Soul Man

Check out this wonderful site on creativity & innovation, hosted by David Bullock. He’s smart, witty, & oh so creative, a soul man who dares to wear his soul on the outside. Check out his web site & take a look at him on Twitter: http://twitter.com/davidBullock.

Pass it on.

Recipe for Optimal Health

Here’s a great recipe for health & resilience. Cranio-sacral therapist, Vera McEwen, recommends something we can all benefit from any time, especially in these challenging times. It’s even simple to remember. Just think “HEART,” which means:

Hydrate – drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day

Exercise – start today, slowly at first then work up to 20  min. 4-5/week

Awareness – increase your self awareness

Rest – the body needs an ample supply

Transform your mind – make healthy, life-affirming choices

Pass it on! Good times are ahead.

Thank you!

Just say thanks! You feel great & life just goes better–for you & those you love. You almost postively impact others–with your warmth, smile, goodwill, & the vibe you put out into the air around you. Bless someone today. Pass it on.

Go for it!

Life is short… & oh so precious. How many times have you heard that? Yet how many times have we really stopped to take stock of our lives.

In the last few months, I”ve lost two dear friends to cancer. I know I’m not alone. Do you have a dream you’ve been putting off until your children are older, you get a better job, you retire? What are you waiting for? Go for it!

Ask yourself–what one step can I take today? Tomorrow, ask yourself the same thing. Then the next day, then the next. I’m cheering for you–all the way!

YES You Can! Heart and Soul

What is legacy?

The heart of legacy is captured in a wonderful African Wisdom Saying that says, “The world was not given to us by our parents. It was loaned to us by our children.” Think about it.

When someone else’s future becomes more important than your own, you make different daily choices. That what it means to live a life of service, to live you legacy–now.

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YES You Can! You’ve Got the Power

I’ve often wanted to answer my phone with these very words–Yes, You CAN!! You’ve Got the Power. Life is short. And so very precious. What will you do with the rest of your life? If you have a dream, go for it! Ask yourself–what one step can you take today toward that dream? If not you, who? If not now, when?

Creative action is all of the baby steps and giant steps you take to reach and realize your goals, your hopes. your dreams. What one step will you take today? And what will you do to help someone else do the same?

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YES You Can! Living with Integrity

Our ultimate destination is not perfection, but wholeness, to become fully human and at home in our skin.

Integrity simply means embracing and honoring all of your diverse facets—acknowledging your beauty and brilliance as well as those areas where have blind spots. Integrity says, “I claim all aspects of my nature–the good, the bad, and the ugly. Integrity also say, it’s OK to be me… and to keep on putting one foot in front of the other as I work to improve myself and be of service to others.

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YES You Can! The Sacred Promise of Vision

At this moment, I am blessed to be on the paradise island of Molokai, leading a retreat, Legacy of the Heart. In this intimate gathering, we celebrate life… the one we’re living and the one that is waiting–just for us.

For those unable to be here on Molokai with me this summer, I invite you on a virtual vision quest. Choose a time when you will have several hours free from distractions. Review the questions below, then go to a place that feeds your soul, a place of sanctuary, where you will take a long, solo walk. Carry your journal to make notes as you reflect on the questions. When you get home, put on your favorite relaxing music, put your feet up, and write or draw your responses.

• What is the presence, or rhythm, of vision in my life?
• What is my # 1 goal at this time-for me, for my family?
• What have I said “no” to that I’m now ready to say “yes” to?
• What must I do to get started? When will I begin?
• Who will I ask for support and encouragement?
• What image captures the essence of your vision?

Draw it or look in an old magazine for an image to include in your journal. Put your vision board in a place where you can easily see it. Look at it at least once a day. Soon you will begin to notice small and big changes in your life.

Be faithful to yourself and to your vision.

YES You Can! Love the One You’re With

Begin with yourself.

Your life is your great masterpiece.

Love invites you to paint on the canvas of your life… love dares you wear your soul on the outside. Self-love means saying YES to your own agenda and loving yourself with the same intensity and immensity that you reserve for others. Unconditional self-love is the basis for loving and serving others. The reality is you cannot honor and love others unless you can honor, love, and respect yourself.

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YES You Can! The Power of Faith

You were created to act on faith. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. This Sacred Promise of Faith allows you to say to yourself and others, “I trust myself. I can do it.” Faith is the sound of your own voice saying to yourself “I believe in you.”

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Soulful Holiday Story

Just in time for the holidays… Send me your most inspiring story about daring to wear your soul on the outside–holiday-themed, of course! I’ll draw a winner, post it on my blog, and send you a copy of my latest book Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside. Entries will be accepted through December 31, 2008. I’ll post the winning entry in January.

Holiday blessings to my friends around the world!

