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The Illuminated Workplace: Shining Light on Workplace Culture December 20, 2022

Posted by Danna Beal in Universal Love.
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For those of you who didn’t see my announcement in social media, I am excited to announce that The Illuminated Workplace will be released in January 2023. I have been working on the new edition of my book for six months and it will be available in January as both a book and an e-book. I will let you know the exact date.

“Danna Beal hits the nail on the head with her new book, The Illuminated Workplace.  Applying her understanding of human dynamics in the workplace would greatly improve the performance of any business. Applying her understanding of human dynamics in the political arena would greatly improve our world.”
–Ron Richards, J.D., P.E., Ch.E., founder Western Gas Resources

“Danna Beal’s, The Illuminated Workplace, should be required reading for all MBA students and certainly for all in business leadership positions. I have been in medical/biotech sales for the last 40 years. Sadly, as each company grew, leadership’s ego began laying a table of mistrust, indifference, disengagement, and even narcissism. In her book, Danna provides you with the road map to building a caring and sustainable illuminated culture.”
— Gayle Seely, BSN, Former Director, Sales Development of a San Francisco Biotechnology Company, Seattle, WA

I am wishing you all Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! 

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An Evolutionary Shift June 6, 2022

Posted by Danna Beal in Planetary Evolution.
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Plans to create a new world through an evolutionary, planetary shift have been developing for thousands of years. The steps have included the emergence of a faction of people who would spiritually evolve and expose the underlying character of those who would attempt to control the entire world for their own personal power, wants and needs.

This faction of people has been quietly growing, building an understanding of the nature of human society; including its inner workings, networks, connections, and symbiotic interactions. These people have gone through great trials and tribulations to develop their insights and realizations. Growing in their own spiritual mastery has enabled them to understand and remove the underpinnings of the current structure that has actually held society together.

This framework that has lasted for thousands of years has been bound by the human connections and interactions. The actions and counter-actions, often based on fear, have provided the very structure of the ever-escalating human drama to an intensity never seen before. Those of you here now have come as part of the plan to unravel, dismantle, and remove the structure that has allowed society to exist but is no longer sustainable.

Human society has been gradually shifting due to the withdrawal of the support and commitment to the framework of connections. Like a honeycomb, whose cells are being deserted and abandoned, the structure of society is actually ready to collapse, even though it appears to be the same. This is happening because those giving it the support, energy, and life to operate, have left the honeycomb, so to speak. The drones have left the nest.

This hollow honeycomb structure is no longer viable and will deteriorate and dissolve into emptiness. Those few who believe it is real, will find out it will no longer function. It cannot operate because the human consciousness essential to this once central organizing structure has departed. This is not intended to cause fear but to actually provide relief from the intense, ever-building pressure.

If you are hearing this now, you are one of such people, who has come here to awaken and support others. You can assist others in the process of awakening and withdrawing from the current theme of attack and overcome, expressed as projection and blame, shame and persecution, and, most of all, greed and drive for power and validation at the expense of others. You are the ones who can arise in your spiritual power and bring clarity to such confusion and mayhem.

Throughout the history of the world, there has never been such dissension and disruption.  Eruptions and wars between people in different parts of the planet, between people from different faiths, beliefs, and differences of all kinds, have been on-going. But what you now have is a massive world shift in the world order, in which the structure will suddenly fail and no longer bear the weight and pressure of dissension being intensely played out.  The very framework of humanity will burst, creating a massive shift for a better world– not based on greed and individual power but grounded in cooperation, trust, and expansion for all people in a new world.

This once busy habitat, an interactive structure of a society, is now tired and divided. The societal structure has been abandoned by so many, and although it appears to be operating, it is about to fall apart, descending and dissolving into oblivion. The life energy that has kept it alive has shifted to a new vital world, through individual beings awakening and withdrawing from the old framework.  Its purpose will no longer be needed, although a few will be the last to give up on the lifeless structure, the empty shell of a former world.

Ego-driven leaders, fueled by artificial power, are at the pinnacle of the false structure. Although appearing real, the framework is actually fragile. It is comprised of intertwining layers designed by a few false giants of society. These artificial leaders have lost their footing and are desperately trying to retain it.  The structure is about to sink into the abyss of past civilizations that have collapsed throughout the ages of time.

This shift is ushering in a new and compassionate world, anchored in the power of Universal Love. Individuals will realize the joy and deep satisfaction of a peaceful world where people honor and respect one another and live in peace. This dazzling and miraculous evolution is the planetary shift heralded throughout time. Awaken, rejoice, and celebrate.  The awaited time is here now!

Finding Relief from a Toxic Workplace: Why We Must Shine a Light on this Difficult Problem May 10, 2022

Posted by Danna Beal in 1, Authentic Power, Awaken.
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I was feeling trepidation as I stood on a stage before a national audience of 800 business leaders in Denver, Colorado. I felt angst about the words I was about to speak in sharing my experiences as an author and consultant in a wide variety of businesses and industries. Although the goal of a speaker is to inspire and uplift others, I began with the words that I was compelled to tell audiences everywhere.

