Category: Improving Yourself

This week’s post is by guest writers John Watkins and his partner Caren Hamilton. They will share their diagram of Leadership Grace in next week’s post as Part 2.

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Integration

These days we need all our resources working together to thrive. Our approach to thriving comes from being dazzled by the grace of discovering that our discipline and devotion to yoga combines with the gentleness and rigor of 12-step work to support our deepest desire to be of service.

Yoga means to weave or yoke. It’s about connection and unity, within our self, with the god of our understanding, and with our communities. More than just poses, yoga includes the philosophy that all things are an expression of the divine, and that it is our divine nature fully to express ourselves knowledgably, skillfully, beautifully, and joyfully in the world.

12-step traditions help us recognize that we want to change, and teach us to live a spiritual way of life. 12-step work offers tools for reflection on our participation in life, and healing, so we can practice unity, service, and recovery. 12-step work helps people bring greater balance to their inner and outer worlds. Both traditions recognize the value of the support of others who share the same passion for living where our whole being is balanced and healthy. We interweave these traditions to create a powerful foundation for our work, Leadership Grace.

An Unhealthy Unbalanced Life

Our social, institutional, and even family lives are seriously out of balance and unhealthy. We can feel it even if we cannot name the conditions and reasons. Some habits we fall into to address this dis-ease are personal, including addictions and obsessions; others are institutional. A few symptoms of this dis-ease are dysfunction, dissatisfaction, fragmentation, isolation, alienation, victimization, disconnection, destructive actions to self and others, apathy, willfulness, stress and hopelessness. Many of us are conditioned to try to figure it out, fix it, force it, fight it, or f*#k it, throw up our hands, walk away.

When we are too self-centered, taking too much responsibility for circumstances that are beyond our control, we end up living a grey life. But in our hearts we know that we are meant to be fully alive, bright, and free. We’ve simply lost our way.

Pausing to Reflect; Finding the “No!” and the “Yes!”

When we find ourselves stuck, though everything in our ego and agitation urges us willfully to act, this is the time to pause. We ask the god of our understanding to “grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This awareness is the first act of healthy autonomy, inviting a gap for grace to enter.

Getting clear about the “No” is the threshold for identifying the “Yes!” accepting that I didn’t cause it, I can’t cure it, and I can’t control it, but I can contribute to making it worse! The “No” sets a clear boundary, allowing us to “let go and let god.” In yoga, we use the term, Swaha, an equanimical, easeful response to the Universe. When we are able to let go, to surrender, to open to grace, we end up more powerful, more free. Then the challenge is to cultivate the “Yes.”

The Pathway to Grace

At first, opening to grace invites a softening and a listening to what is present. Grace is like coming home, being at ease in oneself and in the world, remembering our innate goodness, our divine nature, our ultimate intimate connection to ourselves, to each other, and to god. Grace asks for acceptance and gratitude, willingness, devotion, dedication, courage, discipline, persistent practice, and self-love. It takes the development and use of all our skills and tools. It is a high calling, but requires complete humility. Opening to grace asks us to become honest, open-minded, and willing. We acknowledge that we are beginners, and our self-love is the commitment to develop the skill and discipline to engage, to create the space for the “yes” to enter our hearts and drive our actions. A person is motivated to change and open to grace when they don’t want to hurt anymore, when they want to be happy, joyous, and free. Living with grace invites us to live in the world fully, with authenticity, integrity, beauty, and creativity. When we open to grace, we integrate the head, heart, and hands, without dogma or script, and we become united within ourselves and our communities.

Leadership Grace

The most powerful leaders are attractive agents for change, more like magnets than cannons, because they start with themselves, saying, “let it begin with me.” They show us how to “live and let live” and encourage us to align with grace. They hold high standards yet let us be human as we learn and grow. They constantly seek to affirm the positive, while holding us gently in the fire of transformation.

Leadership Grace balances clarity of vision, with focus on knowing what we value and is deeply meaningful, and easeful alignment of action. It comes from a deep connection to our core/divine Self, to provide strength, courage, and steadfastness, yet is dynamic, soft, and easeful on the outside. It is neither willful nor controlling.

