Sunday, October 31, 2010

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 31, 2010

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Self-Reliance.

This feeds in well with Choice (our Theme), because a great choice to make is to be able to be self-reliant. (This does not mean to ignore help, but to be able to stand up on your own two feet when needed).

Weekly Theme: Week of 10/31 to 11/06/2010

The Theme for this Week is Choice.

We all have choice, even when we don't think we do. I recommend an intellectual exercise to try, next time you think, "I have no choice, I have to ____ [fill in the blank]". See if you can look at the situation, as if for the first time. With that view, you may well see that there are more than one alternative. Of course, it's possible that some of these choices are so much less pleasant than the others, that they seem to be not a choice at all. However, I feel a lot freer, saying, "I perceive five choices, but only one seems practical at this moment", than I do, saying, "I have no choice".

One place to look for choices is in the upcoming United States Midterm Election. Both political parties talk about the importance of jobs. However, one of them seems much less likely to be able to deliver those jobs. (Hint: Look at the voting pattern for the bills that have come up, directly having to do with job creation. One party is extremely consistent, but in the wrong direction!)

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 30, 2010

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Expansion.

We all expand and contract in many ways. The most notable way is breathing. Another way is financially. How about via our diet? (And there lies one example of where expansion is not always considered better than contraction). But one to pay attention to is spiritual expansion.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Words for the Day: Friday, October 29, 2010

The two Words for Today (Friday) are Trust and Faith.

To tie this with our Themes (Transition and Transformation), there are lots of times where we do not know the destination of these changes. In other words, either we demonstrate some measures of trust and/or faith, or we try to micro-manage the Universe, in effect, trying to force the issue to something we think we want.

That said, remember that Trust must be earned, and Faith should not be blind.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 28, 2010

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Gratitude.

This ties to our themes in an interesting way, as these transitions often occur, due to actions of other people. Some of those transitions feel good, and will be appreciated, but others may not. But I have found out, sometimes surprisingly, that the transitions that were initially unwanted can turn out to have gifts we didn't take into consideration.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Equality.

The best way to couple this with our theme (Transition and Transformation) is that there is equal opportunity for change of all kinds. (However, note that not all change feels good).

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 26, 2010

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Prudence.

To tie this to our themes, it is good to transform and transition prudently.

One more thing about Prudence: It is a very practical word.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Word for the Day: Monday, October 25, 2010

The Word for Today (Monday) is Innocence.

I can think of a humorous reference between this word (and its opposite) and the themes for this week. Transformation works better with innocence, but the guilty can transition quickly.

One thing for sure: If approaching life with innocence, change is more likely to be welcomed.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Forgiveness.

This word goes well with our themes, as both transitions and transformations can make us look different to those who know us. Often, they liked (or, at least were used to) what we were in the past, and might be a bit afraid of the changes they see.

I know this one quite painfully. And there have been multiple people I've forgiven for this, including myself. (Yes, don't forget that you can forgive yourself, folks!)

Weekly Themes: Week of October 24 - 31, 2010

The two Themes for this Week are Transition and Transformation.

The times when two words or themes exist, the "lesser" one seems to come first, with a more "exalted" one after it. For example, we all go through transitions periodically, through our lives, but to transform seems to require a process of letting go of what we were (only to frequently find out that we didn't actually lose much in the process). One saying I've heard periodically is, "What you resist, persists". In other words, resistance can delay transformation.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 23, 2010

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Authenticity.

This ties in with our Themes (Precipitation and Initiation) in multiple ways. First off, it's obvious that a project is best if it is authentic, meaning not based on untruths. (I left a computer job once, when told that employees were being told to lie to customers, regarding support of their computer type). Another way Authenticity goes with projects is if you were authentic about, say, your qualifications to work on this project. (In other words, don't pad your Resume).

Friday, October 22, 2010

Word for the Day: Friday, October 22, 2010

The Word for Today (Friday) is Interpretation.

One form of Interpretation is translation. For example, translating legalese or computerese into English. Or helping in the understanding of "texting acronyms".

In the metaphysical and spiritual fields, we all may need, at some times or other, to interpret symbols we get, for example in dreams, into our own language.

Finally, you have a big advantage in the job market, if you know more than one language.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Word for Today (Thursday) is Socialization.

It took me a bit of time to figure out how this ties in with this week's Themes (Precipitation and Initiation), but then is hit me: We can't always do these projects alone. Being with other people makes it easier to share details of our projects with each other. We can get suggestions, or even offers for help. If the project is official, social contact could even help us find new employees.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Concentration.

This ties in well with our Themes (Precipitation and Initiation), as a project (however started) goes better, when those on it spend time concentrating on the steps needed for its completion.

One general variation on concentration is true listening, where you are concentrating on what is actually being said, rather than simply waiting for your chance to speak.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Acceptability.

I just noticed that the last two Words (Sharing [Sunday] and Generosity [Monday]) can lead to greater acceptability. It doesn't always work out that way, but I like it when it does.

There is a tie-in with our Themes (Precipitation and Initiation), as projects started either way should be tested for acceptability. (For example, "Is the project constructive, or destructive?")

Above all, take steps to be acceptable to yourself.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Word for the Day: Monday, October 18, 2010

The Word for Today (Monday) is Generosity.

This ties in with our theme, as projects progress better with generosity. For example, employees perform better to generous employers, even when they are mainly generous with their time and energy.

