Join the Gang

I ride a motorcycle. Or, more truthfully, I used to ride a motorcycle- before I had kids. I loved the freedom, the wind, the way the road looks totally different from the seat of a cruiser. But most of all, I loved the camaraderie. I joined an all-brand motocycle club when I first began riding and, along with my parents, each on their own cruisers, went on 100- mile weekend rides. I felt like I was part of a "gang".  Not the scary gang. But the one that created the rider mentality that connected each of us, no matter our stations in life.  Engineers, car mechanics, janitors, orthodontists, small business owners, yes, even lawyers.

Something awesome I learned when I started riding is that motorcyclists wave to each other. Not big wavy-waves (those aren't so good for balance).  But little hand gestures- a raised finger, a peace sign, a small salute. It was like an secret handshake, delivered as I passed by a fellow rider. It says, "we are connected, you and I, no matter what our individual circumstances."  It was an amazing feeling-knowing that if I got stuck on the side of the road with my bike down, I would not be there alone for long. I trusted that other bikers would look out for me and someone would stop to help.

Even during an accidental trip in the snow, I exchanged waves with a Vago (one of the more scary-type gang-members). It was an acknowledgement, of sorts. "You're crazy to be out in this, and so am I."

This feeling of connection is one I want everyone to know, and is what I hope to create with the Daily Altruist. A sense of belonging to the "gang"- we are in this together, you and I. And I salute you for the simple joy of connection.

Join the Gang.

Kindness is not just a "nice to have..."

...it's absolutely necessary.  

The Dalai Lama visited San Diego this week and aside from some traffic headaches, he brought his message of peace and compassion. This seems to be a most excellent time to launch the Daily Altruist.

The Dalai Lama asked, "What is the meaning of peace? Is it the absence of trouble or violence?"   His answer, "Going deeper into peace...genuine peace must come through inner peace, not through fear."  He continued, "the key thing", is a "warm heart of concern for others' well being."

This is the point of it all. Shared connection, a society built upon a foundation of care for each other. What would be possible if we each knew that others really CARED about our well-being? What would our political discourse be like? How would our workplaces be? How would driving on the freeways be different? 

I believe it can be different, MUST be better. Not an abdication of individual responsibility for self, nor a license to free-load. But a societal shift towards kindness and compassion. 
It starts one heart at a time. Try it on your heart and see how your possibility shifts. 

Train your brain to be happy

I just came across an amazing TEDx talk that articulates what I want to do and who I want to BE in the world- Positivity and Happiness. Which, of course, will lead to Peace.   Call me Polly-Anna, but it seems to me that peace and happiness are much better goals in life than drama and pain.


Shawn Achor, CEO of Good Think, Inc., explains the science behind positive psychology in a concise, funny and easy to understand way.  


There is LOGIC in the pursuit of HARMONY, don't you know. 


Achor states,  “[It’s] the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.” 


In coaching, we call this lens, your "context".   One of my goals as a coach is to challenge my client's "context", or "story".  My previous post talks about the context I had that everyone who criticized me hated me. Now that I see this as context, and not REALITY, I can choose to NOT use it any more.  I can CHOOSE to view the world through a different, more positive lens. 


What could be possible in your world if you choose to look through a different lens? Choose to have an optimistic view of people and events?  Choose to practice gratitude and kindness as a habit?  Come from a place of choice, not victim, and feel empowered.