Gaia: Awakening the Soul At Work

Awakening the Soul at Work - New Admin

http://whitehart.gaia.com — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:35:24 GMT

Dear Awakening the Soul at Work Pod Members,

My name is Kert Hubin and Rick has graciously allowed me to take over cultivating this pod. Having read the threads posted here by many of you, I feel honored to do so. Thank you, Rick!

Take a look at my profile and you'll get a sense of who I amand where I've been. Zaadz has been an incredible discovery for me. I just observed for the longest time, but now I'm ready to contribute.

And I hope all of you are ready to contribute as well!

I am a human resources professional, so this pod's theme is near and dear to my heart. (By the way, if someone can come up with a more conscious name for my field that incorporates a word other than "resources," you'll have my undying respect.)

Anyhoo, at present I'm all fired up about the quest for one's vocation/life work/heart's calling/bliss as a means of earning a decent living marked by integrity. If you check out my first blog entry you'll see what I mean by that. So I'm intrigued to hear what you have to say about that topic.

I'm also curious to know what you think about the importance of interpersonal communication skills in bringing your soul to work.

How does your spiritual practice inform the way you are at work? How has it informed the jobs you've taken or the ways in which you've searched them out?

These are just a few ideas I have to get us jump started back into some meaningful discussions about this very important topic.

Thanks again, Rick, for letting me take over. And to all the pod subscribers... I look forward to being inspired and humbled by your ideas, your thoughtfulness and your wisdom.

Be well.

Kert

Wisdom At Work - Austin, Texas

http://bopyt.gaia.com — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 03:27:21 GMT

Wisdom At Work is an Austin, Texas based not-for-profit group. There is no cost to "join" our organization. Just RSVP to attend our monthly luncheons or other events!

A group of volunteer council members guide Wisdom At Work, following this Mission Statement:

Wisdom At Work is dedicated to the spiritual well being and personal fulfillment of individuals and to the vitality of their organizations.

We accomplish our mission by creating a sense of belonging, modeling authenticity, and holding the space that allows for transformation and co-creation.

Visit http://www.wisdomatworkaustin.org for more information.

Free Teleclasses for the Conscious Entrepreneur

http://juliastewart.gaia.com — Sun, 13 Aug 2006 01:00:06 GMT

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Re: How can PhD scientist switch into wellness oriented field??

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 03:04:23 GMT

Hi Mike, That's a great, noble question... My sister is also in science (ecology), and has expressed personal concerns about some of the methods she has had to use - as being opposed to her high value on the sacredness of life. But with regard to the question of integration - integrating your scientific experience/expertise with your sense of calling. I have *heard* that there is a lot of research going on using western science to prove/discover for the benefit of holistic health and spiritual potency, and recall hearing that there is some sort of center at Princeton (or was it Yale?). I imagine you've looked into this side of your question already. Another something for you to check out: www.wingmakers.com (read the sections on philosophy). This may be pretty far out, but basically this site predicts that by the year 2080, we (humanity) will have scientifically proven the existence of the human soul - and that it will be quite a revolutionizing discovery... The goal of the group that made this site is to help lay the groundwork (and gradually release the knowledge) needed to bring this goal to fruition. (The site also discussed the relationship between the soul/spirituality and genetics.) Good luck on your quest! If you develop a sense of certainty (inner knowing) that you will find the answer, then it will happen! (www.thesecret.tv) - Rick

How can PhD scientist switch into wellness oriented field??

http://mikesilb.gaia.com — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:02:51 GMT

Hi everyone,

My name is Mike, and I am a 33 year old graduate student in the Boston area, and I am within two months from getting my PhD in bioinformatics from Boston University. My basic research has been in the field of protein structure and their interaction with other molecules.

However, in the last 7 years, my interests and hobbies have shifted to more of a psychospiritual one. I am extremely interested in making the world a better place, person by person, and find myself to have very strong elements of personal compassion and empathy in my personality. I am also very driven to achieve my greatest potential, and I truly feel that I have a lot of potential greatness within me that is yearning to come out.

