Meditation

The past year I have dealt with anxiety more than ever before.  As a young child remember feeling anxious before school, but it wasn't something that I often dealt with.  Then, in my late 30's, it became something I struggled with daily.  I'd find myself regularly feeling that sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach.  In moments where I felt at peace, I'd notice my mind wander toward thoughts that would trigger worry.

I understood the concept that I should focus on what I want, not what I don't want.  I battled with myself to stop worrying and "out think" the worry.  However, I'd continuously find myself struggling - to the point it was deeply affecting my well-being and impacting my relationships.  I started to feel desparate for change.

One day while scrolling through Instragram, I felt the urge to check out workshops by one of my favorite authors.  Although she's usually conducting workshops around the world, she had one in San Diego within a couple weeks. I took immediate action and went by myself to her workshop.  Within an hour I felt a great sense of connection and deep inspiration.  The strongest message she had to convey that day was the importance of meditation.  She reiterated how much it impacted her daily life and that she could not recommend it enough.

I had always been resistant toward meditation although I had read about the benefits: stress reduction, self-awareness, brain function improvement, reduction of memory loss, and even improved brain structure.  Well, ever since that workshop, for the past 8 months, I've been meditating most days.  I usually meditate for just for 10 minutes first thing in the morning (but for as little as 3 minutes if that's all I have that day).

I quickly found that I enjoy the meditation sessions.  Each time I notice that I feel better afterwards.  Within just a few sessions, I started noticing that the time I spent worrying and the physical impact of it was reducing.  I felt an overall stronger grounding that made me feel more calm and peaceful in general.

It was very interesting to see how busy my mind was at first - to directly observe my desire to constantly analyze everything.  Now I have more awareness and control and I am more effective with my thinking.  I typically use Headspace's guided meditations.  They have a free set you can try which helped me build strong habits.  More recently I've been meditating without the guidance and enjoying that - but at first I found that difficult to do.

With the recent COVID-19 changes, my habits have been in flux and I've noticed some of that anxiety coming back.  Making sure to prioritize the daily meditation is the single most impactful habit I have.

Wishing you peace and harmony.



Reference:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/meditation-mind-body-spirit_n_5291361

Conscious Capitalism Credo

I'm reading through the handbook and want to capture how awesome this is. :)

We believe that business is good because it creates value, it is ethical because it is based on voluntary exchange, it is noble because it can elevate our existence, and it is heroic because it lifts people out of poverty and creates prosperity. Free enterprise capitalism is the most powerful system for social cooperation and human progress ever conceived. It is one of the most compelling ideas we humans have ever had. But we can aspire to even more.  

Conscious Capitalism is a way of thinking about capitalism and business that better reflects where we are in the human journey, the state of our world today, and the innate potential of business to make a positive impact on the world. Conscious businesses are galvanized by higher purposes that serve, align, and integrate the interests of all their major stakeholders. Their higher state of consciousness makes visible to them the interdependencies that exist across all stakeholders, allowing them to discover and harvest synergies from situations that otherwise seem replete with trade-­‐offs. They have conscious leaders who are driven by service to the company’s purpose, all the people the business touches, and the planet we all share together. Conscious businesses have trusting, authentic, innovative and caring cultures that make working there a source of both personal growth and professional fulfillment. They endeavor to create financial, intellectual, social, cultural, emotional, spiritual, physical and ecological wealth for all their stakeholders. 

Conscious businesses will help evolve our world so that billions of people can flourish, leading lives infused with passion, purpose, love and creativity; a world of freedom, harmony, prosperity, and compassion. 

From Conscious Capitalism

Women's March 2017

Yesterday I took part in the Women's March with people in every US state, many countries, and on every continent around the world.  Over 4.5 million people came together to stand up for equality.  The US alone is currently estimated to have had around 3.5 million attendees.  The counts are still being tallied.  The main march was in Washington DC with about 500,000 attendees.  There were over 650 sister marches, the largest being in Los Angeles with over 750,000 people.  California had more than 60 marches with well over 1 million attendees. Other cities with over 100k included: New York City, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Boston, London, Saint Paul, Portland, and Madison.

