Archive for April, 2009

Several month’s ago I read Neal Donald Walsch’s new book, “Happier Than God” which I loved!

He says, “The Law of Opposites works in perfect harmony with the Energy of Attraction. This principle states that no sooner will you call something into your reality than it’s exact opposite will also appear – and always first.

Opposites provide a context to experience what is desired by first experiencing what is undesired as a sign that you are on the right path toward your chosen objective.

The contrast provides a way to experience something for what it is. Without darkness, we would not recognize light. Without war we would not desire and choose peace.

Many people mistakenly see the appearance of the opposite of their desire as a block or obstacle that must be overcome and eliminated. They view the experience as a negative; a problem that is keeping them from having what they desire rather than path to success.

Since January I’ve let go of a number of projects, graduated some old clients, decluttered my home and my life to be more focused on the things I feel inspired to pursue. Through the process of “releasing and letting go” the first thing that has shown up is an “emptiness and quiet.” My emails have dropped off, my phone isn’t ringing off the hook, and things feel slower right now.

Instead of slipping into “victim consciousness” and worry, I’ve decided to enjoy the time to let my imagination and inspiration play with my book ideas and see what emerges!

How to appreciate the Law of Opposites?

Here are seven tips:

1. Bless the experience and say thank you.
2. Be willing to uncover any subconscious beliefs and programs potentially contributing to what you are experiencing.
   
3. Listen to your inner wisdom and guidance for the clarity and perspective. The Gift of Wisdom helps to discern the difference between being up against a wall or at the entrance to a doorway.
4. Allow your curiosity and wonder to guide you to a more joyful experience. Unleash your imagination to dream of possibilities and opportunities on the horizon.
5. Put your attention on all the gifts and blessings in your life. Gratitude is a powerfull attitude shifter to move from a state of constriction to expansion.
6. Remind yourself that the Law of Opposites exists to light the way to your desires.
7. Use your spiritual practices to stay connected to your heart and The Divine.

How do you see the Law of Opposites working in your life?

I’ll bet you’ve been in the role of a Creator many times and didn’t even know it. As Creators, we create our reality by what we believe and assume. See if you recognize yourself in the five following themes.

Creators focus on what they want. I know I’m being a Creator when I am exploring what I want to contribute to my work, family and friends, community, and even the world. Creators direct their thoughts and actions toward what they want for their lives and what emerges is passion for their heart’s desire.

Creators question beliefs and assumptions. I recently learned about a tool called the “Ladder of Inference,” created by Chris Argyris, organizational psychologist and Harvard Business School professor. We draw conclusions and subscribe meaning about things, people, and situations all day long. Creators create space for reflection, observation, and inquiry. They invite alternative perspectives to create new, broader knowledge and understanding – a bigger version of the truth.

Creators take responsibility. When I see someone take responsibility for their actions and behaviors, I know I’m in the presence of a Creator. Creators don’t look for someone to blame for their situation; they see their role in the situation and learn from it.  Creators don’t abdicate their power to others; they set boundaries and clearly communicate those boundaries with respect and honor for everyone.

Creators choose their responses to everything that happens. Today’s society seems frantic – everything has to move fast. Fast isn’t always bad. There’s nothing I love more than prompt customer service! But in the case of a Creator, fast is not always the best choice. Taking a pause and thinking through your response is an excellent way to stay in the role of a Creator. Creators give themselves permission to take a pause and respond rather than react.

Creators have courage in the face of fear. A Creator has hope for a better outcome. Creators are parents who aren’t willing to accept a fatal diagnosis for their child and won’t rest until they find a cure. Creators are athletes, knowing their limitations, and using their strengths to their advantage. Creators are teachers who inspire their students to generate more knowledge than they ever could on their own. Creators are trustworthy CEOs who take a stand for integrity, even if it’s not a competitive advantage.

How can you create more opportunities for your Creator role to shine?

April 2009: Creating Everything

Meritocracy and 100% Responsibility. Thanks to Michele Martin’s blog, the Bamboo Project, and her post on Matt Miller’s new book, The Tyranny of Dead Ideas, I’ve been thinking a lot about these two ideas.

