Keep the Channel Open

Why do you do what you do? What is your real work in the world, and why is it important to know the answer?

I'm an entrepreneur at heart. I have started and run several businesses, and as I look back, I think the most important element in financial and personal success is awareness of purpose and the capacity to stay open to it.

Many years ago I was a participant in a seminar. At the end, the leader took us through a guided meditation in which we asked ourselves, "What is my purpose for doing the work I do, in my relationships, and for being alive in this time and place?"

The word 'connection' popped up in my mind, and it felt right. My work then and now is helping people manage conflict with power and grace, and about removing the barriers to connection. Outside of work, as well, I want my actions to reflect this purpose. So when the word came up in the meditation all those years ago, it gave a name to something I already recognized.

My work is still about connection. On rough days, knowing this keeps me going. On good days, when life flows, it is reaffirmed. It doesn't matter whether it makes sense to anyone else. My life is about connection.

What about you? What purpose underlies your work and your life? Is it Creativity? Compassion? Diversity? Empowerment? Relationship? Health? Beauty? Spirituality? Love? These concepts occur as I think of friends and colleagues and their work in the world.

Like peeling an onion, the external layers of our work are the activities we engage in. Each layer moves us closer to a central purpose that is behind the time and effort we expend, and behind the gratitude with which we celebrate our success.

So take some time today to give yourself a gift. Close your eyes, relax, and ask your inner wisdom what your work is really about. Then keep that in front of you as a beacon. Refine it, nurture it, and hold it close at hand. This is essentially what each of us is called to do -- to explore and to discover our fundamental motivation, not just occasionally but every day, and with every decision. You'll rediscover, reinvent and revitalize your work, moment to moment. And you'll have fun doing it. I wish you good energy.

-----------------

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action. . . You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that activate you. Keep the channel open.

­ Martha Graham, dancer, choreographer

-----------------

© 2005 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training

About the Author: Judy Ringer is Founder of Power & Presence Training, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. Judy is also a black belt in aikido, and is writing her first book on the connection between aikido, conflict, and living a more purposeful life. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit http://www.JudyRinger.com

Note: You're welcome to reprint this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end), and you send a copy of your reprint to judy@judyringer.com.

---

Within You Lies All You Need

Within is the person we really are. Within lies our... Read More

For Those Who Have Suffered!

As one who has suffered from the long, term effects... Read More

Your Date with Destiny

Destiny. What a powerful word. And the great thing about... Read More

5 Keys to Maintaining Personal Change

I look out my window at daybreak as the sunrise... Read More

3 Great Ways to Beat Procrastination at Work

As more tasks become automated due to advances in technology... Read More

The First Step

Today is an anniversary of sorts for me. Three years... Read More

How To Avoid Being Labelled As Average

When your life is over how will you be graded?... Read More

The Road Less Traveled

Can someone please tell me why it is that men... Read More

Change Your Life, Release Fear, and Create What you Really Want

Do you have a dream? Or do you just have... Read More

How to Master Lifes Problems

"Life is a Tiger-ride, by no means easy, but ride... Read More

How Much Risk Is Too Much To Take?

The ladder was braced against the railings going to the... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

Or does it?Best on or before?.. Nearly everything we touch... Read More

The Greatest Secret To Producing Real SOLID Excellence!

One fact stubbornly stays true: while everyone desires to succeed,... Read More

Persistence

One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More

Ill Put My Money On The Kid!

Now, the Fun Part. It is nigh time to find... Read More

This Just Ain?t Good!

"Nope, this just ain't good!" How many times in our... Read More

Testy Horses and the Art of Speed Waiting

"What are you waiting for?" said Nelson, looking at me... Read More

Letting Events Control Your Life ... Dropping The Negatives And Moving On!

It's interesting to note how we sometimes become so inundated... Read More

Why Do Flowers Inspire Me So Much?

I grew up in a very cold climate where winter... Read More

Elements of Change

The key to achieving more than you currently are, no... Read More

Mr. Smith, Please Enter the Dream Room - Dream Big Dreams to Do Big Things!

Enjoy a great quote to start off this fantastic week!"All... Read More

Commitment vs.Trying - Is Trying Lying?

Today I heard the saying "Trying is lying!"It made me... Read More

Keep the Channel Open

Why do you do what you do? What is your... Read More

Motivation; 7 Musings on Motivation

1. Most of us are motivated by one of two... Read More

14 Reasons To Get Motivated And Stay Motivated

Why should you bother to spend your valuable time to... Read More