Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Stressful summer?

Is summer creating stress for you? Don’t worry.  You’re not alone. As the beautiful weather hits the northern hemisphere, patios are filling with locals and tourists. It sounds idyllic. The sudden rush to do things can make this season challenging.

If you are a parent you are dealing with children who need to be occupied when they aren’t in school. Everyone’s social schedule has gone into over-drive. You are pushing hard to meet pre-vacation deadlines. You are eating more, drinking more, and likely getting less sleep.

It is possible for fun to be stressful. Like everything else enjoyment must be kept in balance. Our time in the sun is short. People feel pressured to get as much time outside as possible before the seasons turn. I just finished a two week period without a single free evening. It’s been a good time,but, I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.

What to do? Take stock of your schedule. Understanding the commitments you have can help put things in perspective. Figure out how much time is already spoken for. Don’t forget to set aside time for the things that replenish you. Moving your exercise routine outside can really help. It is a perfect way to feel like you’re not missing out while taking care of yourself. 

Now that you know how much time s spoken for.  Take some time to think about what you’d like to do with what’s left. Even if you are in a relationship, or have a family, do this on your own first. Be honest. Write it down. If you’re on your own. You’re done. Execute your plan and be flexible enough to accept social invitations if they appeal to you.

If there is someone else in the picture it’s time to negotiate. Set the stage by finding the things you both want to do. That way you’re starting on a positive note. Then, start looking at the  priorities you both have, Do you both need some alone-time to enjoy the good weather? Take it. Fairly allocate whatever is left so that everyone feels honoured and supported. Appreciate your partner’s willingness to do things for you by reciprocating. Say no to social invitations that you would rather not accept.

Keeping your time under control is always one of the best ways to de-stress. This social time of the year is one of the best to learn how to keep things in balance by saying no. Is summer stressing you out? Let me know why, or why not.

Connect with Brian

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Being You: Why does it matter?

For the past several weeks we’ve been exploring different personality types. These types come from the ancient African philosophy, Ifa. I hope you’ve enjoyed the posts. Exploring the archetypes is interesting. It can give you insights into why people work the way they do.

Seeing yourself reflected in the guardians can be very affirming and freeing. It is also important to find balance while honouring your essence. When we accept our own way of moving through the world, we are empowered to build a life based on our deepest values. We can live in a way that supports our purpose. For some it inspires a journey of self-discovery. For others it gives an encouraging push in the right direction.

Seeing other personalities reflected in the archetypes can help you appreciate other people. You can understand those who are the most different from you.  As you read the posts I hope you were able to recognize some of your friends and family in the descriptions. Perhaps you to became more at ease with traits that you may have found disturbing before.

Just as nature maintains balance, the Universe balances our species. The different qualities of the Guardian Energies are there for a reason. They are a brilliant expressions of human diversity. The diversity that has made us a successful species. 

Today we face global crises that need our focus. We have to use all of the resources  available from these different types if we are going to make the changes that we need to. Together we can work towards a healthy happy world for the future.

There are some less common types that are starting to emerge more regularly now. If you know someone who hasn’t fit the mold I’ve presented so far, let me know. I’d love to explore it with you. Perhaps you’re even one of the exotic types yourself.

Connect with Brian

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Being You: Do you create order out of chaos?

Do you need order? Times of chaos can bring us the most potential. Striving to organize the world is a great goal, but, f you go too far you could compromise on your growth. Change is a necessary part of life. The disorder that accompanies it is often the hardest part. See the potential before you start organizing. Get into the driver’s seat.

That helpful person who just organized your spices is probably a child of Oko. Oko’s can seem obsessive. They are all about organizing. They can find order in unlikely places. They can protect with a scorpion-like sting.

Do you know someone who can effortlessly keep their busy world organized? They are always seeing better ways to structure things. They make plans and can explode if their plans aren’t followed. They can see the inherent order in the madness of life. You have just encountered a child of Oko. Perhaps you are one yourself.

Many people focus on the dangerous scorpion-sting of this energy. It is really about creating order. It can be hard to keep your temper in check when everything you’ve worked to create is under threat. Okos need to learn that chaos is necessary so that higher orders can emerge.

The flow of things is constantly interrupted. The cycles are crucial for life to evolve. As an Oko your drive to make sense of your world can be hard to contain. Find peace in times of chaos to discover the most opportune moment to reinstate order. Then, your world will function at higher and higher levels. You can get things organized and thoroughly planned. You can show us all how to keep our projects and our lives running smoothly.

I love the Okos in my life for their focus and their ability to see the inherent order in any system. They are excited to get you organized. It can be hard to get them to ease up as they dive into your closets, junk drawers, and even the back seat of your car. Their passion for ordering your world can be intimidating and amusing. It is always meant as a gift. If you need help getting rid of the clutter, a child of Oko can help. If you’re having trouble making sense of what’s going on around you an Oko can see the patterns and help you find your way.

Have you ever see an Oko passionately defending their need for order? Did you try to join in to get a better understanding? Perhaps you think you are an Oko yourself. I’d love to hear why, or why not.

Connect with Brian