"Sacred Commerce": Business as a Path of Awakening

I have started reading a book called "Sacred Commerce" after hearing the authors Matthew and Terces Englehart in an interview. I was really captured by their positive and compassionate perspectives especially when it came down to their work. They are very motivated by love and have written a book which challenges our thoughts on business.

They base their business on four standards, PASS.

P= profit=love of enterprise

A= awakening=love of transformation

S= sustainable=love of Earth or the whole

S= service=love of community

I was also captured by their clearing process. Clearing in the text is defined as "a basic technique for distinguishing how the past is impacting the present and then presenting an opportunity to create something new and shift one's attention to something more empowering." Clearing is used in their business Cafe Gratitude, and it works on investing in the employees. They spend time communicating with each other in order to have workers who can be more present, feel part of a community which listens, and ultimately feel empowered.

The keys to clearing are to be present, listen, and create something new. You begin by asking the person, "What are you present to?" Then, you listen! Don't fix. Just listen. You may want to reassure them by that you are listening by re-telling back to them what the person said. Don't come up with solutions. Just sit there and listen. Finally, shift the experience by asking them something new. For example, "What are you grateful for?"You end the clearing session by acknowledging the person for being honest.

Most recently, I have read another chapter on "The Art of Sacred Service." The author recounts a time he had a dream that he was asked by Jesus to serve at The Last Supper. Coincidentally, this was at a time when he was stuck in a rut and tired of of serving people day after day. He wondered when people were going to serve him.

But, when presented with the opportunity to serve, the author realized that "the highest calling and the mark of a true leader [is] to be the servant of all." So when employees are cleared from their personal crisis and emotions, they are able to serve in their jobs better. They can pay attention to their clients and be present. The present is the only place people can take action, and service is an expression of love.

Wow! It's hard to think about work in that way sometimes, especially when people feel bogged down with drama, dysfunction, and stress. Can you imagine what it would be like if you and your colleagues that of themselves as servants who were extensions of love? How do you convert your negative feelings (overwhelming obligations, being stuck, or feeling unappreciated) into feelings of love? How can we start to think about our workplace as opportunities to present love to others?

Fall Fitness Goals

Last week, my colleague took me to her lunch time athletic conditioning class. It is really fun to have a mid-day break and be physically challenged. Our trainer asked us to create a list of goals for ourselves. Something we can focus on as to why we are going to her class, and hopefully what we want to get out of coming. So, I gave it a little bit of thought and decided to have some creative fun with it. So, I decided to make a tiny accordian book on my goals and went a little crazy gluing fun paper on some leftover cards.

I decided on five fitness goals:

1. Be challenged: I often fall into doing the same old thing, and my body gets bored. With all the burpees, push-ups, intervals, and sprints, I know that my body is having to move in new ways. Sore muscles the next morning also show that my body is being challenged in a variety of exercises.

2. Have a positive way to manage stress: I think this is very key. Sometimes we harbor a lot of resentment, frustration, and worry. I think working out on a regular basis puts our minds at ease and takes the edge off of our concerns. It definitely puts me in a better mood to face life's challenges.

3. Have a stronger core: I know that I have made improvements in this area in the past, but I'd like to get stronger abdomimal muscles. Anything that will challenge this part of my body is definitely a good thing. Plus, it makes swimsuit season more enjoyable.

4. Have a stronger upper body: We have been doing so many different kinds of push-ups. And, since I am in my thrities, I know it is important to start strength training and building muscle because women begin to lose muscle mass at my age. I also think it will be nice to have toned arms when I wear sleevless tops.

5. Have fun! It is so much fun discovering how much stronger and energetic I can be. Working out with a group of good-natured women all striving to stay fit and have little fun is very motivating. If your workouts aren't fun, there is no way you can sustain the discipline to do them. So, I hope these workouts help me feel good.

Gearing up for the Fall

So the fall weather hasn't really caught up down here in Texas, but as I wait for cooler temperatures, I am anticipating upcoming frivolity, resting and connecting at our church's annual women's retreat.