The longer that I have been in academia, the more that I have realized that my personal priorites and values in life feel so different from the core values of my lab coworkers and professsors within my field. Although my interest in scientific discovery (and of learning in general) is high, the technical and non-passionate ways in which research is performed in my field has alienated me to the point that I am trying to seek a new career path, where hopefully, I am able to combine the advantages of my PhD in bioinformatics with some other discovery and compassion oriented focus, which has been de-emphasized throughout my academic career to date.

Is there any way to combine the values and interests that are seen on this amazing Zaadz website, while still trying to utilize my long scientific past? This is my primary motivating question right now.

Thanks for listening.

Take care,

Mike

Re: Souldander Intro & Response to Rick's Q!

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:58:04 GMT

Thanks Souldancer for that good intro! Also, I am wondering of the status of your book, "Pay Me What I'm Worth"? You're welcome to post something about that here...

Re: the Soul At Play

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:55:11 GMT

Hi Elansunstar - I agree that creation can be very liberating, fulfilling work. After all, creation is a primary expression of our spirit. There are many levels on which to create (in the realm of income generating work). One need not start a whole new enterprise, although that is can be a very powerful expression. For example, creating a project, program, product, service within an existing company. This, I feel is particularly necessary for the evolution of our working/business culture - i.e. employees expressing their values and aspirations within the context of their workplaces. I remember hearing about low-level employees at a major electronics manufacturer teaming up to start a voluntary internal recycling effort. This program caught on, and eventually became a company-wide effort, that helped to transform the company culture - valuing not only environmental efficiency, but also employee-led innovation. Another type of creation is what I call "co-creation". This is where one person's voice is recognized as a catalyst and collaborator within the interdependent fabric of a work team, department, or enterprise. This can encompass what Sian discussed - bringing one's truth (e.g. compassion and understanding) to the workplace - perhaps with the intent of positive change in the workplace environment, culture, approach, etc. You can also simply see co-creation as the role that a team member plays on a project - provided that his/her input is valued. (Certainly there are plenty of "teams" where the members are little more than workhorses.) Peace, Rick

Re: Awakening the Soul At Work

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:28:28 GMT

hi Skydancer - Thanks for contributing your thoughts and experience on this matter. I agree with many of your points, particularly the necessity of discovering how "how your worklife may fit into your soul's career plan". My approach has been to envision where I'd like to see myself (involving soul searching - pun intended), and find jobs that help me building the understanding and skills - and most importantly perspective - needed to "get there". With any job, it seems to become clear, sooner or later, when I'm supposed to move on. About 4 years ago, I helped a friend start a non-profit organization working in environmental issues and design - and eventually resigned after realizing that I'd gained as much from it as I was able to gain - at my current stage of development. Well actually, I stayed involved a bit longer than necessary. And I think the longer I stayed past the time I was meant to leave, the harder it became to leave. But I eventually left and did some visioning, and realized that organizational development was a field (or at least, a skill set) that feels most compelling. And, with the help of a few experts in the field, decided that the next step was to work for an organization that is undergoing transition/change - for the sake of developing understanding through a case study, of sorts. And so I got my current job - as a grantwriter in a non-profit music school - which not only affords me this "case study" opportunity - but also has presented several opportunities to take an active role in several aspects organizational development - such as evaluation, and staff development. Being a 20-something, it's pretty social acceptable to have a low paying job. And money is not a primary motivator for me. And more so, being a community oriented person, the team/work environment - provided it is positive - can be fulfilling. So I am lucky in this respect - my soul is fed, to some degree, at my current job. (I am also an amateur musician, so working for a music school seems quite natural). One solution to the economic quandary that you speak of is collective living. That is, living with roommates (who also have paying jobs) with whom you share significant compatibility, particularly emotionally/spirituality. By sharing costs (housing, utilities, household supplies, furnishing) this can bring the price down considerably. For me, the most valuable aspect - is the possibility of developing a sense of spiritual brotherhood (or sisterhood) with those people. Of course this is something that may not come easily, but it is worth cultivating, if the potential is there. Well, I'll find out. I'm moving in with 3 other people of similar spiritual aspirations, so we'll see what happens... Peace, Rick

Re: the Soul At Play

Tue, 04 Jul 2006 00:00:58 GMT

Dear Elansunstar,

I think I understand what it is you are trying to say - create your own way of doing things if you are unhappy. What I heard was - invent or create your own business. I have to say that not everyone wants to do that. I don't, for example. I have no desire at this time in my life to run a business. I've been in business, for a very ethical and passionate company, and for the most part I had great bosses at that company. For me, being in service is where my passion is. I don't mean this to say that it doesn't mean I don't invent or I'm not creative, but those aren't my callings. It sounds very much like it is yours which is wonderful! FYI, I know there is an pod about inventions/entrepreneurship that might interest you if you aren't in it already.