(c) 2011 – John Watkins and Caren Hamilton

(Part 2 next week: The Power of Leadership Grace, and The Inner and Outer Practices of Leadership Grace)

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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John Watkins has for the past 25 years consulted and coached in organizational change and leadership development. 24 years ago he began his recovery from a family deeply scarred by alcohol and abuse. He has continued his healing as an avid Anusara yoga practitioner for the past six years. He lives in the SF Bay Area.

Caren Hamilton has worked with a variety of business and organizations for the last 17 years to align their business practices with nature. 12 years ago she began her healing process and has just celebrated 7 years of recovery in a 12-step program. She is a beginning Anusara yoga student and lives in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

John and Caren are currently building a new life and business together as beloveds and business partners. Their business is Leadership Grace. They coach, consult, and do workshops for people who want to remember their divine nature and lead a life of service from that place of grace.

John Watkins & Caren Hamilton- Johnw536@mac.com http://johnmw.com

At some one point in our career, many of us wanted to tell our employers, “I quit!”. We may even have fantasized going out in a blaze of glory, like former Jet Blue flight attendant Steve Slater.

However, there is a right and a wrong way to transition from one job to another within or outside the organization you work for. So, if you’re someone who is seeking a better position or finds that a fantastic opportunity has landed in your lap, here are three steps from a Harvard Business Review blog to do it right.

1. Take the high road.
Be positive. When you give the news to your boss, avoid ranting and raving. You may feel better but it won’t help your career. If you do have constructive feedback, schedule a separate meeting with your boss focusing on how the team can work better going forward.

2. Help find your replacement.
Don’t leave your team or manager in the lurch. Review with your boss the job’s challenges and responsibilities. You can even give suggestions of who might be a good fit. Tie up loose ends and document your work so that there is a smooth transition. Leaving your team in good hands and in good shape will be remembered long after you’re gone.

3. Stay in touch.
Don’t sever all ties with the company even if you had a bad experience. Your former colleagues or managers are a valuable asset to you and not just for the sake of the reference letter or Linkedin recommendation. More importantly, that network may come in handy over the next 10, 20, or even 30 years of your work life.

Career Success Tip:

Don’t burn bridges. Who knows where you’ll end up after this new job? Today’s work world is very mobile. In a future role, you may end up working with or for that former boss or those colleagues or your direct reports. It happens. Don’t you want them to think highly of you today as well as tomorrow? So, do it right. Also, take a look at the post: Changing Jobs: Don’t Have Buyers Remorse.

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?

I really didn’t understand what my number one business value (Lead by Faith: Pray for God’s guidance) meant until I had the great privilege to hear Immaculee Ilibagiza speak in person and then read her book called Led by Faith: Rising from the Ashes of the Rwandan Genocide.

When I first heard of Immaculee’s story, I was immersed right away in who is she and how she’s an incredible example of living in faith. Faith is all she had for the 3 months that she was hid in the bathroom with 7 other women during the Rwandan genocide in the 1994. During this time, they couldn’t talk to each other in fear that they would be found. “As hundred of killers hunted her, Immaculee formed a profound relationship with God that transcended the bloodshed and butchery – a relationship that enabled her to emerge from the slaughter with a spirit purged of hatred and a heart brimming with forgiveness.”

Before she went into hiding her father gave her a rosary. She used this rosary to keep her sane and safe. She believed that it’s one of the things that provided the miracle that these women survived. Many days she would say the rosary 20 or more times a day. For those of you who don’t know about the rosary, it’s a ritual of praying to the Holy Mother, Mary, asking her to intercede for our prayers. It looks like a necklace as you say prayers for each bead. By the time she was freed, she was able to forgive those who murdered her family and many, many of her friends.

A couple of years ago, Immaculee came to my alma mater in Minnesota, the University of St. Thomas, to share her journey. My best friend, Julie Wylie who I met at St. Thomas, and I heard her speak. Here is a picture of us with Immaculee. She shared stories from her first book Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust as well as her new book is about how she navigated the world, now as an orphan in her young twenties, with only an “abiding faith in God to guide and protect her.”

Just being in her presence you could sense her holiness and devotion to God and her love of Mary. She shared the story of how she “accidentally” met best-selling author Wayne Dwyer, which we all know that it was a “God-cidence,” who then knew her story had to be told. Her took her under his wing and helped her get her book published. She then accompanied him on one of his book tours with public TV.