I am looking forward to:

1. Solo road tripping: So technically this isn't a very long drive from the inner loop, but I like loading up podcasts and songs on my radio and driving down I-10. Here are a couple of my favorite podcasts: tranquility du jour and working class foodies.

2. Yoga: I'll get to share my yoga practice with others. I'm excited that we'll be carving out time to go into downward dog, practice grounding exercises and work on our breathing. It should be fun to do yoga in the morning instead of having the rushed pace of getting ready for work this weekend.

3. Connecting with Like-Minded Women: I am always amazed by the women that I meet at this retreat. A few of the retreaters are ladies I still hang out with on a regular basis. A lot of them have done some really inspiring things (trained for the MS 150, gone on the grad school, creatively inclined) and are very humble, grounded people. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people. I heard once that you should always be aware of the new people you meet in your life. It is often a sign of inspiration and fresh new perspectives that God wants to give you in your life.

4. Nature: With weather permitting, it will be nice to have a change of scenery. It is nice to get out of the city and actually see the night sky. I also enjoy just sitting and resting outside on the grass with a good book or catching up with an old friend. I also look forward to lacing up my sneakers and running down a country road. Very, very energizing - and sure as heck, beats running on a treadmill.

5. Delicious Food: Unlike a lot of cafeterias, the food at this retreat center is always so delicious. Retreats should have wholesome, good-tasting foods. It's a must while you work on feeding your soul and body.

6. Most importantly retreating = resting: I like how retreats get you out of your usual zone of work, home, and social life. Changing environments and mixing up the people you normally hang out with are crucial steps when you are ready to do some thinking. You may find a new idea or you may get the nap you were begging for this whole week. You can relax without worrying about the chores that have to get done or the social outing you want to cram into your weekend. Stepping out of our environment helps us get a deeper connection to God and our true authentic selves.

Cardio! Cardio! Cardio!

One of the quotes on Lululemon's manifesto is "SWEAT once a day to regenerate your skin." I firmly believe that exercise should be a daily thing. Sometimes it can't be daily, but I try to get at least 3-5 sweat sessions in. This fall I have been transitioning back to doing more intense workouts, and I am happy to say that I have logged in about 14 workouts thus far in September. Not bad for being the 20th day of the month.

September Highlights
1. Make it a workout date. Sometimes the only quality time that my beau and I have during the work week is fitting in a workout. We've tried out spinning, running around campus, lifting weights at home, and swimming at the gym. I think it's good because we get to see each other and vent out our frustrations through a workout.

2. Checking out events at Lululemon and Yoga One: I enjoy stopping by Lululemon and the studio at Yoga One to see what they have to offer. Many times Lululemon has free events you can check out during the week. I've tried out capoeira, a margarita fun run, yoga, and muscle strengthening. Yoga One has great teachers, and they often have specific workshops you can try out for belly dancing, yoga for athletes, or yoga with a dj - just to name a few.

3. Schedule in a mid-day workout or a mini 15 minute break. I've read somewhere that the biggest opportunity for people to push your buttons can be at the office. If you are fortunate enough to have a gym at work, try it out. Get a colleague with you and try a group fitness class, jump on a treadmill or lift some weights. Sometimes that mid-day workout just helps ease tension and give you the energy you need to face the rest of your day.

4. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Don't forget to use your water bottle. Take with you on your workouts especially during spin class or athletic conditioning. Water will help you avoid cramps and flush out toxins in your body. Plus, it makes your skin look great.

5. Food - protein, nuts, fruits and veggies! I try to know myself. I don't like eating or drinking too much before a strenuous workout. It is however important to put protein back into your system post workout. I've also noticed the more I workout, the more in tune I am to my body's needs. I am less likely to eat over-sized portions, and I don't feel bad if I have a beer on occasion. I think honing in on what foods are tasty and rewarding yourself along the way is crucial.

