Thursday, April 30, 2009

A World Without You

Sometimes we get to feel vulnerable. In the depths of the valley of life we can find ourselves looking for the treeline and the sky only to see fog. Sometimes we lose sight of our bearings near and far.

Sometimes it takes time and healing to bounce back. There are times where inspite of your best efforts that people will be caught in their moment and share their feelings. You may not be expecting this. You may find your emotions reeling and face reddening because the moment that others are in does not allow much space for a wider perspective.

Catching glimpses of the blue sky and treeline, and climbing from the troughs to the peaks of these valleys is a journey. Mountains are irregular, and valleys far from linear. The art of feeling vulnerable is as much about remembering you are loved as it is being able to rekindle your imagination to know your purpose and vision. Accepting vulnerability is a step towards Oneness.

Sometimes this rekindling is triggered by loved ones and friends, who with the most compassionate of thoughts reach out with their light to ignite your wick. At other times we see the beautiful Spark within and are inflamed by our own connection.

Whatever the case maybe you should know the Universe (or Spirit, God, or whatever name you choose to use to label the source of your faith) cannot imagine a world without you. And that the clearer you are on this the clearer your vision will be.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Perfect Self-Expression

Over the past few months, and culminating at a conference I recently presented at, I've been reading, seeing and hearing more about an idea I've had.

In short, I had an epiphany a couple of years ago that how people collaborate and use technologies like Portals would be best served by understanding how they work. I don't want to go into details but a celebration is in order. I give thanks for and celebrate perfect self-expression in my life. I've been blessed to not only have a vision ahead of most others in my field but the entire premise for my newly formed business is now beginning to ride an exciting and swelling wave.

A few years ago I had a vision. I worked tirelessly within companies that didn't quite see what I saw. And of course, when you're an employee unless you're strategically positioned you may come up against a wall. I hit my wall, but instead of admtting defeat I kept poking around that wall until I found a way to dismantle it and make my way through. As I survey the horizon I only see a blue ocean.

Be clear about what you want; set a vision, knowing passionately what it looks and feels like; come back to your vision again and again until it happens. Oh and the really good news - the feinter that vision appears and feels (at times) the more compelling and exciting it will look once you get through your tipping point!

Blessings, joy and peace my friends.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Presentation and Meditation

I had the pleasure to travel to Montreal this past week for a conference. It was an exceptional experience. However, what stood out for me was a first - before those major moments or days I took the time to meditate.

I found myself really on form. I have presented before but never taken the time to meditate before doing so. Simply setting the intention to know perfect self-expression I focused on clearing my mind.

That said, I was at the conference as a co-chair. I was constantly working; whether as co-chair to get feedback, as a reseller of other products and meeting with vendors, or as a presenter sharing some ideas. As I look back I am delighted at the choice I have made and tools for mindfulness that I have at my disposal.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Trouble at the Border

Mariah Nemeth suggests that moving from idea to demonstration is normally going to involve some challenges. Specifically, she calls such moments 'Trouble at the border'. The premise is that change involves an element of chaos and adjustment. Trouble at the border becomes an opportunity on a number of levels:
- Do you really want the change?
- Will you give up or keep pushing on? Turning away from the border is a sure way to turn away from demonstrating the idea.
- Are you working on uncovering your hidden beliefs around your idea?
- Do you have support systems in place to help you through the most challenging troubles?

By recognizing that change involves some form of chaos we can better prepare ourselves. Another analogy I draw is the cacoon and goo that a caterpillar must become in order to be reborn a butterfly.

This past month has involved some of the most challenging trouble I've ever had to go through. But then I did have the idea that I wanted to be mindful all the time. As I look back it's no surprise that for a couple of weeks I was an emotional fruit and nut bar. However, a defining moment for me was turning to meditation at the most intense of moments. During that time of surrender (as I previously blogged) I was deeply touched and inspired by the voice of wisdom.

My advice for the chaos invariably associated with deep and meaningful change is to consider examples in your past, and so empower yourself for future change. What has trouble at the border looked like for you? What tools do you have to manage these periods? Do your closest friends, mentors or Practitioner have any suggestions for you? But most importantly, just because you have days, months or years where you feel loopier than an elephant in a lake of mice doesn't mean you're broken. Rather such times are an opportunity to dig deep, ask for help, and keep working at the vision for you as a better idea.

Blessing, joy and peace my friends!