Women in the LEAD

Making Time for Downtime

“Down time is as important as the time you spend hankered down doing your work.”

                                                                                                            Maya Angelou

In this world, it is often challenging to take our eyes off of our Blackberries, email screens or away from our active phone. But it is only in the moments of quiet and renewal that we begin to see and think clearly. The pacing can be astronomically fast, and we can easily lose sense of what’s truly important.

Where are you moving too fast?

What price are you paying?

Where could you build in more time for renewal and re-charging?

And what will it take for you to allow yourself this necessary time?

Don’t wait too long, as Maya says, downtime is as important as the time you spend hankered down in your work.

Maureen Simon

The Secret of Contentment

When we learn how to enjoy all that we have in our lives, we have then learned the secret of contentment.

What does it take for you to be content?

Does it involve a certain level of security?

Does it include physical needs, as well as emotional?

Where does most contentment come from at this point in your life?

I always stop and think about some of the poorer countries around the world, and have had the opportunity to work with women in war zones and in Africa, Russia and other nations where they experience having very little, but have taught me that their life is full and rich. This is one of the most amazing forms of strengths and teachings for me personally. Most of these women hold a true belief in something far greater than themselves, and place faith for their future and their family’s future in a solid sense of knowing that all will be well. I have this time and time again, and I must admit it makes me stop and experience a sense of contentment for my life and all that it holds. Take stock of all that you have. Find a sense of contentment.

Maureen Simon

WOMEN: Replacing VIOLENCE with LOVE is a Necessity

Like Maureen, it is hard not to have our hearts filled with all that we see in the world.

There is a deep sadness on this day for me, having to acknowledge that violence has become so much a part of the daily consciousness in our lives, in our neighborhoods, in our country, in the world, in our leader's "visions," in the wars we start, in how we treat one another and in places throughout the world --- it may have always been this way. History would suggest it. Perhaps, it is my eyes opening to pay attention enough to see it --- and in my lifetime, I don't remember it being so in-our-faces as it is now. DO YOU? What has happened to us? Mankind seems lost and leaders scarce and helpless.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. eloquently described the weakness of violence. providing a backdrop for reflection on Independence Day this year:

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.... The chain reaction of evil — hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars — must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."
--- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Strength of Love, 1963

What we all of contribute to changing what we see today?
This is our calling.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the LEAD

STATE OF OUR WORLD: Why so Much Conflict?

Over the past ten years, I have had the opportunity to work in mediation in Belfast and Moldova, while both countries were experiencing deep-rooted conflict. I have had the opportunity of witnessing communities ruined, both emotionally and physically from violence and hatred. I have been taught to walk on both sides of a given conflict, and to work towards finding a middle ground.

The news this week about the outbreak of violence in the Middle East comes as no surprise. Many people have asked me this week who do you think is right, who has the stronger argument. I don’t believe there ever really is one answer. One of the greatest talents of a mediator, who remains truly neutral, is that they have the gifted ability to walk in the shoes of both sides of a war. When one listens deeply to the issues leading to deep-rooted conflict, facts are stated and a motive descriptions are given that in many cases create a convincing case for both sides. The pain is always deep, and the roots of the pain appear endless. IN most cases, both sides feel violated, frustrated and humiliated.

The question is where does the middle ground lie?

What understanding must be reached in order for the pain to end?

Is anyone really right? Is anyone really wrong?

And why must so many die?

Finding the middle takes great commitment. At points, some many feel resigned. Like in all areas of life, the pain must outweigh the gain of the continuing violence and dissent. Neutrality in the mediators is essential, and willingness to end the pain and come to compromise is essential.

What will it take for us to come to the middle?

Maureen Simon

WOMEN: What does your AUDIENCE see?

A insightful new friend in the distance shared this poem inspired by another's the other day. It made me think about how we as WOMEN are viewed from those looking to us for leadership, inspiration, hope and change in the world where we live. The words also help you peek behind the eyes of our neighbors, known and unknown, and perhaps even begging us to think beyond the confusion and chaos that we are experiencing in a world lost in war and greed in many places that cries out to us ---- helping also to open our eyes to see that it is a world that extends its violence and uncaring to our children and our own neighborhoods and communities and perhaps even sometimes finds itself in the "inhuman" in our places of business.

AUDIENCE:
From a Park Bench Thinking

After three days of sitting,
On a park bench looking,
Out into a sea,
Of a hundred people moving,
I understand nothing, nothing more.

If I had, instead of experiencing,
A thousand dogs barking,
Went though the trials of thinking,
At the weal of a multi-state semi hall,
Maybe than, I could contribute more.

