Friday, April 28, 2006
Life in the Desert
The journey through life, full of many twists and turns, can at times leave you breathless, wondering where you went wrong. It appears that going wrong is the only obvious explanation for the turmoil that you face. With the soul parched, struggling to find meaning and purpose, the desolate landscape of a desert saps the life out of each step. With the heel dragging, the footfall landing on cacti, the hot sand blistering the feet, you don’t remember when the lush landscape of abundance deserted you. Yet, as I have ventured through many a long desert-journey as part of my life-path, I have discovered (more is available.)
Monday, April 17, 2006
A Spiritual Guide
Spiritual Guidance Original Webpage
What you are about to read may resonate with you or it might not. If not, it may be that your experience and understanding to-date is contrary. I warmly invite you to open your mind to possibilities and to explore the concepts I am introducing. One important distinction is that in spirituality, there is freedom.
In the research I have undertaken over the years, the most fascinating and helpful in satisfying my intellectual understanding of world-religion and other spiritual teachings has been found in the field of quantum physics. We live in a universe that has 11 spacetime dimensions - so the math goes so far - and it is entirely possible we exist on multiple dimensions as well.
In truth, you are spirit already. The spirit is that aspect of ourselves that quite simply inspires us. In it's purest origin, spirit is completely connected to the source of the universe, which is why in its' purity of force and energy is such an inspiring force / entity. Many people have lost touch with this entity and are left uninspired by the lives they lead.
Our soul is not the spirit, it is another dimension that embodies the "feelings" of our memories. These memories reside in the body, the mind, and the emotions. You can understand how the integration of the experiences between these three human facets are required to capture the fullest expression of a memory. You may also recognize how a memory in your own life can completely overwhelm the body's feelings, your emotional response, and your thinking.
A Conceptual Breakdown:
During a meditation a few years ago, a visualization exercise was being conducted as a group. The discussion about the human experience, the mind, the body, the emotions, the spirit, etc. were at the foundation although not the focus of the discussion. Entering into the meditation, extraordinary activity began communicating thought messages that provided the following framework to help segment and understand more about the human experience. It's important to note that while these messages prove useful and valid, it is also wise to stay open to further expansion of thought, understanding, and most importantly experience.
The Body
The body is the feeling machine and action machine. Emotions are felt and expressed through the body. Emotions are a force of energy that speak to us, although often-times we're not always aware of what we need to know about the emotion. This forceful energy is experienced physically in the body and also affects thought in the mind. Our body, the physical cells and chemical construct also retains the memory of emotion. The more emotion built up and stored, the more toxicity retained by the body. Your body can function in cooperation with the power of the mind or the spirit - whichever we give more control. Also, remember that all matter is energy. This means the physical body is energy and thereby has the ability to act as a radar dish, picking up on the energy of others around us, also affecting our moods and emotions.
The Mind
The mind has been referred to as a computer, a biological computer. I would say that is a fairly workable assessment, although its complexity is much greater. Nonetheless, it is a tool by which we learn, interpret, analyze, and retain data. This data can be in the form of book knowledge but it certainly doesn't stop there. It also retains memories (data) from our human experience and life experience. This is quite an encompassing repository of data as we take all facets of life, living, relationship, feeling, thinking, exploring, and so on, and so on.
However, the mind also connects us to spirit as we exercise that muscle. This means taking the time to nurture the relationship with spirit and being available for whatever messages and inspiration it has to share with us. Most often, it is likely that we suppress and deny spiritual promptings within ourselves due to a lot of social and educational conditioning received throughout life. Not honoring and nurturing this communication wtih spirit, our mind utilizes more of the soul memory - combining the mind's memories and the body's memories (emotions) - and allowing that to dictate life experience. This is where we see many cynics, for example, that always see the truth they choose. Our experience dictates life because that is where our focus remains imprisoned. Breaking free is the challenge that comes with embracing a spiritual journey.
The Soul
Soul and spirit have often been thought of as synonymous - the same thing. During my studies over the years however, I often found distinctions that contradicted this thinking. But who really knows the answer to these questions? Scientists have tried to find these mysterious entities inside the human mind for ages and haven't been able to spot anything that they can clearly put their finger on. Nonetheless, it is widely agreed that there is more to the human-being than just the physical body. This is substantiated even further as quantum physics dug deeper into the realms of the invisible and came up with M-Theory, previously known as String Theory. I suggest two excellent videos that educate and challenge simultaneously: What the Bleep Do We Know? and The Elegant Universe.
The Elegant Universe brings the quantum studies into the layman's world and a couple of very relevant and interesting facts present themselves that support the concept of soul, spirit, the body, the mind, and so on. I won't go too deep just yet and will only stick with the soul and spirit distinction. First, all matter is derived from energy, little bands of energy or strings; where the name string-theory originated. Later named M-theory, it also discovered that there are 11 spacetime dimensions. This validated earlier teachings about the energetic body that resides on a separate dimension than the physical body. Now this energetic body could also symbolize the existence of soul on another dimension as well. This validated the impressions of thought I received during the group meditation. It clearly distinguished the various entities of the human experience and described them much as I've done here.
What the soul does is combines the experienced memories of the mind, the body, and the emotions. As I like to say, it retains the melancholy of life and other physical world memories. Its function and purpose is the storage of information that the spirit world, or universal consciousness if you prefer, can access after we leave the physical world.
The Spirit
My favorite, the spirit, is the universal part of ourselves that comes from and is connected to the source. The source of what? The source of all that exists, the source of all creation, quite possibly the creator, and if not, the consciousness of the creator. Remember, the best we can do from this place on earth is to enter into the dance with the mystery and reach our own conclusions with the best information available. This is what I'm bringing to you and inviting you to explore on your own as well.