“Unfortunately, today’s workplace is often fraught with pain, suffering, insecurity, gossip, one-upmanship, rivalry, sabotage, insecurity, blame, and, most insidiously, fear.” I added that, “The very place where most people go each day to provide financial security for themselves and their families, is filled with emotional insecurity and suffering for people throughout the country.”

As I glanced around at the blur of faces, you could hear a pin drop. Then I asked this question:

“How many of you in this room know what I am talking about?”

If you are reading this article, you probably already know the answer. One by one, slowly, and furtively at first, I watched nearly every single hand in the room go up. It is always at this moment that I can feel an almost palpable sense of relief as people look around and realize that they are not alone in their observations and secret awareness of the suffering in their workplace culture. For over twenty years I have had the same response in hundreds of conferences and from thousands of people.

My point in sharing this story is to demonstrate that it isn’t easy to talk about, it isn’t just a few people, it isn’t just one industry, and most of all, that it is happening to some degree in businesses everywhere. Though difficult to discuss we must acknowledge the hidden “elephant in the room”—the underlying suffering, internal competition, and emotional drama found in workplaces today. I might also add, although I have worked in many industries, I have spent a majority of my time in healthcare. In my opinion, the people in all aspects of healthcare are experiencing one of the highest degrees of pressure, suffering, stress, toxicity, and pain in their cultures. Paradoxically, healthcare providers, by nature, are compassionate people.

You Cannot Fix What You Don’t Acknowledge

Today there is empirical evidence and undeniable data on the effects of toxicity in the workplace culture. The MIT Sloane Management Review article on March 16, 2022 by Dr. Donald Sull, et al, Why Every Leader Needs to Worry About Toxic Culture, provides so much revealing and well-researched data:

“A toxic corporate culture is by far the best predictor of attrition and is 10 times more important than compensation in turnover during the Great Resignation.”

In addition, their research summarizes the “Top Five” factors in a toxic workplace:  1) Disrespectful, 2) Non-inclusive, 3) Unethical, 4) Cutthroat, and 5) Abusive. All of these factors are disabling and disempowering. They cause pain that cuts to the core of being a human being.

Workplace culture affects the ability to recruit, retain, and build responsive and successful organizations. In an environment today where businesses are competing for employees, clearly, the workplace culture is of huge importance. In addition, toxic workplaces get more negative reviews on Glassdoor.com, according to the research, making it harder to recruit employees. And it is extremely important for business leaders to know that a toxic workplace creates staggering bottom-line costs for companies.

Sometimes the “boss from hell” is creating a toxic department, sometimes toxicity is found in pockets of an organization, and sometimes the entire culture is toxic. Change must start at the top levels but rooting out toxic people in middle management is important as well. The costs of poor leaders and managers is immeasurable.

Why We Need Relief from a Toxic Workplace

We need relief because the data from the research and my experience of interacting with thousands of people reveals we are suffering much more than people have been willing to admit. Human beings are not cogs in a wheel or parts of a machine. Our need to feel valued, that we belong, that we are loved, and that we are needed are our core, basic human needs. If a workplace is draining our energy and sense of self-worth, that affects us both at work and at home. We cannot separate our lives into different compartments. We take our pain home.

Awakening in the Workplace

The following are my suggestions for healing yourself as well as your workplace. Whether you are a top-level leader, a middle manager, or a front-line worker (or both), you need to start with yourself to clearly see what is really happening. As humans in need of financial security and emotional safety, we sometimes deny what is really going on so that we don’t have to deal with it. Postponing it doesn’t work and suppressing our emotions causes more pain.

1. Wake up and see that you are a participant in a drama.

One of the reasons your workplace culture persists is because you and your coworkers are participating players in it. It is like an actual drama being performed by actors and it only continues to work if everyone agrees to the rules, the plot, and the script. The fear of losing your job, your income, your identity, your title, your window office, or your sense of worth keeps you in the drama. But if you just stop and start looking from a different viewpoint, you will see things from an elevated perspective. When we become truly present, we connect with our true nature, our authentic power. We do not operate from fear, and we finally cease being a victim. Practice throughout the day by deliberately stopping (every hour or more) and doing a mindful, very present pause for at least five minutes.

2. Recognize the fear that is driving all the drama and suffering.

It is fear and the need for power over others that is behind much of the behavior at work. As you awaken to your own true self and perspective you will understand others better. You can even start to see how fervently some people play their roles. One of my most often quoted lines is, “Beware of children dressed as powerful adults. Do not be beguiled.” If someone is a bully, for example, you can learn not to surrender your freedom or right to express yourself. Conversely, if you are a leader, you can see that fear is not the way to motivate or drive performance. Fear is a temporary inducement. Like a horse that is whipped to go faster, it will only work for a while or until the horse collapses.

3. Shine light and love on others from your place of being awake.

We can rebuild relationships by illuminating the workplace stage, so to speak. I call it Project Illumination because the aim is to shine a light on the shadows and hidden stories at work that keep people in fear. Create a safe environment by being authentic, communicative, accessible, and operate from love. I call it the BE LOVE model of leadership because who you are is more important than what you are doing. As each of us wakes up through our own process of self-realization, we help others wake up. Practice every day intentionally saying something kind, positive, or complimentary to at least three people—and more is even better.