I attended the OC March in Santa Ana, CA with a group of girlfriends and children.  It was an unforgettable experience.  I loved coming together with friends that are passionate about the same principles to stand in honor of many more individuals.  The crowd of over 20,000 was revved up and fun.  There wasn't any "craze" feeling or any violence at all.  There was unity, diversity, inclusion, and above all -- sisterhood.  People smiled, cheered, and handed out refreshments and memorabilia.  One awesome woman had made a bag full of pussyhats and was offering them to those that didn't yet have one.

The people that marched were from all types of backgrounds.  This crowd was beautifully diverse in every way.  There were young girls and boys, teens, determined moms with babies in tow, dads, grandmas, and grandpas.  Some marched completely alone.  Some were in large well-organized groups.  Some were just a pair or family.  There were people from every ethnic background.  There were people with disabilities marching with us.  There were some that couldn't, so they lined up on the side with a sign on their wheel chair saying, "thanks for marching for me".  There was such a beautiful coming together of people wanting to care, love, and protect one another.

There were people there as well that were genuinely afraid of changes that may come with the new administration.  Not because they are stuck in a mindset that is attached to one particular party or way of thinking, but because they have been discriminated against and/or may lose a level of significant freedom.  These are real fears that our fellow people face daily.  We stood together to say, "that's not okay and we are here to stand up for you."

When we came home from this awesome experience, some of us faced condescending questions and remarks from people who judge the purpose and value of the march.  There were common themes, but they all stemmed from a lack of understanding.  Some of these people won't get to that understanding until they are genuinely curious, if ever.

My favorite part was coming home to my husband and mother-in-law.  Both were so deeply proud of me for attending and inspired by the overall movement.  I loved looking at all the pictures of the day, from around the world, and learning about how big this truly was.  Today, the next morning, I awoke and immediately reflected upon what an amazing experience this all was.  I want to capture the moment ... and in doing so ... comes a hunger for more. :)

To all those that stood up, came together, and were there in spirit - Thank You.  More to Come! :) <3

Resources:

• Official March Page: https://www.womensmarch.com/ 
• Women's March Sister Marches: https://www.womensmarch.com/sisters
• Official March Guiding Vision & Definition of Principles: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/584086c7be6594762f5ec56e/t/587e8432b3db2b97b38a7a8f/1484686387172/WMW+Guiding+Vision+%26+Definition+of+Principles.pdf 
• Count of Attendees document by Professor Jeremy Pressman: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xa0iLqYKz8x9Yc_rfhtmSOJQ2EGgeUVjvV4A8LsIaxY/htmlview?sle=true#gid=0
• US Uncut Count of Attendees: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/170xxy-6PnwF-BwQJsTgF1vxlEaWIhT7vNlqxjkNni7E/edit?ts=588404ed#gid=0 
• 9 Biggest Marches in US History http://www.businessinsider.com/largest-marches-us-history-2017-1/#protests-against-the-iraq-war-in-americas-largest-cities-february-15-16-2003-8 

Excerpt from Guiding Vision and Definition of Principles document:
OVERVIEW & PURPOSE The Women's March on Washington is a women-led movement bringing together people of all genders, ages, races, cultures, political affiliations and backgrounds in our nation’s capital on January 21, 2017, to affirm our shared humanity and pronounce our bold message of resistance and self-determination.

Recognizing that women have intersecting identities and are therefore impacted by a multitude of social justice and human rights issues, we have outlined a representative vision for a government that is based on the principles of liberty and justice for all. As Dr. King said, “We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.”

Diversity and Inclusion

Last week I became deeply aware of something that means a lot to me - diversity and inclusion. 

If I reflect on my life, I recall not feeling this way in junior high. I remember having an ignorant position of feeling like "if you're in the US you should have to learn how to speak English".  I thought this point of view was funny and I identified with it. Sometime between then and high school my mind shifted into one that started to have an appreciation for other cultures.

In high school my main group of friends was "the" most diverse group. We were a blend of various races and backgrounds, and we loved that about us. One moment that I'll never forget was going to an away football game and walking with my friend Monique. As we passed by some girls rooting for the opposite team, one of them looked at my friend with absolute disgust and called her the n word. I was shocked, revolted, and had some type of internal explosion. I couldn't even fathom that this just happened. What struck me the most was the way that the girl wanted to belittle my friend with such hatred, for no reason at all, as if she was somehow better than her.  The next thing I was literally aware of was being on top of this girl in the bushes. To say the least I was deeply pissed about it.

