The power of sustained repetition

Rhythm is a basic law of nature.
The rising and setting of the sun,
the waxing and waning of the moon,
the tides of the sea and the changes in seasons,
all illustrate the power of sustained repetition.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on April 16, 2007)

Listen to your neighbour and your enemy

It can happen that a person may say something automatically, which could be a reflection of the inner voice of divine guidance.
Very often friends tell something without realizing its effect, and one takes it seriously because it comes from a friend.
But if a stranger tells that same thing, one does not take it so seriously, and when an enemy tells it, one takes it badly, although it might have been an inner warning, and one again misses the opportunity of receiving divine guidance.

Hidayat Inayat-Khan

(Posted on March 19, 2007)

The inner life is not a contrary one to worldly life,
but it is life lived in all its fullness,
making God a reality amidst one's worldly responsibilities,
and thereby becoming awakened to all beauty that there is in all things of this world,
and forgetting one's self when confronted with the all pervading Divine wisdom.

Hidayat Inayat-Khan

(Posted on March 5, 2007)

There are many thorns on the path of life, and when we look at ourselves, we see that we have ­more or less­ the same faults as all others, whom we prick like thorns.

Therefore, if we spared others those thorns, we would then offer others that much help.

Hidayat Inayat-Khan

(Posted on Feb. 26, 2007)

As one becomes more tactful, one finds more fault with oneself than with others. Many times one says things which could just as well not have been said; it is weakness on one¹s part to drop a word which could have been avoided. The tactful one realizes the mistake.

Hidayat Inayat-Khan

(Posted on Feb. 19, 2007)

The inner life is not a contrary one to worldly life, but it is life lived in all its fullness,
making God a reality amidst one's worldly responsibilities,
and thereby becoming awakened to all beauty
that there is in all things of this world,
and forgetting one's self
when confronted with the all pervading Divine wisdom.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Feb. 5, 2007)

There are times when one wonders whether things are really good or bad; whether the Ideals of the crowds are worth following, and one’s view of the world changes. This is when one is prepared to rise above pre-conceived ideas and that the mind willing to opens up to larger horizons.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Jan. 8, 2007)

The divine guidance of wealth

Divine guidance is also experienced through temptation, in such forms as wealth, success, or comfort. Such temptations are meant to remind one to keep steadily on the path and not to go astray. But a reward can be most blinding, and as soon as one thinks that one is wealthy or successful forever, one becomes intoxicated. Good fortune is like quicksilver, it runs away quickly, and it is then that one realizes that one should have seen divine guidance hidden behind the veils of temptation, and that it would have been preferable to seek that guidance, rather than give in to passing attractions.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Dec. 25, 2006)

The inner self cannot be peaceful if the external self is not under control because the state of mind is always affected by the physical conditions.
Therefore, in order to acquire discipline over the mind,
the first step is to learn to control the body.
The next step is the art of concentration, which is an act of will.
When concentration has been mastered, the inner self becomes peaceful, the insight becomes keen and the thoughts become clear.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Dec. 4, 2006)

Longevity

Dominica

A popular adage states that if Christopher Columbus ever returned to the West Indies, the only country he would recognize is the Commonwealth of Dominica. The terrain, flora and fauna of Dominica are unforgettable, and there have been few changes since Columbus first visited the island. Dominica is now becoming known for something else than long-ago visits by European explorers. The ‘nature isle’ is now synonymous with longevity. At 29 miles long and 16 miles wide, with a population of 70,000, Dominica boasts 20 centenarians, and has the second-highest longevity in the western hemisphere (second only to Canada), according to Janice Jackson of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. At 101, Augusta Darroux credits her long life to healthy food. "Eat arrowroot, fish, river crabs and crayfish," she says. She drinks herbal or "bush" tea and swears by the virtues of bush medicine for simple ailments. Asked how others might live as long, she offered, "Stay away from fertilizers."

(Posted on Nov.27, 2006)

Mastering the internet
or being overwhelmed by it

"When we encounter something contrary to our beliefs we have a tendency to dismiss it quickly ... It takes a leap of faith to suspend disbelief and look at a story on its own merits."

Sheldon Rampton, Research Director, Center for Media and Democracy

"I think what we need is the equivalent of a Weight Watchers for information. We need to tell people you’ve been gorging on entertainment shows and reading way too many opinions. You ought to balance that out with factual information. While you’re at it, read stuff that you don’t agree with and throw in some international coverage."

Fabrice Florin, Executive Director, NewsTrust

Sheldon Rampton and Fabrice Florin echo PEACE X PEACE President Dr. McCue’s assessment that staying informed and mastering the Internet rather than being overwhelmed by it are matters of commitment: You get out of the Internet what you put into it. Specifically, you have to take the time to ask questions, suspend disbelief, and accept the challenge to step outside your comfort zone.

(Posted on Nov.20, 2006)

Be truthful and tactful

A tactful person is subtle and poetical;
therefore, some wonder how one can be tactful and at the same time truthful,
and others even say that to be tactful is being hypocritical.
But what is the use of a truth with no beauty and no fineness
that is thrown at one’s head like a brick?

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Nov. 13, 2006)

Try something new

Is your life full enough? I am not wondering about the amount of activities and free time, but the level of fulfilment, fun, and excitement you are experiencing. Generally speaking, there is always room for more of the above. And, typically, it is not difficult to jazz things up.

So, what would you add or change? Relationships with more colleagues? A new project, committee, or appointment to a board? Formal or informal training in a particular field, specialty, topic? A new hobby? Joining a professional group? Getting more involved in politics or social interest? Taking a cooking class? Trying yoga or some other fitness/meditative activity? Finding a walking partner or joining an exercise class

The possibilities for engagement are endless and flexible, leaving no room for excuse. If you want or need ‘more,’ then go after it. It is out there waiting for you to indulge. You have so much to gain and so little to lose. Those who are more engaged tend to be happier and more alive. It shows in their demeanour, spirit, and capacity. People notice. It is an attractive trait. Try something new this week.

