I love you.
That's why I’m doing it.
“The role of the artist is exactly the same as the role of the lover. If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.”— James Baldwin
In the early 2000s, I started giving public and private presentations centered on the message and concepts in my first book (and worldwide bestseller), “Sandbox Wisdom.” Throughout this period, I travelled extensively, engaging enthusiastic organizations in open-minded discussions about childlike curiosity and creativity.
I have many cherished memories of that time, including a trip with Dr. Land to inspire the government of Northern Ireland; one to Ravensburg, Germany, a storybook town that seems to have leaped from the pages of a fairy tale; and many to the beautiful island of Oʻahu, where the “Aloha Spirit”—the coordination of mind and heart, which is the essence of creativity—lit up the eyes of everyone I encountered.
In fact, I felt that enlivening spirit in the world of work wherever I went (my heartfelt thanks to my many clients). People gave themselves completely to whatever they were doing, riveted in their interactions and pretty much untroubled by how others may see them. And that receptive state of mind and wholehearted connection fueled my creative spirit as well.
However, over the last two decades, a significant shift has occurred. The prevailing mindset has evolved into one characterized by cynicism, anxiety and fear, giving rise to cultures bound by rules and routines and veiled in façade—contrary to environments that nurture creativity. So while my affection for the people remains, my creative spirit yearns to once again breathe freely and deeply.
Back to the start.
I began my speaking and writing career doing my part to help individuals become more conscious and to live fully and passionately, in all environments. (I used to sign my various correspondence’s, “Stay passionate!”). I eventually veered into the increasingly solemn environment of corporate consulting, a dead earnest scene in which, in time, I felt compelled to mindlessly sign my emails, “Best regards” or “Yours truly.”
I’m now coming full circle. The next time you receive an update from me—provided you don’t unsubscribe in the interim—it will be under the title of my forthcoming book “Unwinding Want” and, once again, I’ll be signing off with “Stay passionate!” I am firmly convinced that the idea I am bringing to light, which I term “Want Consciousness,” holds the power to transform lives and enhance the world. If you’re curious about its content, I offered a preview in a previous post, and I’ll share more details soon.
Why am I doing it?
In a recent Substack article, the poet David Whyte penned the following words about the visionary individualist, William Blake:
“Blake called his sense of dedication a firm persuasion. To have a firm persuasion in our work—to feel that what we do is right for ourselves and good for the world at exactly the same time—is one of the great triumphs of human existence.”
Like Blake, I’m doing it because I want to and because I have a firm persuasion to make you conscious of the things you don’t see. My aim is for you to recognize and embrace the amazing truth and beauty of existence, steering clear of the number one regret of the dying.
Anyway, that’s it for now. Until we engage again, have a happy and healthy holiday season and a passionate New Year!
Note: I will continue to advise leaders who share a creative and daring spirit, and who have the passion and ability to effect change in people’s lives. So if that’s you, reach out at your convenience.
Stay passionate!
re: The Real Goal
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the release date of the new book. I'm looking forward to reading it. You mention intention and it's one of the concepts I've been struggling with this year (I do the Chris Brogan exercise of "three words" yearly and "intention" is this year's first, followed by "connection" and "joy.").