I spent my twenties exploring different cultures and beliefs and learning more about my own.  Throughout the years of life since then, I've learned that people are different in many ways and that I LOVE THAT!  There are various cultures, personalities, and types of people. I've come to appreciate the variances. I've also found that when you have a team, it adds a lot of value to include members with different ways of thinking and styles of approaching situations. It truly elevates the outcome.

In these last few months of the presidential race, it's been saddening and infuriating to see bigotry become something very public and at the same time cast aside as not being a big deal. In the past few months, I've seen people I know display judgment and ignorance more than I've ever seen in my life. It's been heartbreaking to see. In some ways I'm thankful this issue is being highlighted for everyone to be confronted with. But I feel like it's time for us as a whole to take a huge step forward and grow up.

Last week in the Imperative leadership training I took, I was surrounded by professionals who are extremely passionate and driven to ensure diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. They are the ones that design and execute programs to ensure that people of all backgrounds have equal opportunities to join their teams.  They also help to educate the value of differences within their teams. These individuals don't do this work because it's their job.  It's become their job because they are passionate about helping to create inclusion in the workplaces and beyond.  I can't begin to explain how deeply refreshing this was to me.  Just seeing this group in action and knowing there are others like them gave me such a deep sense of refueling.

And that's the whole point of this write up.  The awareness that inclusion means so much to me in the depths of my soul.  It carries great importance and with it, emotional power.  

I'm so thankful to live in the time that we do. I'm so grateful to have grown up in Southern California which helped me be surrounded by more progressive norms. I appreciate my mom so much for being the one that set this example for me in the flesh in the choices that she makes.  I could have easily decided to stay judgmental.  I'm proud to feel deeply motivated to appreciate and value inclusion. My kids are leaps and bounds ahead of where I was at their age. That means so much to me.

Now one of my favorite moments of work is when my Argentinian coworkers giggle when I try to speak Spanish with them.  What fun it is to celebrate our differences and enjoy them!  Last week in an Uber ride, the driver was struggling to communicate with us.  He has lived in the US for many years alongside Spanish speakers.  Because of his new line of work, he was now required to learn to speak English.  He shared his excitement of learning a new word that day.  I have such respect for people that I run into who are working hard to learn a new language and are faced with people mocking them when they make inevitable mistakes.  

What I've learned in the long run is that this all comes down to compassion.  When you put yourself in someone else's shoes, and seek to truly understand why they may be the way they are, I find it extremely hard to cast judgment.  I am by no means perfect.  I deeply connect with the struggles that people have and feel a strong empathy for them when I get beyond my judgment and look at them without my biased filters.  I hope to see the day where more people learn the value of inclusion and compassion.  

To everyone who does their best not to judge others and to appreciate the variances in individuals, hats off to you. :)

The Science of Compassion

Highlights from Gregg Braden's book Walking Between the Worlds, one of my most life-altering reads.  I first read it about 15 years ago and it really resonated with me at the time.  Here are the key parts of this book that I want to remember and share.  

• This book focuses on scientific research as well as ancient texts such as the the dead sea scrolls.  
• You are and have always been, intimately connected to all that you see and experience. Researchers have now digitally measured this relationship. Each cell of your body specifically, and all matter in general, attempts to tune to the reference vibrations of Earth.  Through your circuit you touch all of creation and it touches you, as the gentle undulations of pulsed resonance. 
• The laws of creation assure us that to the degree change is judged and discouraged, to that degree is change experienced in life as a challenge.  You experience that which you have a charge on.  Life's events are catalysts for moving us to new experiences of ourselves.
• You must know your extremes to find your balance.  You are not your success or failures, joy or pain.  These are elements of your experiences that allow you the opportunity to know yourself in all ways, so that those ways may be mastered.  You are in this world and not of this world.  
• The way that you respond to key events, relationships, jobs, etc. - your choice of feeling and action - is a demonstration of your personal mastery.   

