Being My True Self

Last updated on: February 7, 2012 at 5:03 am By Greg Richardson

The most challenging struggle of my life has been to discover and become who I really am. I protect my true self from myself, and everyone else, with elaborate systems of distractions, detours, and defenses. Like a medieval castle, I am behind a moat that is difficult to cross, surrounded by nearly impenetrable walls, and filled with confusing corridors and passageways. Even now, I discover new facets of myself and set off exploring in new directions. I am drawn forward,... Read more

2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage Formation

Last updated on: February 4, 2012 at 6:55 am By Greg Richardson

The 2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage will commence on Saturday, February 25 at San Pedro Brewing Company! Thirsty pilgrims from all over Southern California are preparing to begin this year’s expanded adventure. Since last year’s tour of craft breweries arrived at Stone Brewing Company at the beginning of October, we have been preparing to set out again. You can find the schedule for the 2012 Craft Brewery Pilgrimage on the Events page. Mine is a pilgrimage with a mission. First and... Read more

Losing David

Last updated on: February 2, 2012 at 6:27 am By Greg Richardson

I met David when we began working together. He was insightful and articulate, and understood how things worked in the organization where I was starting. We worked on projects together, and made quite a pair. David was unable to get anything done unless he was surrounded by complete chaos. The papers on his desk had a tendency to swirl. He took great comfort from the stacks on information, and knew precisely where everything was. I, on the other hand, needed... Read more

“I Should Like a Great Lake of Ale”

Last updated on: February 1, 2012 at 1:01 pm By Greg Richardson

Happy Saint Brigit’s Day! Read more about the connection between contemplation and ale. Click here. Read more

Centering Prayer

Last updated on: February 1, 2012 at 5:03 am By Greg Richardson

Centering Prayer is one of my contemplative practices. Centering prayer is a form of prayer, and a way to learn how to become more open to the presence of the Holy. It is based in the understanding that God is always with us, and that when I seem to be far from God it is because I am distracting myself or getting in the way. It is prayer beyond the thoughts, words, or feelings that tend to draw my attention... Read more

The Breakfast Quest has Begun!

Last updated on: January 31, 2012 at 5:03 am By Greg Richardson

Last weekend I began a quest to find the best breakfast in Southern California. Breakfast is recognized as the most important meal of the day. Every meal reflects our deeper values and attitudes toward the world around us. I am looking for breakfast consistent with my true self; healthy and balanced, engaging and entertaining, reflective and good tasting. Each meal is more than just the food we share. Each time we sit together is an opportunity to share ourselves with... Read more

Inspiration

Last updated on: January 28, 2012 at 6:28 am By Greg Richardson

I was brought up to be skeptical about inspiration. It was much more important to work hard, to set goals and accomplish them, to be organized, than it was to be inspired. It was more noble to spend your life doing something that made you a good living than doing something that inspired you. Being practical was valued much more than being passionate. I was good at doing what people expected me to do, so I set out to be... Read more

Putting Values to Work

Last updated on: January 26, 2012 at 5:03 am By Greg Richardson

I work with people who really value their values. They seek a clear understanding of their own values and principles. They work to develop a vision for their lives that reflects those values. They are committed to putting their values to work in tangible ways. They desire that as much of their lives as possible demonstrate who they truly are. It is important to them that each aspect of their lives reflect their core values; their relationships, their work, their... Read more

Where Are We Going?

Last updated on: January 25, 2012 at 5:07 am By Greg Richardson

I grew up with a fairly external understanding of leadership. Leaders were people who lived somewhere else. They did not live where I lived, in rural Wisconsin, or when I lived there. I read books about leaders in history, and thought it must have been wonderful to have lived in such exciting, challenging times. I thought it would have been so great to be a leader and to have the answers to such important questions! Grown ups would tell me... Read more

Are You a Real Monk?

Last updated on: January 24, 2012 at 5:14 am By Greg Richardson

The question I get asked more than any other is, Are you a real monk? Yes, I am. Though, it may look a little different from what you expect. Many people have a picture of monks as people, probably men, who want to avoid the challenges of living in the “real world” and live in a monastery. They remove themselves from family and friends, and spend their lives contemplating inner peace. It is true that many monks, men and women,... Read more