Musings: Too Much!

Can there be too much of a good thing?
The good news for 2012 was there was an increasing amount of demand for keynote speaking, forgiveness workshops and corporate workshops. The bad news was I came to realize I don’t know how much more I can endure this schedule. It’s not that I want to forgo the work; it’s just that it is taking its toll.The year 2012 took me to Europe three times, to Australia once, to India once, to Canada twice and around this country numerous times. In addition the middle-school speaking engagements with TKF, which continues to grow each year as we reach thousands of children with our message of nonviolence and peacemaking. I am also happy to share that the CANEI (restoring youth offenders) program is making huge strides in eight cities around the country and is poised to start in Los Angeles in 2013.However, all this hard work has paid a price on me – physically, mentally and emotionally.

I have a bulge between the discs L4 and L5 in my lower back, which sometimes shoots unbearable pain to the sciatica. Some of you who have this issue will most likely relate. About six weeks ago, in a total span of eight days, I flew from Rome to San Diego (for a vital TKF fundraising) and then to Zurich and then back to San Diego. Did I mention that was in eight days?

With such stress upon my body, on my way back from my trip I was diagnosed with shingles. As I write this I am in the 6th week of shingles and still on pain medication. Shingles is a form of adult chickenpox and very painful. My doctor tells me that the pain could last for three to six months. I’m hoping it doesn’t, because it is extremely painful even after the pain medicine. (I am avoiding the heavy-duty pain medicine, as I am very averse to pills.)

The medicine masks the pain but does not make it go away. By 5 pm – because of the pain – I am pretty much toast and require a nap to function through the evening. The good news is I am sleeping fine, keeping a positive attitude, meditating and functioning fairly well.

After all I’ve been through this year, my main lesson this month is too much of a good thing is not healthy. I carry on since I DO love what I do:

1. Teaching the principles of nonviolence and peacemaking to children.
2. Role modeling and empowering kids – our future leaders – to make positive choices.
3. Conducting the Train The Trainer Forgiveness workshops for the public and especially those who work closely with victims and offenders. We can all use forgiveness.
4. Conducting workshops with corporations and organizations and teaching management teams how to transform conflict into unity. Coupling my 35 years of international investment banking experience with 17 years of working in the humanistic field, I have learned how to train “solular” managers who turn from denial and look at conflict as an opportunity to create a united team. This in turn creates team members who are able to work at their zenith and managers committed to create a better world … not just focused on the profit but also looking at how to improve humanity and the planet.

Even with this love of my work, there is no doubt that I transcended my capacity. At the end of the day your health is more important than anything else. So my mantra and New Year Resolution is definitely to slow down. I am now meditating how to make a larger impact and travel less. Fortunately with technology this is now possible, and I am looking at how to best spread this important message without negatively impacting my health. I do often wonder how others travel back and forth internationally and remain healthy. I am very interested in any ideas and suggestions you may have to offer.

For now, even with the physical ailments, there is much to celebrate about the year that was. Here are just a few of the highlights of 2012:

• Spoke to corporate group “Next Level by Association” in Orange County
• A visit to London with a keynote to a major international corporation
• “Youth in Court” day in San Diego
• A talk at Inspirit Orange County – a large spiritual community
• A Restorative Justice talk in LA at the Loyola Law School, which houses the Center for Restorative Justice
• A grand TKF fundraiser at the University Club in San Diego
• Speaking engagement for two incredible days to schools in Toronto, Canada
• Television appearances: Democracy Now, San Diego Living TV Show, Fox 5 TV interview
• A speaking engagement for Leavenworth Penitentiary in July – the fifth year in a row
• Numerous “Train the Trainer” forgiveness workshops, preparing teachers of peace
• A 6th annual trip to Australia, speaking to schools in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, as well as provide a forgiveness workshop
• The prestigious Fetzer Assisi Global gathering in Europe
• The Awakened World Conference in Rome and Florence
• Spoke to the successful business gathering “Inside Edge”
• Awards, such as one from the Los Angeles City Council, presented by Councilman Tony Cardenas.

Finally as the year comes to an end and the Mayan calendar comes to an end after 27 Centuries on December 22, we can know that a major shift is taking place in the planetary evolution. The transition will not be easy but it will be meaningful. I am convinced the energy coming will bring a more compassionate and giving world where the focus will be shifting from materialism to spiritualism and service. I know of this shift as I made the shift after the loss of my son – from investment banker focusing on money to a founder of two non-profit organizations focusing on preventing violence in our youth and restoring youth offenders to reenter society as functioning and contributing citizens. In addition much of my work is to promote peacemaking through the practice of forgiveness. It’s been a humbling life of service.

Here, I am reminded of a quote by Albert Schweitzer: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”

My very best and affectionate wishes and prayers for a safe, joyous, meaningful and a blessed holiday season and 2013.