Human | Bonnie Barnard - Part 9

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The Impact of Trauma on the Emotions with Kim Lipsman

“Trauma, I would define, is the inability to stay in the present.” Kim Lipsman Emotions are wonderful nuggets of energy which rise up in response to an idea, thought, perception, or reaction. If, however, you are traumatized, these nuggets may proceed thought and/or direct it. Even more likely, is the chance you are separated from thought. During my two years of solitude I worked with Kim, above, to restore my emotional self to a place of balance and trustworthiness. I relearned the nuances of emotion and came to fall in love, once again, with the miracle of self expression through emoting. I allowed myself to write poetry, paint and wallow in emotional states not from a place of judgment, but from a place of gratitude. When is the last time you gave thanks for your ability to become angry, disgruntled, happy, frustrated or giddy? It is a wonderful practice. Catch an emotion rising up from within, name it and then with delight say “I love this feeling.” This freedom...

How Did You Commemorate 9/11?

I had grand plans for commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11 which became obsolete after eating some food last night which resulted in extreme belly bloating. I experienced pain akin to childbirth. At one point, I managed to roll from the bed to the floor, crawl to the bathroom four feet away and roll around on the bathroom floor so I could feel the cold tile against my belly. Falling asleep at 6:15 am in a guest room, I awoke groggy to see the DVD player flashing 11:47 am. Between the time I went to bed and fell asleep at 6:15 a.m. I honored 9/11 in the perfect way. I prayed. With each rising pain twisting some internal organ I prayed for others in the world who lived chronically in pain. With each belabored breath and tear I prayed for my fellow humans who suffer from lack and sadness. I would rub my belly and tell it how much I love it and then I would extend the love...

As Long as We’re Breathing, We’re Learning

Guess what? I’ve gone back to school. I’ve prepared for it all week beginning with a conversation with my Starbuck’s barista. Brian welcomed me with my venti, Passion, no sweetener, iced tea informing me “school has started.” “I know,” I tell Brian, “I am taking a class, too.” “Really? Now why would you take a class?” He says with twenty year old curiosity. “To learn,” I respond as he begins laughing. He sees the world in semesters and degrees. I see the world in chunks of learning. I signed up for a three credit English class on magazine writing. I don’t care about the credit. After twelve weeks I want to hold up a portfolio of pitched and in process articles I’ve written. I drove up to the campus, very comfortable, as I’ve worked on college campuses and enjoy the sensation of being surrounded by individuals interested in the discipline of learning. After getting my parking permit and mortgaging my house for the purchase of two paperback text books...

What I Want from Customer Service

I envision a world where customer service looks like this: 1. When you buy a product or service it is delivered as promised and in the timeframe agreed upon. 2. If an error is made on the side of the company/service provider an apology is given followed by a remedy. Responsibility is taken. Communication remains open. The customer is not burdened with the work to make it right. 3. For high priced items or on-going service, I like periodic check-ins, looking like a relationship. “I see Ms. Barnard you purchased a solar system for your pool last year, how do you like it?” I think an $8,000 investment warrants this. Of course, what I think and what is an be two different things. These past two years as I have had plenty of opportunity to reflect and observe, I came out of my solitude with the desire to write a book on the Soul of Customer Service. This desire came from my interest in the Soul (the place where...

What Are You Reading?

Today I added my Summer Reading List to my blog site. As I posted the books I am nurturing this summer, I felt a bit naked. I became aware that what I read informs me and others quite a bit about who I am, where I’ve been, what I dream about, and where my interest lies. I feel I am splayed open with book in hand and an inquirer staring on. I hesitated for a moment about posting my reads. I share them with my closest of friends, but putting them on-line for the world to see? Taking a deep breath, I reminded myself the world isn’t currently reading my post; just smart, hip, loving people (wink). Plus, I’m practicing transparency. Haven’t we all thought the same thing or shared the same emotion at some point? Shaking and hugging myself simultaneously I began posting. One of the books I’ve recently read is Pat Conroy’s My Reading Life where he chronicles his life journey through his love of various books. Where the Wild Things Are The Five Chinese Brothers (Paperstar) and a...

Feed a Cold; Starve a Fever

Today is day four of a nasty cold. Up until this visitation I had been happily writing a book on the Soul and feeling terrific about my discipline. I would pat myself on the back at the end of each day and smile with a warm sense of completion. Then, on a 108 degree day in Phoenix a cold got me. “How can this happen?” I am shouting aloud in my house. Then, the shouting stops as my throat begins to swell. I don’t know who is winning the race, running faster, my nose or eyes. My ears begin plugging up and my head is out of commission. The first day I love and embrace the whole thing. I give thanks to God for creating a bit of spaciousness for myself after writing about the value of it. I go to sleep clogged up and grateful. Day two, not so joyful. Despite application of multiple essential oils and cleansing routines, I tend to be getting worse. I take to reading, and...