“Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative.”

Posted on by

“Halloween is an opportunity to be really creative.”

—Judy Gold, American stand-up comedian, actress, author, and producer

Image from Unsplash by Clint Patterson

Over the past few weeks, we watched several movies on the big screen at our local theater.

We usually enjoy the previews but in this case, the 20 — 30 minutes of previews included mostly scary, fear-inducing films, which are definitely not my cup of tea.

My upbringing and experiences with Halloween were very different. It was a time of self-expression in which we made instead of bought our costumes.

These creative efforts with our parents, siblings, and friends — along with all the candy — made this holiday extra sweet.

EXERCISE:

How can you enhance and expand your creativity on Halloween and through the coming holiday season?

How could more creating and less consuming contribute to an even more satisfying life?

We honor life by being present for it

Posted on by

We honor life by being present for it. Kiss the joy as it flies.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Jo Heubeck & Demi Pfenninger

We all know that time flies when you’re having fun. What would be the value of slowing things down to kiss and hug these moments longer and more fully?

To only kiss the joy as it flies is not possible without also honoring the sad and difficult times. If we always wish to sidestep the bad times, we unfortunately miss the good ones.

EXERCISE:

Consider exploring Susan Cain’s book, Bittersweet to expand your capacity to honor and be more fully present to your life.

Friday Review: Beauty

Posted on by

Friday Review: Beauty

How do you define beauty? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”

 

 

 

 

“Discover your beauty cracks and all. These are your gifts of imperfection.”

 

 

 

 

“You cannot have a beautiful life if you always focus on ugliness in others.”

 

 

 

As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life

Posted on by

“As a frightened man in a burning boat has only one way to the rest of his life, we must move with courage through the wall of flame into the greater sea.”

Mark Nepo, poet and spiritual adviser

Image from Unsplash by dan carlson

Where and when in your life did you last demonstrate significant courage? What are some examples of facing your fears and jumping into an unsettled sea?

Today’s quote does not suggest we risk life and limb as proof of courage, but does  suggest that we should welcome the heat, and test the waters of our days more often.

What are some current situations in which you are experiencing the flames of fears?

When in the past did you step through such flames, standing taller on the other side?

EXERCISE:

To what degree is your current level of courage putting you on a course to fulfill the vision you have for your life?

When can and will you step up and over the edge of your fears to realize far more of your potential?

 

“If you want to make the wrong decision, ask everyone.”

Posted on by

“If you want to make the wrong decision, ask everyone.”

—Naval Ravikant, Indian-American entrepreneur and investor

Image from Unsplash by Caleb Jones

How do you make decisions?

How often do you seek council and advice or go it alone?

The answer for most of us is It Depends.

If you happen to have considerable knowledge and experience in an area, checking things out with a few wise ones in your world may help optimize the outcome.

If you are a complete newbie or novice, it is most likely a good idea to find mentors, coaches, and trusted advisors to help guide you.

At some point, however, we need to stop collecting data points and check in with ourselves to determine the path that is right for us.

Setting and re-setting our sights based on the views of others can leave us paralyzed with indecision which gets us nowhere.

When we delegate or abdicate our power to decide, things can easily go south.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have you leaned on others too often when making an important decision?

Where do you draw the line in trusting others instead of yourself at certain forks in the road?

The earth is full of thresholds where beauty awaits the wonder of our gaze

Posted on by

“The earth is full of thresholds where beauty awaits the wonder of our gaze.”

—John O’Donohue, 20th Century Irish poet and Hegelian philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Rob Mulally

During a recent morning walk a friend used the phrase It’s a beautiful Day.

Instead of agreeing with him and moving on with our conversation, I let this statement linger and penetrate my thinking and my senses.

Planet Earth is a gem in our solar system.

Compared to any other rocky world, it is paradise where life abounds.

How often do we truly appreciate its wondrous beauty?

How many times each day do you stop at the thresholds in your world to gaze and be amazed at what you see?

EXERCISE:

Here are some of my favorite nature documentaries:

Planet Earth miniseries (2006), Planet Earth II miniseries (2016), Blue Planet II, Chasing Ice (2012), and David Attenborough’s A Life on our Planet (2020). What are some of yours?

What are some beautiful places close to home that await the wonder of your gaze?

Bring patience to your path. See each step as progress and move forward at your own pace.

Posted on by

Bring patience to your path. See each step as progress and move forward at your own pace.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Tamara Manzi

Many people operate at a fast pace in almost everything they do these days.

How fast do you talk, walk, eat, and drive?

What are some of the benefits of moving in the fast lane?

What are the negative consequences of always being in a hurry?

For many of us, our pace is ingrained and set on auto pilot with only modest awareness.

How might a slower and more patient pace of living offer hidden benefits?

Where would a steady as she goes approach help you arrive more safely and sanely to your desired destinations?

EXERCISE:

Where in your life would a slow is smooth and smooth is fast approach make the biggest difference?

Where can and will you bring greater patience to your path beginning today?

Friday Review: AGE

Posted on by

Friday Review: Age

What are your attitudes and beliefs about age? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“I don’t know how to act my age. I’ve never been this age before.”

 

 

 

“The chief prevention against getting old is to remain astonished.”

 

 

 

Aging mindfully and gracefully involves embracing the law of impermanence. Each thought, emotion, and sensation can be a portal to all kinds of new discoveries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The path of least resistance is a terrible teacher.”

Posted on by

“The path of least resistance is a terrible teacher.”

—Ryan Holiday, American author and host of the podcast The Daily Stoic

Image from Unsplash by Taylor Flow

Look back on your life and consider your most impactful teachers.

Which of them left a lasting impression where — even today — you still refer to their lessons?

How often do you recall wanting to be challenged and stretched versus going for that easy “A”?

In today’s convenience-centric world, the goal most often seems to focus on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.

What has this approach taught us and how has it weakened our spirits and resolve?

EXERCISE:

Consider reading Robert Fritz’s book, The Path of Least Resistance to see what it has to offer.

Feel free to let me know your top take-aways as you wrestle with this concept.

“So much of the development of mental strength flows from our ability to normalize adversity.”

Posted on by

“So much of the development of mental strength flows from our ability to normalize adversity.”

—Rohan Rajiv, Author of A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Aziz Acharki

Over the years writing this blog I’ve reference a book titled The Power of Full Engagement numerous times.

A key premise of its content is to expand one’s ability to increase their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual energies.

Consider replacing the word energy with strength.

Where are you experiencing adversity in your life?

How are you being challenged and tested in your personal and professional pursuits?

Where are you feeling resistance and a sense of being stretched beyond what’s comfortable?

How do these situations actually increasing your overall strength, capacities, and resilience?

EXERCISE:

Read or re-read The Power of Full Engagement. Consider how normalizing adversity has actually supported your growth and development.

Feel free to reply to this post with some examples from your own life.