Saturday, December 31, 2011

December 31, 2011

"What are you going to do in 2012 to be the best you can be?" Orion asked. "I'm going to follow a formula that I use with groups called 'start, stop, continue.'"I replied. "I'm going to start trusting in my skills and abilities. I'm going to stop letting fear derail my instincts to try new things. I'm going to continue to work on being present in all that I do. What are you going to do, Orion?" "Me?" Orion answered. "Uh...I guess I'm going to talk to you in 2012..."

Friday, December 23, 2011

December 23, 2011

"Such a strange week," I said to Orion.  "The passing of my friend making me sad.  The successes at work making me happy.  What do you make of this?" "I make nothing of it," Orion answered. "Life is happening.  Each event is what it is. Be present with each feeling, with each event; learn, and be open for the next experience."

Thursday, December 22, 2011

December22, 2011

"I now have two full-time jobs with more being added," I complained to Orion. "Monku monku," Orion replied. "You should be grateful. Few people doing your work feel valued and in demand." "I DO feel grateful. I stress myself by wanting to be perfect." "Be present with each task as you work it, grasshopper. That is enough."

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

December 21, 2011

"Life energy is interesting to me," I said to Orion. "How so?" he asked. "I so feel the life-force loss from my friend's passing. At the same time, I can feel some of his energy being absorbed by my life energy, as I'm sure all his friends do." "What does that mean?" Orion asked. "To me it means that while much of his energy is being reborn in another life, parts of his energy live on within us. Isn't that the impact that we all aspire to?"

Sunday, December 18, 2011

December 18, 2011

"I report in to my new job tomorrow," I told Orion this morning.  "It's finally here.  You've been telling me how nervous you are.  What will you do tomorrow?" Orion asked.  "Well, I'll try to follow my own advice." I said.  "I'll take deep breaths, acknowledge my fears for what they are, be present, dance in each moment to be truly aware of all the spoken and unspoken messages from everyone I encounter. How does that sound?"  "It sounds like a good way to start every day, grasshopper."

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

December 13, 2011

"My inner critics are sure a pain in the butt," I told Orion this morning.  "How so?" he responded. "I know that they are trying to protect me as they did when I was growing up, but now they tear down my confidence." "What's going on that is causing this? Orion asked. "I am starting my part-time job in Sacramento on Monday, and I'm nervous and fearful that I will fail." "What do you tell your clients when they are in this same situation, grasshopper?" "I tell them to trust in their experience and abilities and to set achievable goals." Orion said:  "Well?..."

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

December7, 2011

"Hey, Orion!" I said this morning. "I'm losing you in the morning and seeing you more at night. Tired of our walks?" "Not the walks," Orion answered. "Just the talks..." "Well," I said ignoring his sarcasm. "I woke up thinking that today is a gift. Everyday is a gift. What will I do today to show my gratitude?"

Friday, December 2, 2011

December 2, 2011

"I can't shake this out-of-synch feeling I've had all week, Orion." I said on my walk this morning. "I feel vulnerable, like on the verge of getting sick." "What does vulnerable mean?" Orion asked. "That I am susceptible to any germs, that I may take things negatively, that I will be defensive in behavior instead of open and understanding." "Use this awareness to be the best you can be today. That is good enough."

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November 30, 2011

"What fear is your anxiety coming from?" Orion asked me this morning. "I'm not sure," I answered. "Maybe loss of connection, failure, negative judgment..." Orion said: "You may be nervous because of your class today. Be in the moment. Be aware of the energy flow. You know, do what you always do to touch people."

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

November 29, 2011

"I woke up feeling anxious this morning, Orion." "What's wrong?" Orion asked. "I'm feeling out of sorts with family relationships and some nervousness about my upcoming job change," I said. "It's good that you notice your anxiety, grasshopper. How will you use this information about yourself and still be of service today?"