Reflections from Free Day of Yoga

Last Labor Day was the official free day of yoga. Jacob and I decided to check out the free class at YogaOne Studio in midtown. This was our first time to try forrest yoga, so I dug up a little bit of information on what it was. According to the Forrest Yoga website:

"The pillars of Forrest Yoga are Breath, Strength, Integrity and Spirit. Our mission is to create in each of us a sense of freedom, a connection to our spirit and the courage to walk as our spirit dictates; thus, doing our part in "Mending the Hoop of the People". Forrest Yoga will teach you to Go Deeper, find your Truth and encourage you to take these gifts you have earned Beyond the Mat into the rest of your life."

For many people unfamilar to yoga, the philosophies of yoga can seem a bit new age, goofy, or maybe even granola. Don't let the smooth taste fool you. Practicing authentic yoga takes a lot of dedication, time, and patience. And, like a lot of experiences in life, yoga is what you make of it.

Intention: In our crazy, hyped-up worlds filled with so much stuff coming at us, it is often hard to find focus. We are fulled in so many different directions. The beautiful thing about yoga is starting off with an intention - a meaningful reason for taking the time to go to your mat. Is there something that has been bothering you? Release your concerns on the mat and let go. Is there a blessing you would like to send forth into the world? Let your hope for a good day and new experiences be your focus for your practice.

Breathing: Once you've set an intention, your breathe-work is what will push you through your yoga practice. Deep breathes have a way of moving us away from fight or flight reactions. Breathing can slow down your thoughts, heartrate, and clear your mind. When you are trying to stand in a challenging pose or trying to rest in savasana, breathing can put your mind into focus and help you work through difficulties. I sometimes think of breathing as that awkwardness that we go through during lifes' transitions and challenges.

Stretching: There is a lot of stretching involved in yoga. Your aim in yoga is to have flexibility and space in your limbs, chest, back, and ultimately in your heart and mind. Partnering with your breath can help lengthen the tight spots in your body as you stretch. The stretchs should never be painful, but it should have a dose of challenge in the pose.

Strengthening: As you continue trying out new sequences and poses, you will be amazed at how strong and confident your body can become. You'll start to find stability in your legs as you do a tree pose. And, you'll start to feel strength in core as you slowly move your legs up for a headstand. With patience and time, you can really see your body grow and change.

Prayer: The purpose of yoga has always been for us to relax our bodies and minds in order for us to pray and meditate. Running off after doing all the hard physical sequences and not doing your savasana/resting pose completely defeats that purpose. Your body is stretched and challenged and your ending prayer and meditation in resting pose is where you reap all the benefits of your practice. Sometimes, your mind will be racing around like a monkey. It will be difficult to let your mind stay clear. But, kindly and gently always try to re-focus and let go during your meditation. With humble beginnings, you will eventually start to build more compassion and patience for yourself and ultimately for others and for God.

Beyond the Mat: I honestly believe that having a regular yoga practice can work wonders in your life outside of the studio. When you're in a long meeting, you can practice doing long deep breathes. While your waiting in line at the grocery store, slow down your focus and stand on one foot. Your mind will also be more relaxed and focused when facing difficulty. When you are having a rough day, maybe you'll consider pampering yourself and doing a yoga sequence, journaling, meditating and a hot bath.

We all need that time for ourselves. Yoga can be an long hour or yoga can also be a few deep breathes. Yoga is about resting, stretching, and balancing not only in body and spirit, but in our lives.

Longing to Bloom

Sometimes I feel like my growth is not moving at the pace I want it to, and it can be so, so frustrating at times. You are hoping for signs, indicators - anything to show you that you are on the right path. Sometimes it can be emotionally frustrating during the waiting period, but these pauses are so crucial in your time of maturation.

I have to take a deep breathe and remember to be nice to myself. I have to reflect on:

Surrendering- Give up on my ideas and plans, especially the unrealistic ones where I am moving at lightening pace and am perfect. I must also learn to surrender my selfish ideas of where I should be. Let it go. So there is space to grow and expand in the way I was meant to.

