God in the office

Interesting piece is USA Today - worth a read. They are claiming that acceptance of spirituality in the workplace is on the rise. Here's an except: "According to the workplace spirituality movement, creativity at work is a spiritual process that involves the whole person and not just the intellect or manual skill, and the new class of knowledge workers is devoting more of their time to work because they find deep meaning and a sense of purpose on the job." The bigger question to me is how many employees find that "sense of purpose" on the job - that then they are willing to give more of their time to work? I bet if we did a survey of this issue it would at best be a split - likely a low percent. Further, how many people take the time to know their true purpose, true calling in this life? And is it self-serving or serving a higher power, or at least a broader good? Ultimately - resonance comes from serving the one universal source that we all come from and go back to. How many people resonate at that level of consciousness and through that high frequency then impact positive change in the office-space? Please do comment on your perspectives.

The Resonant Man

Friends, if there's one video that I found distills almost all of the lessons I've learnt in years of growth - this video summary of what Will Smith believes in is 100% on point. He distills the concept of "conceive, believe, achieve" as best as anyone I know. PLEASE invest 10 minutes to watch this and if you choose, comment about it! May you have all the success you desire, starting by giving 100% of yourself.

Tiger Woods: Corporates and Truth

How facinating, the opportunities that Tiger Woods is enabling us to observe - if we choose. I am dedicating a series to studying many aspects of the Woods event, starting today with the corporate response. First, I want to be clear - yes, his personal affairs are his. And until we all boycott general media we better recognize that the facination with celebrity gossip is here to stay. AND there's another way to think about it - actually many other ways. That's the purpose of my exploration. Corporate response to such events: in this case, as in most - it is mixed. Gillette has said they are going cold on him; Nike says they "support his decision to withdraw from professional golf" and AT&T says it's "evaluating its relationship with Woods." All of them in my opinion are a bunch of wooses - plain and simple. When will a corporation have the balls to really take a stand. I have no attachment to what that stand should be but come out openly and speak to how an event like this does or does not tie with your corporate values (or other truths if you have them). Naturally, do that only if you are 100% living your mission and values as a corporation. I judge there's tons of contradiction to begin with - based on what's convenient for the corporation. Just as The Resonant Man is about being and living your 100% truth as an individual, it's just as true for corporations. After all they are the heart of major communities that set the tone for how a group lives it's truth and eventually each individual within that collective. Our current global economic crisis is a perfect time to reevaluate how seriously we take corporate governance and values. Let's learn from experiences such as the Tiger Woods event - rather than turning our back to them.

Life - Part 1

Yes it's been over a month since I've blogged and it feels great to be back writing again. Here's what inspired me this morning - an email from a friend, actually from The Universe. I will be sharing my perspectives on the quote about "life" by breaking it down into parts. Here goes: "Life - is not what you see, but what you've projected." Let me start with a simple example with an inanimate object - a water bottle that's sitting on my desk right now. I see a bottle. That's it. What I project about it can go on for many paragraphs but I'll spare you and illustrate with just a few examples. I project out to that bottle that I like it's color. I like that it's metal. I like the art that is stenciled onto it. I am sad the art is fading on it. I project that I need to clean it. It gives me the water of life that I believe helps me stay healthy and keeps my brain alert. I see it as my companion that goes with me everywhere. So imagine if my bottle was a person... would it know that I have just projected all this stuff about him/her onto it unless I share? Would that person care what I put out? Probably not as he/she is too busy projecting out to me, unlike the bottle that simple is being what it is - a bottle. Here's the other thing about the bottle. There is no other water bottle like mine out there. Yes there are many mass produced versions that look like my bottle but there's only one that's been touched by me. Who's art has faded just as mine has. That has my germs on it. Now imagine if we could all recognize the beauty in each of us as a unique expression of a higher power - the one source that connects us all. Share comments if you choose and stay tuned for Part 2.

