leading change

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Embrace Disturbance: The Best Way to Look without Flinching

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Embrace Disturbance: The Best Way to Look without Flinching

Some days, it’s difficult to name the disturbances without focusing blame in a single direction, denying the extent of the problems, or feeling overwhelmed. It’s hard to know what we are responsible for. What we can actually change.

I really don’t like being disturbed. Nobody does. But I’ve discovered that embracing rather than turning away from what disturbs us is a skill, a muscle we can build. It’s a conversation we can initiate and a personal practice that builds resilience, a readiness to accept the next wave of change with more equanimity. The quicker we recover, the more capable we are of acting in meaningful ways.

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In the Tumult of Change: Conscious Endings and Our Emerging Future

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In the Tumult of Change: Conscious Endings and Our Emerging Future

We are settling into a new reality, a time of change. I find myself going back and forth between embracing and resisting the reordering of our lives. By consciously engaging we can use this in-between transition zone to adapt to the changing circumstances, and help others do the same.

We can strengthen what’s positive, caring and fun — virtually hug over Zoom; smile at strangers and friends from six feet away. Or you can join our neighborhood in the Mill Valley Howl.

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Standing Strong in Uncertainty

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Standing Strong in Uncertainty

Change starts with an ending. Change doesn’t start like we wish it would, neatly packaged, presented on a silver platter, with a card letting us know, “Here is your new beginning prepared just for you.”

Since we are not yet sure what all is ending, we are also not sure what it will cost us, making it hard to craft our way through the uncertainty, let alone find a clear, steady center so we can stand strong.

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Will you Repeat the Past or Create a New Future? A Commitment Makes the Difference

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Will you Repeat the Past or Create a New Future? A Commitment Makes the Difference

My friend Ramona has always been interested in protecting endangered species, so much so that she traveled to Tanzania to meet the elephants there. She was enthralled by these incredible beings. But her feelings changed when she learned that in Tanzania up to 100 elephants a day are massacred for their tusks that get turned into billiards balls, piano keys, and other items for human enjoyment.  She transformed from elephant enthusiast to elephant protector as her lifelong interest shifted into a powerful personal commitment to defend the elephants with all her might.

Changing the design of your future starts with a commitment.

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One of My Dearest Friends Sees My Potential When my Vision Dims

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One of My Dearest Friends Sees My Potential When my Vision Dims

One of my dearest friends is very wise. She sees the potential in me when my vision is shadowy. She uses the power of her gentleness, the strength of her love, and the clarity of her insight so that every one around her flourishes. She’s an absolute joy, with a lovely ability to discern what really matters.

While many men consider themselves wise, many women question whether they have wisdom.