Three pieces with a common theme. Observing a shift in perspective toward three aspects of work now that I’m doing my own work in a different way. Climbing the mountain of work-life balance pausing to take a look back from a modest 50 feet up. Answers not outnumbering questions yet. But, better at formulating questions.
I’m a little surprised to find a common theme of “Love it Before You Leave It.” I’m noticing that where i was before, the place I was so anxious to move away from, wasn’t that bad at all. Granted, I have not regrets for pursuing a higher place. And though my perspective isn’t from 30,000 feet, it might be that from just 50 feet higher I am able to see things I couldn’t see before.
Be Here Now – examines how choosing to love your life for no other reason than that it’s YOUR life may have the side effect of offering you the peace you seek elsewhere right where you are now. Why is it a frightening prospect to seek presence here and now?
Boss as a Client – examines the relationship of a subordinate to a boss. If we can examine the power dynamic of the manager/employee relationship, could it free us up to accomplish more? Once again, hindsight might show us that the supervisor who has the power to raise our cortisol levels is just another human who a slight shift in perspective and focus might allow us to find harmony. What if we make it our goal to love our interactions here?
Get a Life – examines the impulse to work and the balance between bridging extrinsic and intrinsic values. I learned after going out to work on my own that I might have, could have, should have done things very differently. What came as a surprise was that we should embrace our life because it is ours. I missed a few things while I was focusing elsewhere.
I might have noticed the peace and fulfillment just beneath the surface in those present days and not needed to separate myself.
In Caddyshack Bill Murray’s greenskeeper tells the young caddie about the time he caddied for the Dalai Lama. When he asked the Lama for a tip, the Lama replied: “There won’t be any money. But on your deathbed you will receive total consciousness.” The greenskeeper added, “So, I’ve got that going for me. Which is nice.”
Which is nice! His assumption is that total consciousness comes not with total regret, but total acceptance.
Another comedian, Robin WIlliams, plays the teacher, Mr. Keating, in Dead Poets’ Society. Keating makes his students stand on their desks if you have to to see things differently. It might only be two feet, but once you’ve gotten in the habit of making this shift in perspective, you can always go higher.
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