This one step ... choosing a goal and sticking to it . . . changes Everything.

May the light of peace and joy shine brightly upon you during this season of challenges, celebrations, and new beginnings.

The Art of Convening can also be called The Art of Deep Listening.

[repost from 2019] This is Thanksgiving holiday week In the US. November is also Native American Heritage Month. Family, friends and neighbors may be gathering. This week, we invite you to practice the art of deep listening, as a way to connect or reconnect in new ways. We offer 3 practices and 2 exercises. Let us know how it goes!

Holding Space for Difference: Responding vs. Reacting

Word of the day: equanimity [noun] equa·nim·i·ty | \ ˌē-kwə-ˈni-mə-tē
1: evenness of mind especially under stress
2: right disposition : BALANCE

Holding Space for Difference: Responding vs. Reacting

It's the day before a historic election of unprecedented disruption. As you practice holding space for peace, for presence, what are you learning?

Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace …

…why purpose is based in non-negotiable values. Expression of that purpose is a gift of authenticity and trust.

“Not knowing is a spiritual practice…”

“I’m in deep ‘don’t know’ about what is next in my life…”

But this Juneteenth is different. Can you feel it? ... Juneteenth, perhaps for the first time, is for all of us. 

In the midst of great disruption,

we are in the midst of a great social pivot.

As leaders, we have crucial choices:

“I Cannot Sell You This Painting.”

Artist Titus Kaphar on his George Floyd TIME Cover

Essential Conversations

We’re in it for the long haul, together.

A weekly Zoom gathering to set your purpose and intention as a leader in these times

We’ve had some remarkable sessions these past 10 weeks (list below), exploring topics that support being a leader who brings purpose, intention and presence.

Monday, May 18 marked the 10th week of meeting. Art of Convening graduate Kiron Dawkins & the Team of WestCOP SSVF spoke to “Heartful Leadership in the Heart of COVID-19.”

An Essential Guide to Convening Great Virtual Meetings

Overnight, virtual meetings have become the dominant way to keep people together. Virtual meetings don't have to be a waste of time. In fact, a well-convened virtual meeting can be as or more valuable than a face-to-face meeting.

It takes leadership and a commitment to innovation. Great virtual meetings with the Art of Convening methodology have vitality, energy, and end with committed, aligned action.

At a glance: I. The secret sauce is you! Who will you be in relationship with others?

gratitude changes everything

Revisiting 2 of the most popular posts from 2019:

11/26/19: “Thanks-living”
12/18/19: “2020: The Year of Gratitude. What are you grateful for?”

These inspired new friend and colleague Miracle Adebanjo to send me an article he had recently written for the Augsburg ECHO.