Rhythms of Life and Ministry

   As we pause, catch our breath--following Thanksgiving, I know that many of my Protestant      colleagues are bracing for the activities and responsibilities of the Advent and Christmas seasons. In the midst of the hype around these holidays in our consumer-dominated world, it seems wise to have placed a "waiting" time (Advent) prior to the main event of this seasonal celebration. How can we truly take that "waiting" pause in the midst of increased demands?

Whatever your particular religious tradition, this time of year often does feel like a "half-time" in the congregation's year:  as some programs and activities subside and others are ready to be launched when January rolls around. 

Let's face it, sometimes the calendar (liturgical or not) drives us. It is hard to claim our own rhythm in the midst of the whirlwind of activities related to religious leadership.As a refoming workaholic, I know that I have had to find intentional practices to re-calibrate myself and to listen to the soul's signals. Otherwise--otherwise, it isn't pretty!

I suspect some of us are not meant to sit still so we have to find our shifts in our ways of being while in the midst of activity, while in motion.

One of my most cherished teachers, Gabrielle Roth, developed a movement meditation practice called "The Five Rhythms," which she descibes in one of her books, Sweating Your Prayers. The five rhythms (in order) are flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, and stillness. Each of the rhythms is a way of being that get's expressed in the subtle or not so subtle movements of the body. Each rhythm cultivates a specific mood and a particular narrative within us. Over time, one is able to recognize the distinctions between each rhythm--and to develop a broader repertoire to draw upon in one's life or leadership.

Gabrielle Roth died after a battle with cancer this past October. Her wisdom continues to inspire. If interested in learning more about her and her work in schools, prisons, elder residences, etc.-go to www.gabrielleroth.com (you may also want to click on the link on that page to "5Rhythms" (be prepared for some music!)

Reflections on Rhythms of Life and Ministry: Ask yourself:

• Which of these rhythms is most familiar and customary for me in my leadership: flowing, staccato, chaos, lyrical, stillness?
• If I were to take another approach (say "lyrical" instead of "staccato" or vice versa)  in approaching a particular challenge what might I discover about how I am holding the challenge--and how the challenge is "holding" me?  
• What rhythm do I tend to ignore? What could this rhythm add to my perspective and my comportment as a leader? 
• What rhythm is needed in the soul of my leadership right now?

Blessings to you in this season of Light. Be well, -Larry

Autumn Wisdom--from Parker Palmer

"Autumn constantly reminds me that my daily dyings are necessary precursors to new life. If I try to 'make' a life that defies the diminishments of autumn, the life I end up with will be artificial, at best, and utterly colorless as well. But, when I yield to the endless interplay of living and dying, dying and living, the life I am given will be real and colorful, fruitful and whole." 

New Features of the Coaches Console

You should have received an email from me recently pointing out the new features of the Coaches Console and a link to setting up appointments. Everything is the same. There is just a new look and client's "dashboard."Your same user id and password will work. Let me know if you encounter problems logging on.

Upcoming Trainings In January and February 2013

January 22-24, 2013    

"Clergy Well-Being : Balancing Your Ministry, Renewing Your Life"

Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center,Norcross (near Atlanta), GA

 Presented by Larry Peers 

Using self-assessments, coaching tools, and presentations, this event will help you develop a plan for recomposing the next chapter of your ministry, as well as the insight and skills to keep both ministry and life fresh and vital.

 Learn:

* How to identify unproductive behaviors and leadership narratives

* How to use self-assessment and coaching tools to re-focus your thinking and re-align your behavior toward well-being

* How to balance the demands that create strains in your health, your ministry, and your life.

For more information about this seminar click here

"Aligning Strategy and Spirit Whole Systems Planning and Leading"

Doubletree Airport Hotel, Cincinnati, OH

Presented by Larry Peers, Alban Senior Consultant and author

  Revitalize your congregation and lead toward the future with resilient strategy and spirit by incorporating perspectives and practices from Appreciative Inquiry, asset mapping, Theory U, and more.

For more information and to register for this seminar go to: INFORMATION & REGISTRATION