Here’s how she led by faith, which allowed God to lead the way in regards to her book. She writes, “I picked up the Yellow Pages and began looking for publishing houses in New York City, but I decided that it would be easier and faster to let God to the searching. I place the manuscript in a box beside my Bible and left the rest up to Him. As usual, I took out my rosary to pray — but in keeping with my new vocation, I picked up a pen and wrote this letter.

Dear Lord,

Thanks for helping me finish the manuscript. I hope it’s what you had in mind. But now that it’s done, You have to find someone to print it and then put it in the window display at Barnes & Noble. This is really Your story more than mine, and I’m looking forward to reading it it once You have made it into a book.

Thank You again, God.

Your loving daughter,

Immaculee

I put the letter in an envelope, sealed it and placed it in the middle of the manuscript. Three days later, God introduced me to the man who get my book published – Wayne Dwyer.” Amazing, huh?!

She is so humble and shared how she continues to let God guide her every step. During the time she was in the bathroom, she was forced to rely on God. She realized the power of putting her life in His hands was the only way to live. While it’s harder now that she has the distractions of life to deal with, she continues to lead her life by faith. I encourage you to check out her story and books. Click here. You’ll be inspired by her spirit and love for God.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Janae Bower is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author and training consultant. She founded Finding IT, a company that specializes in personal and professional development getting to the heart of what matters most. She started Project GratOtude, a movement to increase gratitude in people’s lives.

If you were asked in a behavioral interview for examples of being a team player, what would you say?

This came up during a recent leadership coaching session with a department manager who would be adding eight new people to her team over the next several months. One of the key selection criteria is that the new hires must be team players.

Is It Me or Is It We?

Imagine a basketball team in which each player tries to take every shoot instead of passing the ball to an open player, setting screens for teammates or getting into position for the rebound. Obviously, the team would lose.

Yet, there are people at work who say they are a team player but in reality, they focus primarily on their own needs and ignore the needs of the team. Hopefully you’re not one of them. Here are easy, effective ways to show that you are a team player:

• Include everyone on the team in the information loop so people will feel part of the team.
• Don’t hog the limelight. When you get a compliment, acknowledge the team’s effort.
• Volunteer to take the minutes at meetings rather than sit back and let others do it.
• Be the first to chip in to move the filing cabinet or get doughnut or make the coffee.
• List things you wish others would do for you and then start doing them for others.
• Check the comments or decisions you’re about to make for their effect on others.
• Express your appreciation when someone stops and helps you with a problem.
• Listens and respond positively to other’s ideas even if you don’t agree.
• Be on the lookout to provide assistance to others when they need it.
• Attend team social events and be social.

Career Success Tip

Managers look for people they can count on, whether that means taking initiative, being accountable or collaborating with others. You want your manager to see you as both a productive employee as well as a team player.

Readers, how have you been a team player? What other examples have you seen?

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?

I’ve been thinking this week about the idea of integrity and values. I had dinner recently with a man who is starting a new business. The man had successfully owned a previous company. He worked long hours to grow and then sell that company for a large profit. He’s basing the new company on a different set of values than before. This time around he wants the company’s central mission to be about helping his employees succeed so they can profit from their labor. He deliberately wants to start the new company as an employee stock-owned company.

There are numerous non-market values that you can run your businesses by and still be successful as a business. Values such as harmony, balance, integrity, consideration for others, and honesty can all be brought into a successful business.

What values do you bring to your business and work with others?

Wikipedia offers this definition of Mensch:

(Yiddish: מענטש mentsh; from German: Mensch, for “human being”) means “a person of integrity and honor”.^[1] … mensch is “someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being ‘a real mensch’ is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous.”^[2]

How are you showing up at work? What is the best you strive to be at work?

In his poem “If”, Rudyard Kipling wrote that :

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don’t give way to hating,

….. you can be a man – or in a more inclusive language – a Mensch- someone with heart and integrity.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Linda is an author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Go to her website www.lindajferguson.com to read more about her work, view video clips of her talks, and find out more about her book “Path for Greatness: Spirituality at Work” The paperback version is available on Amazon. Note: the pdf version of Path for Greatness is available for download from her website. ALSO, Linda’s new book, “Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand” is now available on her website.

