The Resonant Man

Yes We Can

2010-02-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

I am no sports fan, of any sport. And I don't need to be to get charged up to support Team USA for ice-hockey at the Olymics after watching this 5 year old Warrior of a young man speak. Check it out if you haven't - some 2 million people have.

Giving and Receiving Love

2010-02-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Please take ONE minute to answer this mini-survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A3GQKX58V I will share the results and ask for your perspective on them in a few days.

Being Perfect

2010-02-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

I love what I read in Rev. Kathianne Lewis's newsletter this week. She talks about the word "perfect." She says in Aramaic the word "perfect" has other meanings, some of which were 'complete,' 'fulfilled' or 'mature.' That's Perfect! (sorry I couldn't resist it). At the heart of this lesson is "I am perfect, whole and complete - just as I am right here and now." How much time and energy have I spent comparing, critizing, condemning myself against others - a lot over the years. How much time do you and companies in particularly do the same - all with the intent of competing and "beating" others so they may be the perfect alternative for consumers. In reality, there is only one me. There always has been and always will be. There is only one you. Each of us are perfect just as we are - with all of our character defects right in there in the mix of things. It is that light and shadow that makes us this lovely tapestry that we call the world. And it all weaves together in harmony and balance - at least that was the intent of our creator. Finally, I love what Kathianne says about spiritual maturity. I am not the same person I was as a child. And that's not simply my mind and body that has evolved - it's my connection with source. For all those formative years when the world is constantly bombarding children with how to be, do and have - to "survive" in this world. Instead, wouldn't it be perfect if we realized we co-exist in this tapestry and in celebrating my perfection I celebrate yours and on and on and on. Join me in celebrating your perfect-ness, just as it is right here and right now.

God in the office

2010-02-11T21:14:00.000-08:00

Interesting piece is USA Today - worth a read. They are claiming that acceptance of spirituality in the workplace is on the rise. Here's an except: "According to the workplace spirituality movement, creativity at work is a spiritual process that involves the whole person and not just the intellect or manual skill, and the new class of knowledge workers is devoting more of their time to work because they find deep meaning and a sense of purpose on the job." The bigger question to me is how many employees find that "sense of purpose" on the job - that then they are willing to give more of their time to work? I bet if we did a survey of this issue it would at best be a split - likely a low percent. Further, how many people take the time to know their true purpose, true calling in this life? And is it self-serving or serving a higher power, or at least a broader good? Ultimately - resonance comes from serving the one universal source that we all come from and go back to. How many people resonate at that level of consciousness and through that high frequency then impact positive change in the office-space? Please do comment on your perspectives.

The Saints

2010-02-08T08:36:00.001-08:00

I am so uterly excited about the New Orleans Saints winning the Super Bowl last night. Before I explain why, know that I am not a football person at all. The most football I watch in the past couple of years was the last 30 minutes of the game last night. Here's why I am excited. I believe we all contributed to the consciousness that showed up on that field last night. All of us rooting the people of New Orleans on for a big boost of energy - of resonance! To me last night and the coming weeks/months is not about football at all. It's about a team that has and will ignite the biggest fire in a long time - a fire of the heart. This victory is a celebration of a people who have been to the bottom and now have a chance to be catapolled to the top. It's a celebration of the countless people and organizations that have been (and continue to) rebuild New Orleans. From Habitat for Humanity volunteers to engineers and health care workers. Finally, yes it's sad that it takes such epic natural dissastor to wake us up - and it's a heavy price to pay. Maybe that's what is required - one nation at a time, one community at a time - to get us up on our feet, to put our arms up in the air and scream - YES WE CAN! Yes I Can! Yes You Can! Keep that positive radiance shinning folks - it works if you work it!

The Shift

2010-01-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

There are two movies, both called The Shift. I am referring to the one by Wayne Dyer. I highly recommend you watch this movie. The main part I want to share today is a survey he quotes: Quantum Change is the book I believe that came out of it. A survey was done where men and women were asked what's most important to them. And then many years later it was repeated after they had all had a moment that turned their values upside-down. Here's what came out of that: MEN went from: 1. Wealth --> Spirituality 2. Adventure --> Personal Peace 3. Achievement --> Family 4. Pleasure --> God's will 5. Respected --> Honesty WOMEN went from: 1. Family --> Personal growth 2. Independent --> Self-esteem 3. Career --> Spirituality 4. Fitting in --> Happiness 5. Attractiveness --> Forgiveness Granted he doesn't speak to how many people went through this and I ask you to entertain - think of the most life-defining moment in your life, we've all had them. What impact did that have on what's most important to you?

Have a Little Faith

2010-01-20T09:26:00.000-08:00

Michael Franti is my new music hero. I love pretty much all of his album that I bought on an impulse thanks to Shazam app on my iPhone (it picks up a song from for instance the radio and let's you buy it instantly at iTunes). The words that really hit me hard are: "and when the rain falls down You know the flower's gonna bloom and when the hard times come You know the teacher's in the room and when the sun comes up You know that I'll be there for you" Yes, the teacher is always "in the room" - in me. Each time I am provoked by anything - I have the opportunity to choose to learn from it. And when I know that the teacher is a higher power, that is part of me (and I am a part of that one power) then life is what it's meant to be - a series of lessons that evolve my soul's journey. I invite you to go listen to Michael's song if you haven't already - here it is on YouTube.

The Resonant Man

2010-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

Friends, if there's one video that I found distills almost all of the lessons I've learnt in years of growth - this video summary of what Will Smith believes in is 100% on point. He distills the concept of "conceive, believe, achieve" as best as anyone I know. PLEASE invest 10 minutes to watch this and if you choose, comment about it! May you have all the success you desire, starting by giving 100% of yourself.

The Power of Laughter

2010-01-14T07:32:00.001-08:00

Actually, it's the Power of Joy but I choose that title as laughter is probably the strongest action one can take to instantly step into joy. Please watch this video that a friend shared with his circle. I ask that you stick with the full 6 minutes. I also invite you to post your comments about what happened for you when you watched the video and if anything else came up. Thank you for making the world a more joyous place today, by being you!

A new decade

2010-01-03T20:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't been up on the usual media summary of the past year so I might have missed this - a summary of the past decade. What a tremendous amount of change. I won't list it all and as I look back at my past 10 years I have nothing but gratitude and awe! Gratitude for the growth I have experienced and awe at the life I have. I am excited and in great urgency to start to intend the next 10 years I am starting to co-create with all of you by my side. I know that this is the decade when consciousness will become the technology of choice, when more people will become free, when more people will live for their true purpose and in doing so serve humanity, and I know that this is the decade when more people will focus on being inside-out, rather than outward focused. May this be your best year yet and may this be the decide for all of us to shine 100%!

Pat Tillman Foundation

2009-12-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

I just learnt of this Foundation via www.thegentlemensfund.com. Here's what I know so far - Pat Tillman was a NFL player who stepped up into the reserves after 9/11/2001. The Tillman family and friends created the Pat Tillman Foundation in 2004, following Pat’s death while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Here's what I take from this - put aside war for a moment - Pat was clearly a Resonant Man who stepped up to serve/give as he was called to give, from the inside-out. I am all for peace and sad that we are in this prolonged set of wars. And within these events are many opportunities to honor the gold in men and women globally. As we approach 4am Pacific Time tomorrow - December 31, I invite you to join all human-beings to hold the intention that peace is possible in our life time. Please read out loud, ideally with as many people as you can - this meditation. And as you do, remember the many Pat Tillman's who have made a difference - be it serving their country in war, serving hamburgers at McDonald's, serving a trip to the moon with NASA, tilling the soil of mother earth to feed us, and on and on and on. I give thanks for all those who serve to make this heaven on earth.

Tiger Woods: His Dad's Part

2009-12-22T22:01:00.000-08:00

At least part of his Dad. This story and many others I'm sure are/will talk about Tiger's Dad who was caught cheating on his Mom when Tiger was a teenager. Most stories stop at making the very surface comparison of "like father, like son" and don't take the time to go deeper. Hopefully Tiger will go deeper from the inside out about the impact of this significant event in his life. He likely knows the answers already but clearly the actions haven't connected the dots. The one area I wonder if he will look at is Radical Forgiveness. Based on the article above it doesn't appear he has forgiven his father and there-in seen the pattern that likely shows up in his life. Ask yourself today, who do you need to truly forgive and let go of the poison that only eats you? Remember, hating and being angry at another does nothing to them - only to you.

Tiger Woods: What is within this story

2009-12-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

Today, I want to talk about the core purpose of events like the Tiger Woods story. They are not about a celebrity - they are about you and me. In every story lies the opportunity to look within. To look at those places in us that we relate to a story and learn from them - either as "me of the past" "me of the now" or "me of the future." In addition, the magical power of such events lies in looking at what shadows come up for me. What, if anything, am I hiding, denying or suppressing. What is mine to forgive (including myself) that such a story brings up for me? Today, take a few minutes for yourself and ask yourself - what part of Tiger's story is my story? And please - go beyond the obvious. My invitation to you is not about adultry, it's about living your truth in all parts of your life. How many of us are in jobs that we don't feel we belong in? How many of us have truly explored the route cause of our anger/resentment about someone/something? That, my friends, is the work we have in front of us - if you choose to accept the invitation. P.S. A reminder to check out: http://theshadoweffect.com/ if you haven't already.

Tiger Woods: Corporates and Truth

2009-12-12T12:34:00.000-08:00

How facinating, the opportunities that Tiger Woods is enabling us to observe - if we choose. I am dedicating a series to studying many aspects of the Woods event, starting today with the corporate response. First, I want to be clear - yes, his personal affairs are his. And until we all boycott general media we better recognize that the facination with celebrity gossip is here to stay. AND there's another way to think about it - actually many other ways. That's the purpose of my exploration. Corporate response to such events: in this case, as in most - it is mixed. Gillette has said they are going cold on him; Nike says they "support his decision to withdraw from professional golf" and AT&T says it's "evaluating its relationship with Woods." All of them in my opinion are a bunch of wooses - plain and simple. When will a corporation have the balls to really take a stand. I have no attachment to what that stand should be but come out openly and speak to how an event like this does or does not tie with your corporate values (or other truths if you have them). Naturally, do that only if you are 100% living your mission and values as a corporation. I judge there's tons of contradiction to begin with - based on what's convenient for the corporation. Just as The Resonant Man is about being and living your 100% truth as an individual, it's just as true for corporations. After all they are the heart of major communities that set the tone for how a group lives it's truth and eventually each individual within that collective. Our current global economic crisis is a perfect time to reevaluate how seriously we take corporate governance and values. Let's learn from experiences such as the Tiger Woods event - rather than turning our back to them.

Contribution

2009-12-10T10:58:00.001-08:00

As we are in the season of celebration, I will focus a bit on it this month.

As much as I love receiving gifts and surprises, I truly love giving a whole lot more. To see the excitement and delight in every cell of my kids is totally precious. And to give annonymously is even better. The silent act of contributing to a cause or a person is a magical experience of "paying it forward."

So how does the season of giving tie in with being a Resonant Man? It ties 100%. At the heart of living fulling is the contribution I make in the world. Not just material but the intangibles are key. My words, my feelings I radiate out to the world - spoken or unspoken, and most importantly my thoughts.

As we prepare for 2010 - what contribution do you choose to make - to yourself, your immediate family, your immediate world and the universe all up?

Life - Part 5

2009-11-17T06:51:00.000-08:00

"And it's not who's appeared, but who you've summoned." In closing with the fifth line of this quote, I just love this part. How often have I been surprised at the miracles that appear? The times when I think something and it appears at least in three ways in my life. And I go - "wow - how cool is that?" but come from a place of surprise and coincidence - as if I really don't believe in the power of a universal spirit that I am connected with - a part of. When I do recognize that I am one with that power, I am at ease and at my best. When I recognize that I summon all that I manifest, then I am living my truth. Wen I recognize that I am responsible for EVERYTHING that appears in front and around me - the projections that I choose to notice, then I have clearly invited those experiences/people/things into my reality. What have you invited into your precious reality today?

Life - Part 4

2009-11-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

"It's not what you've forged, but what you've allowed." Said a bit differently, it's not what you've put concentrated effort into, it's what you've welcomed. I love this one. I have often put great effort into something - at work, in a relationship etc. And until and unless I welcome the outcome I desire - it's a drain on my energy and the journey is a drag. By simply allowing myself to feel, I open myself to the many possibilities ahead, without attachment to the outcome. How often have you been locked in how something must be? I invite you to welcome the many possibilities on whatever is dragging you down energetically today.