Be Your Truth

OK, so if you read the last 3 entries I made - awake, aware and alive, then read on. If not, I encourage you to read those first for this to truly make sense! As MaryAnne Williamson says: "... it's not our darkness that we are afraid of, it's our light." The light within, the TRUTH, that we are all One, we are all from one source, one Universe - call it higher power or God or ... And this whole game of life is about remembering this truth. As cliched as it is, the saying "the truth shall set you free" is 100% what life is about IMJ (in my judgement) and the one lesson we all have to learn in this human/earthly existence of our soul. Some learn it very early on and retain that delicate innocence that we all are at birth. Others muddle around neither in "speaking" a lie, nor living fully. And yet others live such a blatant lie (to themselves more than externally) that when they explode and come "clean" it's an amazing turn-about. Twelve-step programs are a great place to practice the discipline of being accountable to others, being in integrity with yourself and living "clean" how ever you choose to define that based on your agreed "bottom-line" behaviors with your sponsor. There is so much rich learning in the steps and before one even contemplates taking the steps - the first condition MUST be truth. Be true to yourself, first and foremost. To your God/higher power. And to those who you lean on for support (e.g. sponsor, loved ones). The topic of truth will be my exploration for September. Please do contribute with what you've learnt about the truth.

Aware

Once I am awake to an issue - from my inner consciousness, different perspectives and choices start to emerge. "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone" is an anthem song for me. Once I am awake I can see what's in-front and all around me better than before. Becoming aware of the options, the alternatives is the beginning to a true inner power and peace. I am starting on the path of not being a victim or perpetrator to anyone or anything. I step up in responsibility to change what has not been right in my life and in doing so I make my world (the world) a better place. So a tangible example - the financial crisis. Instead of pointing at the bigger picture of corruption and greed on Wall Street, let me bring it home. Pre-recession, I spent liberally - unconsciously. Post-recession (or I guess in the midst of it) I am getting better at more conscious/aware decisions on how I spend. I am grateful to continue to have a well paying and rewarding job. Still I step into responsibility - not out of fear of what may lay ahead but out of a decision to live differently. I ask myself before spending: "do I really need this?" and it's just as important to ask do I want something. How is self-awakening and self-awareness showing up in your life?

The Glass Pavilion

I happened to learn about The Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. What an architectual wonder. Some 32,000 sq. feet of straight glass. From a metaphysical perspective, this is what struck me: the metaphor of a glass house is all wrong. It's not about it being easy to break/shatter our dreams etc. Instead it's about the being translucent (def: having a glowing appearance as if light was coming through). Ah! How refreshing. Imagine if we all could be open receivers of the light that comes through each of us - instead of putting up the brick walls as if we were living The 3 Little Pigs? What I also love about this architectual wonder is that the glass walls are solid (I'm assuming, not being an engineer - I trust who built them). This translates to - I need to set my boundaries, to shield myself from the projections and opinions of others as they are not mine to take on. Instead, they reflect back on the person putting them out - as does glass when light shines upon it. Shine your light today and break down the brick walls!

Obama in Cairo

If you haven't already - take the time to click on Obama's picture for a link to the speech he gave on June 4 in Cairo. Most of Obama's speeches are historic and authentic in my opinion. What's critical about this talk is even if it makes a dent in the perception of American in the Muslim world - he's saved at least 1 life. Imagine, if every man and woman in battle or contemplating conflict/terrorism would be impacted even a bit by his words. All we need is for people to just stop and think - to respond rather than react. One life at a time - global peace IS possible. Obama is simply a mass vehicle of delivering this message AND believing it is possible. Now the question is - do YOU believe global peace is possible in this century?

Facebook and relition

This article in Fast Company is facinating and hilarious, in my view. My summary of it - The Pope has a Facebook app that lets you send post-cards from the Pope to friends. On the other hand muslim nations are looking at ways to curtail unwanted behavior that Facebook (and just about any online environment) enables - such as flirting online.

