Well, after the aftermath of the panic attack from not taking action on my intuition and realizing that I have potentially left a lot of money on the table there are a couple of realizations.
Having the extra cushion of money led me to be complacent. I have needed to get off my duff and get creating, as in the form of contribution in the world and I have been easily distracted. The tight rope walk, is definitely a catalyst for movement.
I am in an amazing writing program, called Write/Speak with Barbara Sher and I have been squandering the time with distractions. Having extra money has lead to the perpetual perspective that 'I have time". This is a myth.
Barbara talks about isolation as a dream killer. Well so is inaction. The dream gets dulled and distant and begins to dissipate without attention. Every step, no matter how small is important.
It moves the energy from stalled to forward. Every step brings more clarity and opens the next door, increasing the reality of the dreams fulfillment.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Inspiring and Uplifting Video
This is a link to the Bill Moyers interview with the creator of Playing for Change, a project to connect and unite people around the world through music. The first 3:30 minutes is Bill's summary of the feelings of despair many people have now, and then it is totally focused on this uplifting project as one antidote.Hang in there through the first 3 1/2 minutes, then enjoy:) http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/10242008/watch3.html
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Exploring the Unknown
My friend and colleague Rachel has written an insightful blog entry on getting comfortable with the unknown. I hope you will visit and read it at :http://whynotrachel.wordpress.com/.
It stimulated some of my own thoughts that I wanted to share.
It is human nature to want to explore the unknown. Our curiosity, thirst for knowledge and drive for problem solving propels us toward exploration, discovery and innovation. It is our quest to discover new worlds and new frontiers.
Change is in our DNA. As sensing beings we register change, not stasis. We figuratively and literally die, if we do not change. Brain scientists are discovering that one of the most critical factors to avoiding dementia is learning new things. We used to think that the brain reached its level of development in early adulthood and didn't change after that. We now know that is not true. Our brains have a high degree of plasticity which gives it the ability to lay down new circuitry and make new connections. This enables us to learn new things, expand thoughts and attitudes, and also to relearn abilities that were once thought to be lost after stroke or paralysis.
As human beings, we are really change beings. We thrive on challenge and overcoming the 'impossible'. A classic example of our ability to explore the unknown came in the early 60's when JFK issued the challenge to land a man on the moon and get him back by the end of the decade. At the time he issued that challenge, the scientists in the National Labs, were all fully involved and committed to other projects. We did not have the rocket fuel, or the materials to build a space ship that could go that distance, let alone safely re-enter the atmosphere. Yet, these brilliant minds were re-directed, and we did invent everything needed to successfully accomplish this goal before the end of the decade.
Those qualities that were used to address the challenge of the 60s remain latent in us as today.
I think we are hungry for a similar challenge. One that calls us forward to a common goal. One requires us to to become greater individually and collectively than we are today.
There are several issues we face today that would lend themselves to this kind of challenging, seemingly impossible mission. The threat of global warming and the need to become energy independent is a striking example. If we apply the best within us, to explore this unknown territory and generate the innovation we are capable of, we can find the solutions needed and reinvigorate our economy at the same time.
I think we are not only capable of meeting such a challenge but would thrive on it.
Bring it on.
It stimulated some of my own thoughts that I wanted to share.
It is human nature to want to explore the unknown. Our curiosity, thirst for knowledge and drive for problem solving propels us toward exploration, discovery and innovation. It is our quest to discover new worlds and new frontiers.
Change is in our DNA. As sensing beings we register change, not stasis. We figuratively and literally die, if we do not change. Brain scientists are discovering that one of the most critical factors to avoiding dementia is learning new things. We used to think that the brain reached its level of development in early adulthood and didn't change after that. We now know that is not true. Our brains have a high degree of plasticity which gives it the ability to lay down new circuitry and make new connections. This enables us to learn new things, expand thoughts and attitudes, and also to relearn abilities that were once thought to be lost after stroke or paralysis.
