TGIM 1-9-12

They’re gone, Every last one of them. Just last week we counted 44 and may have even missed some hiding upstream or behind boulder islands. The adults are pristine white with ebony bills, black eyes and a majestic carriage. The juveniles are brown-grey and gawky-unsure of their bearings as any teenagers.

On winter visits to our Wyoming home we are treated to these trumpeter swans migrating south to “winter” at our mountain lake. Compared to a winter in northern Canada this must be their tropical vacation. We visit them often, count them and photograph them and marvel at their graceful beauty. At sunset they curl their long necks around their bodies to sleep on the ice; looking like a mound of snow unless you’ve watched the process.

They are always there on our last day; we imagine them staying until early Spring. So why was our hike yesterday devoid of our swans? No fair. Didn’t they get the memo that we weren’t ready for them to leave?

My guess is that in the swan world there are more important memos. Last week temperatures had warmed to an unseasonable 61 degrees. Our swans likely got a memo to head out to more ideal temperatures. Their migration patterns are instinctive, inner guidance memos based on climate and other conditions. Some part of each swans’ brain reads those memos and takes action.

Therein lies our lesson.

Like the swans, there is a part of your brain set up to perceive inner guidance memos. Yes this is the right decision, no this food is not good for you, yes this is the customer market to pursue, no you should not buy the extended warranty. It’s not a logical process but a right-brain intuitive one. Gut instincts of a higher order.

Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin business empire and an undeniably smart man says his intuitive mind tells his logical mind what to do next. And so will yours if you pay attention.

I know I’m always telling you to be still for a period of time every day, and I repeat that now. A still mind is where those flawless inner guidance memos appear, not in linear logic or discussions with your best friend. So this week as you plow forward into your new year and I hope new worklife and personal visions, take a still moment each day. You will glide through your day as graceful and wise as a swan. TGIM: Thank God It’s Monday! Stay strong.

love,
margaret

ps: I cover the topic of inner guidance/intuition in THE VISIONBUILDERS’ MANUAL: 9 Steps to panoramic success for your company, career or cause. It also includes 2 recommended books on business intuition in the Appendix.