Spirit, so closely connected with source, which by the way, is the energy that makes up the 11 spacetime dimensions as well, can be thought of as the energy of pure love. I will get into this more elsewhere. This spirit is loving, encouraging, inspiring, forgiving, and all else that is good. It manifested itself here in your physical body to experience and to create. Now the question is, to create what? What did your spiritual self come here to accomplish in this physical world. For more insight into the Source, it's energy, intent, and power, I recommend The Power of Intention book or viewable frequently on PBS in North America.
With the social, cultural, politcal, educational and familial pressures, teaching, violence, and more, we have been conditioned and most people have lost the connection with their spirit and spiritual purpose. Programmed throughout life by the systems of this world we are challenged to break out of the molds put around us to fully explore who we are spiritually. Case in point: An abused child takes much time, patience, love, and gentleness in order to see the defense mechanisms dropped and trust confidence, and openness to grow. We see the same response with abused animals.
I have studied myself and others for a long time around this subject and another deciding force is the fact that so many people are suffering depression, anxiety, etc. Many people are stressed beyond belief trying to live lives that are not their own. They need to access those Spirit values that are unique to them and to live them out fully in order to be optimally healthy: emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
When you're so far out of tune with your spiritual self, you're out of integrity. When you're out of integrity and none of your spiritual values are being honored, discomfort sets in. This discomfort, this dis-ease grows over time and the less able you are to turn it around, the higher the likelihood that you become ill, physically ill. I've seen it with a number of people who have suffered enormously as a result of trauma and abuse that has robbed them of their courage and strength.
Inside there is an unchanging force calling for attention. This power of spirit is a tangible part of our everyday whether we participate or not. Now are you curious and courageous enough to look at how you can integrate your spiritual perceptions, beliefs, and experiences into the reality of day-to-day living. Whether you are looking for a single conversation or month-to-month support, you will find it here.
Spiritual Guidance Original Webpage
Read More Articles From This Writer
What you are about to read may resonate with you or it might not. If not, it may be that your experience and understanding to-date is contrary. I warmly invite you to open your mind to possibilities and to explore the concepts I am introducing. One important distinction is that in spirituality, there is freedom.
In the research I have undertaken over the years, the most fascinating and helpful in satisfying my intellectual understanding of world-religion and other spiritual teachings has been found in the field of quantum physics. We live in a universe that has 11 spacetime dimensions - so the math goes so far - and it is entirely possible we exist on multiple dimensions as well.
In truth, you are spirit already. The spirit is that aspect of ourselves that quite simply inspires us. In it's purest origin, spirit is completely connected to the source of the universe, which is why in its' purity of force and energy is such an inspiring force / entity. Many people have lost touch with this entity and are left uninspired by the lives they lead.
Our soul is not the spirit, it is another dimension that embodies the "feelings" of our memories. These memories reside in the body, the mind, and the emotions. You can understand how the integration of the experiences between these three human facets are required to capture the fullest expression of a memory. You may also recognize how a memory in your own life can completely overwhelm the body's feelings, your emotional response, and your thinking.
A Conceptual Breakdown:
During a meditation a few years ago, a visualization exercise was being conducted as a group. The discussion about the human experience, the mind, the body, the emotions, the spirit, etc. were at the foundation although not the focus of the discussion. Entering into the meditation, extraordinary activity began communicating thought messages that provided the following framework to help segment and understand more about the human experience. It's important to note that while these messages prove useful and valid, it is also wise to stay open to further expansion of thought, understanding, and most importantly experience.
The Body
The body is the feeling machine and action machine. Emotions are felt and expressed through the body. Emotions are a force of energy that speak to us, although often-times we're not always aware of what we need to know about the emotion. This forceful energy is experienced physically in the body and also affects thought in the mind. Our body, the physical cells and chemical construct also retains the memory of emotion. The more emotion built up and stored, the more toxicity retained by the body. Your body can function in cooperation with the power of the mind or the spirit - whichever we give more control. Also, remember that all matter is energy. This means the physical body is energy and thereby has the ability to act as a radar dish, picking up on the energy of others around us, also affecting our moods and emotions.
The Mind
The mind has been referred to as a computer, a biological computer. I would say that is a fairly workable assessment, although its complexity is much greater. Nonetheless, it is a tool by which we learn, interpret, analyze, and retain data. This data can be in the form of book knowledge but it certainly doesn't stop there. It also retains memories (data) from our human experience and life experience. This is quite an encompassing repository of data as we take all facets of life, living, relationship, feeling, thinking, exploring, and so on, and so on.
However, the mind also connects us to spirit as we exercise that muscle. This means taking the time to nurture the relationship with spirit and being available for whatever messages and inspiration it has to share with us. Most often, it is likely that we suppress and deny spiritual promptings within ourselves due to a lot of social and educational conditioning received throughout life. Not honoring and nurturing this communication wtih spirit, our mind utilizes more of the soul memory - combining the mind's memories and the body's memories (emotions) - and allowing that to dictate life experience. This is where we see many cynics, for example, that always see the truth they choose. Our experience dictates life because that is where our focus remains imprisoned. Breaking free is the challenge that comes with embracing a spiritual journey.
The Soul
Soul and spirit have often been thought of as synonymous - the same thing. During my studies over the years however, I often found distinctions that contradicted this thinking. But who really knows the answer to these questions? Scientists have tried to find these mysterious entities inside the human mind for ages and haven't been able to spot anything that they can clearly put their finger on. Nonetheless, it is widely agreed that there is more to the human-being than just the physical body. This is substantiated even further as quantum physics dug deeper into the realms of the invisible and came up with M-Theory, previously known as String Theory. I suggest two excellent videos that educate and challenge simultaneously: What the Bleep Do We Know? and The Elegant Universe.