(Posted on Oct. 30, 2006)

“When placing a statue of God in a sacred shrine one is holding an Idol that one treasures. When creating an imaginary God, one is creating an Ideal to worship.
When feeling God within one’s heart, one’s Ideal is raised to a higher level of consciousness, looking on to a wider space, where there is no horizon dividing the outer and the inner world.”

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Oct. 23, 2006)

As I look out at what is being taught as Yoga in the United States today, I am struck by how much of Yoga seems to be taught from, what I would call, the "outside in." Physical Yoga seems to have moved to the forefront: the poses, the teaching of an end pose rather than understanding the body as it seeks the pose, with a resulting failure to integrate the knowledge of change into the body and mind and beyond.

There are too many teaching models that offer week-end trainings, often less than 24 hours that launch teachers into the world with no real understanding of the traditions, the thoughtfulness and reflection needed in the practice, or the knowledge of how to absorb the teachings into their being. So what is a good Yoga teacher? Sri Swami Satchidananda said that a Yoga teacher is always a learner who approaches teaching with humility. With this attitude, the teacher understands that he or she is sharing the knowledge that others have shared with them with Yoga being a knowledge passed down from one teacher to another since the beginning of time.

By Prudence B. Kestner / Integral Yoga Magazine (iymagazine.org)

(Posted on Oct. 16, 2006)

Silence is gold

Useless speech offers an outlet to negative attributes
such as pride, self-centeredness, revenge and egoism; all being the source of most of the troubles which one causes to oneself and to others.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Oct. 2, 2006)

Human privileges

Animals can do many things that human beings can, according to the degree of their evolution, which varies from species to species. However, human beings have something more insofar as we become conscious of our responsibilities to one another:

• we can ask forgiveness for our shortcomings;
• we can offer acts of gratitude out of appreciation for the kindness of others;
• we can mould our ego so as to avoid being a burden to ourselves and to others;
• we can express feelings of respect to sacred things and feel uplifted in spiritual environments;
• we can venture to acquire those great qualities which we worship when attuning our hearts to the Divine.

But are we always conscious of those privileges?

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Sept. 25, 2006)

To be grateful

The only way to cultivate the sense of appreciation is to be grateful for every little privilege experienced in life; to admire every little glimpse of beauty; to return unconditionally every sign of love and affection
offered by others on one’s path through life’s puzzling ways. It is in this that one shall discover the kingdom of God; and as said, when once the kingdom of God is realized, all else shall be added.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Sept. 18, 2006)

Creativity Pathway:
Be Careful What You Ask For

My well-meaning Congressman sent his constituents a pamphlet announcing his upcoming Open Door Meetings. Upon opening it, I found the question "Do you have a problem with a federal program or agency?" in bold letters.

As I read it, my mind immediately filled with a list of complaints. I could feel myself becoming charged with energy and ready to share my opinions about what has gone wrong with our government. And, I envisioned dozens of angry citizens attending this heated debate with the same energy and intention.

Is this really what my Congressman had intended? Did he desire an angry mob focused on problems and complaints? Or was his objective to engage in conversations about our needs and desires? While his question didn't lay the foundation for it, I believe the latter is true.

A foundational assumption of the appreciative approach to life, is that the very act of asking questions will influence those who answer and that those questions shape what we see. This was certainly demonstrated by my negative response to the content of the Congressman's question and its inclusion of the words "Do you have a problem?"
Whatever the situation, if we are looking to encourage creativity, solution-seeking, and a sense of hope, it is beneficial to design our questions from the appreciative perspective. Instead of asking "What's the problem?" consider shifting focus to "What do you wish?" "What would you like to be present?" or "What's working well so far?"

Author Patty Hansen remarked, "You create your opportunities by asking for them." I believe this is true in the appreciative sense as well. When we are careful about what we ask for, and more deliberate with the content of our questions, we have a greater influence over the responses we create in ourselves and in others.

Coaching Inquiries: How could positive questions positively influence your answers? When have you asked a powerful question that changed your life? Read more about Appreciative Inquiry, and its many applications.

By: Erika Jackson

(Posted on Sept. 11, 2006)

Each time I forgive, I eliminate the experience of negative energy that is generated by blaming or faulting myself or another.
In prayer and contemplation, I release any resentment toward others and any regret or guilt toward myself for things I have done or left undone. Having released all critical, unforgiving thoughts from my mind, I make room for peace, love, and good to fill my life.
My ability to forgive myself and be in balance spiritually is deeply related to my willingness to forgive others. And that willingness to forgive others is deeply related to my awareness that I am an expression of God's love and power.
One with the presence of God and one in spirit with all people, I am forgiving.

Today's Daily Word - July 24, 2006

(Posted on Sept. 4, 2006)

The subtle energy of the breath could be likened to waves upon which the thought is carried. If the breath is disorderly and incoherent it has a consequent effect upon the thought, and conversely, disorganized thoughts disturb the rhythm of the breath.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on Aug. 14, 2006)

To Forgive

One with the presence of God and one in spirit with all people, I am forgiving. Each time I forgive, I eliminate the experience of negative energy that is generated by blaming or faulting myself or another.

In prayer and contemplation, I release any resentment toward others and any regret or guilt toward myself for things I have done or left undone. Having released all critical, unforgiving thoughts from my mind, I make room for peace, love, and good to fill my life.

My ability to forgive myself and be in balance spiritually is deeply related to my willingness to forgive others. And that willingness to forgive others is deeply related to my awareness that I am an expression of God's love and power.

