Friends hold our dearest thoughts, dreams, and secrets. They (hopefully) listen without judgment or a need to fix. They hold us tenderly when times are difficult and often seem to know just when to call or drop by with a bit of cheer. With friends, we can be a truer version of ourselves. We can reminisce or embark on new adventures together, with the courage of shared experiences. Friends make our lives richer, deeper, and more connected. Friends are a precious gift of life.

Friendship is a voluntary, mutual bond between people built on trust, affection, and shared joy. It is a chosen connection in which both individuals offer emotional support, feel safe, and care for each other’s well-being as equals. It’s been said that you can pick your friends, but you cannot pick your family. This voluntary, mutual participation sets friendship apart from other relationships and, in special cases, can last a lifetime.

An old friend has witnessed your growth, perhaps from adolescence through early adulthood and beyond – one who knew who you wanted to be or thought you would become and sees you as you are. Those shared experiences, even if perceived differently, are bonds that hold you each together in memories, knowledge, and experience.

One day, a friend reached out by text saying they needed to talk, and I asked if everything was okay. They answered, “It will be,” and thus began our long journey through a cancer diagnosis. I am happy to say that they are quite okay. It is the knowledge that one is not alone and that support is unconditionally there that distinguishes the unique specialness of friendship. It is not with obligation; it is with love, care, and affection.

A famous poem about friendship is by Kahlil Gibran from his best-known book, The Prophet.

And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.

And he answered, saying:

Your friend is your needs answered.

He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.

And he is your board and your fireside.

For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”

And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;

For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.

When you part from your friend, you grieve not;

For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.

For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

AS the summer winds down, let’s raise a toast to the friends in our lives and let them know how invaluable they are – how happy we are that they are part of our lives.

Activity

Take a few moments to reflect on those deep friendships in your life. Write their names in your journal.

Over the next few days or weeks, in whatever way is authentic to your friendship, reach out – perhaps it’s a phone call or text, a written letter or lunch invitation. Initiate contact and let them know how happy you are to be connected.

As always, we appreciate your continued friendship. We appreciate you.

Stay well, stay curious, stay connected.

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

These experiences can flood the heart and mind, leaving us with an urge to share, even when we know we may not be understood. To speak of something so personal risks misunderstanding—perhaps even loneliness. And yet, when we choose that vulnerability, expression itself becomes an act of creation. Whether through art, writing, or even a simple journal entry, we give shape to something otherwise unseen.

Rick Rubin, in The Creative Act: A Way of Being, writes, “The act of creation is an attempt to enter a mysterious realm. A longing to transcend. What we create allows us to share glimpses of an inner landscape, one beyond our full understanding. Art is our portal to the unseen world.” In today’s relentless and disorienting times, do we still allow ourselves to be stirred—not just shaken—by what we experience? Do we give ourselves the space to feel deeply, and the courage to express what arises?

To be stirred requires that we remain alive to the world—that we resist the temptation to go numb. It asks for attention, openness, and sometimes intention. Awe can arrive uninvited, in a breathtaking landscape or a fleeting moment of beauty. But often, it is something we must seek: choosing a poem that moves us, a film that deepens us, or stepping outside for a quiet, mindful walk, noticing what is already here.

It is easy, especially now, to feel shaken—even broken. We may find ourselves dulled or disconnected, our creative spark dimmed. In those moments, we are called to gently revive ourselves—to offer care, patience, and presence, as if tending to something fragile but vital. Feeling deeply may bring sadness, or even pain. But these, too, are thresholds—often the very pathways to joy.

Activity: Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable enough to feel the full range of emotion is an affirmation that we are alive. What evokes that feeling of being alive for you? When a full range of emotion arises within you and makes you just grateful to be able to feel it all, what is that like for you? What do you need to do to put yourself in the that state as often as possible and emerge just happy to be alive?

Even when life feels heavy, it remains a gift. We are here. And while we are here, we have the chance to heal—ourselves, and one another. We can, and perhaps we must, fall in love with life again and again. In an interview last year, William Shatner, now 95, spoke about the joy he still finds in his family, his work, his dogs—the love that surrounds him. When asked whether he was curious about what comes next, he answered simply: “Not enough to die.”

May we, too, feel—each day—a quiet gladness to be here. Look outside. Notice something beautiful. Stay with it just a moment longer than usual. Let it enter you fully.

As always, thank you for reading. Feel free to share this issue with anyone who might enjoy it.

Stay curious, stay well, and stay stirred.

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

There are a lot of good reasons to establish and maintain boundaries. It seems we hear every day in the news about instances where appropriate boundaries were violated. Interpersonal violence, domestic or otherwise, is replete with violations of physical and psychological boundaries. There are numerous issues of boundary violations that need to be addressed front and center. Setting all of that aside as non-negotiable, have we swung so far in our society as to have become too “boundaried”? In other words, are we too inclined to say, “No, I can’t do that. I’m too busy.” “I could never (fill in the blank). I’m too old.” “I don’t want to try that food. I’ve never had that before.” Have we lost our taste for a little bit of adventure, our appetite to try new things and have new experiences? Can we broaden our perspectives on boundaries beyond exclusion and begin to see it as an invitation to possibility? “Well. This is exciting. I never thought I could break out of my self-imposed limitations.”

Let’s explore this together and see what emerges.

What Is a Boundary?

Merriam‑Webster defines a boundary as “a real or imaginary line, limit, or edge that separates one area, thing, or concept from another… a marker of territorial, physical, or psychological limits.” In everyday terms, a boundary is a limit we choose not to cross—or that we ask others not to cross. We often associate boundary‑crossing with negative consequences, and sometimes that’s quite true. Adhering to what should be societal norms about some boundaries is a moral imperative.

But at other times, crossing a boundary can open us to new experiences, insights, and growth. When we have closed ourselves off to too much of life, of possibility, or enjoyment, we can have too many self-imposed boundaries and limit the degree to which we allow ourselves to “suck the marrow out of life” to use Thoreau’s words. (Speaking of which, we would highly suggest the recently released three-part PBS series on Henry David Thoreau.)

