Support for life’s “key” moments.
Listening to my Calm app this morning reminded me of a story I wrote a long time ago, called "Being the Mountain". The mountain image resonates with me because of its just there-ness. No matter what befalls the mountain, it is there. It stands tall yet rooted, weathering all storms....
As I ponder the upcoming month, July 4--Independence Day--comes to mind. While I've written hundreds of posts over the years, my July posts suggest a similar theme--the freedoms we take for granted and how to remember these gifts every day.
Today I'm thinking about how we sometimes exercise our freedoms in ways that limit or harm, and what to do about that. In the spirit of free will and the constitutional freedoms we enjoy in the U.S., am I too impulsive? Am I jeopardizing the very freedoms I cherish and that hold our communities together?
Are these fair questions?....
When I started writing this post I wasn't exactly sure what was going into it. I knew the title--"Everyday Miracles"--and the gist, that there are everyday blessings that we take for granted and even stop seeing, especially in this time of fear about pandemics, violence, and polarization. And these miracles are what make my Life--make it worth living. How can I not be present to them?
These thoughts came to me during a morning meditation when I opened my eyes for a moment and noticed my surroundings. It was still dark, but I could see most of the first floor of my house. There was the dining room table, the hutch, the artwork, and my living room with its furniture and books and videos and CDs barely showing in the moonlight that filtered through the windows.
So I went for it and started thinking of all the things I could be grateful for but forget about because they are just there every day.
One of the most interesting things about my work is that I teach skills everyone already knows. If you've been in a workshop with me, you know this to be true and you've even heard me say it.
We know we want to be centered and in control of our emotions in difficult moments. We know that putting ourselves in a mindset of inquiry is also really useful. And when I ask, "What would you like to say to this person so that they understand your positive intention?" coaching clients are usually clear, composed, and thoughtful in their message. We also know that putting ourselves in the customer/client/coworker/family member's place and seeing their perspective can absolutely turn a difficult situation around.
And yet....
This being human is a guest-house
Every morning a new arrival.
This is the beginning of one of my favorite Rumi poems. I appreciate its wisdom on how to greet each emotion with gratitude and wonder.
By Thomas Crum "Excuse me, but do you have a blue Chevy Malibu with Arizona plates?" I slowly turned on my barstool, keeping one eye on the mesmerizing NBA playoff game coming down to the wire. "What did you say?" The waitress kindly repeated the question. I looked down at my rental car keys on the bar next to my dinner plate. Even though I had rented the car in LA, I remembered it had Arizona plates. "Actually, I do. What's up?"
After years of planning, we left our home in Minnesota for a six-week journey to explore the American West with our three teenagers, a standard poodle, and a 19’ travel trailer.
Some friends were envious. Far more thought we were crazy.
Aikidoists know the importance of posture.
When we’re involved in a conflict, the quality of our presence is primary.
You’ll forget to center; I guarantee this. When you remember you forgot, center then – at that moment.
The Power & Presence site is designed to help the reader discover answers, skills, and methods to resolve conflict, build relationships, and become a more powerful and present human being. Judy Ringer is the author.
Aikido is the metaphor we use to help you be more intentional with your ki, communicate purposefully, and create your life and work from center.
Ki (pronounced “key”) is Japanese for universal energy; it’s the central syllable in Aikido, which is often translated as “the way of blending with energy”.
This is an educational website with many free resources.
Enjoy!