A long tradition has begun. Love oxymorons. Anyway, it’s been an entire month that I’ve kept this up, so according to my own personal private not-to-be-shared dictionary, that means it’s a tradition.
Here’s a few things that my heart is loving.
Freak Revolution: The Manifesto
I will admit to you that I love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books. They were just fun, the story was compelling, and they happen in the Pacific Northwest where I happen to live. I was a big fan of science fiction and fantasy growing up, and these were right up my alley. But why, why were they so popular?
My theory is because a big theme in the story taps into the deep feeling of alienation that runs through our culture. Many, many people, even supposedly ordinary people, don’t feel like they fit in. So many people feel like they are misfits, that they are out of step with the world, that they are…
Freaks. Yes, freaks. Almost everyone has a bit of freak in them. And that’s why I’m loving this manifesto. Kyeli and Pace, a love-filled, power-duo, have written an eloquent, kick-butt manifesto on change.
So read The Freak Revolution Manifesto. So become fans of Kyeli and Pace. So join the revolution.
For the heart: Are there ways you are trying to make your business “fit in” and look normal? Is there a way that you could let your out-of-stepness be a strength to your business?
A Beautiful Mortality Send-Off
Occasionally I come across a business that I think is just all-that. Just really right. Just strikes a chord with me.
A Fine Farewell did that. Maybe it’s because my wife’s mom Virginia dying this past year. Maybe it’s because both Holly and I are over 40 and life is looking a little shorter than it used to. Maybe it’s because I did a bunch of healing on my post traumatic stress symptoms that were left over from my paramedic days, clearing out all kinds of really gruesome imagery from my body memories.
Whatever the reason, death is real. It comes to all of us. And we all deserve A Fine Farewell. Ecological. Beautiful. Appropriate. What could be a better way to say that final goodbye?
For the heart: Are the things that your best clients have to face that are really uncomfortable for them to deal with? Is there a way for you to bring beauty, care, and consideration so that they can be more comfortable facing them?
Yom Tov! Twitter for the Heb Set
Today is Yom Kippur, of course. Jews all over the world are fasting 25 hours. It’s arguably the most important holiday of the year, and so it’s no time for anything but prayer and return to Oneness.
So, tomorrow, no today, you should check out Twitteleh: Twitter for your Jewish Mother. It makes me think that even my mother could start using social media.
Okay, it’s a joke, but a funny one. And, for those who are M.O.T. (members of the tribe, for my goyim friends) it’s so dead-on, you can’t not crack a smile.
For the heart: Lightness, fun, jokes in your business? Espcially in-jokes. Are there jokes/language/ways of being that are particular to the tribe your business serves? How can you weave more of that into how you communicate? Not to manipulate, but as a way to really relax into your tribe?
Okay, There’s Your Monday
It’s time for me to get to work–final preparations for The Heart of Business Momentum. And, who knows, the Business Oasis might actually go live again soon after an additional four days of unexpected downtime. (Note: The Business Oasis community ended November 2010.)
6 Responses
Wow, Mark, I am touched and honored!
“Love-filled power-duo” is the sweetest, awesomest thing anyone’s ever called us. It’s much better than the “Terror Twins” we’ve jokingly earned among our gaming friends. (;
Thank you for including us, but more importantly, thank you for being our friend. *hugs*
Yeah. What Kyeli said. (:
Hi Mark,
I think my lesson is to be more in touch with my market/other people. I find it easy to be intense and unusual.
I think people for stuff that relates to them. They don’t like not understanding. And yes, feeling unusual is one thing to connect about.
So, I’m not sure how my strangeness would serve my business. I’ve downloaded the manifesto and will read it and get back to you with what I think of it.
.-= Evan´s last blog ..Patience is Not Easy =-.
If it goes on for a month then yes I consider it a tradition too. As I’ve been building my business up I sometimes forget to look at what scares my clients. They might not fully understand their process. That’s why questions are so important.
We have to ask, listen and also listen to the underlying ideas that are being conveyed. That’s when we are working from the heart.
.-= Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..21 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Monday =-.
Hi Mark and all,
I just found this completely brilliant quote that made me think of the Heart of Business community and I don’t know where else to put it, so I’m putting it here.
This was shared by Roderick MacIver, of Heron Dance, a beautiful newsletter/journal which features his watercolors. Here’s the quote:
It is not an easy task, but a most rewarding one, to bless the marketplace with a contemplative presence. It seems to me that the life of work and prayer is not only possible, but greatly enhanced by standing firm in the real world with one
@Susan- that is a stunning quote- I’m so grateful you posted it here. Thank you! I’m going to cherish that one.