Hi everyone :)
I just wrote this piece for the newest edition of the Power of Wellness Newsletter and a little (yet very powerful) voice said "share it in your blog". So, here it is friends ...
Is there something you really want to do in 2010? It might even be the same thing you wanted to do in 2009 but just couldn’t find the time for. Do you want to exercise more, have more fun, make a healthy change in your diet, start a small business, give more, take regular time out for a passion or hobby, spend more quality time with family or friends ... or simply feel more awake to the beauty and joy around you? Recently I asked a new coaching client what she wanted most and she said “I want to know how to take the time to stop and smell the roses”. Sound familiar?
Whatever your desire, if you’ve told yourself “I don’t have the time for that”, I invite and challenge you to re-think it. 99% of the time, the thing that stops us is not a lack of time. The truth is that we all have the same 24 hours each day and we all get to choose how we use the time we have; we all choose how to spend our 1,440 minutes a day, 168 hours a week, and 365 days each year. We all set priorities and if we’re not doing something, it’s because we haven’t made it a priority.
In the words of Michael Neill, “the most important choice you make is what you make important”. If you notice yourself thinking “I don’t have time for that”, ask yourself “Is this a priority right now?” Maybe it’s not a top priority right now, and that’s just fine. I’ve discovered that I could easily fill 3-4 full days for every 1 that I have, all with things I’d truly like to do. So, to live my best life (and bust the big stress that would come with trying to actually do all that!), I consistently ask myself, “What’s most important in my life right now?” This is the only thing that helps me come back to my center, to my sense of peace and wellbeing. And believe me, I've made it into a bit of a daily prayer or mantra to help keep me on track. Without it, I can easily go overboard and lose that sense of wellbeing.
And if something does feel like a top priority to you and you still think you don’t have the time, consider asking yourself “The Million Dollar Question”: If you would be given a million dollars for the successful achievement of whatever it is you say you want in your life, what would you do differently to go about getting it? For example, if you knew you’d be paid a million dollars (or whatever would be inspirational for you) to find the time for a daily 30 minute dose of pure pleasure or fun, what would you do differently to make it happen? Would you say no to something? Maybe you’d delegate more. There are a lot of ideas and it’s amazing how creative we can be when the stakes are high.
Maybe you need help to figure out how to make this a priority. Go for it – ask for help. It’s a common thing to feel stuck and out of answers at some point in our lives and, as I say time and time again, if you’re alive, you need help. We all need help to live our best lives. And we all deserve it. We really are designed to help each other.
You might ask a good friend to brainstorm possible solutions with you, to encourage you and hold you accountable. It could be fun to do this for each other. Or get radical and hire a life coach – research shows that you’re 80% more likely to make the shift you want to, and make it stick. It’s pretty powerful teamwork indeed.
The bottom line is if you want to “move out of stuck and into possibility in 2010”, make it a priority to tune into your priorities. You’ll be so very grateful you did! In the words of Mary Oliver ... “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
Friday, December 11, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Wonder in a Day Full of Moments.
Hi Friends,
A few years ago I heard Byron Katie (author of Loving What Is) speak for the first time. And the thing I remember most is the moment when she faced the audience and said “You know, I’ve waited my whole life to meet you, and here you are! Isn’t it wonderful?” And she gazed at as many of us as she could take in, with such love and adoration.
That moment changed my life. That statement and her wonder and love blew me away with its beauty. It created such a new opening for me. In that moment I became so much more aware of the opportunity for wonder, beauty and love in each new moment. I became deeply aware that each of our lives is so full of moments like this. One moment you might be talking with a friend in a coffee shop and then you feel a light touch on your shoulder, turn around and notice someone new. Maybe you see another friend who has come to join you, or maybe someone you’ve never met smiles and asks if he can sit next to you - and it might even turn out that that stranger is the love of your life. Who knew?