Or if God had, in his grace of giving,
Sent me a friend,
Who thought more than of making,
Large lump sums of easy money,
I would be able to contribute more.

But philosophy, theology, and other contemplative sciences,
Don’t now, hold water in this world.

Though in time, I dream,
The sacs we sow will un-seam,
The cotton pages we use,
To hold back the waters, the muse,
Will disintegrate, break.

Then this sea of a hundred people moving,
Will come to rest, silent, on a park bench thinking.

-M. Chase Whittemore

NOTE: Poem inspired by part of the third stanza of a Carl Dennis Poem named “Audience”. “Audience” can be found in “Practical Gods” a book copyrighted by Carl Dennis in 2001. (The book was published by Penguin Putnam, New York, New York.)

We have so much to do, yes?

What contribution will you make at this time in history right where you are?

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the LEAD

The Quick Fix, The Fast Buzz Of Life

“The traveler is drawn

To good music and food

But the Tao is much more subtle.

Looked for, it cannot be seen,

Listened to, it cannot be heard,

Yet its power is inexplicable.” – (Tao, 35)

In our lives we move very fast. Addiction is rampant. Caffeine keeps many people moving. Adrenaline prevails. We the travelers are often drawn to what’s on the surface. The quick fix, the fast buzz, the excitement of life.

But what is it that we are not hearing? What is the message in the silence? Where can we listen more deeply? Take a look at your life and notice where are you medicating, disappearing, not being fully present? What will it take for you to hear and experience the power of the inexplicable? What will be different in your life?

Maureen Simon

GREEN WOMEN: Changing the WORLD

The WOMEN's GALLERY at Women in the Lead proudly presents a new inspiring online exhibit showcasing the remarkable work of the Women's Global Green Action Network - WGGAN in an exclusive exhibit called:

Coming Together; Changing the World
...Celebrating 30 Visionary Women

You're invited! Come inspire yourself in this multi-media self-learning experience. Don't miss listening to the introduction to the visual exhibit. Melinda Kramer, visionary co-founder of the Women's Global Green Action Network. She share a personal perspective to set the stage that ends with an inspiring story of WGGAN's beginning.  VISIT NOW

Our online WOMEN's GALLERY is sponsored by the Global Dialogue Center, Home of Women in the Lead ... a unique resource center for women throughout the world. gallery is dedicated to showcasing women’s leadership in all its unique and influential forms. It is our greatest hope that YOU will be inspired by the stories that will be shared within these virtual walls, carrying the wisdom of women, past and present, from their hearts to yours.

RELATED PODCAST with Melinda Kramer, an amazing young woman. Her story will inspire you to see possibilities in your own life.
Listen Now (37 min.) 28:12, 16MB (MP3)

We invite you to visit and hope you will share your comments on your experience of the exhibit.

Do you have a story to tell? Hope you'll write to me!

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the Lead

Finding Beauty Everywhere

“If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere.-” Vincent Van Gogh

I have recently been reading John O’Donohue’s book entitled, “The Invisible Embrace -Beauty – Rediscovering the True Sources of Compassion, Serenity and Hope”. In John’s book, he makes us aware that the beauty of the earth is the first beauty. He goes on to say that before we were born the earth lived in wild elegance. He speaks of the sculpted land with its diversity of shape, presence and memory. John was born in Ireland and clearly holds a natural affinity and deep understanding of the beauty of nature.

In his book, he takes us through a journey that also embraces beauty and the Celtic imagination. Here, he speaks of the beauty of the earth being a constant play of light, dark, visible and invisible. He guides us to believe that our senses are lanterns that illuminate the world, and that beauty awakens for us through what we hear, touch, taste and see.

When I go back to thinking about Vincent Van Gogh’s observation in his quote above, it really builds on and enhances John’s deep connection with nature. For, if we truly love Nature, we will find beauty everywhere.

Where can you more deeply the beauty of the earth, and how can this experience enhance your life?

Find ways to connect more with your senses (sound, touch, taste and sight). How can increasing your connection with the sensual side of life enhance the quality of your life?

