This July I am offering a course for small businesses. The Business Strategy 101 course is based off the key premise that every good company has a plan. A business plan is a vision for where the company is going and how it is going to get there. Every good business book writes that in order to start a new business it is important to first have a plan. What is the good or service to be sold? To whom are you selling? How much will be charged? What start-up capital is needed? Where and how will the business be run? When there are issues or when there seem to be an overwhelming amount of to do’s the business plan helps us to stay focused on our goal. To succeed in the fierce world of commerce it is important to map out and stick to a business plan.

But then I got to thinking. How many of us are living our lives without out a plan? How many of us wake up in the morning feeling unfulfilled? How many of us feel there should be something more or different that we should be doing, something we should have? We can’t define what it is but we know we don’t have it now. How many of us don’t have a life plan?

Too often we live our lives like a boat without a rudder out to sea. We drift this way and that. Sometimes we land on an island that is nice and we stay there a while. All too often we bump into island after island that provides nothing to our being, our soul, or our happiness. We allow the waves and the wind, fads and family to dictate where we go and what we do. We feel disappointed that we have not landed on the perfect island . . . but we also do not set a course to get there.

In business and in life one has to know where one is going to get there. Before you get in the car and start driving it is important to know if you are going to Los Angeles or New York. If you just started to drive, where would you end up? But that is just how many of us live our lives. We are driving around without a map and without a destination. We struggle through rain, snow, and potholed roads and we think that these struggles are keeping us from happiness. But in truth, the fact that we do not have a destination is what is holding us back.

Whether you are a company or an individual to reach your goals you first need to define them. First you need a vision.

There are some people who have trouble determining what their vision. What do they want? What do they really, really want? Not the fleeting things like a 2010 Prius or Paris Hilton’s new perfume. Not even a new romance or job. Those are all things in the social sphere. The media and entertainment industry constantly bombard us with things that they want us to desire; possessions, status, prosperity, sex, and the perfect body. But what are the deep down desires in our personal sphere, in our individual soul? Only deep inside one self can the true answers lie.

To truly know what you want go into your core, listen to your heart, feel your spirit, and get in touch with your true self. The first step to do this is by Doing Nothing which I often talk about. Each day grant yourself at least 15 minutes to unplug from the outside stimuli and be with yourself. Relax or meditate and just be comfortable by yourself and within yourself. Turn off your to do’s and incessant monkey chatter brain. Just be. Turn off your logical mind and listen to your gut.

Recent research printed in Science magazine and Kellogg School of Managment “highlights the value of unconscious thought, suggesting that when it comes to complex decisions, many of our best choices are made in the absence of attentive deliberation.” The concept is that so much that we do during the day does not require conscious thought. When we get out of bed in the morning we do not consciously tell every leg and back muscle how and when to perform. We do not analyze each step of the process. We don’t think about the advantageous and disadvantageous of putting the right leg on the floor before the left. We just do it. The body just does it through the instruction of the unconscious mind.

This research went on to prove that when there are simple decisions to make like choosing between four cars based on just a handful of aspects, using the conscious mind the best answer was more often provided. However when the choosing was more complex, say rating cars based on more than ten aspects, people who went with their gut, with their unconscious mind, were more successful. So who is to say that using our conscious mind is the best way to determine what our life plan should be?

Determining your life plan is a very complex decision. There are an unfathomable number of options, so as you work through your life plan pay close attention to your gut. Don’t get caught up in the mind’s analysis. What feels right to you deep down inside? There lies your true life plan and the key to your happiness. Then place a rudder on your boat and head in that direction.

It is amazing what can be accomplished once you have a vision of your life plan. Take some time to meditate on where you are going and what the perfect life would look like to you. Then share with us here the vision for your future.

Quote and research source: http://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/index.php/Kellogg/article/too_conscious_to_decide

My friend asked me if the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer was fun. My response was that “fun” was not the right word. It was emotional, inspiring, funny, exhausting, cold & wet, memorable, touching, sentimental, encouraging, amazing, and life–affirming.

Strength

Tamera was the reason I walked this weekend. Yes there are many family and friends who have or are currently experiencing breast and other cancers, but when Tamera was willing to sign up to Walk after just finishing chemo and not yet finishing radiation I just had to join her. To complete the Walk is a huge accomplishment for anyone who had just finished cancer treatment, but Tamera had also not been able to walk just six months earlier due to hip and other medical issues.

