Hi everyone :)
Yes indeed I am! I’ve just returned home after presenting to a group of 40 fun and inspirational women and men at Douglas College. Yes, someone who’d attended my talk “The Power of Wellness & Extreme Self-Care” at Langara College’s Staff PD Day recommended me to someone in the Registrar’s Office at Douglas for their PD Day, and away I went. And let me tell you, this team blew me away and I left the building just a couple of hours ago feeling electrically charged. Good feeling! Still with me.
First, I discovered that this team enjoys two full Team PD days each year and that those days are organized by their Fun Committee. Yes, I like the sound and feel of that. A fun committee! And it was obvious that they knew something about fun because I could feel and hear the fun vibe coming from the Boardroom as soon as I got off the elevator on my way to join them. Good feeling. Still with me.
I asked the team leader if we could make some noise and she gave me the thumbs up and big smile. So, I challenged the group to stand up and give themselves a full minute standing ovation for all the excellent work they do – to move around the room and “high five” each other – to really celebrate themselves. Well no need for much challenge with this group – they got right into it. All the glee, smiles, and high fives felt like pure joyous energy because that what they were. And of course I jumped right in and joined them as they showered each other with congrats and human connection. Good feeling. Still with me. Oh, and they could have gone for 2 minutes, no sweat.
We had so much fun. And we formed a bond, even in that short time together – how could we not? They were so open, alive and ready to learn and lead. And speaking of leading, the best highlight for me came immediately after I spoke as the team leader thanked me and then shared a big idea with her team. Gives me goosebumps to think of it.
A little background first: During my talk, I’d shared the true story of a very successful small company whose leader was interviewed for a magazine article. He was asked “What is it that you do that makes your business so successful?” He replied, “Well, we do a lot of things but I think that the most important is that the whole team comes together at the start of each day and we begin the day with a 15 minute meditation.” So, the interviewer said “That’s amazing. Do you do that every day, even when you’re extra busy?” And to that the leader replied “No, not when we’re extra busy ... those days we meditate for 20 minutes”.
Well, you may have guessed what I’m going to say here. Today, the team leader at Douglas shared that she felt inspired and suggested to her team that she’d like to try that morning meditation with them – and she asked for folks to ponder this and for anyone that might have experience to volunteer to facilitate that. Wow! I mean wow. Talk about leadership. Like I said, gives me goosebumps. Good feeling. Still with me.
And lastly, one of the team members I spoke with during the break told me that they not only had a Fun Committee, but that they also have a Kudos Committee! Again, I think wow. A committee whose purpose is to give kudos to employees regularly; I love it. I love it because I know how kudos feel and I know that research shows that most of the time employees don’t leave companies because of the pay or benefit plans, they leave because they feel un-appreciated. Best idea I’ve heard in a long time, this Kudos committee. So I’m going to share it, starting here. Very, very good feeling. And yes, it’s still with me.
Can you feel it? Getting any ideas?
Love and thanks again and again for listening!
Lee
PS: I going to close my eyes right now and give a big high five to each of you for all the brilliant work you do. And, if you’re up for it, I invite you to stand up and give yourself a full minute (or longer) standing ovation ... high five yourself, anyone near you – and/or any pet. Oh, or maybe a family standing O. There’s an idea.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Lab Scientists are Fun ...
Hi everyone!
Last Friday I travelled out to gorgeous Harrison Hot Springs where I was scheduled to present the ending Keynote to 200 Lab Scientists at the 2009 British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science Congress. I checked into my room at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and was so happy to see that I had a lake view and could open the window, smell the freshest of fresh airs and take in the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains (one of which was blanketed with snow the next morning!).
After setting up my room for ultimate comfort (snacks/water, my own pillow cases, books, room service carafe of hot water for my nurturing teas) I journeyed out for a long walk along the beach and lakeside. The water was sparkling in the sun and I felt like a million dollars (I’m not quite sure what a million dollars feels like but I’m sure I was feeling at least that great, maybe even better). I kept thinking “I’m living my dream”, “I’m living my dream”. There is nothing I want to change or get better right now. This is lovely, magical, and perfect just as it is.
Then, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! I noticed two empty swings just waiting for me to hop on, pump away and savour the fun of vertigo. And then along came one of the conference attendees which gave me the opportunity to meet a Lab Scientist first hand. This may sound funny to you but I was feeling a little daunted by the prospect of speaking to 200 Scientists. After all, in college, I remember scanning down a list of chemistry courses, knowing that I had to sign up for at least one, and feeling enormously relieved when I saw “Chemistry for the Non-Scientist” on that list. Yes, I thought, that’s definitely me – a non-scientist. Now, skip to 24 years later and here I was, the closing act for a large group of scientists after they’d experienced three days of presentations with titles like “Blood Gases and Electrolytes for ICU: Why send to the Lab?” Can you imagine? I had no clue why.