From: Today's Daily Word - July 24, 2006

(Posted on July 31, 2006)

Spirituality, which is hidden in every soul, is natural nobility, and in the unfolding of this innate nobility one¹s divine origin is revealed. The purpose of all the striving on the spiritual path is to discover this nobility, although one need not really strive for it, because this divine
nobility manifests by itself when one is conscious of one¹s divine heritage.

Hidayat Inayat-Khan

(Posted on July 24, 2006)

When having a momentary dispute with those whom we love,
we seldom realize the extent of the damage caused,
even when making up harmoniously.
We have missed an opportunity to master our irritation,
and by the same token,
we have disturbed the golden thread
which links hearts at a higher level of understanding.

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on July 17, 2006)

Power of Focus

Motivational speaker, Mark Victor Hansen, said, "Setting goals is one of the most important things you can do to guarantee your personal, professional and financial success. Goals are like a road map to your target destination. Each goal accomplished is another mile behind you on the way to where you want to be."

Years ago I heard another speaker say, "Success is the ability to embrace a worthwhile goal and employ all of your powers for the achievement of that goal."

A life without goals is like a ship without a rudder drifting where the winds and waves of chance direct. However, even more important than setting goals is to first discover one's God-given life purpose and then establish goals to fulfill that purpose.

(Posted on July 10, 2006)

To understand oneself

By these things examine thyself:
By whose rules am I acting? In whose name? In whose strength? For whose glory? What faith, humility, self-denial and love of God and to man have there been in my actions?

Anonymous

(Posted on July 3, 2006)

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.

Charles Wesley

(Posted on June 26, 2006)

12 Quick Wellness tips

A famous quote by the 19th century Dutch artist, Vincent Van Gogh: "Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together."

That's never more true than when it comes to health and wellness. No matter how hard we try, there is no way to lose all that weight, to run all those miles, or to release all that stress today. Great things are not done that way. They are done by a series of small thing, brought together.
The following small things in the area of health and wellness, brought together, can quickly add up to greatness:

1. Skip the buffet.
2. Do sit-ups in front of the TV.
3. Avoid food portions larger than your fist.
4. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.
5. Sit up straight at work.
6. Eat breakfast every day.
7. Ask a friend to exercise with you.
8. Drink 100% fruit juices over soda and sugary drinks.
9. Play with your kids 30 minutes a day.
10. Drink lots of water.
11. Choose a physical activity that fits into your daily routine.
12. Snack on fruits and vegetables.

Coaching Inquiries: Which of these small things do you already do on a regular basis? Which could you easily incorporate into your routine? Would it help to pay attention to all twelve, every day, for a single week? How could you get up and get going? Who could assist you to make these twelve small steps a regular part of your identity and lifestyle?

By: Kevin Eikenberry and Marianne Robinson.

(Posted on June 19, 2006)

Anything's Possible

What you believe about yourself impacts who you are. What you believe you can do impacts what you can do. What you believe about life impacts what you get from life. These statements are all in the same vein as the well published quote, "Whether you believe you can or you can't, you're right."

The power of our mind to impact our life is exponential. It is when we realize and harness this capacity that we begin to reach for and achieve our potential.
As mental beings, the brain works in conjunction with action. When coaching clients combine meditation and mental awareness with the actions they are taking to move forward, they move forward more quickly and surely than when they focus only on physical action.

In times of transition and risk-taking, one of the key "make or break" factors tends to be the support you rally around yourself. But, even if you involve the most positive people around your dreams, they cannot overcome the negative or non-productive thinking tracks you may have running in your mind.

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, in his book "The Power of Intention: Learning to Co-create Your World Your Way," warns of four ways of thinking that can prevent you from creating what you want in life:

1. Thinking about what is missing in your life rather than what you want.

2. Thinking about the undesirable circumstances of your life, rather than what you want more of.

3. Thinking about what has always been rather than what you are intending to manifest.

4. Thinking about what others think you should be living rather than how you want to live your life.

To that end, I invite you to begin a conscious process of creation, to let go of the past and any negative thinking that may still be hanging around from your experience, and to embrace new intentions and confidence.

Coaching Inquiries: Are you consciously feeding your spirit and your dreams? Do you lack discipline in turning off the negative talk tracks, and substituting positives about what you want and where you are going in life? What do you want to create for yourself? What do you think is possible? How often do you commit time to fully imagining your dreams?

From: Career Pathway #165
By Kate Kriynovich

(Posted on June 12, 2006)

Honouring all others

Honouring the sacred in all, we honour our vision of world peace. The love and understanding within our own relationships flow out into our world to touch other people in our workplaces and communities. We move past seeming boundaries or barriers with mutual respect and appreciation as the standard in all our communications.

Our love moves on to another valley, mountain, or country--another generation of the world's children. We are all, indeed, family. We are blessed with the ability to analyze, connect, communicate, understand, appreciate, love, and pray.

Copyright Today's Daily Word - May 29, 2006

(Posted on June 5, 2006)

Laughter Moments

I have found in coaching and in life, that one of the most powerful of human expressions is laughter. Not only does it allow us to express, share, lighten our being, and energize us; it promotes bonding. And, bonding provides the glue of strong relationships and memorable experience.

As I think about the relationships forged with my coaching clients, I have to smile about all the enjoyable moments spent laughing with them. We all need more humor and relaxation in our lives, and the times spent laughing are as poignant as any other. It is then that we release ourselves, letting go of some of the formality and urgency, and escaping to what may be a more “down to earth” experience.

My coaching relationships are always more real and connected when clients are sharing funny stories about their experience, jokes that are pertinent to our discussion, or releasing emotion through an amusing anecdote. And, I enjoy lightening the moment with a remark or story to take some seriousness out of the situation, giving the client some room to relax.

