I am at my office today on my day off...what's wrong with that picture?
A morning of household chores, a short walk, and a cluttered mind...and so I am at my cousneling office doing some administrative work and seeking to clear my mind. Some time getting things down on paper or, at least written into the schedule, helps me.
In the quietness of my office, however, I felt almost haunted by my racing thoughts so I unleashed I-Tunes and am listening to Mozart. What a peaceful and restful space my office has suddenly become!
Even the exercise of jogging is sometimes disquieting for me...until I put on my earphones, turn on my I-Phone, and lose myself in my music. It mutes my heavy breathing (which can be annoying) and allows me to replace my thoughs with the elixir of music's melodic strains.
Life's demands cannot sometimes be avoided. Life's decibels are not easily drownded out.
If you're caught in that web of entanglement., try the music fix. Transform your troubled world into a paradise of peace.
Even if only for a few moments...
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
When I can't sleep...
It was one of those nights I fell right to sleep and awakened in the middle of the night to remain awake for several hours.
This is dangerous for me because my mind goes to work.
And I thought about dying. When would I die. How would I die. Would I suffer much, Who would be at my funeral. Who would be sad. Am I afraid. What if it were today. And all other kinds of related questions that are colored by three plus years with Hospice and watching people die.
As well as over five hundred funerals and in forty-five years as a pastor.
What keeps me awake at night isn't always reflective of what's happened during the day or even connected to anything going on in my life at the moment.
But I often have to find some way to disrupt the now stimulated thinking process that desperately needs to be abandoned for needed rest.
And so I affirmed my faith--critical to me since the fear of death would blow me away if I didn't believe in the hope of eternal life in Christ--and then literally refocused on the the things that give me peace--crashing waterfalls, crystal blue oceans, rushing rivers...and three hours later I was awake.
Mostly rested...and not afraid.
This is dangerous for me because my mind goes to work.
And I thought about dying. When would I die. How would I die. Would I suffer much, Who would be at my funeral. Who would be sad. Am I afraid. What if it were today. And all other kinds of related questions that are colored by three plus years with Hospice and watching people die.
As well as over five hundred funerals and in forty-five years as a pastor.
What keeps me awake at night isn't always reflective of what's happened during the day or even connected to anything going on in my life at the moment.
But I often have to find some way to disrupt the now stimulated thinking process that desperately needs to be abandoned for needed rest.
And so I affirmed my faith--critical to me since the fear of death would blow me away if I didn't believe in the hope of eternal life in Christ--and then literally refocused on the the things that give me peace--crashing waterfalls, crystal blue oceans, rushing rivers...and three hours later I was awake.
Mostly rested...and not afraid.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Breaking in new ground
I have recently been unofficially hired to assume a responsibility with a company that is expanding its work overseas. Because the actual affimration of the corporate board is not until mid-May, and my actual start date is not until February, 2013, it is an interesting challenge to assay my responsibilities for today.
Here's what I am learning about this waiting time and transition...
*I am moving deliberately, checking out every proposed step before actually taking it.
*I am reading diligently, researching the necessary data available that will enhance my work when I actually start.
*I am communciating daily (or, as often as needed), staying in the loop regarding what is to be my responsibility.
My goal is to be ready to run the moment my job actually starts. I am disciplined to not run ahead or assume another's responsibilities. I am being careful to be a good observer and a willing learner as I process the information that is being made available to me. And I am continually asking, "Is there anything you need from me now?", while at the same time affirming the thngs already in place.
Truth is, I will be breaking in new ground. But some preliminary work has already been done--marials written, decisions made, programs instituted. What's required of me is an apppropriate respect and a measured enthusiasm as I await my turn to do my job.
Can't wait! But I will.
How are you doing with your new opportunity?
Here's what I am learning about this waiting time and transition...
*I am moving deliberately, checking out every proposed step before actually taking it.
