I am neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim
I am not of the East, nor of the West…
I have put duality away, I have seen the two worlds as one;
One I seek, One I know, One I see, One I call ~ Rumi

One love, one heart. Let’s get together and feel alright. ~ Bob Marley

Two weeks ago I wrote in my PGG The Right Stuff about The Overview Effect, when astronauts gain a unique vantage point as they look back on the Earth from outer space.  Because of the largely visible total eclipse of the moon this past Sunday, we were fortunate to have the opposite experience –  a momentarily unified humanity from all over the planet looking up at a single celestial body – an event that was observed from more places and had more PR than any other in recent times thanks to social media – and therefore a live audience of millions all gathering to see a purely Universe-made happening.

Interesting timing, that Universe, having this somewhat rare phenomenon occur right on the heels and in the midst of major gatherings in the US over the past week or so, as New York City hosted nearly every world leader and thousands of visitors due to various occasions combined, making for some pretty intense energy and having an elevated focus on topics with substance and meaning –  something other than obnoxious politicians with or without bad hair, voluptuous vapid sisters with big lips and booties, or hypocritical extremists trying to take over governments both here and abroad.

As is the nature of these things, there is a lot of talk, but far too often the words are not backed up with actions, nor the integrity to follow-through or practice what is preached. Corporate and world leaders make promises to play nice, do good business and shake hands for the camera, the Pope pontificates about peace, justice and charity; the NGO’s sincerely say they want to change the world by eradicating poverty, empowering women and girls and protecting the environment. There are lots of demonstrations made, goals declared and agreements reached.

One could easily become cynical, as many of the world’s problems persist and get rehashed in a recycled historical loop with the same players in different clothes. And this year the particularly high high of this past weekend came crashing down like a bad hangover just days later with the harsh reality and news of scandals, secret meetings and airstrikes.  What were we thinking?! How could we be so naive to think that anything would change?

Ever the optimist, I beg to differ. This time something did shift, something did in fact reveal itself – and it wasn’t the people doing the talking, but within the ones, all of us, who were listening.

If you watched speeches from the likes of Malala, Obama or Mandela (with Eddie and Beyonce!), you might certainly have been inspired, but it was that elderly man in the white garb and black Fiat who captivated our country and dominated the air waves every day last week, who provided what seems like a huge drink of water in a desert of doom. 

No matter your religious background – practicing or not, believer or non – journalists and jokers alike couldn’t help but find it refreshing to witness such continuously positive messages across so broad and diverse audiences and media outlets over several days. They were a potent antidote to the usual, and especially recent, vitriol, hate, gossip and intolerance broadcast as news, and the increasing violence, betrayal and revenge we are offered and consume as entertainment.  The quench of thirst was palpable on many levels.

As someone who is hyper-conscious and aware of this need in society, it was profoundly encouraging and affirming that people from all walks of life were responding as they were to his words and actions, strategically staged or not.  It just proved once again how much we are deprived of and yearning for connection, compassion, and hope, And whether or not you believe he is genuine and authentic, the superficial display had enough power to wake up so many who didn’t even know what they were missing and so desperately seeking.

Remember what themes spoke to you last week, what you and everyone around you innately responded to and was stimulated and stirred within: kindness, inclusion, healing, empathy.  As the days go by, don’t have amnesia and instead notice the contrast when you look at new shows with titles such as Blood & Oil, The Bastard Executioner, Scream Queens, and lest you forget again: Blindspot.

SO, back to that eclipse. Did I mention what made it even more special was its reddish hue? Curious dontcha think since it’s the color most often associated with, and the essence of what we all crave for: LOVE 

Looking for more than just a glimpse of goodness? Like the clouds here in the northeast that were playing peek-a-boo with La Luna, and cameras that couldn’t quite catch its full beauty and magic, perhaps that’s the lesson – to hold these fleeting moments, these unusual and unlikely spectacles where they belong; in our minds, and more importantly in our hearts as we move forward, knowing we don’t need to look outside ourselves to people or institutions to find what we are looking for.

We can be the leaders in our own lives and choose “the better angels of our nature” to create the world we want in our own sphere of influence, so give me a buzz, and I’ll help you come out of the shadows and form your Global Goals for 2030 and beyond!

Click here for a pretty version of this PGG

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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One FROM AMAZON

Looking back from the station, I imagined a world in which people set aside their differences and realize that each and every one of us is riding through the Universe together on this Spaceship we call Earth. They realize that because we are all interconnected, we are all in this together and because we are all family, the only way to solve the problems we all face is together. ~ Ron Garan, Astronaut 

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. ~ Maya Angelou             

The Overview Effect is a powerful one, causing those few who venture into outer space to then experience their inner space in a much more profound way; seeing the planet from that very rare vantage point puts everything into perspective, not the least of which is how fragile, seamless and beautiful our Gaia truly is, and how now, more than ever, we need each other to survive. With our increasingly micro-focused obsession with frivolous and trivial mundane matters, it’s always a good idea for us to do the same, sans the spacesuit and shuttle.

