Reflections

My Inauguration

Webster says that the word inauguration is defined as:

• 1: to induct into an office with suitable ceremonies
• 2 a: to dedicate ceremoniously : observe formally the beginning of <inaugurate a new school>
  b: to bring about the beginning of   

As an American, today is a day that will go down in history as the first time America inaugurated an African American into the Office of the President.   It's also a day that for many feels not just like a new beginning, but an important ending.

I believe that today is potentially the most important day with regards to American Leadership I will see in my lifetime.  For this country to elect an authentic, collaborative leader that believes in empowering people rather than controlling them, we have truly set a new standard of leadership in public office, and possibly everywhere else.  

As I opened my computer this morning, I received today's email from Neale Donald Walsh telling me today is my inauguration.  I had to laugh a bit.  What exactly would I be inaugurating myself into today?  What is it that I am completing and beginning?  

I think about my own leadership efforts.  Not just at work, but more importantly my self-leadership.  Am I being the change I want to see in the world?  Am I letting go of the past in such a way that it frees me to move courageously towards a new future?  Am I focused more on the ending or the beginning?

Today is a special day for America.  In fact, you could say it's a momentous time for the world.  So with that much energy and intention around change and hope for the future flying around the planet today, I find myself asking, "What is the change I want to be in the world?"  

A Change is Already Coming...

I love this old soul song by Sam Cooke.  In fact, I especially love Leela James version that came out a few years ago.  Yesterday as I sat and watched what is now being called the "Obama-stock" concert on HBO, I found myself realizing that it's not "gonna come" anymore, it's already on its way.  The actions that have taken place over the last 35 years since that song was written have set in place an unstoppable train of change.   I wonder if those that were on the first cars of that train, people like MLK and Rosa Parks, would have ever thought that the changes they fought for could have led us here.   

Equally, I wonder what other trains of change have already left the station, both in my life as well as our collective experience as Americans and Global citizens.  For me personally, I was moved to tears while watching Josh Groban perform while he was backed up by the DC Gay Men's Chorus on yesterday's concert.  Who would have thought 30 years ago, that a Gay Men's chorus would be performing as part of a Presidential Inauguration?  Just as Marian Anderson sang at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 after being declined an invitation by the Daughters of the American Republic because of the color of her skin, what will happen in the future following this performance?  

I know in my own life, I'm looking at changes I want to create.  And no matter what the changes, I am aware this morning that I have to ask what actions do I need to take to help the train get out of the station and set on the right track.  I may not even be conscious of the changes I'm creating.  But if like so many of these heroes that have gone before, I simply focus my actions and life on being true to what I believe in and am committed to, perhaps the sound of the engine and wheels on the tracks will start to be heard.  And I'll be on my way.  

Soundtrack:  Deuter, Lovesong from the Mountains

Silent, Still, Aware

The last two mornings I've woken up well before Tyler and the girls due to the jet lag from my trip.  I have been reminded that the early hours of the morning are perhaps one of my most favorite times of the day.  There is a stillness in the air and in the house before the day begins that creates space for me to be with myself, fully.  

Sitting in the dark with only the light of some digital device and the street lights, I find myself coming into my body just as the sun comes into the sky.  Slowly, but surely, making its way to a state of awakening after a visit to the other side of the world/consciousness.  

I can only imagine what this time of day is like for Moms or Dads with young kids.  It's the calm before or after the storm when they can just be with themselves.  I think of my time with my own nieces and nephews and how the entire house changes once they go to bed.  

I wonder if this is like what happens in my own mind and spirit.  Although it's not the children, but the thoughts and beliefs inside of me that keep me distracted from being present.  And somehow, as I wake up, there is a stillness inside of me that I can find more easily than at other times in the day.  A time where I can just be with myself and know that all is well.  

I'm reminded of one of my favorite Psalms (46:10), "Be still and know that I Am God."  Truly it is when I have found stillness both in my outer as well as inner worlds that I am so very aware of my connection to the Divine.  Just finding my breath and feeling my physical body, I become aware of my connectedness to Spirit and All That Is. 

How can I experience this more often?  This awareness and stillness that create such a deep sense of oneness.  In honor of our Native American Ancestors, as Grandfather Sun continues to move in to his place in the sky, may the stillness of Grandmother Moon set deeply into my heart.  

Sountrack:  Karen Marie Garrett, The Green Hills

Home High

After two weeks in Scotland for work, I'm so glad to have awakened in my own home this morning.  Feeling my girls in the bed with me reminded me of my love for them and their love for me.  Last night I was home in time for Friday Dinner with the gang and we went to Maudie's for some Tex-Mex.  Certainly one of my favorite meals for sure.  Waking up this morning and having the girls kiss me like I've been gone forever and they're just glad I'm in their bed.  

I almost immediately got in bed last night after getting home from the restaurant.  As my friend Marcie said, I was "sleepy drunk."  I think I'm also "home high."  I realize how much home means to me when I travel.  I don't mind traveling, but I really love being at home.  Being in my own house with Tyler and the girls is my most favorite place to be.  

I know some people love to travel and love to go all around the world.  In fact most people are envious when I mention how much I go to Scotland.  But it doesn't do it for me.   I must have been a nomad in a previous life as if I had a preference the only thing I'd do is vacations for fun and most of those would likely be cruises or mountain retreats. 

So today I'm reflecting on what it means to be home.  I also think about what it means to be "at home" in my body and in different areas of my life.  It's about being comfortable in the surroundings that I'm in.  Being comfortable in my own skin without the need for anything else from the outside. Helping myself to feel safe just the way things are.  Giving myself a Home High.  

Soundtrack: Fleet Foxes, White Winter Hymnal