Gary C Smith Public Speaking

Your Life is a Party when you Particpate

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 22:42:00 +0000

I begin many presentations with, “Life is a party when you participate."

This IS not the participation when everybody on the baseball or soccer team gets a trophy, honoring mediocrity.

It is not wearing the team colors, or raising your hand, it is standing and owning the stage or helping others share their message.

I recently attended a 50^th high school reunion. Perhaps I was a little more invested than most attendees. I needed airline tickets, which turned into a problem because I had to cancel my initial flight and rebook because of the necessity to put a stent in my heart. There's some metaphor here, something like I need more heart to attend, but I invested and showed up. I wanted to see everyone left after 50 years. We lost some to war, some to cancer, some disappeared, and some just didn’t show. Many had odd memories of me, but all of them where aghast when Jackie, the event organizer, asked if anyone had anything to say.

Well I do!

I participate.

Was it planned, no, but for 50 years I had prepared for that moment. Here were my ancient peers. Some we went to school together for 12 years. We played sports, dated, fought, laughed and lied, and was ready to speak fearlessly with humor.

Our class did not have great sports heroes compared to those who came before us, but we have a classmate who is changing the world-Larry Harvey, founder of Burning Man.

Prior to the event I sat with my best buddy and watched Spark, A Burning Man Story. An amazing movie with an old classmate as the main player with a vision to get masses to participate.

PARTICIPATION, is one of the ten Burning Man principals.

When asked if anyone has anything to say, with enthusiasm I grabbed the mic, and began.

It was unrehearsed, heartfelt, and funny. I rifted on my classmates, used some of my ‘stand-up' jokes. I focused on the importance of participating in life. In taking a stand to share the value and importance each of us bring to every event. That we all make a difference, and can make a greater difference by speaking fearlessly. We are too old to be scared.

As a public speaker and coach, Sieze the Moment!

Thank you Jackie Vernholm for asking.

Thank you Mrs May in the 2cd grade teacher to letting me be the interjection in our school play on grammar.

Thank you mom for confidence.

Thanks attendees of the Parkrose class on 1966 for listening.

Life is a party when we participate.

Positive Empowering Imprints.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 13:48:00 +0000

Speaking Fearlessly means having power.

Power is the capacity to make a difference in the world by how we influence people.

Power is given to us by other people.

What do YOU do with power?

Will you make a difference in the world?

How did you attain power, and how do you keep it alive?

Begin by tracing your life lessons to Source your power. Find those times you learned a lesson.

Take care to keep from getting caught in ‘Stinking Thinking”, negative or limiting CHILDHOOD IMPRINTS, or self abasement.

Lessons come from parents, grandparents, peers, school, church, sports, work, music, art, books-the emphasis on lessons as experiences.

Remember the “aha’s”, “oh shits’”, failures, embarrassments, upsets, anger, fear, loves, boredom, successes. Write them down, make a list, an outline, use arrows → to connect the this lesson to that lesson.

You can segue chronologically or by a theme or intensity. The lessons lead to virtues. Look for times of courage, humility, service, kindness, connections, patience, perseverance, zeal, wonder, curiosity, unity, trust, enthusiasm, gratitude, responsibility, loyalty, joy, integrity, humor, grace, forgiveness, devotion, diligence, discernment, gumption, creativity, confidence, wisdom,

Virtue (Latin: virtus, Ancient Greek: ἀρετή "arete") is moral excellence. A virtue is a trait or quality deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. Personal virtues are characteristics valued as promoting collective and individual greatness.

Turn your power into a story with a happy ending; Be-Cause people like to work with Happy people, and Work is Love made visible!

Be a Life Long Learner!

Honor Thy Father

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 12:27:00 +0000

Happy Fathers Day

This Sunday we honor Fathers, including me, my son, son-in-law, all remarkable men, who have sired a child, and our worthy of Attention.

Does a Father have a special attention he bestows on his offspring?

Yes, a mysterious form of Attention.

While a mother gestates for 9 months, cares and nourishes for much, much longer, a Father may only be a one night stand or moment of ejaculation.

Whether your dad was one honored as a father of the year, a sperm donor, an absentee or abuser, being a father is a defining role. It is where our male half garners the archetype of masculinity.

What can and does a father contribute?

There is the safety and security of the nest. Often he is the breadwinner, slayer of saber tooth tigers, bringer of buffalo burgers, teller of stories of the hunt. He can be a strong ‘can do’ archetype, and I hope at least once, the apple of mom’s eye.

But biological fathers may only be a momentary dad; it is the man who raises the child that can be truly called a father. It is the outcome, the child that is today’s man of the hour. It is the man whose outcome is the loving, caring child that determines a dad.

What influences can a father have?

As a dad, the lessons are; support the mom, never make her wrong. Show that work is love made visible. Practice forgiveness. Always support the child’s choices, with an occasional here is an option. Let the child win. Let them know they can choose, decide, act and be rewarded. Share gratitude for life. Share gratitude for them and be ready for the day when your child says, Dad you’re going to be a GRANDFATHER.

It’s never too late to be a good dad or too late to thank a father.