Meritocracy: success based on talent, ability or merit. Jeff Jarvis (What Would Google Do) describes how the internet allows ‘good ideas’ to bubble to the top, and how companies should be meritocracies where customers benefit from your best ideas.

100% Responsibility: claiming the power we have over our own thoughts, attitudes, beliefs and assumptions to influence our experiences (me).

Michele Martin: “much of what passes for merit is really privilege–the privilege of a life that allows you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to earn a good living.”

How do we discuss 100% Responsibility, a core concept in personal empowerment, and merit or being your best, while also addressing compelling issues of privilege and class?

I address these questions where I can – in my own life and work…

I’ve been using the phrase ‘white dude’ to describe the western European male influenced patriarchy that has created so many of the ideas and structures that have both liberated and oppressed. Ironic given that I’m married to and gave birth to two ‘white dudes’. I love white dudes!

And how can we take the best of the white dude culture, leave the rest, and weave in the best of what the rest of us have to offer?

Some examples:

• Jan (my husband) and I are exploring how he can be freed from the onerous white dude responsibility of holding down the 9-5 job, and being ‘the rock’ for everyone else.

By creating success in my business, I open opportunities for my husband to be his best.

• We met with a white dude to explore collaborating on career development projects. He had some cool tools, we had new approaches, but this guy ultimately wasn’t open to our kind-of new.

By choosing to work with white dudes who want to be stretched, we’re shifting the dominant culture to include the merits of all.

• We are passionate about coaching being accessible to people of all income levels.

By working to create affordable online learning and coaching, we’re breaking down the boundaries of privilege.

Taking 100% responsibility for creating everything happens on a continuum. We start where we can, we create what we can, we encourage others to be responsible, and we do everything to level the playing field so that everyone can be at their best. Before we know it, we’ll be consciously creating everything.

What do you think? To what extent is conscious creation really possible?

April 2009: Creating Everything

As I work with the theme for the April newsletter, I keep focusing on the creating part of that theme. Given that I’m living in the woods, surrounded by nature, I can’t help but think of CREATION. The amazing universe (created by God) that we live in.

So, in reflecting on CREATION, I offer 4 perspectives on Creation as Inspiration.

REASON #1: CREATION cures loneliness

Some of my loneliest times are when I’m with people, especially when a misunderstanding or miscommunication happens. The effort to connect with our fellow human beings is greatly rewarding, often frustrating and potentially isolating. So whether you are lonely with people around you or not, Creation can remind you are not alone. Living, breathing Creation is right there, outside your door to be your companion. Try stepping outside next time you feel lonely.

REASON #2: Creativity comes from CREATION

Just today I saw: a brilliant red cardinal, a wild male turkey pluming its feathers to lure a female, several intricate veins captured in one small leaf, snow blanketing a pine branch, the meandering flow of water in a stream, a startling loud cracking noise of ice breaking up in a flooded pond, and a red and a gray squirrel duking it out for the scattered bird seed.

Each one of these observations offers an opportunity to riff on it for a life meaning, or inspires a work of art or a poem, or a sermon topic. The artistic possibilities are endless. The metaphors are endless. All found in observing Creation.

REASON #3: CREATION reminds you, you are not in control

Spend one winter in Minnesota with a career that includes a lot of flying and you learn this quickly. The weather will do what it wants no matter how much planning one engages in. Or consider the folks of Eastern North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota who are holding their breath as the Red River crests far above flood level. The forces of nature conspired and then eased, offering a concrete reminder of how little humans are in control.

REASON #4: CREATION grounds you

Pun aside – walking on real ground, feeling the solid earth holding you up creates a sense of well being and provides clarity. Last week I spent a few days in a giant high rise hotel with large windowless convention rooms in the middle of an urban center. I missed the earth beneath my feet. Working out on a treadmill on the 40th floor gave me exercise but it did not ground me.

How does Creation inspire you? What do you think of as Creation?