The Elegant Universe brings the quantum studies into the layman's world and a couple of very relevant and interesting facts present themselves that support the concept of soul, spirit, the body, the mind, and so on. I won't go too deep just yet and will only stick with the soul and spirit distinction. First, all matter is derived from energy, little bands of energy or strings; where the name string-theory originated. Later named M-theory, it also discovered that there are 11 spacetime dimensions. This validated earlier teachings about the energetic body that resides on a separate dimension than the physical body. Now this energetic body could also symbolize the existence of soul on another dimension as well. This validated the impressions of thought I received during the group meditation. It clearly distinguished the various entities of the human experience and described them much as I've done here.
What the soul does is combines the experienced memories of the mind, the body, and the emotions. As I like to say, it retains the melancholy of life and other physical world memories. Its function and purpose is the storage of information that the spirit world, or universal consciousness if you prefer, can access after we leave the physical world.
The Spirit
My favorite, the spirit, is the universal part of ourselves that comes from and is connected to the source. The source of what? The source of all that exists, the source of all creation, quite possibly the creator, and if not, the consciousness of the creator. Remember, the best we can do from this place on earth is to enter into the dance with the mystery and reach our own conclusions with the best information available. This is what I'm bringing to you and inviting you to explore on your own as well.
Spirit, so closely connected with source, which by the way, is the energy that makes up the 11 spacetime dimensions as well, can be thought of as the energy of pure love. I will get into this more elsewhere. This spirit is loving, encouraging, inspiring, forgiving, and all else that is good. It manifested itself here in your physical body to experience and to create. Now the question is, to create what? What did your spiritual self come here to accomplish in this physical world. For more insight into the Source, it's energy, intent, and power, I recommend The Power of Intention book or viewable frequently on PBS in North America.
With the social, cultural, politcal, educational and familial pressures, teaching, violence, and more, we have been conditioned and most people have lost the connection with their spirit and spiritual purpose. Programmed throughout life by the systems of this world we are challenged to break out of the molds put around us to fully explore who we are spiritually. Case in point: An abused child takes much time, patience, love, and gentleness in order to see the defense mechanisms dropped and trust confidence, and openness to grow. We see the same response with abused animals.
I have studied myself and others for a long time around this subject and another deciding force is the fact that so many people are suffering depression, anxiety, etc. Many people are stressed beyond belief trying to live lives that are not their own. They need to access those Spirit values that are unique to them and to live them out fully in order to be optimally healthy: emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
When you're so far out of tune with your spiritual self, you're out of integrity. When you're out of integrity and none of your spiritual values are being honored, discomfort sets in. This discomfort, this dis-ease grows over time and the less able you are to turn it around, the higher the likelihood that you become ill, physically ill. I've seen it with a number of people who have suffered enormously as a result of trauma and abuse that has robbed them of their courage and strength.
Inside there is an unchanging force calling for attention. This power of spirit is a tangible part of our everyday whether we participate or not. Now are you curious and courageous enough to look at how you can integrate your spiritual perceptions, beliefs, and experiences into the reality of day-to-day living. Whether you are looking for a single conversation or month-to-month support, you will find it here.
Spiritual Guidance Original Webpage
Read More Articles From This Writer
Friday, March 31, 2006
Push On: Following The Call
I had an experience a number of months ago that really shut down my giftedness and creativity. As was wished by one, that I not pursue my passion due to its' overwhelming burden, I did crawl away for awhile, questioning and trying to live an ordinary life. Confidence is a funny thing in that it comes and goes. Passion burns on.
In living the ordinary life, many obstacles, pains and sorrows, are experienced. Each heartache speaks to the focus of that passion. In my case, it has much to do with how I see people interacting in harmful ways. It may be too much to change the whole world but I remember that Jesus said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." This is the power of the ordinary person that has the power to make a difference.
We've seen Hollywood churn out great movies that inspire the best in people, the power of one, and demonstrate the power random acts of kindness have on the lives of those around us: Pay it Forward; North Country; Sea Biscuit; and many more. When individuals begin recognizing the impact of their thoughts, words, and actions on those around them, then issues facing all of our communities will begin to improve. Recognition comes through awareness.
The controversial topic of spirituality has proven volatile in the past, and yet, spirituality is also deeply connected to the concept of awareness, among other things. I've taken it further and integrated our emotions and thoughts into the spiritual concepts that I work with. For myself, this is the process of making the spiritual life a practical life, living with the turbulence that life throws at us. In many respects, it is a statement that says that this life is to be experienced and lived; taking the hermit out of the seeker.
There are two things that I've learned as I've come back to my passion. First, when your eyes are open for what is available, wherever you are, then the support for your passion shows up. Connecting with like-minded people keeps you connected, inspiring and strengthening when the going gets tough. Second, like my company name, One Man Can make a difference.
That is what coaching is all about. Each client is impacted in a powerfully positive way, with each coach working with the exactly perfect person, in the perfect pairing, at the perfect moment in time. Each of us carries a unique message and style that provides everyone the blessing of sharing their gift with the world. There is no telling how far-reaching that impact will have throughout the life and social circles of the empowered client.
