Back in 2009, I had the opportunity to attend a 4-day training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Since then, I've challenged myself to use the skills offered by Dr. Marsha Linehan in both my work and my life.

This past weekend, while attending the Center for Courage and Renewal's Academy for Leaders, I had the opportunity to integrate my understanding of her work with the work of Parker Palmer.

Dialectical thinking creates space for opposites to be true. It's shifting our minds from either/or to both/and. Parker Palmer uses the language of paradox to describe this same phenomenon as a "tragic gap" between what is and what could be. 

Here's the simple word that can make all the difference in how we create space for paradox in our lives:

This year on August 1, I sat with a group of women who I adore as we celebrated the upcoming release of Infinite Purpose: Care Instructions for Your True Calling, a book that has provided me with profound spiritual guidance. It also happens to feature a snippet of my story and the stories of 15 other women, many of whom I have the privilege to know and call friends. At the event, we were asked to write an intention connected to our purpose (which was quickly turned into an AMAZING song by singer-songwriter,Lynn O'Brien.) Here's what I wrote: 

My first vlog (what a horrible word), is a story from my Soul Camp experience a couple weeks ago! Since I loved the experience SO MUCH, I also wanted to do a quick plug for Soul Camp West, which is happening at the end of October in California. Tickets are still available and if you use the code LINDSAYSOUL you'll get a 20% discount!

It's been months since I've written to you on this platform. I've tried, believe me. There are half written posts in my drafts folder - ideas still waiting to be shared. I want to share them, but I find myself stuck in this cycle of perfectionism and uncertainty.

My ideas form a complete picture in my head, but I worry my words won't do them justice. Some people write through their ideas to get clarity, but for me, talking through them works best. So, for the next few months, I'm going to be turning this blog into a vlog! Watch for my first post in the next couple days!

I won't be giving up on writing completely, but would like to explore my writing through a more social medium and hope to create more engagement on my Facebook page a la Liz Gilbert and Anne Lamott. If you want to make sure you receive my page updates, check out this easy how-to tip from IAmBaker.net.