As human beings, we are really change beings. We thrive on challenge and overcoming the 'impossible'. A classic example of our ability to explore the unknown came in the early 60's when JFK issued the challenge to land a man on the moon and get him back by the end of the decade. At the time he issued that challenge, the scientists in the National Labs, were all fully involved and committed to other projects. We did not have the rocket fuel, or the materials to build a space ship that could go that distance, let alone safely re-enter the atmosphere. Yet, these brilliant minds were re-directed, and we did invent everything needed to successfully accomplish this goal before the end of the decade.
Those qualities that were used to address the challenge of the 60s remain latent in us as today.
I think we are hungry for a similar challenge. One that calls us forward to a common goal. One requires us to to become greater individually and collectively than we are today.
There are several issues we face today that would lend themselves to this kind of challenging, seemingly impossible mission. The threat of global warming and the need to become energy independent is a striking example. If we apply the best within us, to explore this unknown territory and generate the innovation we are capable of, we can find the solutions needed and reinvigorate our economy at the same time.
I think we are not only capable of meeting such a challenge but would thrive on it.
Bring it on.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Playing for change- Peace through music
Friday night , Bill Moyer's Journal had a feature story about a project taken on to connect people worldwide through music, and through that connection, foster peace. It is beautiful project.
I hope you will look at the web site and listen to one of the examples. Click on 'Stand by Me'.
http://playingforchange.com/
I hope you will look at the web site and listen to one of the examples. Click on 'Stand by Me'.
http://playingforchange.com/
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Connection and relatedness
I was thinking about the financial crises and how the size of the institutions and the lack of relationships contributed to the problem.
When I was growing up, we lived in a small town. My parents knew and were friends with the branch manager of the local bank. I remember going into the bank with my dad many times. We would always go go over to talk to Merle, the bank manager. He and his wife Elaine had become friends of my mom and dad. Even after Merle retired, and they moved out of the area, my parents stayed in contact with them.
The relationship between my dad and Merle, was critical to their successful transactions over decades. Based on a long history of interaction, they knew each other. They knew each other's character, family circumstances, hopes, dreams. So, when my dad decided to ask for a loan to purchase land and build a house, Merle knew he was trustworthy. He knew dad's history, his commitment to place and that he could be counted on to repay the loan.
My parents relationship with the Browns was not unusual. At that time, it was the norm that there were relationships and a connection between people who did business together. The relationships were a key part of knowing that you could rely on each other; and that you were supporting each others successful endeavors.
This almost sounds quaint in the context of today's big corporations. Big multinational institution rarely have a deep relationship to people or place. Because these institutions are doing business in so many places and dealing with such a high volume of customers, customer service is not a relationship but often an impersonal application of policies and scripts for interaction. The organization is designed for institutional expediency and self-protection, not relationship or connection.
Think of the last time you got stuck for hours in a plane on the tarmac; or when your flight got cancelled and you had to call customer service somewhere around the world. You will know exactly what I mean. There is little mutuality in the exchange. It is aggravatingly impersonal, and frustratingly ineffective.
I know it doesn't sound like a very 'sophisticated' explanation, but at a very fundamental level, this loss of connection, loss of a direct relationship with the customer, is at the root of the financial crises.
When I was growing up, we lived in a small town. My parents knew and were friends with the branch manager of the local bank. I remember going into the bank with my dad many times. We would always go go over to talk to Merle, the bank manager. He and his wife Elaine had become friends of my mom and dad. Even after Merle retired, and they moved out of the area, my parents stayed in contact with them.
The relationship between my dad and Merle, was critical to their successful transactions over decades. Based on a long history of interaction, they knew each other. They knew each other's character, family circumstances, hopes, dreams. So, when my dad decided to ask for a loan to purchase land and build a house, Merle knew he was trustworthy. He knew dad's history, his commitment to place and that he could be counted on to repay the loan.
My parents relationship with the Browns was not unusual. At that time, it was the norm that there were relationships and a connection between people who did business together. The relationships were a key part of knowing that you could rely on each other; and that you were supporting each others successful endeavors.
