Whenever I begin working with someone, we sit down for a talk. I explain how I understand spiritual direction or coaching, we share parts of our stories, and I give them opportunities to ask me any questions they have. Quite a few people ask me Are you a real monk? Some people want to know more […]
We look for the Holy in special places. We look for the sacred in places and and practices where we have found the sacred before, or where other people have found the sacred. We visit places of spiritual depth. We try to relive the things that brought us a sense of closeness to the Holy
Finding the Sacred in the Everyday Read More »
Independence is in the eye of the beholder. I can remember when I saw independence as an iconic American virtue. The independence declared by the original colonies is reflected in many of the heroes of the American story; settlers carving homes from the frontier, men and women exploring earth and space, law enforcement officials working
I hear a lot about the differences between leadership and management. Some people perceive management as being overly focused on details and objectives, while leadership is more inspirational and motivating. Some people seem to think that managers push pencils, while leaders talk about values and vision. I have heard people say that someone needs to
Leadership Includes Management Read More »
The first six months of this year end tonight. We are halfway to next year. What have the first six months of the year been like for you? What experiences have you shared since January? What has surprised you, pleasantly and otherwise? What have you gained, and what have you left along the way? How
Halfway to Next Year Read More »
It is summer, and my 2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage is rolling into its halfway point. Each month I bring people together to build community around a table. We pay tribute to the long connection between monks and brewing, and the rapidly growing craft brewing community in Southern California. I get to meet the people I know online who I have not met in
2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage Reaches Halfway Pint Read More »
My favorite prayer in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer is part of the final service of the day before going to sleep. The prayer is: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give
Working, Watching & Weeping Read More »
Leadership is about recognizing that you are a leader. I work with people who have deep passion to be leaders. They value leadership and helping people work together well. Some of them are desperately seeking leadership; many of them want to become better leaders. The people with the deepest desire for leadership in their lives
Leadership is About Recognizing that You Are a Leader Read More »
You might be a little surprised to learn there is a Mrs. Strategic Monk, since monks are not usually in the habit of getting married (pun intended). Greg and I first met years ago, and were married before he became an Oblate at New Camaldoli or the Strategic Monk. I was eager to write this
Guest Post: What is it Like Being Married to a Strategic Monk? Read More »
I am heading up to spend a weekend in California’s Gold Country, where I have been asked to talk about brewing during the California Gold Rush. California became part of the United States in 1848 in the settlement of a war with Mexico. There were around 7,000 United States citizens in California at the beginning
Craft Brewing in the California Gold Rush Read More »
