A Very Upbeat Day

Posted in Whole Man Expo on 08/29/2011 11:09 pm by Jim Sharon

It gives me immense pleasure to invite you, your families, friends and colleagues to attend Whole Man Expo Saturday, September 10, 2011, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel, 7007 S. Clinton Street, Greenwood Village, CO. Adults and teens of both genders are encouraged to attend this very informative and festive event that will honor and celebrate men striving for life balance.

Men and women professional speakers and panelists who have attained a high level of self-development and personal achievements will share their knowledge and experiences regarding societal influences that impact contemporary men. The Expo will also include experiential activities and entertainment. View our complete program.

Exhibitors representing nearly forty businesses and organizations will be displaying their quality services and products at this event. During the closing ceremonies, five previously selected men will be honored as Whole Man of the Year candidates, with one of them receiving the top honor.

In addition to having a great time together, we are dedicated to making a marked difference toward evolving male consciousness. Come participate with us as we activate our clear intention.

SAVE $2/person by registering online today for this not-to-be missed dynamic Whole Man Expo!

-Jim Sharon, Ed.D.
Founder/Coordinator of Whole Man Expo

 

From a Wife’s Perspective

Posted in Men's Anthology Book, Whole Man Expo on 08/15/2011 03:43 am by Ruth Sharon

This has been such a very exciting summer for us! Hope you are enjoying the end of this season and savoring the last bits of warm-weather pleasure.

I remember the conversation with Jim when “we” (who really knows who said it first?) came up with the idea of his men’s anthology. What a rush of energy! A big YES! resounded in us. We knew that compiling men’s stories resonated with Jim’s dedication to serving men in their development towards wholeness. Men daring to be transparent, vulnerable, real and triumphant serves everyone!

Last summer, I loved being a contributing author to “Speaking Your Truth; Courageous Stories from Inspiring Women,” compiled by Lisa Shultz and Andrea Costantine last year. Jim witnessed my participation as very fulfilling and life-giving. I experienced a sense of freedom to tell my intimate and powerful story. I hope and pray all the contributing authors to Jim’s book, “Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments” have been enriched personally and will touch thousands (millions?) with their stories.

As the men’s anthology book is now ready for print and the Whole Man Expo is set for Saturday, September 10, 2011, I see new aspects of my husband emerging. He has taken on more than I ever recall, in the 41 years we have been married. Maybe his doctoral program and dissertation is a close second. To master the amount of details, contacts, writing, editing, organizing, planning, coordinating, etc. has stretched Jim. I have witnessed his being empowered to “honor men striving for balance and the women who support them.” The cause came to far outweigh the personal. Late nights, early mornings, endless lists, overwhelming tasks and magical moments have ignited the diamond fire that is polishing Jim’s character and revealing his brilliance. The profound passion I see in his eyes thrills me. I am so proud of his dedication and steadfastness.

Profoundly realizing what has gone into the process of “birthing” the book, I am proudly and humbly holding “the baby” in my hands., reviewing the copy before it goes to press. The Whole Man Expo, less than a month away, will be a splendid launch for the book and a day well spent with people engaged in wholeness. I am really honored to facilitate a women’s panel to explore the question “What do conscious women want from men?” Come join us!

A deep sigh of relief, gratitude and contentment.. …to know that my husband is fulfilling his calling. This is the beginning of a new journey–and I am holding my honey’s hand, as we travel together.

Get your tickets to the Expo today!

Be well,

Ruth

 

An Integral Part of Wholeness

Posted in spirituality on 08/01/2011 01:03 am by Jim Sharon

With Whole Man Expo now around the corner, I want to highlight a dimension of wholeness that I consider central—the hub of the wheel: spirituality. For me, the crux of spirituality is the sincere awe that one develops in his heart for the glory and magnificence of a Higher Power, however he idealizes that Force. That awe naturally leads to a steady longing for greater connection with the Source, and a deeper understanding of the mystery of life. Morality or ethics best stems from following the golden rule and from inner development, rather than from mere compliance to dogmatic principles.

As one deepens his spiritual attunement, s/he comes into a direct realization of our ultimate interconnection—a growing sense of universal oneness or unity. As this realization slowly ripens and becomes “cellular,” one’s ego gradually erodes.

I wish to share a beautiful recent post by Taj Inayat, spiritual guide and Vice President of the Sufi Order International, of which I am a member:

The poet Omar Khayyam writes, “Heaven is a vision of fulfilled desire, hell the shadow of a soul on fire.”