For those of us who, for whatever reason, are working in mundane jobs bringing your soul to work is a difficult thing, especially until you can find your own passion or if your passion is outside of work. For me, it was learning that service is my passion and that is then what I bring to my work. Don't get me wrong, I'm not staying in this job (with a huge company) forever. I am going to school to be a parish minister, but in the meantime, I can practice my passion while at my work. As meaningless as my job may be to me, the compassion and understanding that I bring to my colleagues and staff is invaluable.

From a review, Covey states: "Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs." Covey sees leadership "as a choice to deal with people in a way that will communicate to them their worth and potential so clearly they will come to see it in themselves." That is the role of leadership. But leadership doesn't have to be the manager or the director or the owner of a company. It can be me, the company peon, who choses to bring her own voice to work. To paraphrase Jesus: don't hide your light, let it shine and everyone will know God through your light. That, to me, is leadership.

I think it great that people pursue their own course in business. But I also think it a wonderful thing for those who chose to stay in the mundane jobs - that can take a great deal of courage too. :-)

Namaste,

Sian

Re: the Soul At Play

http://sunstar.gaia.com — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 23:13:41 GMT

Dear Soul at WORK group and team and family This is a great thread here.. lets expand it to where I know you all really want to go Creating something new ourselves. Here is the powerful point. This is where your power is not looking for a great job Most of the businesses and companies that are top dollar now did not exist nor did their technologies or services or products or lifestyle 10-20 years ago--- even computers.. We must co create new choices then be part of co creating new industries How? Share like this sharing we are doing now you will never have an ideal boss The very word is the anti-thesis of consciousness even to Stephen Covey his new book entitled The 8th Habit really goes into this issue of the real value of a human not as an asset and NOT mere lip service to team work and all that nonsense but really valuing each person for Synergy if we create such a business in the e world now (not the boring ones you see all over the internet) but with each an offering of all our members and more!!!!!!! wow! Powerful and we all can own shares. Create our own new business. How did they get there now They were invented... online We have a n opportunity for educating and global market for education and inspiration that is what I do best Lets create business. I have many many models that can be expanded upon But my expertise is information as mind body spirit and consciousness and healing and imagery As the world's most published photography I use imagery as a product and as the main delivery of information . We can create a network of information delivery (*sort of a portal) to deliver the network of networks and THAT makes income) not mere links but image linking of networking of powerful transformational materials and pdf's and more. It really has lot been done to the level we can. 'Also we can put out e books 20 err year and with imagery they become much more...I have a lot to say on this Drop having a nice boss. it is not possible unless you are lucky but then where is the creativity? Sun www.sunstarphoto.com http://sunstar.zaadz.com/photos http://sunstar.zaadz.com/ www.sunstarphotography.com/ http://www.sunstarphotography.com/smilelinks/moresmilelinksendorsements.html http://www.sunstarphotography.com/smilelinks.html http://www.sunstarphotography.com/smilehome.html http://www.sunstarphotos.com/ http://www.goldendolphinusa.com/ http://www.podcast-interactive.com/ http://www.hydrationformula.com/ http://www.watercure.com/ http://www.enlightenedbeings.com/ http://www.oefl.net/

the Soul At Play

http://sunstar.gaia.com — Sun, 02 Jul 2006 19:45:53 GMT

Since the Soul does not like to workas much as " Play.." http://www.managingwithaloha.com/ This site is created by Rosa Say a global business coach and amazing speaker She is a good friend of mine and she walks her talk Rosa speaks to all the Fortune 100 companies as well as other elements of the business and creative network and is quite well known around the world as a major force in empowering the family aspect of business so it is more heart centered and cohesive. I thought you might like to browse her concept of Managing with Aloha using the Hawaiian spirit as a metaphor for a business family rather than business as using employees. It works quite well in every country she teaches in and of course here at the big companies and hotel sin Hawaii as well Enjoy Sun www.sunstarphoto.com

