“THE GOOD NEWS”
JULY 2008
Drew Rozell, Ph.D. partners with a select number of dynamic individuals, groups, and progressive companies who understand the value of raising their level of awareness to deliberately create the coolest version of their lives and businesses.
“This stuff works!”
The Good News x2.
Molly and Lilly (I have trouble telling them apart) say Hi…
My brother’s dogs. We’ve been dogsitting while his family takes their vacation.
JULY 2008
Welcome, my friend…
Mid-summer greetings (at least to those in the northern hemisphere), and welcome to the July issue of The Drewsletter.
On the whole it’s been a lovely season. Sure, I can do without the humidity and deerflies, but the good far outweighs the bad…
Hey, that’s this month’s theme! Goodness is all around us… so easy to forget sometimes. I invite you to read on and tap into some more GOOD NEWS.
A quick note: While this month’s feature is written from the perspective of an American, I am conscious (and very grateful) of the fact that many readers of this newsletter hail from other countries. I believe the greater message still applies and I’d be interested in hearing those perspectives.
Also, please take note of the free community call I’ll be doing August 5th on the Foundations for Living A Very Cool Life. You’re invited…
Okay, then. Off we go… It’s time to load the kayak on the truck and head to a nice lake in Vermont for some sunshine, paddling, and a swim. See you on the water.
Thanks for your support and thanks for reading this.
Really.
P.S. If you like this, please share it with someone. Or leave a comment. Same is true if you don’t like it… Thanks!
THE GOOD NEWS!
Catch the news lately?
Doesn’t matter the medium – TV, radio, newspapers, blogs…
Doesn’t matter the subject. The news ain’t good: Gas prices, war, mortgages, job losses, bankruptcies, salmonella, government-sponsored torture, climate change…
It’s heavy. It’s bleak. It’s crisis.
In America today, many people will tell you that the sky is falling. No really, this time they mean it. They point to numbers, cite statistics, and offer lessons from history as evidence that things are going to hell in a hand basket.
I understand their point. But it’s not in my nature to accept it. Yes, I am an optimist (I’ve never seen the advantage of being a pessimist). Yes, I believe everything moves in cycles, and yes, I believe that I have the ability to create my reality no matter the circumstances around me. Whether or not you share my worldview, with all the heaviness permeating the ether, I feel compelled to inject a dose of good news.
For argument’s sake, let’s agree that America is in a state of crisis. Certainly, crisis is not an ideal place to be, but as I promised you, there is some good news.
In fact, in many areas of life, we spend a good portion of our energy neglecting or band-aiding growing problems. For example, when a dam needs attention, at first it will show some cracks and a few drops of water will make their way through. The crack most likely revealed that the integrity of the dam was compromised. In other words, unless deeper changes are made to the infrastructure, the problem will return. Water, gravity, and the path of least resistance are relentless forces in exposing weakness.
While change is the nature of life, part of human nature is to resist change. In the face of a problem, the two most common responses are to 1) neglect the situation, and 2) patch the leak and hope to get by a little longer. We tend to cling to the beliefs that it’s easier, safer, and cheaper to maintain the status quo. But the nature of life moves with the power of the universe behind it – it’s impossible to stop. With time, the crack will open up again, the drip will become a stream. And now, as you face the prospect of the entire dam breaking down, you have a crisis on your hands.
Ah, but I said that there was good news, yes? Here it is: Crisis awakens.
Humans are remarkably adaptable creatures; we can get used to just about anything. Earlier this summer I had to do some work on my septic tank. I spent the first few hours gagging, but by the end of the day, I worked with little regard for the smell. While our ability to adapt serves us well in many ways, it also desensitizes us to making changes in a pre-emptive manner.
You can drive with brakes that squeak a little bit every time you come to a stop. However, when the grating sounds of metal on metal fill your car as you strain your calf muscle depressing the pedal further into the floorboard — and you still glide through the stop sign – there’s no getting around it any longer. It’s time to get your brakes fixed.
