Written by Carl Greer.  Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

For many years, I was too caught up in my own world to be fully present for other people—I was on the clock, feeling the pressure of time and agendas. It’s clear to me now that sometimes, I was the one creating the sense of urgency. I wanted to get a deal done and move on to the next one before the opportunity fell through, not fully appreciating that there would always be another deal.

It’s taken me years of inner work to start to see my interactions with others differently and to make noticeable changes in the ways I relate to family, friends, clients, coworkers, and business associates. As a boss who could come across as overbearing, I had to learn patience.

In the past, I was probably not focused enough on fostering relationships. I am more aware now of how important it is to slow down and be sure I’m balancing my role as a boss (which I still am) with my desire to be understanding about an employee’s emotions and personal life. People in positions of power and leadership need to figure out where that line is, which isn’t always easy to do.

As my self-imposed clock has slowed down, I’m better at making the time to be present with others than I did years ago. Having fewer...

Continue Reading at InnerSelf.com (plus audio/mp3 version of article)


Read by Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Music By Caffeine Creek Band, Pixabay

About the Author

photo of CARL GREER, PhD, PsyD,CARL GREER, PhD, PsyD, is a retired clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst, a businessman, and a shamanic practitioner, author, and philanthropist, funding over 60 charities and more than 600 Greer scholars. He has taught at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and been on staff at the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. 

The shamanic work he does is drawn from a blend of North American and South American indigenous trainings and is influenced by Jungian analytical psychology. He has trained with Peruvian shamans and through Dr. Alberto Villoldo’s Healing the Light Body School, where he has been on staff. He has worked with shamans in South America, the United States, Canada, Australia, Ethiopia, and Outer Mongolia. He is the best-selling, award-winning author of Change Your Story, Change Your Life and Change the Story of Your Health. His new book, a memoir titled The Necktie and The Jaguar.

Learn more at CarlGreer.com.