There is a saying, “Die before death,” which means that we do not have to wait until the breath is gone to experience heaven. It can be realized on earth when we discover a mode of being that is expressive of love, harmony and beauty.

The incessant demands of life, the overload of information and the bombardment of our senses call us continually outward to the surface of existence, toward the visible and away from the interiority of life. It is in this “within” space that heaven can be found.

As I do a lot of psychospiritual counseling, I’d like to offer one of my favorite sayings, by the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers: “Our deepest, darkest secrets are those that are most universal.”

All of this is best “stood under” and gradually assimilated in the core of one’s body, (heart and guts), rather than trying to mentally grasp the full meaning of these statements.

-Jim Sharon

 

Empty Nesters as Newlyweds

Posted in marriage, Relationships on 07/19/2011 07:34 pm by Ruth Sharon

This past Saturday night, Jim and I were enjoying a conversation with a man we met at our “Team” networking party. As an empowerment coach/marketing consultant, he is interested in interviewing couples who have long-term relationships and are still in love. We had fun sharing with him that being “empty nesters” feels like a new beginning! We feel like newlyweds in so many ways! He delighted in hearing our stories, as he is in the early stages of a love relationship.

On Sunday, Jim and I spent the day at the pool, enjoying the sunny weather and refreshingly cool water. Just as we did as newlyweds, we played in the water, carrying each other for rides, holding each other afloat, and talking on and on about subjects of interest (mainly our upcoming books, Whole Man Expo and book launch parties!). How reminiscent of our early days in Harrisburg, PA in 1970 when we began our journey as a couple! We loved going to our apartment complex pool after work and on the weekends to frolic like we did this Sunday!

Ruth and Jim in Maui for our 40th anniversary in 2010

The love we share now is even brighter, more engaging and much more satisfying than when we began in our early 20’s, unsure of how this marriage thing really works. My limited perspective only glimpsed the true promise of love, devotion, being cherished and respected, sharing life purpose, having wonderful companionship, bringing in children and growing on all dimensions. After all these years together, we have had many adventures, worked through many issues, overcome very difficult challenges, survived near break-ups, and raised three children successfully, all the while working together in our own businesses. At 22, I never could have imagined how great our life could be!

We are so happy to report this good news and give hope to others in the quest for a nourishing love life.

Having the house to ourselves now has opened up a new chapter in our lives. We love our kids, their special partners and our granddaughter and see them often. Our dog is still here, but no kiddos! Having our own pace, rhythm, focus and privacy has given us more energy and motivation to pursue the life of our dreams now as elders. Our careers , health/fitness, spiritual development and service to the community are of utmost importance.

We are each ready to launch our respective books—Jim’s men’s anthology Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Lives: Defining Moments and Be Your Best Self: Yoga Book for Families authored by myself, daughter Alyssa Sharon (21, a yoga teacher in LA) and granddaughter Hannah Green (age 6, here in Denver).

The creative juices are flowing and love abounds! We are blessed.

-Ruth Sharon

 

Declaration of Interdependence

Posted in Yoga and Meditation on 07/07/2011 03:32 am by Jim Sharon

For 235 years, our nation has been celebrating its independence from England and its pride of autonomy in general. Especially in the Western world and in the Western section of the United States, “rugged individualism” has often been heralded as a noble life posture. I also champion a strong measure of personal autonomy. However, in our ever-shrinking globe, we are quickly learning the need for and power of community connection, collaborative teamwork, selfless service, political cooperation, etc. As the seventeenth-century English poet, John Donne titled one of his famous poems, “No Man is an Island.”

I was so moved by the synergy and joy experienced by the nine of us who recently participated in the first day of a two-day photo shoot. My wife Ruth, daughter Alyssa and granddaughter Hannah are co-authoring a three-generation family yoga book, Be Your Best Self; Yoga Book for Families. Ruth gathered a crew consisting mainly of family members — along with a photographer’s assistant and a friend who is a yoga teacher — to support the tedious process of photographing the three female authors doing a number of yoga poses for their book. We worked around one another for eleven hours, mostly in 94-degree heat, in the remote woods of a nature center. Although each of us was assigned a distinct role, we took on interchangeable tasks as my son-in-law Bill Green meticulously lit and photographed the threesome. The challenging, painstaking process, including carrying and moving heavy equipment, offered plenty of opportunity for irritability and bickering. Rather than yielding to fatigue and egos, we consistently collaborated beautifully in a highly-focused effort to create book-quality photos.