When Crossing a Boundary Expands Us

We have a friend, Sean Weaver, who, four years ago, uprooted his comfortable life and career in New Mexico to move to Tbilisi, Georgia with his partner and their two cats. After a year, they moved on to Timisoara, Romania, and later to Caen, France. In his blog he reflects: “Spending the past four years navigating visas, moving to different countries with two cats, and figuring out doctor’s appointments in different languages has changed me in more ways than I thought possible… I can now make an utter fool of myself in a handful of languages.”

Through travel, he crossed boundaries of language, culture, stability, comfort, and familiarity. And in doing so, he discovered a more expansive version of himself—one shaped not by staying within limits, but by stepping beyond them.

(To read Sean’s amazing writing and experience his photography, please click on this link: https://www.wanderingwithsean.com/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=2026-04-28&utm_campaign=Wandering+Dublin)

Curiosity: The Engine of Boundary‑Crossing

We often talk about the importance of curiosity. Children embody it naturally with their endless “why?” questions. Sadly, curiosity tends to fade as we age, replaced by routine, efficiency, and the illusion of certainty. Yet curiosity is the foundation for pushing through boundaries. It invites us to ask why? what if?, and what else? Curiosity keeps us learning, growing, and evolving—and it makes life (and ourselves) far more interesting.

So, the next time you hear the word boundary, consider flipping it upside down. Instead of seeing it only as a limit, imagine it as a doorway. What if we are saying “no” to so much of life and living, again invoking Thoreau, “Lives of quiet desperation.”

Activity: Boundaries You Want to Explore

Take a piece of paper or your journal and write at the top: “Boundaries I Want to Explore.” Now list areas where you want to motivate yourself to expand and try new things or explore new ideas. These might be small internal boundaries—like slowing down enough to be present instead of racing through mental to‑dos—or larger ones, like learning a new language or skill or travelling. As you write, focus on the what, not the how.

Then choose one or two items you can realistically prioritize over the next few months. Add check‑ins to your calendar at one, two, and three months to help you stay connected to your intention and to notice how stepping beyond your usual limits is shaping you.

Concluding Words

Imagine that more expansive self who tries new things. Perhaps you like some of them and then say about others, “That’s not for me.” The thing is to try something new as often as possible. Perhaps it will be so small that only you will notice…that is okay. The key is, as always, are you pushing yourself to grow? Explore your curiosity and see where it leads you.

As always, thank you for reading. Feel free to share this issue with anyone who might enjoy it.

Stay curious, stay well,

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

There are many possible answers. In this essay, we offer three: be present with those closest to you, stay aware without burning out, and engage skillfully with the wider world.

First, be especially present to those in your circle.

In a 2018 interview with Dan Rather, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin reflected on one of the darkest chapters of his life. In 1977, while the band was touring in America, Plant’s five-year-old son, Karak, suddenly became ill and died the next day. Everything stopped. Plant rushed home to England. During that devastating period, drummer John Bonham stayed by his side, offering quiet companionship and unwavering support. Years later, Plant recalled that it was Bonham who showed up for him when so much was lost.

The significance of that presence stayed with Plant. When Bonham himself died suddenly in 1980, Plant immediately went to be with Bonham’s family. He understood loss, and he understood how much it matters when someone simply shows up.

These experiences forced Plant to reconsider his priorities and relationships. Grief has a way of doing that. It makes us take inventory of who is truly in our circle—and how we show up for one another.

It’s worth asking yourself: who are the people you rely on in your hardest moments? And just as importantly, who relies on you?

Second, stay aware—but don’t exhaust yourself.

Right now, many people are either glued to the news or avoiding it entirely. Both responses are understandable. Still, there is a middle path. We cannot afford to bury our heads in the sand, especially when we have the awareness and resources to make a difference. At the same time, living in a constant 24/7 news cycle can drain our nervous systems and leave us depleted.

We believe that there is a moral responsibility to stay informed and engaged—but also to pace ourselves for the long haul. Awareness does not require burnout. We can stay connected to reality while still allowing ourselves moments of rest, reflection, and emotional recovery.

Think of it as tending a fire: it needs oxygen, but it also needs space. Too much fuel at once smothers the flame.

Third, engage more skillfully with the wider world.

This idea aligns with what is known as “engaged Buddhism,” a movement closely associated with Thich Nhat Hanh. Rather than focusing solely on individual peace or liberation, engaged Buddhism emphasizes compassionate social action and collective well-being. Its teachings encourage nonviolence, mindful communication, and responsibility toward others.

The core message is simple: inner work and outer work belong together. Caring for yourself and caring for the world are not competing priorities; they complement each other.

From this perspective, showing up becomes both personal and communal.

Activity: Here’s a short three-part reflection you might try:

1. Start with yourself.
   When someone shows up for you, what does that actually look like? Do you prefer in-person support, quiet acknowledgment, or something in between? Knowing what helps you can clarify what presence means in your own life.

2. Then consider others.
   What works for you may not work for someone else. Some people want solutions; others just want company. Some need distraction; others need silence. Learning to read what others need—and adapting accordingly—is a vital skill. If you’re a natural problem-solver, practice simply sitting with someone’s pain. If you’re more reserved, practice offering active support when it’s needed.

3. Finally, widen your circle of concern.
   Notice how you engage with current events and with people beyond your immediate circle. Pay attention to when you need to refill your emotional gas tank and when it’s time to lean back in. Showing up fully requires this ongoing rhythm of engagement and renewal.

So, in 2026, how do you want to show up for people?

It’s never too late to begin. All of us can recall moments when we failed to be there—because we didn’t know how, because we were distracted, or because we were simply too busy. Most of us track our regrets faster than our successes.

But each day offers another chance.

You may be called to show up for a partner, a friend, an acquaintance, or even a stranger. You can’t predict what form that will take. What you can do is stay open to it. Showing up will stretch you emotionally. Let it. That kind of stretching is how we grow—and how we help others feel less alone in hard times.