Each day, one moment after another greets us and we can’t possibly know what each will hold. We plan and plan and sometimes what shows up looks and feels like our plan. And often it doesn’t. It’s such a mystery; such a beautiful, spectacular mystery if we’re able to see it and feel it that way. When I’m awake to this mystery, I feel what I imagine a baby or toddler might feel, wide eyed and in wonder at each new thing they encounter. They can’t predict what is next and they don’t even try. They’re just involved in each moment – that is, until the next one comes along.
Yesterday was full of magical moments I couldn’t have seen coming. I attended a Women’s Empowerment Conference that I’d received a ticket to via an unexpected turn of events. I remember entering the conference meeting room at the start of the day and noticing that many seats were occupied and many women were still on their way. Where would I sit? A simple choice that would shape my day and change my life, a little or a lot – how could I know? So I savoured the moment of not knowing, and then found myself greeting a women sitting alone and asking her if I could join her.
Lucky me. I waited my whole life to meet her and there she was, waiting for me! She was fabulous and the moment was perfect. And we discovered that we each had something of great value to offer the other and so we’ll likely meet again, that is if it turns out that way. How could either of us have known the fun and help we’d be blessed with simply by meeting at the right time? Not a moment too soon, or too late.
And today? Right now I’m writing a blog about an idea I didn’t see coming thirty minutes ago. I remember sitting down, tuning into my heart and asking “what do I want to say?” Ideas then popped into my mind, my fingers grasped the pen, and now those same fingers are tapping letters on a keyboard, and soon (if it works out this way) I’ll press the “post blog” key. And maybe tomorrow, one moment you’ll be surfing the net, and the next moment your eyes will notice the blog entry and you’ll read these words. Or maybe you’ll see the blog entry and think “I don’t have time to read this” and you won’t. That’s good too. Life is good, all is well.
Now I’m going to put on my raincoat and step out the door for a lovely walk on the beach all by myself. But really, how could I know? All I know is that I’m open to that, or something even better.
Love and all green lights,
Lee
A few years ago I heard Byron Katie (author of Loving What Is) speak for the first time. And the thing I remember most is the moment when she faced the audience and said “You know, I’ve waited my whole life to meet you, and here you are! Isn’t it wonderful?” And she gazed at as many of us as she could take in, with such love and adoration.
That moment changed my life. That statement and her wonder and love blew me away with its beauty. It created such a new opening for me. In that moment I became so much more aware of the opportunity for wonder, beauty and love in each new moment. I became deeply aware that each of our lives is so full of moments like this. One moment you might be talking with a friend in a coffee shop and then you feel a light touch on your shoulder, turn around and notice someone new. Maybe you see another friend who has come to join you, or maybe someone you’ve never met smiles and asks if he can sit next to you - and it might even turn out that that stranger is the love of your life. Who knew?
Each day, one moment after another greets us and we can’t possibly know what each will hold. We plan and plan and sometimes what shows up looks and feels like our plan. And often it doesn’t. It’s such a mystery; such a beautiful, spectacular mystery if we’re able to see it and feel it that way. When I’m awake to this mystery, I feel what I imagine a baby or toddler might feel, wide eyed and in wonder at each new thing they encounter. They can’t predict what is next and they don’t even try. They’re just involved in each moment – that is, until the next one comes along.
Yesterday was full of magical moments I couldn’t have seen coming. I attended a Women’s Empowerment Conference that I’d received a ticket to via an unexpected turn of events. I remember entering the conference meeting room at the start of the day and noticing that many seats were occupied and many women were still on their way. Where would I sit? A simple choice that would shape my day and change my life, a little or a lot – how could I know? So I savoured the moment of not knowing, and then found myself greeting a women sitting alone and asking her if I could join her.
Lucky me. I waited my whole life to meet her and there she was, waiting for me! She was fabulous and the moment was perfect. And we discovered that we each had something of great value to offer the other and so we’ll likely meet again, that is if it turns out that way. How could either of us have known the fun and help we’d be blessed with simply by meeting at the right time? Not a moment too soon, or too late.
