Issue No. 20August 2010
This Babe Is Balanced!
Dear Friends of Balancing Act,
Age of Miracles Book Cover  
Where did "the lazy days of" summer go?  I sure didn't run into many.

As I confessed in my latest column, I underestimated big time the complications of converting from a PC to a MacBook. The scramble to find files and learn a new system added a whole new layer of confusion.

As always when life is a little harried, I find the best way to get back in balance is  to slow down and become an observer.  

The other day, I watched the ultimate balancing act:  my granddaughter Taylor learning to walk. With her parents out for an anniversary dinner, I got to  witness just how this balancing thing works for a  very careful - but very determined - young lady. 
This babe is balanced! We could learn a thing or two from her as we set out to balance our own lives.

If the dog is still eating your planner, take a tip from another recent house guest here, my granddog Winston, a guy who really knows how to relax. Or try adding some silence - a powerful de-stresser - to your life, and focus on three simple questions that could make your life  - and everyone else's - happier.  

                                            Pat
  

      

One Balanced Babe
 

Taylor following her passion
Taylor Joy Walking
The deck was long, and George, that long-haired gray cat, was sitting smugly at the other end. Taylor, who  had been holding tentatively to a deck rail and edging her way along, suddenly caught sight of the cat.


She got a look in her eye. She wanted that cat. She wanted him now.


Suddenly, all the inhibitions about walking, the fear of falling, the quick sitdown to avoid it, melted away. And off she went! 


Taylor was in a state that happiness researchers call "flow." She was fully absorbed, toddling toward her passion, and in that moment perfectly balanced.


Connecting with what gives life meaning can do that for us, too.  It can create a state of balance that goes beyond the mathematics of color-coding our calendars and dividing our time.


As for the cat, he managed a perfectly balanced leap off the deck.

Or try a snooze.... 


Winston on laundry day
I would be remiss if I didn't give equal time to Winston, my pug granddog, as  a teacher of life balance.


If there is reincarnation, we all want to come back as Winston. He is sensitive, wise, and sublimely happy. Winston does not apologize for the occasional need to go into a meditative state, either on the arm of the couch or, on laundry day, securely warm between layers of sheets and towels. 


He awakens refreshed, alert to every passing squirrel and ready for another serving of steamed beans, poached chicken and kibble. Winston is the poster child for the power nap.

Power of Silence
 

scales

This month, I had the privilege of attending a "meditation dinner" in the tradition of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hahn. The instruction was to eat slowly and in silence, taking time to savor every mouthful and appreciate the natural world that brings us food and the human hands that prepare it. 


During dessert (when the silence was lifted),we shared our amazement at the opportunity to appreciate tastes and textures we usually rush past.  We also enjoyed some readings by Thich Nhat Hahn.


Here's a formula he's said to have recommended for overcoming negativity and achieving happiness:

Limit your words for  one month to these three sentences (which can be repeated as often as you like): 

1. Is there anything I can do to help you?

2. Did you like what I did to help you?

3. Would you have any suggestions that I could do it better?


The likely result?  More happiness for yourself and others.



Leash Law No. 20: Helicopter Parenting - NOT! 
 
timepieces
 
If you're days away from dropping that student at college, this law's for you....

If you're inclined to be too involved in your college student's life, tell your friends and ask them to make like a helicopter every time they see you swooping down. "I disagree!" you will say, explaining why this time you must get involved. "Au contraire!" they will say. And on and on. By senior year, you will have properly disengaged. Or alienated your children and all your friends.
 
Ths is one of 74 leash laws offered in "The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life."  
 
 
Copyright 2010 Pat Snyder
In This Issue
Some Balancing Tips
One Balanced Babe
Or Try A Snooze
Or The Power Of Silence
Leash Law
First Laughter Webinar
Quick Links

NSA logo

PAT DOES
LAUGHTER BY
WEBINAR!

Pat made World Laughter Tour history this month when she conducted the first in-house laughter exercises via webinar.

 At Nationwide Insurance, some home office employees gathered for her on-site laughter exercises while others, who had registered for the webinar version, watched her Power Point on the benefits of laughter from their offices and were invited to sing along to the Laughter National Anthem, with the lyrics on their computer screens, and listen to the exercise instructions.

For a demo of the exercises in action, webinar participants were invited to watch the YouTube demonstration of exercises on her website. On-site participants, like those caught above in the blur of laughter greetings and zany motions, joined the action in the traditional way.

"I love the potential for this," Pat said. "Think of all the employees out there who could laugh along from their desks and cubes!" 

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PAT ON W CONNECTION
 ADVISORY TEAM

Pat's joined the advisory team for the W Connection, a new national resource for widows based on the concept of "Widows Helping Widows."

Launched this year by two NYC widows, Ellen Kamp and Dawn Nargi, the W Connection envisions a national network of organizations run by widows who are passionate about helping other widows with the healing process. More information is available at The W Connection's website.

This work is consistent with Pat's speaking around the topic of humor and healing in the grief process ("Good Grief. Why Am I Laughing At A Time Like This").


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BUY DOGS IN PACKS!

 
All Star Award

Does your business serve an "overbooked" clientele that needs some help laughing away the chaos in their lives?

If your clients are overbooked but don't own a Dog, they are actually under-booked.

 
The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life is now available at bulk rates in quantities of 25 or more as a corporate gift or premium product.

Contact Pat for details.


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  STILL BOOKING

LIFE BALANCE 

PRESENTATIONS!!

 
Blue M&M
       
Pat's taking bookings now for  life balance speeches and workshops,  writing workshops, and laughter programs, all described on her website.
 
 
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