What is your body saying?

It's not just about body language.  It's about being attuned to the way our bodies speak to us.

This last week I overdid it a bit with four across-country flights and time with eleven different groups and individuals.  By the time I flew home, my body was talking to me...

"You've been stressed.  Holding all kinds of emotional and challenging stories from others.  Being "on."  When will you rest?"

The truth is, my body knows that I have a ten-day break before getting back in a plane.  It was prepared to do whatever it took to get me to rest.  And so, what started as a little stuffy nose morphed into three days spent in bed hacking and blowing and feeling lousy.  I'm better today but certainly not 100%.

The whole scene is frustratingly familiar.  I write checks my body doesn't want to cash.  I push.  I crash.  And then, I start feeling better, forget about how lousy it was, and off I go.  Wash.  Rinse.  Repeat.

I wonder how it serves me to stay in this cycle? 

As opposed to what?

Great idea!  Let's do it!  I'm In!  The enthusiasm builds as the group lands on a course of action.  And then, I smash it.

"So, you're going to do that as opposed to what?" 

Blank stares.  Angry stares.  "What do you mean, as opposed to what?"

"Well, it seems like any time we pick a course of action, or a strategic path to follow, it's a good idea to recognize that every step we take is a choice.  And so, it might be good to think about your choice in light of some other course of action you have not chosen, or that you are ruling out by the choice you are making."

Groan.

I love my work. 

Onward!

V

What Did I Learn?

"As a marketing professional by day, I recall a presentation I led a few years back. I gave a marketing 101 course to colleagues in the non-profit sector—and the day after, a mentor I greatly respect asked me, "So, what did you learn?"

I was a little thrown off.  I asked myself, "What does he mean what did I 'learn?' After all, I gave the presentation! Shouldn't the question be 'What did THEY learn?'"

Vince asked me again, "So, what did YOU learn?"

I get it now. It's about being consistently curious and learning something about ourselves in everything we do. From that day forward, "What did I learn?" has become a question I've asked myself countless times - nearly daily. It's applicable to professional work, family life...and yes, my career as a professional magician. It's especially revealing when you ask this after you TEACH someone something, because even when we are on the teaching side, we are learning too!

Try it. Be curious. Learn on the go. Grow."

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Thanks John.

Onward!

From good friend and magician John Guastaferro... Click for his website.