“We create among ourselves what we choose to notice.  Once this work of self-authorship has begun, we inhabit the world we’ve created.  We self- seal.  We don’t notice anything except those things that confirm what we already think about who we already are… When we succeed in moving outside our normal process of self- reference and can look upon ourselves with self- awareness, then we have a chance at changing.  We break the seal.  We notice something new.”

Last year, while away on a spiritual retreat and working on my book Conscious, I found the words of Margaret Wheatley in an article titled “Consumed by Fire or Fire: Journeying with T. S. Eliot.”  Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when I opened my binder.  It was apart of the required reading and I wanted nothing more than to check it off my list.  It was also during this time that I was working feverishly to complete an initial draft of the book. I was growing weary of the writing process but was given a new motivation and a point of reference.  “The Worlds We Create” was the title of my ninth chapter, already composed and titled before reading Wheatley’s article.  Her words reminded me that I was on the right track and that I was not alone.

Just as they did one day last summer, they have coached me along what seems to be a difficult leg of the journey.  I’m tired and I don’t know where the strength will come from day to day.  But, I do know that I am expected to run, that I have to stay focused and keep my eyes on the finish line.

Wheatley’s words are truth and should not be skimmed over.  I have no commentary as they speak very powerfully for themselves.  Race allows us to self- seal.  My chant this morning as we run alongside each other is “Break the seal. Break the seal.” Say it with me.