Summer is here, and we've got another edition of the Ivy SeaZine with you, in hopes that you'll find insight, inspiration and ideas that energize and propel you on your vibrant, joyful, authentic path.

This edition focuses on authenticity, ethics, and heart-centered enterprise. Here's the brain-and-soul-food that you'll find in this issue of Ivy SeaZine:

** Conscious Communication: Skillfully expressing the "true you"

** Big-Vision Enterprise: The power of conscious, Heart-centered enterprise

** Review: Corporate psychopaths (do you work for one?)

** Tele-dialogues and E-workshops: Power up with a thought-and-idea partner

** Ivy Sea Online in July: "Tailored to you" E-workshops, tips for highly charged conversations, common small-business marketing mistakes, color wisdom, can sales be authentic and ethical, fostering natural ambassadors, and more.

** Great Quotations: Wise words for the journey

** About Ivy Sea, Inc., the SeaZine, subscribing and unsubscribing

[Ivy SeaZine is a voluntarily received, "by request" subscriber-only publication. If you've received this issue, you subscribed at our web site or someone else has subscribed using your email address. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time; just follow the instructions at the end of the SeaZine.]

Conscious Communication:
Skillfully expressing the "true you"

Most people yearn to be true, to feel authentic, and to be seen by others as being honest and true and authentic. And yet many people have a challenge expressing themselves authentically, or truly, because a good number of people are not actually acquainted with their true selves. What we often see and experience around us is the result of most peoples' (and even our own) reactions.

This means that we see a lot of unskillful communication. And when it comes to action, we see too much violence, disrespect, inhumanity — things that most of us would enjoy causing, seeing, hearing, and experiencing much less of.

Even much that passes for (or is intended as) "authentic communication" is more just a reflection of the emotional turbulence that an individual is caught up in at any given moment.

In order to express your "true you," you have to have some idea of who your "true you" actually is! This is one meaning of wisdom sayings such as "know thyself." The more you know your true self, the more centered you are in "the power that created you", the more skillfully and authentically you can express the true you.

While this surely is a journey that might seem intimidating to some and very lengthy or overwhelming to others, it's also a journey that can be taken step by step, with the satisfaction of accomplishment with each step forward.

By asking yourself questions and noting your response to what you see, hear and feel around you, you can easily begin to identify "true you" traits and qualities. With each trait or quality you notice, for each thing that resonates as "true you" within you, you can begin to align your thoughts, words, and deeds with those qualities, and less and less have your thoughts, words, and deeds be unconsciously aligned with traits and qualities that, in the end, you really don't find satisfying and you surely wouldn't want to be known for.

You can start in this moment, with your next choice, your next thought, your next word…

Reflection Questions:
• How do you want to be? What feels most true to you? How do you most like others to treat you?
• Whom do you admire, and why?
• What are five things that you can say, be, think, and do this week that are aligned with how you truly want to be (sound like, look like, feel like)?

For more tips on conscious communication and interpersonal skillfulness, start with our Ivy Sea Online Wisdom and Mastery Portal.

Big-Vision Entrepreneuring:
The power of heart-centered enterprise

While the traditional "business paradigm" is still based on the old linear, rational, voracious, "growth for growth's sake" business model, there are an increasing number of entrepreneurs (and even a few "intrapreneurs") who see that something else is needed, and something else is possible.

These "conscious enterprisers" temper or guide the "usual ways of doing business" with a much clearer, much more steadfastly invoked guidance-system based on a non-dogmatic code of ethics, responsibility, spirituality, non-harmfulness, and humanity.

Conscious enterprisers — be they entrepreneurs and the creators of their own enterprises, or conscious employees in someone else's enterprise — operate from a heart-centeredness that takes into consideration not just their own sense of meaning and well-being, but also the impact of their efforts — both immediate and ultimate - on others.

Choosing to be a conscious entrepreneur and a heart-centered enterpriser is not without challenges — some of which truly require a strong heart and stronger faith. This is the burden of anyone who is "out on the edges", planting the seeds for ways of doing, being and working that are not the current norm.

Choosing conscious enterprise can shine a harsh light on where, specifically, the current norms differ dramatically from conscious, heart-centered enterprise (and living). One needs to think no further than the scandals of recent memory - Enron, Wall Street, Washington DC - to have a sense of these choices, and the impact of such choices.

Ultimately, these case studies show us very clearly that "unethical companies" which are known for doing damage, for plundering both the public trust and public resources, are unfortunately driven by people who've made the choices to directly or indirectly contribute to those means and ends.

Those in touch with their hearts know that this model of being and doing business is neither ethical nor sustainable; already we — individually and in common — have paid very dearly.

Though conscious, heart-centered enterprises face challenges in a world designed to support "psychopath corporations" and those in sync with that way of doing business, they are rewarded with a different set of strengths, a different type of powerfulness, that in turn brings inspiration and motivation to those who choose that model of being and working.