In saying all of this, it is good to challenge clients, and it is good to be available for whatever shows up, no matter where you are or who you are. After a 4-month hiatus from coaching, I'm pushing on and bringing my unique message to the world. It was during this hiatus that many people, strangers to me before, showed up affirming what I'm about. What I'm about, isn't for everyone. We're all on different journeys and what a blessing to have so much diversity
In living the ordinary life, many obstacles, pains and sorrows, are experienced. Each heartache speaks to the focus of that passion. In my case, it has much to do with how I see people interacting in harmful ways. It may be too much to change the whole world but I remember that Jesus said, "The meek shall inherit the earth." This is the power of the ordinary person that has the power to make a difference.
We've seen Hollywood churn out great movies that inspire the best in people, the power of one, and demonstrate the power random acts of kindness have on the lives of those around us: Pay it Forward; North Country; Sea Biscuit; and many more. When individuals begin recognizing the impact of their thoughts, words, and actions on those around them, then issues facing all of our communities will begin to improve. Recognition comes through awareness.
The controversial topic of spirituality has proven volatile in the past, and yet, spirituality is also deeply connected to the concept of awareness, among other things. I've taken it further and integrated our emotions and thoughts into the spiritual concepts that I work with. For myself, this is the process of making the spiritual life a practical life, living with the turbulence that life throws at us. In many respects, it is a statement that says that this life is to be experienced and lived; taking the hermit out of the seeker.
There are two things that I've learned as I've come back to my passion. First, when your eyes are open for what is available, wherever you are, then the support for your passion shows up. Connecting with like-minded people keeps you connected, inspiring and strengthening when the going gets tough. Second, like my company name, One Man Can make a difference.
That is what coaching is all about. Each client is impacted in a powerfully positive way, with each coach working with the exactly perfect person, in the perfect pairing, at the perfect moment in time. Each of us carries a unique message and style that provides everyone the blessing of sharing their gift with the world. There is no telling how far-reaching that impact will have throughout the life and social circles of the empowered client.
In saying all of this, it is good to challenge clients, and it is good to be available for whatever shows up, no matter where you are or who you are. After a 4-month hiatus from coaching, I'm pushing on and bringing my unique message to the world. It was during this hiatus that many people, strangers to me before, showed up affirming what I'm about. What I'm about, isn't for everyone. We're all on different journeys and what a blessing to have so much diversity
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Work Ethic: It's a matter of personal integrity
Taking a job is acceptance of conditions and responsibilities of the position for a specified wage. Recently, taking on part-time work to create some stability, I am working retail at entry-level. It's not a high paying position, the work is very physical, and it's a bit of a dirty job at times. Nonetheless, the workplace is friendly, the customers are great, and I get to visit with many animals and animal lovers every day. The enjoyment of the position, customer relations, and the staff makes up for the lower pay and physical strain. After a week though, witnessing the lack of work-ethic of others on the team, I begin to feel disillusioned.
Here's the thing: It's not a high paying job and it doesn't require a lot of skill. This job requires people who are willing to work, meet people, and keep shelves stocked and the store clean. Easy stuff. When one person on staff blows off the responsibilities, others who aren't thrilled with the work slack off too. This may not seem like a big deal but sooner or later, the work still has to be done and someone will have to do it. The person who will do it will be a colleague. So how does it feel to be someone who slacks off and has others do the bulk of the work? I honestly don't understand this lack of teamwork.
Working together as a team, doing the little things -- again the little things make the big difference -- helps everyone keep on top of the job duties and makes the work lighter for everyone. Everyone complains about the troublesome aspects of the work, and yet, they do little to accommodate procedures that will make it easier for everyone. Instead, they brush off the importance of doing the little things and let the little things get out of hand until a big problem exists. Once it's out of hand, someone will be assigned the job of cleaning up the mess. How much resentment ends up being created on the team as this occurs? I want to bring this to everyone's attention. This is important.
Your work ethic is important to your personal integrity and the integrity of the team. Give your all to whatever you agree to undertake. If you made a mistake taking the job, don't ride the coat-tails of others. Instead, get out and find another job that better suits your temperament. The other people on the job don't deserve the burden of carrying your load.
Here's the thing: It's not a high paying job and it doesn't require a lot of skill. This job requires people who are willing to work, meet people, and keep shelves stocked and the store clean. Easy stuff. When one person on staff blows off the responsibilities, others who aren't thrilled with the work slack off too. This may not seem like a big deal but sooner or later, the work still has to be done and someone will have to do it. The person who will do it will be a colleague. So how does it feel to be someone who slacks off and has others do the bulk of the work? I honestly don't understand this lack of teamwork.
Working together as a team, doing the little things -- again the little things make the big difference -- helps everyone keep on top of the job duties and makes the work lighter for everyone. Everyone complains about the troublesome aspects of the work, and yet, they do little to accommodate procedures that will make it easier for everyone. Instead, they brush off the importance of doing the little things and let the little things get out of hand until a big problem exists. Once it's out of hand, someone will be assigned the job of cleaning up the mess. How much resentment ends up being created on the team as this occurs? I want to bring this to everyone's attention. This is important.
Your work ethic is important to your personal integrity and the integrity of the team. Give your all to whatever you agree to undertake. If you made a mistake taking the job, don't ride the coat-tails of others. Instead, get out and find another job that better suits your temperament. The other people on the job don't deserve the burden of carrying your load.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Life's Questions: So much doesn't make sense
I got into coaching grudgingly. I found coaching to be nothing more than conversation and something that I've always enjoyed in my professional circles in the past, so why would I or anyone else have to pay for it. In the past I could drop in on a colleague and start a conversation, expressing myself, my questions, my confusion, and discover my answers when talking to the right people. These people were the ones with the fewest answers and the biggest ears. Often times I left them with the biggest eyes as they sat stunned and overwhelmed by the depth and breadth of the conversation and questions I would raise and answers I'd find.
