Change and Changing....

Change is neither good, nor bad. It is. It just is.

Barry L. Green

Change. We react to it. We debate it. We fight it. We embrace it. Often times, we forget that it is not unlike a river flowing. The water keeps moving while the river remains. It is part of the flow of things. When we understand the importance of the flow, we start to live, truly live, with change.

Now, changing is something a little different. It is our reaction, or our action. We change. Or we die, maybe slowly. It is really about growth. It truly is about evolution and, sometimes, revolution. Change with a purpose... to not only survive, but thrive.

I write this with my 10 in '10 in mind.

I write this with my Hard Walk in mind.

Part of my Hard Walk was to start praying and listening and acting upon what I "hear". Truthfully, there have been days of late where I centered on some pains. To be very honest, I am a blessed man. But we, too often, can still be tempted to focus on what we do not have. No less for me, than any of us.

In going through this time, I was and am reading Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck. I stumbled across the notion of fear, grief, anger, and joy as 4 points of a compass... my own personal take on the material, if you will. If we understand what brings fear, grief, anger and joy to us, we get closer to our essential self, our authentic "us". As I pondered on this, it occurred to me what I was "hearing"... and it came back to my 10 in '10.

My goals and milestones, and yours... should center around what brings us joy, real and sustainable joy. Martha Beck suggests that finding our deepest joys move us quickly to our North Star, our purpose. I agree.

So, I looked at my '10 in 10. And, I have chosen to evolve.

So, without further adieu, I introduce you to my authentic, joyful '10 in 10.

1. Lhu Global

My work, my service, my legacy. As of February 20, 2010... Lhu Global will be born... with 3 key components... Lhu Global, Lhu Local and my work with College of the North Atlantic... all centering around my passion for unity, leadership, youth and spirit. This work is about moving us all from the motions to the mission, understanding our capacities and talents and how to bring them together for collective prosperity. This work is deeply personal and joyful for me. February 20, 2010 is the birthdate, and my 50th. A new website, new blog, and more are coming. This is a BIG joy.

2. Personal M.B.A.

Hand in hand with my work is my personal MBA... Master in Barry Advancement... I have selected my own curriculum and texts and am studying to strengthen my expertise and understanding in unity building, moral leadership, youth engagement and spirit. This is a year long process with sights on December 31, 2010, culminating in commencing an international course in community development in 2011.

3. Pilgrimage

I have been accepted for Baha'i Pilgrimage to Haifa Israel for December 20-28, 2010. This will be a ground shaking time for my life, and I have waited so very long.

4. L.O.V.E.

I have established a prayer room, a "home" to pray, meditate, study Sacred Writings, with candles and couch and pillows and prayer rug. Sanctuary. I will use this space daily to "listen" for my heart of hearts. Year long to look back by December 31, 2010.

5. Salsa

To "master" Salsa with my wonderful dance partner, Raven... to enjoy the passion and "smooth" of Salsa, the joy of dancing and to cut the floor with magic. By and through Summer of 2010.

6. Shadow

To purchase and ride "my" Honda Shadow 750... by Summer 2010. Joy in waiting since childhood.

7. Green Room

I have created a Green Room I call my Pseudio, my studio... a place for my creativity... out of here I will create my Cartoonumn and other projects yet unimagined. Another year long process for December 31, 2010.

8. CSP

I will commence my process for achieving Certified Speaking Professional by March 31, 2010.

9. House and Home

I will consolidate house and home as sanctuary, a place of Barry... to invite friends to spend quality time within, by and through Spring 2010.

10. Mandarin

I will learn conversational Mandarin by December 31, 2010.

And so, my markers are adjusted, for greater joy. There is still work, to be sure. But, I suggest these 4 points of compass are something to consider. Look at those things that create fear, anger, grief and joy. Better yet, pick up the book Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck. I continue to read.

Engage and enjoy the day.

Barry

PS

This may be the last or second to last entry in this version of my blog. As noted, a new blog is in the works... will advise.