Smooth out the roller coaster ride. At times, life sure seems that way, especially if your emotions are running your life. And they usually are to a certain extent. Our work is to detach ourselves from the moment-to-moment swings. But how do you do it.

Do you want the short answer or the long answer? I’m sure the short answer seems appealing…..The answer is…..be in the moment…be totally present….don’t think about what might happen or what happened before.

So that’s the short one…but you ask….how do you do that? And that means you want the long answer…..which is what we are all working on. And I do have a short answer to the longer one. Become a good listener. So in your communications with others you can practice everyday by developing the skill of listening.

Make it about them and not about you. And that’s the secret…As long as it’s about you, you’ll be thinking about how what is being said impacts you as opposed to feeling what is going on with the other person. You’re in your head rather than being in the presence of the other person.

Yes, there are practices you can develop that will support you in becoming more mindful. Meditation…Yoga…Tai Chi and many others. As you deepen these practices, your life force, chi…prana expands and you become more present and begin to live and flow from the now.

That’s when life gets exciting.

Journey On

Mark

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way.http://www.inspirepossibility.com.em>

I have been thinking about how important having a way to express yourself is so that you develop that deeper part of yourself. Too often after a day’s work…and then doing a few things around home or socializing we don’t make time for that other side of ourselves to develop.

When this happens we become defined by what we do in society…for too long I was defined by “Mark the lawyer”….and in other circles I was defined by Mark the clarinet player.

We are multidimensional beings…yet so much of our time is focused on just the most superficial level. The year is winding down….

What is something you could do that would develop that other side of yourself? Perhaps it could be play some music or go dancing…..or start a journal…take a painting class. I am sure there is something that you would find fulfilling…and if you are already doing something…how can you take it to the next level?

Throughout the years I have blessed to have a way to express myself…but it takes effort at first and commitment…it’s rewarding and gratifying as the years go by. There was music…writing and now dancing. It makes me a more interesting person and just as important I always feel engaged….

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way.http://www.inspirepossibility.com.em>

It was interesting last night when we arrived at the party. Everyone was engaged with someone else and no one greeted us. I felt awkward and went into my judgments about the hostess.

So Annie and I grabbed a chair and talked to each other. We could have stayed home I thought to myself. This went on for about ten or fifteen minutes and finally someone broke off their conversation and the subject of mountain biking came up…I felt like a made a connection and then it was time for the food. We all got up and stood around the table lighting candles and blessing the food. That felt good and we ate. I hadn’t done that for a while.

In the chair next to me, Art, who I had played music with six months before at this same house sat down. After a while our conversation extended to playing music.

As we were winding down our playing music, Janis one of the people of the party came over and began talking to us about perhaps having us play at a party she was having. And it went on and I continued talking with Janis who I felt a deep connection with about one thing after the other.

It was getting late and it was time to leave…I had a good time…yet earlier in the evening I was ready to pack it in. So next time I’ll hold my judgments,

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way.http://www.inspirepossibility.com.em>

What about me that neglected voice is saying….we forget about taking care of ourselves.In a call yesterday I was talking with a very successful woman who was starting a new business. The first year was winding down and by all standards it was a great year. There was one thing that she forgot to do that many of us also forget to do.

And that was to take the time to nurture herself. And maybe even pamper herself. Since I’ve always had my own business I am used to those cycles when you get those calls and at other times when it’s slow….and that’s the perfect time to do something special for yourself rather than wait around for the phone to ring.

And even if you are in a job…you can be creative in finding ways to treat yourself special. I know those with families make it work…if they have to take their kid somewhere they do it. It’s realizing that other part of yourself needs attention. Work isn’t the only game in town. For the next week do 3 nurturing things for yourself. It might be getting a massage or going dancing.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way.http://www.inspirepossibility.com.em>

Maybe its the time of year. By 7PM it feels like its late. I have been quiet lately.

There are those days when nothing seems to bother you and then there are those other days when you are supersensitive. Today was one of the good days. Even though some of the events that occurred today were not in my favor, I wasn’t too bummed by them. In fact most of the day I felt pretty good.

What helps is my commitment to my meditation practice. I am in the groove and external events haven’t been bothering me too much. What also has been happening is that my caffeine intake has been limited to one cup of tea in the morning…no coffee..this has happened organically…I haven’t had to obsess about it.

You can change how you react to the events of your day by changing your habits. It’s worth it. Meditate in the morning…exercise during the day…be
strategic…about it…if you are going somewhere, park a few blocks away so you’ll at least get some walking in. Bike if you can rather than walk.

Take time for some yoga. It doesn’t have to be too long…but do some… and of course don’t forget to smile.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

JOURNEY ON is a blog dedicated to personal and professional development. Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. His articles reflect this journey in an inspirational and motivational way.http://www.inspirepossibility.com.em>