Dear Dad; Thank you for your good works done as a Father. Though you may not have seen yourself as perfect and ideal, patient, nurturing, healing, a talker, a fisher of fish and men, you were mindful of the fairer sex, fixer of the broken, late night savior, early morning waker, mumbler of the unspoken, solid, calm, any and everything your offspring needs and wants. You carried a message that it’s great to be alive. Thanks, You SHOWED UP & paid the bill.

A Presentation without a Demonstration is mere Conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 17:59:00 +0000

Speaking fearlessly means at time showing, not telling, your magic as a presenter.

This means having the force with you, the force to know your subject so well that like magic the audience becomes a replica of the skill. Not a robot, but a raving fan, sharing your expertise, be it product, service or value.

Here's the How:
Know you desired outcome-a sale, a partner, or to change the world.
Organize using the FIVE-
1-Grab Attention (See How to Own the Stage)

2-The Intro-Tell them what you will be showing them. The raw product or service and the the magic outcome.

3-The Body-Slowly with the grace of a Chef at Benihana, your well-practiced-demo. Have space in the demo for questions and unexpected magic/disasters. (Remember chem lab?)

  4-The Repetition-Another slowly rehearsed rerun of the demo, complete with call backs to the audience-" What's that called?"

5-The Results-What you can expect from your new understanding of how our product, service or value works to get your desired outcome.

Make it a show and expect a standing ovation.

Frame your presentation.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Mon, 06 Jun 2016 15:03:00 +0000

Ask the audience for help.

“Can you help me,” she asked the audience.

They responded with head nods and a very positive “Yes.”

“Woo,”she felt a sigh-of-relief, the hard part of her presentation was over because what is harder than asking for help?

What did she need or want; only that they listen, pay attention and allow her to deserve that attention.

Speaking fearlessly means to have the realization that we all need help, AND we are scared or embarrassed or “too-oh-so-important” to ask for what we want.

In the sales world, where we all live, you cannot G-E-T until you A-S-K.

On stage, in a meeting, or just with those significant others in your life, few of us are mind-readers, but we ALL want to help each other.

Every network group that meets, when the entrepreneurs stand to tell what they do it begins with “I want to help people….”

So let the elephant out of the room, be honest. You and I need help. It’s why we are here to give and receive help.

ASK.

What Motivates You-Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Thu, 19 May 2016 15:13:00 +0000

How to know what motivates you?

It is only from self-observation that an evaluation, an honest inventory, can take place to know what motivates.

It is seeing, sensing and feeling the present moment.

It is acknowledging what is.

Judgments and interpretation are to be avoided in self-observation.

Labeling, naming, storytelling, excuses, blame, lies, the "spin", hope, wishes, dreaming, speculating, conjurings are not you.

If “stinking thinking” has been de-odorize you are moving toward what you want, your values and your noble causes.

Take a look in the mirror, Who You Are is showing up.

With a good clear look, and checking in with others we find that 3 areas create motivation.

1-Health-which can run the spectrum from pain to affirmative health.
2-Wealth-From lack, or poverty consciousness to abundance of values.
3-Relationships-Love to fear continuums. Moving toward or moving away from.

Which one has the greatest impact?
Notice how one of the three can dominate.
How to blend all three into a 'top-of-mind' motivation.

For me my health, wealth and relationships are a balance of how I share myself with others.

Namaste

Motivation

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 10 May 2016 17:30:00 +0000

The Three Ways to Motivate

1.) Nobel Cause-TG motivation is to handle “Seriousitis” in the world. A Noble cause can be your reason to be (Raison d’etre). It can be called your highest thought which often aligns with all religions. It maybe spirit over beliefs. One of the most popular is to Make a difference in the world. Finding your purpose and answering your calling are noble purpose. And it may be as simple and profound as serving others.

2.) In the material world the number one motivations is What’s in it for me-WIIFM.To get what you want. Goals. Power, security and sensations. Honest and self fulfilling, this motivation powers world economies,excites small children to scream “I need it”, “Mine” and brats.

3.) X-factor. Your personal motive, often the move away from PAIN. It may be what’s behind the noble cause and the WIIFM, a desire to end shyness, to speak out, to lose weight, to be a good/better parent.

All three of these motivations put together form a very strong THIRD FORCE that manifests goals. Put in combination with S.M.A.R.T.E.R. they form guidelines, bench marks and the perseverance to complete projects for all the YOUR right reasons.

Neutrality:From the Law of Three

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 03 May 2016 23:44:00 +0000

Neutrality is a moment of non-desire, non-resistance; it is the AS IS that IS* of any given moment.

Neutrality is about how to be in the NOW. Moments without expectations, judgments, excuses, blames. It has no preferences except to be in the present and have direct the experience of NOW. It accepts that you are here now.

“We can all agree we are here now,” is a good question to bring the internal and external into the present.

“Tranquility and clarity of perception are made possible by consenting to the world of “as it is” without any intention to change it. That’s fundamentally a spiritual attitude, because it aligns me with a greater whole without separating me from it. I don’t pretend to know better or hope to achieve something better than what the inner forces already at work in the system would do by themselves.

"When I see something terrible, that, too, is an aspect of the world, and I consent to it.

"When I see something beautiful, I consent to that also. I call this attitude “humility”-consenting to the world “as it is”. Only this consent makes perception possible. Without it, wishes, fears, judgments and our constructs interfere with perception.” See Bert Hellinger,Love’s Hidden Symmetry

Neutrality may be the moment before reaction, before response, decision, resistance, bliss, love, any of the higher thoughts and values.

