Wading the Stream of Awareness

Wading the Stream

March 5, 2010 by Jeff Brunson

In my work as a Leadership Coach, I have had the privilege to learn much from those I Coach. It is this learning which finally brought me to the beautiful place where I would write.

A friend challenged me to retreat and determine what I wanted to write about … and why. I took the challenge and spent 2 days alone in a mountain retreat center answering those great questions.

I did decide what to write about, and why it was so important to me.

Wading the Stream of Awareness:
The Building of a Confident Leader

The metaphor of ‘wading the stream of awareness’ became my motivation for writing about what was so important; your confidence.

Judging self crushes the spirit. This keeps us from reaching out into the world as we are meant to do – and keeps us from being who we are meant to be.

Who you are and how that shows up is meant to show itself in a natural flow.

What makes this happen – greases the skids if you will – is when we realize that our confidence in this flow is found in who we really are; our wiring from the beginning.

I wish for you complete joy in The Wade!

“While ancient in its purpose, the stream is presently focused. I practice in the stream’s presence mindful only of the moments that flow by as I wade in its wisdom.” -The Stream as Force; Chapter One: Impact

“There are rich gifts in this book—golden nuggets for us to discover and treasure as we step with new awareness into the stream of our living.”
—Gordon Turnbull, Minister, Writer, Encourager

The Companion Workbook

“…sound, with application of principles following an understanding of the theory behind the principles. The reader is lead to natural conclusions regarding their own stream of awareness by progressing through the book. This is not for the faint of heart however, there is meat here to be consumed, digested, ruminated over, and redigested. Bringing in of actual situations is helpful . The exercises could also take on some practical elements of application of this new found awareness. This could lead the reader to an immediate application of the theories and principles.”
-Doug Fabick, Facilitator, Coach, and Founder of Successful Organizational Strategies

Posted in Home Page | Tagged Awareness, Wading | Leave a Comment »

You, The Stream, and Impact

February 21, 2012 by Jeff Brunson

The stream is a loving, inclusive force necessary to the life that surrounds it and the life that is drawn to it. As one who is drawn, I’m in awe of this force that has become such a part of my experience. -The Stream as Force, Impact Chapter, page 19

What is your journey of impact?

Most likely, the impact you most desire was born some distance back in your experience. My storytelling friend, Kim Weitkamp, calls this your ignition point: A moment in time when passion kicked-in to a degree of burning impression.

Participating in a workshop of Kim’s, she took me back to that time; sitting in the courtyard of my high school. I saw the young persons who sought me out to talk. They were starving for encouragement at the heart of who they were.

The flow of your awareness−your passion−is a loving, inclusive force. It flows from your core, surrounds you, and draws in life.

Posted in Ch. 1: Impact | Tagged Awareness, Ch. 1: Impact, Desire, Encouragement, Experience, Flow, Passion, Story | Leave a Comment »

An Empowering Environment – Paul’s Story

February 13, 2012 by Jeff Brunson

“Building Today, Accessible Tomorrow.”

My friendship with Paul has been enlightening for my work with leaders in corporate environments. While Paul works on physical environments, he teaches me about empowerment in the emotional and spiritual realm of our spaces. Freedom is essential!

For Paul, honesty and trust must always be present for the most positive environment. This is the flow of Paul’s voice. A handshake is his name in cement.

Respecting her brave fight, I will call Paul’s client Karen. She is battling the disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Paul is not merely a construction expert, he partners in the care of the client. During Karen’s Smart Design project, he would take along material samples so she could actually feel the differences while he explained the details. This allowed Karen a level of engagement, expectation, and inclusion.

Paul told me that providing functional space for an individual like Karen is as empowering for him as it is for the client. These experiences are fulfilling his own purpose as the physical spaces he designs give freedom to the individuals who occupy them.

A few years ago, as Paul and I were looking forward in this value of fulfillment, he said, “My story is being written as I focus on the right pieces and build the dream.” And oh, in his intelligent, witty manner he added, “Knowing that I occasionally have to pull down my pants and slide on the ice.”

Paul Walton is a natural teacher because of the love he has for his clients. He applies his creative abilities and focuses passion in serving through his simple representation of Smart Design.

Paul and Moose
positive-environments.com

Posted in Ch. 7: Love | Tagged Brand of Love, Encouragement, Experience, Flow, Freedom, Individual, Passion, Purpose, Story, Trust | Leave a Comment »

The Building of Confidence – Eric’s Story

February 1, 2012 by Jeff Brunson

Eric’s story interview began with music to my ears, “I feel more relaxed now that I understand my purpose.” Purpose−the beginning of impact.

As Eric looked back on his life, both personally and professionally, he began to realize how much his sense of being depended on, and revolved around, service and excellence in service. As a personal example, he told of how he remodeled the family’s main bathroom, meticulously doing all the work himself. When it was completed, he simply couldn’t wait for his wife and two teenage daughters to each take their first shower in the space he designed just for them. Professionally, in the job before his current role, he became competitive; meaning that being more conscious of impact made his talents and strengths more visible to those he served.

When in the transition to his current company and his present officer role, Eric felt lost. Finally it occurred to him why he felt that way. He was accustomed to knowing his work well and being precise in modeling service in the work. In the milieu of feeling lost, he was paralyzed by what he didn’t know−becoming afraid of saying, “I don’t know.” Looking back once again, he sees it as a lack of understanding, both of himself and of the larger story of the organization.

