June News from The Transitions Coach

I don't know about you, but there are some people, tasks and events that show up in my life that feel challenging to deal with.

If I asked you right now, "what makes life hard?" it would probably be easy for you to list out all the ways life can be difficult. You might have health or family issues, financial debt or strained relationships. Personally, I've been struggling with caring for an elder parent, the associated financial obligations of doing so, and with committing to a meditation practice that really serves me.

But if I asked "what makes life easy for you?" you might have a dramatically different experience. Recently, I asked myself that question, and looked closely at my life and the ease that is present, when I invite it...

Life is easy for me, when I bring ease to it, when I give my gifts, when I come from my passion. Tasks are easier to accomplish and projects are easier to complete when I'm in partnership with someone who shares my commitment to get it done. I'm less stressed and more satisfied when I set my intention on the "who and how" I am going to be in that moment.

When we simply declare that ease can be created in any (even our own particular) situation, and then connect with the attitudes, thoughts and intentions which will support bringing ease to the situation, it's amazing what we can experience.

Now you may be thinking "That's all fine and well when I'm doing the things I LOVE to do, but what about when the task challenges every fiber of my being? When I'm trying to find out what's wrong with my child? When I'm filing for bankruptcy? When I bury a loved one?" The most difficult of these situations, I believe, are when we feel wronged, victimized, or simply caught in the spiral of depression. Please understand, this practice is offered not in lieu of professional help.

However, I find that sometimes, not always, we humans have a tendency to make a situation more difficult because we grasp onto a commonly held assumption about the human experience: "This shouldn't be happening to me." This is one of the most challenging beliefs of all, the actual root of all suffering. But when we begin to practice our ability to be (and stay) with what IS occurring, we naturally have more access to being satisfied and fulfilled with our lives.

Sounds simple, but it's not always "easy." Sometimes it's easier to NOT relinquish our need to suffer, to hold onto the drama, to tighten our muscles when facing a stressful situation. But with practice and a gentle mindfulness we find eventually the ease is what comes as a result... the sweet fruit of presence, of acceptance and surrender.

What would ease look like in your life? And how will you create ease today?

That was easy,
Lori Darley
The Transitions Coach

Why Should YOUR Organization Engage the Transitions Coach?

Your organization is already values driven. Your vision and mission are clear and for the most part, as the company's leader, you are satisfied with the results. But it still feels like something's missing.

Perhaps you've wrestled with some of these questions and issues...

I'm a very employee-friendly company but I find the results I need to grow to the next level aren't coming as quickly as I'd like. How do I lead collaboratively AND get the results I need to grow the business?
Everyone talks about accountability and responsibility, but I've never been able to train our team to willingly and authentically take ownership of results. How do I do that?
Even though we're values driven, we still struggle with people needing to be right rather than being effective. How do I support my team in making a shift from being survival-focused to commitment-focused?
How do I work with the generational, cultural and racial differences within my team?
When circumstances in the market start to take their toll, how do I get back on track?
I'm working non-stop and I feel it's all resting on my shoulders. Is "balance" real or is it a myth?

Most corporate development programs focus on the "how-to's" and while they may make a difference, I believe something else is required.
To read more, click here.

Illuminations & Ruminations
More thoughts on Choosing Ease & Flow

"People spend too much time finding other people to blame, too much energy finding excuses for not being what they are capable of being, and not enough energy putting themselves on the line, growing out of the past, and getting on with their lives." - J. Michael Straczynski

"To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life." -Baruch Spinoza

"Stress is a result of imbalance between silence and activity." - Gerry Thomas

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not one bit simpler." - Albert Einstein

The Transitions Coach "Road Show"
Not a road show, per se, but I'd love to speak to your group!

One of my greatest passions in life is speaking to groups, large and small. Whether your group needs a keynote speaker, a panel member or a workshop facilitator, I would love to discuss the opportunity of being able to contribute to your upcoming meeting or conference.

To find out more about booking me as a speaker, please email me.

Who is the Transitions Coach?

Lori founded The Transitions Coach in 1998 and has coached organizations from multi-national corporations to entrepreneurial ventures and individuals in non-profits, manufacturing, financial services, management consulting, commercial real estate and the arts. Lori received her coach training from David Zelman, founder of the Transitions Institute, where she also serves as faculty. She is a member of the International Association of Coaches.

Lori Darley is a Certified Somatic Coach and Associate for the Strozzi Institute, where she received her certification. Over the last 25 years, she has trained in a variety of backgrounds, developing specialized training techniques to support her clients in reaching peak performance through dynamic communication, conflict resolution and leadership skills.

I would love to know what you think of this newsletter, and in particular, any feedback, questions or responses you might have to its content. Please feel free to email me at the link below.

With gratitude,

Lori Darley
The Transitions Coach