Applied Serendipity: June 5
A look at how I’ve used Applied Serendipity in my own life lately:
CARE: I love creeks, and here am standing by the creek that runs through our forest. Last year I started taking creek walks in the actual creek. It’s meditative and magical to hear the sounds of the water, birds, and wind and see the shoreline of trees, stumps, moss, and rock. I love the idea that you never step into the same creek twice—once you set foot into it, you’ve changed the flow of water. Flow, mystery, formlessness. As Bruce Lee said, “Be like water.”
PREPARE: We’ve had very little rain in the past few weeks - we’re in what New York State Department of Environmental Conservation calls a normal drought under the drought index, where voluntary conservation of water is requested. There are 4 levels of drought beyond this. Now that I raise bees and have planted gardens and an orchard, I’m much more connected to nature and aware of weather. Concerned about the young trees we planted in the orchard, I just ordered watering bags as an efficient way for the trees to get through this dry spell and establish healthy roots.
SHARE: I spent the day in the Finger Lakes yesterday with two friends whom I’ve known for 25+ years. We met as Moms and our children and families have grown up together. Now that we’ve raised our kids we’re pursuing new interests. One is accomplished pilot, the other paints and became certified as a yoga instructor. They’re fearless women who take on challenges and enjoy life, while still being the heart and soul of their families.
AWARE: We’re in a challenging time in the economy and it’s unsettling. Those of us who’ve been around have experienced business cycles of ups and downs - but many of our kids have only seen ups. People act differently when times are tough and money is at stake. It’s easy to be generous and bullish when money is flowing and asset prices are high. Generosity and optimism in times of weakness are much harder and require a deeper character. It’s hard to watch our kids live in this transactional world and experience the harsh realities of human nature. But that is part of life and part of growing and learning.
DARE: A colleague shared a book recommendation that really resonated with the message I share with people I coach and in talks I give—The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women’s Dead End Work. Women (especially) must dare to say yes to themselves and no to things that won’t make a difference. If this strikes a chord, please check out this book for its important message.