Sometimes, a long gasp of time sucked so much air from my lungs I would be left speechless and still full of questions. It's the choices that took me down a road I didn't understand, choices found in curiousity, wonder, and doubt. Seeing other ways of living, other realms of thought and belief, and with my own journey stalled, I'd venture down a new road wondering if this was the way. Years would slip by and I'd seem to be going deeper rather than climbing higher. At first glance, this going deeper would seem to be a wasted road of sinking into nothing, into failure, into the pit of despair. In retrospect, it can also be seen as a tremendous journey to the depths of my own soul, discovering the strength, the courage, the tenacity, the compassion and desire to understand, not just myself but others too.
So now I am a coach and I still experience things that lead me to question my sanity, my direction in life, my true inner-calling, and my dedication. Chasing a dream against adversity can have that effect. Today I feel a new sense of discovery as I realize this complex relationship within myself and the world outside. It is in these journeys and experiences that my questions are raised and answers found. Something is still missing though, for me personally, and that is more of the conversations that allow me to find those answers. I'd do it often through my writing and yet, the dialogue, the interaction with another human being is an element that is missing. I discovered and reconnected to this truth today. My coaching profession offers me much satisfaction as I dialogue with clients.
Talking is a powerful way to process what we can't make sense of. I read this sentence in a book I was reading today and it hit me right between the eyes. How many times have I stated this to other coaches, to other friends, to perfect strangers? I thrive on conversations that allow me to delve into the complex questions that I have and cannot make sense of. We're so incredibly rushed in our world today, as the weekend newspaper aptly describes in an article pertaining to the shrinking lunch-hour. Lunch hours have shrunk to less than 20 minutes for many and the healthy lunch is replaced by a quick slice of cold pizza. The article, written in the career section of the paper, continues to say that with this added pressure, less personal time and poor eating habits leads to less productivity. I'll take it a step further: It also leads to less clarity within your own mind, heart and soul.
With so much pressure, with so much responsibilities, with so little personal time and even less time to connect to the ever-so important social circles that help us maintain our sense of connectedness, how can anyone find the time to ease their nagging questions? Is it any wonder that I myself am wandering somewhat aimlessly? I've neglected such a very important aspect of my intrinsyc nature. Is it any wonder that you might find yourself numb to your own life as well?
It is time to talk. It is time to process those nagging life situations that perplex. This is my job and I do it well with others. Now I do it too for myself. The answers are all there, right there inside of each of us. We just needed the right key to open the truth and the art of talking with the right people will pave the way to find that key. This coach isn't ready to throw in the towel and neither should you. Your questions are valid and your answers are integral to your own self-discovery for a well-lived life. So, let's talk.
Sometimes, a long gasp of time sucked so much air from my lungs I would be left speechless and still full of questions. It's the choices that took me down a road I didn't understand, choices found in curiousity, wonder, and doubt. Seeing other ways of living, other realms of thought and belief, and with my own journey stalled, I'd venture down a new road wondering if this was the way. Years would slip by and I'd seem to be going deeper rather than climbing higher. At first glance, this going deeper would seem to be a wasted road of sinking into nothing, into failure, into the pit of despair. In retrospect, it can also be seen as a tremendous journey to the depths of my own soul, discovering the strength, the courage, the tenacity, the compassion and desire to understand, not just myself but others too.
So now I am a coach and I still experience things that lead me to question my sanity, my direction in life, my true inner-calling, and my dedication. Chasing a dream against adversity can have that effect. Today I feel a new sense of discovery as I realize this complex relationship within myself and the world outside. It is in these journeys and experiences that my questions are raised and answers found. Something is still missing though, for me personally, and that is more of the conversations that allow me to find those answers. I'd do it often through my writing and yet, the dialogue, the interaction with another human being is an element that is missing. I discovered and reconnected to this truth today. My coaching profession offers me much satisfaction as I dialogue with clients.
Talking is a powerful way to process what we can't make sense of. I read this sentence in a book I was reading today and it hit me right between the eyes. How many times have I stated this to other coaches, to other friends, to perfect strangers? I thrive on conversations that allow me to delve into the complex questions that I have and cannot make sense of. We're so incredibly rushed in our world today, as the weekend newspaper aptly describes in an article pertaining to the shrinking lunch-hour. Lunch hours have shrunk to less than 20 minutes for many and the healthy lunch is replaced by a quick slice of cold pizza. The article, written in the career section of the paper, continues to say that with this added pressure, less personal time and poor eating habits leads to less productivity. I'll take it a step further: It also leads to less clarity within your own mind, heart and soul.
With so much pressure, with so much responsibilities, with so little personal time and even less time to connect to the ever-so important social circles that help us maintain our sense of connectedness, how can anyone find the time to ease their nagging questions? Is it any wonder that I myself am wandering somewhat aimlessly? I've neglected such a very important aspect of my intrinsyc nature. Is it any wonder that you might find yourself numb to your own life as well?
It is time to talk. It is time to process those nagging life situations that perplex. This is my job and I do it well with others. Now I do it too for myself. The answers are all there, right there inside of each of us. We just needed the right key to open the truth and the art of talking with the right people will pave the way to find that key. This coach isn't ready to throw in the towel and neither should you. Your questions are valid and your answers are integral to your own self-discovery for a well-lived life. So, let's talk.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Why Be Normal?
I just found out. It sort of came to me in a flash of clarity; shocking, stark clarity. I'm not normal. I never have been and I never will be. It's like having the earth fall out from beneath you and discovering that you're just floating in space; you've always been floating in space. Everything else was just an elusion. And then I see it, all of space, not just that focused pinhole where I thought I saw the earth vanish. It's then I realize that normal never existed and it never will.
