Of Sunshine and Rain

We are enjoying a spot of uncharacteristic low-humidity weather in N. Florida. It feels marvelous. It follows an extended period of heavy rains on a daily basis with a 24 hour constant of at least 80% humidity. I forgot to take a photo of our record-breaking crop of mushrooms last week.

It doesn’t feel altogether different from the climate of the tropical rainforest. But there are some crucial differences. Most of our moisture is atmospherically produced and relates to our proximity to water. But the rainforest produces a full 50% of its own rainfall; a result of transpiration. In the Rainforest Model for Success, we equate water with information.

We live in the information age, so how could it be that one could not have a good flow of information? It’s critical that we CHOOSE the information that can make us thrive; the equivalent of the rainforest producing its own rainfall. A good portion of the information flow in our culture can be so toxic to our minds.

I’m flooded with wonderful training information as a result of my association with the Rainforest Business Institute. Books, CD’s, DVD’s, teleconference calls… it has me living on the edge of my seat in fascination.

Showers of blessings to you as you begin a new week. We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds! I love transformation.
Photo credit to David Gross for "Sunshine After Rain"

Hospitality in the Rainforest

Today I’m taking you back to the Rainforest in Panama for a day like no other. I left off in my narrative after we had a refreshing break in this swimming pool and hiked back to the canoes. That’s when the rains began. (The average annual rainfall is 100 inches). That’s our Emberan Indian guides in the waterfall. We were taken to their village for lunch. We climbed a ladder to enter their gathering hut which was built entirely from a palm tree. The floor was very springy and looked as if it wouldn’t hold all of us. Thankfully it did. They build up off the ground for three main reasons: snakes, insects and rain. Our first course for lunch was large platters of watermelon, pineapple and papaya.

The main course was fried plantains and fish (Talapia fresh from the Chagres river)Served in beautiful disposable leaves. : )
After lunch, we went to a covered hut with a dirt floor for the dancing.
We all got in the act before it was said and done. For your information, the women now wear tops, but it has not always been so. A few older women were a la natural. The men have always worn one long loin cloth. As a concession to visitors, they now wear a beaded, decorative piece that covers their buns.
I was cold at this point because I was wet and the wind was blowing hard. So I asked through our interpreter what they do when they get cold. They have a blanket made of plant fiber for night time. They showed it to me and it was nothing like what I'd call a blanket.
I was ready for a hammock by this time too.
What a memorable day! Have I mentioned I love adventure?

The Rainforest Adventure

My plane ticket is purchased, my passport is ready and my reservation is confirmed as I prepare to travel to the Rainforest of Panama on June 26th for training as a success coach with the Rainforest Institute.

As I’ve pondered this decision over the last several months, I’ve become excited and energized by the possibilities. When I read “The Rainforest Strategy” in January, it immediately went to the top of my list as one of my favorite business books. You can actually order this book for the cost of shipping ($6.95). Click Here

The mission of the Raniforest Institute is this:

“To distill and pass on life and business principles embedded in nature
helping people succeed in life as they reach for their dreams.”

As coaches, we will be working with the following market niches: (1) self employed, business owners and entrepreneurs, (2) managers within those enterprises (3) those employed in sales and marketing related positions and (4) those who aspire to any of the preceding.

Michael Pink is the gifted author and visionary behind the Rainforest Instsitute. His blog has been on my favorites list ever since I started reading blogs.

This is such an amazing fit for me in so many ways. One of my first jobs was at Selby Botanical Gardens, which influenced my decision to major in ornamental horticulture in college. After college, I became an entrepreneur and have never applied that information and passion. Taking the lessons from the most complex ecosystem on earth and applying them into business makes perfect sense to me.

To top it off, of all the places that Michael’s offices could be located, I was astonished to find that they are in Sarasota! How very convenient.

You can count on reading my diary of my Rainforest adventure as the time comes. I’m already lovin’ the journey.