Have a ‘owl of a Holiday!
Nature around me has inspired my annual holiday annual poem. Through the window at my workspace, A huge owl swooped by with such grace. She perched on a tree Where I could comfortably see. She seemed to be saying, relax. There are many who have your back. You just...
The One-Minute Bubble Pause
When do you make time during the day to pause? [vimeo]https://vimeo.com/144905446[/vimeo] Can you take a break for one minute to center and dream?! Unplugging opens the creative part of your mind for great ideas. What do those bubbles represent to you? Perhaps a...
The Feedback Punch
A punch - yep, that's what receiving feedback can feel like sometimes - even when asked for and expected. Someone who will give you clean feedback with intent to help you grow and improve is a rarity. If you have someone like that in your life you are a blessed human...
Spiral 192
If you were to make a visual picture of your center, what would it be? Experiencing your center in multiple ways makes it stronger! Let me know on the blog! The best questions foster understanding, spark innovation, diffuse negative conflict, and build influence -...
Keep moving and bend your knees!
This is my 25-year anniversary of practicing aikido and helping people learn about influence, collaboration, and conflict! Even after all the years the words, "Keep moving and bend your knees," holds relevance to me both in my martial arts practice and my life. My...
Caterpillar Soup and Change Management
The butterfly analogy for transformational change often minimizes a huge element - the caterpillar. It is the caterpillar effect that matters most In change management; it can destroy your business. There are many parallels between garden caterpillars,...
Podcast: The One You Feed
Aikido, movement, and getting unstuck. An interview with Karen Valencic.
Fast Cars and You
It’s May in Indianapolis, and that means FAST cars. I hear the humming engines even miles away at my home. Many a casual driver seems to pick up their speed a bit. I have fond memories coming from a ‘car’ family and my first career as an automotive engineer. Indy Cars...
Six Keys to Be the Calm Eye in the Storm
Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness are the current trend in professional development. This is exciting, as the ‘centering’ I’ve been teaching for years is a pathway to both. These traits aren’t an accomplishment by ‘doing’ as many business people are so accustom....
The Juice
I was privileged recently to study with a highly regarded aikido teacher, Endo Sensei, from Japan. His fresh input and the time dedicated helped advanced my knowledge and commitment to my art. Although, I know real skill only grows through continued consistent...
In the dark of the night
You've likely adjusted by now and even happy about it. Recently, in the dark of the night a change happened. It was expected and wasn't the first time. Yet, even knowing well in advance didn't stop the adjustment or fallout from it. That's because the change is easy....
Your Opinion Valued
His opinion was as blunt as suggesting I get a new nose. It wasn't helpful or realistic. Had he been talking to someone else, he might have gotten a punch in the nose, or worse! Getting your opinion heard is easy; getting it considered valuable is different. Recall a...
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Karen Valencic
Martial artist. Engineer. Best-selling author. Sought-after consultant.