Re: Awakening the Soul At Work

http://skydancer.gaia.com — Fri, 30 Jun 2006 23:17:48 GMT

Rick wrote: "jobs that require a huge time commitment, leaving people exhausted. The spiritual disconnection that most jobs create or perpetuate is endemic to the “system” - the culture and mindset that we bring to our work lives, and the competitive, fast-paced, over-extended nature of life in a globalized, capitalistic society. "

Yes, there is a pull in our society to go to extremes. Most people seem to face a choice between working career jobs that expect you to work ridiculously long hours in order to earn an income that might allow you to someday finance a home purchase or to drop out and work a series of low-pay, low-skill, non-advancing positions that will keep you living at subsistence level your entire life with no economic security whatsoever. Both are very stressful if you think this world is real, which any of us who are not enlightened do. Either you're stressed because you have no time to de-stress or you're stressed because you're worried about money and maybe living in a dangerous neighborhood because that is all you can afford.

I think one of the things we have to look at is the level of comfort we need to be satisfied materially. If we can be more into frugality than abundance, maybe we can work less without feeling we are missing anything. The only problem is, even when we decide we have found a way to get by on less, the extreme gap between less and more may make it impossible to find a job that fits. Maybe we work it out so we no longer need $50,000 yearly salary to live comfortably, so we don't need a manager's job or a professional job that wants 60-100 hours a week commitment, but we still can't live on $20,000 yearly either and there don't seem to be jobs in between. Or you can find a job at more like $30,000 but your boss still expects you to work like you are making $50,000 because they say "work for the job you want, not the one you have" and they only want workers who seem to be hungry for more. If they think you aren't ambitious, they may want to replace you.

It's a tough spot to be in. I don't know what the solutions are going to be for our society. Especially as globalism amps up the competition from foreign workers willing to do whatever is asked for far less money. I had thought starting my own business was what was going to get me out of the "rat race" but I find that it causes me to work non-stop. There is always something that needs doing and each time I let something slide it costs me later. Entrepreneurs are often the most hard-working people of all, at least for the first few years they are starting their businesses. And many businesses fail even after all that work and sacrifice. So there is no guaranteed escape there.

In the end maybe we have to just do what we want to do and then also do whatever else it takes to make sure we can take care of our physical sustenance needs. By that I mean, if you love helping people and really want to be of service, then either find a service job you enjoy doing and make whatever adjustments you must in your living standards (live with roommate, live in worse neighborhood, never eat out, etc.) so you can stay in the job you love or else get a higher paying job that demands more hours out of you but allows a more secure and comfortable lifestyle, thus reducing the stresses associated with being low income and freeing up your energy so that you can give more service in day-to-day life.

Maybe with less financial stress and more material comfort and security you can be in a more generous mood and use every human interaction as a chance to give service, asking yourself always "what does this person need now? what could I do for this person right now?" Knowing you are safe and secure, maybe you can move through the day with more generosity of spirit than the stressed out social service worker who is always grumpy, withdrawn and worrying about how they are going to deal.

So with this choice, maybe you have no time to volunteer but you have time to really try to make sure the customer service rep at the electric company has a life-affirming interaction with you when you call to get them to fix an error they made on your bill. You have no time to take a lunch break and meditate a little at lunch, but you have the money to contribute to a cause you believe in. You have no time in the evenings to go out with friends, but you get 2 out of 3 weeks total vacation time to sprinkle throughout the year in single days off in which you organize long weekend getaways for friends and loved ones, plus the third week each year you go to a spiritual retreat and meditate all day. And maybe you do this for 30 years before you have enough money saved that you can work a lower paying, less demanding job and still have the ability to take care of yourself. That period is called "working retirement," the new take on retirement. This seems to be what a lot of people have worked out for themselves, so I guess it might work.