And what better time of year to do so than now, a month of fresh starts and new beginnings, as we go back to school, perhaps eat apples and honey , and usher in a new season.  In NYC this is also when world leaders come to town, replacing the fashion models and tennis fans for a more serious UN General Assembly, Clinton Global Initiative, Global Citizen Festival, and this year, a visit from none other than his humble holiness hailing from Vatican City – all ceremoniously gathering to solve the most pressing problems facing humanity.

It’s a time when change is in the air, not only from the crisp temps, multi-colored leaves and sweaters coming out of the closet, but even more palpable after a summer, or longer, when you probably experienced unexpected shifts, fundamental transition, major moves, and/or perhaps, like me and several friends of mine, the loss of loved ones.

Death and dying is an important theme that I have always thought about and express in my talks, but nothing makes it more real than to actually lose someone close to you and then interact in the world, in their world, without them, and on their behalf.  And there is something quite primal about losing both parents, especially a mother, that activates a flesh and blood desire to be part of someone with the same DNA, the unsettling feeling of not having a direct tangible link to a very specific tribe or lineage. The challenge for us is to evolve beyond that, knowing that in fact, not just theory, we are each a part of the human tribe of Mother Earth and are all seeking community, connection, a feeling of safety and belonging, acceptance and being understood, regardless of where we come from, the color of our skin or the god we pray to.

When you think about how your life will be looked at and celebrated once you are gone, what will people say about you to your loved ones? How did you make them feel? What have you created?  What material stuff have you left behind and who will benefit from or be burdened by it? The more we can start looking at our own lives with the overview effect, the more we can plan for our highest and best exit when the inevitable day arrives.

I have been blessed to increase my appreciation of and connection to my mom through those whose lives she touched, and embrace how others who expressed their sympathy to me but didn’t know her thought she must have been great because they are so impressed with and impacted by who I am.  Because I have kept myself open and vulnerable, and allow myself to feel my feelings, I have deeply absorbed and sincerely integrated all the heartfelt sentiments coming my way (thanks to so many of you who reached out with your condolences!)  The whole process has only reinforced to me that the most important thing on this journey is demonstrated love – experiencing and knowing you are thought of and cared for, and that you thought of and cared for others in whatever form it may take; that you exist and your existence matters.

One thing is for sure: We reap what we sow. And once you’re physically gone you’ve still left an imprint on this planet. What will you leave behind? What quality and quantity will the harvest of the fruits of your life yield?  What intentions, thoughts and actions will you plant in people and on this planet today that will help make its inhabitants thrive and become more peaceful, loving and abundant? Remember, in order to have good crops you must begin with good seeds and soil – and it’s never to late to cultivate that which you want to grow.

Not sure how to Prepare for Liftoff? Give me a buzz and I’ll make sure you’re like John Glenn , ready to have a blast and make the most of your orbit, with or without gravity, and whether or not you relate more to being a farmer or a foreign delegate!

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If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!   Click on above links for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.

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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One FROM AMAZON

As we head into the dog days of summer and things quiet down and/or you get outta of town before the busy days of Fall, I thought I would not-so-subtley suggest that you have my book, Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One: Thought-provoking, inspirational and entertaining essays to keep you connect to yourself and make sense of this journey called Life to read on the plane, at the beach, poolside, while camping or on staycation!

What’s it about? Oh a little bit a this, a little bit a that. It’s the first five years of PGG (these weekly email blasts), which means 131 essays about self-care, career direction, transition, stress, feeling lost, going with the flow and more. They’re ideas, observations, and unique perspectives to make you think about yourself and your life in a new way, motivate you to make positive change, help ease those challenging times and perhaps have a chuckle or two.

You can scroll up or down on this email for the permanent promos, or read the official launch announcement and post-party wrap up for more info. And did I mention that it’s beautifully designed and has lots of fun music and movie references? You can go to the look inside feature on Amazon for a glimpse as well as check out the reviews (please add one yourself if you’ve already read it!), but I thought maybe I’d share some direct feedback I’ve received from readers:

Not going away? Here’s what Joanne S. emailed me the other day: “I love your book.  Perfect length for subway rides :)”

Not sure what it might do for you? One day I woke up to this message from Jennifer M.: “I am reading your book – have about an hour this morning to myself before the craziness of life begins and I just read “Labor Pains” – I honestly have to tell you it has got me thinking !! I feel like at this point in my life I am just going through the motions with no direction – no goal for myself. Get up go to work / spend time with family and friends / pay bills / cook / clean etc. I really need to figure out what I should be focusing on – believe I am happy but I think if I focus my energy on one thing to improve myself or my life – I may find even more happiness. I am really enjoying it!!”

Still curious? Take it from Anna P., who told me last week:  “I just finished your book and loved it. Some of what you say I really related to and other times it was like when Arsenio Hall used to say ‘Things that make you go hmmmmm….”   

