important to pay more attention to wherever we are in the present. For ages, wise men and women have been encouraging us to live in the moment and I know it isn't easy. I always have a "to-do" list -- you, too? But our power is in the now. Sometimes I don't even realize how much I have weakened myself and my position until I take a deep breath and concentrate on the NOW. I encourage you...I actually beg you...spend 3 minutes today in the now. Stop for a minute three times today (and maybe each day for a week), close your eyes, (set a timer if you want), take a long, slow breath in and let it out gradually and focus on NOW. If you want more on this subject, do read Eckard Tolle's book, "The Power of Now." But if you just want the clif notes, do this for a week and then maybe increase your time to two minutes 3 x a day. I'm always happy to remind you of your great potential -- this is one way for you to do it for yourself.

March, 11 2009

Business Opportunity

I am as tired of the people telling me how great business can be right now as I am of the pundits spewing doom and gloom. In the middle, I have discovered that we have a comfortable place -- a solid, easy, quiet place -- where we work hard, practice the tried and true, test new, creative ideas and deliver our product or services to customers with integrity and pride. In the midst of change, no change.

Even in a hurricane, there is the profound stillness at the eye of the storm.

Let that stillness be us. Let us be the calm. Let us be our best without drama and angst.

Let us be leaders in our communities, in our families and in our work, who guide others to the center of possibility peacefully and with confidence.

This is needed. You can do it.