I personally am trying to manifest something slightly different, but I realize its a wish and a prayer I'm riding on. My chart definitely doesn't include easy wealth. With some people anything they try turns to gold with little effort, but not me. But I'm good at getting jobs, any job I want. I always get to choose, so it's just a matter of being clear about what I want.

I have clarified that what I want is work that 1) supports my spiritual awakening (ego dissolution process) rather than undermining; 2) pays well enough so that I never worry about money and know all bills will always be paid on time; and 3) I enjoy the moment by moment process of engaging in doing -- not just caring about the goal it supposedly serves, but actually enjoying the process of fulfilling whatever the goal may be. Beyond that it is up to Spirit what I do. So long as those 3 things are there, I can sell activities to tourists on commission or manage an after school program for teens or be a school counselor at the local community college or create and run websites or be an office temp working someplace different every other week -- whatever. I don't care. It's none of my business what the details are. I don't need a particular identity or label saying I'm a "fill-in-the-blank."

This is a long post but a big topic and I'm trying to give a survey of my response at a personal level and also at a general level. Ultimately, despite the broad sweeps of the common experience of our society, each of us is an individual and anything is possible for us individually. The question is, what are most probably the rules of employment for you?

Looking at your private life hopefully you can see trends that tell you what is most likely to work for you within all this. Do you have the touch of gold? Then start your own business. Do your great ideas all fall flat on execution? Then work for someone who is successful in business.

What do you love doing throughout the day? What skills do you enjoy using? How little money could you comfortably live on if you got to do exactly what you want all day and ended the day full of energy and positive self-esteem?

What is the greatest amount of time in a week you could stand to be focused completely on tasks meant solely to make business owners more profit (really, not ideally and tolerate, not like)? What is the least amount of private time you might have in a week that would allow you to recharge your spiritual energy and refocus on your spiritual core?

If you take the time to answer each of these questions based not on what you think about who your are, but on reflection on your actual past experience, I think you may gain some useful insights about how your worklife may fit into your soul's career plan.

Souldander Intro & Response to Rick's Q!

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 23:56:04 GMT

Greetings to a merry band of soul oriented folks . . .

Starting off with Rick's Q's: In what way(s) do you bring (or aspire to bring) your soul to work?

Given my path as a shaman, teacher, guide (or other term you're comfortable with), I bring my soul to all I do. I enjoy dissolving divisions between any illusion of separation. Work? Play? Rest? Are these not ALL part of ONE life? The primary way I sense I offer my soul to my day is simple, reflective observation(s).

Have you found anything (techniques, tools, ideas, etc.) that helps you in this regard?

Yes - the power of observation. Might it be one of THE most powerful tools we have? If our DIVINE self is observing our MORTAL self - how might we find a better tool?

Intro you say? Hrmmm... well - here's what's on the back of my first published book:

Souldancer is the CEO of Souldancer Network, Inc. and founder of Souldancing, The Path of the Masters. Souldancing offers a unique blend of multi-cultural ancient wisdom with the best of global business practices. As a regular keynote speaker and radio show host, Souldancer engages national and international audiences to learn, laugh and grow in health, wealth and wisdom. Souldancer’s clients report growing wealth, wisdom and better ongoing health as they’re gently guided to live an awake and aware life. Souldancer's wisdom flows from two decades of successful global business consulting and culturally diverse spiritual practices. He holds a Bachelor of Science in human relationships and a Masters in social work from the University of Minnesota. Over a dozen leadership awards affirm Souldancer's passion to be of service. With travels to more than thirty countries, Souldancer enjoys a culturally competent, spiritually awake and aware life.

more informally . . .

share a note to author @ souldancer . org to allow me the honor to come to know you ;)

And THANKS to RICK for all his efforts in pulling this all together! Nice work wonderous one!

Baha'i Business Forum of the Americas

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 03:26:34 GMT

Baha'i Business Forum of the Americas From the website: Baha'i Business Forum of the Americas (BBFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing spiritual principles and values to business. BBFA is a forum for those interested in applying Bahá'í principles in business, economics & management. Another professional association, with chapters, conferences and events. Take your pick!

