From the Eagle’s Nest Ezine

It’s wonderful to be back with From the Eagle’s Nest.  The break has refreshed me, and I’m excited about exploring ideas that form the way we see our lives and the way we function in the world.

    If you are unfamiliar with the From the Eagle’s Nest format, let me explain how it works.  I generally solicit input from my readers, and then select a theme for the year and address that theme through all six issues.  (This year there will be only five issues, since I started the newsletter later than usual in its electronic format.) The first issue is always an introduction to the topic (this issue), providing a general explanation for the theme for the year.  All issues but the last one focus on some aspect of the topic.  The last issue summarizes the ideas I’ve covered during the year, and shows the relationship among the year’s discussions.

    This year’s topic will address our redefining the ideal life.  It’s a topic filled with paradox, asking us to look at conflicting realities about accepting our lives as they are, and yet seeking more.  The intention is to look at how we idealize the kind of life we want to lead, the benefits of pursuing the ideal as well as its limitations, and how we might create a vision of the ideal life that is more productive and enriching. 

What is the ideal life?  We all desire, whether we are aware of it or not, to live our vision of the ideal life.  Although we might differ in the specific ways we define it, we probably all long for not only basic sustenance, but also wish for love, comforts, experiences, conveniences, accomplishments and recognition (to various degrees, depending on our temperaments).  The questions to ask yourself as you read each issue of this year’s ezine are:

(1)     What is my ideal life?

(2)   What am I willing to do to live that life?

(3)   What am I willing to give up?

(4)   How might I see my ideal life differently?

We’ll explore these questions in terms of our relationships with the people in our lives, in terms of the things we set out to accomplish and acquire, and in terms of the way we work with our life circumstances.   

Redefining our Relationships

    Most of us probably think we know what to expect from others in our lives, whether we are relating to co-workers, family or friends.  In the May issue I will discuss how we look at our relationships, and what helps and hinders us regarding our expectations of others, our desires for the kinds of relationships that we want, and the standards we set for others in their interactions with us.  I’ll also discuss how we often feel compelled to have others see the world exactly as we see the world, the reasons we may try to persuade those we work and live with to see the world as we do, and how we come to terms with different viewpoints.

Redefining our Perceptions of the Material World

    In our affluent society, it’s very easy to become caught up in measuring our own intrinsic worth in terms of the material things we have.  At the same time, I often hear people condemning others who appreciate material things, as if there were something wrong with appreciating the material world.  In the July issue we’ll explore what I perceive to be a healthy view of the material in our world, and how we can clarify our understanding of the material in a way that is both sensible and has integrity.

Redefining our Life Circumstances

    Are you happy with your life, just as it is?  The challenge offered in the September issue is how to maintain the tension of the paradox that says life is just fine in this time and place, and there are also opportunities to learn and grow that we still haven’t explored.  The idea to investigate is can we both be satisfied with our lives and at the same time aspire to something more?  How do we maintain appreciation for our current circumstances and at the same time nurture our desire to stretch beyond our present condition?

Redefining the Ideal Life

     In the November issue, we’ll draw together the ideas of relationships, the material world and life circumstances and see how they are not separate issues, but are interrelated.  We’ll also investigate what it means to redefine our view of the ideal life, how we might re-orient our motivation and purpose to live that life, and how we might best realize the ideal life in a way that enriches our own lives and the lives of others.

    As always, I encourage you to send in your comments for each issue, positive or negative, agreeing or disagreeing, so that an exchange of ideas might take place.  You can respond to any issue at susan@thequinncompany.com.  Thank you for allowing me to continue to share my ideas!

Susan R. Quinn of the Quinn Company has been an independent consultant and trainer since 1978.  She specializes in facilitation of problem solving for teams and groups in conflict.  She is certified to train using the DiSC Personal Profile System.  Her other best-received training programs are “Dealing with Difficult People,”  “Managing Conflict,” and “Learning to Live in the Eye of the Hurricane.”  She also offers values clarification workshops, and strategic planning services in partnership with her husband, Jerry.  You can reach Susan at the Quinn Company, 246 Via Presa, San Clemente, CA  92672, (949) 366-5890, or email susanquinn@earthlink.net.

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