A friend was sharing with me the miracles and growth brought about by her fasting one day a week, now for several months. She said it was not easy at the beginning but now she looks forward to her day of fasting.

It made me think that I have not set a “stretching” intention in some time. I now have a “stretching” intention, to not take ANYTHING personally. It appeared just like that. I guess I was ready to stretch! It feels exciting.

What would be a stretching intention for you?

I am listening …

We are called to be authentic and aligned in many ways. Here is an e-mail I received from a successful executive. We had a conversation about what it means for her to work and live soulfully. She writes …

“As I was laying in savasana at the end of the yoga practice I thought of how much I enjoy it, and how in this last year very little has brought me joy, and how heavy my shoulders feel as I live with a huge work responsibility. There does not seem to be enough time to engage in fun, light activities. As I take inventory I am aware that only I can change this.

What do I need to do to change? Here is my short list:

- Go to yoga during the week, even if this means there is no dinner ready, the recyclables and trash have not been put out, the bed is not made and the house might not look neat, and I haven’t got next day’s lunch snacks ready

- Watch a little less T.V. at night and give myself time to read or make calls to friends, or go for a walk with my sweetheart

- Engage in activities where I might make friends. I notice how not having a friend nearby has affected me

- Give myself time to engage in voluntary work once a week

- Talk to my boss and redefine my work responsibilities”

What do you see when you take stock?

I am listening …

Sometimes people get in trouble at work or in their relationships because they don’t pay attention to the rules of engagement, when negotiating a deal, making changes in a relationship, navigating the workplace, etc. Knowing the rules of engagement is important for successful communication outcomes.

How do you discover these rules?

Ask yourself: What happens when I challenge the status quo, when I speak my mind? What happens when I have a great idea? How do I take it forward, what are the barriers?

To change the rules in any relationship, marriage, friendship, with a co-worker, your boss, etc., one has to first acknowledge what exists. Switching is not hard, it just takes courage — such as saying: “I know it has been done this way up until now but .…”. “I know I have never said anything before…”. Fill in the blank.

What circumstance or relationship in your life is ripe for change?

I am listening …