Trusting- I have to trust and belief in the divine nature of life. I am not isolated in my problems, but I must trust that with my support system of people I am a part of that I will grow, mature, and change. When I'm not fighting the diving plan, it's when I honestly believe that God is there working in me, building patience, and confidence in me.

Accepting- I must be able to honestly look at my skills and weaknesses. Use whatever I have and accept that it is enough in life. I must accept that whatever my day's challenge is - is good enough and perhaps more than enough for me to handle.

and

Receiving- And, ultimately, I must be open to receiving. Once the space in my heart is more open, I have to realize that life has more possibilities. That I don't need to go at anything alone. Many people go through frustrating growth patterns, and others out there are willing to help and give, as well.

I honestly wish I knew what my next step in life will be. The frustration on not knowing where to go and not know sure of my path can be a mixed bag: exciting because you know that there is something around the corner and yet heartbreaking when you feel like you aren't making traction.

I long to bloom and grow. My mind is filled with so many ideas and things that I could be doing. I am hoping that one comes up to the surface and I get the confidence to dive in. And, I know I am at a holding pattern where I don't see the growth. I continue to focus on: surrender, trust, accept and receive.

Labor Day Weekend - reflecting and dreaming

 

I enjoyed a decadent and relaxing four day weekend here at home recently. Labor Day marks the end of summer (despite the warmish, light days still lingering in September). The above photo is a reminder of the sweet memories of the free pool

August Dreams Reflection
* as a I return to my work, I hope I put in the creativity and energy I need to do well in my transition time. Done! - I started incorporation walks around campus, working out of the cafe just to have a change in scenery, slowed down my pace in order to have more meaningful contact and projects instead of doing a harried and rushed high volume of tasks, and have focused more on intention and purpose.

* may my heart be open to new opportunities - teaching, cooking, yoga, running, and any sort of challenge, luxury, and rest Done! - I have moved my art supplies into a studio, done some sketching in the museum of fine arts, done yoga at the museum, lulu, and yoga one, started running at the BON Club, did the hot undies run, and fought in a 100 gallons of chocolate pudding!


* searching for a spiritual and lifestyle mentor In progress! Met Kim Wilson (author, entrepreneur and yogi) about starting my small business and other small business owners to get their ideas for inspiration.

* crafting a creative and spiritual community In progress! Started going back to services on Sunday, listen to inspiring podcasts, morning page reflecting, and reading. Also, I will be involved with the women's group at my church this fall.

* continuing Artist's Way and doing more small business research for my creative talents In progress! Slowly but surely. I have been reading Artist's Way, Sacred Commerce, and Crucial Conversations. Very inspiring reads.

* continuing French class and sign up for art and cooking classes Not done- I have to research some ideas and see where the best place is to invest time and money in this growth area. I am thinking about a trip to New York this fall and Paris in the spring.

* start seriously studying for the GMAT - Not done! Need to plan out study dates.

* celebrate the return of my beautiful tattooed banjo-playing mathematician boyfriend and get inspired by his recent call to serve the homeless in Guatamala - Done! We have been able to spend some quality time together. And, I have enjoyed a bountiful abundance of thoughtful gifts from my beau. We enjoyed a weekend up in Dallas a few weekends ago and went to our first fall football game together.

September Dreams

* Continue working in the art studio creating, scheming, planning potential small business ideas and research

* Lots of reading, reading, and reading: all about connecting to compassion, love and spirit. Crucial Conversations, Sacred Commerce and Artist's Way

* Women's Community - exercising, yoga, sharing, connecting with other women (book club, retreat)

* Artist Dates - ideas and schedule in the time (Art! Foodie Trips! Movies! Museums!)

* Continue blogging and reflecting (4 articles : food, spirit, and art)

* Meaningful events and programs planned and created inspired with doses of community and energy

* Financial Goals - fall planning and decluttering

* Further development - cooking, french, art, and gmat

* Get spiritual - Continue morning pages (2x a day) and 5 artist date trips

* Career - find good ideas, trends, and keep things fresh