4. Make choices to liberate yourself and others.

When you are guided by your true self, your inner spiritual greatness, that is residing beneath your image or role that you play, you are free to make the best choices for yourself. If you decide to create a better workplace culture where you are, you will bring authenticity and power to that decision. If you determine you want to leave, you will find options and opportunities that you didn’t know were available. You will be free. As you free yourself, you free others to make their choices.

After over twenty years of writing, coaching, and speaking on steps for healing the workplace, I know it is not easy to release yourself from the grips of fear. The practical steps and stories in my book, The Extraordinary Workplace Culture: Replacing Fear with Trust and Compassion, can help reinforce your commitment to being authentic and free. There are also many other books and resources for expanding your self-realization. I encourage you to put your attention on yourself and discover the path to feel empowered, happy, and free!

Miracles, Love, and Laughter February 14, 2021

Posted by Danna Beal in Love, Personal Restoration Plan, Spiritual shift, Universal Love.
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Valentine’s Day is a perfect day to remind people that it is through the power of love—universal love– that we will heal relationships and unravel conflict in this world. Coincidentally, I was born on Valentine’s Day and it is my passion to share my insights and thoughts about how love can change the world if we will only let it! Choosing love is the answer for all decisions. Unfortunately, the ego has strategies to cover its neediness and these strategies block the very love everyone desires. The ego, in its goal to always be right cannot find humility, courage, or other worthy qualities stemming from love. Therefore, the ego cannot take a stand for truth or have the courage to be to be or do the right thing in difficult circumstances.

Universal love is the source of everything and is the power that sustains all life. It can be counted on in all circumstances. It is internal and eternal and never wavers. You can be sure when you rely on love because it shines away all doubt, strengthens your resolve, and confirms your intentions. Love limits nothing and controls no one, so when you find yourself trying to control people or circumstances you can know you are in the world of the ego. When you feel despair, remember that love builds hope and faith, and fortifies your strength. Love provides comfort to you and others and has an endless supply. Why would we be stingy with love–our source and our strength?

In its purest form, love flourishes despite uncertainty and dissolves all fear. Love can move mountains and pave the way for a smooth journey. The amazing power of love abandons no one—not even your perceived enemies. It shines equally on everyone. Being both practical and masterful, it creates opportunities leading to fruition. Love does not shrink or cower in the face of obstacles. In fact, it clears all interference and amplifies all your efforts. Love is the very reason you exist. We need to envelop the world in love because love radiates peace and joy and that is what the world needs.

It is time to give up worries and concerns and recognize that they limit your power and energy. Learn to be patient with yourself and others. And come to know that love is enduring and can be counted on always. So, I suggest, be joyful and what you need will follow, not the other way around. The world believes you will be happy when you get what you need, but this is not true. When you align with love, your needs and desires will be met. Trust in that.

So where do you start? Families provide a golden opportunity because even in conflicted families there is a core of love–if you can unravel the layers. Loving people, even when they are different in some ways, can be an excellent practice for loving our fellow souls in all arenas on the planet. Start with your family and closest friends. Because, if we cannot heal our relationships with our family members and friends who we care about, how do we think we can heal communities, Congress, workplaces, or the world?

How do we do it? Challenge the little voice inside that tries to distract you and tries to make you feel separate from love and all others. Do not let it disturb your peace or allow it to perturb you. Any time you are irritated, it is coming from yourself, not another person. And when you are in sadness, irritation, or in confusion, you can listen to your inner authentic voice, coming from universal love, and not the selfish, conflicted ego. The inner voice, connected to universal love is so powerful, you can reach it at any time. You are never alone. It can be counted on to provide support and inner security in any situation or circumstance. Love is the source of peace and joy. The key is to be open and receptive, and trust that all you need will be given at every moment.

Be Steadfastly Awake January 6, 2021

Posted by Danna Beal in Awaken, Inner Peace, Love.
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Do you want to remain awake or do you want to stay lost in your dramas? A true being, your deepest self, is trying to emerge–without the silly little dramas and without the clinging to fear and inadequacies of your egoic self. The false images and small representations of who you are, are creations of the mind. The true being is trying to emerge–not the simpering child who is sniveling and winding his way to grief and pain. Seemingly plausible reasons for despair and suffering do not make them true and actually deny your rightful heritage. Compelling stories of disappointment, dashed hopes, painful losses, and on-going anxieties are chances to review your life anew, but when nurtured and held onto, can be excuses for staying small and denying your true spiritual power. The rejection of your true self, your inner spiritual essence, in favor of your small self is tragic. After seeing and experiencing who you really are, and then turning away, is a decrease in your power and a decline on your own path to awakening to your rightful place in the world.

Be steadfastly awake. Stand up fearlessly. Your power is so great that with the smallest nod, it brings you gifts and meets all your needs. And yet, you turn back to the painful position of the downtrodden. This habitual path of the underdog can be released when you acknowledge and affirm your desire to do so.   Why would you choose the wings of a sparrow over the wings of an eagle?