As always, stay well and stay curious, and thanks for reading!

Jim and Linda

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Many of the shows and movies around the holidays, even the humorous ones, have a poignant message to them. Charles Dickens in 1843 with A Christmas Carol (favorite movie version that adds its own touch is with Alistair Sim from 1951) and Frank Capra in 1947 in his movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, turned to very serious themes to focus on transformation. Both stories centered on a person who was deeply lost. Scrooge, still pained by his loss many years ago of his beloved sister Fanny, turned away from life and meaningful connections with others and became a cold and bitter man. George Bailey, faced with a constant series of missed opportunities for his own joy, and then potentially losing his father’s business as it devolves into bankruptcy at the hands of Mr. Potter, spirals rapidly into depression and attempts suicide.

Both men are “treated” through spiritual intervention – the ghost of Jacob Marley and the three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future for Scrooge and the angel Clarance (and team) for George Bailey. Neither Scrooge nor George are particularly open to their visitors from the beyond and these visitors are not necessarily always ones of good cheer. Even the ebullient Ghost of Christmas Present ends his visit with a dire warning for Scrooge and Clarence takes a firm hold of his unique intervention.

What is it about these two more serious stories that brings people back to them over and over again? What is the link to the holiday season? Perhaps it is a reminder that what matters most is connection with others. It is not the gifts, the excesses, or any of the “stuff” that seems to define this season. We all know that the holidays have become commercialized only more so over the years. A Charlie Brown Christmas made that point years ago so well. Both A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life highlight that happiness, whether during the holiday season or otherwise, is found in communion with others. The material trappings of the holidays can sometimes accentuate the loneliness that is experienced by many at this time of year and we all have heard that loneliness has a profoundly negative impact on our mind, our interpersonal relationships and general outlook on life, and our bodies.

Barring a spiritual intervention from the beyond, we know that the quickest antidote to bring us back to what matters is connection with others. Sometimes that may be simply to reach out. You can reach out for help, sure, but it can be even more effective to reach out to someone to help them or to just make their world a little better. Doing something for others really does take us away from our own troubles, elevates our mood, and gives purpose to our lives. Many of us know that when we are more in our own head and less engaged with others, we are less happy. While taking time the be alone is good and necessary, too much time alone is just simply not good for the soul.

Activity: As we move toward the end of the year and through the holiday season, consider developing a list of 10 small acts of kindness that you can do between now and the end of the year. Each one can take just a few minutes. As you do each one, check the box. You will feel better. Trust us on this one.

We encourage you to make that extra effort to be kind. Really look a cashier in the eye and say, “Thank you” or wave to a passing neighbor or stop and, after asking if it is okay, petting someone’s dog making pet, owner, and you all happier in the process. See if there is someone who is alone for the holiday and would prefer to have a bit of company. Send a note (or a real letter), a text, or an email out to someone just to let them know you were thinking about them. Think of the people who are working on Christmas Day – police, fire, EMS, members of the military, nurses, animal shelter people, etc. – and consider sending them some food or just saying, “Thank you for working on the behalf of others on this day.” There are so many ways to connect with others and you will usually feel that special lift as soon as you do so.

Let us remember that wonderful inscription that Clarence wrote for George:

Dear George – Remember No Man Is a Failure Who Has Friends. Thanks for the wings. Love, Clarence.

Stay well. Stay curious, and wishing you happy, and kind, holidays.

Jim and Linda

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

What Can We Learn from a Dog’s Life?

1. Routines are good - Dogs are amazing at settling into a routine. They seem to crave them. Try delaying that walk or meal for a dog, and you will quickly realize that their sense of time is often better than ours! Research suggests that having some sort of routine is advantageous for most of us, even if it is composed of small things to begin and end the day. Some people are more comfortable, like many dogs, with a more scheduled routine every day and throughout the day. Take a moment to think through what level of routine works best for you. Do you adhere to that as much as you can? Of course, we must be adaptable to modify more stringent routines for important events, vacation and travel, helping others, and other important reasons.

2. Be happy to see others – There is nothing quite like walking in the house and seeing that wagging tail of excitement just because you are home! It truly is a gift to have someone so pleased just to see you! (How often does that happen at work?) Taking this approach, can we expand our gratefulness each time we meet with a friend or receive a phone call from someone we care for? When we say, “It’s good to see you,” can we do so with big heart and authentic joy? When we find ourselves feeling a bit annoyed when someone interrupts us by showing up unannounced, can we try just “wagging” our tail in delight to see them?

3. Appreciate the little things – One of the things that some dogs like best are unexpected little events like a ride in the car or spontaneously going outside to play fetch. These could be merely ten minutes of a ride around the block, but according to dog body language, you’d think they just received the best gift ever. Our dear friend and colleague Bill Mims has a saying about LSPs, life’s simple pleasures. According to Bill, they are things that are inexpensive (under $5), simple, and bring an inordinate amount of pleasure. This could be a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, an unexpected call from a dear friend, or, in Bill’s case, a stop at Klein’s Ice Cream!

What Can We Learn from a Cat’s Life?

1. Contentment – One furry friend that knows how to be content is a cat! Just give them something soft and a sunspot, and you’ll witness contentment in it’s finest. Cats have an amazing ability to be in the moment without a care in the world, and they can stay like that for extended periods of time. Boredom seems rare with cats as they merely concentrate on the here and now and the comfort of their environment. They somehow have quieted that voice that most of us have in our heads that reminds us perpetually of chores and tasks needing done. Finding time, even short periods throughout the day, to just “be” could be a healthy practice learned from our cats.

2. Playfulness – Have any cat owners out there ever tried changing bedsheets when their furry friend is around? That “lump” under the covers soars with delight at the hide and seek game. One favorite cat toy is the simplest thing made of springy steel wire with cardboard pieces stuck to one end (see “Cat Dancer”). It’s so simple, but will delight many cats for a long time, and each time it comes out, it’s like a new experience all over again. Cats are silly and playful, and for the most part, unabashed by it!