Maureen Simon

FIT FOR LEADERSHIP: Foods that Promote CALM

FIT FOR LEADERSHIP SERIES
The Leadership Edge
Part 2 of 3

Some years ago, I had the good fortune of meeting Linda Prout, nutritionist and author of Live in the Balance. We had a chance to explore how our LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS is directly influenced by what we EAT. Imagine that! Last week I wrote the first of three posts. If you missed the first one, read it first. This is PART 2 of Linda Prout's wonderful message. A link to here website is also below:

Soothing anger; promoting calm through food choices we make...
Many women become irritable just before menstruation when progesterone levels peak. Premenstrual syndrome may also include depression or emotional swings. Men and non-menstruating women can also see emotional swings, often from stress compounded by poor diet. Emotional extremes reflect liver health. The liver helps break down and eliminate toxins and excess hormones. High levels of hormones or toxins overburdening the liver can leave us biochemically prone to attitude and mood problems. Treating the liver through diet and herbs often eliminates emotional symptoms of anger and depression brought on by stress or PMS. Foods particularly helpful in soothing the liver and reducing a tendency toward anger include soy products, green leafy vegetables and sour fruits. Soy products, including tofu, tempeh, Miso soup or soy milk are not only soothing for one who is irritated, they provide essential oils that help regulate blood sugar and thus energy levels. They also help normalize hormone levels, reducing cancer risk. Bitter green vegetables, including broccoli, romaine lettuce and dandelion greens, are particularly soothing for a liver imbalance. In addition, lemon juice, grapefruit and vinegar can also help clear the liver of toxins.

Certain foods, especially alcohol, aggravate the liver and thus exacerbate anger and depression. Alcohol, like hormones, is processed through the liver. Having more than one drink at a time places a burden on the liver and it's ability to clear toxins.

"Bad" fats are also processed by the liver. Fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, chips, donuts, egg rolls and other foods cooked in hot oils contribute to liver problems and corresponding symptoms of anger or moodiness. Rancid oils and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils particularly tax the liver. Hydrogenated vegetable oils, including shortenings, most margarine and many commercially baked foods, are now thought to be worse than saturated fat (butter and lard) for the body. That's right, you're better off smearing butter on your toast than margarine. Hydrogenated fats or oils are found in everything from salad dressings, peanut butter and mayonnaise to crackers and cookies. Harvard school of Public Health researcher Dr. Walter Willet estimates 30,000 premature deaths each year are attributed to these hydrogenated fats, including margarine. Eliminating hydrogenated vegetable oils from your diet may not only improve your mood, it may save you from early heart disease.

Foods Beneficial for Reducing Anger and Restoring Calm:
---Tofu, tempeh, Miso soup, soy milk and other sources of soy.
---Bitter foods: dandelion greens, arugula, broccoli, watercress, rye, romaine lettuce.
---Sour foods: lemon juice, grapefruit.
---All lightly cooked vegetables especially bean sprouts, celery, lettuce, cucumber, radish.

Good herbs for cleansing the liver:
---chamomile tea
---dandelion root and leaf
---milk thistle
---turmeric

Foods that aggravate anger, impatience and irritability:
---excess red meat
---greasy and fried foods
---alcohol
---margarine and other hydrogenated fats

IN MY NEXT POST ON THIS TOPIC...
There is more to share on this topic. In my next couple of posts, I will provide more about Linda Prout's advice for those of us with a sweet tooth with thoughts on SUGAR's impact on building community with specific foods.

These small changes might give you that leadership edge you need!
Join me next time.

Debbe

Debbe Kennedy
Founder, Global Dialogue Center
Home of Women in the LEAD

Learn more about Linda Prout's work at her LifeShift website.

Women: The Time Is Now!

In my work as a women’s leadership development consultant--time and time again--- I have pondered the thought that historically, women in business have set aside their inherent feminine attributes,( which include process thinking, use of advanced intuition and relationship building), to adopt the masculine culture that defines global business today. But years of working with women has proven to me that, when women authentically contribute their inherent feminine traits, they are able to make richer, more powerful business contributions.  I believe that the art is in recognizing the great value that we now hold and to realize and fully believe that the world is now actively calling women to greater roles in business leadership.

I am now sure that women, at this time in our worlds history, have the opportunity to create a new business model for the 21^st century – one that fully integrates the masculine and feminine in leadership.   But we as women need to gain confidence and understand the critical importance of their voice in the world now.  We not only need to gain confidence and clarity, but we need to speak up and use our innate feminine attributes to create a balance between masculine and feminine.  There has not been a time in modern history on a cross-cultural and global basis where men and women have stood side by side providing leadership that equally respects and acknowledges the masculine and feminine. The time is now let’s go for it!

• Where can you more strongly bring your gifts and talents as a women to the world at this time? (Think about ways that you are playing small. Many answers lie here).

• How much greater would your life be if you were to fully show up---and express your gifts and talents? Imagine how this would look and feel!

Maureen Simon