Each day is different, filled with wonders of its own. I experience some days as nearly impossible. Things happen that make me wonder whether I can handle what comes my way, whether it is worthwhile to keep trying. People come into my life who drain me of my love and energy. I seem to be […]
Take Delight Each Day Read More »
I walk as much as I can; sometimes with other people and sometimes on my own. Walking is important to me. I find it very challenging to sit in a meeting for more than an hour or so, but I can walk for quite a while. I do my best listening and reflecting while I am
Sharing the Journey Read More »
I belong to a liturgical church. We spend almost all our time together doing two things. We remind each other of the story that brings us together, and we share a meal. On Sundays we read part of our shared story. Someone talks about how we can draw the story so far into the present,
We are explorers. Our earliest experiences as young children are exploring what is around us, learning how the world works. We are fearless, and eager to learn by trying. Explorers set out on a journey without having been there before, without really knowing what challenges they will face. They prepare, they learn as much as
Exploring & Explaining Read More »
Every moment is filled with possibilities. In each moment, we have the potential to recognize and appreciate who we really are in new ways. Our deepest selves are eager for us to discover them, despite our complex defenses. Each moment gives us the possibility of awakening to ourselves in new ways, of gaining insight into
Every Moment is Filled with Possibilities Read More »
We use knowledge and technology to try to control and mask the primal extremes of our world. We create music and words to cover silence we find intimidating. We connect with people around the world when we are faced with our own solitude. We light our lives to help us be less afraid of the
In a few weeks, toward the end of August, I will go up to New Camaldoli, the hermitage and monastery in Big Sur, California where I am a lay oblate. New Camaldoli is a very special place for me, filled with things that draw me closer to what is sacred and holy. The monks who
Remembering to Soar Read More »
When people see that my website says Leadership, Pilgrimage, Revelry, some of them ask, “Why Pilgrimage? What does pilgrimage have to do with what you do?” The power of pilgrimage is that it incorporates the everyday aspects of walking and transportation into a sacred journey. Pilgrims are not tourists. People who make pilgrimages see and learn
Some people hear about what I do or see that my website says Leadership, Pilgrimage, Revelry and ask, “Why Revelry? What does revelry have to do with what you do?” Revelry is celebrating or taking delight in something, which is essential to the work I do at StrategicMonk. There are people who think that coaching
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