And today? Right now I’m writing a blog about an idea I didn’t see coming thirty minutes ago. I remember sitting down, tuning into my heart and asking “what do I want to say?” Ideas then popped into my mind, my fingers grasped the pen, and now those same fingers are tapping letters on a keyboard, and soon (if it works out this way) I’ll press the “post blog” key. And maybe tomorrow, one moment you’ll be surfing the net, and the next moment your eyes will notice the blog entry and you’ll read these words. Or maybe you’ll see the blog entry and think “I don’t have time to read this” and you won’t. That’s good too. Life is good, all is well.
Now I’m going to put on my raincoat and step out the door for a lovely walk on the beach all by myself. But really, how could I know? All I know is that I’m open to that, or something even better.
Love and all green lights,
Lee
Friday, November 6, 2009
Best Practices - The Morning Questions
Hi Friends,
You know I just love it when a Divine idea just pops into your head or hands, freely delivered at just the right time. Do you know what I mean?
A few weeks ago my cousin introduced me to an author that was new to me, and now having read a couple of his books, I’m amazed that he’s new to me. His name is Robin Sharma and he’s a top leadership coach and speaker – he’s all about living his best life and inspiring others to do the same. I can relate! And I adore his writing, his work and his message.
If you want to take a look for yourself, I believe his first big bestseller was The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Great title. The two books I’ve read are The Saint, The Surfer and The CEO, and The Greatness Guide. Easy reads, chock full of inspiration, powerful stories and powerful ideas.
One of the many things that I’ve discovered that Robin Sharma and I are both very big on is the value of self-care in propelling us forward to live our best life (to be our best at work, to feel happy in our own skin). Big, big, big. And if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’ve really boosted my own self-care practices significantly in the last few months.
Okay, here’s where the Divine idea comes in. Thanks to Robin Sharma, I’ve added morning writing or journaling to my daily best practices package. I’ve sure done a lot of journaling in my life, on and off, and now this new set of morning questions I answer is noticeably boosting my ability to shine , and my experience of feeling fully guided and fully alive. It’s a very good thing.
What I do is set aside at least 15-30 minutes in the morning, sit with a cup of my favourite tea, take a deep breath and write the answers to these questions (if you read Sharma’s book, you’ll notice that I’ve used most of his suggested questions yet replaced some of his with my own – always good to make it your own). Here are my morning questions:
1. What am I irritated about? This is my feelings piece and I just write without thinking – free flow writing, just letting it come onto the paper. Interesting what shows up. Feels great to release it.
2. What do I want? What are the greatest desires of my heart? Again, it’s good to write freely and notice that as days go by, I get a deeper sense of what I really want. This helps to set priorities and feel passionate.
3. What do I have to be grateful for in my life?
4. What one thing could I do today to make my life extraordinary? When I get the answer, I set that as my intention for the day.
5. What can I do to feel some fun today?
6. How can I help someone today?
7. What does the Universe want me to know today?
Those are the seven questions that feel good to me right now. I usually don’t answer every morning question, every day. I look at my list of questions (after I’ve had that first sip of tea and a nice deep breath) and notice which ones I feel attracted to at that moment. And those are the ones I answer. It’s fun to notice how they switch day to day. And it’s absolutely amazing to see what comes out of me onto the paper each day. There’s always something juicy in there (little or big “ah has”) and I always feel lighter and more optimistic when I finish. And the answers shape my day, and my life.
This is my newest self-care practice and I love it. My intention is to answer the questions as long as I feel guided to – as long as they help me to shine. My best practices prayer is “This or something better”.
On that note, I send my best wishes for a wonderful weekend and for all of us to feel guided to our own unique best life practices, more and more all the time.
Sending you love and all green lights,
Lee
PS: Question number 2 might just be my favourite (today it is anyhow) because the answers often surprise me. I’d done so much life visioning and didn’t expect to get new insights this often. Fun.