What I loved about this piece is more around the freedom of choice and the voice of the many that facebook and other social networks are enabling. In my view, if this is what it takes to build and sustain community - so be it! Humans are interdependent. The more we can do to authentically connect (yes, that's a whole other discussion when it comes to social networks) - be heard and listen to ultimately feel the love. On a hierarchy of needs way of thinking of this - we thrive when we are connected vs. struggle when we resist and fight others/a system etc.

This I believe is how the many spiritual movements around the world will reach mass - by those already involved just being themselves and sharing their life with others in these networks. Like attracts like. There will be a tipping point where more lean towards the inside-out (spirituality) approach to God vs. the outside-in (religion).

Remember

I loved Dr. Kathianne Lewis's quote this Sunday: "As I remember, my heart grows bigger." When I can get past remembering the pain, the anger, the fear, the regrets of the past and instead emerce myself in gratitude - unconditionally, then my heart grows deeper into myself. Into remembering how precious I am. Into remembering my oneness with all. Into remembering that I am that I am. And a lot more that is divinely precious. When I remember these things, it keeps me from all those thoughts of separation. And when I live life that way - then I am grateful for the entitlement to be living this life right now, knowing that I'm a breath away from my next choice. Blessings.

Entitlement

I don't know about you but I have certainly had a great deal of entitlement running my life. I'd like to think not anywhere as much now (I'm 45) vs. when I was in my youth (especially early 20's). The internal talk was "I deserve it" --> "it's just about me" --> "it doesn't harm anyone else" etc. Be it material objects, sex, food, drinking etc. - it's all the same. Interestingly I just looked up the definition of entitlement and here's the one version that is consistent with the theme: "a government program that provides benefits to members of a group that has a statutory entitlement; also : the benefits distributed by such a program." Wow - I never realized when I am living in entitlement consciousness I am living in "you owe me government" mode. Yes I have an issue with people who feel they are entitled to live off the government and do not need to work or be productive in any way. AND I know I am guilty of that myself - in my own way. Stay tuned for other posts on this subject. I am reading a very fascinating book that says it actually serves humanity for each of us to be 'selfish' - but the author defines that very differently than I would have imagined it to be. In my understanding so far - it's the opposite of entitlement but keeps the essence of that concept from a soul centered perspective.

Top 3 Reasons to Avoid Perfectionism

Sure - there probably are 10 or more reasons but I'm about simplicity so 3 is the magic number. #1. Urgency - do you really know that you'll be around tomorrow to make it even better? What good is your 98% complete effort to the world if you lock it up in your head/heart if you die now! "Just do it!" is applicable here cause if you don't - it'll never get done, not the way You chose to do it. #2. Love the Universe - leap into it with free abondon knowing what ever you create will generate more goodness, and not decay. When I leap into something without fear of failure, without worrying about getting it just right - and simply lean into the GIVING of what I have to offer - it flows through me. #3. Love yourself - if you believe in the concept of "we are all made in the likeness of our creator (God) and God doesn't make junk" then take glee in knowing that all of life is simply a learning ground. Dive in and have fun! I'd love comments on how these perspectives on perfectionism work for you. I judge we live in a time when there is so much emphasis put on it and on competitiveness. How about focusing on the endless possibilities that lie in each of us - and the ripple they put out to the Universe when we give freely of ourselves. I know I need to work on that a lot more - and I know I am consciously choosing options that get me closer to that goal.

Love and Honor

Dr. Kathianne Lewis had another great talk today at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living. The one message I learnt and want to share today is this... I can love quite easily. But can I honor those I love? Can I honor exactly who they are right now and not want to change them? Not want to have them understand me. Not want to do it my way, etc. - you get the point. Plus the way I see it in our current times - honoring doesn't have to be a big ritualistic/showy act. I can honor those I love simply by witnessing them where they are. I honor them with my silence. I honor them with a smile. I honor them with a positive affirmation based on their stated heart desire. I honor them by knowing the highest good for them. I am humbled by the bigness of this concept and strive to try it on at least for a week - with all those I come in contact with. Will you join me?