3. Gratitude – Cats are often sly and independent, rarely indicating a need for anyone, but when you find that unique spot to pet them it sets their purr machine into motion for an immediate display of gratitude for your affection. Just try stopping and that little paw gently places itself on your hand seeming to say, “keep going!” While we people would appear extremely odd were we to purr at others, we can be grateful through words spoken and not spoken and pause to reflect on our good fortune.

What Can We Learn from a Bird’s Life?

1. Sing for Joy – There are days with an open window, or being outside, that birdsong fills the air so fully that it cannot be ignored bringing an instant smile and flutter to one’s heart. Some of you may have a birdsong app that helps identify the specific chirp or song leading to an additional level of delight. While there are multiple reasons that birds chirp and sing, it is true that sometimes they sing just for joy. Research also shows that in humans, singing releases endorphins and other hormones that stimulate happiness, so go ahead, sing, sing, sing…even if nobody but you appreciates it.

2. Ride the Thermals – Seeing a hawk ride the thermals over a gorge or valley is majestic! They seem to know exactly which angle to turn to rise or fall, to move left or right, to glide or accelerate. Their ability to give into the weather and go along with it, instead of fighting it, is unique. Most of us, including other animals and creatures, tend to take shelter or mitigate the thermals of life instead of learning how to go with them. Perhaps when things get bumpy out there, we can all bring out the hawk in ourselves and become more agile, riding the waves.

There are so many other examples of lessons that we can learn from our pets and other animals; these are just a few samplings.

Activities:

1. Spend some time with your furry or other animal friend(s) or go sit outside and witness some animals in your yard, on a walk, or at a park. What do you see that they do that we can learn from?

2. When you feel stressed sometimes, take one or two of the animal wisdoms from above or that you have learned, and try to apply it to yourself. For example, put on a song and sing along, or sit in the sun for a few minutes. Note how you felt in those moments and any lasting effect afterward.

3. Show your gratitude to your furry loved one(s) or an animal outside by doing something nice for them. Giving generously of oneself is a gift not just to others, but also to yourself.

Thanking all of you readers out there, and your furry and non-furry friends, for your ongoing readership and support. As always, we appreciate any feedback on this or other issues, and suggestions for future topics.

Stay curious, stay well,

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Cal Newport published a book in 2024 titled, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. He defines “slow productivity” this way:

A philosophy for organizing knowledge work efforts in a sustainable and meaningful manner based on the following three principles:

1. Do fewer things.

2. Work at a natural pace.

3. Obsess over quality.

He encourages the reader to consider what productivity really is. In America, we often set out with our to-do lists, determined to achieve our tasks and our goals, ideally in record speed. Efficiency and a clear set of tasks and goals that are checked off as they are accomplished feels good. During the day, when completing tasks that were not even on the list, some of us may add them to the list and check them off just for the sheer satisfaction of one more thing done.

The only problem with all this activity and focus on efficiency and productivity is that it can become a habit. It becomes how we define a “good day.” How often we find ourselves saying, “That was a good day. I got a lot done.” We pair the two and that can lead to the inverse on other days: “It was an okay day. I just didn’t feel like I got much done.”

Think about cleaning out a space or even a room in our home. We tackle it with fervor, moving things around, creating a bigger mess, then making piles, getting rid of things, and then finally bringing a beautiful sense of order to the space or room. There is not doubt that that feels good. Now, it is possible to approach that process in one way that is very task-focused and very busy. It is also to approach that process in a thoughtful and slow way – a way without all the noise in our head going on. Imagine clearing off a messy desk in a mindful way, perhaps not even worrying if it all gets done today. “Pazienza, signora. Pazienza, signor.” Having the faith of the Italians, as Joyce Goldstein shares, is trusting that it will all get done and it can get done without all the stress.

There are days, of course, when we feel we are not productive in the ways to which we are accustomed (or addicted to.) Think of some of those days and perhaps reconsider this approach:

“I feel like I didn’t get anything done. Instead, I…

1. Reached out to a friend and listened to their troubles, but I was glad I was there.

2. I went to the store to get something, but they were out of what I needed, but I found something else that would work just fine.

3. I took a walk to shake off the boredom, and I found it to be a beautiful day.

4. I read a poem deeply, and realized I should do that more often.

5. I got back to a friend, whose e-mail I meant to respond to last week, and expressed gratitude for them.

6. I hung out with the dogs/cats, and just realized how special every moment is with them.

7. I made a simple meal for dinner, but just relaxed while doing it.

8. While making dinner, I realized that I can just cook with what I have and “change the recipe” to suit what was in the house…just like the Chef Jose Andre suggested. I learned “to do with,” not without.

9. I flipped through a few books today and read a few beautiful sentences, and I realized how amazing it is to read a well-crafted sentence.

10. I sat in the backyard and did nothing, but the sun felt great on my face.

You see, I really did ‘nothing’ today.”

None of this is to say that there are not days when we truly felt like we laid around and did nothing. Some people are able to appreciate that time as wonderfully rare and are happy about that. Some of us may find little joy in doing truly nothing. The important part is in the appreciation of what we are doing, whatever it is and also, even when we are super productive in a traditional way of speaking, but doing it slowly, mindfully, and always open to the surprise call from a friend that might take us away from our task, or the dog that clearly needs to be loved on, or coming across an old letter that touches our hearts once again.

Marie Howe wrote a beautiful poem about rushing around doing errands with her young daughter. It captures so much.

Hurry

We stop at the dry cleaners and the grocery store

and the gas station and the green market and

Hurry up honey, I say, hurry, hurry

as she runs along two or three steps behind me

her blue jacket unzipped and her socks rolled down.

Where do I want her to hurry to? To her grave?

To mine? Where one day she might stand all grown?

Today, when all the errands are finally done, I say to her,

Honey, I’m sorry I keep saying Hurry—

you walk ahead of me. You be the mother.