Spirit in Business

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 03:22:39 GMT

Spirit in Business From the website: "With the current vacuum in political and business leadership degrading respect, value and confidence, SiB is building a community of leaders and entrepreneurs who operate daily from their internal compasses, inspiration and inner values, who understand that integrity, creativity and ethics are internally formed rather than legally, organizationally or politically imposed. Leaders who are authentic and caring, as well as being driven by passion, bravery and imagination to build new and better enterprises." One of the more original things mentioned on this non-profit's site: Spirit in Business Metrics: "a specific set of metrics that differentiates itself from the broader corporate social responsibility and addresses specific SiB criteria intends to develop high-performing investment products, with the awareness that business needs to measure results." Unfortunately, the site is not too up-to-date, which may mean that it is not as active as it claims to be.

The Association for Spirit At Work

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 03:10:52 GMT

The Association for Spirit At Work From the website: "The Association for Spirit at Work is a non-profit association of people and organizations who are interested in the study and practice of spirituality in the workplace. The mission of the Association for Spirit at Work is to provide community, information, and education, for those who are integrating their work and their spirituality and for those who are called to support societal transformation through organizational development and change." Yes, there are even professional associations for those who take their souls to work with them. Spirit at Work has all the trappings of a professional association - local chapters, member directory, conferences and events, awards - and you guessed it, corporate sponsors.

What does it mean to bring your soul to work?

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Jun 2006 01:40:04 GMT

This hardly a clear-cut question. In the posts so far collected on this board, I've found several ideas: - Speaking out or acting on your values, sense of what is right - such as ethical treatment of people, environmental welfare, etc. - Practicing mutual trust, respect, compassion, kindness with colleagues - Listening skills - Being the change you seek to create So, I'd like to invite others to post what it means for them...

The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood for Our Time

http://inneroutercommunion.gaia.com — Mon, 19 Jun 2006 05:14:49 GMT

This book by Matthew Fox is hugely visionairy and provides insights and solutions to the dilemas we face as a global and national economy. One of many premises and realities that Fox describes as how, instead of jobs and the economy serving the well being of people, too often the people are the servants of an econmic system that does not take their needs and potentials into consideration.

Business Spirit Journal

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:17:41 GMT

Business Spirit Journal http://www.bizspirit.com/bsj According to the website: “Business Spirit Journal offers information, inspiration and resources for anyone wanting to broaden the definition of “bottom line.” After all, for most people, half of our waking hours are spent at work. Our audience ranges from CEOs of multinational corporations to entrepreneurs, consultants and small business people to workers at all levels - in other words, anyone who works.” Articles in the current issue include: - The Five Values of Shamans: How to Apply Them to Personal Power in Business by José Luis Stevens, PhD - The Ethical Vacuum and Workplace Abuse by Cedric Johnson, Ph - Practical Peacemaking by Douglas Noll, Esq. - Bringing the Soul Into the Workplace: A Report on the International Conference on Business and Consciousness by Naomi Rose On a personal note, I discovered this free online journal in early 2005, after I had resigned from a job with a very difficult (2-person) work situation. The job was not taking me where I wanted to go, career-wise, and it was time for me to re-envision my work life. I realized that I wanted organizational development to factor in some way to the equation, with the specific desire to weave spiritual values into businesses/organizations. This journal helped me realize that there is quite a bit of momentum around this idea, and it really inspired me. Cheers, Rick (this is a repost of an existing message, because I realized that a more description subject line was needed)

Re: Introducing Cynthia Sue Larson

http://heartcentered1.gaia.com — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 22:13:57 GMT

hi Cynthia - Great response! (I deleted the messed up version). Tell me about the path that brought you to your current work? Have your work and sense of life purpose/gifts always been aligned? If not, I am curious what catalyzed the shift. I am always interested to hear about how people got to where they are now. I visited the Reality Shifters website - very cool - and it sounds like you've been doing this for quite a while - since 1999. Side note: are you familiar with the terms "Blank Slate Technology (BST)" or "Light Encoded Reality Matrix (LERM)"? Right in line with the Reality Shifting concept... ~ Rick