Mind "Full"?

Fulfilling the incessant, unrealistic and demanding expectations of a noisy mind is an exercise in futility and yet it is a common occupation for many of us. 

Michael Singer, in his book “The Untethered Soul” recommends that we shift our attention from reinforcing the model we've created about how the world should be to cleaning up our inner state. Instead of resisting, perseverating, believing, justifying or re-suppressing what rises to the surface of our consciousness, we can choose what to keep and what to let go of in each moment by:

1. Honoring and respecting reality through conscious self-talk. When we find ourselves complaining about a driver, for example, we can simple name what is going on and consider the bigger picture. “I like to drive 5 miles over the speed limit and you prefer 10 miles under, who am I to impose my will on you? How can we all get to work safely and peacefully?"
2. Training our mind with a mantra. Whenever we notice our consciousness dropping into a lowered state of fear, anger, anxiety, guilt or lack of self-worth where we seek to control, protect or comply, we can reset our consciousness to a higher state. Rely on an internal statement such as, "I can handle this. There is a peaceful solution here. I can be of service. or We are here to learn and grow."
3. Relaxing into our experience. As an unkind, critical, defensive or blame-based thought arises in your mind, let go of any resistance to it. Allow the person, place or situation to be what it is. Release the tension and a painful thought has nothing to hold it in place and can't be stored for later use. 

 “There is nothing more important to true growth than realizing you are not the voice of the mind, you are the one who hears it.”- Michael Singer

For more:

Tony Robbins & Michael Singer Video 7-minute  

Michael Singer E-Course

The Path of Realization

David Whyte, who brings poetry to corporations explores his experience of the "conversational nature of reality" in a recent Ted Talk.  

He lyrically asserts that what we desire of the world and what it desires of us will not happen as we would like because we tend to follow "three abiding manufactured illusions." 

If we believe that "we can somehow construct a life in which we are not vulnerable, will not have our hearts broken and can plan enough and arrange things to see our path from end to end" we are bound to miss the magic and the point. 

Yet as we are willing to meet ourselves and people, places and things  authentically, walk in presence fully grounded in our Being and in choice and release that which no longer serves, each step is revealed and we realize that we already are that which we seek.

Check out David's recent Ted Talk for more.

Unspoken Rules?

Teams tend to implicitly follow the rules of a dominant operating system but rarely discuss what that structure is and if it is serves their goal achievement. David Kantor's research illuminates the structural dynamics in human systems. One element he asks us to consider is the unspoken rules (or ways of operating) that influence team performance. They are:

Closed: Prescriptive. Stability through control. Clearly defined roles. Strong, formal leadership. Emphasis on planning & execution. Top-driven decision making. Policy-oriented. Leader centric. Think Military.
Open: Freedom within Structure. Egalitarian participation. Everyone making a contribution. Shared leadership. Emphasis on collaboration. Process-oriented. Self-Directed. Think Montessori. 
Random: Generative. Exploration through improvisation. Lack of formal structure/process. Autonomy & individuality. Spontaneous bursts of energy. Emphasis on innovation. Transformation-oriented. Think Chaos Theory.

Which operating system do you prefer? What is the dominate system on your team? In your organization? Does each align or clash? How do these archetypes help or hinder results delivery?

Try not to judge or make one structure better than the other, as each has a time and place. Seek first to understand then consciously choose what system is optimal!

Source: Kantor Institute, Natarsha Hearn

Is Sitting Lethal?

Excessive sitting of 9 hours a day (which is more than most of us sleep) can be a lethal activity according to a Mayo Clinic Study. After 1 hour of unconscious sitting our metabolism slows down, the enzymes that burn fat decline, good cholesterol lowers, blood pressure elevates, the pancreas overproduces, backs tighten, joints shorten and the brain gets foggy.

If "sitting is the new smoking" what can we do, especially with the constant drive for output, innovation and agility in business today? Move and sit with greater awareness!

Experiment for yourself and notice the result:

• Walk stairs instead of taking elevators
• Stand up throughout a meeting (and don't harshly judge those that do)
• Walk around the block or campus for your 1:1's
• Run sprints or jump rope before an innovation or problem-solving session
• Breath more deeply and fully
• Stop and stretch every 90 minutes
• Sit up straight and ergonomically correct
• Meditate

Read Washington Post and HBR article for more. Thanks to Megan for the resource!

Be Kind in Thought

Water crystals change from beautiful to distorted based on what is communicated with thoughts and words according to the work of Masaru Emoto. So what does our limiting self talk do to us and what could shift with a little appreciation?

"Be kind to yourself, and your mind will become kind as well. That's how it works." Adyashanti

Past, Present and Probable Future?

Found these 3 inquiries in Rob Brezsny's astrology quips and thought you'd have fun with them. Consider your life, your leadership or a relationship and ask:

1. What fossilized fixations, ancient insults, impossible dreams and parasitic ghosts am I ready to let go of?
2. What can I do to ensure that relaxed, amused acceptance will rule my encounters with the old ways forever after?
3. What will I do with all the energy I free up by releasing the dead weight I had been clinging to?

Cultivating Gratitude

If you want to cultivate appreciation as a leadership practice reflect on this 10-minute Ted Talk called Gratitude by time-lapse photographer Louie Schwartzberg.

Thanks Kath for the resource!

Creative Self Check List

We spend a lot of time learning how to recognize and manage our reactive self (which is important and valuable), but what if we used as much energy getting to know and express our creative self?

If there is a part of us that knows everything and has access to what we need in every moment, how do we know it when we see it? Here is a check list to get you started from healer Candace Lienhart:

• Sense of humor
• Calm, centered, mindful, present (not emotionally charged)
• Open to a variety of solutions (vs being attached to one answer)
• Willing to look at what is going on (vs. focusing on what is wrong)
• Has information and reference materials
• Can call a friend for help
• Does no harm or damage
• Never “outclassed”
• Authentic- Not afraid to expose self
• Nothing to lose
• Knows the answer sits next to problem (if it is yours)
• Want to better his/her own best (vs. compete against others)
• No punishment or weapons
• Has information from the past but doesn’t live there
• Tells the truth
• Alive in each moment (Doesn’t know in advance- can’t plan)
• Has no place to fall
• Full protection- Safe place because connected to highest truth
• Neutral (vs. fear, anxiety, lack of self-worth, guilt, anger)
• Strives for the highest and best of all
• Knows there is room for everyone to be fabulous
• Suspends judgment and quick assessments

The best way to begin is to invite your highest self to the party by asking.