Neutrality also precludes the negative pit of self-indulgent fears, anger, doubt and sorrow (FADS). Neutrality traps our attention in fixation, identification, attachments, issues and what Christians call sins.

Neutrality is a base of speaking fearlessly.

Self Observation-The Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 15:24:00 +0000

Self-Observation 101-The Mirror

The mirror, as a tool and metaphor of change, because how can you change what you don’t see?

The mirror is for those who wish to see themselves, their actions, reactions, poses, pauses; their unencumbered actions; without labels, adverbs, adjectives, limits, definitions, or any fence concreting the spontaneity of their creation.

The mirror a tool to freedom.

There were many before Narcissus who spied the magical being in the water. Most, upon beholding the image, were aghast at how it cooperated with every movement.

The apparition that acted just like the observer, though there were movements the observer had never seen.

The moment when the observer recognized the vision as being his or her own, the observer changed.

A new door opened. Perhaps a part of the brain, reserved for some momentous event, shifted gears and became a curious watcher of the mirror.

The event, though insightful, may have been a cause of the fall into selfish narcissism, even paranoia, concerned that someone or something was watching.

For some, it may have initiated a pretense, a show.

For some, it was an escape from thoughts.

Others were tickled into embarrassment, filled with curiosity and interest.

“How does this strange glass work?

“Who is that in there?”

And so the mess-SAGES and QUESTions of the mirror began:

What does a child see in the mirror before being indoctrinated into labels and limits, indoctrinations and indulgences while seeing their reflection?

What do you see if you had no limits or labels?

When first we gazed upon our self in the still waters of puddle or pond the question flowed, like water rushing thru the narrows, “Who are you?”

The answer never came.

But the question became sealed in the psyche and “make believe” gods kept the mystery alive.

This reflection, the echo of essence in the water, shone light from a different source.

A touch sent ripples to distort the image. Stepping back the image grew across the waters. Not knowing whom the image was, an answer came, “I am not you.”

Find yourself on a calm day, hiking to a hidden pool and look deeply, under the surface, past bubbles, traces of light, water skippers, and see yourself as others see you.

Self Observation uses mirrors to shine light into dark recesses of eerie unknowns, closed corners, hidden dreams, lost hopes, blind faith, and illuminate for brief moments what is, was and may be, with No Limits, No Labels. No Beliefs.

To speak fearlessly self observation is a handle on The Unknown.

Law of Three

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 16:45:00 +0000

It is the Binary Code that keeps humanity in the sleep of the “Matrix”. The Matrix, the sleepless sleep that grants us comfort in a challenging world. In its day the Matrix is how Kings of old kept the serfs in their place. Trapped in a world where they were not allowed to question authority or use the questioning process to change and move their status and place in society.

On a Micro and Meta level every phenomena/goal is a meeting of three different forces. Two of the forces are always opposing-positive/negative, male/female, force/resistance, and without a third force they can never manifest a goal/phenomena.

A third force must enter, become involved, made aware of (manifesting INTENT) or attention is STUCK on one or the other end of the binary continuums.

By practicing the ‘rule of three in an exercise and becoming aware of the actions of the Law of Three-The Third Force you gain power over the possible outcomes.

All three of the forces have all three within one another. Active force contain, passive and neutralizing, so you can have an active force that is a passive, neutralizing active force.

In physics it is the third force that creates movement. In our lives it is a type of spiritual kinetics. In either case, it does indeed become a catalyst for movement. Some have described it as “The eternal war between where you are and where you want to be.”

The sacred intent (prayer) can also be a third force when done fully with FREE ATTENTION. This is prayer with asking, demanding or begging. It is prayer acknowledging higher forces outside and inside yourself with a desire to connect. We are so busy with our stories, excuses, and habits we have lost contact with our higher nature.

The Law of Three is one of the keys to INTERNALIZATION-creating surety and ease in presenting yourself. Knowing that your structure is in threes frees your attention to allow creativity, flexibility and connection to the audience. Speaking becomes a more playful game. A paradox appears, the more I structure the more freedom I have. Understanding this lesson in organization opens me to the next step, allowing your body to speak with greater congruence.

Perhaps only the Golden Rule has a greater influence on happiness, success and transformation than an understanding of the Law of Three. It is a law, a ruler of the physical world with its active, passive and neutralizing forces involved in energy and the science of life. It is our options in decision-making. It is the key to freedom in each moment we make decisions.

It is the simplest law to grasp. It shows in the great works of this country’s system of checks and balances. It shows itself in our desires, resistance and now ness and neutral presence.

Breaking the Bounds of the Binary Doctrine

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 18:34:00 +0000

Law of Three

    To speak fearlessly it is important to see the Law of Three.

As our politics are stuck in a binary code our lives may be in a similar situation. We were taught that there is a right and wrong way to both view and do things. A fool proof (or foolish) methodology of winding our way through life.



         When we realized this black and white world was only a map that offered little to help us on our journey when we became confused or lost, we were consoled with ‘third time is a charm.’ At about that time we began to consider a new possibility, that there were three possibilities, all with only one right answer.



         The benevolent gods dropped clues to the importance of the trinities to assist us in transforming from the Binary Codes traps. First we learned the ABC’s. Then when we played baseball its 3 strikes and you’re out. Discovering there are 3 outs an inning only served to support our new found three is a charm.