Our dinner celebration that night was genuinely festive, as we rejoiced at supporting one another magnificently through a long day filled with challenges and obstacles. The synergy was strong enough to carry into the next day of shooting, in which only half as many people were involved to efficiently complete the project.

Indeed, when people passionately rally around a common purpose, suspending their egos to achieve a worthwhile objective, noble autonomy consistently takes a “backseat” to glorious accomplishment—and often, to love.

-Jim Sharon

 

Ten Glorious Days

Posted in Men's Anthology Book on 06/21/2011 02:26 am by Alaina

The blockbuster men’s consciousness-raising event “The Ultimate Men’s Summit,” was experienced by millions of registrants from 126 nations between June 10 – 19, 2011. Seventy-five prominent leaders in the men’s and human potential movements broadcasted presentations that were accessible by phone and on the internet. I listened to several of them, yet wish I could have heard many more, as I was familiar with most of the speakers (Robert White contributed a personal story to my men’s anthology; Jed Diamond endorsed the book).

Having served as a therapist and facilitator in both the men’s and human potential movements since the mid 1970’s, I am thrilled that The Shift Network, founded by Stephen Dinan, was dedicated to organizing and hosting an event of this magnitude. Kudos to Stephen and to Lion Goodman, Director of Men’s Programs, for their vision, resourcefulness, and king-sized efforts in creating such a momentous, globally empowering extravaganza. I am also very appreciative of the luminaries who offered their time and skill to present to the world audience.

Based on the limited number of programs of which I availed myself, and reading descriptions of many of the others, my sense is that the Summit accomplished its mission of disseminating vital information, tools and resources to the global masses.

In my estimation, the key messages that were highlighted in various ways by various speakers, were that to lead truly fulfilling lives, men must recognize that everything is interconnected and that we each need to find our unique purpose, serving alongside of women to foster harmonious human evolution.

As founder and coordinator of Whole Man Expo, I am further inspired and fueled to produce a highly informative and festive live event September 10th at Sheraton DTC Hotel in Greenwood Village, CO, as a result of attuning to The Ultimate Men’s Summit. We anticipate an excellent turnout, even if it will be paled by the huge global response to The Summit.

-Jim

 

Simple Pleasures

Posted in Wellness on 06/07/2011 09:17 pm by Alaina

During my busy workday yesterday, I decided to clear my head and take Daphnie dog for a walk around the neighborhood. The abundantly blooming flowers caught my attention. The beautiful sights and smells in my neighbors’ gardens brought me into a state of peace and harmony. Of course, I came back refreshed and enlivened. I notice I have a lot more energy when I become conscious of the simple pleasures that are available every moment! Here is a little mental checklist I use to stay present during the day:

  • Do I awake with gratitude in my heart?
  • Am I conscious of my breathing and body alignment?
  • Do I smell and admire the color of my food before I eat it?
  • Am I really listening to people when they speak to me?
  • Do I greet people with a smile and warm eyes?
  • Can I laugh easily?
  • Do I stretch and take breaks to stay refreshed?
  • Am I contributing to building a better world with my words and actions?
  • Do I go to sleep with gratitude in my heart?

What are some of your simple pleasures? Feel free to leave comments!

Be well. Namaste! May Peace be with you.

-Ruth

 

What is Sacred?

Posted in Men's Anthology Book, spirituality on 05/17/2011 11:51 pm by Alaina

Last week, while composing a poem “Ode (Owed) to Mothers,” honoring moms on Mother’s Day, I revisited my sense of the word “sacred.” Clearly, I regard the parent-child relationship as a sacred one. Several days later, as I was preparing an exercise for a group presentation I was about to facilitate, I did the exercise myself. The challenge was to compose one’s own ideal epitaph, which involved memorializing oneself in a maximum of seven words. One of the phrases I chose to portray a premier value of mine was “loved (or championed) sacredness.”

I then asked myself to consider what I regard as especially sacred or holy in life, in addition to family relationships. How would you respond to that implied question? Actually, after quickly listing off a number of things and qualities, I realized I couldn’t limit and absolutely didn’t want to restrict my perception of what is holy in this world or universe. (I also noted what I view as profane.)

Then yesterday, synchronicity graced me with her familiar “sacred smile.” I turned to the reading for that day and the next in the precious and inspiring book Miraculous Living by Rabbi Shoni Labowitz, which I have often turned to for guidance since the book was published in 2002. The book contains a series of daily terse, diverse lessons or reminders. The two concise readings were:

“Your awareness of the sanctity with yourself and the sacredness of all existence affects everything, everywhere. When you recognize your holiness, you think, speak, and act in holiness.”