In every life we have some trouble / But when you worry you make it double. ~ Bobby McFerrin 

As the saying goes, three things are certain in life: death, taxes and change. Change comes in all shapes and sizes, some scarier than others:  climate change, career change, graduations, marriages, relationships, TV changes, sex changes, change of residences and regime change to name a few – and right now seems chock full of them!

The reality is that time keeps on slippin’ into the future, so we have no choice in the matter of change, because like Kevin James’ dancing in Hitch [ff to 2:10], “You can’t stop this, you cannnoottt stop it… ”

Most folks have a hard time with change.  We’d rather stay comfy and/or miserable rather than letting go of our crutches and seeing what else life might have in store us.  We cannot control things but we can control how we respond to them: we can resist and go kicking and screaming or we can accept that change happens, and just go with the flow.

Going with the flow means listening to yourself, and giving yourself what you need at any particular moment. The best way to deal with change is to trust in yourself and be your own best counsel, so it’s important to have that ‘muscle’ in place as you navigate the white water rapids of feelings that come with this thing called life.

Change is not always fun, but it’s almost always for the better because change forces growth and growth is good. And once the change happens, we can’t be like a goldfish that lived in a fishbowl its whole life and then when put into the ocean swims around in a little circle as if he were still in a bowl!

David Bowie tells us time may change you but you can’t trace time. So this summer, if you feel you are ready to be hatched, then fly, be free! Not quite like Mork’s egg, but more like Steve Miller’s Eagle or with the help of Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds and the wonder of that other Stevie who sings, Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing 

But if you’re not quite ready to fly the coop, walk without those crutches, or swim in the big blue ocean, give me a buzz and you can  Lean on Me until you get strong and carry on!

(*Today’s PGG was originally posted on June 28, 2011)

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If you like what I write, you’ll love what I have to say in person!   Click on above links for info about my coaching and speaking services and contact me today.

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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE Personal Growth Gab (PGG) Volume One FROM AMAZON

One of my favorite movies, Bottle Shock, is about the then nascent California wine industry and its victory over the French in a blind taste test celebrating the 1976 bicentennial.  The film is based on the true story of a man who ditched his legal career to pursue a dream of making the best wine possible. Jim Barrett put his life into Chateau Montelena; to do so was a huge risk, and he had to have unwavering faith in himself and trust in the process of such a delicate, complex and time-consuming task, whose results were not necessarily guaranteed.

As with any such journey, there were many twist and turns and ups and downs along the way, but in the end he triumphed not only because he beat the French at their proudest export, but also because in doing so, blew the field wide open for quality wine to be produced in countries around the globe, and the world has never been the same.

Orson Welles, in his famous commercials would say, “ We will sell no wine before its time.”  It takes time for lasting success to develop, and there is no better activity than viticulture to demonstrate that. There are cycles of planting, pruning, harvesting, fermenting and numerous other magical alchemical things that need to happen for that perfect glass to arrive at your table.  As I always say in my seminars, “Remember that grapes do not turn into wine overnight!

With last week’s Solstice officially ushering in the summer, we are reminded that to Every Thing There is a Season.  The historic vote to legalize same-sex marriage in NY three days later was decades in the making; several societal changes and generations of progress had to occur in order to have the majority of the population now be ‘ripe’ for its acceptance, and we are all stronger and better for having gone through the process.

Since we are halfway through the year, be sure you are working internally and externally towards whatever goals you set for yourself; know that as long as you consistently do things that you love and care about, you are fertilizing your life, making it as rich as possible. Focus your thoughts, words and deeds in the direction you want to be going, knowing that all will come to fruition with a perfect union of patience, persistence and perseverance – in time and on time.

You can’t put the cart before the horse, so if you’re feeling a little frustrated and impatient in pursuit of your passions, give me a buzz and I’ll be a future sommelier explaining the uniqueness and quality of your vintage, or the judge that casts the deciding vote to make your dream a reality!

A client of mine recently had a job interview and the first question posed to her was, “So what do you do for fun?” Caught off guard like a deer in headlights, she searched the cobwebs of her memory to come up with something from the last decade.

I often advise folks to relax and take time off and have to convince them that a healthy dose of pleasure is indeed productive. When I suggest that they do something that is a treat for them, an automatic excuse is that they “can’t afford it”, but there are many things you can do that don’t cost a lot of time or money.

You can find joy and relaxation in simple pleasures like listening to your favorite music, taking a Zumba class, playing bridge, laughing with a good friend, cooking a delicious meal, being on the beach at sunset or sunrise, talking a walk at lunchtime, riding a roller coaster, drinking a cold beer on a hot summer day, cuddling with your pet, reading a good/ trashy novel or fashion/tabloid magazine, or enjoying the swirly goodness of Pinkberry made extra special by half -off happy hour prices!

And don’t forget, our bodies are built for pleasure, so be sure to make time for that, too, and reap the scientifically proven benefits that accompany a good roll in the hay with that special someone in person, or in your head….(Javier Bardem anyone?)