You know I just love it when a Divine idea just pops into your head or hands, freely delivered at just the right time. Do you know what I mean?
A few weeks ago my cousin introduced me to an author that was new to me, and now having read a couple of his books, I’m amazed that he’s new to me. His name is Robin Sharma and he’s a top leadership coach and speaker – he’s all about living his best life and inspiring others to do the same. I can relate! And I adore his writing, his work and his message.
If you want to take a look for yourself, I believe his first big bestseller was The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. Great title. The two books I’ve read are The Saint, The Surfer and The CEO, and The Greatness Guide. Easy reads, chock full of inspiration, powerful stories and powerful ideas.
One of the many things that I’ve discovered that Robin Sharma and I are both very big on is the value of self-care in propelling us forward to live our best life (to be our best at work, to feel happy in our own skin). Big, big, big. And if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’ve really boosted my own self-care practices significantly in the last few months.
Okay, here’s where the Divine idea comes in. Thanks to Robin Sharma, I’ve added morning writing or journaling to my daily best practices package. I’ve sure done a lot of journaling in my life, on and off, and now this new set of morning questions I answer is noticeably boosting my ability to shine , and my experience of feeling fully guided and fully alive. It’s a very good thing.
What I do is set aside at least 15-30 minutes in the morning, sit with a cup of my favourite tea, take a deep breath and write the answers to these questions (if you read Sharma’s book, you’ll notice that I’ve used most of his suggested questions yet replaced some of his with my own – always good to make it your own). Here are my morning questions:
1. What am I irritated about? This is my feelings piece and I just write without thinking – free flow writing, just letting it come onto the paper. Interesting what shows up. Feels great to release it.
2. What do I want? What are the greatest desires of my heart? Again, it’s good to write freely and notice that as days go by, I get a deeper sense of what I really want. This helps to set priorities and feel passionate.
3. What do I have to be grateful for in my life?
4. What one thing could I do today to make my life extraordinary? When I get the answer, I set that as my intention for the day.
5. What can I do to feel some fun today?
6. How can I help someone today?
7. What does the Universe want me to know today?
Those are the seven questions that feel good to me right now. I usually don’t answer every morning question, every day. I look at my list of questions (after I’ve had that first sip of tea and a nice deep breath) and notice which ones I feel attracted to at that moment. And those are the ones I answer. It’s fun to notice how they switch day to day. And it’s absolutely amazing to see what comes out of me onto the paper each day. There’s always something juicy in there (little or big “ah has”) and I always feel lighter and more optimistic when I finish. And the answers shape my day, and my life.
This is my newest self-care practice and I love it. My intention is to answer the questions as long as I feel guided to – as long as they help me to shine. My best practices prayer is “This or something better”.
On that note, I send my best wishes for a wonderful weekend and for all of us to feel guided to our own unique best life practices, more and more all the time.
Sending you love and all green lights,
Lee
PS: Question number 2 might just be my favourite (today it is anyhow) because the answers often surprise me. I’d done so much life visioning and didn’t expect to get new insights this often. Fun.
Friday, October 23, 2009
I’m Electrically Re-Charged!
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.
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.
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
Friday, September 25, 2009
Awakening Along the Way ...
Hi fabulous friends ...
I really do admire a good awakening (otherwise known as an “Ah Ha” moment). It’s like someone turned the light on in a dark room and we get to see and feel new things, new ideas. And if it’s a big awakening, we might feel immobilized for a while – like we’re in a state of shock. The thought we’re now awake to feels so true and yet so profoundly life altering and new that we might feel like we’re in a daze, a state of awe. Each awakening is perfectly designed to move us along on our own unique life path of learning and growing up. And I don’t know about you, but I sure feel like I’m continually growing up, and growing in to my best life.
For example, I’m re-discovering that one very good way to pump up the action on awakenings (in other words, increase the number and/or magnitude of them) is to take a big leap of faith. Take a risk, seize the opportunity to do something that makes you feel nervous. Stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone for a change.
