Life on Track

Passion, Purpose, and Profits

If your passion is to make the world a better place, start from within. The more we come from the passion and good in our heart, the greater the impact. When your awareness extends to how your actions are affecting those with whom you work, your community, and the environment,

you are in essence creating value in the largest sense of the word.

 

If you are in business and it is squarely  focused on creating value, you will likely notice that your bottom line is increasing.  When your focus moves to relationships as well as profit, you set into motion a powerful sequence of events. You build community and people stay because they are happy, They are more likely to buy products from you, and you will be happy to serve.

 

"The successful business of the future will be built on relationship, common purpose,

and shared values."  Nina Utne, Utne Magazine Chair and CEO

 

Warmly,

 

Dr. Alice

Roots: Celebrating Gratitude

You have heard the news.  Times are tough.  Often, listening to the news can leave us unsettled, fearful and depressed, doubting our abilities, and wanting a strong person to lead us out of trouble.  Alternatively, we can use it as an opportunity to become empowered, to connect with our friends and families, using the resources that we have. Indeed, many businesses prosper, even in difficult times, while others struggle. How we handle tough times may be a matter of mindset.

Maintaining a positive attitude is critical to overcoming adversity.  In previous posts I have shared
that researchers have discovered a set of twenty-four character strengths that are common to all cultures.  These values also have stood the test of time. Each one of us has our own unique combination of these strengths while at the same time, being connected to others. When we are in our strengths, we are in the flow. Because these character strengths have stood the test of time, we know we are tuning into deep, hardy qualities of ourselves.  You may discover your unique set of strengths by taking the "VIA Signature strengths survey" at the Authentic Happiness Website.  

Often these strengths are rooted in your family. For example, I recently interviewed an abundance
coach, Kimberly Schneider. One of the strengths of her coaching is her ability to look beyond adversity,
not blame herself or others, see it as temporary, and to overcome it. Then she shared a touching story about her father, who had recently died.

He had lived a grateful and happy life right up to the end, overcoming an earlier time where he had suffered severe depression, diabetes, and illness.  His story became an inspiration for all of us who heard it.  His key strength was gratitude, and by honoring this strength Kimberly was been able to stay connected with his spirit.  Gratitude is one of the main strengths of Kimberly as well.  You may hear her story at Celebrating Gratitude

You have these kinds of connections too.  By looking at your strengths, the strengths of your ancestors, and those of the people around you, you can have a much more positive mindset for handling adversity.  It may take a while to discover them. It is difficult to see strengths without feedback. When you see the strengths of others, let them know.  It will help you to discover the strengths within yourself.

Warmly,

Dr. Alice

 

Gratitude, Passion, and Purpose

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past,  brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~ Melody Beattie ~

 

Gratitude comes from the Latin word, "gratia," meaning Grace.  It is an attitude of appreciation and thankfulness for what we have received.  It transcends the judgements of good and bad that separate us, and acknowledges that we are all in this together. It is anchored in spirituality,  and a higher universal energy flow. When we are grateful we show appreciation for the people in our lives and we are willing to take action to show the gratitude we feel. Gratitude reflects a mindset that is aligned with a higher universal energy, which is the source of flow.  When we are grateful, we become vechicles of a this flow, and passion and purpose.  It celebrates our higher connection to each other and to source.

 

One way to cultivate gratitude is to keep a Gratitude Journal.  Take note of the specific people and events for which you are thankful and what they have provided for you.  Then take a moment to tell them.  Let them know what you appreciate about them.   When you do this, you are providing a mirror for their passion.  Often we can not see our own gifts, we need the feedback from others. In doing so, we increase the universal energy flow.  Instead of scarcity, we experience abundance.

Our Higher Intentions: Hope

Each day we hear news about crime, environmental crises, and economic stress. On the other hand, there are tremendous sources for hope.

On Monday, Oprah Winfrey initiated a ten-week online webinar with Eckart Tolle, author of "The New Earth:  Awakening to Your Life's Purpose."  Over 500,000 viewers attended. This  was a first time ever event. I highly recommend the class. You can still sign up at  www.Oprah.com

Eckhart Tolle's message is we can choose to be part of the problem or a part of the solution.  It is a matter of making a shift in how we view the world. This is not a new message. The same information has been presented in the Bible and spiritual teachings for generations.  What is new, is the coming together of energy, people and interest to create an impact for good. Is it possible, for this to catalyze a larger change?  I have found three sources for hope. . . .

Beyond Tragedy: The Stirrings of Consciousness

Here in Saint Louis, as well as in Illinois, we are recovering from the tragedy of shootings of five at a community counsel meeting followed by others, randomly shot at Northern Illinois Univeristy.  Events as these can give a deep sense of helplessness, fear, and frustration.

