Now That We've Got Your Attention...

"We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit." - E. E. Cummings

Well, now that Priscilla’s Personal Development List got your attention I thought we might do something with the community that was formed through this wonderful world of blogging. In some capacity, we all grow people for a living, whether personally, professionally, in our local geographical area or globally. Regardless, the ripple effect goes well beyond anything we could ever imagine. I hear all too often how people are too busy to call friends, family, those important to them, or to remember special occasions or no occasions at all....just to remember.

In India on meeting even a total stranger one would greet the other with Namaste which pays homage to the inner light in all living things. It bypasses appearance, age, wealth or poverty. In these times of hurriedness, we fail to acknowledge not only others but ourselves as well. Ignoring others is in a way forgetting life. In ignoring those around us, those known, and unknown we fail to light that spark.

It's not prayer....it's acknowledgement of what's special in someone else. And when we take that moment in time to validate and bless another with our attention and good wishes we touch what's good in them and offer them a haven, even for a second, from a challenging world. This is what strengthens life and nourishes it. It's a way to ignite a tiny spark, blow on it and let it burst into flame enriching the human spirit.

Yesterday someone I have not met took a moment to share a thought, wishes and hopes for me. In doing so a spark was lit and has continued to grow. A gift beyond measure.

So to all of you….every single one of you on the list, who can you recognize today for their talents, strengths, impact and effect they have on your life and those around them? What would it mean if at least for today, but hopefully every day that follows we took a moment in time to recognize someone else for who they are and what they bring to the world? Could you imagine the ripple effect of that? I invite you to join us in sharing and lighting the flame within all those around you. Then please share with us what it meant to them and to you in doing so. And while you’re doing this? Encourage each person you touch to do the same with others in their lives and let’s see how far and wide that fire spreads.

Namaste.....
Donna Karlin

*Note: Check out today's post in my Fast Company Experts Blog on the Leadership Challenge: Acknowledging Leaders

Being a Part of a Global Community

I was recently asked what it meant to be a part of a global community. It's funny because in Coaching none of my colleagues and friends confine their practices to their general geographical area. However it means more than that....

In writing this blog, for example, I have created a global community of 110 countries and territories where people from many parts of the world can comment on their perspectives, ways of being, challenges and victories and educate us as to what's happening in their worlds in every possible context. I can't imagine confining my learning to just my city or country. How in the world could I bring a richness to my work if I was so boxed into one way of thinking? I certainly couldn't serve my clients well enough that way.

Technology has made the world a very small place where we can now pick up the phone, use Voice over Internet (Skype etc) to have lengthy conversations at very little cost. We can email, post blogs, contribute to Wikis and have intranets like CollectiveX bring global working communities together as if they were around the corner. Even with how easy it is to reach out, most people tend to stay within their immediate worlds.

Is it more comfortable? Perhaps. Is it a way for people to ignore some of the horrific things that are going on in other parts of the world? Also a definite possibility.

What does it mean for me to be a part of a global community? It means expanded learning, a ripple effect that goes beyond my wildest dreams or imagination, connection and possible impact.

What would it mean to you to be a part of a global community? What would it bring to your life and the lives of others?

Best..
Donna Karlin

*Note: Speaking of global community, welcome 111th subscriber country from Armenia. Make yourself welcome!