Cleary, it’s not ideal to wait until situations reach a point of crisis. As is the case with your car’s brakes, usually the longer we ignore a growing problem, the higher the final cost of repairs.
Still, crisis is not without its merit. Crisis holds purpose. Crisis provides contrast. Crisis moves us to clarify what we really want. When we embrace crisis, crisis is often the catalyst to evolution. So individually and collectively, we ignore crisis at our own peril.
In my experience as a coach, change often comes more slowly for those who fall in the “good enough” category. In other words, they know they want to upgrade their lives, but in the current reality, things are good enough (e.g., they have enough money, decent relationships, some free time, etc). In these cases, change comes in baby steps. The prevailing thought seems to be “why risk it?”
On the other hand, give me someone on the other end of the phone who’s in the middle of crisis (they hate their job, lost a spouse, etc), and I’ll show you someone who’s ready to walk through some fire to reach the ocean. These folks have hit the threshold where the risk of doing more of the same is greater than the risk of changing. In other words, they are experiencing a crisis.
Quoting the economist Paul Romer, “a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” While it may sound like a feel-good cliché, it’s nonetheless true: Crisis holds opportunity. On a national level, America’s energy and identity crises holds the power to slingshot the country back to greatness. On a personal level, while crisis is unpleasant, it holds the potential for lasting transformation.
While the good news is that crisis can serve as the bucket-of-cold-water-to-the-face in the process of awakening, going forward, this is not the preferred mode of operation. Waiting for crisis and choosing to swim in the drama is the less conscious, reactive way of being. Ideally, we want to sensitize ourselves and lower our thresholds of discomfort rather than maintain them. By noticing and adjusting at the earliest whiff of a new problem or a recurring issue, the emotional and physical costs remain low. This awareness, and the willingness to respond, are the differentiating factors between those who live a very cool life and those who do not.
Finally, expect dark news to continue for a while, but do not get too caught up in it. Refrain from being part of the “ain’t it awful?” crowd. Remember that evolution is a process, not an event. And know that, in the end, it’s all good.
Evolution Coaching Services
Consciously creating a very cool life requires your attention and energy.
It’s all waiting for you.
But you have to claim it.
If you’re ready for a better life, a very cool life, then let’s connect.
Call Drew 518.642.3111
In my definition, a very cool life is a life full of connection.
Connection to self, connection to others, connection to source.
When I’m coaching, teaching, and relating to like-minded people about the dynamics of conscious living, I am connected. In those moments, I feel totally aligned — like I am doing what I was built to do.
So, I figured, if it feels so good, why not do even more of that? Why not connect, share, and learn?
And just to keep it simple, why not make the party free?
So I invite you to join me on Tuesday, August 5th at noon EST for a tele-forum discussing the foundations of a very cool life. I have a theory that’s been evolving for several years, and I’d like to share it with interested folks and hear your thoughts. And most of all, I’d like to connect with you.
If you’d like to be a part of this free community call, simply send a blank e-mail here.
drewrozell-349171@autocontactor.com
(I’ll tape the call if you cannot make it live)
Getting my nephew Kelly started on Cape Cod. Photo by my sister, Nora
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>>> BOOKS <<<
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy. My review in 10 words: Cold. Death. Dark. Starving. Ash. Gray. Cold. Death. So Cold.My friend Chris’ review:”A light-hearted whimsical romp through the hopelessness of post-apocalyptic cannabilism.
- Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. Good summer book. A quick read about an interesting, multi-talented dude.
- Continental Drift by Russell Banks. This is my nightstand book, 10-20 pages a night. This is an earlier work Mr. Banks, one of my favorite writers. Every time I read his work, I learn a little more about the art of writing. A true master.
>>> MOVIES <<<
- The Savages – Story of siblings coming together to care for their father with dementia. Having lived this film, I must say they nailed it. Not an upper of a film, but it will make you feel. Someday, perhaps, I will explore this period of my life with some writing.