The Definition of Compassion *One of the biggest keys to understand*

• The modern definition of compassion is often associated with pity...  
• Ancient texts say that compassion is "the ability to witness an event in the absence of judgment" and offer insights into a perspective where the outcome of an event is less significant than what one becomes through the experience.  
• Specific qualities of thought, emotion, and feeling that demonstrate compassion:
• Thought - without attachment to the outcome of the event (trust in the process of life itself)
• Emotion - without charge of polarity (the ability to refrain from judgment and bias) 
• Feeling - without distortion of bias and conditioning
• What you think and how you emote determine, for you only, the way that you feel.
• Emotion is the switch that triggers specific DNA codes within your body.  These are the same codes that allow you to live without illness, disease, and deterioration.
• If you are often or easily hurt, look to your thoughts about life, and your emotions of life, to recover the joy of life.  

The Science of Compassion

• Compassion is beyond simply feeling, it is the merging of feeling with emotion and directed thought made manifest in your body.  It's a state of being, feeling, thought, and emotion within you allowing the 1.17 volt liquid crystal circuitry of each cell to align with the seven layered liquid crystal oscillator within your chest (aka "heart").
• If you allow life to show you yourself in new ways so that you may know yourself in those ways, and you reconcile within yourself that which life has shown you, then you become compassion.  It is within the very reconciliation, the coming to terms with whatever you have invited as life, that you become compassion.  
• There can be no battle without judgment.  It is the assignment of good, bad, light, and dark as judgment that implodes unity into polarity.  Darkness is a powerful catalyst in our lives, often catapulting us into growth.  It is a portion of the whole, a part of the source of all that is, rather than a fundamental force to contend with.  
• Compassion heals our sense of separation.  
• As we seek to recover lost fragments of ourselves, we seek wholeness often times through these reflections of ourselves through relationships.  When you notice yourself attracted to someone, they represent a part of yourself that you aren't connected with, that you value highly.  When you notice yourself "put off" by someone, they represent a part of yourself that you judge.
• We have the opportunity to transcend hate, becoming something greater in the completion than we are in the polarity of the experience.  
• We are holographic in nature.  We are cells of a body that encompass a whole.  Our lives mirror patterns of experience embedded within patterns of experience.  Each pattern provides a vital key to the much larger whole.  [Hermetic Science]  Our holographic model is a single pattern repeating over and over as varying magnitudes of expression from micro to macro.  Each cell functions within its own space while, knowingly or not, is in service to the entire body.  It doesn't take many individuals to anchor a new seed of thinking, feeling, or emotion and introduce change regardless of how long old patterns have existed.  
• By their nature, life-discouraging patterns collapse upon themselves, consuming themselves in their completion.  Life-giving patterns perpetuate themselves, spawning new life in their expression.  
• When someone chooses to respond to a situation without judgment, they allow for a new possibility and become a living bridge for every other person to choose the same path.  
• Your expression of life as anything less than your truest nature of compassion, is you expressing a fraction of your possibility.  As compassion, your body is tuned beyond the range of physical parameters that discourage your fullest potential such as illness and aging.  Research demonstrates the direct benefits of compassion upon physical health such as cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and reproductive systems.  You become genetically biased toward immunity as your DNA responds to compassion.  Your state of emotion actually determines your state of physical being!
• Mental logic must be tempered with the wisdom of the heart.  Viewed as the conscious program of life, thought becomes the navigator of emotional energy originating from within the body.  Thought directs the power of emotion.  The quality of that energy is determined by the nature of the emotion. 

Example:  Compassion is often visible as the ability to view the events of life directly to form a new perspective.  If you look at the tragedy of Rwanda in 1994, you could respond in different ways:

• Denial - Many people feel nothing as they see images of the tragedy.  This blocking of feelings is a defense mechanism to avoid the pain.  
• Polarity - If you feel anger, outrage, retaliation, or have thoughts of revenge, you are living in the polarity of un-tempered logic.  Expressed as thoughts of right, wrong, good, bad, light, and dark, polarity assures you remain in separation.  Does your anger serve you in that moment?  
• Compassion - If you feel for the people that have had the experience and their survivors, without anger or the need to get even, you have made the choice to feel compassion.  Grieving for suffering and pain and acknowledging the uniqueness they brought, while not judging the situation, are feelings that transcend polarity.

The Path of Compassion

1. Pick the lens you filter life through:
1. numbness or denial expressed as rationalization and logic
2. polarity expressed as anger, rage, or the desire to get even
3. compassion expressed as sadness and grieving without judgment of "wrongness" or "rightness" of the experience
2. Through the use of your left and right brain, logic and emotion, build new patterns of feeling.