I want to say ‘thank you’ to all the wonderful people in my life who have shared humor and their personal “funnies” with me. I think those are some of the greatest gifts we give, and my days and spirit have been lifted knowing these characters. Much of the work we do together will be more powerful when we let ourselves go a little and keep a grounded perspective by welcoming laughter.

From: LifeTrek Coaching Staff

(Posted on May 29, 2006)

Quantum Thinking

The technique of quantum thinking is being used more widely by individuals who are facing a personal health crisis. As a coach, I instruct my clients to use techniques of quantum thinking to make quantum changes in their lives. So what is quantum thinking?

One way to define quantum thinking is using your body and mind to consider options and ideas beyond the realms of logic and reason. Quantum thinking helps us tap into our innate healing power by challenging assumptions and breaking habits. According to Michael Wayne, Ph.D., author of Quantum-Integral Medicine, the way we think about a personal health crisis can activate our healing capabilities just as the way we think about making quantum changes in our lives can trigger insight, innate energy, and creative ideas to move us forward.

To try out the technique of quantum thinking, begin by considering these Quantum Coaching Inquiries:

• How can you see yourself from an objective perspective?
• What are the benefits of a personal crisis you are experiencing?
• At any given moment, how can you make the connection between your feelings and what is happening in your environment?

Christina Lombardo Ray, CPCC

If you would like to experience coaching for human learning, email Christina.

(Posted on May 22, 2006)

To deal with criticism

Whenever someone rises head and shoulders above his fellow man, he quickly becomes the target for the jabs and jibes of jealous lesser men. Criticism can be very painful especially when it comes from those who are closest to us. In the long run, however, it does much more harm to the one criticizing than it does to the one being criticized. Furthermore, criticism only destroys us if we allow it to.

If we are being criticized and the criticism is valid, we need to be big enough to accept the criticism and make necessary changes to correct where we have been wrong.

On the other hand, if the criticism is unjust, we need to realize (though easier said than done) that the more secure we become within ourselves, the less others' criticism will bother us. In such cases I like what another has said, "What you think of me is none of my business."

From: From Daily Encounter (c) Richard (Dick) Innes 2003.

(Posted on May 15, 2006)

Break the Trend to Live Healthy

Bob Tschannen-Moran

I recently saw a report card on America's eating habits over the past 35 years. The results were not encouraging when it comes to the prevention and treatment of chronic disease. We truly need to break the trend if we hope to live healthy and well. Here are the highlights:

• The consumption of cheese is at an all-time high, at close to 32 pounds per person per year. Full-fat ice cream has stayed the same (16 pounds per year), as has low-fat ice cream (8 pounds per year). Given the saturated fat in dairy products, not to mention the digestive problems with dairy proteins and sugars, these trends are alarming. Better to break the trend and eliminate cheese and ice cream from your diets altogether. The consumption of yoghurt is up to more than low-fat ice cream, which at least represents the lesser of all dairy evils.

• The consumption of added fats and oils is also at an all-time high, to nearly 90 pounds per person. Most of this comes from salad oil, cooking oil, and shortening. Oils are another food worth avoiding or minimizing. At our house, we have gone to cooking most of our foods with water and seasoning our salads with either balsamic vinegar and Baba Ghannouj or non-fat / low-fat organic dressings. Shortening with hydrogenated vegetable oils, along with beef tallow and lard, clog arteries and provoke inflammation. The high-caloric value of fats and oils is another reason to be concerned.

• Sweeteners, such as corn syrup and sugar, have taken a dip in the past five years, but we still consume far more than we did in 1970. At 140 pounds per person per year, we are not only adding excess calories to our diets, we are also setting ourselves up for problems with diabetes and Syndrome X. So don't do that! If you need to sweeten something, you may want to try small amounts of Stevia -- a natural, low-calorie sweetener.

• Want to guess our most popular beverage? It's not clean, filtered, no-calorie water. At more than 50 gallons per person per year, it's carbonated, high-calorie beverages with all their concomitant problems. Coffee, milk, and beer each come in above 20 gallons per year, along -- for the first time -- with bottled water. That's the good news, although it may not mean that people are drinking more water than before. It may just mean we are drinking more bottled water than before. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces (2 quarts or approximately 2 liters) of water per day.

• Beef continues to be the most popular meat, at more than 60 pounds per person per year, even though it's higher in saturated fat and additives than other meat. That's the bad news. The good news is that chicken has climbed to the second most popular meat, at just under 60 pounds per person per year. That's a good trend if the chicken is baked, roasted, or poached, with a minimum of salt. Unfortunately, most of that chicken is battered and fried in partially hydrogenated oil, which means we are actually doing worse. Fish continues to rank last in the meat department, even though the healthy fats in fish are known to benefit cardiovascular health and other conditions.

• When it comes to grains, wheat flour, both white and whole wheat, top the chart at 125 pounds per person per year. Given the problems with grain, gluten, and glycaemia, it's no wonder our health is suffering. All other grains pale in comparison, with corn being next at 30 pounds per person per year. Rice comes in at 20 and oats come in at 5. The decision to be gluten free, which eliminates wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt from your diet, is a great way to reduce your total intake of calories and to increase your intake of more healthy foods.

• Speaking of health, it's great to see that our total consumption of fruits and vegetables is up, way up, over 35 years ago. Americans now consume about 425 pounds of fruit and 325 pounds of vegetables, not counting potatoes. Potatoes (most often fried) represent another 100 pounds. The potatoes we can do without, but the other fruits and vegetables represent a great, nutrient-rich trend. There's no way to eat too much fresh fruit and vegetables. At our house, our daily routine includes a fruit smoothie for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and a colourful, steamed vegetable for dinner.

