June 26,2012

"Hey, Orion," I said. "I figured out why the staff of the Department of Environmental Quality in Saipan like it when I visit."  "Okay, I'll bite," answered Orion. "Why do they like it when you come out?" "Because they use my visit as a justification for rewarding the staff.  This trip they reserved a conference room at a resort hotel, including refreshments morning and afternoon, and a huge buffet lunch.  This is a way to reward hard working staff who earn an average of $12 to 15K in salary."  "I'm sure the staff enjoys that," Orion said.  "Do you think they also get a lot out of what you are teaching them?" "Well, I guess there might be a little of that.  One person, who remembered me from 7 years ago, gave me a hug and said 'welcome home, John.'"

June 24, 2012

"Hi, Orion," I said, as I drink a beer at 4:30 p.m. in Saipan. "We haven't talked in a long time, like two months," Orion answered.  "Anything wrong?" "I have to admit, I started feeling silly talking to a constellation of stars," I said. "That sounds like a normal thing to think," Orion responded.  "Why are you talking to me now?" "I feel a little down, maybe a little lonely." "So here's the thing, john-boy, you tell all of your coaching clients that they have their own answers inside them, right? And what you do is bring out their own wisdom, right? Isn't that kind of what you use me for?  To bring out your own wisdom?"  "I guess so," I said. "So what's up now that is causing you to be down?"  "I just finished a stressful week in Guam with a resistant boss, and now I face a week working with 50 people, all by myself."  "We've got lots to talk about, grasshopper!"

April 13, 2012

"I don't always tell people that I'm coaching them when they want to talk to me," I told Orion today. "I just listen, ask questions, make suggestions on how to think differently about issues.  Yesterday an expert on oil refineries talked to me about issues he is having with his management, as well as with executives at oil refineries who don't want to do inspections that would protect workers from injury or death.  I talked to him about his personal values that drive him to be so adamant in presenting his case.  He had an aha moment, and when he left, he told me, 'I don't know exactly what you do, but you sure do it good.'"

April 6, 2012

"Why is it, Orion, that some people can overcome childhood traumas while others are not able to?" I asked my friend this morning. "Several factors come to mind," Orion answered. "The personal courage and strength to look at it, the desire to find life fulfillment, and a loving supportive environment."

April 3, 2012

"Happy birthday, grasshopper," Orion said to me.  "How does it feel to be 64?" "I don't feel that old, Orion," I answered. "I have spent my life learning and accepting who I am, and then allowing others to see who I am.  That vulnerability is very energizing and motivates me to help others accept and love themselves for who they are."

March 13,2012

"Why is it, Orion, that I can be enjoying life and feeling like I am doing good things, then suddenly I get hit by an anxiety attack and feel so insecure in what I am doing," I asked my friend. "What did you see or hear that caused this feeling? And what story did you tell yourself about what you saw or heard?" Orion asked me. He then said, "Whatever it was, it touched an old button that is no longer a part of your life. Center yourself. Be present. You know what to do."

February 26, 2012

"Sore and tired from my run today, Orion," I told my friend today.  "Why do you keep doing this at your age?" Orion said. "It's not about age.  It's about balance in body-mind-spirit. When I'm in decent physical shape, I feel better mentally and spiritually.  That really helps me when my work is emotionally intense, which it is a lot."