“You are holy. The choices for continuing to live in holiness are eternally available to you.”

Those remarks, which I don’t suspect I could have said better, offer great pause for reflection and a posture for us to live and grow “into.”

-Jim Sharon

 

The Joy of Retreat

Posted in marriage, Relationships, Wellness on 04/25/2011 02:31 pm by Ruth Sharon

Happy Spring! What a time of renewal and rebirth! I hope you are blooming, along with your garden and trees!

Jim and I are so excited to share our couples’ retreat on May 20-22. Register now Horseback Riding at Peaceful Valley Ranchso you can be sure to save your spot. Peaceful Valley Ranch in Lyons, CO is ideal for privacy, room to roam, delicious meals and picturesque meeting spaces for our seminar. We will begin with Friday dinner and end after lunch on Sunday, with free time on Saturday to explore the area or take a nap!

I was recently reminiscing with a dear friend of over 30 years. Remembering the first time I took 2 or 3 days to retreat, I was way too anxious to settle in. I distracted myself in all sorts of healthy and unhealthy ways. What a rollercoaster of emotions—nervous, agitated, angry, depressed, confused, bored—with my mind jumping around like a wild monkey!

Peaceful Valley Ranch FireplaceOver the years I have come to welcome the opportunity to retreat. My daily meditations and weekly Sabbath are a journey into peaceful connection with my Higher Self/ Universe/God. During a longer or more intentional retreat, I look forward with great anticipation to having an extended date with my spiritual Self, and the Divine. I emerge with a clearer mind, more loving heart and a calmer belly.

Imagine being with yourself and your beloved partner in a quiet, relaxing and beautiful setting, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Jim and I are happy to facilitate you and your mate on an enlivening and enriching retreat, sharing the “Secrets of a Soulful Marriage” on May 20-22. Through a series of guided practices, you will affirm your strengths and resources as a couple by:

  • Practicing making the “hard stuff” easier
  • Expanding your ability to give and to receive
  • Discovering the greatest gift: unconditional love
  • Clarifying your goals and dreams together

Retreats are a glorious trip back to your “spiritual home” where you can refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit. Once you know where “home” is, you can be aware when you leave home and know ways to come back into attunement. Developing a deeper connection with your partner nourishes your relationship and sets up a template to follow after the retreat.

Join us for this special weekend of May 20-22, 2011! Learn more and register today at www.energyforlife.ezregister.com.

Be well!

Ruth

 

The Big Love

Posted in marriage, Relationships, spirituality on 04/12/2011 05:19 pm by Jim Sharon

During a tender conversation in the glorious, current film Of G-d and Men, an elderly monk admits to an infatuated young woman that he had a few romances in his teens, but the “Big Love” that he later discovered pales those romantic encounters. The monk was referring to his devotion to G-d (The Source of All) and to a pervasive love of all beings. At our last monthly couples’ “Date Night” seminar, my wife Ruth and I broached the topic of “unconditional love.” Although each participant had heard that term bantered about, most admitted to being at least somewhat uncertain regarding how to access unconditional love. Their difficulty is common to the masses, as the vast majority of us received parental and societal programming that places boundaries or even “rules” on experiencing and expressing love. Due to such learned limitations, our egos remain intact, yet we our deprived of the highest joy and of knowing the fullness of ourselves.

I wish to tersely summarize my personal and professional experience for accessing unconditional love. I have found that the fastest and strongest inroads occur by accepting and forgiving oneself and humbly accepting our own human limitations. Then we can strive to graciously extend compassionate understanding to others. Initially, we may reserve our “special” love for close family members and friends. As our hearts gradually “expand,” we naturally become increasingly inclusive in our love for others. Two specific practices that quicken our sense of unconditional love are: a) giving without the expectation of receiving anything in return and b) consciously suspending or releasing judgments. Many forms of unifying experiences can evoke an appreciation of the “Big Love.” A few examples involve:

  • Participation in closely-knit communities
  • Rallying around a common ideal
  • Joining community and/or global support efforts during large-scale crises or disasters.

A prominent gateway toward the realization of unconditional love occurs through continual deepening into spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, immersion in nature, and disciplined study. Ultimately, as we divest ourselves of layers of ego (including defense mechanisms, competitiveness, judgments, etc.), we encounter the fundamental truth or essence of who we are: The Big Love.

Jim Sharon

 
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