Time to Trust

The more I read, the more I speak with colleagues, friends and family, the more I observe in the shops and markets … the more convinced I am that it is time to trust - again.

We witnessed a perfect storm of greed, denial and lack of transparency that has left us in a state of paralysis. We are afraid to step out and take action or risk. How could we? Many have lost jobs, homes, portfolios and prospect of early retirement. For those who may not have tangible losses or for whom standard of living is not threatened are still stymied by the pervasive message of fear and doom.

I believe we co-created this dynamic. And, only we can get us out of it.

We could blame our leaders – or even the system – for hiding or manipulating the truth. That’s easy, but it offers no solution. We, as a society, invited greed by too often believing in the incredible – that which exists only in our minds. And, even with sure tell signs that our greed was getting the better of us, we stayed in denial, hanging on to the mirage as a safe way to avoid reality.

So, we’re faced with the consequences. And, we simply don’t know whom to trust. We’re even finding it hard to trust ourselves. And, I believe that’s where it starts: with each of us.

We can accept this as our fate - and watch the forces continue to cripple us; or, we can choose to reignite our powerful imaginations and rebuild. I know there must be a “silver lining” in the cloud that I helped produce. For me, it is to be stay centered and conscious in reality without losing my vision or giving up on my dreams. In that spirit, I can trust myself - and, all those who trust themselves.

As we inaugurate our 44th President and usher in a new era, it’s a good time to trust.

Passion rules!

Barry Kaplan

Another Birthday!

I turned 55 today. Whoa!

In my head I don't feel 55, but my body sure tells me a different story - bald spots, sore joints, wrinkles, gray hair everywhere and an expanding waist - it all seems to be shifting to my belly - that sucks!

I'm much more aware of the passage of time. How fast it goes and just how precious time is. One day your born......then you die.

When I was watching the USAir story on CNN yesterday, I felt a chill in my body. I've taken that USAir flight from LaGuardia to Charlotte. I fly USAir all the time. I take for granted that each time I fly, I will get to my destination. The reality is....there is no guarantee, no certainty.

So this story was another reminder for me to be aware that ----- my gift of life is NEVER to be taken for granted ------- That instead of feeling older at 55 - to appreciate living for 55 years - to appreciate my life experiences - and to appreciate each moment I continue to experience. 

So thanks for listening - it helps to get this in writing and to share it!

Until next time - Passion Rules!!

John

Truth be Told

Truth. The naked truth. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. What is it about Truth that we labor at masking - only to later painfully unveil?

We withhold the truth ostensibly to protect the innocent from getting hurt, yet often we carry residual guilt each time we leave truth behind.

Truth can hurt, but ultimately untruths have even more unintended consequences that become uncontrollable and unpredictable.

Truth divides. Truth unites. Truth tells all. Truth liberates. Truth heals wounds like no other antidote. Truth frees us from cloaks of secrecy that hold us back from growing.

When I tell a lie, I get a pit in my stomach. Unless, of course, it’s a big lie; then, I develop heaviness in my chest. I can expel either blockage just by speaking my truth. Why is it so difficult to tell the truth?

What pain we go through and countless energy we expend to wrap the truth in layers of lies.

Born innocent and free, we begin life with our whole truth. Over time, we learn how to hide behind the truth – out of fear, convenience, embarrassment or shame. When we hide our Truth, we end up blocking our true essence from which our power can never be unleashed.

When I see another for his truth, I honor the person fully.
Imagine if we told our truth in the boardroom and the bedroom – to our customers and suppliers; to our kids and parents … to ourselves.

The truth is so difficult, we legislate it. When we give testimony in a court of law, we’re asked to “solemnly swear to tell the truth”. And, folks go to jail every day for perjury.

What about the half-truth: does that mean half-lie?

So the reality of our world is that we pack lots of lies hidden behind a closet full of masks. I believe these lies clog the pipes of pure flow: communication; commerce; creativity and innovation; and even love. If we choose to unclog those pipes, we invite flow back into our lives.

I know that I choke myself with lies. I also know that I can choose to breathe with truth.

Truth connects me with my inner divine. I feel most spiritually connected when I have reveled in my Truth.

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce said it succinctly: “It does not require many words to speak the truth.”

Nothing compares to the unarmed truth. Truth resonates in every cell of our body and enlightens us deep in our souls; truth that reminds us that our essence is … love.

Passion rules!

Barry Kaplan