Unhook From The Perpetual Progress Grid

I have been a member of a group called the Women in Business Connection (WIBC for short) in Cambridge, MA for about four years. We get together for lunch meetings once a month. Last week at our December event several of the women commented to me how much they liked my newsletter. It is always nice to hear complimentary feedback but one woman went even farther - she said it was like getting a "Zen moment" in her email. (Thanks Cibeline!)

Her comment got me thinking. That is exactly what I want to provide - Zen moments for my readers. I am in no way a Zen expert but I do hope that reading my monthly messages might offer you a moment to temporarily unhook from what I call the Perpetual Progress Grid of life. My wish is to share with you a moment of reflection, appreciation and calm.

So today, I will describe for you how I "unhook from the grid" for brief moments of time and at random intervals. I believe it is this short but consistent "unhooking" that keeps me refreshed, creative and ultimately at peace. By sharing my techniques with you, I invite you to borrow, create or identify your own.

I "unhook" from the pressures, desires, thrills, and obligations of the Perpetual Progress Grid when:

-- I hear my dog pitter-patter up the stairs to join me in my office and I stop what I am doing for a few minutes, pat her belly and thank her for coming to visit me.

--I take a work break, drive into town and get coffee at my favorite independent coffee shop with my husband.

--I turn off my phone, ignore email and descend into creative bliss when writing.

-- I take a moment to stare out a window and notice the way the rain, snow or sunshine is reflecting off the glass at just that moment.

--I attend a yoga class and gratefully stretch both my mind and limbs to their full expression.

--I take a deep breath and feel it extend my abdomen.

--I drive slowly and in silence.

--I rhythmically clean my house, cook a meal, wrap a gift or wash dishes (yes, I sometimes like the feel soapy hot water on my hands).

--I sit anywhere and watch the world for a moment - the people, the trees and the clouds...whatever is happening in front of me from my vantage point.

--I sing (badly too, trust me).

When I do these things I am temporarily "free floating" and my mind is at some level disengaged from the need to achieve. It is a place where small moments of joy live.

Deirdre Maigread McEachern is a personal coach who helps her clients experience more joy in their lives. You can contact Deirdre for a complimentary consultation at 207-439-4280 or join her free monthly newsletter at http://www.vip-coaching.com.

---

The Power of Effective Coaching Skills

The most valuable assets of a 20th century company were... Read More

Belief Management - The Missing Ingredient?

"Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything... Read More

What is the Success Lesson in this Story?

One of my clients gave me permission to tell you... Read More

Are You Addicted To Your Activities?

Activities - such as sports, creative projects, reading, work, TV,... Read More

The Top 10 BEST Things About Having a Coach

Obviously, there are many wonderful things about having a personal... Read More

Trump University - Why Success Education Is Important

Trump University recently unveiled offers a bonanza of success secrets,... Read More

Personal Development Profiles

Personal development profiles, also known as personality profiles, are a... Read More

Growing On G.R.O.W ? A More Specific Coaching Model For Busy Managers

The effective coaching of employees by their line managers is... Read More

What is Life Coaching?

An recent article in Money Magazine said that "A coach... Read More

Whats Next Syndrome

Terms like Postpartum, Post Traumatic and Post Gulf War are... Read More

Stay Connected To WHY You Are Doing Things

"The more I want to get something done, the less... Read More

How to Choose the Right Coach for You

So you want to hire a coach but with so... Read More

Our Perception Determines Our Experience

Not long ago, I traveled back east to Ohio and... Read More

How to Deal Effectively with Anxiety

Every human feels anxiety on occasion; it is a part... Read More

Is Time Really Easier to Sell than Products? Generate Extra Revenue by Packaging Up What You Know

Over the years I've worked with very many coaches and... Read More

Several Red Flags for Spotting a Phony or Scam

The world is full of phonies and scammers these days.... Read More

Do You Make Less Money Than Your Taller Peers?

A recent study at the University of Florida found that... Read More

The Non-Conscious Mind at Work. Harness it for Your Success

Thoughts are real things. As soon as you realize how... Read More

Passport to Passion

Passion is a feeling of excitement and intensity. The energy... Read More

How To Improve Your Selling Skills -- With Coaching Skills

But people love being coached. It's respectful and considerate of... Read More

Choosing an Apprentice

Along the path from where you are now to millions... Read More

Mindfulness and Multiple Intelligences: 8 Ways to Pay Attention

How are you smart?Let me count the ways.Harvard professor Howard... Read More

Voice Care for Coaches

Coaches rely heavily on their voice to service clients. If... Read More

COACHING: When it?s Beyond Oprah and Dr. Phil

How many more servings of the daytime self-help salad will... Read More

How to Make $100,000 Dollars as a Personal Trainer ? Part C for Client!

My name is Greg Ryan. For the last twenty years... Read More

How To Give Criticism Without Bruising Egos

As responsible employers, parents, and friends, we have an obligation... Read More

Finding a Mentor in the 21st Century

Traditionally, mentors volunteer the wisdom of their experiences to help... Read More

A Beginner To Beginners

You may be just starting, or contemplating, your first online... Read More

Kabbalah Coach: Love the One Youre With

IntroductionEvery one of us came to the planet to figure... Read More

Leadership Coaching ? Easier Said Than done

Recently at a Pharmaceutical meeting in Europe, one of the... Read More

Change vs Transition

"There is a time for departure, even when there's no... Read More

Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Has it ever occurred to you how much you are... Read More

Personal Power

All of us would love to have personal power ?... Read More