Here's a good idea: Perform a random act of generosity today.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Sharing.

This ties in well with the two themes for this week, as an important part of most any project is Sharing, whether that project was dropped into your lap (precipitation), or consciously started (initiation).

Weekly Theme: Week of October 17 - 23, 2010

The two Themes for this Week are Precipitation and Initiation.

We all know about Precipitation, when it concerns weather: Water from the air. However, when tied to our personal lives, it can also mean a project that simply "falls into our lap", sometimes seemingly from the sky, like rain might. But there is a second word to this week's theme, Initiation, which is related to the word "initiative", as in "I am initiating a project this week".

One thing to keep in mind: Projects often seem to be easier to initiate, than to complete.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Words for the Day: Saturday, October 16, 2010

The two Words for Today (Saturday) are Overview and Perspective.

These both tie in with our weekly theme (Discovery), Overview before, as a part of Discovery, and Perspective after the fact, as gaining perspective on a newly-learned topic is often important, to limit a phenomenon called "Jumping to Conclusions", which can cause conversational difficulties, if attempting to describe the topic with others, who are already learned about the topic. (In my personal life, it has gotten bad enough, where the other person is worried about which medications I am taking).

Please note another word for Overview: the Executive Summary.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Word for the Day: Friday, October 15, 2010

The Word for Today (Friday) is Reflection.

I see the connection with Discovery (the Theme) as being after the fact: When you discover something, look deeply at it, as if through a mirror. In other word, look at all facets of the discovery.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Word for the Day: Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Word for today (Thursday) is Study.

This ties in with Discovery very well, as a lot of things are found during study sessions. If a book, it is stronger than simple reading, and can suggest looking things up from other sources. In this way, multiple sources can be put together into a derivative work that can be original.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Absorption.

This ties in perfectly with Discovery (our theme), as discovery goes well with Observation Mode. In other words, absorb what is going on around you. Two common saying are, "Keep your eyes and ears open" and, "Live and learn".

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Review.

This ties in with Discovery (our theme) quite well, as it is always good to review what others have discovered, before making our own, new discoveries.

Monday, October 11, 2010

Word for the Day: Monday, October 11, 2010

The Word for Today (Monday) is Experimentation.

This word ties in with our theme quite well, as Experimentation is a great road to Discovery.

Have fun, but be careful to not break the glassware.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 10, 2010

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Recognition.

The first thing I recognize is an unusual date: 10/10/10.

On a more helpful note, recognize those who help you.

Weekly Theme: Week of October 10 - 16, 2010

The Theme for this Week is Discovery.

This is such an important word, that there is even a television channel called Discovery.

Please note that this Theme has flavors of both the Artisan and Scholar Essence Roles.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Resolve.

This is either a noun ("Let's not lose our resolve") or a verb ("I resolve to clean my room"). How about both? ("I resolve to not lose my resolve" sounds good to me!)

Friday, October 8, 2010

Word for the Day: Friday, October 8, 2010

The Word for Today (Friday) is Courage.

First off, tying this to our weekly theme, Location matters. Really! It's much easier to be courageous if you are in a comfortable location, than, for example, if you see a tiger charging at you.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Words for the Day: Thursday, October 7, 2010

The Words for Today (Thursday) are Strength and Empowerment.

To tie this to Location (our Theme), if a place is comfortable, and you feel relatively safe, this could be a place of empowerment, as it's hard to feel in charge if you are edgy or jumpy (for example, if you are hearing unusual sounds). Get grounded first, before doing strength training or yoga.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Word for the Day: Wednesday, October 6, 2010

The Word for Today (Wednesday) is Competence.

I've said it before: "Are you competent to be yourself?" That is not as funny as it seems, because an example of what would lead to incompetence is being drunk. (Friends might say something like, "You don't seem yourself these days. What's wrong?")

Be yourself.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Word for the Day: Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Word for Today (Tuesday) is Endurance.

Tying this to Location (theme), some locations are easier to Endure than others. Take living environments: A comfortable house or apartment is much easier to endure than a sleeping bag at a freeway overpass.

As for endurance training, I prefer yoga.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Word for the Day: Monday, October 4, 2010

The Word for Today (Monday) is Fertility.

Looking at Location (our Theme), the "usual" definition of Fertility comes to mind, as some locations are better than others: For example, the bedroom is a better location than, say, an elevator (or lift) at an office building.

One more thing: Fertility can have other contexts, like, for example, a fertile imagination.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Word for the Day: Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Word for Today (Sunday) is Stability.

This goes very well with Location (the Theme), as a Stable Living Environment helps a person to be comfortable, and effective in the world.

Weekly Theme: Week of October 3 - 9, 2010

The Theme for this Week is Location.

Do you know where you are? This may seem to be a simple (and/or dumb) question, but there are subjective locations, as well as physical ones (for example, Seattle). In fact, in spiritual literature, a very good answer to, "Where are you", can be, "Here".

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Word for the Day: Saturday, October 2, 2010

The Word for Today (Saturday) is Release.

This is usually seen as a lever, for example, a release lever. Going back to the theme, we can release our Imagination, to create the Compositions that make up the rest of our lives.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Word for the Day: Friday, October 1, 2010

The Word for Today (Friday) is Aspiration.

Tying this to our themes, it's back to school time: Aspire to write the best Composition. Aspire to cultivate the most effective Imagination you can.

In other words, aspire to the highest.