         We early on divide time in past, present and future.



         We learned the religious trinities, in Christianity the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. In Hindu, the Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. In Buddhism it is the Buddha the Dharma and the Sanga, three is the new/evolved/aware two.



         Dale Carnegie, set the stage for speakers with his rendition of the three’s: -1-Tell the audience what you will tell them, 2-tell them, and 3-tell them what you told them.



         However we are taught the Binary world (the Digital trap) where we have only two choices, the extremes of the Continuums. Active-Passive. Force-Resistance, right-wrong, yes-no. And for many we learned too much no.

Speaking Fearlessly means seeing more options. Our presentation considst of who I am -- my beliefs, who my audience is, and my agenda -- my topic.

Pay Attention, it's the Law. Continued in the next blog.

Unconditional Love

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 16:37:00 +0000

Unconditional Love

I start the Pachelbel Cannon in D and sit to write. Memories of thousands,(I am a seminar junkie), of students sat in hotel rooms in meditation, contemplating unconditional love as the canon played. I see their faces, feel my eyes swelling as the music activates the message, the magic mantra-I Love Myself it echoes in my heart, mind, and body.

It is a lullaby that builds upon itself. A simple 1, 2, 3 as a way into myself and a way out of my pain, my fears, my self-pity. A gentle swing that captures my essence till I become the music and who I am and what I may become,becomes a powerful feeling to share.

Forgiveness, hope, faith in change and a brave new world are echoed by the canon as I Love Myself repeats itself

A trainer spoke, “What do you want?

Unconditional Love.

No earned love, no ‘have to’s’, no fulfilling parental expectation, or

succumbing to societies demands, Unconditional Love.

The trainer honored the space in which to experience the message with a divine space, a pause, as the canon builds from lullaby to dance, a ballet where partners couple.

The trainer speaks, “What do you want others to experience in your presence?

From deeper in our hearts, from the still small space of conscience, from the essence we transform and realize “I want you to experience UNCONDITIONAL LOVE for your self.

The healing of each of us, of the planet re-initiates itself as the gratitude for life, for breath, for choices resonates with the bowing of the cello. We feel the message to appreciate each moment as the cannon plucks away, pay attention to the refrain for Now and Forever.

The canon is a little over six minutes long and millions have heard the sounds whether in a Gallo wine commercial, from the Oscar winning movie Ordinary People, or the seminar rooms.

You and me, brothers and sisters, ponder the compassion of self love, we emote-feel again, and refresh ourselves wiping away tears, breathing anew to love without conditions.

I am grateful to the gods of technology that make my phone cell play that cello tune anywhere, anytime. I hear the effortless refrain begin and swing the lullaby as love builds becoming the power to share, here and now.

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE ignited by a tune, kept alive by your attention.

Speakers, use the music.

With Little or No Doubt, I say Yes.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 16:11:00 +0000

“With little or no doubt I said yes.”

Willingness, is the ability and attitude, to work toward having, grooming, acknowledging, enjoying, and appreciating will itself.

Willingness is a pathway to enthusiasm, excitement. It makes life a party, as in to participate.

To play is a willful act.

All I am is my Will.

I use my Will to choose, the vehicle from which I decide.

It was an epiphany when I realized that Willingness is the opposite of resistance.

Does choosing to “show up” build Will Power? Yes!

To show up in life is a major act of Willingness. It requires putting away being right, ones fears, not being attached or identified with outcome.

Will is risking, choosing to have fun, to be creator of your own world, be responsible, accountable, even Setting A Good Example by the grace with which Will manifests.

Where did I get all my Willingness?

My favorite teachers were always Willing to go along with my enthusiasm, and my excitement to the learning game.

My coaches loved my Willingness to try “it” another way.

My spiritual teachers were all major players in resisting not evil. They said fully experience here and now by being Willing, you didn’t have to believe what they said, just be Willing to listen

Where would we be without our Will?

The human spirit best judged by our Willingness to be the other virtues, Compassion, Grace, Patience, Trust, Honesty, and Forgiveness?

Willingness is not who I am, it is how I chose to be, by saying Yes, I can, with little or no doubt.

Moving from the information Age to the Conceptual Age

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 18:11:00 +0000

Creating Flow-Entering the Zone-Engaging Left Directed + Right Directed Minds- Creating Happy for No Reason-Balancing our Three Brains

Here are the guidelines for the new skills and senses to move into the conceptual age. These are stretches and need to be incorporated into your life.

· Humor-Is the cure for Seriousitis™. Using the Yes, And concepts of Improv to accept the offers life gives and laugh. Humor is one answer to health care, medical costs, and (duh) happiness. “Whatever arises, love it.’

· Story-You can’t argue with a story. Stories are compelling narratives that engage change. They are from our Great Oral traditions, fairy tales, fables, sagas, epics, from the Odyssey to The Matrix. To boldly go where no one has gone before and return the hero to tell the tales. Pay it Forward, tell, but don’t tell them it all.

· Empathy-Learning compassion. Learning to place your attention out on others without judging or sympathy with a detached feeling of caring for everyone. Appreciating diversity. No one cares how much you know till they know how much you care. Being able to walk a mile, or across the room in their moccasin.