*I am reading diligently, researching the necessary data available that will enhance my work when I actually start.
*I am communciating daily (or, as often as needed), staying in the loop regarding what is to be my responsibility.
My goal is to be ready to run the moment my job actually starts. I am disciplined to not run ahead or assume another's responsibilities. I am being careful to be a good observer and a willing learner as I process the information that is being made available to me. And I am continually asking, "Is there anything you need from me now?", while at the same time affirming the thngs already in place.
Truth is, I will be breaking in new ground. But some preliminary work has already been done--marials written, decisions made, programs instituted. What's required of me is an apppropriate respect and a measured enthusiasm as I await my turn to do my job.
Can't wait! But I will.
How are you doing with your new opportunity?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Life Coaching...online
People are busy.
I know. I am.
People have things they really want to do...if they just had the time.
I know. I have to make time.
People make time for the things they really want to do.
Life coaching provides an opportunity for you to set meaningful and measurable goals, to identify critical hindrances, and, through a comprehensive plan, accountability, and encouragement, to actually move forward to fulfilling some of those elusive goals.
But it takes time.
Life coaching can be experienced on line. Skyping provides a workable mechanism in a controlled, time-saving context to embark on the pursuit of some meaningful goals under the watchful eye of a life coach.
Take the time.
Do it now.
Contact daleabarrett@gmail.com.
Today.
I know. I am.
People have things they really want to do...if they just had the time.
I know. I have to make time.
People make time for the things they really want to do.
Life coaching provides an opportunity for you to set meaningful and measurable goals, to identify critical hindrances, and, through a comprehensive plan, accountability, and encouragement, to actually move forward to fulfilling some of those elusive goals.
But it takes time.
Life coaching can be experienced on line. Skyping provides a workable mechanism in a controlled, time-saving context to embark on the pursuit of some meaningful goals under the watchful eye of a life coach.
Take the time.
Do it now.
Contact daleabarrett@gmail.com.
Today.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The Importance of Perspective
A single isolated act can be a dangerous trigger for change.
I know that personally. An extended time of productive experience could potentially be undermined by a single act, a solitary decision.
If I let it.
I will not. A reflective view of history reminds me of the multiple benefits and blessings I've received in this setting. Kindness, love and support have been offered without solicitation. I have been the recipient of much mercy and grace.
What is required is perspective. What is the larger picture? What has been the general modus operandi in my experience here? Are there factors of which I may not be aware that could have been a catalyst for such a decision?
Singular events can make you feel like quitting.
Perspective--the broader picture--can save you from sudden change and concomitant bitterness.
Stay the course. Don't pull the trigger.
I know that personally. An extended time of productive experience could potentially be undermined by a single act, a solitary decision.
If I let it.
I will not. A reflective view of history reminds me of the multiple benefits and blessings I've received in this setting. Kindness, love and support have been offered without solicitation. I have been the recipient of much mercy and grace.
What is required is perspective. What is the larger picture? What has been the general modus operandi in my experience here? Are there factors of which I may not be aware that could have been a catalyst for such a decision?
Singular events can make you feel like quitting.
Perspective--the broader picture--can save you from sudden change and concomitant bitterness.
Stay the course. Don't pull the trigger.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The Fine Art of Relaxing
For some of us, relaxing is a guilt trip. Motivated and compelled to work and be productive,m anything short of that feels wrong.
I am in the middle of a two week vacation in Arizona, watching my beloved San Francisco Giants in spring training and 80 degree weather. This would seem like a perfect environment for relaxation.
And it is. Except for my brain which remains in work mode. I have to be intentional to and set boundaries for myself or I will be subconsciously swept into a labyrinth of work-related concerns.
