Gratitude and Reflection

Labyrinths—those meandering paths, often unicursal, with a singular path leading to a center. Dating back 4,000 years or more, labyrinths are used symbolically, as a walking meditation, a choreographed dance, or a site of rituals and ceremonies, among other things. Labyrinths are tools for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation, which can invoke mindfulness and a state of personal contemplation. They can also be wonderful tools for community building or team building.

I recently learned that there are more than 100 labyrinths in New Mexico, where I now reside. They are in churchyards, school playgrounds, public parks and private retreats throughout the state. I know there is one in a churchyard not far from where I live. And I’ve walked one at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM.  There are several in the Washington DC metro area where Barbara lives as well.

It’s probably no accident that I came across this information about labyrinths this month in New Mexico Magazine.  November is a month for reflection and gratitude—time to pay homage to the people and things that are important. And New Mexico is such a restful and contemplative place. 

Consider what’s been accomplished in your organization this year and take time to celebrate those successes.  Give thanks to the people who made those successes happen.  Reflect on your own organizations culture—its traditions and celebrations.  It’s a perfect time to review the past, and learn some lessons from past experiences before looking to the future and the year ahead.

Barbara and I have a lot to be grateful for this year. We’ve had some wonderful opportunities to talk about our books and are very grateful to all of our readers who support us.  We’ve had wonderful feedback from our beta readers for our upcoming book which is on track to be published during 2020. We’re grateful to them for being part of our journey. 

You don’t necessarily have to walk a labyrinth to reflect on the past year, but if you want more information about them, including the location of one near you, contact the Labyrinth Society (https://labyrinthsociety.org).  If you decide to experience one, step into it with purpose while you pray, recite a mantra or walk in silence as you reflect. No matter what you do, take some time during this month of gratitude to consider all the things that grace your life.  

Conflict, Stress & Holidays – Oh My!

It rained all night and the result for us was a peaceful night’s sleep.  “It’s a great way to relieve stress,” my husband declared. What stress is he under, I thought, but it had been a long time since we’ve slept through a rainy night. We live in the desert and rain here is rare.  

I’m writing this in late September, just after the devastating storm named Florence battered the east coast. Don’t tell people in the Carolinas that rain is peaceful and relieves stress, unless you want more conflict. We know better – we’ve lived through hurricanes and can understand and appreciate a different point of view.  

One of the keys to managing conflict – and alleviating stress – is the ability to listen to different points of view.  As we discuss in The Essential Workplace Conflict Handbook, we all have different experiences that shape the way we see things and events around us. Hurricane season is devastating in coastal areas. The summer monsoon season, as the rainy season is called in the Southwest, is welcomed with open arms.

There are more stressful seasons descending upon us. Halloween? No, it will be fun even with the ghosts and goblins and other dark creatures. But then we prepare for Thanksgiving – families gathered around the table. You’re concerned that after the upcoming mid-term elections your right-wing and left-wing relatives won’t keep their political differences civil and are hoping your outspoken brother focuses his attention and comments on the football game rather than offending anyone. 

You may take a pass on Black Friday, but there’s still the stress of holiday gift giving – selecting the perfect gift for everyone, purchasing it, and wrapping it.  

Barbara and I have a gift suggestion, and we'd be honored and humbled if you'd consider it.  We published two books on conflict, The Essential Workplace Conflict Handbook and The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book. They are available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and independent book sellers. Both address topics of diversity, differences and expectations among others. It could be the perfect answer for those relatives who can’t get along or a gift for your colleagues or clients not only at the holidays, but at any time during the year! These books are a good reminder that conflict can be addressed with grace and civility.

Look no further, you can order both books online. To ease the stress, we’ve added links.  The Essential Workplace Conflict Handbook: https://tinyurl.com/y8qy4msz and The Conflict Resolution Phrase Book:  https://tinyurl.com/ycktzyz9,

Free up your time this holiday season for the decorating, baking, partying – whatever you love, but can’t seem to find the time, to do. Fill this time with wonder and light and excitement before the gloomy days of winter, not stress and conflict.