· Symphony –Instead of a mile deep and an inch wide, knowing, sensing and feeling the interconnectedness of all things. Making the quantum leap of combinations that brings forth the big picture. Connecting the dots and seeing the patterns that ancient wisdom show in Tarot cards, I Ching and Runes. Using metaphors, understanding brainstorms and vision boards.

· Play-If it’s not fun why do it? The opposite of play is depression. The baby boomers got spoiled, spoiled their kids and learned to learn from games. The onset of Video Games as teaching devices, comedy clubs, laughing yoga, sports as mediation. For the millenniums play is purpose!

· Meaning-The meaning of life is the meaning we give it! The WHY! Finding purpose and sharing. The only reason to give a speech is to change the world. The Dali Lama winning the Nobel Peace prize and writing The Purpose of Life is Happiness. The correct understanding of Thomas Jefferson’s phrase the Pursuit of Happiness is to PRACTICE Happiness.

· Design-Understanding the box, the circle and triangle. The use of symbols like the Ennegram. Branding ourselves in whimsy, or Deco, Rocco, or Bauhaus. A personal renaissance as a change designer. Creating and consuming experiences not things.

· Balance-Moderation and flow of all the senses, choices, chances and changes. Using the fulcrum point in life’s continuums to make choices. Seeing the future with and without tech. Being a verb not just a noun.

These are the concepts and values which are changing the world.

8 skills when refined equates to CULTURE.

An environment in which we grow-Like a Pearl

Acknowledgments to the works of many and lately Dan Pink, Mikaly Csikzentmihalyi, Marci Shimoff, Steven Pressfield, Fritjof Capra, Marvin Oka and you & me.

Distraction

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 01:05:00 +0000

Distraction

It’s rampant in our society. We live in a colorful, noisy and often fragrant world that captures our attention. It is a planned attack on our senses. We have new diseases and medical professions to deal with the outbreak of distractions in the form of attention deficits. It seems somehow related to the outbreaks of autism, video games, multi-tasking and the growing need for pointless, tasteless information. The word Google itself boggles and distracts, while it represents an incredible source of value, especially money. The massive amount of trivia and spin doctors has cyberspace, book stores, educational outlets, waiting rooms, and my bookshelves filled with distractions. I myself am guilty of using clichéd, esoteric, urbane humor to distract.

Distraction is addictive. It may be first cousin to procrastination (the disease of tomorrow), excuses (the only person who cares about excuses is the excuse-maker) and ‘whatever’ (the insidious disbelief in communicating what the “as is” is).

I remember the movie The Point in the 1970’s. It is “an animated story of an unusual kingdom in which everything and everybody is pointed -- except for a young boy named Oblio. Despite his round head, Oblio has many friends. But an evil Count, jealous that Oblio is more popular than his own son, says that without a pointed head, Oblio is an outlaw. Along with his faithful dog Arrow, Oblio is exiled to the Pointless Forest. There, he has many fantastic experiences (including encounters with a three-headed man, giant bees, a tree in the leaf-selling business, and a good-humored old rock). From his adventures, Oblio learns that it is not at all necessary to be pointed to have a point in life.” (From IMDB.com)

I am from that age that made outlaws heroes. It was an age and a movie that sensed that not everything needs a point. Yet in the forty years since the release of the movie, society has found points to such pointless activities as fun, stress freedom, meditating, random acts of kindness, often easing the constraints of the incantations of WIIFM (what’s in it for me). As often happens with wisdom, it gets subverted into its opposite. Or maybe the opposite exists and The Point just allowed distractions to grow, be acceptable and profitable then and run rampant.

My point is: paying attention is our best investment, for only I can decide if there is a point or a distraction or a situation for paying attention.

The challenge I love is to share the lessons of paying attention.

Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 17:58:00 +0000

A Good Friday

Speaking fearlessly is about questioning controversial topics.

I wonder what’s good about a day the hero of the Christian world gets nailed to a cross.

Our language keeps evolving verbs into strange multiple meanings. ‘Nailed’ can be slang for sex, being drunk, or clinching a sales presentation.

With sex and religion in the same paragraph my attention is fully engaged. Roll away the stone, it’s Good Friday, so some pontification upon the state of Christianity may clear my slate on Jesus.

Jesus first wandered into my consciousness when I found a little red Bible at age three. I showed it to Mom and she told me about God, Adam and Eve and their two sons, the first and only people. Then Mom asked “where did the girls who married the boys come from?” This question has fueled my evolution for six decades.

The first hymn I learned in Baptist Bible School at age 6 was “♪Onward Christian soldiers marching onto war.” I wondered then and still do what Christians are doing marching to war when the message was Love?

When John Lennon said the Beatles were more popular than Jesus, he was right in my world. When The Beatles sang “♪All you need is Love” there was no battle.

Jesus was the first long hair I ever saw. I had some confusion with Jesus and Santa Claus. They arrived to celebrate the same day; both had a naughty and nice thing going on. Both could do magic with presents. One had disciples, the other reindeer and elves. New information says they both were married to very supportive wives who worked with their husbands. I think it’s a tossup economically with Jesus and the Catholic Church having a head start monetarily, but Santa and Christmas presents now has the marketing momentum.