To know that we are contributing to that which supports rather than degrades the earth, that uplifts rather than causes suffering to countless others (be they human or animal), and treats others with dignity and respect rather than disdain, is to know and feel that our heart and soul are awake and present in our work and in our way of life. In contrast, to do harm and damage is corrosive to heart and soul.

One can be conscious of this impact and still choose it, which is why all "conscious enterprise" is not necessarily heart-centered. But that which is both heart-centered and conscious moves deliberately towards having an effect (and an experience) that is life-affirming, respectful, and ultimately positive and loving. At the very least it vows to "do no harm."

Conscious, heart-centered enterprisers, having made the commitment to find the faith and courage to meet the challenges, will find a different, more rewarding power, a different and more satisfying wealth, and a far more sustainable and far-reaching impact.

This, too, is a journey that starts with one step and is completed step by step. See the reality, surely, but don't let the gap between what is and what is ideal overwhelm you. Face it, and slowly but surely, day by day, individually and with your kindred-spirits, navigate your way to greater heart-centered consciousness. If you read the next article, you'll know why your own conscious, heart-centered endeavors are more important — and influential — than ever.

Stir your complacency. Become more aware. Choose consciously.

Reflection questions:
• Are you conscious of the effects of your work on others?
• To what does your work contribute, particularly if you move past the feel-good corporate jargon and look at the real net impact of the organization? Is this what you want to be contributing to?
• In what ways would heart-centered conscious enterprise be possible in your business (or in your work in your employer organization)?
• When you center yourself in your Heart — or "think with your heart-mind" — in what ways would you like to contribute in and through your work? What are two immediate ways that you can do this?
• What are two longer-term ways that you'd like to do this?

For more tips on conscious enterprise and big-vision small business, start with our Conscious Enterprise Portal.

Conscious and Ethical Enterprise - Review:
Corporate psychopaths (do you work for one?)

Do you have the courage and the faith to look at this question: Are corporations — particularly publicly held corporations — actually psychopaths? A new book and documentary explore this unexpected and interesting question. The documentary, The Corporation, is based on the book, "The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power," by Joel Bakan.

Bakan teamed with filmmakers Jennifer Abbott and Mark Achbar to produce the film, which includes interviews with several CEOs, industry and trade executives, authors, philosophers, activists, and an FBI profiler (who specializes in profiling psychopaths) to explore the key question - are corporations really psychopaths?

The answer, based on solid evidence, is a resounding (if heart-breakingly unfortunate) "Yes!"

In The Corporation, the filmmakers interview a variety of people from across the issue-spectrum, and feature a number of real-world case studies, to review whether corporations (particularly the large, publicly traded sort) satisfy the various elements that defines psychopathic behavior.

The question is based on the fact that corporations, under the law, were found to "have the same rights as people." So, the movie asks, how do we define and what do we do with psychopathic people — let them run around wreaking havoc? Well, in the case of corporate psychopaths, we apparently do.

Case studies include Bechtel Corporation's incredibly disturbing (but not broadly known) attempt to privatize the water supply of Cochabamba, Bolivia's third-largest city (including making it illegal for citizens to collect rain water); as well as the various corporate interests that schemed with Adolph Hitler, and references to Enron, Halliburton, and other more well-known and/or recent corporate malfeasance.

The film demonstrates convincingly — so convincingly that even the conservative and big-business-friendly Economist magazine recommended it — that most corporations operate, act, and cause effects just like an individual psychopath would. Thus, corporations are psychopaths.

Frankly, most people really seem to prefer being oblivious to the real effects and consequences, as well as the means that justify the ends, of the corporations for which they work (as employees or vendors). After all, most would say, we have to earn a living. And the latter is certainly true.

Yet what's also true is that the psychopaths have free reign because too many of us are comfortable with saying "Well, I have to make a living…", too complacent to plot another way while we earn our current living and pay our bills.

The bottom line seems to be that most people really don't want their comfortable, two-car, suburban lives upset, so they look the other way. They don't want to know about the seven-year-old who sewed the shirt they're wearing; or that their key client profits from increases in crime or war; or that their employer wanted to increase their profits by forcing poor people in Bolivia buy the water that fell from the sky. Those are ugly truths that most of us find easier to avoid than to look deeply at.

But take heart: the film, The Corporation, shows that there is both hope and more than a few hopeful examples, and emphasizes how people can and have made a difference — you are not powerless against huge corporate psychopaths, nor do you have to sit idly by and accept such behavior because you have bills to pay.

While the challenges are not understated — the roots of the system that supports psychopath corporations are deeply imbedded — the challenges can and have been faced and surmounted by "normal people" who insisted on common good, public trust, awareness and personal responsibility, and corporate accountability and fair play.