Obama taps into our yearning for meaning, spirituality

Here’s an article called Obama Taps into Our Yearning for Meaning, Spirituality by Desiree Cooper. Whether you find meaning and spirituality in religion or elsewhere, Cooper captures the heart of what most of us yearn for—involvement and responsibility that delves into the realms of faith and politics in a way that can engage the very best that is within us–individually and collectively.

Soulful Holiday Story (submitted by Katerina in response to Nov.21.08 post)

My family had great Christmases up until I was six years old.  We’d have Christmas trees coated in fake snow, and my mother would paint Christmas scenes on all the windows.  It was my favorite time of year.  On Christmas morning we’d open our presents, and then my brothers and I would go outside to compare toys with the neighbors.
 
After my sixth birthday, my parents became pretty serious drug addicts, and we barely had money for food, let alone Christmas presents. 

Soulful Holiday Story (Haibun: submitted by Michael in response to Nov.21.08 post)

An Austrian Christmas   
 
During my college years I once spent a month skiing in the French, Swiss, and Austrian Alps. For the Christmas week, a group of college friends and I rented a mountain chalet a little south of Innsbruck. We anticipated Christmas to be a quiet, melancholy time, as we had no Christmas tree, hadn’t planned on exchanging presents, and were all away from our families. However, on Christmas Eve…

Celebrate Soulful Voices: African-American Authors

Here’s an uplifting thing Barnes & Noble is doing to celebrate Black History Month… highlighting books by African-American authors. Follow this link, Black Authors Speak Out,

Gloria’s Interview on Blog Talk Radio

 

My Book Tour continues… I’ve covered 10 states in just over 15 days, all from the comfort of my office! Take a moment and listen in on my interview with Steve  Maraboli, on Blog Talk Radio, as I discuss my latest book, Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside.

Rx for Coaches: Polish Your Skills

In today’s economy, this is the time to polish your skills or learn new ones? If you’re already a business coach, or an HR, OD, or training professional, perhaps an intensive skill-building seminar is right for you. Learn from one of the best–Mary Beth O’Neill. To see a detailed description of her seminars or for registration details, just follow this link: Executive Coaching.

Turn Bad Times Into Good Times

Here’s a snippet from a wonderful article by Desiree Cooper for the Detroit Free Press about me: Gloria Burgess In the News. “Life coach Gloria Burgess understands how hard times can grind down the spirit. Raised in Detroit and Ann Arbor, her father had migrated from Mississippi to find a better life, but it wasn’t much better.  ‘We had many days of wondering how to put food on the table… but

Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside–Now More Than Ever

In a few days, I’ll be part of a panel of leaders who declare that “You Were Born for Such a Time as This.” We’ll host a community dialogue on this theme.  I’d love to hear from you. Given the staggering problems we face today—the failing economic system, global climate change, overwhelming poverty in one of the richest nations in the world, the need for immigration reform, millions losing their homes and their jobs… how can one person make a difference in the face of such daunting challenges and odds? Tell me what you’re doing to live out loud, to wear your soul on the outside, to make a difference in the world.

Dare to Wear Your Soul on the Outside–All the Time

Tired of settling for a life that’s too small for you? If you have a dream, a goal… put it out there. There is someone out there, and very likely many someones, just waiting to help you reach and realize your dreams.

Dealing with Evolutionary Stress

You Were Born for Such a Time As This! was an evening to remember… and build on. Sarah van Gelder, a phenomenal voice for transformation and Executive Editor of YES! Magazine, skillfully and graciously hosted a culturally diverse panel of transformational leaders who spoke about how to transcend our old ways and embrace change consciously, passionately, and sustainably. Sarah began by asking audience members how they were feeling. Here’s a sampler of what we heard: excited, scared, confused, grateful, hopeful.

Good News: Bless Someone Else Today

Legacy…means to pass it on. Bless someone today with your smile or a hug. Say I love you or I believe in you. Pass it on!

www.gloriaburgess.com

Good News – Standing with Hope in the Face of Despair

Join me and four other community leaders for a dialogue about navigating today’s challenges with hope and optimism. Community leaders include Gloria Burgess, author, poet, and leadership consultant; Jerry Large, Seattle Times Columnist; Peter Morgan, Executive VP of Group Health; Maria Ramirez, Executive Director of Compaña Quetzal, and Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle.

Healthy Living: Check out Brain Rules

Dr. James T. Brown provides an excellent overview of Dr. John Medina’s new book, Brain Rules. Read his review on Basil & Spice, a wonderful web site featuring author and book reviews on healthy life styles.  I recently had the good fortune to speak on the same program as Dr. Medina, who spoke for almost an hour on a very complex topic. He was witty, insightful, & engaging…in a winning presentation, supported by a winning book.

How can one person make a difference?

One step at a time. One smile at a time. One hug & one handshake at a time. One day at a time.

