That Which I Can Recognize But Never Name

(I recently came across this letter in a file and have decided to re-publish it here. I wrote it to friends in February 2008, about my experiences not long after the death of John O’Donohue – for whom I had begun working just eight months earlier. )

 

As a child, I always had . . . → Read More: That Which I Can Recognize But Never Name

Dancing in Every Direction

When I dance, I take steps forward, sideways, backward. I follow a rhythm. I coordinate my movements and rhythm to those of other dancers and the music surrounding me, and I love the creative experience.

When I work, I make a plan for moving forward. I set a pace and resent interruptions or obstacles . . . → Read More: Dancing in Every Direction

What Is Important?

Workflow planners have lots of advice on time management but generally assume that you already have firm grip on your basis for setting priorities.

One of my favorite time planning systems, Steven Covey’s “First Things First,” charts tasks according to quadrants:

urgent-and-important; not-urgent-but-important; urgent-but-not-important; not-urgent-and-not-important.

Very helpful; but, beyond the crying baby and the kitchen . . . → Read More: What Is Important?

Willpower and Willingness

My inner nag is pointing out all the things I’ve left undone . . . and my inner resister-of-authority wonders if the ‘not doing’ is about needing a break. This is always a tricky question. I am so ready to believe that I’m a slacker who is just looking for an excuse to play hooky. . . . → Read More: Willpower and Willingness