And, Hurry up, she says, over her shoulder, looking

back at me, laughing. Hurry up now darling, she says,

hurry, hurry, taking the house keys from my hands.

Activity: Try to practice this week the fine art of doing things slowly. When you are feeling “productive” in the traditional way, try to do so with attention and calm, stilling the racing mind. When you are having one of those days when it feels like you are getting nothing done, stop a minute and appreciate what you are doing, even if it feels banal. Perhaps, consider why you are doing something such as, “Well, I can’t stand going grocery shopping, but I am doing it for my family so we can eat well.” Remind yourself to be patient. Everything will get done.

In adopting a more Italian mindset, perhaps we can go through our days with more joy, calm, and flexibility. And more laughter. Try it and let us know how it goes.

Stay curious. Stay calm. Everything will get done.

Jim and Linda

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

We often use “hope” and “optimism” interchangeably. What if we were to look at them as different constructs? A psychologist by the name of Dr. C. Rick Snydor did that. He stated that optimism is a belief or attitude that things will generally be positive and that anything negative is temporary and will reverse. Distinct from that, he explored hope as a cognitive and motivational act – one that combines identification of a positive outcome with strategies to obtain the goal and overcome difficulties along the way. This is a very different take on the word “hope” and turns it into a true action word. Hope, in his system, becomes a skill that all of us can develop and expand with practice. This may be tough to grasp at first as we all use “hope” rather glibly saying things such as, “I hope that goes well!” or “Hope to see you soon.”

Dr. Snyder referred to his construct as “Hope Theory” and was part of his focus on positive psychology. In a nutshell, his theory involves three components: establishing a positive desired outcome or goal, identifying pathways to achieve the goal and to persevere despite difficulties along the way, and having agency or belief and motivation that you can achieve the result. He developed what he termed the “Hope Scale” as a self-assessment based upon his cognitive-motivational model. (The scale is easily available online and also presented at the end of this issue should you wish to take it.)

So, let’s lean on Snyder’s theory and explore finding hope.

Step 1: Positive outcomes

Although we can’t control everything, we can focus on some positive outcomes for our life. Often these revolve around what we do both for work and other activities, who we do it with, and why we choose to pursue those activities and relationships. Often this takes the form of a once-a-year look near year’s end, but we encourage you to take a few minutes and just jot down some of the things that are important to you now.

Step 2: Develop pathways

Using the list you developed above, how are some ways that you can prioritize making it happen? As you develop these strategies, think small and achievable. Perhaps it involves a slight adjustment to how you use your time during the day or over a week or month. Maybe it means reaching out to others or partnering. Just think about ways to come closer to those important things without judging for now.

Step 3: Agency

Looking back at your list, assess it for attainability and adjust as needed. Think about similar things that you’ve done in the past successfully – can this fuel your motivation for success now? Give yourself a little pep talk – you can do this!

Unofficial Step 4: Overcoming obstacles

Inevitably things don’t always go as planned and sometimes obstacles arise and present difficulties – how do we maintain motivation and belief? Sometimes, when one of us loses hope, we remind each other to look at history – both personal history and global history. By personal, we mean, “what have you done before that is similar to what you are trying to achieve now?” Rely on this knowledge and the skills that you used and apply them to your current goal.

Reading history in any form one realizes that humans have been through various cycles of negative circumstances and have persevered. In some of our leadership sessions we talk about the “Stockdale Paradox,” a phrase coined by Jim Collins in his book Good to Great and based upon his conversation with Admiral Jim Stockdale on how Stockdale survived his eight years of torture and imprisonment during the Vietnam war. Collins wanted to understand how he maintained hope, despite horrific conditions and uncertain outcomes. That conversation resulted in the Stockdale Paradox which Collins states as one of five necessary skills for level five leadership. Collins states, “You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

As an added note, we encourage making positive connections and acting upon unabashed curiosity as tools to increase hope. Reach out to loved ones – maybe they need you to encourage them too! Be curious about the world and any potential for positive outcomes and work toward them...even when you feel as if you are, like Don Quixote, “tilting at windmills.” Find ways and people who bring you laughter and joy. Be playful. Be loving. Be kind. It is all contagious…and it is all necessary for our survival.

As always, we welcome comments about this issue and suggestions for future issues.

Stay curious, stay well,

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

The Trait Hope Scale

courtesy of https://ppc.sas.upenn.edu/resources/questionnaires-researchers/adult-hope-scale

Directions: Read each item carefully. Using the scale shown below, please select the number that

best describes YOU and put that number in the blank provided.

1 = Definitely False

2 = Mostly False

3 = Somewhat False

4 = Slightly False

5 = Slightly True

6 = Somewhat True

7 = Mostly True

8 = Definitely True

___ 1. I can think of many ways to get out of a jam.

___ 2. I energetically pursue my goals.

___ 3. I feel tired most of the time.

___ 4. There are lots of ways around any problem.

___ 5. I am easily downed in an argument.

___ 6. I can think of many ways to get the things in life that are important to me.

___ 7. I worry about my health.

___ 8. Even when others get discouraged, I know I can find a way to solve the problem.

___ 9. My past experiences have prepared me well for my future.

___10. I’ve been pretty successful in life.

___11. I usually find myself worrying about something.

___12. I meet the goals that I set for myself.

Note. When administering the scale, it is called The Future Scale. The agency subscale score is

derived by summing items 2, 9, 10, and 12; the pathway subscale score is derived by adding

items 1, 4, 6, and 8. The total Hope Scale score is derived by summing the four agency and the four pathway items.

Interpretation:

Scores of 40-48 are generally considered hopeful.

Scores of 48-56 are considered moderately hopeful.

Scores of 56 or higher are considered high hope.

Scores below 40 may indicate low hope, but should be interpreted within the context of individual circumstances.

