A Fine Romance
Today is a quiet day. I slept in long after the sun first glimmered through my window. Now, I’m writing this post in my pj’s.
Just knowing there’s spaciousness in my day changes how I experience the world. Lowers my shoulders. Expands my chest. Opens my throat. Gets me singing!
And lets me curl up on the couch and snuggle with my business in a very non-business-y way. :-) We’re having a lovely, slow morning, my business and I, sipping ginger tea; whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears.
When you’re in business for yourself, it’s easy to forget that you are not your business. To forget that this wonderful being is its own delicious, sovereign presence.
When you forget this, it can feel as though the business of your business follows you around, trailing a long list of needs and wants and to-do’s. Clinging to your knees so you can’t walk without dragging it along. Clamoring in your ears and scurrying around your mind with a clipboard and checklists like a demented inspector.
Leaving you, at the end of the day, feeling overwhelmed, driven and anxious. Not the basis for a happy relationship.
The relationship between you and your business is more intimate than most. After all, it’s born in your own mind and heart long before it ever emerges into the world. It’s at once your child, your partner, your friend, ally and colleague.
It has its own own soul, its own destiny—separate from yours.
If you want this relationship to thrive, it needs your time, energy, love and attention. Canoodling is highly recommended. As are flowers for no reason at all. Connecting. Listening. Sharing dreams and ideas.
Appreciation goes a long way towards building this relationship. So does nurturing, support, and love.
Have you listened to your business lately? It has needs, yes. And it has its own genius. Its own allies. Its own unfolding life, filled with possibilities.
The soul of your business can guide you in making decisions about how and when to grow it. Whom to hire. Where to hold that workshop or retreat. Who your clients really are and what they need from you.
It can give you love, support, appreciation–solid ground under your feet.
Giving and receiving. Listening and sharing. Asking and responding. The basis for a great relationship.
What’s your relationship with your business feel like? I’d love to hear how you nurture and support each other.
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Lovely post, and lovely site, Hiro. Your energy seems to be reflected in each nook and cranny.
Lately, my business is teaching me not to push it, but to let it grow at its natural pace. My little business has an organic path, and I’m learning to respect her space so she can creep and move along as she is moved to. And it doesn’t all have to make sense.
It’s a lesson I need to learn — I’m thankful that my business is also my savvy teacher.
Laurie´s last post … Life Line #6: You’re Going to Be Okay.
Lovely that your business teaches you about the pace and timing that are right for it, Laurie!
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9
Yes, yes, YES! I, too, am learning this.. listening to my lovely business… asking what it needs from me. It has told me that it is young, but not as naive or helpless as had believed. And if I just make some space and permission for it to play, it’s ready to dazzle me and show off its stuff.
Indeed.
Gina Loree Marks´s last post … For the Love of the Game
Yay! Isn’t it wonderful when your business is grown-up enough to be able to do stuff on its own, without needing the kind of hand-holding that a baby business does? May it dazzle you today. :-)
Canoodle. With my business. Such a genius blend. Like clove and orange. But more surprising :-)
In our cuddly-nuzzle I learned that I exert more yang energy than I need to. My blessed business told me of its strength… that would surface if I could just stop pushing big animals uphill for a change.
Yin. Relax and rely. Ease and grace. What’s that? I think it wants me to rest my throbbing head on its immense shoulder.
I didn’t even know it *had* shoulders. Let alone supportive ones.
Oh Hiro, I believe you’ve kindled something here, and I love how it feels…
Deeeeeepest thanks for that,
Erika
Erika Harris´s last post … Money is _____________ .
Erika: “it wants me to rest my throbbing head on its immense shoulder.” Just reading that made me sigh with relief. Your business can take care of you, and wants to, if you’ll let it. What a wonderful discovery! :-)
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9
Indeed! I’ve been spending a lot more time with the heart of my business lately. I’ve realized that it’s grown up quite a bit, and that my relationship with it needs to change. Is changing, but more so. Humbling, really.
Mark, the love and care with which you nurture your relationship with your business inspires me.
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9
I have abandoned my business for the time being, being swamped by the demands of managing two households, my dad’s care, my own grief as his cancer slowly progresses.
So on top of all that, I feel grief, and guilt towards my business, wonder if it will forgive me, if it will ever welcome me back.
Perhaps if I send it my love and intentions, and pay attention as the direction it wants to go evolves.
Thanks for opening our conversation.
Lynne
Lynne Tolk´s last post … Ever Integrating
Lynne, I’m so sorry about your dad’s illness and all the grief and struggle you’re experiencing right now. I wish you some ease and grace in the midst of this time of loss.
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9
So lovely! Thank you for this post, Hiro, and thank you for the reminder that having this sort of relationship with my business is not only permitted, it’s healthy! It’s not only good for me, it’s good for business!
Love is good all relationships. Wishing you a beautiful relationship with your business!
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9
What a lovely and thought prevoking post! As someone just starting out on building a business, this is great advice.
Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to reading more of your wisdom and learning from you.
Desiree Adaway´s last post … Storytelling: No Campfire Required
Thanks, Desiree. It’s such a treat to get to know you a little through your blog and to hear about the wonderful work you do.
Hiro Boga´s last post … Sunday Poem # 9