Bob Tschannen-Moran

Coach@LifeTrekCoaching.com

(Posted on May 8, 2006)

Meaning & Metaphor

Erika Jackson

What is the metaphor you could use to describe this season of your life? What images best represent who you are? Finish this statement: "I am the (_insert metaphor_) who is designed to (_insert your impact on the world_)."

In Greek, the term metaphor means "to carry" or "to transfer." In the coaching conversation, metaphors are used to transfer a client's understanding of a situation, circumstance or thought from the unknown to the known. Metaphors generate new meaning, express the inexpressible and enable one to understand the unfamiliar with familiar words and images
Linguists George Lakoff and Mark Turner believe that the "metaphor is a tool so ordinary that we use it unconsciously and automatically, with so little effort that we hardly notice it. It is omnipresent: metaphor suffuses our thoughts, no matter what we are thinking about. It is accessible to everyone: as children we automatically, as a matter of course, acquire a mastery of metaphor...And it is irreplaceable: metaphor allows us to understand ourselves and our world in ways that no other modes of thought can."

The use of the metaphor is a dynamic tool, for example, when crafting a Personal Mission Statement. As a way to express one's vision for the meaning of their life, the use of the metaphor provides imagery with which one can more easily connect. The beginning of my Mission Statement, for example, is "I am the warm, gentle breeze..." The power of the metaphor in this process is that I can literally feel a bodily reaction as I visualize the gentle breeze and its impact on those who experience it, therefore drawing me more eagerly toward my mission.

Each of my coaching clients also participate in a guided meditation; a visualization in which they imagine meeting their "future self." During this experience, they come to know a special name by which their "future self" is known. This name is a metaphor or symbol of their essence in their future state. The use of the metaphor is a creative and freeing way to open the clients awareness to their own possibilities. Clients will discover name metaphors such as "Calm," "Peace," "Pops" and "Heart" that provide them with another image with which to explain who they wish to be.
When we see something in a new way, such as through a metaphor, we know it in a new way as well. We have fresh words and images that provide deepened and changed perspective. Would you like to rediscover the fire in your belly? Want to turn the short stories of your life into an epic novel? Contact Erika for a complimentary coaching session and explore what is possible for you.

Erika Jackson

(Posted on May 1, 2006)

Your Larger Possibility

Kate Kriynovich

I have always been intrigued with the concept of possibility. It is both mind-expanding and powerful. It speaks to the individual potentiality of each of us, based on our own unique talents, perspective, and willingness. And, it is most surely affected by the people and experience touching our lives.

If we want to create a "bigger" life for ourselves, then we must create shifts toward that life. We must embrace the concept of possibility for ourselves -- the possibility of change, movement, new ways of thinking, new ways of expressing ourselves, new schedules, and new activities. Big change will not likely come from the same life you are leading today.

Look first to what you believe is possible. Fostering faith in your vision is not only the first step, it will have direct correlation to the changes you make. Trusting in yourself and the possibility of your dream is the key to unlocking the doors of potentiality.

As your faith and vision grow, progress will follow. As you believe things are possible, they become so. Without the vision, direction is vague and "progress" is hard to discern. But, as you begin to flush out the life you desire, a pathway emerges from the fog, even if it is step by step and not completely visible at the present.

Have some fun with your "larger possibility" and let your mind be open. Brainstorm varied and wildly large visions for yourself. See what comes up -- there may be surprises. If you haven't thought about your desires in awhile, you may find that your thinking has shifted. Allow yourself the freedom of choice and painting on a blank canvas. There are no wrongs or finalities, only possibility.

Coaching Inquiries: So if you were to actively seek your largest possibility, what future visions would you pursue? Do you truly trust that these visions are possible? How can you stretch and foster your belief? What relationships can you build to support the care and feeding of your vision? What personal development is integral to your success? How will you begin?

If you would like to work with a coach to support and guide you in your career development process, Email Kate or use our Contact Form on the Web to schedule a complimentary coaching session.

Kate Kriynovich

(Posted on April 17, 2006)

Overprotection breeds laziness and incompetence

Dick Innes

Earl Nightingale told how on one National Secretaries Day he gave his secretary flowers and she remarked how beautiful they were. She also said that she couldn't nderstand why they didn't have any scent.
He informed her that the flowers came from a hothouse and explained that because flowers raised in this type of environment have everything done for them, they don't have to attract insects to pollinate them. As a result, they lose their scent. In the same way fruit raised in a hothouse, because it doesn't need to attract insects to scatter its seeds, doesn't taste as good as fruit grown in its natural environment.
It's similar to the child who wanted to help a butterfly out of its cocoon by putting a slit in it and, in so doing caused it to die. He didn't realize that the struggle to get out of the cocoon is needed to strengthen the butterfly's wings, which enables it to fly.
When people do too much for us or overprotect us, especially in our early developmental years, they can do serious harm to us. And even in adulthood it's the problems and difficulties we have that strengthen us, build out character, and teach us wisdom, understanding, and compassion - if we let them - and enable us to "fly." This is why God disciplines those whom he loves by allowing us to go through difficult times.

From: Dick Innes

(Posted on April 10, 2006)

Just change your questions from negative to positive

That's why Appreciative Inquiry (AI) gets people, at the beginning of the process, to flip problems into possibilities, deficits into assets, and negatives into positives. It's really not that hard. AI simply asks the question, "What are the positive things we want to learn rather than the negative things we want to unlearn?" Here are a few examples from classic AI cases:

• Instead of learning how to avoid high employee turnover, why not focus on learning how to promote longevity?
• Instead of learning how to avoid sexual harassment, why not focus on learning how to embrace positive, cross-gender working relationships?
• Instead of learning how to avoid low morale, why not focus on learning how to have fun in the workplace?
• Instead of learning how to avoid competing interests, why not focus on learning how to collaborate openly and effectively?
• Instead of learning how to avoid poor training, why not focus on learning how to be highly skilled?
• Instead of learning how to avoid fattening foods, why not focus on learning how to enjoy healthy eating?
• Instead of learning how to avoid a sedentary lifestyle, why not focus on learning how to experience flow in exercise and movement?