So why try to fit in? Look at the space around you. There are so many choices for you to discover who you are.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Change: Pain to Blessing for 2006
Sitting in the living room, listening to music, enjoying some personal time, the mind wanders across the recent pages of life reflecting on the decisions and choices that led to what is my life right now. Despite the lack of material and financial success, I am very happy with where I've been and to where I've come. This isn't the destination, this is part of the journey.
Reviewing what has happened, I see the values that exhibit themselves through my choices; the reasoning behind the result. Individually, they seem to be rationalizations but, seeing them linked over time, I recognize a value or sets of values that have a strong resonance with who I am. I can still wonder why the material and financial success has not happened. I can still wonder why this happened this late in life. Better yet, I can share some truth about the journey of life.
We are raised in a system that educates us and our future choices. This education takes place within the family and within the social structure and schooling of our society. We've become good at accepting the truth from others and have not been given full access to our own creative spirit and truth. Given the fairy tales we are conditioned by, we make our choices and can go astray. When the questioning, doubt, or failures give way to momentary reflection, isn't our spirit calling out?
"Over here, over here! You've been going the wrong way. Your purpose and passion lives this way." the spirit calls. Dismantling the past, dismantling the beliefs, and living a new way takes time and, trial and error. The conflict of the the old life lived can rebel, through the body and emotions, creating conflicting desires and results. With some time to reflect, they can be reviewed and the pattern discerned. A quieter, stronger self is fighting the good fight within, unwilling to settle for anything less than ALL of who you are and what you stand for. One day, you will be grateful for all that you have been given.
The fight, the struggle, the testing, all work to your good. With this battle for our purpose and passion we develop a character that understands much from a place that invites others in. We are not on this journey alone and each person is there for our betterment. Sometimes, rather than through what they give us, our gain is experienced through what we give them.With each step forward, a time comes when we can see the net effect beginning to shape our future, a future we couldn't foresee but sensed.
It is this big a change in your life that is difficult to envision. All that you believed being dismantled and a new possibility, unclear and overwhelming, looming on the horizon. There is nothing else to do but stay in motion and take each step a day at a time. As the days add up, the events unfold, the path of the heart will become clear. As this clarity gains strength new choices and decisions will take a bolder step straight towards your future. The battles will ease up and the blessings will be more clearly seen. The standards you measure with will shift from the values of adopted belief to the values of who you truly are.
The Year 2006 will soon be upon us. The Eve of Promises, of New Year's Resolutions, will hear whispers that will fall down unfulfilled. This year, I give you your power back. With each uttered whisper, each promise to live the life you deserve, I will remind you that you will succeed with each failure that you get back up from and take another step boldly toward your future. Your success will be born of the experiences combined when reflected upon. Give yourself the time.
Reviewing what has happened, I see the values that exhibit themselves through my choices; the reasoning behind the result. Individually, they seem to be rationalizations but, seeing them linked over time, I recognize a value or sets of values that have a strong resonance with who I am. I can still wonder why the material and financial success has not happened. I can still wonder why this happened this late in life. Better yet, I can share some truth about the journey of life.
We are raised in a system that educates us and our future choices. This education takes place within the family and within the social structure and schooling of our society. We've become good at accepting the truth from others and have not been given full access to our own creative spirit and truth. Given the fairy tales we are conditioned by, we make our choices and can go astray. When the questioning, doubt, or failures give way to momentary reflection, isn't our spirit calling out?
"Over here, over here! You've been going the wrong way. Your purpose and passion lives this way." the spirit calls. Dismantling the past, dismantling the beliefs, and living a new way takes time and, trial and error. The conflict of the the old life lived can rebel, through the body and emotions, creating conflicting desires and results. With some time to reflect, they can be reviewed and the pattern discerned. A quieter, stronger self is fighting the good fight within, unwilling to settle for anything less than ALL of who you are and what you stand for. One day, you will be grateful for all that you have been given.
The fight, the struggle, the testing, all work to your good. With this battle for our purpose and passion we develop a character that understands much from a place that invites others in. We are not on this journey alone and each person is there for our betterment. Sometimes, rather than through what they give us, our gain is experienced through what we give them.With each step forward, a time comes when we can see the net effect beginning to shape our future, a future we couldn't foresee but sensed.
It is this big a change in your life that is difficult to envision. All that you believed being dismantled and a new possibility, unclear and overwhelming, looming on the horizon. There is nothing else to do but stay in motion and take each step a day at a time. As the days add up, the events unfold, the path of the heart will become clear. As this clarity gains strength new choices and decisions will take a bolder step straight towards your future. The battles will ease up and the blessings will be more clearly seen. The standards you measure with will shift from the values of adopted belief to the values of who you truly are.
The Year 2006 will soon be upon us. The Eve of Promises, of New Year's Resolutions, will hear whispers that will fall down unfulfilled. This year, I give you your power back. With each uttered whisper, each promise to live the life you deserve, I will remind you that you will succeed with each failure that you get back up from and take another step boldly toward your future. Your success will be born of the experiences combined when reflected upon. Give yourself the time.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Balance: Time and Money
This is such a valuable commodity. Many people trade time for money and we seem to be doing it more and more. Yet, when I stop and sit down, turn off the TV, and let myself think, to process a slice of life, then I really begin to wonder where I can find this time.
This time, this very moment, is so valuable to me, to you. That moment of slowing down, to just be more in the moment, to reconnect, seems to be the time that demands so much monetary value. Unwittingly, most of us have completely forgotten what is truly important in our lives. We, being so competetive, have become caught up in the measuring the dollars instead of the time. Our success is being measured in dollars and not the value of life's special moments to oneself.