When I learned meta programs, how to frame information and beliefs, I framed Jesus as metaphorical role model of present time, highest thought, divine connection, a creator of miracles with the faith to move mountains. He endured conscious suffering. He knew where and how to use his attention. He was a role model whose outcome, getting nailed was an odd ending for a great guy.

What’s the lesson?

Maybe it is about questioning legends?

It is always about what we believe.

Perhaps we are all metaphorically nailed into a dark cave of our own winter creations and as spring begins we need three days for resurrection and celebration.

It all depends on how you frame it.

Who's Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 17:03:00 +0000

Who’s Driving?

From a very young age, in order to survive, we’re taught to believe certain things by our parents and caregivers. Whether these beliefs are true or not we may have forgotten to ask, or just assumed they were.

These beliefs form the core of how we view life and everything that “comes into our world”. These beliefs act as filters, which both frame and control our every thought and perception. The vast majority (over 90%) of these filters are un-conscious, acting as both filters and imprints.

What this means is that over 90% of the time, we’re simply unaware of why we do what we do. Rick Jarow, author of “Creating The Work You Love” says it well: “We may be driven, but we do not know who or what is driving us.”

It is this question that has sent me to hundreds of workshops, read hundreds of books, written hundreds of essays and sermons to find out. I am a very curious fellow who wants to know what I know, what others know, and how to get the most out of the limited time available in life.

Let’s look closely at this quote when it says: “but we do not know who or what is driving us.” Some may read the quote and think it’s admirable to be driven. Others look deeper and see the potential hidden reason for their pain and suffering.

Have you ever wondered when life doesn’t go the way you want what’s really happening under the surface”? In other words, who or what’s doing the driving?

I look to the concept of continuums to understand these situations and place the desire to know at the one end and who cares (whatever)at the other, and as long as I think in terms of continuums I feel movement, and movement does keep ones attention. I am enjoying the ride.

Over the years there have been hundreds of books written with titles like...The Secret-You can have anything you want. As a general rule, these books urge us to see ourselves in a new light and thus generate within ourselves a personal magnet whereby the universe brings us new rewards and experiences. Great theory...and, to a degree, I buy it.

In practice, though, we have beliefs, attitudes and habits that serve as substantial barriers to achieving these new levels. How do we, for example, see ourselves as receivers of financial abundance when we have competing beliefs like "rich people are greedy, nasty and step on people to get all that wealth"?

So who is driving? Are we in a car, bus, bicycle or are we walking? Is anyone else riding with me? What can I do?

One-Take an inventory-I’ll gladly send you our Checking Inn inventory.

Two-Get a mirror and take a good honest look at yourself and your day(s)-do it more than once. Let the mirror become your personal assistant.

Three-Use your fearlessly speaking skills to ask trusted honest friends-“What do you see, feel or think when I walk into the room?” Thank them with “I can use that,” and gather insights and see who is driving.

It is amazing what others know about who is driving us.

Going Meta

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 14:03:00 +0000

Going Meta

Not Mecca, or any location, but positioning yourself above your situation. Seeing a bigger picture, a new point of view using your own GPS (Great Paths to Success) to go beyond, separating from the situation and getting the sense to how it all fits together.

Being Meta is a vision, a frozen moment in time, similar to those who have had out of body experiences. You see you doing you.

“Wow, that’s me playing me.”

Being Meta means you can see the vision without judgment. Your role may be as an extra or as the star. It lasts as long as your attention can hold the space of NOW.

Going Meta offers the benefit of detaching before reacting, or should reaction already occur seeing the outcome of reacting without judgment, excuses or blame, and see what happens with judgment, excuses and blame.

How to get Meta?

By being curious and finding the ‘that’s interesting’ space in you. Feeding your curiosity muscle and punching a ride on as many ways of seeing you as your attention can hold.

I go Meta not to miss the feel of it all, but to get a bigger view than my mind. I could be looking to see if I am clinging to the same old same, (SOS) and help break a ‘going nowhere loop’. Or is this loop one I want to use to see more specifics of this moment?

What purpose does this action serve?

Is this vision aligned with my higher purpose?

Where is my attention?

I love being Meta, judgment free, present with the mystery of the moment and evolving into being in the quiet, ease and grace of appreciation.

Being Meta I am beginning to look and recognize certain energies, called by Quantum Physics as ‘attractors.’

This is a revelation brewing for decades that life does not go in a limited sequential manner. 1,2,3,4, may actually go 1,4,2,8,5,7 even with the pattern of numbers happening simultaneously.

The concept of time and cause and effect are limits created in that moment as an answer, when multiple forces are at work.

I am interested in finding attractors, and becoming an attractor. I have some clues. Attractors are not static. They appear to be verbs, with power to create and empower change. They reflect or create values and lofty principles. I find they act like muses, the kind Elizabeth Gilbert talks about in Eat, Pray, Love. Here is her link at Ted Talk https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_on_genius?language=en

Attractors speak with words and phrase like ‘you can’, ‘you may,’ ‘yes and’. These are statements and words that create choices and attract other attractors with synergy.

Quantum Physicist is discovering attractors and how they influence life. Ancient wisdom and Fairy tales have been aware of the invisible but obvious influences of the magic of attractors. These energies have been called Angels, Sages, Avatars, and many more names. They were visited by mystics who have shared their experiences of the wisdom of ages and bringing passion, compassion, truth, courage, understanding and forgiveness. When we manifest those values we tap into and become attractors with each contact building our presence and value.