We are here with you and you are strong and wise—the one who chose to be here. Your clarity and true vision are needed and we will uphold you in your path upward. Please trust in that. You will be given guidance as you need it, in an instant, and you will find the joy of contributing full heartedly. Allow yourself to feel the deepest source that you are—the calm, grounded powerful ones that you, too often, deny. Build your strength and rise to the occasion. You are the beneficiary, as well as all whom you encounter. Blend your voice with ours and recognize your true destiny.

Most people are just trying to enjoy a life of some sort, or a trying to avoid pain. Choose to be a creator—choose to be the source and power of your life—not just an object tossed around in a tumultuous sea of confusion and alternating points of view. Stand up! Be strong. Be eloquent. Do not deny your gifts in favor of the opinions of those less awakened and living in fear. That is their choice. Do not let their opinion be your standards for living. Let go, let go.

Overcoming the feeling that life is difficult

Demand the small voice to stop. The weight of the beliefs from the past and the opinions of the masses can feel like you are coming out of a deep bog—a heavy body of murky water. See the image of yourself rising out of the swamp of human dissension, after this long period of swimming in the muck. How can you help others if you are drowning with them? You are needed as part of the evolutionary shift in consciousness.

Do not return to the sad stories. Do not be distracted with small issues, artificial charades, and shams created by the ego. Take charge of your own thoughts and keep telling a new story! No more tears, no more tears, no more tears. You are self-sufficient. Bless this day as you move on to new adventures in the unknown. Bless this day for the life you have been given. The power position is yours when you choose spiritual mastery!

You are a child of God, dedicated to Project Illumination. Do not ever forget this and continue to move persistently forward. Your seeming losses are gifts to expose wounds that need healing. Don’t be sad. Allow them to heal with compassionate grace for yourself. The future holds so much joy. Trust in this guidance and be alert for more messages of truth and vindication from guilt and suffering. Bless you, dear ones, for taking this walk on the planet at this time. Realize that you can receive guidance at every moment!

Project Illumination is not a small sideline — it is the purpose of your journey in this magnificent evolutionary planetary transformation! Join with the voices who are here to lead and to witness this time in history. Do not be deterred by appearances or seeming losses. All will be well as the unraveling continues, but ultimately, settles out. This necessary time is leading to the expansion of love, peace, and joy.

Trust in our loving guidance beside you. In this state, you can hear us clearly and follow our light of inspiration and divine words. Trust always that what we share with you benefits not only you, but all that you encounter. Share your messages freely and widely. Express with clarity, the path to freedom.

Aspire to new levels of contribution. Your powerful voices are needed. The crimes that are being committed in the name of peace, like poison, need to be diluted with an antidote. Corruption fueled by greed and fear has been underlying the social structure for centuries. Below the surface is a faction of individuals controlling the dialogues that are spurring hate. Badges of supremacy, claims of superiority, and accruements for those in power have tipped the balance to a level that is unsustainable. This has created mass inequality for people everywhere. The poverty exists because of the massive effort to keep people down and hopeless. The disruptions occurring now are a part of this enormous shift. It is your time. The world needs these messages in this time of havoc and fear. You are part of the enormous transformation occurring right now, even beyond what you can see or measure. Persevere with determination. Do not let heaviness, doubt, or thoughts of the past hold you back. Be unbridled, free, and relentlessness. You cannot exceed the possibilities–they are endless. There is no wrong direction — just step forward into the open, beautiful, future of the world.

Being a Leader of Strength and Humility December 13, 2020

Posted by Danna Beal in 1.
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Mr. Gannon, the well-respected business manager of a radiology practice in my city, was my first boss. I was a young, new marketing director. He was a red-headed, Irish Catholic man with 13 children, a strong character, and a dry wit. When he hired me, he instructed me to use all my best marketing ideas and strategies to market the practice in that area. He assured me he would support me, even if I made a mistake. He inspired me to be innovative, creative, and passionate. With his reassurance, I exceeded my own expectations. I was literally unafraid. Because I knew he always had my back, I soared under his leadership.

One day I made a terrible gaffe. While waiting for a meeting to start with all the radiologists, I pointed out an error on a bill that I thought was a small but humorous mistake. I did not realize that the same computer error had gone out to thousands of patients. After the meeting, Mr. Gannon called me to his office and asked me why I would humiliate him in that way. I was mortified. I was heartbroken. I tried to explain, and he told me to just go back to my office. I spent the next few hours worrying that I had shamed him, lost his faith in me, and that I was a terrible person. At some point, I realized that I was worrying more about what he thought of me than I was about how he felt, which was a humbling breakthrough for me. So now I just waited and took responsibility for my ignorance.

Finally, I looked up and he was standing there. He asked me to go for a walk, a common practice when we discussed marketing ideas. But this time he astonished me when he asked me for forgiveness! He apologized for being an old, prideful man. He added that he knew I had not embarrassed him on purpose. It was at this moment that I realized what an extraordinary man he was. He had the respect of the doctors, the hospitals, and the employees for his vision, his business skills, and his communication abilities. But his strength and humility were at the core of this man. He was a model of the qualities of what I call an enlightened leader. I dedicated my book to him, and though he passed on, I believe he knows that his story has inspired thousands of others.