When sitting down face-to-face or having a long overdue phone conversation with a friend not seen for some time, it can be hard to fill in all the gaps since when we were bound together in more frequent personal contact. How does one adequately explain the losses and the joys you experienced, or how you gravitated from one direction to another? Perhaps your life philosophy or focus has changed significantly since you were last together. Maybe your daily habits are different. Bringing the old relationship up-to-date can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding; it can be a chance to reflect together about the themes and the changes we have experienced.

In some cases, the past can bring remembrances of pain, and the mere thought of some aspects bring physical unease and mental anguish. For others, the past may hold what seem the best of times. Most of us have sat with an older adult whose conversations center around the past – sometimes repeating stories from long ago over and over. In the moment, it can be frustrating for the listener, yet a glance at the speaker usually shows a joy in the sharing of a special memory.

So here we are, in the present, examining the past. Today the advice is often “be in the moment” or “be present in the now” with an emphasis on containment to what is happening currently without regard to the past or the future. Meditation encourages one to let pass any thoughts that enter the mind so that the mind is empty. We wholeheartedly agree with these practices, but part of personal growth includes reckoning various parts of oneself – those that you embrace, and those that you recognize as needing improvement. This includes holding both the past “you” and the present “you” in some kind of balance, and, potentially including the future “you”. If we ignore the past “you” we limit the potential learning and motivation to move the current “you” forward. While it may be tempting to shut some of the old habits and responses to things in a black hole, this can limit our ability to learn from the past and be motivated by it to make important changes in the present and future.

What is our relationship to the past? Does it occupy us too much? Are we haunted by the past in a way that prevents us from moving fully into the present and the future? Are we so defended against the past that it silently weighs us down internally? There are times when we want to forget about the past. There may be times when we want to live in the past like Gatsby, even though we know that is impossible.

Faulkner said it well in Requiem for a Nun: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past. All of us labor in webs spun long before we were born, webs of hereditary and environment, of desire and consequence, of history and eternity.” Faulkner captured the complexity of how the past, present, and future all co-exist.

Activity: During the coming week, take note if you have a tendency to speak more about the past, the present, or the future. Are you telling stories about what happened a lot and focused on the past? Are you engaged in the present moment with your thoughts, conversations, writing, etc.? Are you often planning out the next day, week, year and living more in the future? As you observe yourself (and others), does the balance seem to work? Sometimes we spend too much time in the past or so much time and energy worrying about the future; both of these limit our experience of the present. Find out the right balance for you. Maybe you need to stop telling stories about the past and create new adventures in the present. Perhaps you need to let the anxiety about the future go and let today’s worries be enough.

We humans certainly have our fair share of complexities. We can get lost in the past, whether in the delight of wonderful memories or the sadness of painful ones. We can be too focused on what “may” happen, that we prevent ourselves from experiencing the now. In the end, past, present and future are always present and we need to make friends with each of them in a way that works uniquely for the individual.

In the words of Ocean Vuong in his book, "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous", he describes the past not as static, but as something that should be re-visited, and re-interpreted, with new insight.

"The past never a fixed and dormant landscape but one that is re-seen. Whether we want to or not, we are traveling in a spiral, we are creating something new from what is gone."

No matter what, keep creating memories by looking outward into the world and keeping your heart, mind, and soul open to whatever is and whatever is ahead.

Stay curious, stay well,

Jim and Linda

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

Now, if you are in an organization that has been impacted by the sudden loss of federal funding, too many unknowns in terms of fluctuating fiscal policies, the rollback of key prior legislation, or just the general angst of our time, we have another suggestion that could promote connection within your team, department, or organization and help everyone weather the tide together.

As noted above, what are usually referred to as “culture surveys” are designed to get baseline data on the health of the organization through the input of its members, and then implement targeted actions designed to improve the environment. However, when you are facing the potential uncertainty of funding, possible job loss, and other significant concerns it is time to utilize what we are referring to as a “check-in system” with about 7-10 short questions that cover three areas: 1) How are you? 2) How is the team? and 3) How can I help? With some organizations that already have a solid culture where this is routinely done, it can sometimes be conducted just through conversation. However, these are times when even those well-intentioned conversations do not really lead people to share candidly what they are actually experiencing.

In our last newsletter, we talked about change saturation. Many organizations are experiencing that right now. A well-designed check-in survey with a facilitator can allow team members to share their thoughts and then guide them toward productive coping and survival skills. It is like trying to fix the boat while at sea in the midst of a massive storm. Everything is too much, but one cannot give up repairing that boat so that it can carry you forward.

Another advantage of a “check-in” survey is that it shows your team that you care and that you want to listen. You also invite them to tell you how you can be helpful, but you don’t get into problem-solving mode. Even if they are not able to offer specific suggestions about how you can be helpful, it is always worth asking. Your job, as a leader, is simply to hold space for the feelings, allow people to speak their peace, and look for ways you can be there for them. You cannot stop the storm, command the waves to be calm, and bring peace. That is probably out of your locus of control. You may, however, be in a position of tending the wounded without being a doctor. You are still the captain of that team, department, or organization, but your role now is largely to listen and let them express themselves in a safe place so they can continue moving forward and not become immobilized.

A “check-in” survey is more like keeping track of an emergency room team, not knowing what will come through the door in the next minute. Providing this short check-in anonymously through an independent third-party skilled in managing the process and facilitating discussion around the results goes far in showing your care and concern for the impact of the current chaos. The environment is too volatile for establishing what most of us would refer to as a plan. However, that does not mean that check-ins are not essential to keeping the team going and coming up with some tactics to manage the chaos and the unknown.

Now, lest we forget, captains need support too. It is hard for many to feel that they are leading while being unable to “fix the problem” and make change happen. Learning how to sit in the unknown, listen to others while we carry our own concerns, and not go for the reflexive statement that “everything is going to be okay” can be hard. Many leaders are naturally oriented toward being problem-solvers. When there is no real solution that one can suggest, many leaders may feel useless. We have all seen doctors who seem to checkout when they can’t offer a solution. They feel they can no longer help. However, this is far from true. Listening and “being there” are great gifts to give to others. Imagine a doctor admitting they can no longer help to fix the problem in a medical capacity, but still staying by our side listening to our experience. It is rare to have someone just sit with us and really feel with us our struggle, our pain. It is a brave thing for a leader to say, “I am here for you. I will do all I can, but everything is so uncertain right now. However, you can trust me in these ways: 1) I will always be honest with you and tell you all I can; 2) You can tell me anything that you are feeling and with which you are struggling; and 3) I will not abandon you on even your worst day; I am here for you.”