You make a difference when you say “hello.” You make a difference when you don’t say “hello” …when you keep moving because you’re too busy today… & you figure that someone else will pick up the slack. A few days ago, I sent a greeting card to a friend–a just because kind of card… though I hadn’t seen her in months, she was on my mind. Almost immediately, she sent me an e-mail to let me know that my card made her day… she said it was just what she needed because she was preparing to leave her house to work with some of the counselors who were working with community members following a recent tragedy that involved several murders & a suicide.

You never know who you will touch, or who needs a touch. And in the grand scheme of things,  it’s not really our business to know. It’s simply our business to be kind, generous, & reach out to others.

How can one person make a difference? You already know… a smile, a hug, a  handshake, a warm hello.

Mighty blessings–to you & yours.

Pass it on!

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 1

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Attitude is everything. What we pay attention to multiplies. So listen to the news if you must, but refuse to buy into the doom and gloom. Instead focus on what’s good in your life and share your good news with others—not in a boastful way, but simply and humbly. Focus on your blessings every day and you will rise above the noise and be on your way to beating the blahs so you can successfully get through the months ahead and be stronger as a result.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 2

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Say yes to gratitude. Research confirms that when we feel thankful, our body chemistry actually changes. We produce more dopamine, the so-called feel-good hormone, which raises our energy level, reduces fatigue, and attracts other positive people.

• Find YOUR ONE person or moment to be thankful for each day. Tell somebody! Say it out loud. Write yourself a note. Call a friend, a sibling or parent and share YOUR ONE with them.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 3

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Take stock of what matters. Be honest with yourself. Distinguish between what you want and what you really need. Do you really need that second cup of coffee, another pair of shoes, the latest electronic gizmo? Probably not. Rather than focus on your wants, reach out to someone else who is truly in need. Write a card or send a small care package to young person in a group home for foster care or a man or woman who is serving our country overseas.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 4

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Help someone without any expectation of reward. Once a day, open a door for someone, or tell them they look fabulous. Once a week, give up your latte and use those few dollars to buy a can or two of peas to donate to the food bank. Or volunteer at a shelter, school, or community center. Once a month, collect your gently used books or clothing and donate them to the library, shelter, church, or mosque. Whenever you can, smile. Smiles are free. Not only do they boost your own well being, they multiply when you give them away. Your smile might be just the sip of water someone is thirsting for. Remember that the truly wealthy are those who give until it feels good.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 5

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Change your outlook with an energy-boosting walk. Even a 10-minute walk is good for you. Shift your pace from slow to brisk, then slow down towards the end. You will be humming in no time while you burn extra calories, improve your circulation, and lift your spirits.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 6

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Express yourself with a creative activity—something you really enjoy or that you’ve always wanted to learn. Try dancing, singing, hiking, gardening, cycling, drawing, woodworking, skating, sewing, knitting, reading. Tell a friend and share the joy and benefits of your creativity together.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Rx for Economic Gloom and Doom: Tip # 7

Given the daily dose of dire and depressing economic news, it’s not surprising that we tend to feel somewhat depressed as well. The signs include low energy and a general sense of fatigue and inertia. To remedy these ill effects, here is a practical, can-do tip to help you rise above the gray clouds of our gloomy economy and restore a sense of balance and perspective.

• Learn something new—a new skill you can use at home or that could lead to a new job. You can find hundreds of free courses on the Internet. Or better yet, go to your local library and ask your librarian to help you find helpful books, videos, and DVDs. They might even suggest other resources, such as social networks, to help you channel your interests and expand your horizons. You will help yourself and help keep our local libraries open and accessible to us at a time when we can all use a boost.

Read more at Basil & Spice.

Reach Out and Bless Someone. Pass It On!

The true meaning of success is defined by only one thing: your capacity to be your authentic self—bringing your whole self to all your relationships and all that you do.

Each of us is called to become a person who is unique in all time. Imagine that! No one, no one else can be or do what you are designed for. You are called to become and contribute what only you can, to bring forth your unique skills, talents, and gifts—your signature presence. When you do so with the intention of being of service to others, you leave the world better off.

This is what it means to dare wear your soul on the outside. This is what it means to live your legacy, now.

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YES, You Can!

The 7 Sacred Promises are tools to help you in all areas of your life: your personal growth, relationships with loved ones and co-workers, raising healthy, happy children. The Sacred Promises are gratitude, faith, love, vision, integrity, creative action, and legacy.

Each one will help you as you begin to say YES to a life of freedom, fulfillment, and joy. Follow Me on Twitter

YES You Can! Say It with Gratitude

One of my clients who travels 2 weeks each month makes being away from his family more bearable by writing his wife and each of his 3 children a thank you note for each day he’s away. He thanks his children for helping out with chores without being asked, for looking out for one another while he’s away, for taking time to call to chat about how their day is going. He thanks his wife for loving him even when he forgets to give the dog a bath or take the garbage out. He thanks them and counts his blessings, because he knows that when all is said and done, the things in life that count the most are family, friends, and place to come home to where you are cherished simply for being who you are.

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