Naturally this leave from college teaching has presented plenty of stretching for me. Oh yes. Lots of comfort and joy, and yet lots of challenging and life altering awakenings in the few short months of this journey thus far ... one of which means the world to me. I want to share it with you here.
During the past year, my mom has been experiencing some pretty significant health challenges, and they’ve become gradually more pressing ironically since I’ve taken this leave. I’ve chosen to really be there for her – to do research, to go with her to appointments, to spend a little more time than usual with her just to socialize. She and I are very close and my decision to do this just felt natural.
However, about a month ago I noticed that I was starting to resent all the time this was taking. It felt like, once again, I was pushing my business projects and passions to the side. They would get what was left of me after mom and my clients got the best of me. And just when I started to really get into the “why me” question, the Universe popped the answer into my head. It occurred to me, in that one beautiful moment, that the statement was not “why me” but “lucky me”. Lucky me to have this timing so perfectly aligned – to have more free time to be there for her this year. I can’t imagine the stress I would have felt trying to work at the college, maintain my business AND be there for mom! What was starting to feel like an unwanted diversion and weight turned into a jewel of an opportunity in the blink of an eye. Just one key shift in perception and I felt greatly relieved, and oh so grateful. How blessed I am to have these moments to get to know her better than ever – to spend precious time with her, to learn and love. Priceless.
And you know, that awakening would have been enough for me for a long time, but I was to be given one more biggy, just seconds after that one. The Universe said “Hey Lee ... another thing. You’ve really got to commit to your own optimal health like never before if you want to thrive this year like never before. Yes, you have a lot to balance and if you truly want to balance well, serve well, shine well and enjoy the ride, you must sock in extra time to YOU”.
Wow. I thought, really? Yes. The answer is yes Lee, really. This was one of those “I know it in my bones” awakenings. No questions. No fudging. My burning desire to be the best I can be would, once again, catapult me forward to new and valuable levels of self-care, energy and opportunity. As a mentor and friend once said, “This life we have is very dear and not come by easily. We must cherish each day as if it were our last and do what we can to keep our health shored up that we may fulfill our destiny and purpose properly.” (C.S.)
Well said! What we put in to ourselves is all that we can put out. No more, no less. So, I committed in that moment to what I call “The Art of Extreme Self-Care”. I set some healthy boundaries, called in help where I could and boosted the three additional self-care areas I knew I’d let get slack. One, my food. My body knows what it wants and doesn’t want and I am now listening like never before. That’s big – eating, shopping and cooking in new ways. Big. Two, exercise. I doubled what I was doing. Three, FUN. The leisurologist had put fun at the bottom of her list again and was/am in need of serious injections (I’ve always been one of those “you teach what you most need to learn” folks). The good thing is that once I made the decision to seize the fun, it’s been pretty easy to find ideas and partners for the ride.
So that’s it. Yes indeed. What a ride life is, right? What precious opportunities we all get. We get off balance, we wake up, and we get to choose “what’s next?” It’s a dynamic thing and that sure makes it interesting, doesn’t it?
What I thought was solely a grand opportunity to dig into my business projects and passions has turned into that and so much more. Even more important are the extra moments with mom and shoring up my health. After all, what is anything I create in my business other than a reflection of what I have to offer in that moment? It’s all connected and it’s all good. Do you know what I mean?
Life is good, all is well.
Love and light,
Lee
PS: This doesn’t mean that the thought “I don’t have enough time for my business projects” doesn’t pop up here and there. It does. But I’ve learned to breath, remind myself of the truth, notice my return to health, and smile.
I really do admire a good awakening (otherwise known as an “Ah Ha” moment). It’s like someone turned the light on in a dark room and we get to see and feel new things, new ideas. And if it’s a big awakening, we might feel immobilized for a while – like we’re in a state of shock. The thought we’re now awake to feels so true and yet so profoundly life altering and new that we might feel like we’re in a daze, a state of awe. Each awakening is perfectly designed to move us along on our own unique life path of learning and growing up. And I don’t know about you, but I sure feel like I’m continually growing up, and growing in to my best life.