Life - Part 3

2009-11-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

"It's not what you've experienced but how you've remembered it." I love this one. It provides me with a new perspective on a core belief. I always rebelled when I was young that I have to experience stuff to learn and grow. Yes, that's true. And it's really my interpretation of the event that I remember that makes the experience unique for me. For example, me and millions around the world likely watched Obama's acceptance speech last year around this time - and each of us experienced it totally differently. Yes, there were some common elements and still party-lines drawn. In the end, I'll remember it my way and you will remember it your way. Neither is right or wrong - it's just what we remembered. Which leads me to why I'm a fan of the word "remember." It's become a trigger word that brings me great joy and bliss based on my ManKind Project New Warrior Training Adventure experience. That one word captures the essence of my experience of my weekend. What joyous experience serves to remind you of your glorious self?

Life - Part 2

2009-11-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

"It's not what you've felt, but what you've decided." Yes we are in an age where men are awakening to their feelings. Definitely important to be connected to my feelings, vs. suppressing them. And what lies beyond feeling is what I make up based on my feelings - what I decide to project on the world. So often I have made myself angry (decided) over the smallest things: long check out line at the market, someone showing up late for an appointment with me, something someone has said. Always it's what I made up about the situation, based on how I felt about it - which makes all the difference. When I can step back, remove myself from the emotion (without denying it) then I can see more perspectives and be open to seeing the love in everything vs. fear. If you choose, write in or share with someone today - what highly charged feeling has led you to decide something that may or may not be the truth?

Life - Part 1

2009-10-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yes it's been over a month since I've blogged and it feels great to be back writing again. Here's what inspired me this morning - an email from a friend, actually from The Universe. I will be sharing my perspectives on the quote about "life" by breaking it down into parts. Here goes: "Life - is not what you see, but what you've projected." Let me start with a simple example with an inanimate object - a water bottle that's sitting on my desk right now. I see a bottle. That's it. What I project about it can go on for many paragraphs but I'll spare you and illustrate with just a few examples. I project out to that bottle that I like it's color. I like that it's metal. I like the art that is stenciled onto it. I am sad the art is fading on it. I project that I need to clean it. It gives me the water of life that I believe helps me stay healthy and keeps my brain alert. I see it as my companion that goes with me everywhere. So imagine if my bottle was a person... would it know that I have just projected all this stuff about him/her onto it unless I share? Would that person care what I put out? Probably not as he/she is too busy projecting out to me, unlike the bottle that simple is being what it is - a bottle. Here's the other thing about the bottle. There is no other water bottle like mine out there. Yes there are many mass produced versions that look like my bottle but there's only one that's been touched by me. Who's art has faded just as mine has. That has my germs on it. Now imagine if we could all recognize the beauty in each of us as a unique expression of a higher power - the one source that connects us all. Share comments if you choose and stay tuned for Part 2.

Chai Wallah

2009-09-21T08:15:00.001-07:00

I was reminded of ChaiWallah's thanks to Seth Godin's recent blog entry. If any of you have been to India and traveled by train, you know the magic of the chai wallah. When your train stops at that remote little village in the depths of rural India, and there's a morning mist - it's a welcome site to be greeted by "Chai, Garam Garam Chai" (hot hot tea). He's about the only voice you hear as you rub your eyes from barely having slept over night in a second class 3-tier compartment with no air-conditioning. Regardless of how cool or hot the temperature is, a Chai Wallah is always welcome. Seth's point is around focus. The ChaiWallah has one purpose and one purpose only (as per me) to delight his customer and make their day. What's your purpose for the day?

Father and Son

2009-09-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

It's been and is a very busy time for me right now. And I want to keep sharing on the theme of how songs can impact my life. "Father & Son" by Cat Stevens is an anthem song for many men. I don't think I need to say more so here are the lyrics and if you choose watch the video.

In Your Eyes

2009-09-01T07:01:00.001-07:00

Greetings readers - I am delighted to announce that through September I will share songs that "hit" me and my interpretation of them. The one that caught my attention this morning was an 80's favorite for me but maybe revolting to some - Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes." I truly listened to it today, even though I've heard it for over 3 decades! Here are the lyrics if you want them all and here is what got my heart early this morning driving into work:

Love - he starts with that eternal word and stops. As many of us believe, there are only two emotions - love & fear, what a great way to bless a song.
Lost - "I get so lost some times... this emptiness fill my heart" all that escaping I do. Running away and denying my true gold. Seeking ways to fill the emptiness inside.
From the inside - "I come back to the place you are" and the facade falls and I return to my instincts, without my pride "I reach out from the inside." Wow! Folks, if I'm the only one who's missed the beauty of this song then shame on me, so just in case - I share it with you today.
In your eyes - "the light, the heat, I am complete, I see the doorway to a thousand churches, the resolution of all the fruitless searches..." Again, WOW! I mean this song says it all folks. For those of us that believe that we are all spiritual beings having a human existance (rather than the other way around) - this song says it all.

Today, stop for a moment and check inside of you. What keeps you from connecting with your higher power/God in every moment? What keeps you from seeing God in the eyes of everyone you encounter? And most importantly, what keeps you from sharing the God in You with those you encounter? Make it an awesome day!

Be Your Truth

2009-08-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

OK, so if you read the last 3 entries I made - awake, aware and alive, then read on. If not, I encourage you to read those first for this to truly make sense! As MaryAnne Williamson says: "... it's not our darkness that we are afraid of, it's our light." The light within, the TRUTH, that we are all One, we are all from one source, one Universe - call it higher power or God or ... And this whole game of life is about remembering this truth. As cliched as it is, the saying "the truth shall set you free" is 100% what life is about IMJ (in my judgement) and the one lesson we all have to learn in this human/earthly existence of our soul. Some learn it very early on and retain that delicate innocence that we all are at birth. Others muddle around neither in "speaking" a lie, nor living fully. And yet others live such a blatant lie (to themselves more than externally) that when they explode and come "clean" it's an amazing turn-about. Twelve-step programs are a great place to practice the discipline of being accountable to others, being in integrity with yourself and living "clean" how ever you choose to define that based on your agreed "bottom-line" behaviors with your sponsor. There is so much rich learning in the steps and before one even contemplates taking the steps - the first condition MUST be truth. Be true to yourself, first and foremost. To your God/higher power. And to those who you lean on for support (e.g. sponsor, loved ones). The topic of truth will be my exploration for September. Please do contribute with what you've learnt about the truth.

I am Alive! - Part 3

2009-08-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite songs is a Jewish chant "Li, la, la, lai, la la lai la lai - I am alive!" And then it goes "And who, is this aliveness I am, if it's not the blessed holy one!" That's aliveness to me. When I can remember that I am part of my creator and so are you - all created from one source. That I am responsible for creating my own heaven on earth and when I do that with love and giving to others I am alive. When I am living each moment on purpose, I am alive. When I am living a life of joy and love, I am alive. When I live a chant of releasing and letting go of what eats me, I am alive. When I accept my shadow and lean into it, just as much as my gold, I am alive. When I witness the God in you, I am alive. What's aliveness to you?

Aware

2009-08-13T06:31:00.001-07:00

Once I am awake to an issue - from my inner consciousness, different perspectives and choices start to emerge. "I can see clearly now, the rain is gone" is an anthem song for me. Once I am awake I can see what's in-front and all around me better than before. Becoming aware of the options, the alternatives is the beginning to a true inner power and peace. I am starting on the path of not being a victim or perpetrator to anyone or anything. I step up in responsibility to change what has not been right in my life and in doing so I make my world (the world) a better place. So a tangible example - the financial crisis. Instead of pointing at the bigger picture of corruption and greed on Wall Street, let me bring it home. Pre-recession, I spent liberally - unconsciously. Post-recession (or I guess in the midst of it) I am getting better at more conscious/aware decisions on how I spend. I am grateful to continue to have a well paying and rewarding job. Still I step into responsibility - not out of fear of what may lay ahead but out of a decision to live differently. I ask myself before spending: "do I really need this?" and it's just as important to ask do I want something. How is self-awakening and self-awareness showing up in your life?

More on "awake"

2009-08-10T07:59:00.001-07:00

It's been a week since I wrote about the cycle of life - awake, aware and alive. This week I'll take you through these a bit further with some examples. See if they fit. Basically, this first stage of becoming awake is "coming out of the cold" or coming out of a numb/robotic/zombie state where you convinced yourself - this is how it is. I love how we live in a world where we think this is The most intelligent civilization in history. That with technology - this is it. Don't you think the Romans, the Greeks, the Incas thought the same way? What happened to them? What's happening with the global economy right now and other areas of raising our awakeness and awareness is just the same. The collapse of the old and the beginning of the new. Change is not welcome by most people, it is feared. Imagine if you lived life like a game - yes, the Game of Life. You would be able to look at these opportunities and say "bring it on." Persavering and overcoming challenges is what is in our base DNA, we just have to call it forth. What ever you are facing today and in your life right now - call forth the champion in you to bring it on and with faith the solutions will emerge.

Awake, Aware, Alive - The Cycle of Life

2009-08-03T06:16:00.000-07:00

I thought it would benefit our readers to provide a refresher on the purpose of this blog. It's simple - at the Resonant Man we seek to inspire men to their aliveness. We do this by sharing many observations and perspectives, both contemporary and not. Almost always, the blog entries are based on people, events or lessons learnt that inspire the writer and he wants to share them with you. So what makes for aliveness? It's a simple but not easy 3-step process: Awake: To become awake to ones truth is a journey that many don't embark upon all their life. To have the courage to look at your life and honestly evaluate yourself, in all areas of your life. If you are short of a 10 (on a 1 to 10 scale where 10 is the best) in any area and awake to knowing you are there, that's the first step. Aware: Once you are awake to the truth of where you are, to become consciously aware of your choices is step 2. Aware that there is a greater good possible for you, if you choose. Aware that you have not been satisfied in one or more areas of your life and are willing to make changes. That's a great place to be. Alive: With the groundwork set, the work done to make the change - you have the opportunity to accept that greater good that is available to all of us, once we are awake to it and aware it's in our reach. This is the step when we radiate at the highest energy and live fully in harmony with our purpose. Remember, life purpose is what it's about. It doesn't matter what it is as long as you are clear that it's what your inner-self has called you forth to step into. It doesn't matter big or small, what matters is you feel alive when you are being, doing and having the life you always dreamed of having - right here, right now! Finally, when you do hit "10" in all areas of your life - build your next 10 and go for it! That's the cycle of life as we are born alive every morning and we die every night, simply having the opportunity to start over when you awaken the next morning.

Chronos or Kairos - Which do you choose?

2009-07-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful for having learnt of these two types of time, thanks to a leader in the ManKind Project. Here's how Wikipedia defines them: "Kairos is an ancient Greek word meaning the right or opportune moment (the supreme moment). The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. While the former means chronological and sequential time, the later signifies a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens. What that something special is depends on the person using the word." So think of chronos as quantitative and kairos as qualitative. There is certainly a place for both types of time and I believe the true magic (inspiration, insight and purposeful action) happens when I am open to the flow of what I am doing. I am so immersed in it that nothing else happens. Be it work I love, a person I am connecting with, a project or form of entertainment - I am fulled emersed when I am in kairos time. So if you choose - consider giving yourself permission to play with kairos time or as I like to call it "fuzzy time." A tip-of-the-hat to our ancient Greeks who articulated these words.

CNN = "constantly negative news"

2009-07-28T12:19:00.001-07:00

OK so I feel like I'm perpetuating negative thoughts by even putting this out and having this title but as many of you already practice this - it's important to focus on the positive inputs we take in (audio, visual, sensory) to keep our thoughts at a higher vibration. That's what The Resonant Man project is about. Sure stuff happens and mostly it's external. What I choose to do with myself internally is what it's about. How do I choose to respond, instead of react to a situation? Do I get sucked into the black-hole of fear or can I lean in, take a look at the chaos, lean back, stand firm and go "Hummm... I choose to view this differently." And then make sure to jump up and down and laugh loud, just because. Go make it a loving and joyous day!

Apollo and You

2009-07-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

Take time to remember what a awesome day it was for those present to witness July 20, 1969. The first time when men stepped on the moon. Visit NASA site to read a lot more if you choose. Here are the three things that came up for me about this today: - Gratitude: for the 3 men who represented huminity in-person for the first time. The Heros. - Humility: for the scores of people who got them up there and BACK. The Warriors. - You & Me: what is mine to do with this historic event? On that 3rd one, here's where I am - see if this fits for you: Imagine what I (you) can do if I strived for such an accomplishment and believed I can do it? Does have to be this lofty but more importantly is something that all of my being really knows is right for me? For instance, I deserve to give 100% of my gifts through the work I get paid for. Until I can fully FEEL that it's 100% and live that with every breath - I haven't landed on the moon. Having said that, the journey as we know is equally important. I would add - when there is focus. Without focus - we'd never get to the moon. Imagine if the goal was - "let's land on any other planet" - not as effective in achieving the clear goal that was accomplished in 1969. So what's your Apollo right now? Go Apollorize your day my friends!!!