Do you struggle at work? I sure do.

Increasing demands. Limited resources. Out of sorts co-workers feeling the pinch. Negativity that abounds. It feels like stress is at an all time high. And it’s not as if demands on the home-front, or any other front have eased up to make room for the added stress of the workplace.

Work is the place God continues to use to transform me into the woman of God He’s calling me to be.

My name is Shari Harris. I’m the author of Walking in Faith Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace (2011). My book is a collection of faith at work stories chronicling my faith journey. God has called me to share my faith at work and to share my stories with you in hopes of encouraging you.

It’s not easy for any one of us. We need to encourage each other, and one way we can do this is to have real conversations about work and how challenging it can be. In the call to share God has asked me to be real and share my heart with you.

Hopefully my book will not only encourage you in your faith and in bringing it work, but it will shed light into the creepy corners of bringing our feelings and our whole-self to work with us when we go. My hope is that in being vulnerable with my life, that you will have the courage then in turn to be the same, giving others freedom to be themselves at work. I’d like to think we can inspire each other to have the hard conversations about work and in doing so help each other. Above all, I want you to know that you are not alone. We all struggle. We all struggle in our workplaces.

We can tend to rush through our days, one task after another with an end never in sight, forgetting what is really important.

My mother passed way last December after a four and one half year courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (perhaps better known as ALS). This disease robs the body of every function, from eating to walking, until it finally reaches the lungs. My family and I learned a lot as we journeyed the path with her.

Work doesn’t even hit the top ten priorities in life when I line it up with things like faith, family, friends, good health, etc. Yet, we need to be there to make a living to support ourselves and our families, right? Indeed, we do. We just need not fall into the trap of putting work first and getting out-of-balance by spending an extreme amount of time at work.

In my book, Walking in Faith Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace, I talk about “the busiest girl in the office.” We all know the woman or man who is so self-absorbed in his or her work that they have no time to connect with work neighbors, the person who wears their “busyness” like a lapel pin, boosting of how important their work makes them. It seems as though we’ve come to accept “too busy” as an excuse for innumerable transgressions. Have you ever heard a person with a last breath lament they didn’t spend enough time at work? Probably not.

I’m probably most excited about having been able to dedicate my book to my mother. She always encouraged me. My mom always believed in me. My plan is to donate a portion of the proceeds to ALS research.

I’d encourage you to take a look at your work life through another lens today – through the lens of what the Word of God teaches, and ask yourself if you are walking in love in the workplace or if you need to think again about bringing Christ to work with you. It will make a big difference in our day. It will make a big difference in you. It may not be an easy walk, but nothing really worthwhile is. You can be confident that God is faithful and He is your constant companion.

Bringing God to work with you is the antidote to struggling at work.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Shari writes, speaks, and teaches passionately on faith in the workplace. Shari’s life was changed when a coworker shared her faith at work. In the years since, God has used the workplace to bless, inspire, encourage, and mold Shari into the woman of strong faith she is today. God has given Shari passion and compassion to help and encourage others in the workplace.

People are hungry for authenticity and God is calling us to be honest—with Him, with ourselves and with each other. We all struggle. We are all challenged.

God has encouraged Shari to share her personal stories of struggle and perseverance in Walking in Faith: Stories of Hope and Encouragement for the Workplace, Shari’s first book, to bring hope to people struggling in the workplace. Shari’s prayer is that you will find encouragement in these stories. Her website is www.sharijharris.com

One career success strategy we have all heard is to build, maintain and leverage your network.

But a recent Harvard Business School article, states it important to develop three separate ones. Yes, you read right….three separate ones. Before thinking that’s way too much work, take a look at the rationale.

1. Your operational network
It’s comprised of the people you rely on to get work done: your peers, direct reports, bosses, and external contacts. Often times you don’t choose these folks, but you still need to cultivate them or you won’t succeed in your job.

2. Your developmental network
It is a group of individuals whom you trust and to whom you can turn to for advice. Select people who bring a diversity of perspectives. They can be from different industries or different professional backgrounds. These are your coaches , your mentors and your confidants.

3. Your strategic network
It helps you prepare for and succeed in the future. In this group, include people who work and live at the edge of your current world and can help you see what’s on the horizon. This is the one that we tend not to create because we’re so busy with today’s challenges that we forget about tomorrow.