This almost sounds quaint in the context of today's big corporations. Big multinational institution rarely have a deep relationship to people or place. Because these institutions are doing business in so many places and dealing with such a high volume of customers, customer service is not a relationship but often an impersonal application of policies and scripts for interaction. The organization is designed for institutional expediency and self-protection, not relationship or connection.
Think of the last time you got stuck for hours in a plane on the tarmac; or when your flight got cancelled and you had to call customer service somewhere around the world. You will know exactly what I mean. There is little mutuality in the exchange. It is aggravatingly impersonal, and frustratingly ineffective.
I know it doesn't sound like a very 'sophisticated' explanation, but at a very fundamental level, this loss of connection, loss of a direct relationship with the customer, is at the root of the financial crises.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
McCain blows the Leadership Test- Again
For the past week, Gov. Palin and Senator McCain have been fanning the flames of incendiary rhetoric, trying to turn our attention away from the real political issues that should be the focus of our examination and discourse. Palin particularly has had the role of using lies and innuendo to try to attack Obama's character. She would not be taking this approach without the full endorsement of this strategy by McCain.
At the most recent rallies with McCain, people were so incited that they yelled the slurs of "traitor" and "terrorist" and used invectives about hurting Obama. This has been met, belatedly, with a tepid denouncement by McCain.
Yes, campaigns get tough this time of year, but the use of this strategy demonstrates such poor judgement, it can only be explained as an act of extreme desperation. When Palin stirs up the mob mentality that is created at their rallies, and McCain accepts it, it is dangerous and a huge disservice to our country. It eliminates rationality and appeals only to the lowest, most base level of our humanity.
For someone who claimed to want to eliminate partisan politics, as McCain has repeatedly said he wanted to do, this strategy is dumbfounding. To treat another presidential candidate with this level of disrespect and slander is inexcusable. No matter who wins this election, John McCain and Sarah Palin have contributed to a heightened level of partisanship, distrust and hatred; leaving a residue of intolerance that has the potential to threaten us all.
At the most recent rallies with McCain, people were so incited that they yelled the slurs of "traitor" and "terrorist" and used invectives about hurting Obama. This has been met, belatedly, with a tepid denouncement by McCain.
Yes, campaigns get tough this time of year, but the use of this strategy demonstrates such poor judgement, it can only be explained as an act of extreme desperation. When Palin stirs up the mob mentality that is created at their rallies, and McCain accepts it, it is dangerous and a huge disservice to our country. It eliminates rationality and appeals only to the lowest, most base level of our humanity.
For someone who claimed to want to eliminate partisan politics, as McCain has repeatedly said he wanted to do, this strategy is dumbfounding. To treat another presidential candidate with this level of disrespect and slander is inexcusable. No matter who wins this election, John McCain and Sarah Palin have contributed to a heightened level of partisanship, distrust and hatred; leaving a residue of intolerance that has the potential to threaten us all.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Time to Reclaim Dreams
October 9, 2008
Tonight I feel a distance from the fear. I am aware of it. I am aware that if I really focused on it, it could build. But I mostly feel a separation and distance from the mass hysteria that is going on in the financial markets. I think no matter what happens there, we will be OK. Actually, part of the shift in my thinking is that the stock market is so ridiculously low that it is an opportunity of a lifetime to put money in. Because history shows that every time the bottom has been reached the rebound is huge.
But I am done worrying about the market. What is most important now, is to focus on the future. Its time to reclaim dreams. I have gifts, skills and talents that I want to contribute, to make a difference. And the world needs me to do that. Now more than ever, the world needs each one of us to do that.
Tonight I feel a distance from the fear. I am aware of it. I am aware that if I really focused on it, it could build. But I mostly feel a separation and distance from the mass hysteria that is going on in the financial markets. I think no matter what happens there, we will be OK. Actually, part of the shift in my thinking is that the stock market is so ridiculously low that it is an opportunity of a lifetime to put money in. Because history shows that every time the bottom has been reached the rebound is huge.
But I am done worrying about the market. What is most important now, is to focus on the future. Its time to reclaim dreams. I have gifts, skills and talents that I want to contribute, to make a difference. And the world needs me to do that. Now more than ever, the world needs each one of us to do that.
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