The Metaphysics of Business, Part 4: On Being a Lighthouse

As a long-time entrepreneur in an on-the-edge-of-normal business, I've often found it to be a lonesome road to travel. First of all, there's the solo aspect of being a solopreneur: My office is a one person office, therefore my water-cooler conversations are between me and myself. Then there's the business itself: Though people from around the world come to see me for wisdom and care, I am hard pressed sometimes to explain or even describe it. That goes for my small-town community as well, so I am constantly asked by townsfolk: "Just what IS it you do in there, Elke?" My answer to them and others vary: Sometimes I respond with "I am a counselor" or "I am an inspirational speaker."And sometimes the words writer, coach, and healer have crept into my explanations. But even these explanations are met with puzzled looks. In my conversations with other bizniks, I get the sense that walking a lonesome road is actually quite common, hence the value of being a Biznik member--the camaraderie offers at least SOME company and potential allies. Yet, when one really examines the solo journey of a solopreneur, the feeling like the proverbial salmon swimming upstream is there in abundance. On being a lighthouse A person in my network was asking my advice about a clear-across-the-country business relationship he was trying to nurture: "The struggle is born out of a trait of his that is vastly different than mine, a trait that I see as an outlook or attitude. I choose mine to be positive, upbeat and searching for opportunity. His turns down a different path of negativity, and seeing that which troubles him with most every situation..." "For two years I have tried to surround him with positive comments, feelings and outlook in hopes that his focus will slowly change, but at times it leaves me exhausted and completely taxed. Is it possible for someone to change an outlook that has so long been engrained within? Or will I become the one who turns toward a more defeated approach in the end?" My response to him prompted this article's creation, and it was as follows: "You have taken on a relationship I call 'being a lighthouse'. Where are lighthouses built, hmmm? Answer: On rocky shores. People who are lighthouses often find themselves in difficult situations, places to live and work, and relationships...the darker places that need a light for guidance. A lighthouse's job is to shine the light." "Now, if the rocky person or situation or place does not change, even with the lighthouse's influence, is that the lighthouse's fault? Nope." "There may come a time when you may realize your colleague will not change too easily, and this lighthouse role is too tiresome for you. You might then release the relationship, perhaps making a space for alliances more enlivening FOR YOU...a more equal exchange. But I ask you to please, please do not sink to his current level! A lighthouse isn't too useful when submerged under water." All right, fellow indies: Can you relate to this analogy? You know you are a lighthouse when: 1. You are in an area of the world or in a group where you feel alone in your thinking and attitude. 2. You are placed in a situation, place or relationship where you shine a light and offer an example. 3. You are often misunderstood when you bring up new ideas or perspectives...but you keep trying anyway. 4. You are bucking against a prevailing cultural tide. 5. You offer positive and affirmative words at work, even though you are surrounded by negative and disheartening words. 6.  Your work IS your service to your community and the world. As mentioned, lighthouses are built upon rocky, often stormy or foggy shores. So too with human lighthouses: you will find yourself in rocky, stormy and foggy situations...and appropriately so. Your light is needed, sometimes desperately. But as my colleague so aptly stated, it can be an exhausting enterprise to be the positive one all the time. So I offer some tips for lighthouse care and maintenance: 1. Find others of like mind. They can be a life-line when you feel as if you're the lone light for miles around. Social networking sites like Biznik can be a God-send. Explore other sites that share your values. Also, there might be one or two people in your own neighborhood with a light-filled energy about them: Look for them, befriend them, and cherish them! 2. Read inspiring stories in books, articles, and blog posts. Sometimes just a few words can lift you out of a dark and lonely funk. 3. Fill your well: Meditate, pray, sing, dance, do yoga, qui qong, tai chi, or other energy-filling activities.  Energize your spiritual batteries. 4. Walk in nature, or take a spontaneous road trip and see where your spirit leads. Viewing life from another perspective helps. 5.      Perform random acts of kindness. Ya know you probably do this anyway, but consider: doesn't it just tickle you to do so? 6. Mostly: be kind to yourself. Get off your case when you are misunderstood and try not to judge yourself too harshly (if at all).  Affirm the following:  "I am a lighthouse shining a light of affirmation, possibility and bright energy to a world that needs it." In these days of huge economic and social transition, there are many scared and lonely people out there.  Your light is needed now more than ever. Shine on. 2009-03-20T19:09:46Z

2009-03-21T15:24:34Z

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the-metaphysics-of-business-part-4-on-being-a-lighthouse

2009-03-21T15:24:06Z

2009-03-21T15:24:34Z

In these troubled times, so many entrepreneurs are acting like lonely Lighthouses on rocky shores. Find out if you are one of them.

The Metaphysics of Business, Part 4: On Being a Lighthouse

2009-03-21T15:24:34Z