At the end of the day, the captain (doctor of the team) can be left carrying a heavy burden. Yes, it does come with the job, but you must also find a way to restore yourself. When working with first responders, we find that they can often be the strong walking wounded; they need a safe place to share their experiences and often opt to protect their families from what went on during their day. This is understandable, commendable, and comes from a very good place. However, any of us can become a powder keg if there is not a release valve.

As the captain, you must also find a safe space to deal with feelings of loss, helplessness, and inadequacy. You are in the storm too. We know we cannot ask our teams to be there for us, but it is nice when they say, “Hey, you are here for us. How can we be there for you?” Such has generally not been our experience. Perhaps it is some archetypal thing that we expect the “parent figure” to be there for us, but not the other way around…even when we are not parent and child, but just adults trying to find our way. That dynamic is so strong. We would suggest turning to a coach to whom you can vent and with whom you can recharge. In the end, a leader who takes care of themselves (but not in a self-indulgent way) is better able to care for others. Being vulnerable to a trusted confidant really does allow us to go out into the world stronger than ever.

Activity: Reflect upon these two questions: 1) As a leader of a team, department, or organization, what would you want to learn from a check-in survey? and 2) What do you need to shift in yourself to just listen and not go into problem-solving mode?

These are challenging times and the future is unpredictable in many ways. Leaders may need to shift from their usual modality and become more comfortable dealing with change and ambiguity. As they take care of their people, they also need care. We encourage everyone going through intense times of uncertainly, to take care of each other as humans first, just one person reaching out and helping another no matter where you are in the organizational hierarchy.

Stay calm (whenever possible) amidst the rough waters,

Jim and Linda

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

Part of the problem is that our goals are sometimes just too big. We all know intellectually that our elephant-size wishes for a new and improved self, home, etc. have to be broken down into small bite-sized pieces for us not to be overwhelmed. For example, how often have you stood before an open closet and said, “I must get those lesser used clothes to someone who can use them”, but then tell yourself as you close the closet doors, “Yes, I will do that next weekend” just like you said last week and the week before. Feeling overwhelmed is understandable.

Everyone has their own method for breaking down the big stuff into manageable steps. We offer, for your consideration, a method that has been helpful to us. In this approach, it doesn’t have to begin with the new year; any time is the right time and progress does not need to be measured in the usual way. In a sense, it’s just a means to do some things that have been on our lists in a less threatening and hopefully more motivating way. Here is the idea.

Grab a journal (no surprise there!) and begin to make a few lists based upon the following:

If I have fifteen minutes……

If I have thirty minutes…….

If I have sixty minutes……..

Then begin filling in the lists with activities. They don’t need to be far-reaching. In fact, the more reasonable and mundane they are, the higher the likelihood that sometime over the year, you will review your list and realize that you have done many of the items on the list. You just did them in a small and consistent way that you barely noticed yourself.

Both of us did this exercise over the past few weeks and we are seeing progress already. Below are excerpts from our lists built around our individual priorities; they are not meant to suggest what you should do but are presented to get your thoughts going.

Linda

If I have fifteen minutes:

• Clean out a drawer (any drawer)

• Foam roll sore muscles

• Stretch

• Weed a spot in the yard/garden

• Prune indoor plants

• Read a magazine article

• Practice the piano

• Do Duolingo

If I have thirty minutes:

• Organize a cabinet/drawer

• Take the dog for a leisurely walk around the block

• Write a card to a friend or loved one

• Clean the refrigerator

• Do virtual Pilates

• Read a chapter in my book

• Listen to a podcast

• Do a virtual muscle group workout

If I have sixty minutes:

• Write a draft for an upcoming TEO Ka-tet

• Write a letter to a friend/loved one

• Clean a room well

• Go for a walk in the woods

• Go to an exercise class or the gym

• Prepare for a healthy home-cooked meal

• Organize a closet

Jim

If I have fifteen minutes:

• Clean out a drawer anywhere in the house

• Re-organize a pantry and check those “use by” dates

• Go through a shelf or two and identify 2-3 books to donate to the library

• Find a new (or newish) recipe to change it up a bit

• Read a short article

• Listen to a “Poetry Unbound” podcast

If I have thirty minutes:

• Go through a storage cabinet and identify items to donate

• In good weather, take the dogs in the backyard with a book

• In any weather (just about) take the dogs down to the James River for a walk

• Write a brief note to a friend

• Do some interesting meal planning

• Make a vegetable soup stock

• Read something thoughtful and journal in response to it

• Read a chapter in a book

If I have sixty minutes:

• Continue reading on art and photography

• Write a meaningful letter to someone who will appreciate it

• Go alone for a walk by the river

• Edit a section of the book I am trying to finish writing

• Listen to one of those in-depth New Yorker podcasts

• Do some prep for the summer class I am teaching at UR

These are just some examples to help spur thoughts as you develop your list. Notice that none of these things have to do with work…except for Jim’s teaching gig at University of Richmond. The goal is to do less scrolling, be less idle, and use our precious time in ways that we want to use it and that makes us feel a sense of well-being or accomplishment. Also notice that these are not “goals” in the traditional sense. While we are in favor of appropriate goals sometimes, they can often get in our own way. For example, a new year’s resolution to “go to the gym 3-5 times a week” is a worthy goal, but after a few weeks one may fall off of that and feel like a failure. The lists above are generated in such a way that there is no failure, only a possibility of turning idle time into activities that you have determined you want to do, and are very easily achievable.

In a way, we are all “cleaning out the drawers” of our lives, bit by bit, day by day, as we continue to grow, to learn, and to be in cooperation with others in life.