Is it possible that out of tragedy, a deeper stirring of consciousness and hope can arise? These shootings are grave concerns.  Will the solution be one of shame and blame, or is it possible to achieve an understanding the underlying causes so as to rise above it.  Can we honor those who have died by treating this as a stimulus to create a healthier, saner, society?

Human Development experts, such as Urie Bronfrenbrenner and James Garbarino (1999), predicted this kind violence more than 25 years ago.  They believed it resulted from the fragmentation in our society
that deprives individuals of a sense of connection, a feeling of being heard, and a sense of community and accountability. 

The incidents themselves give rise to a greater community consciousness. When we see the impact
of the damage, a new awareness emerges.  There is a need for identifying these kinds of problems early.  No longer can  the self interest of any one person be pursued at the expense of the greater whole. This is true whether it is in a personal relationship, a family, or in society as a whole.

Often there is the belief that the change needs to come from strong leadership, or a power from
outside ourselves.  Beyond the strong need for immediate protection, a more long-term solution may result from an increased awareness within ourselves to take small constructive actions to promote connection and community, one moment at a time, right where we are. 

We can choose to look at what we have and the strengths that exist within ourselves and within
our communities.  This gives us an opportunity to rethink, release old patterns, and begin to
grow anew.  Later, we are able to look back at the situation, and determine what has been
accomplished and gained.

It is a matter of perspective. What is yours?

Garbarino, J. Lost Boys:  Why Our Sons Turn Violent and How We Can Save Them.  NY: Anchor Books, 1999.

 

The Greater Challenge: Finding Balance

The media often touts the good life as one of pleasure, beauty, money.  From this point of view,

we find happiness in good food, sex, and enjoyment.   These sources of pleasure, however,

are often short lived.  Others suggest the good life may come from pursuing our higher values and

goals.   But when taken to an extreme, these activities may lead to self sacrifice and an excessive

focus on work. The true challenge is in finding balance. If we believe, that ultimate happiness results from  honoring a higher purpose, we may find ourselves so busy that we do not take time to savor the present.  If we pursue only pleasure, our lives lack the gratification that comes from fulfilling higher goals. One of the great challenges in life comes from balancing pleasure with meaningful activity and serving a purpose greater than ourselves. Take a moment, discover balance.

Dreamers and Doers

"A world needs dreamers and a world needs doers.  But above all the world needs dreamers who do." Sarah Ban Breathnach.  Simple Abundance:  A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, 1996

     Our dreams reflect our passion and sense of purpose. They build our spirit, help us to unite, overcome obstacles, and make a difference.  Instead of letting obstacles rule us, the deeper values reflected in our dreams can help us to work together. It is not just our dreams, or just the obstacles before us that determine the ultimate outcome, but recognizing the challenges of both and bringing them under the power of our higher values, forgiveness, connection, and action.

     For example, Gottman, (1999) found that acknowledging hidden dreams helped couples

to remove the gridlock of perpetual conflict. It changed marriages that were on the brink of war to ones that were enriched with meaning.  Making the change, however, required acknowledging both the problems and the dreams, and bringing them under the power of a higher process.

"Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them."

Author unknown.

Dr. Alice

Resource:  Gottman, John M. & Silver, Nan.  The Seven Principles for Making Marriage

Work.  NY:  Three Rivers Press, 1999.

Seeing Problems? Try A Positive Illusion

We all have a higher self, an ideal self, where we hold our self to our

higher intentions. When we feel we are living up to our intentions and

ideals, we feel deeply gratified. What happens when you find yourself

seeing another’s flaws and problems?

Our Higher Values: Dr. Martin Luther King's Challenge

January is a month for setting new intentions and goals. In the US, we have celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King.  His dream of finding freedom in our higher values and character has touched many of our hearts.  How can we continue to honor the challenge he has given us in our day to day lives? . . .

Can You Honor Your Higher Intentions?

At the end of life, will you have what you wanted?
Or, will you have all the reasons why it did not happen.

Imagine driving down the road, seeing the beautiful blue sky above. You are heading
for an important meeting. “Bang,” you run over a pothole and the tire blows out.
Now, will you kick the tire, stub your toe, and complain about the poor roads?
Or, will you take out your tools, change the tire, and get to your destination
five minutes late, hands dirty, but mission accomplished? 

The difference between the two stories is whether you are honoring your higher intentions.

Intentions are like winding roads that take you from the beginning of life to
the end.  You may have intentions such as creating a loving family, engaging in
meaningful work, and being all you can be. Along the road you will experience
obstacles.  Life happens. Events may not go as planned.  You will need to find
alternative routes.

What is important, is not the size of the obstacles, . . .