Each morning to a relaxed time with my wife of visiting, doing our devotions together--we do this at home, but the pace here is much more subdued. Each morning we take an hour hike--one morning we were out for two and a half hours climbing a mountain!--and this is a time for us to view the beauty of the desert, an acquired taste we have developed over the last 6-7 years,
I have my I-Phone with me at all times. My world is carried on this small magical portable computer. Sadly, I am a creature of habit and I find myself reaching for it throughout the day to catch up on news, contacts, sports scores, work-related concerns (my staff at home work to shield me from these), and family updates. With eleven grandchildren, there is always something new to know about their personal worlds.
In the evenings my mind defaults to work mode, and so I have to "busy" myself with games, conversations (we are traveling with some very close friends), and an occasional television show like American idol (I know...it's crazy!)
We will be home in a week and the temptation is to begin to transition already into work mode, i.e. What do I have waiting for me? What work projects need to be tackled?
Et cetera
But I am relaxing. And loving it.
It is a fine art I want to learn to incorporate into my regular life.
I am open to advice on how to do that more effectively as the allure of semi-retirement awaits me!
I am in the middle of a two week vacation in Arizona, watching my beloved San Francisco Giants in spring training and 80 degree weather. This would seem like a perfect environment for relaxation.
And it is. Except for my brain which remains in work mode. I have to be intentional to and set boundaries for myself or I will be subconsciously swept into a labyrinth of work-related concerns.
Each morning to a relaxed time with my wife of visiting, doing our devotions together--we do this at home, but the pace here is much more subdued. Each morning we take an hour hike--one morning we were out for two and a half hours climbing a mountain!--and this is a time for us to view the beauty of the desert, an acquired taste we have developed over the last 6-7 years,
I have my I-Phone with me at all times. My world is carried on this small magical portable computer. Sadly, I am a creature of habit and I find myself reaching for it throughout the day to catch up on news, contacts, sports scores, work-related concerns (my staff at home work to shield me from these), and family updates. With eleven grandchildren, there is always something new to know about their personal worlds.
In the evenings my mind defaults to work mode, and so I have to "busy" myself with games, conversations (we are traveling with some very close friends), and an occasional television show like American idol (I know...it's crazy!)
We will be home in a week and the temptation is to begin to transition already into work mode, i.e. What do I have waiting for me? What work projects need to be tackled?
Et cetera
But I am relaxing. And loving it.
It is a fine art I want to learn to incorporate into my regular life.
I am open to advice on how to do that more effectively as the allure of semi-retirement awaits me!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Decompressing
I recently left on a twenty-one day trip, focusing on Spring Training for the SF Giants in Scottsdale, Arizona. Joined by our friends, Jerry and Sue, we left Sunday after church and arrived here Tuesday evening.
Tired and up tight.
It takes me awhile to unwind and to decompress. There us a interim period of time where I am putting all my work and worry aside--intentionally--and setting my mind on rest and relaxation.
Usually, arriving at that place requires a dismissal of pseudo guilt (I'm abandoning my work!), .a denial of my messianic complex (How will they survive without me?) and a detour from my penchant for being a workaholic (Where's my IPhone?).
Thankfully, my wife willingly assists me in this process!
So here's the deal. I am going to five Giants' games in two weeks.
But, I am sleeping in, taking long hikes, relaxing with a book, sharing extended devotional time every morning with Beverly, playing an assortment of games with our friends,, sight-seeing...etc.
Decompressing!
Tired and up tight.
It takes me awhile to unwind and to decompress. There us a interim period of time where I am putting all my work and worry aside--intentionally--and setting my mind on rest and relaxation.
Usually, arriving at that place requires a dismissal of pseudo guilt (I'm abandoning my work!), .a denial of my messianic complex (How will they survive without me?) and a detour from my penchant for being a workaholic (Where's my IPhone?).
Thankfully, my wife willingly assists me in this process!
So here's the deal. I am going to five Giants' games in two weeks.
But, I am sleeping in, taking long hikes, relaxing with a book, sharing extended devotional time every morning with Beverly, playing an assortment of games with our friends,, sight-seeing...etc.
Decompressing!
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