Thankfully, whenever I noticed some anxiety about this, I reminded myself that two members of their organizing committee had personally seen me present the year before and obviously liked what they saw or they wouldn’t have requested my presence. I also reminded myself of the mantra that has calmed my soul time and time again ... “I don’t need to be special, I just need to be myself and enjoy these folks”. So true. As Joe Kennedy told all his children, "Do your best and then the 'heck' with it".
So I jumped off the swing and enjoyed meeting my first conference attendee, “Mary”. And Mary was just lovely. And of course it turned out that pretty much everyone I met was lovely. And more than that, they were FUN. Along with the blood gases and a host of similar issues, they also joined together for laughter yoga Saturday morning, and when I met attendees and told them what my topic was (The Power of Wellness & Fun), most would regale me with stories of what fun meant to them and how they seized it, especially in the work place. I gained a couple of great stories to share in my talk!
And, what do you know ... the closing act was full of fun. We talked, shared ideas, shared a 1 minute standing ovation for all attendees, gave and received a little massage, laughed and twirled at the same time, handed out treats and did some solid and refreshing deep breathing (otherwise known to many of you blog readers as the Relaxation Response). In short, we had a load of fun. We found common ground – the need, desire and appreciation for connection and laughter. And I was joyfully reminded, once again, that we are all more alike than we are un-alike.
On Sunday I travelled home, feeling refreshed and invigorated like never before – after a weekend of work. Living your dream is a good thing.
Call me grateful, as we approach Thanksgiving, and always!
Lee
PS: I realize that it’s a lie that I’m not a scientist. In fact I remember now that my graduate degree is an M.S. (Master of Science!). Funny. I think we’re all scientists in our own way, just as I know we’re all artists in our own way. There’s no one to impress – we simply get to be our own, wonderful, unique, self. What a relief.
Last Friday I travelled out to gorgeous Harrison Hot Springs where I was scheduled to present the ending Keynote to 200 Lab Scientists at the 2009 British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science Congress. I checked into my room at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and was so happy to see that I had a lake view and could open the window, smell the freshest of fresh airs and take in the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains (one of which was blanketed with snow the next morning!).
After setting up my room for ultimate comfort (snacks/water, my own pillow cases, books, room service carafe of hot water for my nurturing teas) I journeyed out for a long walk along the beach and lakeside. The water was sparkling in the sun and I felt like a million dollars (I’m not quite sure what a million dollars feels like but I’m sure I was feeling at least that great, maybe even better). I kept thinking “I’m living my dream”, “I’m living my dream”. There is nothing I want to change or get better right now. This is lovely, magical, and perfect just as it is.
Then, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, it did! I noticed two empty swings just waiting for me to hop on, pump away and savour the fun of vertigo. And then along came one of the conference attendees which gave me the opportunity to meet a Lab Scientist first hand. This may sound funny to you but I was feeling a little daunted by the prospect of speaking to 200 Scientists. After all, in college, I remember scanning down a list of chemistry courses, knowing that I had to sign up for at least one, and feeling enormously relieved when I saw “Chemistry for the Non-Scientist” on that list. Yes, I thought, that’s definitely me – a non-scientist. Now, skip to 24 years later and here I was, the closing act for a large group of scientists after they’d experienced three days of presentations with titles like “Blood Gases and Electrolytes for ICU: Why send to the Lab?” Can you imagine? I had no clue why.
Thankfully, whenever I noticed some anxiety about this, I reminded myself that two members of their organizing committee had personally seen me present the year before and obviously liked what they saw or they wouldn’t have requested my presence. I also reminded myself of the mantra that has calmed my soul time and time again ... “I don’t need to be special, I just need to be myself and enjoy these folks”. So true. As Joe Kennedy told all his children, "Do your best and then the 'heck' with it".
So I jumped off the swing and enjoyed meeting my first conference attendee, “Mary”. And Mary was just lovely. And of course it turned out that pretty much everyone I met was lovely. And more than that, they were FUN. Along with the blood gases and a host of similar issues, they also joined together for laughter yoga Saturday morning, and when I met attendees and told them what my topic was (The Power of Wellness & Fun), most would regale me with stories of what fun meant to them and how they seized it, especially in the work place. I gained a couple of great stories to share in my talk!
And, what do you know ... the closing act was full of fun. We talked, shared ideas, shared a 1 minute standing ovation for all attendees, gave and received a little massage, laughed and twirled at the same time, handed out treats and did some solid and refreshing deep breathing (otherwise known to many of you blog readers as the Relaxation Response). In short, we had a load of fun. We found common ground – the need, desire and appreciation for connection and laughter. And I was joyfully reminded, once again, that we are all more alike than we are un-alike.