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

November 23, 2011

"Do you believe in body memory," I asked Orion.  "Yes," Orion responded. "Each of the stars that make up my body has a story of its existence, which together make me who I am. Is that what you mean?" "Well, sort of," I said. "I am a product of my genetics and experiences.  In trying to protect me, to what extent do my subconsious body memories prevent me from becoming who I want to be?  It is important to learn to be aware of and listen to what my body is telling me. It's part of the mind/body/spirit triumvirate."

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

November 22, 2011

"What are you grateful for, grasshopper?" Orion asked this morning. "More than I could ever put into words," I answered.  "Just give me one."  "That with the help of others, I am breaking free from the past and becoming a person I can live and die with."

Saturday, November 19, 2011

November 19, 2011

"Why is fear such a powerful factor in peoples' lives, Orion?"  I asked.  "I have heard that there are only two real fears: of falling and loud noises.  What do you think of that?" Orion answered. "If that is so, where do other fears come from?" I asked. "They are learned," Orion said.  "They are still very real and powerful.  Can people then unlearn their fears?"

November 18, 2011

"I couldn't see you this morning because of all the clouds," I told Orion. "Do I hear a metaphor coming?" Orion responded. "It's like people not being able to see and appreciate who they are because of the fears and whisperings of their inner critics."

Friday, November 18, 2011

November 17, 2011

"Where you been!?" Orion asked this morning. "Focused on my work with people, contemplating the state of the world, empathizing with the situations of my friends..." "And what does all this lead you to, grasshopper?" "That to stay motivated, there are two basic questions for us all to answer: Who am I? Why am I here?"

Friday, November 4, 2011

November 4, 2011

"My performance appraisal is this morning," I said to Orion this morning. "Nervous?" He asked. "Not at all. My supervisor supports and empowers me to do my work." "That's great for you," Orion said. "All bosses should do that with their good employees."

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

October 31, 2011

"Storming with someone really feels bad," I said to Orion this morning. "How so?" he asked. "I feel like a failure and that I have to do something to fix it." "What you need to do is talk together. What has come out needed to come out. The relationship is not broken; it's evolving. Don't give up!"

Saturday, October 29, 2011

October 27, 2011

"What your client said to you yesterday was funny," Orion said this morning. "You spying on me?" I responded. "Yes! You are my comic relief every day," he said. "Great. Just what I need..." "Your client said, 'John, you are such a good listener. When I talk to you, I hear myself differently. You are a genius!'" "Ha!" I replied. "It wasn't my listening. It was the expression on my face that said, 'I can't believe you said that!'"

October 25, 2011

"Is life about being happy?" I asked Orion this morning. "What do you think?" He responded. "I'm asking you," I said. "And I'm throwing it back to you. Don't make me or anyone else responsible for your happiness."

Sunday, October 23, 2011

October 12, 2011

"Wow, Orion," I said this morning. "You look great with Jupiter and the full moon in front of you!" "I'm glad you're present and noticing again, grasshopper," Orion replied. "You have been down this past week, allowing your inner critics to take you out of the present. As a result you missed a coaching opportunity yesterday." "Thanks," I said. "Sometimes I need a kick in the butt." "Ha!" Orion laughed. "It's what constellations do for humans."

September 30, 2011

"I'm really disappointed, Orion," I complained this morning. "What is disappointing you?" Orion asked. "I was going to cruise down to Santa Cruz next week, but a big storm is coming in. I so wanted an adventure. I'm on vacation." "Hey! No macho crap, okay?" Orion warned me. "Yeah, yeah, I know better than that." "So, what will you do instead that is just as adventurous?"
· · September 30 at 8:06am

September 23, 2011

"I feel a little funky this morning, Orion." "It's good that you are noticing that," Orion answered. "Do you smell the ferry's diesel fumes? Feel the ferry accelerating? Hear that guy's obnoxious laugh? Bring yourself into your present experience so you can be ready to be of service today."

September 21, 2011

"You know in your heart that you are helping people, right?" Orion asked this morning. "I guess I know it. Sometimes I don't feel good at it." "Keep putting your energy out there. What did your new client say to you yesterday?" "She said, 'please teach me. My cancer is back.'"

