The other morning I was pondering happiness-what defines it, do we create it or does it just happen?, and the pursuit of it. I decided to check out of what most might consider the primo pursuit-my work, my "job", that which brings me money-and spend some time outdoors, where I tend to gain, if not happiness, at least a sense of grounding and connection to a higher source.

It was a beautiful day, and the normally dry hills behind my house were lush with verdant green life from the abundance of monsoon rains we have gotten this year. The whole high desert seemed to be smiling with happiness. Ocotillo are fat, fresh green leaves shading the normally visible sharp thorns. Prickly Pear is hosting plump fruit ready for harvesting. A plethora of vines crawl across the gravel trail way and several varieties of grasses were swaying in the breeze. Wildflowers dot the landscape with contrasting colors of purple, yellow, pink and white.

The critters were quite prolific as well. Crickets and cicada's of extraordinary color combinations were everywhere, all seeking the next plant to nibble on to satisfy their momentary pursuit of happiness. An unidentified, and rather fat, snake slithered away as I approached a wash, still moist from yesterdays rain. A Horny Toad basked in the sunlight, oblivious to my presence. As a sat under a tree hummingbirds danced above me.

Not everyone who passes through here is able to relish in the natural beauty, for they are on a different pursuit of happiness. I live 3 miles from the Mexico border, and these hills are the passing grounds of UDA's -otherwise known as Undocumented Aliens, as if they were from Mars or something. One area is strewn with clothes, backpacks, toothbrushes, deodorant sticks, kids shoes and various other personal items-left behind to presumably lighten their load, or perhaps the Coyote's require they not carry anything for the next leg of their journey. These journey's they embark on are dangerous, physically challenging, and often life threatening. All in the pursuit of a new happiness. Each time I come upon one of these area's my heart fills with compassion for the people who pass through here and I feel immensely grateful for the abundant life I live, where I am able to freely pursue that which I choose to determine my happiness.

As I sat under the tree, I looked out upon the tailing remains of copper mining in this area. This huge mountain in and of itself obscenely exemplifies how one man's pursuit can severely impact the lives of others. The miners received little pay for their hard work, while the mining company made away with a pretty bundle, leaving the earth raped and destroyed. I wondered how my own pursuits might effect others.

As the day got warmer, and the afternoon thunderheads began to build I wandered slowly back home (and to my work). As I pondered serious questions about my own happiness at this time in my life, it occurred to me how vast is the definition of happiness, and that we all set about our pursuits in a kaleidoscope of possibilities. My happiness might raise someone else's eyebrows, while someone else's pursuits raise compassion and wonder in me, as the many critters, plant beings, and humans that pass through this landscape do.

What brings you happiness? How do you pursue it? Are you living a life of Whole Health by understanding what brings you happiness and actively pursuing it? What happens when you don't? These questions are excellent for long walks in the hills-feel free to leave your computer now and get out there to find out for yourself!

This morning I was all ready for a great day of work, and was diligently working on a newsletter that I provide on a weekly basis for my coaching clients. Somewhere along the line I managed to leave the page I was on, and when I returned, all my hard work was gone.

Ya know the straw that broke the camels back?? This was one of those moments. I lost all my work, and then...., I lost it. I kicked and screamed and let the fury of the moment course through my body. Good thing a neighbor was running a very loud weed-wacker, otherwise neighbors would have been very worried about what was going inside my house!

Somehow, this little techno snafu sent me into emotional oblivion. Were my stars not lined up correctly, or is Mar's in retrograde? Maybe menopausal hormones are to blame. Whatever the case, it was quite a visit to the emotional realms of a day gone seriously wrong.

Later in the day, after tears that wouldn't stop and a heart that couldn't be soothed, I had to pull it together for a client's visit. I took a few moments to clear away the negative, heavy energy that swirled around me, knowing that no matter what was going on for me, it was important to be totally present for my client. Luckily, it was a client I love working with-a young womyn who is strongly stepping into her power. Her journey is a gift to witness. During the session we laughed a lot as she excitedly shared with me all of the past weeks wins.

Sometimes life is like that. We get the juice we need to carry on in the most unexpected places. Celebrating her wins helped me to reconnect to the joy of life and realize that things could be a lot worse than losing a bunch of words. Maybe they weren't the right words that my clients needed to receive. Maybe whatever does come out next will be the real healing balm, or point of inspiration, that they really do need. I don't know. I just know that somehow I was beginning to feel better.