Fun with Trash

2009-07-17T14:04:00.001-07:00

I don't tend to focus much on recycling (we do it) or green and every so often I am intrigued by something that just makes sense. Today a friend posted this site on her Facebook comments. The title of the story today is "Plastic Trash Become Drums in West Africa." Makes tons of sense to me. And note how attractive they are too. I rarely "go negative" or whine about stuff but really we must get over the hygiene phobia in the US. Yes we recycle. Yes we've come a long way with being green. And are we reUSING enough? I am just as guilty - so I love the awareness brought forth by such reminders. Today and hopefully for 40 days (it's known to be the magic number to cement a new habit) I commit to reusing as much as I can: - those compost forks/spoons/cups at work - plastic bags for a biggie - water bottles - ... (I will keep adding and feel free to send me suggestions) Happy reusing to us all!

The Glass Pavilion

2009-07-14T07:19:00.000-07:00

I happened to learn about The Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio. What an architectual wonder. Some 32,000 sq. feet of straight glass. From a metaphysical perspective, this is what struck me: the metaphor of a glass house is all wrong. It's not about it being easy to break/shatter our dreams etc. Instead it's about the being translucent (def: having a glowing appearance as if light was coming through). Ah! How refreshing. Imagine if we all could be open receivers of the light that comes through each of us - instead of putting up the brick walls as if we were living The 3 Little Pigs? What I also love about this architectual wonder is that the glass walls are solid (I'm assuming, not being an engineer - I trust who built them). This translates to - I need to set my boundaries, to shield myself from the projections and opinions of others as they are not mine to take on. Instead, they reflect back on the person putting them out - as does glass when light shines upon it. Shine your light today and break down the brick walls!

Moxielicious

2009-07-13T05:33:00.001-07:00

Yes I've coined the term. But moxie is a word (a noun) that means: vigor, verve, pep, courage and aggressiveness, skill know-how. In this little book of quotes (where I learnt of the term) they say: "it's a street smart spirit that's as old as recorded history, and as new as the rising sun. David had it; Goliath didn't." This is my favorite term right now for a couple of reasons, all culminating in - it's timely. Given these uncertain economic times, with lots of people going through transitions at work and otherwise - it's this spirit of prevailing that will keep us thriving. It's about making your life what it can BE rather than focusing on the past or the future. I encourage you to consider this quote from Beverly Williams (don't know who she is - will have to look her up) in my Moxie book: "I will dare to just do what I do. Be just what I am. And dance whenever I want to." This is the day to be the best you there is. This is the moment for you to dance your song, now. Go for it!

This Is It

2009-07-08T06:07:00.001-07:00

I remember going to see a play (as a child living in Jamaica) titled "This is It!" and the song continued to say "This is it! The moment you've been waiting for." How many of us wait for heaven? Believe that based on our karma we plant the seeds for heaven or that other place :)? Hopefully most of my readers believe in the concept of "heaven on earth." It's not a destination to strive for but present all around me, all the time. I just have to open to accepting that This IS it. I mean, imagine if when I died they said "well, how was the vacation?" And I look back and go - but wait a minute, they told me that was "the work" and this is the place to strive for? Today, take the concept of The Power of Now to the next level. Don't simply live in the now but celebrate every breath of it as if this is it. This is the moment you've been waiting for. All your hearts desires, all your dreams, your bucket list of 101+ things, all the words you want to share with those you love, all the service you want to give the world, all the ways in which you live your mission. Now go have fun, be happy and celebrate your greatness you amazing angel you!

I Think I Can

2009-07-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

I love it when something hits me more than once in a short period of time. The concept of "I can" has been such a thing in the past few days. I'll spare you all the magical "coincidences" through which the concept has been hightened in my consciousness but here's what I learnt: Most of the time I strive to believe: "I know I can." I can concur my fears, my doubts, my "it's impossible" etc. Yes, the "I can" is very powerful and at the heart of my favorite affirmation: "I am that I am." Then there are times when I don't really believe in the depth of me that "I can." So I don't feel confident in knowing that I can. At times like these I have learnt it pays to fake it! The more I fake it to myself the sooner I'll start to truly believe it. That's the "I think I can." Try this form of faking it (to yourself) this week and comment on what you learnt about this powerful concept.

Brain Power

2009-07-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Please take the time to watch this video from CBS 60 Minutes. The possibilities of this technology that allows us to transmit our thoughts to a computer are just beginning to unfold. The example in the video got me thinking - imagine if we could find out what is happening in the mind of a person with Alzheimer's or other diseases that take away the ability of a patient to communicate. Now combine this with the Age of Consciousness that we are stepping into and imagine devices that can not only read our mind but also our heart. Yes, a bit much of tech for many of us and like anything there is a fine line and balance in the "how" it's done. More importantly I ask myself - the "why" we do what we do and so far this work seems to have a solid why as I see it - to enable people to communicate freely.

The Man In The Mirror

2009-06-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Regardless of where you stand on the "loved him" to "hated him" scale - Michael Jackson was a icon. I want to take a moment to honor his brilliance by remembering "The Man In The Mirror". I had never read the lyrics to this song till just now and I like what I read. Most of you who read my blog are familiar with the concept of the man in the mirror - that what I see in the world is simply a projection of myself. As we often say, "if you spot it, you got it." That's not exactly what Michael's lyrics are saying but what he does say is the beginning of going deeper to that level of oneness - of recognizing that we are all connected. What I think, feel, act upon with you is simply a reflection of what I see. Read the lyrics, and add comments on what you take of this popular song with deep meaning. Blessings to Michael Jackson for touching the hearts of millions.

Reclaim your heart

2009-06-25T06:17:00.000-07:00

Today, I ask that you take 4 minutes to watch the video at this site: www.mkpgo.com. Many of our readers are already part of the global community of men - where all men are welcome - the ManKind Project. Today I ask all of you who read this blog to watch this video to get a sense of the work that men have the opportunity to do at the New Warrior Training Adventure. It happens throughout the year at regional centers around the world. I belong to the NorthWest US center - www.mkpnw.org and am so grateful for this community of trusted men. Plug aside, I want to touch on the statement "reclaim your heart" in the video. How many of us recognize that we give parts of our soul away along the way from conception to today. We are subjected to our environment and consciously or (more often) subconsciously we take on other peoples beliefs as ours. Reclaiming our heart is paramount to reclaiming the self, that self that is one with its creator and one with all that exists. So regardless of what you choose to do today, take 10 minutes to get silent, ponder on a current challenge in your life and ask yourself: "what would my heart say?" / "what would love do?"

Wisdom = Love + Intelligence

2009-06-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kathianne Lewis, I now better understand the word wisdom. I've always pondered the meaning of the word wisdom, particularly as it shows up in the 12-step serenity prayer: "God, Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change (you). The courage to change the things I can (me). And the wisdom to know the difference." Now when I combine serenity with love I see that there is no love without serenity. If I am not at ease, how can I love? Surely there's something missing that is keeping me from loving fully. Next, as much as I'd like to believe love solves everything, I am beginning to appreciate the mind/the intellect more - or at least give it equal reverance than I have in my explorations of the heart. Courage does not come for me if I am not firm in my conviction of what I desire. That to me is intelligence. My intelligence. It's what's right for me - not what the books say, not what someone else says but the truth that I know resonates from within. So now when I combine those two powerful being states - I am love and intelligence, I am wise. It clicks for me - how about you? As always, please share your perspective.

Swedish Blooms

2009-06-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Stanley shared this with me and I had to blog about it. His mother-in-law Shirley made her transition this Sunday days before her 95th birthday. Here's an except of what Stanley shared, a true example of a Resonant Man experience: "namaste bobbyb et al......today I learned that the swedish home health team dedicated the day to my mom in law Shirley .......Resha sent the below email in response to the question of where to send donations.........I will get the exact email/website but it is a program called Swedish Blooms begun by the grief counselor Ross, last year after a conversation with Shirley regarding how much she missed being out in the garden....those of you who have been to our house lately know that we have turned the roof of our two car garage into shirley's garden....veggies, flowers and a three person swing.........it is a wonderland......thanks again for the love and support that I have felt throughout Shirley's deathing process....." "This is the story: Last spring, Ross, the Swedish Hospice grief counselor was visting with mom. One of the things she told him washow she missed going out in her garden. She really missedseeing the flowers up close. From that conversation, Ross got the idea to offer hospice volunteers and workers the opportunity to bring in flowers from their own gardens to share with homebound patients. The response was overwhelming with the staff. Every Wednesday they would bring in the bounty from their own gardens-- and thesewere taken to patients every wednesday all summer long. Again this summer, the staff wanted to continue the practice. So today, Wednesday,flowers were shared with other patients in mom's honor."

Let Go, Let God

2009-06-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the NPR series of God and our brain - thought this common saying "let go, let God" is appropriate to kick-off this week. Much can be said about this saying - get out of your own way, surrender, have faith that God always has my best interest in mind etc. For today, I want to focus on how to assist God when he shows us a sign that we need to do our part. For a few years now I've had a bad lower back. It flared up recently so in addition to going to a new chiropractor (who's working out great) I signed up with my favorite trainer of the past. He spent our first session focused on stretching and loosening tight spots or trigger points. I learnt how and where to use the foam roller and how to use a lacrosse ball to break up the knots, particularly in my glute and hamstring area. I have been instructed to do this at least 6 times a day. Yes a bit much I thought at first and I knew I had to do it. So the work began. At first the lacrosse ball simply sat on these hard knots and hurt like crazy. Then I started to feel the break down, the meltdown. I'm only a few days into this and I know that "I can" do it, with the faith that this too shall pass. My lesson in this has been again the reminder that if I simply let go and let God - anything is possible. This chronic/nagging pain has started to subside. The knot is relaxing - I am relaxing. And naturally, I have to remember to breath. So what part of you are you holding on to - not willing to let go, deny or suppress? Breath into it and let go - now!

Your Brain on God

2009-06-12T07:20:00.001-07:00

What if we could all focus on our brain on God vs. brain on drugs, brain on sex, brain on ..... NPR has done a great job with this series (click on the image). There's a lot in this series but the story that really got my attention was the power of prayer for others. Yes, first you have to believe that you have the Power of Prayer in you - for you. If not, stop reading. NPR reports on a test where a married couple are tested for the power of prayer for their loved one. Read the article "Can Positive Thoughts Help Heal Another Person?" for details. My point of putting this out to my readers - regardless of where you are on believing this research - try it out. What do you have to loose? Yes, and if you believe it works - I believe that's even more powerful but not necessary. It just works.

The Making of a Butterfly

2009-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Click the picture to watch a 3 minute transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly. I chose not to pay much attention to this phenomenon in school but now I am totally facinated by the metaphor of this evolution. Thank you Dr. Kathianne Lewis for sharing this knowledge last Sunday. Here's what facinated me: Did you know that in that phase of evolution when the caterpillar is in the cacoon - it turns into complete fluid form? That it's DNA from caterpillar to butterfly completely changes - 100% of it changes. This totally facinated me. If I truly live what I speak - "conceive, believe, achieve" - then there is NOTHING that I can not do. I just really have to want to - really really really want it to happen. I have to BE the embodiment of it as if it's already manifested. I then DO the things that make me believe I already am that thing. And then I HAVE the end outcome I desire. Note - this applies to any area of my life, not just material stuff. Most of my readers know this already. It helps to have a reminder from nature - as we are all One!

Obama in Cairo

2009-06-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already - take the time to click on Obama's picture for a link to the speech he gave on June 4 in Cairo. Most of Obama's speeches are historic and authentic in my opinion. What's critical about this talk is even if it makes a dent in the perception of American in the Muslim world - he's saved at least 1 life. Imagine, if every man and woman in battle or contemplating conflict/terrorism would be impacted even a bit by his words. All we need is for people to just stop and think - to respond rather than react. One life at a time - global peace IS possible. Obama is simply a mass vehicle of delivering this message AND believing it is possible. Now the question is - do YOU believe global peace is possible in this century?

Three Possible Futures

2009-06-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Joel Garreau is a reporter for the Washington Post and author of Radical Evolution. This is what I learnt from him today in reading his piece in EnlightenNext - each and everyone of us must prevail.