We sacrifice irreplacable moments to our pursuit of material success; be it career, the sheer chase of money, or the pursuit of power and prestige. For me, as a single man, I enjoy the time to relax without a worry to distract me. We are told to forget our problems and work towards our goals. Being distracted by worries is a place of fear; a very subtle fear. Fear always keeps us seeking, and blindly influenced by a subtle panic or anxiety. We're never truly right here. Intimate moments with oneself, with our loved ones, connecting with friends; all of these moments are marginally experienced. I deserve better than that. You deserve better than that.
This isn't saying it is wrong to engage in career pursuits, or to enjoy the building of wealth. Their pursuit is a good and wonderful thing to be experienced. Let's just make sure that we recognize when we're getting too caught up at the expense of our personal time, our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. We must also not forget the people that are important to us in life. Nurturing these moments will actually return a higher yield in both your personal and financial life. This means that it actually fuels your earning potential, your creativity, and your energy levels.
Too often, too late in life, we begin to wonder: Who am I without work? What am I going to do? As a coach, I will hear these questions that people will ask, are asking, of themselves today. I hear some of their worst fears. What it teaches me is how we are all dealing with these subtle, unnerving fears, on some level or another and at one time or another in our life. We're all on a journey doing the best with what we've got. Connecting with others gives us access to so much more!
Time: What's it worth? Where do you want to spend it? How do you want to use it?
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
I happened to SEE something of value
and in seeing this valuable site, I'm inviting you to investigate it too. You'll most likely be glad you did.
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But then... I could be wrong.
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But then... I could be wrong.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Spirited Intelligent Emotions
Many years ago, I had the privilege of facilitating a special workshop focused on changing the corporate culture within a large Canadian national corporation. I had been a member of the Information Technology management team at Head Office for many years, witnessing many labor disruptions before this initiative became reality. Since that time, there been no labor disputes. A major component of this culture change was removing the “us vs. them” mentality. This called forth basic human values, the diversity we each embody and the trust, respect, and problem solving that made teams so effective.
After having experienced such a powerful shift, impacting others lives and careers, my management position tasted stale. My thirst for making a difference and impacting lives became an unquenchable thirst. I continued facilitating workshops within the organization and as it wrapped up, with more head office downsizing on the horizon, I took a leave of absence and arrived in Vancouver. I was unprepared, totally unprepared.
I had done little to research the job-market, little to understand the business community, or establish key connections that might assist my transition. I moved in with family who I hadn’t seen since leaving home 13 years earlier. The stress of those first years was unbearably difficult. Family dynamics saw a 30-something become a 17 year old again. Trying to understand and clean up the emotional debris within the family became a focal point. There’s no need to point out that it wasn’t my responsibility, it’s amazing what we buy into as the first born surviving child. Dealing with the emotional fallout from the suicide of a sister, nearly a decade earlier, I became a go-between for divorced parents. I discovered hatred, bitterness, victimization, bankruptcy, and overall emotional devastation for both parents. Their negative experiences began to affect my outlook, my confidence and esteem, and my health.
It was also during this time that I tried finding work related to the training and facilitating that I had conducted back in Ottawa. It was then that someone mentioned the term Emotional Intelligence. I did find a not-so-busy private college that was teaching the material and of course, their interest in me was to become a student. Everything about the conversations confused what I understood Emotional Intelligence to be. In much the same way, IQ tests are being challenged today for their relevancy given the different expectations of careers, people and diversity. There was also the fact that the emphasis was on creating exclusive criteria before people could be considered emotionally intelligent. There was no barometer to identify the emotional downfall that occurs during tragic times of life. It is during these times that inclusiveness is needed, that’s what heals the traumatized person.
In preparation for a talk on emotional intelligence, I've spent portions of my time reading relevant material. It's been interesting to say the least. When I studied Sociology, I was dumbfounded by the study of what is wrong with us in society and then, little is done about what is wrong. There are many new pills and therapies hitting the market place treating the disorder without really getting to the roots of the problems. As I read more about Emotional Intelligence, I found more of the same. The books made suggestions that could counter childhood experiences and improve emotional development and yet little is done. As well, there is a brief encounter with the concept of spirituality in the field of emotional intelligence; as with most things that cannot be measured and verified clinically or scientifically, little else is done with it to help pull the pieces together.
Granted, these ideas I represent are my own drawn from many sources. My perspective is one of studied observation of people, events in my own life, and much reading and reflection. As with most things, questions in our own minds are likely similar or the same as questions in another's mind; often, when a question is upon one's lips, a few others in the same room will be glad that question is asked. I see the same thing with spirituality, and yet, we can only experience first-hand that which cannot be seen. It is in the experience that reality is experienced and influenced by the perspective we hold to be true. This is a difficult statement for many to hear.
In a real sense, our two realities can be so vastly different simply by the way we choose to look at things. Knowing this, during periods of depression, or intense questioning and doubt, we wonder what has happened to us. Having seen and experienced a brighter past, the attitude and joy that was experienced, I wonder how I might get that back? Is it just emotional intelligence? Or is there more; spiritual intelligence? Emotional Intelligence topics and books also mention spirituality. Another mention is made of the different levels of awareness related to consciousness.
This is where the experiencer and observer distinction is made. Observations of how we are relating to each other, of how we are raised and raise our young, and of how we become emotionally hijacked and are often unaware of sabotaging emotions. The inter-connectedness of the mind-body-emotions is intricately linked. This is where I see something missing (... here is the rest of the article.)