In the midst of her session a huge thunderstorm came roaring through, bringing torrents of rain, loud thunder and cracks of lightening. Talk about shifting and cleansing the energy !! The funny thing? I was writing about the healing virtues of nature when I initially "lost" it all earlier in the day!! Just goes to show you that even coaches are human and sometimes reach the end of their ropes. I'm grateful that I am able to experience my feelings, feel them and eventually release them. What a journey it is, eh?

It's raining again and somehow I am ready to re-tackle that project that sent me over the edge this morning. I think I will go stand in the rain first and let it completely wash away all my sorrows of this day just to make sure!!

Relationships. You can't live with them, and you can't live without them! Whether it is a lover, a friend, a parent, a sibling, or a co-worker, relationships often challenge us in the practices of compassion, patience and non-judgement.

I've been thinking a lot about what I call the "Dance of Relationships" this past week, and I've been dancing hard! How about you? Would you consider your relationship dances something along the line of the sultry and seductive salsa, or more like a two step that has you tripping over your own feet, or perhaps a sweet waltz?

Within the realm of Whole Health, relationships are a primary category of consideration. They are often where we get stretched and pulled the most, where we bump up against our deepest issues, and where the mirrors get held up for us to be able to look honestly at ourselves. They can be frustrating, infuriating, challenging and maddening. They can also be beautiful, profound, hopeful and wonderfully loving. Either way we have the opportunity to learn great lessons and grow ourselves exponentially.

There are times when I have fantasies of being a hermit in a cabin in the woods somewhere, with no need to interact or engage with others. This is usually when I am feeling pain, anger, or sadness due to a relationship issue with a loved one. Other times I experience my complete connection with others in a way that finds it hard for me to even remember that I have ever felt pain, and completely willing to open up my heart in vulnerable ways.

The truth is, relationships can't exist in a vacuum. We need one another to grow, develop, evolve, remember, and feel. We need one another to tap into that incredible source that feeds all relationships-love, and the desire to love and be loved in return. Even relationships such as with co-workers, or less intimate acquaintances, rely on this element to survive. Love is fed by respect, trust, honesty, truthfulness, caring, compassion and patience.

Take a look at the relationships surrounding you. Are they feeding you? Are they helping you to grow and evolve? Do they validate the beauty that is all of you? Are they supporting your dreams and believing in you? Are they working in collaboration with you, or creating resistance and sucking your energy?

The Dance of Relationships is not an easy one. But when we put our attention to the caring of them, have a clear vision of what we want from them, and are willing to put a little work into them, the rewards can be amazing.

Perhaps it is time to do some inventory of how the relationships in your life either support or sabotage your desire for Whole Health and Happiness. The Fall season, typically known for harvesting, abundance,and letting go, offers an inspiring metaphor.  Choose the tune you want to dance to, and get dancin' with a few good dance partners.  Those that can't hear your tune? Let them go....

  I hope this finds everyone well and in good spirits. There is an event coming up that I want to share with you, and invite you to join. It is a special event for me in that it is born out of my own life experiences and I share it with you in hopes that you may have an easier journey if you find yourself in troubling times.

Life is not always easy, and when those moments arrive that turn our world upside down having resources available and skills already in place to help get us through can be our only saving grace.

"Harvesting Hope", a special tele-class event (meaning anyone, anywhere can attend!), is my offering to you during the Fall Harvest season. If you're finding yourself in need of a little boost, or if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by changes happening, consider joining me on Wed, Oct 15th, for "Harvesting Hope".

What do you do when it seems nothing is going right, and your world is crumbling down around you?

How do you hold on to all that you know is true with out tumbling into despair?

This one hour program will explore the many possibilities in choosing hopefulness and trust, vs fear and depression, and will provide concrete steps to staying strong in the midst of turmoil, chaos or sudden change.

Learn valuable tips for maintaining balance, staying healthy and positive, and how not to let the big stuff bring you all the way down.

Great for those in the midst of transition, suffering a new loss, or challenged by the curve balls life is throwing them.

Oct 15th, 2008
10AM-PST

Go here for more information
Hope to see you there!!