He describes 3 scenarios: heaven, hell and prevail. He cites trends in four major technology sectors - genetic, robotic, informational, and nanotech. Here's an except that describes why the "right answer" is the prevail scenarios:

About the middle-ages: "Looking at the future of the human race from the perspective of that time, you could be forgiven for thinking that we were pretty much toast. You'd be seeing marauding hordes and plagues and all sorts of evil stuff. You'd probably be thinking, "God, this isn't going to end up well." Then all of a sudden, in 1450, along came the printing press, and there was a new way of storing, sharing, collecting, and distributing ideas that was previously unimaginable. This led to the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, which gave birth to science, democracy, and eventually to the world we have today. What's interesting is that all of this change was beyond the imagination of any one king or country. It was the collective action of millions of humans organizing themselves in a bottom-up way. They didn't wait for the leaders to tell them what to do but changed their world to produce things as best they could."

That is what you are part of my friends, as a ResonantMan (or ResonantWoman).

Blessings!

Freedom in the face of Fear

2009-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

If you don't read EnlightenNext - it's a must read. This quarterly magazine put out by Ken Wilber's mentee Andrew Cohen (a "guru" himself) is always a balanced view that is a refreshing reminder of what brilliant times we live in - times of consciousness.

Here are a few sound bites from the lead story - always Andrew and Ken's discussion on the theme of the issue. This month's theme is "Envisioning the future" - what today's brightest minds have to say about the road ahead. The cover is quite thought provoking and here's my main message for all of my readers - it's up to us to have the courage and strength to push through our fear and take others with us to the sunshine and love on the other side. In this age of consciousness clearly even the scariest pridictions of our future (John Petersen: "Nassin Nicholas Taleb, the author of The Black Swan, has suggested this financial event has the potential of being the biggest thing since the American Revolution, bigger than anything that's ever happened in the history of our country.") can be concurred with 100% faith. In the end, "if it's to be, it's up to me" becomes about each of us doing our part as we see it (or are awakened to it). AND when 2 or more gather to make the impossible possible - great things emerge.

In closing, a compelling quote from Andrew Cohen: "The instinct to consciously evolve is very new. It needs to be protected and nurtured, and we mustn't let it get buried under all the fear that naturally arises when our survival appears to be threatened."

Are you willing to step forth with courage and wisdom to do your part? To bring others along with you on this challenge of challenges? To lift the vail of darkness to allow the light to emerge? I know we are all up for the challenge - now let's love more and choose every action we take to flow this energy out to all citizens of the world.

Facebook and relition

2009-05-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

This article in Fast Company is facinating and hilarious, in my view. My summary of it - The Pope has a Facebook app that lets you send post-cards from the Pope to friends. On the other hand muslim nations are looking at ways to curtail unwanted behavior that Facebook (and just about any online environment) enables - such as flirting online.

What I loved about this piece is more around the freedom of choice and the voice of the many that facebook and other social networks are enabling. In my view, if this is what it takes to build and sustain community - so be it! Humans are interdependent. The more we can do to authentically connect (yes, that's a whole other discussion when it comes to social networks) - be heard and listen to ultimately feel the love. On a hierarchy of needs way of thinking of this - we thrive when we are connected vs. struggle when we resist and fight others/a system etc.

This I believe is how the many spiritual movements around the world will reach mass - by those already involved just being themselves and sharing their life with others in these networks. Like attracts like. There will be a tipping point where more lean towards the inside-out (spirituality) approach to God vs. the outside-in (religion).

Remember

2009-05-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

I loved Dr. Kathianne Lewis's quote this Sunday: "As I remember, my heart grows bigger." When I can get past remembering the pain, the anger, the fear, the regrets of the past and instead emerce myself in gratitude - unconditionally, then my heart grows deeper into myself. Into remembering how precious I am. Into remembering my oneness with all. Into remembering that I am that I am. And a lot more that is divinely precious. When I remember these things, it keeps me from all those thoughts of separation. And when I live life that way - then I am grateful for the entitlement to be living this life right now, knowing that I'm a breath away from my next choice. Blessings.

Entitlement - Part 2

2009-05-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

I mentioned a book I am attempting to read, "The Ascent of Humanity" by Charles Eisenstein. It's heavy. And I know I'll read it eventually. For now, here's the next part on entitlement as I see it. So I had guilt about my entitlement issues because when I was deep in the desire for things - including addictive things, I was way too consumed by them to feel anything else. "I must have it" was a subconscious voice that was like a spiral that took me to the depths of instant need for something. Once satisfied, like a beast of burden, I would look for the next pleasure or thing to buy. So you ask - so what now what? Well as much as we all know it's about the inside-out work we all must do - it isn't till I can truly live that way and recognize when I am in a spiral of the outside-in, that I can connect with what truly matters - faith. Stay tuned for much on faith.

Entitlement

2009-05-12T07:28:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I have certainly had a great deal of entitlement running my life. I'd like to think not anywhere as much now (I'm 45) vs. when I was in my youth (especially early 20's). The internal talk was "I deserve it" --> "it's just about me" --> "it doesn't harm anyone else" etc. Be it material objects, sex, food, drinking etc. - it's all the same. Interestingly I just looked up the definition of entitlement and here's the one version that is consistent with the theme: "a government program that provides benefits to members of a group that has a statutory entitlement; also : the benefits distributed by such a program." Wow - I never realized when I am living in entitlement consciousness I am living in "you owe me government" mode. Yes I have an issue with people who feel they are entitled to live off the government and do not need to work or be productive in any way. AND I know I am guilty of that myself - in my own way. Stay tuned for other posts on this subject. I am reading a very fascinating book that says it actually serves humanity for each of us to be 'selfish' - but the author defines that very differently than I would have imagined it to be. In my understanding so far - it's the opposite of entitlement but keeps the essence of that concept from a soul centered perspective.

Top 3 Reasons to Avoid Perfectionism

2009-05-11T12:35:00.000-07:00

Sure - there probably are 10 or more reasons but I'm about simplicity so 3 is the magic number. #1. Urgency - do you really know that you'll be around tomorrow to make it even better? What good is your 98% complete effort to the world if you lock it up in your head/heart if you die now! "Just do it!" is applicable here cause if you don't - it'll never get done, not the way You chose to do it. #2. Love the Universe - leap into it with free abondon knowing what ever you create will generate more goodness, and not decay. When I leap into something without fear of failure, without worrying about getting it just right - and simply lean into the GIVING of what I have to offer - it flows through me. #3. Love yourself - if you believe in the concept of "we are all made in the likeness of our creator (God) and God doesn't make junk" then take glee in knowing that all of life is simply a learning ground. Dive in and have fun! I'd love comments on how these perspectives on perfectionism work for you. I judge we live in a time when there is so much emphasis put on it and on competitiveness. How about focusing on the endless possibilities that lie in each of us - and the ripple they put out to the Universe when we give freely of ourselves. I know I need to work on that a lot more - and I know I am consciously choosing options that get me closer to that goal.

Love and Honor

2009-05-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kathianne Lewis had another great talk today at the Seattle Center for Spiritual Living. The one message I learnt and want to share today is this... I can love quite easily. But can I honor those I love? Can I honor exactly who they are right now and not want to change them? Not want to have them understand me. Not want to do it my way, etc. - you get the point. Plus the way I see it in our current times - honoring doesn't have to be a big ritualistic/showy act. I can honor those I love simply by witnessing them where they are. I honor them with my silence. I honor them with a smile. I honor them with a positive affirmation based on their stated heart desire. I honor them by knowing the highest good for them. I am humbled by the bigness of this concept and strive to try it on at least for a week - with all those I come in contact with. Will you join me?

Deep sadness and joy

2009-05-04T18:46:00.000-07:00

Greetings - I have been quiet in sharing my feelings of things around me that move me - that's ultimately what this blog is about. And I am so grateful for this time of reflection. I'll save you the story but before I kick back into gear with posts let me share this about the past few weeks... I have experienced the deepest of sadness and the deepest of joy. And neither (especially the sadness) was about anything in particular - it just was. I am amused how the universe gives me opportunities to play with concepts I come in contact with. Many of you know my favorite sentiment lately is by Rumi: "Out beyond right-doing and wrong-doing there is a field. I'll meet you there." As I look back at the past few weeks - I believe I have touched the hem of this concept. What a magical place it is to be in. I have felt my own wrong-doing and forgiven it. I have felt my own need to be right and forgiven it. And more shall be revealed...

Part of who I am...

2009-04-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I met a man who I know will be a big part of my life as I have much to learn from him and much of my gifts to offer him. Here's one of many lessons he shared in a short hour: Part of who I am... I was awakened by this man to my realization that my self identity is tied so strongly to a few aspects of who I am. Yes many of us who are on the enlightened path (we all are but those of us who are open to admitting it) get the concept - we are not the roles we play (e.g. husband, father, son, employee etc.) but the true I am that I am. Despite that understanding I get stuck in the labels I put on myself: I am joyous, I am angry, I am an addict, I am a brilliant creator, I am passionate, I am compassionate, I am mean ... so on and so forth. When I can accept that all of those parts are me, then I have stepped into the true I am that I am. Blessings Bruce for this gem of a lesson.

I am that.

2009-04-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I rarely blog about my own experience and I had one today I have to share. I have blogged about the concept of the "I am that I am" before. Today I was listening to Thomas Willhite, founder of PSI, talking about the I am. The 30 minute lecture is full of wisdom. What I want to share is my applying the concept I've known for a long time in a very different way today. First for those who are not familiar with the I am - my interpretation is that if you believe that we are all connected to one source, that we are all part of the Universe - then all is I and I am all. To some this may seem egotistical but at the core this is The concept that drives the world and will be the only thing that will save us from our shadows - yes, in my judgement. So today I found myself, out of the blue, looking at innanimate things and going "I am that and I am that and I am also that..." Things like the carpet in my office, my desk, the tiles in the bathroom, the water cooler, the ceiling tiles. Now, if you consider that as an experiment that's easy - since those items don't hold any energy in relation to me (or do they?) then I tried it with people. My usual voices of immediate/flash judgement went off as I walked by and interacted with people and a few times I was able to apply this concept. Wow! That person at the grocery store that was about to bug me - "I am that" and poof the thought vanished and neutralized. Try it on folks. I judge we need this concept like a life saver in the world we live in today.

In-House Compassion

2009-04-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Like everything, it's an "inside-out" job. Most of us get that at our individual level and we are entering an age where corporations are "getting it" as well. Here's an example from Cigna and make sure to watch the video. What can you do TODAY to provide such a service, in your own way, in your environment - work or otherwise? "With headlines about massive layoffs in the news, there also comes a less glaring woe: survivor guilt, the despair employees feel when their coworkers lose their jobs. The "Why them, not me?" and "How can I enjoy my job when my friends got axed?" pangs of guilt can make employees anxious and less productive, with lower morale. Increased workloads brought about because of the downsizing only make matters worse. Instead of expecting their workers to soldier on despite unsettled feelings, more employers are offering to help them resolve their negative feelings. At Cigna (CI), counseling of this kind has been available for more than two decades via its pioneering Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides counseling for survivor-guilt sufferers as well as for a wide range of personal and work-related woes. The Philadelphia-based health-care giant also offers its EAP services to some of its client companies as part of its health-benefit plans."

Living Courageously

2009-03-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

Gary Zukav spoke at the Center for Spiritual Living Seattle yesterday. His topic was Living Courageously. Gary is the author of many #1 New York Times best sellers and has been on Oprah over 30 times. I could blog about Gary's lessons for months but for today I'll briefly describe what he believes is at the heart of Living Courageously.

#1. Change in human consciousness

He describes the current world situation - I don't need to repeat that for you. Then instead of a flash-back or flash-forward he describes a "flash-presense." A new way is evolving and how we perceive power. There is a quickening of truth. He speaks of a growing awareness of and opening to "multi-sensory perception" - beyond the 5 senses. This is at the heart of The Seat of the Soul.

#2. I am important

I loved the metaphor he used for this. Do I strive for the low-water mark vs. the highest water mark as I navigate through life? We all have our low/down days/periods of life. Do I focus on the low when low or pull yourself up to the highest of my potential? Do I respond or react to situations? Check this free resource out on how to turn disasters into opportunities for personal growth.

#3. I am responsible for what I create

Choice is at the heart of all that I have in front of me. Do I have the commitment, the courage, the compassion (for myself first) and the consciousness to create the heaven on earth I desire? Or do I create my hell on earth. Gary spoke to how he created his hell on earth for a long time.

Finally, in all challenges he encouraged us to ask: "What can I learn about myself from this situation?" Be it 9/11, the wars we're in, the global economy, etc.

I hope Gary's work serves you as it has me, if you are not already aware of him.

