"Essence" slide

As promised, here's the slide:

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.” ~Martha Graham

A Strength I See in You - reflections

Last night, after our exercise, we shared some of the heartfelt experiences you had. As we didn't have much time to do this in class, we thought it would be nice to share more here about what you experienced and what you now know, that you didn't know before this exercise.

While we realize this is a public blog, we're sure there are some meaningful things you could post that would be of benefit to both you and to the others in our community.

During this week, make sure to try the exercise with others in your life, not in the formal way we did last night, but in an easy, natural way, by really listening to others, seeing them with your heart, sharing a strength you see in them, and maybe even asking them to tell you about a time when they felt on top of the world, when they were being true to who they know themselves to really be.

We look forward to anything you feel called to write, and to hearing more next week.

Hal & Julie

Week #9 - Be Ordinary

So, here we are. We've arrived at our last live-with, Be Ordinary. I know, after last night's wonderful experience of "The Strength I See In You" exercise, that you know being ordinary is no ordinary matter at all.

You shared your Essence with your classmates, and in turn, witnessed theirs. That is no ordinary experience. It is extraordinary. This is what our live-with is all about. Sharing your ordinariness with the world.

Take this week to do the inward-bound journey we spoke of last night. You now have all the tools you need to do this. You know you are creative, you heard all those strengths that were showered on you last night, and you have the courage to look within to those places long ago put into the shadow.

This looking within and seeing your own light doesn't have to be a serious matter. Let is be filled with curiosity and a true desire to know yourself as your highest Self. Remember from last night, it is right here in front of you. It's not hidden at all.

We look forward to reading about your experiences right here on the blog. This is our last week to post, so be brave and courageous and share your Selves with your community that truly now does see you with their hearts.

Hal & Julie

Final Paper-- Totally optional

The grading requirement has NOT changed. Those desiring a grade were asked to contribute to this blog, sharing their experiences, thoughts and engagement with the content and thereby, at the same time, being helpful to their class mates. Those who have done this posting need do nothing more, unless they want to.

Separately, there were a few who felt they wished to write a paper. Great! So, the final paper "alternative" or option was included in your handout from Class #7. Look over the questions. If you care to write about some or all, it can enhance your learning from the course. Send it to us, or alternatively, you could post portions of your thoughts under this heading.

Absolutely optional... but we would be pleased to read and comment upon those papers that are sent it.

Leading Change

If change is the only constant, then leading change becomes a major part of every leader's job. We have covered a number of frameworks regarding change-- and there are plenty of others around...

What has been your experience with either leading change or "being part" of a major change or turnaround effort. What did you experience? How did you cope to get through it?

Do you have thoughts about our two cases: Avon and Nissan (to be discussed in our next class on 11/30)?

What lessons can you draw from either of the CEO's involved that can be applied to your own situation?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving
Hal & Julie

Week #8 Recognize your Decision NOW

You have two weeks to work on this live-with. Please pass on your experiences with this and the whole issue of balance in your life

Also think about which live-withs can be MOST useful over a holiday period. Sometimes when families gather, it can be very stressful. It can be a "field day" for the VOJ and having some pretty strong expectations about interactions and outcome. So... relax and try some of your NEW tools. Then, share any thoughts and experiences you have.

Week #7 - See With Your Heart

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." Antoine de Saint-Exupery

What a lovely week this is - a week of seeing with your heart, which allows you to see what is invisible to the eye.

As you probably noticed in the exercise in class, it is only when you move past seeing with just the eyes and mind that you can really see another human being at all, and can really begin to be in relationship, whether it is with another or it is with your Self.

Make sure to practice this live-with both internally and externally. Once you begin to open your heart to yourself, and your Self, you will know your deepest capacity for love and compassion.

On a very practical note, use your precise observation to see what shifts at home and at work when you see with your heart. What changes in the dynamic of your relationships? How is the 'other', whom you are seeing with your heart, changed? How does is your creativity, and the creativity that comes from your relationship, changed?