If we find ourselves habitually withdrawing, we need to make sure our range of operation doesn’t narrow each time we withdraw. Those who are caught in withdrawal find it less and less possible to be themselves in company. The trick is to both connect to our inner selves and to venture forth. When we do this our world becomes bigger, more inclusive.

put the next step trigger-note on top, and move the project to the side.

When the rhythms around us aren’t anywhere near our own, and when they’re loud, insistent, or pervasive, we can easily abandon our own rhythms.

remember that we have needs, and keep a strong connection with our inner core.

It takes practice to recognize the fruits of our efforts.

It’s important to acknowledge how long it takes—not what we hope, or expect, or wish, or imagine it takes, but how long it actually takes. We need to get comfortable with reality as it is,

We experience a new spaciousness—contained in that fifteen minutes is a whole world, and we have protected that world from everything else.

Since work can happen any time, any place, one day becomes like the next. No longer are there special times when the stores close and families gather around the table. When we go on vacation, we stay “plugged in”

You set the timer for seven minutes and launch in. You might gather the papers together, review them, and see what further information you need. In fact, you might not even place the call. When the timer buzzes, you move into the close-down. You let what you did do sink in, you set up the next step (perhaps schedule the call),