Deep sadness and joy

Greetings - I have been quiet in sharing my feelings of things around me that move me - that's ultimately what this blog is about. And I am so grateful for this time of reflection. I'll save you the story but before I kick back into gear with posts let me share this about the past few weeks... I have experienced the deepest of sadness and the deepest of joy. And neither (especially the sadness) was about anything in particular - it just was. I am amused how the universe gives me opportunities to play with concepts I come in contact with. Many of you know my favorite sentiment lately is by Rumi: "Out beyond right-doing and wrong-doing there is a field. I'll meet you there." As I look back at the past few weeks - I believe I have touched the hem of this concept. What a magical place it is to be in. I have felt my own wrong-doing and forgiven it. I have felt my own need to be right and forgiven it. And more shall be revealed...

I am that.

I rarely blog about my own experience and I had one today I have to share. I have blogged about the concept of the "I am that I am" before. Today I was listening to Thomas Willhite, founder of PSI, talking about the I am. The 30 minute lecture is full of wisdom. What I want to share is my applying the concept I've known for a long time in a very different way today. First for those who are not familiar with the I am - my interpretation is that if you believe that we are all connected to one source, that we are all part of the Universe - then all is I and I am all. To some this may seem egotistical but at the core this is The concept that drives the world and will be the only thing that will save us from our shadows - yes, in my judgement. So today I found myself, out of the blue, looking at innanimate things and going "I am that and I am that and I am also that..." Things like the carpet in my office, my desk, the tiles in the bathroom, the water cooler, the ceiling tiles. Now, if you consider that as an experiment that's easy - since those items don't hold any energy in relation to me (or do they?) then I tried it with people. My usual voices of immediate/flash judgement went off as I walked by and interacted with people and a few times I was able to apply this concept. Wow! That person at the grocery store that was about to bug me - "I am that" and poof the thought vanished and neutralized. Try it on folks. I judge we need this concept like a life saver in the world we live in today.

Living Courageously

Gary Zukav spoke at the Center for Spiritual Living Seattle yesterday. His topic was Living Courageously. Gary is the author of many #1 New York Times best sellers and has been on Oprah over 30 times. I could blog about Gary's lessons for months but for today I'll briefly describe what he believes is at the heart of Living Courageously.

#1. Change in human consciousness

He describes the current world situation - I don't need to repeat that for you. Then instead of a flash-back or flash-forward he describes a "flash-presense." A new way is evolving and how we perceive power. There is a quickening of truth. He speaks of a growing awareness of and opening to "multi-sensory perception" - beyond the 5 senses. This is at the heart of The Seat of the Soul.

#2. I am important

I loved the metaphor he used for this. Do I strive for the low-water mark vs. the highest water mark as I navigate through life? We all have our low/down days/periods of life. Do I focus on the low when low or pull yourself up to the highest of my potential? Do I respond or react to situations? Check this free resource out on how to turn disasters into opportunities for personal growth.

#3. I am responsible for what I create

Choice is at the heart of all that I have in front of me. Do I have the commitment, the courage, the compassion (for myself first) and the consciousness to create the heaven on earth I desire? Or do I create my hell on earth. Gary spoke to how he created his hell on earth for a long time.

Finally, in all challenges he encouraged us to ask: "What can I learn about myself from this situation?" Be it 9/11, the wars we're in, the global economy, etc.

I hope Gary's work serves you as it has me, if you are not already aware of him.

The Truth

What is truth? I make a big deal about truth and as cliched as it is - "the truth shall set you free" is the truth. I went looking for meanings of the word. Nothing in the dictionary satisfied me. I found some quotes that come closer. Here's my perpective on a few of these - please share yours: "There is no god higher than truth." ~Mahatma Gandhi That is the most crisp definition I have found. What I assume in this quote is that truth is my pure essence, my source and void of my ego. "Truth only reveals itself when one gives up all preconceived ideas." ~Shoseki I don't know who Shoseki is but "preconceived ideas" seems like the ego-self so again, when I can tune into my source, I am void of ego/preconceived ideas of myself and the world - and I can see more clearly now. "Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold." ~Leo Tolstoy Now that hits it smack in the center of what The Resonant Man is all about - when I awake to my shadow and accept it (forgive myself) it washes/dilutes away. Please, do share your thoughts on truth. It's a topic I will cover often.