During critical times in our national and world history, everyone agrees that we need strong leaders. Healthcare is clearly one of the most directly hit industries, with healthcare employees on the front lines, literally risking their lives daily. The surge of those contracting the virus is causing increased pressure on leaders who manage people, procedures, and the constant changes required to deal with this contagious disease. There are no simple answers, which is exactly why we need strong leaders we can trust to move us forward as swiftly and safely as possible. The fatigue and stress felt by people everywhere is intensified in healthcare.

Who You Are as a Leader

Being a leader of strength and humility is the key to guiding your team through troubled waters. An inner core of strength, rooted in love and affinity for others, is essential in these uncertain times. The deep wisdom from an infinite source needed to lead is not accessible to an artificial or weak leader. Doubt and fear are the underpinnings of ego-driven leaders and these leaders flail and collapse in a real crisis.

Humility is a trait that comes from alignment with the deepest, true self. Arrogance and superiority are attempts to mask insecurity and inner emptiness. When you lead from an ego, fear-based position, you impede communication and damage relationships. People who are genuinely supported tend to rise to the occasion, exceed expectations, and extend a caring attitude to patients and other employees. The calm reassurance of leaders rooted in a BE LOVE model of leadership is empowering in turbulent times. Great leaders shine a light on those they lead, in contrast to ego-driven leaders, who seek the spotlight for themselves.

Guidelines for Being a Leader of Strength and Humility

While there is no exact, linear path to great leadership–while working with leaders in a multitude of industries, studying, and writing about leadership–I found the following attributes in authentically empowered leaders:

  1. The ability to look within for fears, weaknesses, insecurities, misguided beliefs, and past mistakes
    When we cannot bear to look at our own perceived inadequacies and “sins”, we project them onto others. Projection and blame are rampant in the workplace. Resistance to seeing our own weaknesses, and the accompanying fear of exposure, can cause us to cover up our insecurities. A leader who owns his/her own shortcomings and failures has no need to blame others. An authentic but humble leader can say, “I’m wrong and I’m sorry.” Strong leaders take responsibility for themselves and their team in good times and bad. Humility is freedom from the need for admiration and external validation.
  2. Compassionate grace for ourselves and others
    Self-forgiveness is the result of giving yourself compassionate grace. With self-forgiveness, we no longer need to hide or fear exposure. We can also shine compassionate grace on others and relieve them of their fears and anxieties of being judged. The words, “I understand,” can be a demonstration of compassionate grace. We do not have to judge others or make enemies. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” I believe Universal Love is the power that sustains all life and heals all misunderstandings.
  3. EmpathyEmpathy is the ability and sensitivity to feel or imagine the emotions someone else is experiencing. Lack of empathy is usually a result of being absorbed in your own image, your own story, or your own limited viewpoint. Being a good communicator requires the awareness of how your words might impact another and consciously trying to be clear and yet, “do no harm.” Being a leader means more than being intelligent, a good strategic thinker, or having a lot of experience in your field. As the Dalai Lama said, “Having a smart brain is not enough. We also need a warm heart.” Leading from the heart is now being validated by many of the best thought leaders in our time.
  4. Trust in the unknown
    We all like to exert control in our lives. It helps us feel safe, secure, and protected. We tend to like the status quo and most people fear the unknown. We currently are living in what appears to be a very formidable unknown. Deep wisdom is recognizing that the unknown can be a gateway for new possibilities and a doorway to faith in the human spirit. As we relinquish our need to control, we can relax, be more mindful, and align with our infinite, inner wisdom. During a crisis, authentically powerful leaders inspire hope, faith, and trust that there will be a better day.

Healthcare News: Finding Clarity in the Unknown: One Day at a Time June 2, 2020

Posted by Danna Beal in Awaken, Love, Personal Freedom, Project Illumination, Spiritual evolution, Universal Love.
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We have all been impacted during this global pandemic in ways we could never have imagined. Healthcare has been severely hit during these unfolding days, weeks, and months. We owe our continuing gratitude for the selflessness, courage, and sacrifice of so many people in all aspects of healthcare delivery. It has taken a toll on everyone, both here and around the world. How we emerge from all this is still evolving and lies in the realm of the unknown. Based on my experience with thousands of people, the unknown is cited as their greatest fear.

The frenetic and often dysfunctional workplace culture came to a grinding halt, causing us to face not only our external fears, but also, our inner demons and shadows. In the midst of sheltering in place, working remotely, working under strict guidelines, being unemployed, isolated, and feeling loss, it is hard to find one’s footing. Economic worries and financial losses can be overwhelming. In the absence of a knowable future, the ego goes into self-protection and dictates reactions and solutions. However, thoughts directed by the ego are fickle, floundering, argumentative, exaggerated, insane, contradictory, and utterly unreal. I believe we always have the choice to listen to our ego or our soul. Our feelings are a response to the narrative and can change instantly if we recognize their source.

Profound Opportunity to Create a New Culture

Although we have not had anything of this magnitude in our lifetimes, we have witnessed people coming together with compassion and love in previous crises. We now have a profound opportunity to bring love and compassion to the workplace and the world.

Tantamount to creating a new and cooperative culture is the individual process of self-realization. This includes facing our inner fears and demons. Fear is inside you and is not caused by a situation or an enemy. But it is so hidden in most people, they do not even know that it is fear that is motivating them. Blame and projection, drawing lines in the sand, and creating enemies are all a result of fear. Fear melts when you align with your inner core, allowing your courage and strength to arise.

