April's Opportunity
April's Opportunity
Every season has its moods and flavors. Spring is a time of new
optimism and in last month's letter, Planting Seeds of Spring, I
wrote about planting seeds as a metaphor for possibilities.
April has its unique challenges and opportunities. With the
usual focus on taxes, we are reminded of our relationship to
money. We see our tax returns as scorecards for our financial
health. In our society money equals power and security and
there's a common belief that money makes the world go round. I
like to think that its love that makes the world go round.
What we do with our time and what we think about defines who we
are. Because of financial pressures we have increased demands on
our time and less time to do what we really want. With so many
people affected by today's economy and the struggle to make ends
meet, thinking about ideals and values seems like a luxury. But
this is precisely what we must do. If we don't reconnect with
what gives our life meaning and purpose we will have nothing
when the scorecard turns against us.
I do not underestimate the importance of money. Money is
important, but more important is what we do and sacrifice to get
it. If the pursuit of money and commerce is our main focus, we
will lose sight of what our real work is on this planet and lose
the ability to appreciate the little things life offers us.
Until we shift our focus to consider what we need to sustain us
on a soul level, we cannot begin to heal ourselves from this
predicament. Only then will we find a way out. "We make choices
about how to take care of business, how to make sure we take
care of our needs and the needs of our children...The question
is whether or not we can let the song of our soul—our
essential nature—guide those choices when fear is singing
on our other ear. The question is which tune do we dance to,
which piper do we pay." The Dance, Oriah Mountain Dreamer
In our society our bank or commercial institution provides us
access to either written or online statements that detail our
financial health. I want to introduce you to a different type of
bank ....the Bank of Well-being. Negative thinking and stress
drain the account. A life with no direction and purpose, or
unfulfilling relationships also depletes the account. You get
the idea. When you discover the negative influences on your
account, you have an opportunity to stabilize it by feeding your
soul. As we nourish our souls our accounts grow and become
replenished.
Knowing what is important is the first step, but taking the time
for these endeavors is even more important. For many years now
that first step for me is the quiet time in my morning. I have
noticed a direct correlation between the quality of my morning
and the quality of my day. I have created a positive morning
ritual that allows me the time to nourish my spirit before I
think of anything worldly....there's no need to hurry...the
problems of the world will still be there. Other empowering
rituals for me include music, being in nature, intimate
conversations, exercise, yoga and juicing. I know you have your
own rituals and as you take the time to incorporate them into
your life your experience of well-being will be enhanced. The
paradox is that as we take the time to expand our interest in
our "bank of well-being", the value of our other bank accounts
also increases.
Because we are all interconnected, as we heal ourselves we heal
the planet. As we give to ourselves, we give to each other. Just
taking the time to smile during the day will touch another and
make a difference in their life. Just taking the time to slow
down and "be in the moment" will add richness to your life.
One way of making a difference is by sharing this letter with
the friends in your circle and let them know about the
advantages of being on the journey.
Part of my journey has been connecting with other people around
the world. My website enables me to do this and as I continue to
expand and evolve it also expands and evolves. I am also
expanding what is in this ezine and your suggestions are
welcome.
Journey On
Mark
Mark Susnow, formerly a trial attorney for 30 years is a coach,
speaker, and group facilitator. He's inspired hundreds of people
to believe in themselves and to achieve their goals and dreams.
Be sure to visit his website. www.inspirepossibility.com -
415.453.5016