"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!'"
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"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."
"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.'"
"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."
"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...
"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!"
"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!"
"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!"
"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."
"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..."
"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."
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.
Interesting topic for a meeting I attended last night: Tangling with and Taming an Abrasive Boss
What soes it say when the closer has more wins than any starter?
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?
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?"
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"
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".
"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."
"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"
"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
"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..."
"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?"
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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..."
"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."
"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."
"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?"
"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."
"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."
"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.'"
"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?"
"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."
"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."
"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?'"
"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!'"
"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?"
"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?"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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.
"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."
"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."
"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.
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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.'"
"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.' "
"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.' "
"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."
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."
"Hey O, kind of leaning to the West, aren't you?". "What
can I say," Orion replied. "It's getting to be that time of the year.
How come you haven't told me about clown school yet?". I answered, "I'm
still processing the experience. It wasn't so much teaching you how to
be a clown; rather finding the clown within you and letting it emerge. I
haven't quite found my clown".
Through the clouds this morning, Orion asked me, "Do you
know why statues of Buddha have the eyes look half closed?". "Yeah," I
answered. "because he was Aaian.". Hey! No racist jokes from you!".
Orion said. It's because at least half of the search for truth is
looking inward, not outward."