Pay attention, attractors are all around us, use them. Become one.

Conscience

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 16:48:00 +0000

Let your conscience be you guide.

Within all of us are many voices, many reasons, emotions, sensations, choices and challenges. How to know which one is conscience?

Conscience isn’t the loudest, doesn’t have an accent, sure isn’t pushy, or even assertive.

Conscience isn’t concerned with being right or making anyone wrong.

Conscience resonates with feeling good. It doesn’t need press, (I’ve written for years and finally got around to acknowledging the wisdom of a childhood cartoon hero and his intent to do the right things.) but conscience lets me sleep easy at night, and may even add color, sound, music and messages to Mr. Morpheus directions in dreamland.

Conscience speaks with respect for me and all I connect too.

Conscience doesn’t need editing.

Knowing conscience is there, available at each moment, that conscience is not something I have to exercise, update, upgrade, reload, just remember it is speaking in a still small voice with all our best interests at heart.

Hearing conscience speak is a comfort.

I wonder if it is an identity, a guardian angel, or a connection to higher center. I knew it existed before Pinocchio and Walt Disney crowned Jiminy Cricket- “Lord High Keeper of the Knowledge of Right and Wrong, Counselor in Moments of Temptation, and Guide along the Straight and Narrow Path."

Conscience seems like one of the first things to go with politicians often unpopular with teens, and easily lost in the din of the high tech 2000’s.

Did Donald bankrupt his conscience? When I think Donald I think Duck is an appropriate verb.J

Where is conscience in cyberspace?

Conscience is a voice that needs recognition, a revival. It is not a religious movement to be aware of, but a podcast to listen for inner guidance. A voice that brings meaning to our methods, clarifies our course, helps align the new age and gives speakers the conviction and honesty to share core values.

Be Gentle

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 14:45:00 +0000

Be Gentle

When our desire surpasses our fear.

As many years as I wandered in the 'woo-woo' of life I only had one invisible angel speak to me. Almost forty years ago while living alone in St. Johns, Oregon an odor of a strange perfume was followed by a voice "Be Gentle." That's all. It was a time of change and I took the words to mean be gentle with your self.

There is a Gary Larson-The Far Side-cartoon showing two Martians hiding behind a rock. They set up a mirror on one side of the path in front of a rock, down which were walking a man and woman. One Martian says to the other, "Let's see if it attacks it's own image."

We may never meet an audience so judgmental as we are of ourself. Use Self-compassion-"Be Gentle" said the angel. Cultivate self friendship as the key to self-compassion: Be your own best friend because everyone needs someone to be there for them, and wherever we go there we are.

Make the audience your best friend because as a speaker your purpose is to change the world by getting the audience to fall in love with themselves.

Be gentle with your self, you are precious.

How to read the Audience

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 16:16:00 +0000

How to Read the Audience

Simplified Check List

Preparation and simplicity are cures for the fear of public speaking. Here are 3 vital elements in your presentation-

1-You

2-Your message

3-The audience.

Who is your audience?

Whether it is a keynote address, a sales presentation, or a inspiration/motivation speech do the homework to prepare for success.

Send out a Pre-presentation Questionnaire:

1-What are the demographics of the audience?

2-What are their current challenges?

3-What are the new trends or changes in their life or industry?

Day of presentation:

1-Be early meet and greet. Attempt to shake hands with everyone.

2-Introduce yourself and become friends to all-“Hi I’m Gary C Smith I am your speaker. I’ll be speaking on-your topic-with excitment.

3-Check room temperature-microphone, lights, exits and know where the restrooms are.

Introduction:

1-Have your Speaker’s intro delivered well ahead of time to introducer or emcee. The introduction shares your credibility and experience.

2-Use Self-Humor. Look dashing and debonair.

3-Be relevant from the beginning. You are on purpose, the expert. Let them know how this message will impact them.

Presentation:

1-Your Attention out on the Audience!

2-Make eye contact. One idea one person.

3-Catch the audience cues. Be aware of an Elephant in the room.

Post presentation:

1-Use a ‘call backs’ asking for the audience to recap.

2- Q & A-Remember to repeat the question.

3-Follow up with a Thank You.

Keep it simple as 1-2-3.

Thinking is a Learned Skill

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 18:54:00 +0000

Thinking is a learned skill.

Speaking fearlessly clear thought is key.

A man is talking to God. “God, how long is a million years?”

God answers, “To me, it’s about a minute.”

“God, how much is a million dollars?”

“To me, it’s a penny.”

“God, may I have a penny?”

“Wait a minute.

You had to think to make cents out of the story. J

Thinking requires connecting ideas, segues.

It requires memory & organization which means visualization, separating this from that.

IT requires comparison and scale which brings in the concept of continuums.

Thinking requires multiple points of view (POV)

Thinking requires the EGO to get out of the way so that

You can make a mistake

You don’t have to be right

You go past ‘I already know that.’

Mathematics with numbers, computation skills, equations, permutations, calculations are the reason Algebra exists to teach the basics of thinking. The How.

The Why of thinking is contained in this thought from Martha Heyman

“Only human beings have the time (and capacity) to ponder, to find out where they came from, to imagine how it feels to be someone else, to envision the whole and their place in it, to wonder what they are suppose to do with their large brains and their leisure time.”