This period in time offers pause for self-reflection, a time to restore and renew your sense of purpose, your values and your path in life. You can assist in creating a new culture when you are operating from the strength of love and inner wisdom.

Resiliency and Energy of the Human Spirit to Survive Daunting Challenges

You are witnessing and participating in an extraordinary moment in history. If you were to look back from some future point in time, what would you like to remember? What lessons did you learn, how did you survive, how did you face challenges, how did you make a difference, and did you share the energy of love and compassion? How did you contribute to a new culture? Will you see that despite uncertainty and suffering, your inner strength and will to live carried you to new heights of understanding and wisdom? Despite many losses, there are many beautiful moments occurring right now. Let this moment in time be a place of remembrance of the resiliency and energy of the human spirit to survive daunting challenges.

Project Illumination—Steps for Bringing Light and Inspiration to the Workplace

We have an opportunity to bring in light and inspiration to the workplace, create clarity in the fog of confusion, and heal the complex web of egos competing for power and validation. Here are my suggestions to assist in creating a new culture:

  1. Take one day at a time and, in very severe situations, it may be one moment at a time. This can immediately calm you and bring you to the present. Trying to control days, weeks, and years ahead of you, is overwhelming and exhausting. Trust that you will find solutions and inspirations as life unfolds. Life is a gift and it is offering new experiences and opportunities, often disguised initially as problems. Innovation and new opportunities arise in calmness, not angst. When you trust in the unknown you tap into imagination–the wellspring of creativity—genius itself.
  2. Start each day with gratitude for all the good in your life. Put your losses in perspective. Though times are exceedingly difficult, some of the things we complain about are not worthy of our attention. Start to notice how much you complain about people and situations that are petty and small. Complaining is a hidden way to be a self-righteous victim and there is no power in being a victim.
  3. Incite group will—a powerful catalyst for new and innovative ideas. Find mutual goals and values and celebrate contribution. Whether working remotely or in the workplace, engage others with understanding, humor, clear communication, asking questions, listening, and demonstrating respect. Share and honor stories that are uplifting, heartwarming and bonding to your team and your organization. Recognize the human spirit in all of us.
  4. Stop being so hard on yourself. These are unprecedented times. Give compassionate grace to yourself and others. Perfection is an illusion and it only leads to self-recrimination. Self-shaming or self-criticism is an epidemic within the pandemic. Only you can give it up. Stop clinging to self-imposed suffering. Renounce it now.
  5. Do not completely isolate yourself. Reach out to others through video chats, phone, and safe environments according to the guidelines in your area. Be outside and enjoy exercise and fresh air. Emanate love and compassion whenever you go. Kindness is a great healer. Eyes are the windows of the soul and even in a mask, people can see your smile in your eyes.
  6. Be discerning and measure information from your own values and intelligence, not sensationalism and drama. Be open to all points of view and find your own voice. With so much disinformation out there, it is understandable when people do not know what to believe. Ask yourself, “Who does this benefit? Does it resonate as truth or does it sound like fanaticism? Will it help bring peace and reconciliation? Does it bring us together or divide us?”
  7. Be free. Regardless of circumstances, freedom is first a state of mind. Victor Frankl, author, neurologist, and holocaust survivor found freedom in a concentration camp. He stated, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

Danna Beal, M.Ed., lives in the Seattle, WA area where she is an international speaker, author, retreat/workshop leader, and executive coach. She has spoken to thousands of businesses and conferences and has been on countless radio shows, podcasts, and webinars discussing “Enlightened Leadership” and “Workplace Culture” based on her book, “The Extraordinary Workplace: Replacing Fear with Trust and Compassion.” Her audiences and clients have included: Seattle Science Foundation–Spine Surgeons Grand Rounds, Kaiser Permanente Grand Rounds, Oakland, CA, AHRA, Orlando, FL, Federal Aviation Administration, Overlake Hospital Perioperative Conference, Radia, numerous physician practices and hospitals. Her website is www.dannabeal.com.

Stop Scaring Yourself to Death with Your Own Fictitious Stories October 2, 2018

Posted by Danna Beal in 1, Awaken, Emancipation, Forgiveness, Personal Freedom.
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Stop Scaring Yourself to Death with Your Own Fictitious Stories. Join John Smallman and me as we discuss how pain and fear can awaken us to who we truly are. Then read below that summarizes our conversation.

In a world of diverse beliefs, conflict, blame, and shame, it is sometimes hard to remain seated in your own soul and grounded in your own authentic power.  We can be pulled one way and another, believing in false stories, interpretations, misunderstandings and confused conclusions.  However, we often add to the on-going drama with our own personal stories of fear that were concocted by the ego to keep us trapped in its grip.  The ego is a tormentor and the source of self-doubt–often in such a hysterical state, it is hard to believe we actually listen to its fearful warnings.  But we do listen and we can put ourselves in a frozen, painful state of torment and anxiety–mind spinning in endless possibilities. We create stories of catastrophe and future suffering in a misguided attempt to keep us safe and to keep us prepared for emergencies, almost like disaster preparedness training; only these stories you are creating are the worst possible circumstances that are never really likely to occur.  When we can unravel the drama in our own story, we can help unravel the pain and suffering in the world.  Healing our own heart is the path to healing the culture and structure on this planet.