September 19, 2011

"You are really bright this morning," I said to Orion this morning. "Are you telling me something?" "Geez!" Orion answered. "Higher self! We've been talking about higher self! It's Monday morning. Open yourself to allow your higher self to emerge." "What if I don't have a higher self?" "You are making this a long week for me, grasshopper."

September 17, 2011

"Then what," I asked. "Then take a breath, shrug your shoulders, engage your body with your mind, and stay in the moment," Orion said. "That's not easy." "It gets easier the more you do it. Look around you. What sounds are you hearing? What sensations on your skin do are you aware of? And let your higher self emerge to deal with your inner critics." "Higher self?" I asked...
· · September 17 at 8:14am

September 5, 2011

"Why do you do it?" Orion asked me. "Do what?" I responded. "You keep doing new things when you are at an age to slow down," he said. "It's like Enzo, the dog, said in The Art of Racing in the Rain: 'There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing for fear of losing.' Life ahead is still an adventure, Orion!"
· · September 5 at 6:57pm

September 5, 2011

"Why do you do it?" Orion asked me. "Do what?" I responded. "You keep doing new things when you are at an age to slow down," he said. "It's like Enzo, the dog, said in The Art of Racing in the Rain: 'There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing for fear of losing.' Life ahead is still an adventure, Orion!"
· · September 5 at 6:57pm

September 2, 2011

"Do you have an inner critic, Orion?" I asked this morning. "Everyone has an inner critic," he replied. "There was a time when I would have beat myself up because I didn't achieve my running goal last week. I feel good about my run." Orion said: "You also have an inner champion, Grasshopper, and you are letting him counter your inner critic. Way to go!"
· · September 2 at 7:28am

August 24, 2011

"You know what," I asked Orion this morning. "What, John-san?" my friend responded. "Ha! Who you calling 'san'? Today is Priscilla's and my 26th anniversary. Quite a wonderful journey and with many more adventures to come. Cheers to Priscilla who loves me even when I talk to the stars."
· · August 24 at 7:18am

August 23, 2011

"Hey, Orion, you look good in the eastern sky in the morning, especially from South Beach Marina in SF. What advice do you have for me today?" ... ... ... "Orion? You there?" ... ... ... Finally, Orion said, "You didn't run this morning like you said... Keep your commitments, Grasshopper." "Crap. Okay..."
· · August 23 at 6:30am

August 17, 2011

"Hey Orion! I had a career discussion with an engineering student at MIT. She told me all the things she should do over the next few years. I said to her, 'I hear your head talking; what does your heart say?'. She responded, 'why is that important?'. I'll probably never see her again. She would be a good subject in a longitudinal study on life fulfillment."
· · August 17 at 5:45am via mobile

August 16, 2011

Welcome back north, Orion. Good to see you this morning. It was also good yesterday to see friends at DTSC. I was there to talk to the director about some possible work. It would be great to live at home again.
· · August 16 at 5:34am via mobile

June 15, 2011

Interesting topic for a meeting I attended last night: Tangling with and Taming an Abrasive Boss
· · June 15 at 6:08am via mobile

May 21, 2011

What soes it say when the closer has more wins than any starter?
· · May 21 at 9:43am via mobile

May 10, 2011

Postcard to Orion: Wow! It was a beautiful walk to the ferry this morning along the waterfront. Slight chill in the air, no wind, calm water. I missed you. The thought that came to mind was: how will I be different today?
· · May 10 at 6:13am via mobile

May 9, 2011

Postcard to Orion: "Hey, Big O. Enjoying your holiday in the southern hemisphere? This is going to be a good week. I'm going to a Giants game Thursday and I'm 'running' from pub to pub in the Bay to Breakers Sunday with friend David. Don't you wish you were here?"
· · May 9 at 6:13am via mobile

May 6, 2011

Postcard to Orion: "Hey, Orion, did you go south because you don't like talking to me?" "Well, now that you mention it... No, I always go south this time of year. Geez, you're so...so... Why do you ask?". "I just committed the fundamental attribution error, assuming the worst about your intentions. A lot of people do that at work, not because they are bad, but because we work in a flawed system"
· · May 6 at 6:25am via mobile