The Truth

2009-03-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

What is truth? I make a big deal about truth and as cliched as it is - "the truth shall set you free" is the truth. I went looking for meanings of the word. Nothing in the dictionary satisfied me. I found some quotes that come closer. Here's my perpective on a few of these - please share yours: "There is no god higher than truth." ~Mahatma Gandhi That is the most crisp definition I have found. What I assume in this quote is that truth is my pure essence, my source and void of my ego. "Truth only reveals itself when one gives up all preconceived ideas." ~Shoseki I don't know who Shoseki is but "preconceived ideas" seems like the ego-self so again, when I can tune into my source, I am void of ego/preconceived ideas of myself and the world - and I can see more clearly now. "Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold." ~Leo Tolstoy Now that hits it smack in the center of what The Resonant Man is all about - when I awake to my shadow and accept it (forgive myself) it washes/dilutes away. Please, do share your thoughts on truth. It's a topic I will cover often.

Many Paths for "how"

2009-03-15T15:35:00.001-07:00

Thanks to our lovely mass media, the focus of most news is on the negative - the doom and gloom. Despite the positive, REAL and responsible messages of Obama - I judge that the media is still the media. For instance, the focus on Bernard Madoff this past week has been like the OJ Simpson days. Yes the man sucks a big one on lack of integrity and a whole lot more AND how about telling more of the following type of stories.

Paul Levy is the President and CEO of a hospital. Like many CEO's these days, he was faced with the potential lay-off of many employees. Before making a decision he "watched the people who polish the corridors, who strip the sheets, who empty the trash cans, and he realized that a lot of them are immigrants, many of them had second jobs, most of them were just scraping by."

As he stood in front of his employees (some 8,000) he put this out:

"I want to run an idea by you that I think is important, and I'd like to get your reaction to it," Levy began. "I'd like to do what we can to protect the lower-wage earners - the transporters, the housekeepers, the food service people. A lot of these people work really hard, and I don't want to put an additional burden on them.

"Now, if we protect these workers, it means the rest of us will have to make a bigger sacrifice," he continued. "It means that others will have to give up more of their salary or benefits." He had barely gotten the words out of his mouth when Sherman Auditorium erupted in applause. Thunderous, heartfelt, sustained applause."

Imagine if more CEO's took the time to listen (with their heart) AND took pragmatic decisions that were a combination of brain, heart and gut? I guarantee you more are headed in this direction and THAT my friends is changing the world - a change I welcome.

Forgiveness Works

2009-03-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

I've covered The Responsibility Project before and it's worth covering very often. Please take a look at this short film by clicking on the picture. Send your perspectives on this story and share other similar efforts that look at personal responsibility. My three thoughts about this short story: #1. Forgiveness always works - of myself and those I resent. #2. Love always rules - All I put out is either love or fear. #3. Ripple effect - I seek to be proud of the wake/wave I leave. Love and thank you for being you.

The Girl Effect

2009-03-08T07:17:00.001-07:00

I just came across this great organization - The Girl Effect. Take a moment to check them out. Their mission is clear, as I see it - it's important to pay attention to investments in girls and how they impact economic growth and the health and well-being of communities. The focus is on developing nations but I'd argue it's just as valid in the "developed" world. Here's one stat that hit me: "when women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90 percent of it into their families, as compared to only 30 to 40 percent for a man. I can argue the validity of that stat but by itself what it raised for me is this - the focus on family is key. When I start at home, and then ripple out to my local community and then to the nation and then the world - all of us win. Now, I wonder - what would "The Boy Effect" look like? I have some ideas and wonder what you think is needed? Please enter your comments?

Many Perspectives

2009-02-22T21:14:00.000-08:00

I had the thrill of listening to Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith of the Agape International Spiritual Center the other day. If you don't know who he is - Dr. Beckwith was on The Secret and has been on Oprah and Larry King at least a few times. I bow to him and the amazing work that flows through him - in celebrating the oneness we all are. Please do watch his short video by clicking on Michael's picture. He has many powerful and simple messages to ponder. Here's a story he told yesterday that blew me away - because it reminded me of how often I too (a seeker of many perspectives, of an open mind, of choices) am biased often - all the time. I hope I will remember this story the next time I make up a story about what is happening in my environment. Here goes... Michael landed at LAX airport early one day (he travels non-stop). As he was waiting for his ride home he noticed his bag was missing it's name tag. So he reached behind the airline's unstaffed counter to get a name tag. As he is contemplating doing this and actually reaching over - he notices a cop staring at him. As soon as he reaches over to get the tag he sees the cop get on his cell phone. Next another cop shows up. Michael is getting curious/nervous/making up stories about why they are looking at him suspiciously. He had been screened/tagged for extra security a lot lately so he figured - "here we go again." By the time he's got the name tag the two officers are standing right behind him. The first officer says: "I was looking to make sure it is you." And the rest of it went something like this - Thank you for The Secret. My wife and I are such fans of you. We have watched it a lot. I am quitting my job as a cop to do what I've always dreamed of - thanks to you. Amazing grace. It's around us all the time. The question is - do I stop to witness it, and bow to it in gratitude and awe! Next time you choose to judge a person/situation - remember, there are many AND's and rarely only a this OR that.

Shug

2009-02-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is from a recent Esquire blog http://www.esquire.com/blogs/endorsement/obama-shug-021109 - read my thoughts at the end, if you choose.

"The combination of a shake and hug has been around for years. One hand grasps the other man's hand, and one arm goes around his shoulder. The handshake is facile. The hug is tender. But the shug is right there in the middle — masculine and affectionate at the same time, reserved but expressive. It allows you to put yourself out there by bringing the other guy in. Close but not so close. It's more than a shake, less than a hug. It's a shug.

The shug can be predetermined: You can go in shugging. Or it can be decided upon during the course of the ordinary (if all-important) handshake. But the choice is yours. Because you have the guy's hand. He can't get away. Which brings up the interesting part: With a shug you can inflict affection. Like when Barack Obama shugged John McCain during one of their presidential debates last October. At that moment the elegance and utility of the shug were fully realized. That's when it went beyond merely being the future president's signature greeting and became useful to us all. Because what appeared at first like a physical manifestation of unity may also have been disarming. With that shug, he pulled McCain in. He literally kept his enemy close. He leaned in so far that he could plant the kiss of death. Or maybe it wasn't nefarious at all. Maybe he just likes the guy. Either way, McCain got shugged."

Here's my take - cute term, the shug AND I am all for an all out hug. I personally feel a hug seals the deal of trust and honoring each other, unconditionally. It is a male ritual that has been lost in the American culture (for the most part) and is gradually surfacing in men's groups that are based on accountability and self-responsibility (e.g. The ManKind Project).

Ground Hog & The Candle

2009-02-02T07:40:00.000-08:00

Again, Rev. Kathianne Lewis of the Center for Spiritual Living here in Seattle had a great metaphor to share yesterday. First, let me summarize my take on her always highlighting Ground Hogs Day (today - Feb.2) as a high and holy day. Yes it's the day the news anchors talk about if the Ground Hog came out and saw it's shadow or not. Apparently that "predicts" if winter is almost over or not. Here's what else it is - the half-way point between the Winter Solstice and the next Equinox (I think I got that right?). Regardless, the point Kathianne was making is - just like the ground hog, we get to choose if we are going to face the shadow and let it grip us in fear or if we simply turn the other way - towards the light, and attract more of it - we dissapate the thoughts/feelings of fear (of shadow). Now we all know she's not saying don't deal with our shadow side - confront those fears square on and pretty soon I get to see how they are really tiny and figments of my imagination. But when I turn to the light that shines from within me - wow, wonders things happen. Most often they are very small things (e.g. like my 9 month old son smiling with pride at his first trip sitting in a front-facing car seat with me yesterday) and also show up in the big things (e.g. the day my son arrived in our lives - in 5 hours, from thought to reality). For the metaphor - Kathianne described how when we take a lit candle (our soul) and light another persons unlit candle - inevitably wax will drip from my candle when I do that. That wax is like the dust/the unwanted element of that exchange, it messes up the carpet. Instead - imagine if I simply stood/sat still and did what I do - shine my light. And when others are ready to discover and own their own light they may choose to take their unlit candle and burn it using my light - that is attraction my friends vs. promotion. Today, be the light you are, shine bright and have no attachment to any of it. In small and big ways - your light shines on us all.

"So what, now what?"

2009-01-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

Caroline Myss spoke at CSL Friday night as part of the Extraordinary Speakers Series. If you know her work - it's full of wisdom and insights on healing ourselves through our spirit connection. The part I want to focus on is her Warrior like "call to action" to get people off the victim/story wagon and into action. 1. Intuition - she talked about how us "spiritual" types are all excited when we can prove how strong our instinct is. She says there's no doubt we are all innately intuitive but most of us are selective of when we want to use it, believe it, act upon it. We are good at avoiding it. She talked about holding oneself accountable for living at a high vibration. 2. Forgiveness - is not an option - it's a necessity. "Get over it and move on." She made fun (I haven't laughed so hard in a long time to it was great) of those of us (including me) who keep repeating our "story" and use it as a perpetual excuse. Stop the blame game and get over it. Classic case of "so what, now what." Doesn't mean you don't clean up - but once done - move on. 3. Spiritual self-esteem - following on the fact that we are all naturally intuitive, tapping into and strengthening our spiritual self-esteem is keen. 4. Smile - she tells a story of a man standing at a stop light about to cross a road. He was contemplating what form of suicide to take when he gets home. There's a car waiting for him to cross. He sees the woman waving him to cross, with a smile. Thanks to that one smile - he decides to live after all. Never under-estimate the power of your smile. 5. Service - in her years of work with crisis survivors she finds they always come out with a deep desire to do service for others. And they do. I encourage you to watch the many hours of free video on her site: http://www.myss.com/. And remember, smile a little more today!

Personal Responsibility & Choice = Freedom

2009-01-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Yes I have to blog about the historic inauguration of Barack Obama - the 44th President of the United States of America. Where were you during his acceptance speech? Please comment and share your experience of it. Mine was rooted in the personal responsibility I own of doing my part - to be the change I want to see and leave for my children. I was watching the inauguration with a few hundred Microsoft employees at our conference center. There was a cardboard cut-out of President Obama - and yes I had a friend take a picture of me hugging him at the shoulder. For now, I want to share this quote by Will Smith that I found very balanced and I interpret as tied with my theme for this era - personal responsibility. The only person that stops me from my "gold" is myself. Right on Will! Also click on his picture to hear him talk about the potential of him playing Obama in a movie some day. Will Smith For me, it was something that I've always believed. I've read the Declaration of Independence. I've read the Constitution. I have the preamble memorized. It's something I've always believed in, and when Barack Obama won, it validated a piece of me that I wasn't allowed to say out loud - that America is not a racist nation. I love that all of our excuses have been removed. African-American excuses have been removed. There's no white man trying to keep you down, because if he were really trying to keep you down, he would have done everything he could to keep Obama down. Yes, there are racist people who live here, absolutely. But they're not the majority anymore. I'm an African American, and I was able to climb to a certain point in Hollywood. On that journey, I realized people weren't trying to stop me. Most people were trying to help me. Before Obama won the presidency, it was like, I'm the exception. Tiger is the exception. Michael Jordan is the exception. Bill Cosby is the exception. But there's something about being the leader of the free world, with every other position on earth below that. You can't argue with that. If Barack Obama can win the presidency of the United States, you can absolutely be the manager at Saks. Come on. It was such a fantastic experience for me to be able to say out loud that I love America and not be called an Uncle Tom. That I can stand out, and I can say out loud that I love this country and not get funny looks. I don't think we are African Americans, Irish Americans or Japanese Americans anymore. I think Americans are a new race of people. We are Americans of African descent. We are Americans of Irish descent. It's a whole new world. (and it's up to me and you and us to be the change we seek)

Outliers

2009-01-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

So what's an outlier - Obama is, if it were 100 degrees in New York City in January, and so on. You've got to be an apprentice for 10,000 hours, for 10 years to achieve brilliance. It takes time and persistence to achieve super success. This is the subject of Malcolm Gladwell's (author of The Tipping Point) latest book "Outliers." Click the picture to watch him talk about the concept.

