How do we find peace of mind in a world that seems to be spinning out of control? The answer lies in quieting the busy mind. Yet when we try to sit still for a few moments our mind seems to be overflowing with thoughts and emotions and we wonder if peace of mind is even possible. Sometimes I wonder if we even allow ourselves to be at peace.
One morning as I was sitting quietly for a few minutes before a busy day, this thought crossed my mind:
"I accept all good things for Michael."
I visualized going through the day without wondering or worrying about what would happen in each situation; instead, I envisioned all good things coming to Michael.
What I felt was a peaceful state that lasted throughout the day. Even when things weren’t going as planned, my perspective shifted as I saw the bigger picture.
A few days later, I mentioned to a friend how this simple exercise greatly improved my peace of mind. She replied, "Michael, what you’ve found is present moment consciousness and allowed yourself to succeed."
The next time you want a little peace of mind, take a few moments to breathe fully and accept all good things for yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel and how many good things do come into your life.
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Shell
One day while walking along the beach, I found an abalone shell in the sand. When I picked up the shell, I immediately felt the rough texture of the outer shell that protects the abalone from its environment and predators. As I turned the shell over, the beautiful iridescent colors and the smoothness of the inner shell was the opposite of its rough exterior.
The abalone shell reminded me of the people we see everyday. Each of us has a rough exterior that faces the outer world and an inner radiance that reflects our true brilliance and potential.
The abalone shell reminded me of the people we see everyday. Each of us has a rough exterior that faces the outer world and an inner radiance that reflects our true brilliance and potential.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Clearing the Air
After arriving early for a business meeting to give a presentation, I was met with quite a surprise. As I walked into the meeting room, I suddenly felt the residual turmoil from events of the previous meeting. The phrase, "The air was so thick you could cut it with a knife" crossed my mind.
With less than an hour before my presentation, I mentally and energetically "cleared the air" to insure a positive experience for everyone at the meeting. When the business meeting was finished, several people told me, "This was by far the most productive meeting we’ve ever had in this room."
At times, all of us have felt the emotional tension within a room or the peaceful reverence of a sacred place. Every environment is imprinted by the thoughts, emotions, and spiritual qualities of the people who inhabit the space. When we take the time to create a positive environment, we discover a greater level of success and happiness for ourselves and others.
With less than an hour before my presentation, I mentally and energetically "cleared the air" to insure a positive experience for everyone at the meeting. When the business meeting was finished, several people told me, "This was by far the most productive meeting we’ve ever had in this room."
At times, all of us have felt the emotional tension within a room or the peaceful reverence of a sacred place. Every environment is imprinted by the thoughts, emotions, and spiritual qualities of the people who inhabit the space. When we take the time to create a positive environment, we discover a greater level of success and happiness for ourselves and others.
Peek at the Future
Recently I compared my 2008 calendar of speaking engagements and coaching with my 2009 schedule and noticed an interesting coincidence. The dates I worked with clients in 2008 were the same or close to the same dates in 2009. This pattern was consistent throughout the year. Isn’t interesting how our daily activity creates our future.
Our thoughts and behavior directly affects our current circumstances and our success depends on how we feel each day. If we want a peek at the future, we can pay close attention to what we are doing today as we connect to others and the world around us. The level of conscious awareness we express at each moment influences what we create for the future.
Our thoughts and behavior directly affects our current circumstances and our success depends on how we feel each day. If we want a peek at the future, we can pay close attention to what we are doing today as we connect to others and the world around us. The level of conscious awareness we express at each moment influences what we create for the future.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
The Gentle Touch
My good friend, Jeanette Krause, a registered nurse for fifty years, once said to me, "There is great power in saying the right thing at the right time." Jeanette called this the power of the gentle touch.
One day while purchasing some books in a local bookstore, I sensed the sales clerk had an undercurrent of distraction and sadness. During our brief transaction, I focused my energy on appreciation for this person; after all, she was helping me.
The clerk handed me the change with a half-hearted smile and a weak thank you. I simply said, "Thanks for sharing the smile."
Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed as if to say, "Someone noticed me." She immediately straightened her posture and her half-hearted smile was transformed into a pure expression of joy. The clerk’s eyes were now sparkling as she said, "The smile’s free."
As I turned and walked away I overheard the clerk in a cheerful voice say, "May I help you?" to the next person in line. I couldn’t help but silently thank my friend, Jeanette, for teaching me the power of the gentle touch.
One day while purchasing some books in a local bookstore, I sensed the sales clerk had an undercurrent of distraction and sadness. During our brief transaction, I focused my energy on appreciation for this person; after all, she was helping me.
The clerk handed me the change with a half-hearted smile and a weak thank you. I simply said, "Thanks for sharing the smile."
Suddenly, her whole demeanor changed as if to say, "Someone noticed me." She immediately straightened her posture and her half-hearted smile was transformed into a pure expression of joy. The clerk’s eyes were now sparkling as she said, "The smile’s free."
As I turned and walked away I overheard the clerk in a cheerful voice say, "May I help you?" to the next person in line. I couldn’t help but silently thank my friend, Jeanette, for teaching me the power of the gentle touch.
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Power of Acceptance
Time and again we’ve all watched people disagree at meetings. What’s interesting is that when people start to take sides, they almost always look away from one another or cross their arms while they emotionally distance themselves. By doing this, people unconsciously create obstacles and barriers in negotiations.
A good way to keep negotiations productive and avoid resistance is to stay positively connected to each other when negotiating. If we see the other party as the enemy, we create mental and emotional resistance; rather, if we see the other party as a friend, we set the tone of acceptance and expand the possibilities of a win-win negotiation.
Remember, every time we look away, turn away, or move away from another person we are creating distance and disconnecting. Understanding these subtle signals give us a tremendous advantage in negotiations. When we send positive signals, we are eliminating obstacles and creating an environment for smooth negotiations.
A good way to keep negotiations productive and avoid resistance is to stay positively connected to each other when negotiating. If we see the other party as the enemy, we create mental and emotional resistance; rather, if we see the other party as a friend, we set the tone of acceptance and expand the possibilities of a win-win negotiation.
Remember, every time we look away, turn away, or move away from another person we are creating distance and disconnecting. Understanding these subtle signals give us a tremendous advantage in negotiations. When we send positive signals, we are eliminating obstacles and creating an environment for smooth negotiations.
Morning Zen
Every morning, I wake up early for the pleasure of a five or ten minute walk in the garden. As I silently walk down the garden path, I notice the sunlight in the trees, the sound of the morning birds, and the smell of the fragrant flowers. Each day, the ever subtle changes in the garden throughout the seasons teach me the importance of being aware of everything around me. Spending a few minutes in nature gives me a feeling of calmness and serenity that stays with me throughout the day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
