Celebrating Productivity

“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.” Rumi

Happy Thursday before Labor Day Weekend. As I researched the history of Labor Day, I find it ironic that we would be taking a day off of work to celebrate work. And, I love a good irony.

Productivity is a high value of our culture. Doing, making happen, creating, and leaving a contribution tend to be an American staple. I know the satisfaction I feel when I complete a blog, give a talk, teach a class, pray or meditate with a client. As I stand witness to a client who has pierced through a pattern and had revealed to themselves a hidden aspect of their being, I know why I was put on this planet.

There is a big difference, although subtle, between being busy and being productive. The definition of “busy” is having a great deal to do. The definition of “productive” is achieving a significant amount or result. This is where the art of prioritization makes the difference.

Mary Kay Ashe had a daily habit which I began implementing several decades ago within my practice and changed it slightly. Each morning I engage in my spiritual practice and exercise. I begin with a walking meditation, followed by a seated breath meditation, reading spiritual material, journaling and then praying. During my meditation or prior to my prayers I ask the Presence “what three things do I need to do today in order to be of service to my Vision?” I take the notes and then make sure those three things top my daily action list.

The actions may be logical in nature. I may be guided to write a blog, create handouts for a course, or follow up with a client. Or, the action may seem odd and not make sense. I may be guided to call an acquaintance and ask them to tour their office. Or I may be guided to attend a networking event, sign up for a class, or write a poem. This would be my right brain, or subconscious mind guiding me toward my Vision in a playful way. Once I do what is shown to me I may then be shown why I was guided to do what I was guided to do.

Work is the primary way that we express our gifts and talents and grow into our emerging new selves. When we are making a cold call we may override our own self perception in order to reach out in service to another. In doing this we develop a muscle of not fearing other’s perceptions instead growing our place in the world as a representative of our product or service.

My affirmation today, “I give thanks for the work that allows me to stretch, grow, learn, and expand my capacity to be of service to God/Love. I am blessed.”

Happy Labor Day Weekend,

 

 

From the Department of Labor Website: The first governmental recognition (of Labor Day) came through municipal ordinances passed in 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During 1887 four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday, and on June 28, 1884, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.