you’re able to surrender to what’s there…what’s always been there.
This is a move out of content and a move into context.
In doing so we leave a tiresome spirit of wandering for the life-giving spirit of wonderment.
Ashton.Gustafson
Pause by the orchid. Listen to the bluebird sing. Be love.
Tag Archives: blog
Work
There’s something about work that is central to what we do.
Only recently, has it become – right or wrong – a reflection of who we are. Careful with that. I’m afraid, no I’m happy, that was never the intention.
When you think work, think story. And when you think story, think plot.
There’s a couple of ways to define plot:
1) A small piece of ground, generally used for a specific purpose: a garden plot.
2) To conceive and arrange the action and incidents of something.
Create a holy harmony of these two definitions and there you will have the definition of work. Also known as the intersection of where passion meets purpose and the formula for a good night’s sleep. Work is a purposeful garden.
Lastly, there’s a another way to approach the concept of work and that’s through the lens of the protagonist. Who is he? He’s the character in a story that knows what he wants and overcomes conflict to get it. He is the guy plotting his way towards a series of finish lines and victories that his muse has whispered.
It’s work being the protagonist isn’t it?
What Is and What Is Not Working or Choosing vs. Begging
Choosing is working.
Choosing to give. Choosing to serve. Choosing to lead.
Begging is not working.
And a beggar can’t be a chooser, right?
Success, music, art, and skill all sow their seeds in the soils of choice.
Many things are out of our control, but not our choices.
Choosing to sow > Begging for rain.
The Places We Want To Go and Small Things We Do
This week, let’s get out of our apps and into our moments. (You know the one’s I’m referring to here, right?)
A day with a destination in pursuit will only go so far with detours and dead ends.
Head up.
Eyes focused.
Hands working.
Soul engaged.
Now we’re getting somewhere.
Mid-Year Books and Summer Suggestions
If you’re looking for some reading this summer, here’s a few books I’ve read this year and would recommend. Enjoy.
On Looking
Alexandria Horowitz gives us all an elbowing nudge as a reminder of what we look over, look around, miss, and miss out on. You’ll see what I mean when you read her words.
Moonwalking With Einstein
You didn’t know there were such thing as mental athletes did you? This one takes some time and focus, but it’s a lovely peek into how our memory works (or how much we think we know at this time about the plumbing of the mind).
The Wisdom of Insecurity
Here’s the CliffsNotes: Anxiety is too much future in your presence and guilt and shame is too much past in your presence. Now > Then and There.
The Everything Store
A very interesting look behind the walls of a relentless company and relentless man, Jeff Bezos. They leave an empty seat in every corporate meeting as symbol of the customer being in the meeting and having a say. Love that.
Leonard da Vinci: Flights of the Mind
I left this book with two thoughts: 1) Genius is much more organic than we’ve been told and sold that it is. 2) Art is a three-way fight between man, mind, and soul.
The Innovator’s Dilemma
From here on out, here’s the winning business model: Where there’s peace, disturb it.
Memos from the Chairman
I’ll read this again and again. It’s hilarious and drills home the appreciation of the dollar, paper clips, and turning off the lights when you leave a room.
Uncertainty: Turning Fear and Doubt Into Brilliance
This book has probably moved into my top 20 list and is the perfect read for anyone that is about to graduate from school, looking to start something, take a chance, or go after a dream.
Ashton.Gustafson 