Recognizing Struggle

This past week I eliminated some daily sources of stress from my life. What profound changes did I make? Leave a position? End a relationship? No, not at all. I bought a cutting table for my quilt art and a new keyboard for my computer. Sound ridiculous?

In the past few weeks, I noticed that every time that I went to cut fabric for a larger scale work of art, I was fumbling around on a small table not designed for the purpose. I realized it was hampering my productivity and the quality of my work. About the same time, as I was working away at my computer, I noticed that every time I went to type an 'e', I was developing a habit of pounding the key about 4 times. Hmmm...I have some arthritis in my hands but that much? I realized I had been using the same keyboard for about 20 years and perhaps it was time for a new one.

So, this week I am flowing through the completion of a queen size quilt and typing smoothly on my new keyboard - all the time marveling at the ease I have created in my life. Interestingly, I find myself smiling a bit more and enjoying both my art time and computer time more.

All that it took for this transformation was a little awareness. A few deep breaths, an awareness of where tension was in my life, and pausing long enough to problem solve solutions. Needless to say, with these small annoyances in the past, I am in a far better mindset and have more energy to deal with more challenging conflicts in my life.

So, I challenge you to take a day in your life and observe those smaller aggravations. You too may be able to create a more joyful life!

Judy Warner

The Power of Genuine Questions

I increasingly appreciate the power of genuine questions to open dialogue, diffuse thorny issues, and teach us about each other. A recent conversation with my friend, Janet, reinforced this for me.

Read about the conversation (and the learning) in this month's issue of Ki Moments: "To Agree or Not to Agree: Is that the Question?"