(Posted on April 3, 2006)

Expand with Excitement

When is the last time you felt excited? Yesterday? Last week? Last month? Last year? Well, I hope that your answer falls in the more recent category or you are missing out on one of life’s true pleasures.

Of course, I am referring to positive excitement, rather than the excitement that comes from emergency or troubling situations. I am speaking to excitement that bubbles up when looking forward to a trip, learning good news, planning something fun, and finding a new interest. This kind of excitement gets us going, produces positive emotion, and engages us more fully.

When we experience such excitement in our lives, we generally feel expanded. Our boundaries may shift a little, and our capacity to deal more positively with our daily situations grows. We typically have more bounce in our step, more tolerance for difficulty, and greater willingness to engage more fully. All of this expansion can drastically impact our satisfaction and qualify of life, and it all happens in a very natural and effortless flow.

If you want more bounce in your step, indulge in more excitement. Bring new things, people, and experiences into your life. Look for ways to engage your sense of adventure and to make life fun!

Coaching Inquiries: What was the last exciting activity for you? What did you get out of it? What are you excited about today? What activity can you add to your life in the next three to six months that would really jazz it up?

Kate Kriynovich

(Posted on March 27, 2006)

Growing magnetism

“Accommodating the behaviour of others with tact and consideration, as well as maintaining harmony in one's own behaviour, creates magnetism;
whereas reacting negatively to the behaviour of others, along with uncontrolled behaviour and artificial manners, deprives one of magnetism.”

Hidayat Inayat - Khan

(Posted on March 20, 2006)

Practice encouragement

Dick Innes

Dr. Alfred Adler, the great psychologist, had an experience when he was a young boy. He got off to a bad start learning arithmetic, so his teacher became convinced that Adler was stupid when it came to mathematics. The teacher told his parents that the boy was dumb, and also told them not to expect much from him. His parents were convinced that the teacher's evaluation was correct.

"Therefore, Adler passively accepted the assessment that they had made of his abilities. And his grades in math proved that they were correct. However, one day he had a sudden flash of insight and thought he saw how to work a problem the teacher had put on the board that none of the other pupils could solve. He raised his hand and announced that he would like to do the problem. The students, and even the teacher, laughed at this. He became indignant. He strode to the blackboard and solved the problem perfectly much to everyone's amazement. And at that moment he realized that he could understand mathematics. He had been handed an unreal, negative self-evaluation, and he had believed it and performed on the basis of that assessment.

"Many of us have done the very same thing. Someone has told us that our abilities are limited, or that our dreams are unreachable. We have accepted that without question, and we go through life unhappy and unfulfilled. We become estranged from ourselves simply because we believe what others people have told us about ourselves."

Every one of us--young and old alike--needs to be encouraged. To encourage someone is to put courage into them. To discourage is to take courage out of them. It costs nothing to put courage into another ... to speak a kind word ... to let them know you appreciate them ... to tell them you believe in them ... that you admire them ...to thank them and so on.

So, today, make a point of putting courage into your spouse ... your children ... your boss ... your employees ... and the clerk at the local store. Go out of your way to do it. And in blessing others you will be blessed yourself.

Dick Innes

(Posted on March 13, 2006)

(Posted on March 6, 2006)

The story or legend is told how two monks, when travelling back to their monastery in inclement weather, came to the fjord of a river. There they met a young woman who was afraid to cross the river. Seeing her dilemma one of the monks offered to carry her across the river on his back which offer she accepted.

Later that evening the monk who didn't help the young lady accused the monk who did of breaking the rules of their monastic order. "You know we are to have no dealings with the opposite sex," he said, "and you were wrong in doing what you did." To which the other monk quietly replied, "I carried her only across the river. You are carrying her still."

When we fail to resolve our anger and keep nursing our grudges, we not only give a "mighty foothold to the devil," but we also hurt ourselves, damage our physical well-being, and do serious harm to our close relationships. As another has said, when we nurse our grudges and fail to forgive those who have hurt us, "It's like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die."
So ... is there anything you are still carrying? Any grudges ... resentments ... bitterness ... hurts ...unresolved grief? If so, I urge you to follow the advice of the scriptures ... resolve these issues right away. And, if necessary, see a qualified counsellor to help you to do so.

From: Dick Innes
ACTS International www.actsweb.org

(Posted on Feb. 27, 2006)

Our Way of Giving

Once when I was in Victoria, I saw a very large house. They told me it was a bank,
and that the white men place their money there to be taken care of, and that by and
by they got it back, with interest.
We are Indians, and we have no such bank; but when we have plenty of money or blankets, we give them away to other chiefs and people, and by and by they return them, and our hearts feel good. Our way of giving is our bank.

A Native American reflects on Thanksgiving.
Chief Maquinna

(Posted on Feb. 20, 2006)

(Posted on Feb. 13, 2006)

Red corresponds to many things, such as love (and lust!), courage, passion, aggression, adventure, strength and energy.
It's also associated with:
Tuesday
South
The planet Mars
The element fire
The root chakra

Use this today:
Wear something in red
Take a chance and do something unexpected today

Terri Paajanen

(Posted on Feb. 6, 2006)

(Posted on Jan. 30, 2006)

Grow Your Network

There is a commercial on television that depicts a man suffering the consequences of missed messages and deadlines as well as the receipt of misinformation. Behind him stands a small group of people representing his wireless network. In contrast, we see an organized, successful, and well-informed man. Standing behind him are dozens of people meant to represent his wireless network.