After having experienced such a powerful shift, impacting others lives and careers, my management position tasted stale. My thirst for making a difference and impacting lives became an unquenchable thirst. I continued facilitating workshops within the organization and as it wrapped up, with more head office downsizing on the horizon, I took a leave of absence and arrived in Vancouver. I was unprepared, totally unprepared.
I had done little to research the job-market, little to understand the business community, or establish key connections that might assist my transition. I moved in with family who I hadn’t seen since leaving home 13 years earlier. The stress of those first years was unbearably difficult. Family dynamics saw a 30-something become a 17 year old again. Trying to understand and clean up the emotional debris within the family became a focal point. There’s no need to point out that it wasn’t my responsibility, it’s amazing what we buy into as the first born surviving child. Dealing with the emotional fallout from the suicide of a sister, nearly a decade earlier, I became a go-between for divorced parents. I discovered hatred, bitterness, victimization, bankruptcy, and overall emotional devastation for both parents. Their negative experiences began to affect my outlook, my confidence and esteem, and my health.
It was also during this time that I tried finding work related to the training and facilitating that I had conducted back in Ottawa. It was then that someone mentioned the term Emotional Intelligence. I did find a not-so-busy private college that was teaching the material and of course, their interest in me was to become a student. Everything about the conversations confused what I understood Emotional Intelligence to be. In much the same way, IQ tests are being challenged today for their relevancy given the different expectations of careers, people and diversity. There was also the fact that the emphasis was on creating exclusive criteria before people could be considered emotionally intelligent. There was no barometer to identify the emotional downfall that occurs during tragic times of life. It is during these times that inclusiveness is needed, that’s what heals the traumatized person.
In preparation for a talk on emotional intelligence, I've spent portions of my time reading relevant material. It's been interesting to say the least. When I studied Sociology, I was dumbfounded by the study of what is wrong with us in society and then, little is done about what is wrong. There are many new pills and therapies hitting the market place treating the disorder without really getting to the roots of the problems. As I read more about Emotional Intelligence, I found more of the same. The books made suggestions that could counter childhood experiences and improve emotional development and yet little is done. As well, there is a brief encounter with the concept of spirituality in the field of emotional intelligence; as with most things that cannot be measured and verified clinically or scientifically, little else is done with it to help pull the pieces together.
Granted, these ideas I represent are my own drawn from many sources. My perspective is one of studied observation of people, events in my own life, and much reading and reflection. As with most things, questions in our own minds are likely similar or the same as questions in another's mind; often, when a question is upon one's lips, a few others in the same room will be glad that question is asked. I see the same thing with spirituality, and yet, we can only experience first-hand that which cannot be seen. It is in the experience that reality is experienced and influenced by the perspective we hold to be true. This is a difficult statement for many to hear.
In a real sense, our two realities can be so vastly different simply by the way we choose to look at things. Knowing this, during periods of depression, or intense questioning and doubt, we wonder what has happened to us. Having seen and experienced a brighter past, the attitude and joy that was experienced, I wonder how I might get that back? Is it just emotional intelligence? Or is there more; spiritual intelligence? Emotional Intelligence topics and books also mention spirituality. Another mention is made of the different levels of awareness related to consciousness.
This is where the experiencer and observer distinction is made. Observations of how we are relating to each other, of how we are raised and raise our young, and of how we become emotionally hijacked and are often unaware of sabotaging emotions. The inter-connectedness of the mind-body-emotions is intricately linked. This is where I see something missing (... here is the rest of the article.)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
What's Next?
A boat docked in a tiny seaside village. An American tourist complimented the local fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the fisherman.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue,you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?" asked the fisherman.
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city, Los Angeles,or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my Friend, That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" said the fisherman.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your friends."
"Not very long," answered the fisherman.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"
"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life."
The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue,you can buy a bigger boat."
"And after that?" asked the fisherman.
"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.
Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to the city, Los Angeles,or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."
"How long would that take?" asked the fisherman.
"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.
"And after that?"
"Afterwards? Well my Friend, That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"
"Millions? Really? And after that?" said the fisherman.
"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your friends."
Saturday, November 12, 2005
God, Nothing, Existence
following a stream of consciousness
zero equals infinity - you see?
no, you can't fit limitless quantities into nothing
sure you can
no, you can't
okay, look. with nothing, there are no boundaries, there are no limits; just emptiness
so?
so, infinite fits into that space, that emptiness
huh?
yes. and so does our universe. that's where you'll find God too.
huh?
yes, God. He is those spaces - perfect - there is no light, there is no dark, there is no matter, no nothing, just - perfection - the source of love, of creation - it exists in the empty space of nothing - that's where we come from, what we're made of.
oooohhhhh, my brain!
by going inwards, within ourselves, to reach the quiet space, we can hear God and hear our spirit - we cannot comprehend what we cannot see and what is nothing cannot be seen - and yet, nothing is everything.
zero equals infinity - you see?
no, you can't fit limitless quantities into nothing
sure you can
no, you can't
okay, look. with nothing, there are no boundaries, there are no limits; just emptiness
so?
so, infinite fits into that space, that emptiness
huh?
yes. and so does our universe. that's where you'll find God too.
huh?
yes, God. He is those spaces - perfect - there is no light, there is no dark, there is no matter, no nothing, just - perfection - the source of love, of creation - it exists in the empty space of nothing - that's where we come from, what we're made of.
oooohhhhh, my brain!
by going inwards, within ourselves, to reach the quiet space, we can hear God and hear our spirit - we cannot comprehend what we cannot see and what is nothing cannot be seen - and yet, nothing is everything.
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