Evaluate Your Network

• Do you have one big network or do you segment your network into different categories?
• Who is in your network and what roles do they play – operational, developmental or strategic?
• Who is counting on you to play these different roles and do you give them what they need to succeed?

Career Success Tip

Think about networks as having multiple functions throughout your life and career. Having a powerful network with wide range of links in all your different “worlds” is important. Equally important is to be the person whom others want to help and have in their network. So it’s not just the number of contacts you have but the breadth of those contacts. If you have a diverse and strong network, you then can tap into a wide variety of resources and information.

How well are you networked? Is it time to expand your networks?

Do you want to develop Career Smarts?

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge Psalm 16:1

Some of you may be going through a period where your worries are large, such as a job loss or company restructuring. Simple breathing meditations don’t cut it as worry turns into fear of what lays ahead. It’s hard to calm the monkey mind chatter, the ‘what if’s’, the ‘awfulizing’ that keep you up at night. I’ve gone through times like that and it’s not fun.

As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to trust there’s a bigger picture unfolding than I can see. In allowing my Higher Power to be in charge of my life, rather than my mind and will, I trust God (Spirit, the Holy Presence, Mystical Force) to resolve or clarify what’s happening. I find comfort in Letting Go and Letting God. During several job transitions, lost in confusion and doubt, I’ve wanted clarity and direction, yet nothing seemed to be forth coming. I’d get to a point where I knew that there was nothing left for me to do but turn over what’s going on to a Higher Power and trust that things will work out somehow. It can feel grueling getting to that place of emptying ego, having to completely surrender. Yet I’ve found from that pace of surrender and emptiness, new opportunities emerged.

As I step forward in faith, I know I may not be able to control what’s happening around me, but I can always shift how I show up in the world. I’ve learned that my outer world changes as I respond differently to it. Sometimes just letting go of the struggle and resentment of what is happening helps shift my energy and I feel lighter. I work to release or shift my thoughts, projections, judgments, and move into acceptance of what is. I acknowledge how I want to shift, affirming that as I let go I allow new energy and form to appear.

In those few really challenging times when I just don’t have the energy to keep moving forward, I’ve used a God Box to contain those thoughts and worries that I know I need to release and transform. I’ll write out things that I’m tired of worrying about and absolutely don’t want to hold on to any longer. I put the thoughts in a box for my angel guides to handle. I mentally detach any chords of attachments to these thoughts, or energy that I’m still hanging on to, and need to release. Inevitably something shifts and I see progress on the issue.

I’m reminded of this quote by Rumi:

Something opens our wings. Something makes boredom and hurt disappear. Someone fills the cup in front of us: We taste only sacredness.

May you find the guidance and transformation you need during your times of worry. Ask for assistance and stay open to what messages, support or direction you receive over the next few weeks.

Let Go and Let God move through you.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Linda is an author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Go to her website www.lindajferguson.com to read more about her work, view video clips of her talks, and find out more about her book “Path for Greatness: Spirituality at Work” The paperback version is available on Amazon. NOW NEW!!! the pdf version of Path for Greatness is available for download from her website. ALSO, Linda’s new book, “Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand” is now available on her website.

Got your attention, huh? I thought God might. I can’t really tackle God as case study in this blog entry, but thought I would try to add some insight. Actually what I plan to do is share some thoughts around how to tap into our relationship with God to increase spirituality in our lives.

A book called God is a Salesman by Mark Stevens, a Business Week bestselling author, caught my attention. With “Lead by Faith: Pray for God’s Guidance” as the number one value for my business, I thought this book might help me. The author shares how he put his insights into this book not from a particular religious perspective, but from having a personal relationship or communing with God. He said, “If we understand how and why we have faith in God, we can use this power to create and lead more successful lives.”

I love the concept of learning about our spirituality from “The Master.” Here are a few of his components from the book that really struck me in how we can follow the insights and guidance that God gives us so we can deeper and connect more meaningfully to what matters most to us!!

God’s presence

Mindfulness, living in the moment and other words describe the importance of being present. Being in God’s presence allows us to have a deeper connection and more meaningful life. We feel rested, peaceful and calm. The more I experience His presence, the more I want to be there.