Her strength is amazing. We began training before she finished radiation. Her gait was awkward and her speed was slow. Every time was met to walk we would joke about needing a wheelchair or that I would give her a piggyback ride, but come hell or high water she would complete the half marathon, 13 miles, each day. As we continued to train and she stopped receiving radiation, her strides became longer and faster. As her muscles grew and tighten so did her self-confidence. I was thrilled for her as we made it to the half marathon point on day one. And I was floored when she wanted to continue walking! Her strength to complete walking 16 miles just six months after being unable to take a step is truly amazing.

Determination

But Tamera was not the only person to show incredible strength during the Walk. There were a multitude of other women and men who push their limits and accomplished so much during that weekend. One woman stands out in my mind. Day two of the Walk started out slower with many people nursing blisters and contracted muscles. Around mile two we passed Cheri. My heart went out to her. Each and every step was slow and painful. It was the beginning of a day of walking and she didn’t look like she would make it one block. As Tamera and I passed her we called out encouragement to this woman walking alone.

Much to our surprise, we ran into her again after one of the rest stops. Again, she was moving slowly and one could sense the pain radiating from her. More words of encouragement were sent as we once again passed her by. A third time the same thing happened. Tamera and I were amazed that this woman had walked over five miles when we didn’t think she would make it a block. She was walking alone but had the determination and will to keep going.

Around mile ten we stopped to chat with family who came to cheer us on. Our jaws dropped. Carina passed us with strong determined strides. I am positive that she made it through that day. She was walking for Mia, a friend or family member, and like so many others found that inner courage and determination to withstand some temporary pain and discomfort to make a difference in others lives.

Generosity

Many people gave so much financially in these economic times. The Chicago Walk raised over $7 million dollars. But the generosity that meant so much that weekend did not come from a bank account. It came from friends, family, strangers, crew and fellow walkers.

After Tamera happily headed back to the Wellness Village after heroically walking 16 miles, I felt compelled to try to finish all 26 miles, a full marathon, slated for that day. I am grateful to two wonderful Ohio transplants who allowed me to walk a mile or two in their company. Their openness and acceptance helped me through the first part of the Walk without my walker buddy. As I continued it began to rain and a bum knee started to act up. I walked on with my spirits dipping with each step. Then in came the angels. Strangers who honked as they passed by, incredible volunteer crew members who had seemingly unending positive energy, and fellow walkers who would slow down to ensure I was ok and provide me with words of encouragement. Words cannot express how much it meant to receive these random acts of kindness. But the feeling will stay with me forever. As we headed into that second day I had an unending supply of my own generosity and compassion to pass on to others, just as it had been passed on to me.

A big thank you goes out to Edie, Dan, Cheryl, and Norma for their signs, cheers, and smiling faces as we passed by.

Joy & Sadness

The most joyous and moving part of the Walk had to be Mile 13 on the last day. As we approached the mile marker, the sidewalk was lined with people cheering, clapping, and high-fiving us at every step. Everyone had to stop to take a picture at the marker. But there was no pushing, shoving, or cutting. Everyone wanted to take your picture, hug you afterward, and soak all of the joy that was radiating from that spot. And the joy continued. There was still over 50 feet to the finish line. The pack of well wishers was thicker and louder here. Smiles and tears of joy overflowed from every face.

As we reached the arch signifying the end of our two day journey, I was caught up in the pride, amazement, happiness, and sense of accomplishment that Tamera was experiencing as she met her daughter under that arch. My smile and tears became laughter as I watched them embrace. Then I saw another scene just to my right. A woman received a 3 Minute Ribbon.

Every three minutes a woman or man is diagnosed with breast cancer. Since the beginning of the Walk, every three minutes a 3 Minute Ribbon would be given to a walker. So here in the midst of the incredible joy was the stark reality of life. It made my heart stop. It was an incredible reminder to live each moment with the joy of crossing that finish line. Unfortunately there will always be sadness and pain in our lives, but do not increase it by giving up your joy to worry or regret. Live each day under that finish line and it will help you take bad moments in stride.