- The Wire (Season 3) – Still loving this series. Put it in your queue.
- 12 Angry Men – When I used to teach social psychology at Syracuse, I’d spend the first two classes showing this classic 1957 film as I believed it captured so many of the dynamics we would study later in the semester. Henry Fonda leads an all-star cast. Still holds up.
- Talladega Nights – Caught this on cable. A couple times. i remember when it came out, the movie got mixed reviews, but I found it laugh-out-loud funny. Quotably good.
Me and my nephew, ‘lil Drew capture the beat. Photo by my sister Nora.
>>> RANDOM NEURAL FIRINGS <<<
- Want to see The Dark Knight and Wall-E. Been months since I’ve been in a theater.
- On a related note, I bought a flat screen TV. Baseball in high definition brings me joy.
- I’ve bought 2 music CDs all year (remember those things?). I still think there’s lots of great music out there, but I miss the thrill of getting to know a really great album. Anyway, if you’re a fan of the rock genre — dudes who can really play their instruments, lay down a groove, and write some intelligent lyrics, the new King’s X album XV delivers the goods. A song of good news is here.
Check this page for updates throughout the month…
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- Contact Drew :: To comment on this issue, just leave your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below. e-mail <drew at drewrozell.com> phone (518) 642-3111
ISSN: #1530-3101 Library Of Congress, Washington D.C., USA
© Copyright 2008 by Drew Rozell, Ph.D. – All Rights Reserved
Drew,
Although the economic difficulties are affecting me and my family quite a bit, I share your optimism.
Crisis creates opportunity. In the case of Americans, this opportunity has been sorely needed. Due to the prices of fuel and food, people are being forced to look at their excessive lifestyles and make some changes that will end up being better for them and the environment.
Driving less, trading in the guzzler for an economical vehicle, taking public transportation, buying less “stuff” and possibly even buying less unnecessary junk food, walking or riding a bicycle more.
Wal-Mart is starting to source local produce. Not because of the environment, but because of fuel costs.
My local supermarket says they are being “green” by reducing lighting in their store, but I know it’s a cost-cutting measure.
More people are talking about installing solar panels or wind turbines as energy costs rise.
People are also starting to think more about growing their own produce, not only because of costs, but due to health scares such as salmonella and e-coli being found in industrialized food.
We are in for a wild ride, but I think we are headed in the right direction, whether some like it or not!
Namaste,
Suzanne
Hi Drew,
A good posting on on crisis as a catalyst to awaken. There is so much stuff going around about 2012 and the end of the world prophesies that it gets to become quite boring.
It is important to acknowledge that things are getting tough and yet if you look hard enough there are nuggets of gold in whatever situation or problem that arises in life. The Chinese have 2 characters for the word crisis – one is “danger” and the other “opportunity”. I prefer to focus on the word “opportunity” and by doing that the Law of Attraction will follow my thoughts. Thanks.. James (Spain)
Thank you Drew for your Good News article. I really enjoyed reading it.
I can so relate and agree with, “When we embrace crisis, crisis is often the catalyst to evolution. On a personal level, while crisis is unpleasant, it holds the potential for lasting transformation.”
This too, has always been my experience throughout my life where crisis has held the potential for lasting transformation. I know you speak Human Design language, so I’ll share with you that I have the Channel of Transformation (54/32) three times in my Design which has given me a genetic imperative to climb the highest mountain when it comes to awakening. Yet, even with a natural built-in desire to enjoy and do the work of awakening, it has been the times of crisis that have created some of the biggest and lasting awakenings in my life. I am no fan of crisis or suffering, but I will have to admit that suffering has brought more compassion, understanding, grace, authenticity and love into in my life and towards others than anything else. But does it have to be this way? Well, that depends.
I also appreciate what you wrote, “…give me someone on the other end of the phone who’s in the middle of crisis (they hate their job, lost a spouse, etc), and I’ll show you someone who’s ready to walk through some fire to reach the ocean.”
