Being Point

Month: April 2009

  • Upset, Anger and Staying In Equanimity

    The opportunity for upset has presented itself more than normal, it seems, since we’ve been discussing equanimity this week.

    Last evening, a friend and I dined at a local restaurant on the ground floor of an office building in Brentwood. After dinner, we lingered to work on a project together. In the parking garage, we were told we owed the maximum day parking charge even though we had been validated for two hours. All this while other customers were leaving the parking lot and not being asked for their tickets at all.

    Interesting, huh, to want to stay calm and not be triggered by feelings of being treated badly as the parking attendant wouldn’t say his name, was taking down our license plate numbers, basically threatening us? What?

    We made a choice of equanimity: remaining centered, calling the manager and staying an extra 20 minutes until the situation was resolved.

    There were other choices: get really angry and leave without paying, pay and leave really angry, or pay and feel victimized. Upset was very tempting, but ultimately it would have been counterproductive.

    How do you handle upset at restaurants, banks, stores and the like? Are you able to hold on to equanimity? What kinds of experiences have you had where either the presence or the lack of equanimity had a significant impact on the outcome?

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Equanimity: One of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment

    Author Thich Nhat Hanh wrote: “The seven factors of enlightenment: mindfulness, investigation of mental objects, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration and equanimity.”

    Our culture has supported anything but equanimity with relentless commercials and pundits who label – often with polar opposites – everything and everyone. It has been difficult to simply maintain a relationship of peace to whatever occurs.

    We strive to be practical in our intention to support optimal results. Is equanimity practical? If so, how can it be maintained? If not, why not – and what is the next best choice after equanimity? What historical figure best embodies equanimity in your perception?

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Equanimity is the Ultimate Objectivity

    Practicing an attitude of equanimity is a huge strategic advantage in expanding the results you seek in life. Equanimity is a significant business and professional advantage because it has us make far better decisions than without it.

    Think of equanimity as the ultimate objectivity – a state of mind where you can simply ALLOW ANY situation that presents itself – without judging it as good or bad.

    Try it on. Think of a situation that *feels* good. Now, see if you can simply move to a place in your mind where the situation feels neither good nor bad.

    Now think of a situation that *feels* bad. Have the feeling, but allow yourself to view the situation with no emotion if you can. It just is. From that place, all actions are available.

    Equanimity promotes balanced thinking and supports wiser, better well-considered choices. How does observing the world with more equanimity appeal to you? How possible is it for you?

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Equanimity Is Avoiding the Roller Coaster

    Equanimity is one of the most important areas of study for understanding results. Generally, it means a state of calm and tranquility. I think about it as “not riding the roller coaster” of up and down feelings.

    How capable are you of living in a centered state of equanimity where you are able to observe “good” and “bad” things from a perspective of curious observer – rather than from being a victor or a victim of someone else or of outside circumstances?

    Who do you know who models a high degree of equanimity? What can you learn from that person? In what areas of your life would equanimity be most useful and welcome?

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Choosing Regeneration for Wholeness in Emotion and Spirit

    Isn’t it fascinating that we humans can spontaneously generate new skin, our fractured bones can heal themselves, and even an organ as complicated as the liver can regenerate under the right conditions. We can’t, of course, grow new fingers, arms or legs, but the regenerative biological capabilities that we have are amazing.

    Are there places in your life where you have healed over previous hurts and injuries . . . or where you’d like to heal completely? We humans can become increasingly aware of the regenerative capabilities that we have in the emotional and spiritual areas of our lives. The old saw that “time heals all wounds” reflects renewal – a return to a state of wholeness or complete wellness.

    At this season, no matter your spiritual or religious beliefs, consider how your life can be enriched by actively embracing deep feelings of renewal and leaving behind limiting perceptions that no longer serve the highest perception of you and others.

    Happy Passover! Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • The Active Cultivation of First Times As A Means of Renewal

    Renewal can result in feelings of optimism and expanded energy if we process information as though we are experiencing something for the first time. I’m a big fan of first times, and I actively cultivate memories of wonderful first times in my life. They are full of joy and possibility.

    To experience people, situations, places and things as though you are experiencing them for the first time is to be revitalized and, in a real sense, have your relationship to them be reborn. We have become so accustomed to processing situations as if they are always the same that we have missed the new-ness of each moment.

    Try this exercise: Say, “I am experiencing _______ for the first time. What are things about this situation that I have never noticed before? How can I make it better? What can I learn? Where do I best look from the perspective of beginner’s mind so that I can have a fresh relationship to life’s circumstances?”

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.


  • Annual Renewal Of Marriage Vows And Other Commitments

    A focus on renewal in key relationships can be fruitful. Psychologist Ken Dychtwal discussed in a recent article how he and his wife (married in 1983) renew their vows every year on their wedding anniversary . . . . in a different place and set of circumstances each year. They view it as an annual remarriage where they evaluate their needs and commitments.

    Revisiting original agreements to renew them is an enormously powerful antidote to the inertia that relationships of any kind can take on as years pass.

    Think about your key romantic and business partnerships. Could you be well-served by an annual renewal of the principles of partnership? What kind of magic might that produce? How else can you access the power of renewal? Can this kind of renewal be useful and practical even in client and vendor relationships?

    Here’s the link to Dr. Dychtwald’s post:
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ken-dychtwald/the-miracle-cure-for-what_b_183685.html

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Three Steps To Renewal

    How does one renew exactly? Three key steps:

    One: Realize that every moment is new. We can choose to drag in the baggage of the past, but we don’t have to. It’s renewing to learn and apply life’s lessons, but to leave out looking at the past with regret.

    Two: Ground yourself in what you really care about deep in your soul. Values like honor, integrity, joy, freedom, love. Promise yourself that you’ll be vigilant in living in ways that are consistent with those values.

    Three: Take action on your values . . . . knowing that you’ll make mistakes, but that being “perfectly imperfect” is the nature of the human condition.

    Accelerate the renewal with hope and optimism for the future.

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Renewal Means A New Beginning

    RENEWAL – our topic this week – is a great topic from both a business and personal perspective. Among the meanings of the word are: “to make as new,” “restore to new condition,” “renovate, rejuvenate, recreate, reestablish.”

    On a macro level, attempts are being made to renew our financial system. On a personal level, you may be actively engaged in renewing an aspect of your life. In any case, renewal happens best when it’s engaged with an open mind and heart.

    One can be very energized by the notion of “starting over” and making something “as good as new.” There can be tremendous energy from starting with a blank slate.

    Where in your personal life would a focus on renewal be the most productive . . . . and potentially the most rewarding and enjoyable? Where in your business and professional life can you envision the benefits of renewal?

    Copyright 2009. E. B. Hutt Bush and Coaching for Results, Inc.

  • Rock Star Hopes For Change On A Global Level

    Two nights ago, I attended an event at the new Grammy Museum featuring Tom Morello (guitarist for Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine and in his solo incarneration, “The Nightwatchman”). He was interviewed for an hour on stage and then he played six songs alone with his acoustic guitar.

    Tom blends politics and music. He talked about how he went to Harvard (unusual for a rock star) with the stated intention of “steeling himself” to be a force for positive change. He talked of his hopes and how they matured over time . . . . and how his hopes had to mature with him.

    How do your hopes compare to your hopes in your late teens? How have your hopes changed? What have you given up on, left behind, abandoned? Are there areas where your hope is as strong or stronger than ever?

    How big are your hopes? How do you view people who live out their hope for change on a global level?