The Difference Between Information and Experience

So I have been blessed to get free tickets to see both Eckhart Tolle and Deepak Chopra speak over the last two weeks. Both were wonderful - accomplished people who obviously knew things deeply and were ready to teach. But I have to say, while Dr. Chopra's talk held lots of fascinating information - it was Eckhart Tolle which was profound and affecting for me. Why? I think it goes to getting information vs. an experience.

Chopra, a doctor and lecturer, did just that. He lectured. With a couple short imaginative exercises (a minute or so), which he honestly didn't seem very comfortable with. I came out with some new thoughts and new questions, but was quite ready for it to be over.

Tolle engaged us in trying to *be* a different way for the three hours. To experience presence in a different way. He brought forth experiment after experiment, and experience and experience. I felt challenged and called forth to try to feel, be, think, and *not* think differently with him. It was a "lab class", I guess. And I was moved in a way that hasn't gone back yet.

I think we need to remember the value of the therapy we do. Sure, clients often refer back to something we taught them, or said - a rule, a phrase, a tool. But underlying all that, and where I think the most profound healing comes is when they experience something radically different with us.

It's when we listen, accept, receive, see, understand, love, challenge, hold, stay with, call forth, contain, connect, resonate and be with them in a way they have never experience before that the movement and healing happens. Things that reading a self-help book just can't do.

That is our deep value. That is the intangible, esoteric value we bring. Don't forget it. Don't undervalue it.

Namaste, Your Grateful Guy

Why Therapy Is A Growth Industry: Presence vs Technology

(This is one of a continuing series on why therapy is a growth industry)

Worried about making a living in the future as a therapist? Don't. We are going to be more and more in need. Why? One word - Presence.

As the world becomes more complex, and specifically as we allow technology to be an intermediary in more and more of our personal dealings, people are going to both thirst for, and meanwhile have a harder time with presence.

To me, presence is the very basic human act of being with someone. Listening. Hearing. Witnessing. Undivided. On all levels - physical, mental, emotional. It's something we all need. It's the core of good parenting, good friendship, and especially of good therapy.

But I experience in my own life, and witness all around me, the fracturing of presence (by multitasking, by busy-ness, by too much sensory input) and the lessening of being present with one another (by iPods, laptops, HDTV screens, Blackberrys, etc.).

While there have always been people who have intimacy problems, I am finding many couples (especially) are finding it "weird", "odd" or "awkward" to just be together (I'll call it anxiety-producing).

You will be a success by giving people what they need and thirst for:
Be the Presence of Love.
Be the Presence of Acceptance.
Be the Presence of Peace.
Be the Presence of Wisdom.
Be the Presence of Spirit.

Namaste! Your ever-grateful guy.