I heard him speak today (one of the perks of working at Microsoft) on a slightly different aspect of the book - the capitalization of human potential. For instance, did you know that 1:6 kids who get an athletic college scholarship actually go to college! Here are the sources of constraints on capitalization of potential:

a. Poverty: Test done at Stanford of 250,000 students. For 20 years they track the top 0.1% with highest IQ and found it doesn't equate to success. Genius kids from poor families did not make it as the ones from rich/well educated family backgrounds.

b. Stupidity: Arbitrary rules such as cut off for sports team selections skew the players to be younger and all concentrated immediately after that date causing the selection of younger players when older ones might very well be better players. We see this time and time again in all aspects of society.

c. Attitudinal: Why do Asian kids do better in math than other kids? The difference is huge. Asian kids believe if they apply effort, a math problem is solvable. Western kids feel they either do or don't have the ability to do math. Effort and persistence is more attitudinally prevalent in Asia than West.

I love this example: 40% of US entrepreneurs have been dyslexic. They learn to compensate by delegating - having others doing their reading/writing, they are better at oral skills, they learn to problem solve cause your life is one big problem, they learn to be a leader.

Another myth buster - smaller class size has no advantage - except for very disadvantaged kids in early age. What if that disadvantage is something you compensate for - you learn self-reliance, just as important as a trait as having a teacher pay attention to your kids.

So here's the really fascinating question asked: what are the customized disadvantages that are really advantages? Many cultures, the Parsee, Lebanese, Ethnic Chinese: the roles they've played are a pattern of accomplishment - kind of extraordinary disadvantages but also advantages. I interpret that as - they take more risks and have less/little to loose.

Here's what fascinates me about Malcolm's latest work - imagine if we layer quantum physics/metaphysics on top of this? Do tests of people applying positive psychology vs. not. I bet there would be a lot of myth busters in our midst.

Believe

2009-01-14T08:20:00.000-08:00

be⋅lieve - verb, 1.to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully. Lately, I've been intrigued by this very important concept - that last bit in the definition of the word above "only if I believe in something can I act purposefully." Powerful stuff and I believe very true. The Secret proposes the formula: ask --> believe --> receive. Dale Carnegie and Nepolean Hill had this down in the mid-1930's as: conceive --> believe --> achieve. Bottom-line: I have to believe in what I'm being and doing in order to have what I want. It all starts with how I am being and that being state starts at my sub-conscious level. I used to be great at putting on a happy "nice guy" face all the time. Inside I had sadness and regret and anger. I am getting better at surfacing those emotions so I can see them and choose to do as I decide with them. The faster I can see that most things appear a certain way to me vs. you - that they are my judgements and feelings, the sooner I'm on the path to freedom. That is truly believing I am free to be, do and have what ever I put my heart and mind to. Finally, that word "purposefully" is key. When I am focused on something (good or bad) I make it so. What do you choose to focus on right now?

Stand by Me

2009-01-06T21:26:00.000-08:00

I love how songs are such powerful metaphors for my deepest desires in life. Please click on the picture and watch this video shared by a dear friend. I dare you to take this video to heart. Despite all the bombardment of doom and gloom - imagine the power of standing by each other, standing for each other, trusting each other, knowing that each one of us are unique individual expressions of one source - we all come and go to the same place. There are no boxes, no right/wrong, no ups/downs, no love/hate, no you/me - there is simply one truth, that truth is God's truth, that truth is perfect and that truth is my truth now. I dare you to take EVERY fear you have for a week and instead believe in the truth of this video - the oneness and harmony that it represents, as I judge it. What a wonderful world we live in. Thank you for standing by me.

Bromance

2009-01-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

OK, I never thought my first blog for 2009 would be on such a mass-media term (especially after maitri and PemaC) but I am trying to understand the current pop-culture so here goes. I just learnt that MTV has a show by that name 'Bromance.' Yet another "reality" show. Except in this case a bunch of hetrosexual guys are trying to stay in the game to become Brody Jenner's buddy (never heard of this guy but apparently he's the son of Bruce Jenner and a hollywood actor).

Next, I happened to find a definition (actually several) on something called the Urban Dictionary for this term. Here's the one rated the highest:

"Describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males."

Steve: Ah, Dave!!! I can't believe you stole this first pressing of Aladdin Sane from your record store for me. We were just talking about this the other night.

Dave: No sweat, pal.

Steve: That is some full-on bromance. You're the man.

What's next folks? Never a dull-moment in the super unreal world of Hollywood but that's just my opinion!

I Maitri Myself

2008-12-30T20:57:00.000-08:00

I was recently gifted "When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chodron, an American Buddhist nun. Please watch this video (click on picture above) where she describes this Sanskrit term - Maitri. She says, about this term - "It is said that we can't attain enlightenment, let alone feel contentment and joy, without seeing who we are and what we do, without seeing our patterns and our habits. This is called maitri - developing loving-kindness and an unconditional friendship with ourselves." Much can be said about this term. Here's the first thing that struck me - sheer relief and sadness. Relief that it's that simple (but not easy). Sadness that I have spent so many years seeking the external love, without truly loving myself. I judge we live in a world where 99.9% of us suffer from this external focus. I judge we are all here at this time to grow and learn this lesson individually and as a collective consciousness. I can say a lot more but I would rather hear from you. Please comment.

Father and Son

2008-12-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

Regardless of where you fall on the love - to - cheesy on Cat Stevens, please watch this video. I had so totally forgotten this song. And the words never hit me when I heard it in the 70's, 80's and '90s. Also watch this version and please post your comments.

Happiness 101

2008-12-14T20:46:00.000-08:00

Most of you who read this blog know this already but if you needed science to reinforce it - the most popular class at Harvard is one focused on Positive Psychology - a.k.a. happiness. Tal Ben Shahar is the man! He's taking 800 students through his class at Harvard. The basics I've caught so far (just learnt of him thanks to Rev. Kathianne Lewis of CSL who mentioned this research today) are nothing new, but they are critical to my happiness: - gratitude - simplicity - exercise - focus on strengths We all know this stuff but do I live this way all the time - remembering that each and everyone of us, starting with me - are a wonder making the world a better place. Dive in 100% a embrace the happy that you are!

India's 9/11

2008-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

The actions of a few men over the past week in Mumbai have certainly left a mark on the home of Mahatma Gandhi. I can't help make the parallel with the Twin Towers and 9/11. The senseless act of violence, of cowardice and violence against the innocent - is complete insanity. Sitting far from my city of birth, I have been through several emotions. First, the panic to make sure immediate family and friends were not in harms way. One friend came close. She was at the Taj in a conference room where the staff asked people to remain for safety. As she frequents the hotel she managed to convince them to leave and made it home safe. Others were not so lucky as we are all reading now in the accounts. The destruction of landmarks, while secondary to lives, is also tragic. The Taj is the waterhole of East & West and has been for a century. From royalty and celebrities to college students and family - the Taj is and will always be the place to celebrate India. I focus on the Taj because just as the remaking of the Towers it is essential that as a nation we back restoring The Taj Hotel to it's original glory. Landmarks like The Taj become the enduring symbol so we never forget that in the end peace and love MUST prevail and the maturing of the true masculine is one key step in that direction. We have a ways to go.

StoryCorps Day of Listening

2008-11-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

In case you are like me, and will not be standing in line for the shopping day of the year on Friday - how about spending November 28 as the Day of Listening? If you don't know about StoryCorps already - please spend a few minutes to learn about them.

Their mission is simple (all good ones are): "Our mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening." Check out this one example to wet your appetite and consider going into one of their recording centers to record your stories:

“It’s an easy job. One street goes uptown, one goes downtown.”

Hyman Bloom (L) tells fellow taxicab driver Andrew Vollo (R), about driving a cab for over 30 years. Hyman Bloom retired in 2007.

StoryCorps is full of Resonant Men (and women). I am so grateful for those who created this project and for the Day of Listening. I know it will be challenging for me to keep that focus this Friday - with my wife and children as we relax at home AND I know the day is simply a reminder to always do my best to listen to others truth - just as I express my own.

Men's Group

2008-11-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Facinating, the many perspectives one can come across. I was certainly intrigued by what I learnt today. First, I learnt of what appears to be a great movie - http://www.mensgroupthemovie.com/. It is an Australian production. I watched the preview - actually the Director talking about how they made it. None of the characters, men in a men's group, knew their part until it was being shot - one day at a time. This caused real emotional edginess among them which enhanced their true authentic being nature - facinating! Then as always when you find something on You Tube I found this short video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0rMKIFPTv4 about a men's group in Haiti. Listen to what this guy from The Red Hot Chilli Peppers has to say at the end of this short video - "these men asked me to let the world know that they are ready to help." How amazing those with what we perceive as having nothing, are willing to give. This is the true essence of "givers gain." Aho!

A Young King - in another land

2008-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

In Bhutan, a new, and very young, King has been crowned. Click on the picture to read about the ceremony and the Constitutional Monarchy. I know nothing about Bhutan, to speak of. What I am intrigued by is reading that the State offers free education and health care to all it's citizens. Hummm...seems like they are living a tradition older than known time. In the tradition of the true purpose of a KING - I believe it was always intended that the monarch's first duty is to protect and care for his/her people. I am assuming they do this with freedom and integrity and equality in Bhutan (might be a big leap of faith) and if I'm off - at least I have a dream I can hold up. A dream I believe the United States is very close to achieving. Again, I see Obama's election as not a big deal as the first Black President. I see it as a very big deal because I believe we will see radical change. I believe he will keep and exceed a lot of his promises of change - and as our "monarch" the politicians will follow him. Yes, there will be debate as there should be but in the end he will guide us through a process of unification, a process of oneness. Will you join me in dreaming and believing this and more is possible?

Frodo Shares The Ring

2008-11-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

As I witnessed history being made last night, a few things really surfaced in the midst of the emotions of humility, gratitude and hope. First, I can't help but think of the Frodo metaphor. What transpired last night has taken the "Frodo has the Ring" to a new height - "Frodo SHARES the Ring." I constantly strive to live a life of oneness. As I say often: "I don't have to like you but I love everyone I get in contact with." That is how I would describe the grace and powerful responsibility with which John McCain spoke last night. I plan to watch that speech many times. What can I say about Obama's speech. Not only was history made but I felt a big weight fall off my personal shoulders. I felt connected. I felt I understand the man. I felt I respect the man. Most of all, I felt we finally have a chance to unite our divided nation. I love the United States of America and I can't wait for this new chapter of change and hope to unfold. It is my intention to stay conscious of my thoughts of separation and to continually remind myself of the oneness I know we all are. That in my understanding those I disagree with is my growth and my ability to give to the world in ways that I never imagined I can. Yes, I can. I can love all beings, especially all human-beings! And so it is this November 5, 2008 (also the 6 month birtday of our son Justin Sai).

Power vs. Force

2008-11-03T07:22:00.001-08:00

Please watch this video. This past week I discovered Dr. David R. Hawkins. I am very new to his work so if you already know him and his work - do comment on what strikes you as his contribution. On the surface, I am seeing tons of contributions - Kundalini experience, as in this video, Power vs. Force - the book I've just got to get to know him as I am very curious about what is true power - positive power. Very interesting that I didn't find him on Wikipedia but this book is in the top 1,200 books on Amazon so clearly he is a known entity. To do the book justice, I will not comment on it's content until I've read a good part of it. What I will leave you with today is Wayne Dyer's endorsement of the book: "Perhaps the most important and significant book I've read in the past ten years." As we step forth to Election Day 2008 tomorrow - I sit contemplating what Power vs. Force means to me. I encourage you to do the same and share comments here.

Components of Flow

2008-10-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Please watch this video of Mihály Csíkszentmihályi - be patient and listen to this man. I judge, like the Matrix, this work is at the heart of thriving in these challenging times. See if it fits for you and try it on:

Csíkszentmihályi identifies the following as accompanying an experience of flow:

1. Clear goals (expectations and rules are discernible and goals are attainable and align appropriately with one's skill set and abilities).

2. Concentrating and focusing, a high degree of concentration on a limited field of attention (a person engaged in the activity will have the opportunity to focus and to delve deeply into it).

3. A loss of the feeling of self-consciousness, the merging of action and awareness.

4. Distorted sense of time, one's subjective experience of time is altered.

5. Direct and immediate feedback (successes and failures in the course of the activity are apparent, so that behavior can be adjusted as needed).

6. Balance between ability level and challenge (the activity is neither too easy nor too difficult).

7. A sense of personal control over the situation or activity.

8. The activity is intrinsically rewarding, so there is an effortlessness of action.

9. People become absorbed in their activity, and focus of awareness is narrowed down to the activity itself, action awareness merging.[2]

Not all are needed for flow to be experienced.

The Shift

2008-10-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

Please watch this video. This is an important project. From the little I've learnt so far - it combines the light and gold of us all, with the urgency of the shadow and darkness that is around us right now. It summarizes the challenges and the great work being done by so many. I can't wait for this movie to be released NOW!

