By Robin Eschler

I have had the fortune to finally, after 30 years, figure out exactly what I want to accomplish with my life.  If you can relate to being a late bloomer or at least to not having followed a specific, well-defined path, then you may find some insights here.  If you’re wondering about the title referring to a river, simply be patient.  The answer is below.

When I was laid off over 2 years ago, having worked in nonprofit and been able to impact people’s lives but also being caught up in the daily tasks of business, I took the opportunity to review my life and connect with my inner guidance.  That so-called inner guidance almost immediately took me over a rocky road between looking back and looking forward.  Therein was my mistake.

Looking back to gain insight is fine as long as you are solid in understanding that the past does not define you.  Looking forward can be a trap as well if you allow the “shoulds” to take over or the expectations for immediate transformation.

This is true for business as well.  The magic happens when the understanding that the past gives you metrics to establish progress, and the future is intention, but nothing is more important than right now – whether for business or personal goals.  You actually achieve sustainability when the past and future blend into the magic of the present.

Don’t get me wrong, this is not “airy fairy,” or as a comical friend of mine says, “hairy fairy.”  Each day that is accomplished with intention moves you closer to your vision.  It’s a matter if being mindful in each moment, awake to your inner guidance and taking action.

At this point, I’d like to share a mindfulness exercise and an analogy:

Step one:

Whenever you find yourself rushing and feeling stressed, stop and consciously focus on each one of your senses, hearing, smell, taste, sight and feeling.  This is mindfulness.

Then take a full and deep breath, stopping for a moment with full lungs.  Visualize a beautiful vibrant blue light in the area of your solar plexus (belly).  Continue to visualize that light while slowly releasing the breath.  Do not try to hold your breath.  Allow it to be a natural, round flow.

Step two:

You will feel more centered.  Now remember the flow of a river.  See it moving along.  It does not attach itself to the rocks on its banks nor does it fear what is ahead.  When it passes through a sunny spot, it does not try to slow down or to stop itself from continuing its flow.  When it comes to a cliff, it jumps over into the freedom of the fall.

The water simply flows, sometimes fast, sometimes slow never looking back or forward.  It simply is.  It basks in the warmth of the sun.  It frolics as it jumps over rocks.  It finds power in its depth and volume as it grows larger, and when it flies over the cliffs without fear of what is below, it creates a beautiful rainbow in its cool mists.

The water is “its authentic self” in each moment of its journey.  As we traverse through life, it is up to us to connect with our “authentic self” by staying present in each moment.

We can’t “find” or look for that authentic self because it simply is, just like the water does not “look” for itself.  It exists in all of its forms: fast, slow, rough, gentle, cold, warm, inviting, threatening.  Never does it judge itself.

So, without judgment, without fear, without looking back, without anticipating what’s to come, as humans, we can stay exactly where we “are” and approach our authentic selves.

“Masters” live in the authentic self.  Until we become Masters, be patient and enjoy the journey.  Stop trying to capture a feeling or a moment of peace from the past.  Accept each moment and then move into the next.  Do not compare.  Do not mourn the moment’s passing.

The business flow:

For businesses, the process is similar.  Be aware or mindful of your environment or market.  By knowing and appreciating the specific market we serve for its myriad of opportunities, we are able to position our business rather than feeling threatened by “competition.”

Choices are necessary for happy customers.  When we understand our customers thoroughly, we can better communicate our special differences to them.  Having competition simply allows a person to choose.  Taking it a step further, rather than seeing it as a dangerous cliff, by appreciating and collaborating with competition, we can provide a richer choice for the customers, and everyone wins.

Do not attach yourself to a prospective customer but, rather, respect their own “flow.”  Show your authentic self as a business.  Authenticity attracts the right customers.

Be fully aware of what your business is, how others see it and what you want the business to become over time.  Then blend it together in the NOW.

Take the journey one day at a time.  Awake each day with mindful gratitude, and celebrate the end of each day for all that has been accomplished.  Include your team in the celebration and gratitude.  Both you and your business will flourish regardless of the rocky parts and scary cliffs.

A Note from Robin:

When Jaki asked me to contribute a blog, I was honored and thrilled.  Jaki truly is a very special person and is making a difference with her work.

If you are a person who has interest in expanding your own life as well as making an impact on others, then you are in the right place.  If you are a bit uncertain as to how to accomplish your goals, you are also in the right place.  Both Jaki and I can help.

Robin’s Mini Bio:

Robin L. Eschler founded Social Impact Marketing (which grew from RLEschler Marketing founded in 1986).  Recognizing that the world is rapidly changing, Social Impact Marketing provides high ROI strategies for socially conscious companies of all sizes and across business sectors. We blend powerful, online marketing methods, including social media, with more traditional, offline methods to create sustainable success.

In April, 2011, Robin launched a radio show, Socially Conscious Investing, on WomensRadio.com where she shares methods of investing time, energy, ideas and money to impact poverty, hunger, health and the economy and facilitate positive change globally.  Her goal is to inspire and motivate people to contribute to a better planet by taking whatever small steps they can each day.

How to Keep In Touch with Robin:

Please listen to our online radio show, Socially Conscious Investing, to hear about ways you can invest your ideas, energy, in easy and small steps to make a difference in this world.  Visit our business website, Social Impact Marketing, to make a difference for your business by blending innovative, online with foundational, offline marketing methods.  Like our Facebook page and learn how to establish relationships in the exploding world of social media, and grow your own business success.

Thanks, Jaki, for this opportunity and for all that you do.

A Message from Jaki ~ Thank you

Thank You Robin. I truly enjoyed your blog and love the fact that you share your wisdom through such a beautiful analogy.

“Awake each day with Mindful Gratitude,

Celebrate the end of each day for all that has been Accomplished.”

Taking just that one sentence – implementing those two empowering things – can be life changing. I know from experience – It is how I live every day – Thank you for sharing.

Simple Positive Steps You Can Take Now ~

• Remember to ~ “Awake each day with Mindful Gratitude, Celebrate the end of each day for all that has been Accomplished.”

• Make a decision to come back each day to Jaki’s Guest Blogger Month – there are many more amazing blogs to read
• Share this with Friends, post the link to this blog on your facebook page
• Pop over to Jaki’s Pay-it-Forward Site ~ If Everyone Cares
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• Have a Great Day :))

In Gratitude

Jaki :)