For example, I’m re-discovering that one very good way to pump up the action on awakenings (in other words, increase the number and/or magnitude of them) is to take a big leap of faith. Take a risk, seize the opportunity to do something that makes you feel nervous. Stretch yourself. Get out of your comfort zone for a change.
Naturally this leave from college teaching has presented plenty of stretching for me. Oh yes. Lots of comfort and joy, and yet lots of challenging and life altering awakenings in the few short months of this journey thus far ... one of which means the world to me. I want to share it with you here.
During the past year, my mom has been experiencing some pretty significant health challenges, and they’ve become gradually more pressing ironically since I’ve taken this leave. I’ve chosen to really be there for her – to do research, to go with her to appointments, to spend a little more time than usual with her just to socialize. She and I are very close and my decision to do this just felt natural.
However, about a month ago I noticed that I was starting to resent all the time this was taking. It felt like, once again, I was pushing my business projects and passions to the side. They would get what was left of me after mom and my clients got the best of me. And just when I started to really get into the “why me” question, the Universe popped the answer into my head. It occurred to me, in that one beautiful moment, that the statement was not “why me” but “lucky me”. Lucky me to have this timing so perfectly aligned – to have more free time to be there for her this year. I can’t imagine the stress I would have felt trying to work at the college, maintain my business AND be there for mom! What was starting to feel like an unwanted diversion and weight turned into a jewel of an opportunity in the blink of an eye. Just one key shift in perception and I felt greatly relieved, and oh so grateful. How blessed I am to have these moments to get to know her better than ever – to spend precious time with her, to learn and love. Priceless.
And you know, that awakening would have been enough for me for a long time, but I was to be given one more biggy, just seconds after that one. The Universe said “Hey Lee ... another thing. You’ve really got to commit to your own optimal health like never before if you want to thrive this year like never before. Yes, you have a lot to balance and if you truly want to balance well, serve well, shine well and enjoy the ride, you must sock in extra time to YOU”.
Wow. I thought, really? Yes. The answer is yes Lee, really. This was one of those “I know it in my bones” awakenings. No questions. No fudging. My burning desire to be the best I can be would, once again, catapult me forward to new and valuable levels of self-care, energy and opportunity. As a mentor and friend once said, “This life we have is very dear and not come by easily. We must cherish each day as if it were our last and do what we can to keep our health shored up that we may fulfill our destiny and purpose properly.” (C.S.)
Well said! What we put in to ourselves is all that we can put out. No more, no less. So, I committed in that moment to what I call “The Art of Extreme Self-Care”. I set some healthy boundaries, called in help where I could and boosted the three additional self-care areas I knew I’d let get slack. One, my food. My body knows what it wants and doesn’t want and I am now listening like never before. That’s big – eating, shopping and cooking in new ways. Big. Two, exercise. I doubled what I was doing. Three, FUN. The leisurologist had put fun at the bottom of her list again and was/am in need of serious injections (I’ve always been one of those “you teach what you most need to learn” folks). The good thing is that once I made the decision to seize the fun, it’s been pretty easy to find ideas and partners for the ride.
So that’s it. Yes indeed. What a ride life is, right? What precious opportunities we all get. We get off balance, we wake up, and we get to choose “what’s next?” It’s a dynamic thing and that sure makes it interesting, doesn’t it?
What I thought was solely a grand opportunity to dig into my business projects and passions has turned into that and so much more. Even more important are the extra moments with mom and shoring up my health. After all, what is anything I create in my business other than a reflection of what I have to offer in that moment? It’s all connected and it’s all good. Do you know what I mean?
Life is good, all is well.
Love and light,
Lee
PS: This doesn’t mean that the thought “I don’t have enough time for my business projects” doesn’t pop up here and there. It does. But I’ve learned to breath, remind myself of the truth, notice my return to health, and smile.
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