Hope

Hope was the overwhelming feeling throughout the weekend. Hope that we would all make it through the Walk not matter what our story or physical condition. Hope that the funds raised would help those who could not pay for their treatments. Hope that the generosity would lead to research to find a cure. Hope that the youth crew and the young walkers would not have to experience this disease. Hope that tomorrow would be that little bit better than today.

Take your own walk this week. Say hello to your neighbors including the crabby one at the end of the block. See how many smiles you receive in kind and feel the difference in the air as you spread your happiness and contentment to others. All too often in our modern world we are separated from others. Get out walking and make a connection. Then share with us what you learn after you walk with joy.

San Pedro

Our first full day under the care of Don Theo in Peru was set aside for cleansing. To work on our spirits, we first needed to clean our bodies. Our trip took us to the mineral springs of San Pedro. But these were not mineral springs to bathe in. We were to drink the bubbly, mineral-laden water. Basically it was a social colonic. Again, not a normal stop on most Peruvian tours. This physical cleansing experience mirrored many of the spiritual and emotional cleansings I experienced later in the trip.

Beyond Me

While at the beautifully terraced Pisaq, I had an amazing experience. Amongst the ruins of the manmade structures there were a series of perfectly carved stones arranged in what may have been an ancient chamber. Something drew me to these stones. As I stood within this structure I began to sway. It was such a powerful and uncontrollable experience that I became frightened and ran to Don Theo. He instructed me to go to a nearby waterfall and wash myself. As I drew water to my face, I felt emotion and pressure build in my chest. I used my hands to push this emotion down, not touching my body but working on a force just outside of my body. I pushed harder and harder, again and again until I felt the pressure decrease and disappear. It was as if I were pushing layers of mud off my body. But this mud was unseen and untouchable.

This was the first time that I truly felt the emotional energy as a part of me. Much is spoken about emotional energy through acupuncture, emotional freedom technique (EFT), PSYCH-K®, and other modalities. The idea of energy can be very foreign to some. I know that it was to me before I had this experience. For me having a Christian background, what I equate it to is the Holy Spirit. It is a thing of me and in me but not necessarily me. It is a force that works in the background. It is the power behind concepts like the Law of Attraction.

Liberation

Pisaq

What I believe happened that day was the energetic release of all the pain and negativity I had held on to over the years. Years of limiting beliefs, regrets, and loss caked up my energy system. This was the “mud” I felt. In order to feel the pure loving spirit, I needed to remove this muck. Imagine if your garden hose was clogged with dirt. The pure, clean water would not be able to flow easily and the hose would either build up with pressure or if some water was released it would be soiled by the dirt it had to push through. I had lived many years with a backup of energy, beautiful positive joyous energy that just wanted to flow freely. At times some positive energy would come through but it was always coated with jealously, defeat, or sadness. My experience at Pisaq released my clog and allowed me to feel the incredible power waiting to flow freely.

I began to feel liberated that day. Free of my past. Unafraid of my future. Peaceful and calm. Like the colonic the first day removed build up of food and toxins, my experience at Pisaq removed my energetic buildup so my emotional system could work perfectly again just as it was designed.

Our Power

A lesson I did not comprehend until much later was that I had the power to release this negative energy all along. When I ran to Don Theo and asked him what I should do his first response was, “What do you think you should do?” At the time I was disappointed because I expected him to have the answer. He was the shaman. He was the healer. He did inevitably give me advice, but what I realized later was he was teaching me that I did not have to go outside for my answers. All my answers, all your answers can be found inside of ourselves.

How many times do you look outside of yourself for answers? How many times to do you trust a doctor or a notable source for an answer, and yet your gut tells you to do something different? Over the years we lose trust in ourselves, the trust that our own minds, bodies, and spirits do truly know what is best for us. Instead we look outside ourselves, we look to others to give us the answers that should truly be personal to us. We look at what society tells us we should do instead of following what we know is right for us.

Trust yourself. Trust the messages and information you receive from within. Stop placing more stock on those outside of you and begin to take action on the messages you are receiving from within. You too hold the key to your own release.

Your Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about Peru and my experiences. Please let me know your thoughts about this and the other articles on Peru, or on your own experiences releasing, recharging, judging, and noticing.