Path of awakening

The circumstance causing us so much pain is actually a path of awakening designed by our own soul to discover our true, authentic selves. Our resistance to seeing the source of our suffering is what is actually causes the real pain!  Revealing to ourselves that we are the cause of our suffering is EMANCIPATION–freedom on the journey of the soul. When we can allow ourselves to truly look at fears and hidden doubts, we can release them and restore ourselves to authenticity and joy.

Discover the hidden complaint about yourself that is controlling your life and preventing you from being your true self, your soul.  Lack of self-worth shows up in relationships and it presents itself in various ways as a plan by your soul to awaken you to your true self .

In the absence of our soul’s true worth, we make up identities that we believe will prove we are worthy and powerful. Discovering that these roles are just actors, limited by self-directed scripts is a huge revelation! The secret to awakening is discovering that no matter how hard we try, the artificial roles are NOT ENOUGH.  Here are some of props or circumstances that can trigger our lack of internal worth but can be the opening to your personal restoration:

  • Financial worth:
    Our society is often based on idolatry of the rich and famous.  When we compare ourselves, we can berate ourselves for not being financially successful and/or famous.  Accumulating wealth is not a measure of our worth in reality but in the ego world it is.
  • Physical beauty, size, weight, etc.
    Studies show that teenage girls can become instantly depressed when reading fashion magazines showing anorexic and photo-shopped models wearing outrageously expensive clothes and accessories. Both men and women fall victim to this need to have physical beauty defined by fashion trends, movies, and other external variables.
  • Titles, occupations, and educational degrees
    Outside certifications, validations, degrees are recognized as credentials and proof of accomplishments. These are important guidelines and educational standards for societies to rely on, but even these can be used to validate a sense of worth or be confused with one’s true inner worth.  Losing your job can threaten your sense of who you are, but it is not your identity–just a role you play.
  • Clubs, societies, cliques, political groups, alumni associations, churches, sports fan clubs, etc.
    As social animals, human beings wanted to be accepted and included, and people bonding based on common goals creates synergy and accomplishes what one cannot do. Even small groups, using group will, can make significant changes. The question to ask in these groups of people is, “Who benefits here?” If it helps and elevates people, it is powerful.  If its intention is to suppress, oppress, exploit, or overcomes others, it is collection of egos and it is employing artificial power. Being a member in any of these groups or societies, even when it is worthwhile, still does not define your personal worth. It is a by-product of knowing who you are.
  • Partner

    Even the love partner can be part of your identify.  When one loses the validation, companionship, sense of love and support from the partner and society’s recognition can cause a great sense of loss.  The bitter-sweetness of the loss is that it can break your heart open to receive light shining in from yourself and others.

Here are my suggested steps to awaken from fearful, confusing, or painful moments:

When we can align with our inner knowing, our deepest self we connect with a source and a power greater than anything external.  By connecting with Universal Love, we find comfort, support, and wisdom to know how to deal with each situation as it arises.  It is counter-intuitive, but when we slow down we find clarity and accomplish more. Here are my suggestions on the path to freedom:

  1. Pause and take a deep breath.
  2. Bring your self to the present moment by focusing on your breathing.
  3. Relax and feel yourself letting go of the busy mind.
  4. Trust in the knowledge that you belong here, and you are connected to Love, the power that sustains all life.
  5. Hold your struggle or conflict in your consciousness and ask your inner wisdom, “What is the threat here? What am I really afraid of? What am I trying to protect?”
  6. As you allow yourself to see the belief or fear that is holding you hostage, you can stop hiding it from yourself.
  7. Know that you actually have the power within to face and deal with each situation as they arise when you operate in the present moment from your inner wisdom.
  8. Remind yourself that 99% of your worries never occur—they are creations of your mind to try to protect you and prepare you. But your hidden fears can be debilitating.
  9. Practice becoming present and connecting with Love—the very reason you exist.

A Modern Mystic–Mary Reed-Aug 28-RSVP August 15, 2018

Posted by Danna Beal in Awaken, Emancipation, Forgiveness, Global Oneness, Planetary Evolution, Spiritual evolution.
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Dear Friends,

I am excited to tell you about a very special and private (and limited seating) event to Mary Reedmeet Mary Reed, author of The Unwitting Mystic.  Although she lives in the Himalayas during ¾ of the year, she has been heard worldwide and will be in our area later this month for speaking engagements. We are fortunate to get the opportunity to meet her in a private, in a more intimate setting where we can ask her questions.

I became friends with her through John Smallman, who many of you know.  I am inviting you to the event which will be held in the condo meeting room of my friends, Jessica Saepof and Randy Styer on Mercer Island. Because of the limited seating, please RSVP to me ASAP. with your name and guest(s).   Mary has a powerful healing message for these turbulent times in the world. You must RSVP at danna@dannabeal.com

Event details:

Date:  Tuesday, August 28, 2018, 7-9PM

Location:  Hadley Apt. 2601 76th Ave. SE, Mercer Island. It is a 6-story building and has an underground parking entrance.