We’d love to hear about your lists and the cleaning out of your drawers over the coming months!

As always, thank you for continuing to read our Ka-tets and your partnership in life.

Stay well, stay curious, be adventurous!

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

Recently, Linda travelled out of state just after Thanksgiving and was amazed by the sudden transformation of house decorations where she landed. Then again, she noted that flying home on Monday (after Thanksgiving), it seemed as if a switch had been thrown and the orange, brown, and green of Thanksgiving became the red, green, and white of a totally different holiday. It gave her pause to think about our time, space, and mindfulness during this busy time of the year.

With those thoughts, what is the true nature of the season? Looking at history, Thanksgiving has its manufactured story of bringing disparate people together in harmony – the truth, as we all know, was not so civil. Despite that, it is a lovely concept that is practiced by many with good intent and can be a wonderful tradition. But how do we pause and hold onto that feeling of closeness and gratitude just a bit longer before we clean up the dishes and turn our attention to preparations for another holiday?

How do we slow what feels like the press forward? We seem to rush to get to one place, only to wrap that up and move on to another. Perhaps it is an addiction of sorts and the preparation compels us. Perhaps it has to do with expectations of ourselves and/or of others. Maybe it is just a habit fueled by commercialization. Whatever it is, it is the opposite of nature’s movement toward dormancy. When we are out of sync with nature, we should perhaps take that as a clue that we are going in the wrong direction.

Therefore, we invite you to purposefully take some time to pause during this season and reflect upon the intent of your celebrations. We invite you to pause, to think, to love, to appreciate, to give thanks, to remember, to pray, to be…to be still and let the dormancy work its magic.

Activity: What does the true meaning of your holiday celebration mean to you? How can you hold onto that as you prepare your activities? How might you experience dormancy as a time of needed stillness? As we think of gifting to others (and, yes, yourself) how can you include non-tangible gifts that are priceless such as a visit with a loved one, a call, a letter from the heart, and time to oneself for reflection?

We are so thankful to each of you who have been along with us on the TEO Ka-tet journey. During this season (and beyond), we send you love, peace, joy and grace. Take time to be still, to be dormant for just a bit. Pay attention to the wisdom and the rhythm of nature. She knows something that long precedes us.

Stay well, stay curious, and happy holidays!

Linda and Jim

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

We can all feel like we are at the end of someone else’s life at times. Some of you may feel that way much of the time. There are children, partners, employees, friends, salespeople, endless e-mail, etc. constantly tugging on us for our time. Days can go by where we really do not get a break from innumerable pulls for our time and attention. Certainly, setting some boundaries with others and with ourselves in terms of wanting to feel needed and in relation to social media can help. But there is something else with which we are playing. It begins with a simple question: For most days, what is it you need to do and/or experience to be able to honestly say, prior to turning for the evening, “That was a good day”, or, “There were moments of good in this day”?

For “taking back your day”, we suggest coming up with three to five things that you like to do and/or experience daily, with maybe a few back-up items. If one of your daily “must do” items is to take a walk in the woods, you may want to substitute that with something else on a day filled with dangerous storms. Perhaps you already have a routine or a set of rituals that make your day a good day, even when it has been a rough one.

Here are some ideas:

1.       Write a hand-written note to someone

2.       Spend time in nature

3.       Watch a sunrise or a sunset

4.       Walk the dogs

5.       Exercise

6.       Read something meaningful to you that touches your mind and heart

7.       Journal, perhaps on what you read

8.       Pray/meditate

9.       Review your core values and think how you might live those out better going forward

10.   Spend time doing something creative

11.   Call a friend with whom you have not spoken with for awhile

12.   Do some random act of kindness

We suggest, when possible, the best time to get your three to five things done is in the morning. The days get away from us quickly and, unless you have a space in the middle of your day, most people we know do these practices in the morning. We have heard though, that some carve out a bit of space, perhaps thirty minutes, when they walk in the door at the end of their workday to decompress and take back a bit of their day. Whatever time works for you is what is important.

It seems that many who have an early morning routine, especially one that does not include email, often get the day off to a good start. Whatever you do, doing it mindfully helps. One could make eating a bowl of cereal mindfully a very fulfilling ritual.

Activity: Take some time to really think through what is important to you to make a day yours. What three to five practices will you agree realistically to do daily. You can choose specific ones or a menu to give you variability. The key thing is that if you can check off three to five of these, you can say you have had a good day. Anything in addition, is just icing on the cake. Remember, this not a lifetime commitment, unless you want it to be. You can mix it up in any way that works for you.

For all the hours we may spend living on the end of somebody else’s life, we have to claim some time and space to ourselves for our own peace and well-being. This becomes all the more important during times when our circle of concern is so wide and when we feel anxious and out of control in regard to the future. Finding that space for our own rituals, routines, and small sacred moments then becomes essential for keeping us out of a panicky and reactive mode.

As holidays (and relatives) approach, finding a few precious moments in your day becomes even more precious – and important.

Stay well,

Jim and Linda

PS – Check out our new website below! Something that we have been wanting for a long time!

* Ka-tet - A group of people bound together by ka (destiny) for a sense of purpose. Credit: Stephen King from his novel, The Gunslinger.

TEO Ka-tet is the property of James Burke and Linda Pierce operating as TEOconsulting, LLC

https://teoconsulting.org/

Jim@teoconsulting.org

Linda@teoconsulting.org

We appreciate you and your continued interest in our newsletters.

We just refreshed the TEO website and are excited to show it to you. It can be found at:

https://teoconsulting.org/

In addition, in keeping with our last newsletter and with so much going on nationally, locally, and globally, Linda is offering a free guided forest therapy walk in Chesterfield County, VA on Saturday, October 26 from 9:30 - 11:30 AM. If you or anyone you know is interested, here is the Eventbrite link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/guided-forest-therapy-walk-tickets-1039493953397?aff=affiliate1

We hope you all are well,

Jim and Linda