Here's how this project describes itself:

Wow! We live in one of the most exciting times in human history. At the same time the systems of an old paradigm are dramatically breaking down, amazing breakthroughs are happening all over the planet. A new world filled with hope, inspiration and possibility is emerging and we are blessed to be alive to both witness and participate in it. Every one of us can make a difference. YOU can make a difference. THE SHIFT Movie, a film about the incredible advancements, new systems and worldviews that will take us into a positive, empowering future world has been funded by people just like you, people who understand the power of media to SHIFT our culture. Our talented team has captured incredible footage and we are excited to invite you to participate in completing the rest of the film.

Great advertising

2008-10-13T20:58:00.001-07:00

Go visit this link: http://pages.samsung.com/us/howiseeit/#/how-i-see-it-films and witness what I believe is brilliant advertising. Yes, I am biased given the focus of The Resonant Man on celebrating manhood, on exploring the many forms of rites of passage for men and on anything to do with the modern man who is standing up in responsibility, courage and the power that he is. This ad and campaign are a great example of fantastic story telling, engaging with emotion and humor at the same time, and linking a mainstream sport (NFL Football) with a modern day twist. I particularly love how the father crowns his son - that is a rite of passage! Please send me other great ads that celebrate the resonant men that are all around us. In these times of fear and uncertainty - it is of the utmost importance to celebrate the amazing grace all around us. I believe we live in the most amazing times - where we are finally awakening to the FACT that our thoughts create our reality. I choose to focus on love and making my dreams a reality - and not fear. How about you?

Soul Journey

2008-10-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

If you don't know who Bill Plotkin and his Animas Valley Institute are - check them out. Watch a brief interview with Bill by clicking on his picture. The primary goal and method of all Animas Valley Institute programs is the encounter with soul.

I particularly love the quote on their website (http://www.animas.org/) from the legendary story teller - Joseph Campbell: "The heroes of all time have gone before us. The labyrinth is thoroughly known. We have only to follow the thread of the hero path, and where we had thought to find an abomination, we shall find a god. And where we had thought to slay another, we shall slay ourselves. Where we had thought to travel outward, we will come to the center of our own existence. And where we had thought to be alone, we will be with all the world." - Joseph Campbell, The Hero with a Thousand Faces

Have you had your vision quest? Remember, it doesn't have to be out in the wilderness, but that certainly helps to quiet our busy minds.

Peace Pilgrim

2008-10-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

It seems appropriate (on the heals of Gandhi's birthday) thanks to my dear friend and brother, Stanley Sabre, I was made aware of Mildred Norman Rider, the Peace Pilgrim. I encourage you to read her Steps Towards Inner Peace, watch at least some of the video by clicking on her picture and consider these 4 relinquishments she suggests: "FOUR RELINQUISHMENTS 1. Relinquishment of self-will. You have, or it's as though you have, two selves: the lower self that usually governs you selfishly, and the higher self which stands ready to use you gloriously. You must subordinate the lower self by refraining from doing the not-good things you are motivated toward, not suppressing them but transforming them so that the higher self can take over your life. 2. Relinquishment of the feeling of separateness. All of us, all over the world, are cells in the body of humanity. You are not separate from your fellow humans, and you cannot find harmony for yourself alone. You can only find harmony when you realize the oneness of all and work for the good of all. 3. Relinquishment of attachments. Only when you have relinquished all attachments can you be really free. Material things are here for use, and anything you cannot relinquish when it has outlived its usefulness possesses you. You can only live in harmony with your fellow humans if you have no feeling that you possess them, and therefore do not try to run their lives. 4. Relinquishment of all negative feelings. Work on relinquishing negative feelings. If you live in the present moment, which is really the only moment you have to live, you will be less apt to worry. If you realize that those who do mean things are psychologically ill, your feelings of anger will turn to feelings of pity. If you recognize that all of your inner hurts are caused by your own wrong actions or your own wrong reactions or your own wrong inaction, then you will stop hurting yourself. And so it is!

Bapu Kuti Alive Today

2008-10-02T07:26:00.001-07:00

Bapu Kuti is what Mahatma Gandhi was affectionately called by Indians. Today, October 2, is his birthday. So much can be said about this spiritual leader. I want to focus on two aspects - non-violence and Gandism today. Listen to the video by clicking on Gandhi's picture. I will speak to the lessons in this speech over time.

Satyagraha is the concept of nonviolent resistance. You can read up more about it but what I love about this concept is how I can apply it in my daily life. To me violence/nonviolence is not just about the literal physical manifestation of tension/anger. To me I do myself violence with my own thoughts. That's far worse in my opinion. When I poison myself with negative thoughts, forgetting that I am one with source, that I am fully cared for and provided for - and instead step into fear and remain stuck in my shadow - that's not the man I want to be. Instead when I lean into that fear, shed light on it, laugh at it and acknowledge that it's part of me but I CHOOSE not to operate from that place - that is nonviolence of the self to me.

Gandism Today - there are many living and breathing it all around us. Take a look at Bapu Kuti, a compilation of stories about people and organizations living the Gandian way. Yes, this is also a shameless plug for my sister Rajni Bakshi who wrote this book. Please buy and read the book. It has powerful implications for how we can do economics differently today - and all be prosperous.

I look forward to your comments and stay tuned for more lessons from Gandhi.

The Boy Crisis

2008-09-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

The suicide ratio among boys and girls age 9 is equal but between the age of 20-24, the ratio goes up to 6:1. Please watch the second video on the right where Warren Farrell describes The Boy Crisis with a lot more statistics. Dr. Farrell was the only man who was actively involved with NOW (National Organization of Women) in the '60s and '70s. In the past decade, he has switched his focus to show that it's men that are being discriminated and ignored. This topic is totally under the radar of main stream media. It is a very important subject. It's at the heart of the immature masculine of today, the irresponsible leaders of our world/our corporations. Hopefully among the many benefits of the current economic vows we will shed more light on this issue and seek to raise awareness to how men can step into being the mature masculine. More on this over time but this is at the heart of The Resonant Man Project.

The Last Lecture

2008-09-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

By now, most of American has heard the story of Randy Pausch - the Professor who gave his Last Lecture in preparation for the end of this life. Click on the picture to watch him on Oprah or go directly to You Tube and watch the full lecture that has been viewed by over 9 million people.

Randy is 100% a Resonant Man and then some. Randy passed away in July 2008.

...

The reason I cover him today is to evoke in all of us - imagine if we lived with a clear vision of "I am about to die"? I know that if I reminded myself that question every time I'm about to lash out at someone (externally or internally), or every time I compare, complain, criticize or condemn someone or myself. Imagine if I keep that thought in front of my mind every time I think "oh I can do that later" or "I can talk to/tell that person I love them" later - and live with the regret.

...

What I loved about Randy is his complete "beingness" - he was totally open with the world that the lessons he learnt in life were not some new thought stuff about - finding your purpose, living by values etc. He just did it - he resonated at such a high frequency all the time that he didn't need to second guess himself - and when he did, he moved on rather than wallowing in it.

Today, I encourage us all to live as if we are going to die right now. What would I do differently if I had that reality in front of me? Hopefully, the thoughts are not of fear but of compassion and unconditionally knowing that I am one with my source. That I gave this life all I had - lived full out with no regrets. That I was not perfect but I continuously took stock of where I was and course-corrected/made amends. That I forgave myself and others. That I had a blast playing and dancing with this act in the play of my eternal soul.

...

I hope I can dance and rejoice in this exercise for the rest of my life. What about you?

Ambani vs. Ambani - Part 2

2008-09-16T21:17:00.001-07:00

Yes, I will cover these brothers every now and then as their battle intrigues me. Please watch the video by clicking on the picture - for more context. In my judgement this feud is a classic case of "powerful men" who are still immature men, boys in men's bodies. In my judgement - they have never dealt with their father wound. For those who don't know, their father - Dhirubhai Ambani, "was an Indian rags-to-riches business tycoon who founded Reliance Industries in Mumbai with his cousin. Many people consider Ambani's phenomenal rise to be an example of crony capitalism and the result of proximity to the ruling politicians because it was achieved through preferential treatment given to him in a highly repressive business environment. So go figure - what virtues do you imagine these Ambani brothers were raised with? Again, it's just my judgement that they were raised with hording - the belief that "I must have it, and you can't have it." My point in this coverage of the drama these brothers have created is really best illustrated by The Red/Black Game. WARNING: if you think you might want to play this game someday - don't read any further. I personally think even if you read this you will have the experience you were meant to have if you did play the game! Here's how it goes: This is an exercise to try on your students to demonstrate that not all situations are best done in a competetive way. Divide your class into three (or, possibly, more) teams. The purpose of the game is to score as many points as possible. On each turn, each group decides whether choose red or black and writes that on a sheet of paper. Scoring is as follows: If all choose black, each team scores 50. If exactly one team chooses red, that team scores 100 and all other teams score 0. If more than one team chooses red, all teams score 0. Play about 5 or 6 rounds. What you should usually find is that at least one group will start using red almost immediately and others will join in so that by the end of the game, NO team will have as many points as they would have if everyone had "cooperated" and chosen black at each turn. You can also point out that you said "score as many points as possible" NOT "your team should score as many points as possible" - again emphasizing that the larger score by the whole group was a positive gain. So how does this game relate to the brothers? Actually to all corporate competing - let's grow up and focus more on how to innovate, create and grow - rather than expand so much energy on how to win-loose. Yes win-win is aspired by many, and when push comes to shove - do you vote red or black? Grant someone you love a black vote today.

Resonant Men in the Midst of Sorrow

2008-09-12T13:16:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, I happened to ask a work colleague where he was on 9/11/2001. I never expected quite this story. Please read this short version of Oscar’s story. First, a quote from what I deem a film of great importance with this story and 9/11 – Crash:

“Every day we are faced with reactions. How we interpret a situation colors our perceptions of daily life.” I say it a bit differently – everyday we are faced with peoples (our our own) judgments. It is our (my) choice on how I interpret and react to what I feel from the outside. In the end – it’s an inside-out job. Oscar is an American citizen, born in NYC and brought up mostly in Columbia. On 9/10/2001 he drove from Vancouver, BC to Seattle for a job interview the next day, leaving his wife back in Canada. He was between jobs. On 9/11/2001 at 7am in his hotel room he sees what’s going on in disbelief. His first thoughts are – “This is like in the comic books I read as a kid when aliens would destroy New York City. This can’t be real!” Recognizing he had to get to the interview he gets ready. He wore a goatee in those days (see picture) and left it in tact. As he drives along I-405 he sees several people pulling over as they weep in their cars. He drives slowly as in a funeral procession and in an altered state, yet very conscious to where he is and where he needs to get. Soon he sees flashing Police lights behind him and he pulls over. A cop comes to his window with his hand on his gun holster. He asks in a rude and harsh tone: “Where are you going?” Oscar replies: “To a job interview Officer and since I haven’t committed a violation I need to get going.” Officer: “Show me your passport. What is your nationality?” Oscar says: “I am a US citizen and don’t need to travel with a passport in my own country and Officer you are racial profiling me?” This continues for some time till the officer lets him go. Next Oscar stops at a coffee shop to get a snack and coffee. Service is very slow. As he waits, a cop comes in and goes through an identical drill of questions. At the end of this round Oscar is shook up enough that he decides the needs to go to a grocery store, buy a shaving kit and get rid of the goatee. When he arrives at his interview there is a man who had set up the interview that he meets first. He relates what transpired in the morning to David. As they both sit dazed in the events of the morning, Oscar waits till the interview is cancelled. Oscar panics to David – “How the hell will I get home cross the border to Canada today? I want to be with my wife and family.” David says very confidently “I’ll handle it.” Oscar is in total disbelief and dismisses David’s offer. David has a brother (let’s call him The Bro) who is a cop in the last town on the US border. He instructs Oscar to get to his house and wait inside. No one will be there but help yourself to beer (even names the brand) and wait. Oscar does the drive up and sure enough the house exists, the door is open and the beer is exactly where he said it would be. Soon The Bro enters, in full uniform, and says: “This is how it will go: I will drive you on my bike as a police escort. I will explain to the situation to the Canadian immigration officer. You are on your own from there.” Oscar makes it home on 9/11. This story is actually not so much about the tragedies of 9/11 – not about the victims or the perpetrators. It’s not about the terrible state of our nation not living our golden guideposts of The Constitution – violated endlessly starting that morning on 9/11. It’s not about Oscar. This story is about David and The Bro. David acted in his King. He asked his loyal brother to do something. The Bro is the classic archetype of the Warrior (New Warrior I may add). He took the King’s orders and acted diligently, with complete integrity and focus. Oscar, is the archetype of The Lover and The King. A man very present with his feelings and clear on what he wants – and asked for it. All 3 men in this story are Resonant Men.