Parking: Underground beneath the building at sign for Hadley Apt.  Drive up one level and follow signs to retail/leasing parking areas. We will let you in there at the security entrance. We will put up some signs, too.  My phone is 425-785-2862 if you need to reach me.

Cost: Love offering (suggested $20 but whatever you feel moved to give)

Here is information about Mary Reed with links to previewing her on-line. Please let me know if you are coming and if you are bringing a guest(s).

RSVP:  danna@dannabeal.com

An Evening with Modern Mystic, Mary Reed

BIO: Mary Reed is an “accidental” modern mystic who grew up devoutly agnostic. In 2011 she left her executive life in Washington, DC for a monastic life in the Himalayas after struggling for eleven years with the impact of veering uncontrollably into otherworldly realms encountering God, Jesus, Buddha, angels and unfathomable wisdom. These events finally turned her life inside out, and now when not living in the remote Buddhist nunnery she calls home in India, Mary travels the world detailing profound mystical insights that reveal wildly inspiring — and sorely needed — perspectives that shed new light on the significance of these extraordinary times. 

Description: An Evening with Modern Mystic Mary Reed

In this special private gathering, Mary will offer a glimpse into her highly unusual life and share stories of Divine wisdom that are startling to the mind and yet deeply familiar to the heart. She will also lead guests in a powerful exercise that provides an experiential understanding of Oneness, taking us out of our framework of beliefs and into the direct knowing within. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive signed copies of award-winning book, Unwitting Mystic, which is currently in development as a feature-length film.

Here’s a link to the 5-minute video, which conveys the “enchanted” nature of my life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BP-QE1vn6Q

To get a glimpse of her work/style, here’s her What Love Really Is video from 2016 that sets up the overview of what’s collapsing in our current tumultuous times: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvrZ-rkOF6c

And, if you’re interested, here’s the most recent video that includes some of what she’s talking with audiences about this year to start moving people forward in actively using what’s happening in our world today to create the life we really want: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0nQymyadfE  (She just gave this talk a couple of weeks ago.)

In this intimate gathering with people who don’t yet know her, she will tell more of her ‘relatable’ background to put you at ease, so you will get a sense of her as a normal person just like all of us.

You must RSVP:  danna@dannabeal.com

Welcome to a new existence! June 29, 2018

Posted by Danna Beal in Forgiveness, Global Oneness, Relationships, Spiritual Awakening.
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Examine your life anew, remembering every significant event, and even those not appearing to be so important.  Recall how you felt, especially those that caused you pain, and question your evaluation and subsequent belief about what happened. Ask yourself, “Was that what really happened?” Try to be open to a different interpretation from that which you made at the time.  Experiment and even make up a different possibility. Let go of this fixed opinion about the person or situation, even for a moment and allow another possibility to arise. It is in your story about this person or situation that you have disavowed or devalued yourself. It is not wrong.  It is only the result of a painful occurrence in your life, in which you tried to avoid and prevent yourself from feeling hurt. Your desire for self-protection is what created the walls that are now keeping you apart–keeping you in some level of fear of others.

The desire to be safe makes sense, but it is placing reliance on a defense and provides only temporary relief.  It results in reactions and counter-reactions that are part of the entire web of interacting egos operating at this time. The suffering experienced by you and every other person is causing a huge divide in families, communities, societies, and nations worldwide.  This suffering and subsequent seeing others as the enemy has been the cause and source of all conflict, and, ultimately, the cause of wars between nations.

Voluntarily facing your own fears and discovering your true source, which is the love and power from which you came, is the way to your personal relief, as well as that of others.  As you, one by one, stop blaming others and “put down the gun”, so to speak, you begin the unraveling process.  When you can see that others are only alternate versions of yourself, wanting to be loved and needed, you will begin healing.  It is all the same thing for everyone.  Each beautiful, unique, and precious individual just wants to be loved and needed.  The heart yearns for love and acceptance.

Love is a deeply abiding presence residing in all of us, connecting us to one another, emerging from life itself. We cannot hold love, nor can we destroy it for it is the birthright of every man woman and child. Love provides answers even when we are alone. It comforts us and support us in the darkest experiences. Love’s presence is gift available at any moment, anytime, anywhere, regardless of the surroundings or circumstances. Can you put parameters on love, can you put limits on love, can you explain the inexplicable? Can you lasso the win?  Lo and behold—you are love. You are an extension of Source.

Higher consciousness is a state of living in a higher reality and in a higher relationship with self and others than we are now.  Just knowing we are part of a higher consciousness IS a higher consciousness. Being tapped into that higher reality allows you to participate in transforming consciousness here at this time. You have come here to do just that.  As you elevate yourselves, you automatically elevate others.  Nothing will remain the same after this moment in time which is expanding rapidly to create a new world. Welcome to a new existence.  This is a precious time to be alive. You are on an exalted path to a new word.

The mass ego delusion has played on too long.  This is the time to shift into a new world of love and forgiveness—where we take down the walls and masks and finally see our brothers and sisters, whom we had mistakenly identified as the enemy.

 

 

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