May 4, 2011

Postcard to Orion: "Everyone has a story that is misunderstood by some others," I wrote this morning. "So, what's your point?" I could hear Orion smirking at me. "You are the point, Bud. Much of my work deals with issues blown out of proportion by decent people who don't take the time to hear or understand the stories of others".
· · May 4 at 6:26am via mobile

April 27, 2011

"Hey, Orion," I said this morning. "It's no longer dark when I walk with you. That tells me you are soon going to be in the southern hemisphere for a few months. Mind if I send you postcards?". "You better," Orion answered. "You help me see what's important to people". "Interesting," I said. "A client just told me the same thing."
· · April 27 at 6:15am via mobile

April 15, 2011

"Whew! Orion. I had a crucial conversation with a co-worker yesterday. It ended very well". "That's great," Orion said. "What did you learn?". "It's important to prepare, to decide what you really want out of the conversation, and to remember that everyone has a story. Seek first to understand, then to be understood"
· · April 15 at 6:21am via mobile

April 12, 2011

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy". - Rabindranath Tagore
· · April 12 at 8:28am via mobile

April 11, 2011

"I looked at Andromeda last night, Orion." "And what struck you?" Orion answered. "Well, seeing light that is 2 million years old puts my insignificant worries into perspective for me.". "That's a good lesson, grasshopper, but what am I? Chopped liver?". "Gees, Orion, I looked at you, too, okay? Boy, talk about insignificant..."
· · April 11 at 6:34am via mobile

April 8, 2011

"You know, Orion, sometimes I hate being a coach and mediator. I hate always having to role model what I teach. Sometimes I want to throw tantrums and scream mean and ugly things.". "You're a funny guy, grasshopper," Orion laughed. "Isn't that why you talk to me?"
· · April 8 at 6:21am via mobile

April 6, 2011

"I'm almost afraid to ask," Orion said to me this morning. "What are you bringing into your 63rd year of life, grasshopper?". "Well," I responded, "I looked at you through binoculars last night and was able to see your belt, but not the whole you. Made me wonder how much of people I miss by not seeing them from all perspectives"
· · April 6 at 6:24am via mobile

March 21, 2011

"With all that is happening in the world, Orion, I wonder if the earth's energy is shifting," I asked my friend this morning. "Earth's energy is constantly shifting, Grasshopper. Tap into your energy to help people find theirs."
· · March 21 at 6:19am via mobile

March 11, 2011

"Hey Orion. There was a huge earthquake near Japan last night. The tidal surge was supposed to come through the Golden Gate and even be felt in Vallejo." "Do you have the boat tied securely," asked Orion. "Yes, and I didn't go to work. I called in tsunami."
· · March 11 at 8:56am

March 10, 2011

"No wifi on the boat since Sunday, Orion. I'm having withdrawal jitters". "You have TV and booze, right?" answered Orion. "That's too easy. I have been doing yoga instead. Last night I thought I was levitating. Then I remembered I was floating on a boat."
· · March 10 at 6:36am via mobile

March 3, 2011

"I'm psyched this morning, Big O". "Geez, what now, grasshopper?" Orion asked. "August 27th I'm going to run in the Giants' Run to Home Plate half marathon. I will get a Timmy bobblehead!"
· · March 3 at 6:26am via mobile

March 2, 2011

"I walked in the rain this morning, Orion" "Are you a turkey or something?" Orion responded. "Ha! It was a very pleasant walk, my friend. It is amazing what discomfort can be dealt with by an energized positive attitude."
· · March 2 at 6:25am via mobile

March 1, 2011

"Hey, Orion. Beautiful crescent moon/Venus combo this morning.". "Ho hum," he answered. "What's up, kiddo?". "I asked a client yesterday how he knows our work has been helpful. He told me that his coworkers tell him he doesn't swear as much as he used to..."
· · March 1 at 6:27am via mobile

February 24, 2011

"What's irritating you?" Orion asked. "When I get in line for the bus, I leave space between me and the person in front of me so the sidewalk is not blocked. A woman told me to move up and even put her hand on my arm to move me. At that moment a person walked through the hole and said 'thanks.' The woman said 'oh,' and walked away. I hate it when someone assumes I'm irresponsible."

