Sammy and Banshee, our granddogs, are my role models for blogging. When we visited them last year we gave them those huge bones to see what they would do. They seemed a bit overwhelmed when they first saw the bones, but then they got to work and happily gnawed away.
And that’s what I’m doing with my two blogs, Transforming Stress Into Personal Power and Cheerful Monk. I jumped in, hardly knowing where to start, and have been happily gnawing away ever since.
Background: I graduated from Stanford University in physics and worked professionally as a creative problem solver, developing software for scientific research. But the basic questions of what makes people happy and how one can develop inner strength have always been a big part of my life. The question has led me to study psychosynthesis, NLP (neurolinguistic programming), the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the Enneagram, etc. and to teach classes and lead groups on these and related topics.
My basic philosophy is: Stay curious and open to life. No matter what happens keep learning and growing. Find what you love to do and find a way to share it with others.
That strikes me as a recipe for both happiness and stress hardiness.
Hi Jean
I like your motto ,” ..Devoting To Happines As A Spiritual Practice.”It’s what i’ve learned in NLP,to gain as much amount of pleasure(happines)in our life.
Great Site !
🙂 Thanks for coming by and commenting. It’s nice to connect with another NLP user.
Jean,
I am a bit late comer to this post. I saw your name on the successfromthenest.com. Your monk name pulled me here. And here I am reading about you and saw couple of blogs.
So, it is so thought-provoking to see such a thoughtful motto and wonderful blogs. Must say, I am impressed.
Best wishes for your endeavors !
Have a wonderful day!!!
🙂 Thanks, Awanish. Your comment made my day.
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Happiness as a Spiritual Practice, what a wonderful philosophy.
Thanks, Patricia!
Hi, I’m glad I finally checked in. For creative problem solving: I’m working on giving up irritated cussing when some inanimate object doesn’t cooperate. OK, I ‘m teaching myself to say, pay attention, get curious. What is this thing really like, what does it need? Usually I’m just saying: oh boring, boring, I want to go do something else. — I’m looking forward to more with the monk.
AE
AE,
🙂 Thanks for coming by. You made my day!
Your comment “oh boring, boring, I want to go do something else” really resonated with me. When I get impatient that’s usually what’s going on. I’ve purposely been learning new technology—e.g., videotaping, making DVDs, connecting two VCRs to my TV, learning Photoshop and blogging—to practice staying relaxed and patient in new situations. It seems to be working. It also keeps my overactive mind from worrying. That’s what it tends to do if I don’t give it enough exercise.
You graduated from Stanford University in Physics!!! Jean– I had no idea I was speaking with a genius…LOL! I can’t wait to check out some of your writing….
Todd
Hello Jean,
I’m from Brisbane, Australia and I was just introduced to your blog by Robert@Reason4Smile in Singapore who left a comment on my blog with a link to yours.
How is that for the unifying power of the internet and like-minded spiritual people?
Nothing in life is an accident, so via this global channel we all have met.
The first article I read of yours was to do with unconditional love, compassion and humility.
These values have the power to totally change the individual and the universe.
Well done.
I invite you to check me out at my main blog which also links to another I have on NLP.
Have a splendid day,
Gloria
Hi, Gloria,
🙂 Thanks so much for coming by! I agree, I love the connections we can make with kindred spirits. I visited your main blog and will look at the NLP one soon.
Could it be that it’s never too late, as long as you show up? A Heron’s View sent me over here and I am so glad he did. I am loving your insights.
I’m curious about A Heron’s View. I don’t remember that site, but I do notice that in the blog list he mentions nickhereandnow. I comment at Nick’s often.
However you got here, I’m glad you came! 🙂
I endorse your philosophy!