This is a huge conversation, and one that I reflect upon often and have had many conversations about with my own partners and collaborators. Looking at the issue, becoming aware of the reality, is deeply disturbing. But we find our heart, soul and true power when we dare to disturb our complacency. While there is no easy solution, there are solutions none-the-less that may be surprisingly easy (or easier than expected) to support.

Just as these same psychopath corporations are run by individuals who aid and abet them (people, after all, make the decisions like those highlighted in the book and movie), a different vision and a different reality are possible if each of us begins to think, speak, decide, and act differently. The change — a better, cleaner, more humane and just world — really does begin with you, in your own heart and in your own behavior. It's possible to start today towards the world you'd prefer to live in, even if you can't quite believe that it's possible.

One good (and easy) place to start is to see the film, read the book, or read about both, and then follow your heart to the right-action towards which you are compelled.

Reflection questions:
• Have you ever considered this question?
• What is your first response to it, and what might that tell you?
• If a psychopathic person was stalking you and affecting your life for the worse, would you expect the police and justice system to pursue and arrest the psychopath, and send him to jail?
• Do you expect and demand the same thing when the psychopath is a corporation?
• What are some ways that you can express your own right to participate, to speak, to request or demand accountability from your legislators and from the corporations who affect your life and your community?

For more about The Corporation, visit the web site for the film and book.

For more on conscious and ethical enterprise, start with Ivy Sea's Ethics Portal

Tele-Consultations: Connect with someone to help keep you on track

Building and working from a place of clear and authentic vision, marketing authentically, leading confidently and honestly — these are the foundations of conscious, big-vision enterprise (be it nonprofit or for profit).

For these types of needs, you don't always want to hire a consultant on retainer or for a big project, but you would find it optimal and beneficial to have an idea-and-dialogue partner with whom to discuss challenges, ideas, options, skill-building tips, and possibilities — and from whom to get encouragement, inspiration, and a valuable independent perspective.

Because we've received so many requests for this type of support, Ivy Sea has added telephone and email consultations to our roster of consultative services available to clients. Some clients choose biweekly check-ins, while others prefer monthly or bimonthly tele-consultations with email support in between.

If you'd like to explore how to put the power of idea-dialoguing to work for you as you deepen skillfulness, explore self-employment, envision and maintain an existing enterprise, and market yourself authentically, connect with us to explore what might work best for you and your budget.

We welcome your inquiry.

Wise Words for the Journey

** "…You cannot know the meaning of your life until you are connected to the power that created you." ~ Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi

** "We want people to understand that they can change things." ~ Joel Bakan, author of The Corporation

** "When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." ~ Audre Lord

** "Where love rules, there is no will to power; and where power predominates, there love is lacking. The one is the shadow of the other." ~ Carl Jung

** "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." ~ Jimi Hendrix

** "Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them — and then, the opportunity to choose." ~ C. Wright Mills

Ivy Sea's Skill-Building PDF Tip Kits and Workbooks

Along with the many feature articles, tip sheets, and resource portals at Ivy Sea Online, we've also got several new PDF Tip and Skill- Builder Kits in our PDF Resource Store for you to use for you own or your group's skill development.

** Workplace Communication for Managers Tip Kit
** Big-Vision Livelihood & Conscious Enterprise Workbook and Tip Kit
** Vision-Energizing Value Pack
** Skillful Listening Essentials Tip Kit
** Big-Vision SOHO's Quantum-Leap Tip Kit and Workbook
** Custom-created PDF guides and workbooks to suit your unique needs.

Check out these and other Ivy Sea skill-building PDF guides and workbooks at our Resource Store.

Until Next Month

Thank you for reading with us. Wishing you a wonderful, courageous, joyful and authentic month ahead.

Sincerely,

Jamie S. Walters
Founder, Ivy Sea, Inc.,
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Ivy Sea Online &
Author, Big Vision, Small Business

This Ivy SeaZine is protected by copyright, and is offered as food-for-thought rather than customized counsel. As always, the most effective strategy is one that's specifically tailored to your unique organizational culture, group personality, and individual needs. Have questions? We welcome your email inquiry.

Make your quantum-leap with Ivy Sea's Inspired-Leadership and Conscious-Enterprise resources and consultations: We can help you: (1) discover how to define your inspired-leadership and conscious-enterprise principles, (2) clarify and make progress towards your vision, (3) make the most of your individual and organizational strengths, (4) identify ways to "get there from here," including effective communication and change-management strategies, (5) rise to greater levels of mastery, success and meaningfulness as an individual, group or organization; and/or (6) benefit from having a "thought-and-idea partner" with whom to evaluate options and challenges, and from whom you can gain ideas, a fresh perspective, and inspiration. We welcome your inquiry.