While the commercial failed to convince me to buy a wireless product, it certainly reminded me of the power of one's network; the network of people whom support and contribute to our own successes. I can certainly attribute most of the biggest wins in my life, from career changes to smart buys, to the knowledge and connections that those in my network provided to me.

For some, the thought of networking leads to thoughts of sales and marketing, which begins to make us turn red in panic. We resist asking for help, avoid imposing ourselves on others and cringe at the thought of selling. I know the feeling.

Here's the good news about networking: networking is about giving. Powerful networking is about listening to hear what others need, seeking to understand the needs of those around us and letting them know if our skills match those needs.

"When we speak of the power of networking, we mean a power that comes from a spirit of giving and sharing," say Fisher and Vilas in Power Networking. "Personal power comes from an inner strength, from knowing who we are and what we have to offer, and from an awareness that we are part of a large and vast universe. Our power comes from the willingness to honor ourselves, our relationships, and our connection with universal flow."

Instead of being prepared to get someone to hire you or buy your product, be prepared to learn more about their needs and desires. Sharpen your communication skills by learning to enjoy just listening. Then, let others experience you as a giver within your own area of expertise. Forget the "quid pro quo," or something for something, approach and expect nothing in return.

This is both easier and more effective than selling because people will more easily trust you and will have experienced your service. And, the benefits will indeed manifest in a grander way. After all, the garden grows more than the gardener sows.

Coaching Inquiries: How are you tending to your garden? Do you expect it to produce fruit without your careful care and fertilization? What is your "net" worth?

If you would like to learn more about our Creativity Coaching Programs and to arrange for a complementary Creativity coaching session, click here.

Erika Jackson

(Posted on Jan. 16, 2006)

Two Cents Worth

I don't believe in charity. I believe in solidarity.
Charity is so vertical. It goes from the top to the bottom.
Solidarity is horizontal. It respects the other person and learns from the other. I have a lot to learn from other people.

Eduardo Galeano

(Posted on Jan. 9, 2006)

Turning Stress into Success

"A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones" (Proverbs 14:30, AMP).

A "friend" invoices you for considerably more than his original quote. A family member takes seriously ill and is in the hospital for months. Responsibilities and expenses soar. The result? Stress.

I know because these things all happened to me in the course of a single year. Stress is a normal part of contemporary living. Ignore it and it will take years off your life. As Francis Ford Coppola said in The Godfather movie, "When the mind is stressed, the body cries out." However, if we deal with our stress creatively, we can turn our stress into success. How can we do this?

First. Realize that some stress is helpful. It provides motivation. For instance, if it weren't for the stress of having to pay our bills we may not want to go to work.

Second. Be aware that stress is only troublesome when it continues for too long or if there is too much of it.
I read about a ten-ton bridge that had been serving a community very well for over fifty years. During the course of those years it had carried millions of tons of weight. But one day the driver of a logging truck ignored the ten-ton load limit sign. The bridge collapsed. Life’s like that. All of us can carry our "load limit" day after day, year after year, but only one load at a time. Overload us and we collapse too.
Many readers will be familiar with the research Thomas Holmes has done on stress. He found that too much change at one time was the greatest cause of stress. An accumulation of 300 or more "life changing units" in any one year may mean an overload of more stress than an individual can carry. On his scale, death of a spouse equals 100 units, divorce 73, marital separation 65, marriage 50, and so on.

Third. The next step in turning stress into success is to recognize symptoms as early as possible. Writing in Eternity magazine some time ago Fred Stansberry talks about "stress-related diseases such as cancer, arthritis, heart and respiratory diseases, migraines, allergies and a host of other psychological and physiological dysfunctions which are increasing at an alarming rate in our Western culture."
Other symptoms of stress have been listed as, "tense muscles, sore neck, shoulders and back, insomnia, fatigue, boredom, depression, listlessness, dullness, lack of interest, drinking too much, eating too much or too little, diarrhea, cramps, flatulence, constipation, palpitations--heart skip, phobias, twitches, restlessness and itching."

Fourth. Identify causes. As already mentioned change is one of the chief causes of stress. An accumulation of life's everyday annoyances can also build up a significant stress
level--perhaps even more than one single traumatic event.
As the old saying puts it: "It's the little things that bother us, and put us on the rack; you can sit upon a mountain, but you can't sit on a tack." Whatever the cause of your stress is, identify it so you can do something about it.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the wisdom to know what I can do about my stressful situations, and the good sense to do it. And help me to trust my life to you in
every situation in which I find myself. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.”

(Posted on Jan. 2, 2006)

Soar with the Eagles

Did you know that an eagle knows when the storm is approaching long before it breaks? The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle doesn't escape the storm; it simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

(Posted on Dec. 26, 2005)

Pegs to Hang Anger On

"An angry man stirs up strife, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression" (Proverbs 29:22, NASV).

Unresolved anger can express itself in a score of destructive ways including resentment, a negative critical attitude, hostility and hatred. It causes all sorts of problems both to the angry person and to those on whom he dumps his anger.
Repressed it can become super-charged and cause the angry person to explode and lash out and hurt people–even murder them. Or it can cause a person to implode and ruin his physical health and destroy his relationships.
Unresolved anger is like an emotional cancer and you either get the "cancer" or the "cancer" gets you–one way or another.