What is masculine power? - Part 1

2008-09-03T22:38:00.001-07:00

I am curious how today's modern world truly views men and power. I wonder if the majority of people - men and women, see the abuse of power as the dominant force or do they recognize the divine nature of power.

For starters, listen to part 1 of Warren Farrell's interview (click on his picture). My key take away so far - power is "the ability to control our own life." It's about freedom. It's about freedom to choose. And it's about allowing others the freedom to choose as well.

Please share your thoughts on power. What makes a Resonant Man powerful?

The Shadow of Sex

2008-09-02T22:46:00.000-07:00

(click on David for a video news clip) I haven't followed all the news coverage about David Duchovny checking into sex addiction rehab. What I do feel is this is a small win for us all to celebrate. To celebrate a man who is speaking his truth, holding himself accountable and doing the best for his family. Now, that's all that I see in this story and frankly don't need more 'story' to interpret any more. Think about it. Wouldn't we rather have more celebrities make this unacknowledged addiction raise higher in the public awareness? Just as Betty Ford made Alcoholics Anonymous known to the world what about sex and love addition? Imagine if Bill Clinton had taken (still can) to this crusade - I believe it would make a huge difference in our society living open and honest lives. It would make a difference in living our truth vs. the lies we tell ourselves and those we love. Please know that I don't raise this as a morale statement. In the end, how you live your life is your business but is it? How is the impact of sex and love addiction any less damaging on each and every one of us as all the scientific tests that study the impact of global warming on all of humanity? I urge you to comment on this topic and to share your perspectives. I hope this will be the beginning of many aspects of this topic and again - David, more power to you brother! (even though I don't know you)

Work is love made visible

2008-09-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Rev. Kathianne Lewis of the Center for Spiritual Living, I had to look up Kahlil Gibran's words regarding work, from The Prophet - on this Labor Day. So much can be said and self-internalized by every word in The Prophet. Since Kathianne Lewis puts complex lessons in simple steps, ere are the four steps she suggests to ensuring "work is love made visible" in your life: #1. Tell The Truth - if you believe that God works in a truth, not a lie then think about this. Every time you think of your work as "it's OK, it pays the bills," or "I have a family/life style to maintain." Ask yourself, is that your full truth? Is this the dream life you truly want for yourself? What's keeping you from living it NOW? Or are you constantly postponing your dream life. #2. Don't sensor yourself (too soon) - Let the "chi" energy flow and don't stop it with "but that will never happen/I can't do that." As we learn in several ideation techniques - first let the ideas flow without judgement/filter, no right/wrong etc. Then only start to converge upon the ones you choose to take into action - careful not to pick just the ones that seem easy. Make sure to run them by a criteria to make sure they meet your truth. Yes, it's all about the truth - as our readers remind us with the latest poll on what makes you resonate. #3. Separate "support" from "creative expression" - Take one hand (I suggest left) and call that your support - that God (higher power/spirit/what ever you choose to call it) is your source and 24/7 - 100% support. Take your other hand (I suggest right) and call it your "creative expression - that productive activity you love. The key lesson on this from Kathianne was to NOT join those two hands. They work together in synergy but they are not subject to one another. When ever it feels impossible to follow your bliss and your work is your love - put yourself in "neutral" and switch to doing something you love doing. Go for a walk, read something you enjoy, cook a meal, meet a friend - what ever you choose. Next, just watch how you receive your good in it's bounty. #4. Just be lifted - After you've taken these 3 key steps - Let God be God - watch how it shows up in your life. Since I have experienced this formula to work I suggest that if it doesn't work the first time - give it another shot and make sure you are following the steps as prescribed. Please report back on how it goes for you.

Listening is an act of love

2008-08-30T15:19:00.001-07:00

Please watch this video that introduces the mission of Story Corps, an amazing project that is enabling Americans throughout the nation to record their stories. The focus is on the power of listening. Here's a story that really touched me. If you already have a strong relationship with your alive/dead father or yearn for one - please listen to this interview of Dr. Lynn Weaver - interviewed by his daughter Kimberly.

"I would be a success if my children loved me half as much as I loved my father."

"When Lynn Weaver came into a StoryCorps Griot booth in Atlanta, Georgia, he told his daughter, Kimberly, about his father, Thurman Weaver, a factory worker, chauffeur and World War II veteran. Lynn remembers his father as his rock - the person he would go to with any question or problem. Kimberly has often heard her father say that her mother is the smartest person he knows, but he points out his father was equally brilliant. He remembers the time that his father stayed up all night teaching himself algebra so he could then teach it to his son the next day."

What makes a True Warrior?

2008-08-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

If you haven't picked it up already, I believe every man must go get a copy of the latest issue of What is Enlightenment? focused on "constructing the new man." Among the four perspectives they cover - one is titled "Beyond the Rambo Mentality." One belief they address is that men tend to "go-it-alone." Jayson Gaddis (a Gestait therapist who directs a wilderness "rite-of-passage" program for young adults in Boulder, Colorado) talks about the constructive aspect of this masculine trait:

"I think there's a huge positive side to it, and let's call it what it is. It's the warrior archetype. I think of a true archetypal warrior who is embodied, conscious, and integrated in community. He is on purpose, kicking ass in life, and having fun. A warrior takes full responsibility for his life. No one's going to do it for him. No one's going to carry him along. He's not a victim. I think conscious warriorship is about taking full responsibility-stepping into your own life in a completely embodied way." I love every bit of what Gaddis has to say. I would also interpret/paraphrase it with the 12-step Serenity Prayer: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change (You). The courage to change the things I can (Me). And the wisdom to know the difference."

Bubbling with Joy

2008-08-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we happened to stumble upon a show by Casey Carle, the inventor behind www.bubblemania.com. He exemplifies what I deem to be a Resonant Man. I bow to you Casey. Here's what he says about himself - that I judge as his mission statement: "I do some pretty tricky undulations, manipulations and juggling with the bubbles. Parents, grandparents, they all love it. This is not a show intended to keep a 2 year old engaged; this is a bubble show to keep the 5 to 75 year-olds mesmerized."- Casey Carle I imagine there are millions of men like Casey who are following their bliss and simply doing what they love - without attachment to the outcome. Casey is giving of his gifts and is a bright light for our global consciousness. Thank you Casey for what you do. Please send me stories of men who resonate. Remember - they don't have to be public figures or have created a cool business/effort. I am looking for men who are living their purpose and giving of their gifts to their world. All are welcome - nothing is too small or big for The Resonant Man Project!

"I can see clearly now..."

2008-08-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

First, watch this video and listen to the words of this song. "I Can See Clearly Now" is a song written and recorded by Johnny Nash. It achieved success in the U.S. and UK when it was released in 1972. It has been covered by many artists throughout the years, including a 1993 hit version by Jimmy Cliff.

This song has resonated with me for years and surfaced in my consciousness again this morning. Litterally - living in Seattle and having Fall like weather in August sucks! I seek a way to pull myself out of the grey clouds in my mind and have my heart shine. Metaphysically and metaphorically - here's what I take from this amazing song, living in the aliveness of my manhood:

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone": The rain of disbelief, of smallness, of not good enoughness. Yes, these voices still exist and show up often. And I choose to say "no thank you" and look at the clarity with which I see my life now - now that I am living my truth. "Here is the rainbow I've been waiting for": The rainbow is always present. The rainbow represents hope and endless possibilities to me. I believe we are all part of one continuous circle of amazing colors - but only see part of it from our perspective! "I can see all obstacles in my way": No, I typically can not see the obstacles until I smack right into them. But thanks to the tools I have now I can see the warning signals when they are about to surface and choose to do things differently - to experiment my way to happiness. "Gone are the dark clouds": As I acknowledge and embrace my shadow side, I now know my dark clouds better. Again, they are not necessarily "gone" but I choose to take them on a whirl with me that I rise up above them. I can see my clouds clearly now, than I did before. "Look all around, look straight ahead - there's nothing but blue sky": Ah yes! How often do I have my head in the sand and refuse to see the greatness that is all around me! "It's going to be a sunshiny day": In the midst of my sorrow, my anger, and my angst - when I REMEMBER that I am one with an eternal source - how can it be anything but sunshine. Note - this is different than "grin and bare it." Please comment on how this song is a metaphor of your life.

More about killing the boy

2008-08-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

Warning - this piece is not a recommended path but simply a documentation of 5 very bizarre ways of boys-to-men rites of passage from around the world. Click on the picture and watch the videos at the link. Here's the main point I want to make - we are so far removed from ritual of our indigenous origins in the post-modern world that we have gone to the other extreme. Many men go to extremes to have create radical experiences - be it binge drinking, dangerous adventures or taking risks in relationships/work/life. I believe if we went back to rituals that strip us of our endless comforts of modern age - and connected with our true self - our soul, we have a better chance of silencing ourselves to hear what is our core purpose in life. It is my believe that we are all here to improve ourselves for a higher calling. Each life-time is an important chapter on the journey. The longer I spend my years trying to figure out HOW I am to contribute and give in this life - I will loose focus on the WHAT I am to give. I have been fortunate to have been through a few vision quest experience - nothing as extreme as these examples. I will ponder these and other ways of stepping into the mature male over time at this blog. Stay tuned!

Wood-putty my way to strength

2008-08-20T21:33:00.000-07:00

Rabbi Ted Falcon heads the Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue. He is known for his interfaith belief system. He speaks at the Center for Spiritual Living in Seattle at least once a year and was with us last week. The theme of the month has been forgiveness. As a guest speaker Rabbi Ted said he realized that he always speaks on forgiveness when he visits CSL. So this time he chose the topic: "what's after forgiveness?" Here's a story he shared. Forgive me if I didn't take great notes - let's just say this is what I took away from his story. A father is challenged to have his pre-teen son live a responsible and virtue based life. The father had a beautiful library at home with ornate wooden bookshelves built into the wall with amazing engravings on it. Every time the son would be out of integrity the father would pound a nail into the wall. Over time there were over a hundred nails in this beautiful bookshelf wall. Then the son started to make a turn. Every time he was in integrity - the father would remove a nail. Soon all the nails were gone. When the son realized that the whole lovely wood panel was now full of wholes - he was sad. So he filled the holes with wood-putty, and finished them to look even better than before. The father noted to the son that the wood paneled wall was now stronger than it was before, thanks to his son's lessons learnt. Rabbi Ted - if you read this, apologies for not getting the story "right" but again - what I took from it is: "a Saint is just a sinner who fell down, but now gets up." It is through our trials and tribulations - when we are awake, aware and alive to them that we make amends in such a way that it makes the world a better place. Aho!

Killing of the Boy - Part 2

2008-08-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today, I'd like to quote another perspective on masculinity from what is enlightenment?'s issue on "Constructing the New Man - 4 unique perspectives on masculinity in the 21st century." One of the four perspectives is an interview with Nathaniel Fick - "The Making of a Marine Officer." Lieutenant Fick's book One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer is a best seller. As I read the interview with Fick I was truly inspired by his passion and in his pursuit of his mission. He says: "I wanted something that might kill me-or leave me better, stronger, more capable. I wanted to be a warrior." I admire the values that he embodies and how he is now taking his experience - as a survivor - to the business world of leadership. My perspective is to propose that there are other ways of "killing the boy" - as I interpret in Fick's heroism in wanting "something that might kill me." In scores of stories and research on masculinity - it is clearly documented (Carl Yung in particular) that in order for the male species to evolve to the "mature masculine" one must "kill the boy." In case you think I mean that literally - naturally I don't. Metaphorically this is a very important phenomenon - the absence of which leads to boys remaining boys as they lead our world - lacking purpose, lacking a sense of belonging, lacking a connectedness as they drift in this complex world we live in. I propose to men who think joining the armed forces is the only way to get this "better, stronger, more capable" aspect of a warrior - that there are many other ways to get there. Here are just a few: MKP's New Warrior Training Adventure is a great start and the most authentic experience of men's rite of passage I have experienced (initiated at Camp WaRiKi, Washington - September 2007). There are scores of organizations that take youth and adults through vision quests of varying intensities. If you haven't done one - definitely look into it. The most severe I believe is the Lakota tradition - a young man (after years of preparation) is put inside a hole in the ground. It is about the size of a casket. The hole is covered with raw cow-hide so he is in complete darkness. He is left there for a week - maybe with water but nothing else. Stripped of all his worldly elements. They say the men who emerge from this experience are either awakened to their calling in life or go insane. I think it's worth taking the chance in order to save a soul for languishing in nothingness. Please share of other such experiences of rites of passage - that I believe are a means to "killing the boy" so the man may emerge.