God’s loyalty

The great thing about God’s loyalty is that it’s eternal! No matter what mistakes we make today, God is willing to forgive those whose hearts are sorry and focused on Him. Knowing that I have this loyalty with God enables me to reach further and take risks that I might otherwise not take.

God’s listening

I read in another book the other day that we tend to only recall 50% of something we just listened to. Not God. He is the best listener. He listens to our prayers, our pleas, and our problems. He hears our shouts of joy and thanksgiving. He also listens intently to the deepest desires of our hearts, those dreams or fears we’ve never shared. He is never distracted. He never interrupts. He advises us and gives guidance if we choose to listen to him.

God’s attraction

Stevens shares how God is a magnet because people all over the world turn to Him and search Him out. Are you a magnet? When we are living authentic and spiritual lives, we too will become magnets and we attract people, encouraging them to live out their highest selves.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Janae Bower is an inspirational speaker, award-winning author and training consultant. She founded Finding IT, a company that specializes in personal and professional development getting to the heart of what matters most. She started Project GratOtude, a movement to increase gratitude in people’s lives.

“Tend to your vital heart, and all that you worry about will be solved” Rumi

A friend of mine told me this story many years ago and I’ve thought about it various times since then.

My friend N. got tickets to see a play with her 6 year old niece. When N picked up her niece to go to the play, her niece was very excited. She was all dressed up in a fluffy dress and had her hair done in tight braids. On the drive down to the theatre, her niece kept tugging at her braid and then yelped “Ouch!” After 3-4 times this happened my friend asked her what she was doing. Her niece said, “I love my braids and want to touch them. But when I do, it tugs on my head and hurts”. To which N replied, “Then why don’t you stop touching it?” “I just can’t stop,” her niece responded. N chalked it up to 6 year old silliness.

I laughed when I heard that story, yet have thought about it occasionally when I tug at things that worry me. I replay an event in my mind or rehearse a scenario in my head way longer than I need to. Hanging on to worry of what did happen or what could happen prevents me from finding peace.

How many times have you tugged on your head over something that you need to let go? You are the only one who can release the worry, yet you still keep tugging at your head. Here’s a funny Bob Newhart skit that shows that it could be as easy as just telling yourself to stop it.

If you find yourself worrying about something that happened at work, remember- Your thoughts are under your control. [I’m not talking about OCB – that’s beyond the scope of this blog.]

Ways to Stop Tugging on your Head – Redirecting your Awareness

Mindfulness meditations focus your thoughts on what is happening in the moment. Bringing awareness to the moment allows you to be present in the now rather than replaying tapes of what happened yesterday. You can’t change decisions that have been made or actions that have already been taken. The event or decision is gone. Worry keeps you stuck in the past.

To move forward with a clearer mind and greater peace, move from the past to the present. Focusing on your breath helps to shift out of your head and into your body. Breathing into your body and releasing tension benefits your body and your mind. You change where your attention goes when you breathe steadily and deeply.

Here’s a simple breathing exercise:

Breathe in for two counts and out for two counts

Breathe in for four counts, hold for two counts, breathe out for four counts

Breathe in for six counts, hold for two counts, breathe out for six counts.

Continue adding two counts to your in-breath and out-breath until you can’t go any higher. Then reverse and breathe in and out for eight counts, next cycle six counts, next time four counts, then finish again with two counts. Your mind will be clear and your body will be relaxed.

Some people recommend making your out-breath longer than your in-breath so you could breathe in for six counts, hold two counts, and breathe out for eight counts.

Stay in that peaceful state knowing that you have only the breath and mindfulness in any given moment.

If you feel you must take some action, then from this more peaceful state and clearer mind, focus on what you want to see shift or unfold. Keep coming back to your breath and the present moment to find the clarity, confidence and peaceful balance to move forward.

Let us know what helps you let go of worry.

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For more resources, see our Library topic Spirituality in the Workplace.

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Linda is an author, speaker, coach, and consultant. Go to her website www.lindajferguson.com to read more about her work, view video clips of her talks, and find out more about her book “Path for Greatness: Spirituality at Work” available in paperback on Amazon. Her new book, “Staying Grounded in Shifting Sand” is available at her website as a pdf download.