Furthermore, angry people are forever looking for pegs to hang their anger on. Instead of facing their own reality they are forever looking for faults–real or imagined–in others on whom to dump their anger and blame them for it.
So how do you relate to these people? Wherever possible it's best to avoid them. If you can't avoid them, exercise tough love and let them know in a kind way that there will be consequences (such as distancing yourself from them), if they continue to treat you in an angry, abusive way either physically or emotionally.

If you happen to be an angry person, the first thing to do is admit it and then seek the help of a qualified anger-management counselor to help you work through and resolve your anger. Doing this will be one of the most loving things you can do for your loved ones and for yourself.
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give me the courage to lovingly confront any angry person in my life letting them know that I will no longer allow them to treat me this way, and that I will have to distance myself from them if they refuse to get the help they need to overcome their anger issue. And if I am an angry person, please help me to find the help I need to resolve it and maintain a loving attitude. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer.

Note: See the article, "Taming Your Anger".

(Posted on Dec. 19, 2005)

Wisdom of a Sadhu

Both water and oil come from the earth. And though they are similar in many ways, they are opposites in their nature and their purpose. One extinguishes fire, the other gives fuel to the fire. Similarly, the world and its treasures are creations of God along with the soul and its thirst for spiritual truth. But if we try to quench the thirst of our soul with the wealth and pride and honors of this world, then it is like trying to extinguish fire with oil. The soul will only find peace and contentment in the One who created it along with its longing. When we turn to the living Master, we receive water that satisfies our soul. This water is a well of spiritual life that springs up deep within us.

Source: "Wisdom of the Sadhu: Teachings of Sundar Singh" (Plough, 2000)

(Posted on Dec. 12, 2005)

All Talk?

How will God’s future come about? Must not the day come when humankind experiences matter and spirit as one, so that we can once more till the soil in harmony, as brothers and sisters? Must not the moment come at last when we go from words to deeds, from devout feelings to realization?

Source: EA, lecture in Frankfurt, 1921 "A Talk among Leisured People" (a short story by Tolstoy)

(Posted on Nov. 28, 2005)

Lessons to make you think
about the way we treat people (2)

Second important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the
King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been.
The purse contained any gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Posted on Nov. 21, 2005
 

Lessons to make you think
about the way we treat people (1)

First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor." In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello".

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

Posted on Nov. 14, 2005
 

I am not the brood of the dust and sod,
nor a shuttled thread in the loom of fate;
But the child Divine of the living God,
with eternity for my life's estate.
I am not a sport of a cosmic night,
nor a thing of chance that has grown to man;
But a deathless soul on my upward flight,
and my Father's heir in His wondrous plan.

Alva Romanes

Posted on Nov. 7, 2005
 

Julie Polter

Posted on Oct. 31, 2005
 

Every Passer-by

A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every passerby leaves a mark.

Chinese proverb

Posted on Oct. 24, 2005
 

Then they came for me

First, they came for the terrorists,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a terrorist.
Then they came for the foreigners,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a foreigner.
Then they came for the Arab-Americans,
and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t Arab-American.
Then they came for the radical dissenters,
and I didn’t speak up because I was just an ordinary citizen.
Then they came for me, by which time
there was no one left to speak up for me.

Source: Bernard Weiner, 2001, paraphrasing Martin Niemoeller

Posted on Oct. 17, 2005
 

The line between good and evil

The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either, but right through every human heart, and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. Even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained; and even in the best of all hearts, there remains a small corner of evil. It is impossible to expel evil from the world in its entirety, but it is possible to constrict it within each person.

Source: The Gulag Archipelago, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Posted on Oct. 10, 2005
 

Some Balm

If I did not believe, if I did not make what is called an act of faith (and each act of faith increases our capacity for faith), if I did not have faith that the works of mercy do lighten the sum total of suffering in the world, so that those who are suffering in this ghastly struggle somehow mysteriously find their pain lifted and some balm of consolation poured on their wounds — if I did not believe these things, the problem of evil would indeed be overwhelming.

Dorothy Day

Posted on Oct. 3, 2005
 

For Love or Money?

Some people want to see God with their eyes as they see a cow and to love him as they love their cow - they love their cow for the milk and cheese and profit it makes them. This is how it is with people who love God for the sake of outward wealth or inward comfort. They do not rightly love God when they love him for their own advantage. Indeed, I tell you the truth, any object you have on your mind, however good, will be a barrier between you and the inmost truth.

Meister Eckhart

Posted on Sept. 26, 2005
 

Another, Possible World

People will not be driven by the automobile,
nor will they be programmed by computers,
nor will they be bought by supermarkets,
nor will they be watched by television sets...

Nobody will die of hunger,
because nobody will have indigestion.
Street children will not be treated as if they were trash,
because there will be no street children.
Rich kids will not be treated as if they were money,
because there will be no rich kids…

Eduardo Galeano

Posted on Sept. 19, 2005
 

Impractical, Immoral

Violence as a way of achieving justice is both impractical and immoral. It is impractical because it is a descending spiral ending in destruction for all. The old law of an eye for an eye leaves everybody blind. It is immoral  because it seeks to humiliate the opponent rather than win his understanding; it seeks to annihilate rather than to convert. Violence is immoral because it
thrives on hatred rather than love. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible. It leaves society in monologue rather than dialogue. Violence ends by defeating itself. It creates bitterness in the survivors and brutality in the destroyers.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted on Sept. 12, 2005
 

(Hidayat Inayat - Khan)

Posted on Sept. 5, 2005
 

Posted on Aug. 30, 2005
 

Each time that we set aside our own ego, even for a moment, we then offer a little bit of our heart to the Divine Beloved, and in return, the light of the Spirit of Guidance becomes brighter and brighter, so that there remains no shadow to hide the perfection of the All-Pervading.
(Hidayat Inayat - Khan)

Posted on Aug. 23, 2005