Many Paths for "how"

Thanks to our lovely mass media, the focus of most news is on the negative - the doom and gloom. Despite the positive, REAL and responsible messages of Obama - I judge that the media is still the media. For instance, the focus on Bernard Madoff this past week has been like the OJ Simpson days. Yes the man sucks a big one on lack of integrity and a whole lot more AND how about telling more of the following type of stories.

Paul Levy is the President and CEO of a hospital. Like many CEO's these days, he was faced with the potential lay-off of many employees. Before making a decision he "watched the people who polish the corridors, who strip the sheets, who empty the trash cans, and he realized that a lot of them are immigrants, many of them had second jobs, most of them were just scraping by."

As he stood in front of his employees (some 8,000) he put this out:

"I want to run an idea by you that I think is important, and I'd like to get your reaction to it," Levy began. "I'd like to do what we can to protect the lower-wage earners - the transporters, the housekeepers, the food service people. A lot of these people work really hard, and I don't want to put an additional burden on them.

"Now, if we protect these workers, it means the rest of us will have to make a bigger sacrifice," he continued. "It means that others will have to give up more of their salary or benefits." He had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Sherman Auditorium erupted in applause. Thunderous, heartfelt, sustained applause."

Imagine if more CEO's took the time to listen (with their heart) AND took pragmatic decisions that were a combination of brain, heart and gut? I guarantee you more are headed in this direction and THAT my friends is changing the world - a change I welcome.

Ground Hog & The Candle

Again, Rev. Kathianne Lewis of the Center for Spiritual Living here in Seattle had a great metaphor to share yesterday. First, let me summarize my take on her always highlighting Ground Hogs Day (today - Feb.2) as a high and holy day. Yes it's the day the news anchors talk about if the Ground Hog came out and saw it's shadow or not. Apparently that "predicts" if winter is almost over or not. Here's what else it is - the half-way point between the Winter Solstice and the next Equinox (I think I got that right?). Regardless, the point Kathianne was making is - just like the ground hog, we get to choose if we are going to face the shadow and let it grip us in fear or if we simply turn the other way - towards the light, and attract more of it - we dissapate the thoughts/feelings of fear (of shadow). Now we all know she's not saying don't deal with our shadow side - confront those fears square on and pretty soon I get to see how they are really tiny and figments of my imagination. But when I turn to the light that shines from within me - wow, wonders things happen. Most often they are very small things (e.g. like my 9 month old son smiling with pride at his first trip sitting in a front-facing car seat with me yesterday) and also show up in the big things (e.g. the day my son arrived in our lives - in 5 hours, from thought to reality). For the metaphor - Kathianne described how when we take a lit candle (our soul) and light another persons unlit candle - inevitably wax will drip from my candle when I do that. That wax is like the dust/the unwanted element of that exchange, it messes up the carpet. Instead - imagine if I simply stood/sat still and did what I do - shine my light. And when others are ready to discover and own their own light they may choose to take their unlit candle and burn it using my light - that is attraction my friends vs. promotion. Today, be the light you are, shine bright and have no attachment to any of it. In small and big ways - your light shines on us all.

Happiness 101

Most of you who read this blog know this already but if you needed science to reinforce it - the most popular class at Harvard is one focused on Positive Psychology - a.k.a. happiness. Tal Ben Shahar is the man! He's taking 800 students through his class at Harvard. The basics I've caught so far (just learnt of him thanks to Rev. Kathianne Lewis of CSL who mentioned this research today) are nothing new, but they are critical to my happiness: - gratitude - simplicity - exercise - focus on strengths We all know this stuff but do I live this way all the time - remembering that each and everyone of us, starting with me - are a wonder making the world a better place. Dive in 100% a embrace the happy that you are!