February 22, 2011

"What are you looking forward to this week, Grasshopper?" Orion asked me this morning. "What I look forward to every week," I replied. "I want to learn something that will help me grow as a person and I want to help at least one person get unstuck."

February 15, 2011

"Hey, Orion! Yesterday one of my coaching clients received an award for outstanding performance. He credits our work for the change in his attitude.". "Good work, grasshopper," Orion responded. "Did you ask him for your cut?"

February 14, 2011

"It's a rainy Monday, Orion, a new division director is reporting in, and I have a full day of meetings and coaching. What advice do you have for me?". "It sounds like a potentially hazardous day," Orion answered. "Be nimble in mind and body today."

February 8, 2011

"What's up? I haven't talked to you in awhile." Orion said this morning. "I've had several really good successes the past few weeks in coaching, mediation, and training," I answered. "I have to be cautious now. I have to be mindful of hubris."

January 28, 2011

"How'd it go yesterday, grasshopper," Orion asked this morning. "I'm not the judge, but I think it was okay," I responded. "I think it was positive when a person told me 'for a person with such a soft voice, you sure have a loud message.'"

January 27, 2011

"I'm nervous this morning, Orion," "What's causing it," Orion asked. "I'm working today with a powerful senior manager who has not appreciated my kind of work." "Who are you going to be in this situation today, grasshopper?" "Well, scared, but I see what you mean. I will trust the coach I am becoming and create a safe place for everyone today. Thanks, O...Should I start singing now?"

January 26, 2011

"It all looks the same from up here," Orion said this morning. "That's a problem with the big picture. Sometimes it's inspiring, and sometimes not. It helps to go into the lives of people to be inspired by everyday heroism."

January 20, 2011

"Even after your schedule change, you're still tired everyday," Orion told me this morning. "Yes I am," I agreed. "I give my energy to the people I work with and I know I need to save some for myself.". "No, Grasshopper, find the source of new energy for yourself. It is within you."

January 18, 2011

"Last week I was talking to a guy at work about his behavior," I said to Orion this morning. "The guy tells me, 'I am who I am. You can't teach an old dog new tricks.' I asked him why he is going to come into the office everyday when he retires in 3 years. He said 'That's dumb. I'm not going to do that.'. I said, 'Oh, you're going to learn new tricks?'"

January 13, 2011

"Hey, O, I am full of energy this morning!". "Are you sniffing glue again?" Orion asked. Ha! No, i'm just really liking my job right now. Today I'm leading a career workshop. I call it 'What's Next? Your EPA Bucket List!'"

January 11, 2011

"Be vewy vewy quiet. I'm hunting wabbits!" Orion said. "Why do you sound like Elmer Fudd," I asked. "You're hunting Lepus, not Bugs." Orion said, "Oh. Where's dat dwatted Daffy?"

January 10, 2011

"Astronomers say that in two million years, you will no longer be recognizable as a constellation from earth," I said to Orion this evening. "Two million years for me, and let's just say 20 years for you," Orion responded. "Who will you be recognized as then?"

January 6, 2011

"Hey!" Orion said this morning. "You do realize that you're talking to yourself, right?" "Shhh!" I answered. "I don't want my self critic to know. Wisdom is better coming from you."
· · January 6 at 6:10am via mobile

January 5, 2011

"Hey, O, you're messing me up. You're not with me on my morning walks now". "No, I'm not," Orion said. "Have you noticed that I am now with you on your evening walk home? Grasshopper, I am like all your friends. Even when you can't see me, I am always with you in spirit."
· · January 5 at 5:55am via mobile

January 3, 2011

"I had to run this morning, Orion. I slept through my alarm. Is that a sign for what 2011 holds for me?". I asked. "Ah," he responded. "Yes, a sign, you silly guy. You were late, but you didn't miss the boat."
· · January 3 at 6:52am via mobile

January 1, 2011

"Hey, Orion! I know that time is meaningless to you, but for us humans, it goes way too fast. What advice do you have for us?" "Well, it's like this, grasshopper," he responded. "Make this year your best yet. This month, this day, your very best yet."