How to exercise your thinking muscle:

Take risks

Make decisions

Change POV

Ask questions

Be deliberate

Have a place to think

Have a time to think

Have a purpose to learn the skill

Celebrate and share your original thought.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 15:58:00 +0000

March Forth and Show Up.

This is a special day when the Julian calendar sends a message. This message was originally written on March Forth 2004, an election day with banners being displayed that encouraged us to “Stand Up and Be Counted.” That day PBS played a musical tribute to songwriters of the 20^th century and I loved the big band music singing

♪‘Ya gotta accent the positive,

latch on to the affirmative.

Don’t mess with Mr. In-between.”♪ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z45EB4TiYz4

Sung by Bette Midler & Bing Crosby

I funnel these communications through the idea “The meaning of life is the meaning you give life.” As a speaker March Forth and Show up with presence that has meaning.

Show up where?

March Forth where?

Everywhere.!

Take a day with a built-in message, and turn up the volume to show up with more kindness, more presence, more fun, more compassion, more creativity.

Today I am handling some incompletes. I am checking my own messages and securing that I am in clarity with what I am doing and Marching Forth with a clear message, my banner “Paying Attention is My Best Investment.”

Well it’s March.

March is our first verb month. May is the next verb month.

Today is March forth, an admonition from the ages to step forward & make your self known. Deliberately March forth and see what happens. Carry your banner

March forth with a plan to be felt and feel what happens.

March forth being present, and see what else shows up.

March is magical with the equinox, the Ides and a full 31 days to March.

What’s March mean to you? Time to come out of hibernation.

It’s time to Spring soon.

Gumption.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 02:22:00 +0000

Gumption. Get up & Go

Here is a great word to use in presentations. A word that does, like Captain Kirk is often quoted, “…boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Gumption:

1.Boldness of enterprise; initiative or aggressiveness.

2.Guts; spunk.

3.Common sense.

What a story this word creates. It has a place in the Word Hall of Fame. The mix of initiative, risk and common sense is a recipe for a hero.

This word is a noun, a person, place or thing, but it feels more like a verb, an action, a way of being.

Watch for power words. Words to take on a quest. Words to inspire an audience. Words to save me on a rainy day when the S.A.D.S.* drizzle forth ‘stinkin-thinkin’.

Got Gumption?

Who’s got it?

Where does it come from?

How did they get it?

How can I get some?

It comes from the same store that serve other Hall of Fame Words, like Attention, Belief, Conscious, Discipline, Effort, Feedback, down the G aisle along with Grace and Gratitude. A place where words are tools to build the skill and karma accounts. Words that transform into action.

All our heroes Got Gumption.

Public Speaking requires Gumption. Parenting needs Gumption, the whole concept of birthing, caring, teaching, and the patience of parents require Gumption.

We build Gumption from taking risks. Risks are very individual. Physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, business all have different, individual kinds of risks. One person risks a six-figure income to start his or her own business. Another takes a risk and leaves their comfort zone to teach others to take risks. Some risk their ‘likeability’ by knocking on a door, making cold calls, risking rejection. Some have risked physical safety by walking on fire, parachuting for fun and thrills, taking on physical challenges to manifest Gumption

Life changes are risky business, and appreciating changes builds Gumption.

*S.A.D.S. Seasonally Afflected Disorders

Don't make it a habit.

noreply@blogger.com (Gary C. Smith) — Sat, 27 Feb 2016 00:57:00 +0000

Don’t make it a habit.

A key to being a conscious public speaker. .

I am challenged by the statements negative aspect, how can I ‘don’t-as in not do a thing when many teachers’ state affirmations, goals, and intentions need to be framed in the positive because our conscious mind doesn’t hear the ‘don’t, or the not’.

Are our minds so crazy that when I state I am not going to eat after 8pm, my mind defaults to eating after 8pm? Are we that contradictory?

“That’s what you don’t want. What do you want?” Coaches ask.

“Well I don’t want to make it a habit.” Student replies.

“That’s what you don’t want. What do you want?” Coach asks.

“I want to consciously, deliberately, choose, my reality.”

So when or how does my positive intentions become a habit?

What is a habit?

Is it a fall from grace into a rut; sleep walking, becoming robotic?

Is habit letting our evil inner siblings loose to do the same thing and expect different results?

Is habit indulging to allow others to indoctrinate me?

Don’t make it a habit really means make it how I want it.

In dance class when the instructor says ‘don’t think ’ it means to decide to enjoy and appreciate your new dance steps. To remember your intention. That’s when the dancing happens.

How do I stop from making ‘it’ a habit?

I have a habit of watching my fingers as I type. This was a tough paragraph to type without watching, I kept cheating and looking. I get disturbed if I make a mistake. I feel very uncomfortable ungluing my eyes from the keyboard. It’s a battle to not watch my fingers. My habits trapped me until I recall the gradient approach to learning. I practice and I gradually free my attention, and stop looking.

In speaking, breaking a habit can be a way of finding more time to be present, more space to allow ideas to resonate with my audience. Finding the magic of the space behind a note, a beat, that allows more freedom of expression to create fully. Not rushing the thought, being gradiently uncomfortable to break the habits.

Be aware of what’s a habit and what’s not. Use the feedback to support goals. Don’t make anything a habit, unless it’s your intent.