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.

What's your Center?

The Rise of the Guardians is an animated delight filled with inspiration. St. Nick, the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Jack Frost and the Tooth Fairy make a strong team because each has a role to play and contribution to make in service of the common good.

Part of leadership is knowing who you are and how you best add value. For example, at his core St. Nick is full of wonder. This wonder is central to his work.

Check out this 2 minute scene which invites you to ponder who you are: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7ms4O6Ytc8

What were you born with? What is special inside of you? What do you put into the world? What is your center?

Balance or Congruence?

Work-life balance seems to be a constant challenge for those doing more with less. While the intent of this competency is for us to be healthy, happy and fulfilled the verbiage can actually create stress.

Career is one aspect of life. It not the opposite of home/family. Balance is not static. It requires subtle movement. Who you are is ever present regardless of the role you are playing.

What if work-life balance isn't about the hours you spend in one place or another, but about congruence. The more aligned and awake you are in all areas of life the less energy you'll spend trying to balance something that inherently can't be. Here are a few questions to get you started:

• Do your personal values and the organizations align? 
• Are you different at home and at work? How so? What do you gain? lose?
• Does your inhale equal your exhale?
• Do your four intelligences (physical, emotional, intellectual, intuitive) work together?
• How do you show up in different roles (mother, boss, soccer player, team member, sister, customer, board member, volunteer, etc.)?
• Where are your authentic and egoic selves at odds?
• What supports your capacity to do and be?
• How much unnecessary tension do you hold in your body? (Try standing straight using only 10% muscle)
• Do your thoughts, words and actions match?