Cheers to all my FB friends.
· · January 1 at 12:02am

December 23, 2010

"I'm pissed, Orion! I've been home two days sick after doing all I can to take care of myself! I had to cancel four clients because of this. I had a flu shot; I wash my hands often; I exercise; I take care of my stress; sheesh!" "Finished?" asked Orion. "What can I tell you, grasshopper, even when you do all the right things, shit still happens."
· · December 23, 2010 at 9:31am

December 21, 2010

"Hey Orion!" I said this morning. "There was a hole in the rain clouds after midnight this morning. I saw the eclipsed moon directly overhead, right next to you! I haven't seen you look so bright. Thanks for being my friend. Thanks to all my friends this holiday season. Happy birthday, Maia."
· · December 21, 2010 at 5:14am

December 20, 2010

"I don't suppose you can see our lunar eclipse from where you are," I told Orion this morning. "Nope," he replied. "Way different perspective.". "Speaking of which," I said. "i asked a young man last week what was his and his girl friend's common goal. He said: 'she wants what is best for me me and I want what is best for me.'. Oh..." I said.

December 13, 2010

"Hey, I cruised with you yesterday. Did you notice the difference, Orion?" I asked. "Did I notice?" he responded. "It was daylight so you couldn't see that only my left foot was in the northern hemisphere. And what did you learn yesterday, grasshopper?" "My autopilot course corrects every few seconds to keep me headed toward my destination. I need to do the same thing everyday in my life."

December 10, 2010

"I've got nothing but time," Orion said to me this morning. "How about you?". "Well," I answered, "I'm just now discovering what I want to be when I grow up. Do I have enough time?". "Hell if I know," Orion said. "Just make progress toward your life goal every day."

December 8, 2010

"Hey Orion!" I silently yelled. "I woke up pissed! I hate it when higher ups make my work harder, as if they know my job better than I do! What do you advise, oh wise one?". "You have the answer inside you, grasshopper," Orion responded. "Crap! I knew you were going to say that!"

December 7, 2010

"Hey, Orion. Do you think dogs are aware of being present?" I asked. "Boy, that's an out there thought. Why do you ask?" Orion responded. "Well, ZZ is staying with me on the boat this week, and with every noise, she is alert. With every smell when we walk, she is curious and seems open to discovery. That's how I want to be."
· · December 7, 2010 at 5:23am

December 3, 2010

"Did you watch the movie with me last night, Big O?" I asked this morning. "Yes," He said. "I liked Max von Sydow's line: 'I'm an old man. I ponder things in the light of death...Humanity is on trial here.'"

December 2, 2010

"Hey! Just wanted you to know that even though It's cloudy, I still see you," said Orion. "Thanks," I replied. "Reminds me of when, years ago, I thanked Emi for taking out the trash without being told. 'Just doing my job , dad,' she said. 'But thanks for noticing.' "

December 10, 2010

"Hey! Just wanted you to know that even though It's cloudy, I still see you," said Orion. "Thanks," I replied. "Reminds me of when, years ago, I thanked Emi for taking out the trash without being told. 'Just doing my job , dad,' she said. 'But thanks for noticing.' "

November 30, 2010

"Moving kind of slow this morning, aren't you?" asked Big O. "Nature is telling me I should be hibernating for a few months," I said. "Well," Orion said, "I see millions who hibernate their lives away. I'm glad you have people who love you keeping you awake."

November 29, 2010

Cooold this morning! Crunchy ice on the dock. "So," Orion asked, "What's on your mind?" "I'm thinking about Leslie Neilsen's passing," I said. "For a person who brought so many people joy and laughter, did he achieve his life purpose? I choose to believe he did. Rest in peace, Shirley."