On Sunday I travelled home, feeling refreshed and invigorated like never before – after a weekend of work. Living your dream is a good thing.
Call me grateful, as we approach Thanksgiving, and always!
Lee
PS: I realize that it’s a lie that I’m not a scientist. In fact I remember now that my graduate degree is an M.S. (Master of Science!). Funny. I think we’re all scientists in our own way, just as I know we’re all artists in our own way. There’s no one to impress – we simply get to be our own, wonderful, unique, self. What a relief.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Two Peace Summit Gems ...
Hi everyone ...
On Tuesday this week I was so blessed to be among His Holiness the Dalia Lama, many passionate & inspiring world leaders, and thousands of like minded change agents in the audience at the Orpheum for the 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit. Here are two of the most valuable gems that stood out for me, among so very, very many ...
1. Number one “life well lived” tip: Go inside. Yes. Again and again I hear and experience the most valuable thing we can do to feel more alive, vibrant and of service in the world. Go inside. Ask your body what it is feeling ... and just allow that feeling some space. No judgement. Ask your heart what it wants you to do. Be still and notice the answer. Be still and notice your breath. Your answers are there, your peace is there, your compassion (for yourself and others) is there ... it’s all there.
Eckhart Tolle shared research on the success of soccer penalty shoot out kicks: those players who turn inward and get still for 2-5 seconds after the signal to kick is heard are much more likely to score a goal than those players who kick the ball immediately after the signal. Amazing, right?
Even 5 minutes of stillness in the morning (to set the tone for a calmer day), or 30 seconds of stillness before an important meeting will reap noticeable pay offs for you.
2. Even though I wasn’t at this event (in body that is), I felt my attention drawn to the We Day Event at GM Place, where 16,000 teen leaders from across BC came to be inspired by each other and by the Dalai Lama, Craig and Marc Kielburger (Founders of Free the Children and the Me to We Movement), and a host of entertainers and passionate social activists. I couldn’t wait to read the Vancouver Sun write up.
The highlight for me was seeing the shining, vibrant face of Mia Farrow, arms in the air, facing the shining faces of this sea of peace-making young leaders ... and she said to them “You are the architects of the future. You are the generation I’ve been waiting for all my life.” Yes, indeed. We are surrounded on the earth today with so much compassion and love ... so many youth and so many peace-builders. I beam with gratefulness and I seize the challenge to continue being the peace I wish to see in the world ... more and more all the time! I know everyone who tunes into my blog feels the same commitment. I bow to the brilliance and love in each of you.
Love, peace, creativity and compassion,
Lee
On Tuesday this week I was so blessed to be among His Holiness the Dalia Lama, many passionate & inspiring world leaders, and thousands of like minded change agents in the audience at the Orpheum for the 2009 Vancouver Peace Summit. Here are two of the most valuable gems that stood out for me, among so very, very many ...
1. Number one “life well lived” tip: Go inside. Yes. Again and again I hear and experience the most valuable thing we can do to feel more alive, vibrant and of service in the world. Go inside. Ask your body what it is feeling ... and just allow that feeling some space. No judgement. Ask your heart what it wants you to do. Be still and notice the answer. Be still and notice your breath. Your answers are there, your peace is there, your compassion (for yourself and others) is there ... it’s all there.
Eckhart Tolle shared research on the success of soccer penalty shoot out kicks: those players who turn inward and get still for 2-5 seconds after the signal to kick is heard are much more likely to score a goal than those players who kick the ball immediately after the signal. Amazing, right?
Even 5 minutes of stillness in the morning (to set the tone for a calmer day), or 30 seconds of stillness before an important meeting will reap noticeable pay offs for you.
2. Even though I wasn’t at this event (in body that is), I felt my attention drawn to the We Day Event at GM Place, where 16,000 teen leaders from across BC came to be inspired by each other and by the Dalai Lama, Craig and Marc Kielburger (Founders of Free the Children and the Me to We Movement), and a host of entertainers and passionate social activists. I couldn’t wait to read the Vancouver Sun write up.
The highlight for me was seeing the shining, vibrant face of Mia Farrow, arms in the air, facing the shining faces of this sea of peace-making young leaders ... and she said to them “You are the architects of the future. You are the generation I’ve been waiting for all my life.” Yes, indeed. We are surrounded on the earth today with so much compassion and love ... so many youth and so many peace-builders. I beam with gratefulness and I seize the challenge to continue being the peace I wish to see in the world ... more and more all the time! I know everyone who tunes into my blog feels the same commitment. I bow to the brilliance and love in each of you.
Love, peace, creativity and compassion,
Lee
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