Referring to a time before being conscious and focused on his personal brand, Eric said, “I struggled with what it meant to better serve others by serving myself.” His confidence is now at a level where he is comfortable saying, I don’t know. Comfort and confidence have come with acceptance; of who he is, what he does, and his impact.

Eric Egan is an Innovation Officer using the power of teaching to lead others to their full contribution. His personal brand is to Empower Others to Confidently Serve and Self-serve.

Posted in Ch. 1: Impact, Ch. 3: A New Confidence | Tagged comfort, Confidence, Conscious, Purpose, Self-serve, Service, Transition | Leave a Comment »

Free in the Story

January 16, 2012 by Jeff Brunson

Inside you begin as the seed of trust sprouts,
determined in the spirit with each step.

The gift of intuitive instinct guides focus,
each path individually unique.

You move along a purposeful path,
blessings of experience strengthen resolve.

Resonate voice scripts the scenes of life,
a courageous yes to what is true.

Enlightened in trust you have learned,
love flows through a serving purpose.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 7 – From Keith’s Story and the experience of honoring uniqueness

Posted in Ch. 7: Love | Tagged Courage, Experience, Flow, Gift, Path, Purpose, Story, Trust | 13 Comments »

Your Magic

January 13, 2012 by Jeff Brunson

It began in unaware impact;
the way you connected me to reality
and waved a wand of alignment.

In the light of personal vision,
each is a special expert.
Rebranded for balance and purpose,
you gave individual validation and holistic profit.

Now aware and authentically conscious;
in the macro, you lead me;
in the micro, you hear me.

I now know my own impact;
I gift others with powerful reality
and share magical joy in alignment.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 6 – From Tammy’s Story and my own joyful experience with expertise

Posted in Ch. 6: Focus | Tagged Alignment, Authenticity, Awareness, Balance, Brand of Love, Ch. 1: Impact, Expert, Expertise, Purpose | 6 Comments »

Free to Serve

December 30, 2011 by Jeff Brunson

A question haunts;
Have I properly served in what you need?
Accountability beckons;
There is power no doubt in a voice freed.

No excuse are distractions of a day,
a voice silenced in the fray.

Refocused and ready I now stand,
authentically offering the serving hand.

An assertion made;
Important you are and free I remain.
A promise kept;
To serve you and the collective terrain.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 5 – From Jim’s Story and the accountability of my own voice

Posted in Ch. 4: Voice | Tagged Accountability, Authenticity, Service, Voice | 6 Comments »

Liberation (Delight in Your Presence)

December 19, 2011 by Jeff Brunson

To be special in this world,
to be uniquely who you are,
is rhythmic freedom and flow.

In the safety of friendship,
in the simplest form of love,
I like all of you I know.

In your presence I delight,
an engaging sequence of creation.
With distinctiveness in full right,
we share authentic liberation.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 4 – From Judie’s Story and the privilege of my own relational experience

Posted in Ch. 5: Presence | Tagged Authenticity, Brand of Love, Ch. 5: Presence, Experience, Flow, Freedom, Friendship | 7 Comments »

To Be Led (A Leader’s Presence)

November 15, 2011 by Jeff Brunson

In time of virulent insecurity, a swarm devours thought;
the hum drowns out voice.
Deaf to the distraction, you focus where you ought,
guiding me to a new choice.

Trusting what is best for one is best for all,
from failure you refuse to protect.
Your courage fortifies accountability to stand tall;
I now succeed in what I select.

Energized by learning, and driven by a need to share,
you helped me clearly see what is good indeed.
Now I offer in the whole this extension of care,
and lead others to listen inside for what they need.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 3 – From Doug’s Story and my own experience of a good leader

Posted in Ch. 3: A New Confidence | Tagged Accountability, Choice, Clarity, Courage, Encouragement, Focus, Succeed | 3 Comments »

Present Passion (From Love to Vision)

November 8, 2011 by Jeff Brunson

What others see as risk, you see as reality.
Passion allows vision;
It is in the crosshairs of your present.

What others fear losing, you claim for energy.
Energy funds passion;
It is the source of art in your work.

What others desperately desire, you gladly share.
Love is energy;
It is an advocate for their confident passion.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 2 – From Ken’s Story and the influence of my loving friend, Kathryn Tucker Windham

Posted in Ch. 2: Desire & Intent | Tagged Art, Ch. 7: Love, Energy, Passion, Reality, Risk, Vision | 6 Comments »

Trust Yourself (Expertise)

October 26, 2011 by Jeff Brunson

In the agitation of intentional transition
a threat to confidence I consciously allowed.

Soul asks, “Do you know what you can do?”
and reminds me of a casual style avowed.

A loving voice not my own exhorts, “Trust yourself”
melting the icy texture of fear into knowledge matured.

With casual trust I float in creative flow
exiting a bubble of limitation with confidence assured.

−J. Brunson

Leadership Poem 1 – From Ed’s Story & loving encouragement from my best friend Becky

Posted in Ch. 1: Impact | Tagged Ch. 4: Voice, Ch. 7: Love, Confidence, Conscious, Experience, Intention, Transition, Trust | 8 Comments »

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Wading the Stream of Awareness

Jeff Brunson