Yes, I hear you there. As a WaveMaker Coach, seminar teacher and such working with clients for years, I have noted that often times it takes a crisis to wake us up. And sometimes for some people, that doesn’t even work! It seems that we have been so habituated to ignore and fear the present moment that we will do anything to avoid it, often times unconsciously because again, we are so entrenched in our habits of non-presence and over-identification with the roles we play. And so it seems for now, suffering gets our attention. Suffering usually causes most of us to be willing to change where we once were not willing. I bet we can all relate that crisis causes us to wake up and be present.
The world crisis seems ask the question, “Will we make it in time? Will we wake up in time? Will we become Present fast enough?”
Just imagine a world where we are so Present, that we saw the cracks in the dam when they first appeared, and rather than ignore them, deny them or hope they go away, instead we took action steps with sound mind, equanimity and from a place of Presence. Wow!
Here’s some good news from me:
I have discovered through testing, careful attention and personal experience that when we awaken and are present, when we transcend our conditioned responses (fear, denial, bitterness, blame, apathy, victim attitudes, etc.) to authentic appreciation, grace for others, gratitude and well, experience the absence of the 12 core dynamics to put it in a nutshell, here’s the outcome —everyone in our life and in the world benefits from us transforming our personal life as an individual. How cool is that? That’s cool! I have seen this take place in my life and in others. If I remember correctly, in quantum physics it’s called “entanglement” where one changes, it benefits the other, and they change too. So by changing us, we change the world, and wonderful co-creative action steps can only come from there. I already see this taking place in the lives of many.
So regarding the world crisis that we are in, I believe change starts from the bottom up; it starts with us, right here, right now, in this very Present Moment. It’s not from the top down as in looking for a leader to do it for us. The most powerful transformation possible for ourselves and our planet is within ourselves, living life in the Present Moment. Decisions made from the place of Presence make lasting, powerful and positive changes that benefit everyone. The Present Moment brings us to the place of unlimited possibilities.
Thank you Drew, for bringing this topic out to discuss and spread to others. I love reading your articles and I appreciate the difference you are making in the world and how you role model this to us all.
Blessings,
Susan Wight
Drew, hello, I have been sent to your site by a client of mine and was really surprised when I saw the picture of the 2 dogs right away. I had just this minute officially launched a family news portal for my City, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The portal is called The 2 Beagles, Ottawa Family News Hounds and is designed to bring out important information for Ottawa families and give family business owners a cost effective method to publicize their business all in a fun Web 2.0 style.
So, I am very glad to have arrived here on your site!
#####
Welcome, Frances!,
d
We too agree, my husband and I have refused to buy into this false recession which has been super hyped up by the media. We are continuing to think abundantly and to go ahead with our plans to move to our dream home.
Interestingly this week I had allowed myself to get really stressed about the house hunting and trying to find the right place, as a result one of our bathroom radiators started to leak all over the place. So I stuffed a thick towel down there (no plumber available til Monday)as a stop gap. We had a busy social weekend which enabled me to forget about houses and guess what – the leak stopped. (Water is always a great indicator of what is going on the emotional level particularly when it shows up in your house).
As ever, you hit the nail on the head.
Blessings to you both,
hi Suzanne —
you offer some great examples, thank you. crisis, i think, holds the power to lead us to better choices. if the US really does something this time and invests in a real solution, the payoffs would come for decades to come…
thanks again,
d
Hi Susan —
nothing for me to add to your beautiful post! you said it all… like a bonus newsletter! thank you so much for your thoughtful points.
keep commenting 🙂
warmest and thanks,
drew
Hi James —
welcome from Spain (nice blog, too)… wondering if there’s the same “crisis energy” is Spain?
personally, i don’t get too caught up in the mayan calendar stuff. if it ends, it ends, right? 🙂
keep on with LOA,
best,
d
hi Elly,
>>> Water is always a great indicator of what is going on the emotional level particularly when it shows up in your house.
Indeed!
sometimes its fun to let that house find you!
warmest and thanks,
d