Life has a way of being synchronistic in ways that can’t be planned. Profound experiences last week showed up as appointments in my calendar, but proved to be monumental events in my life. On Tuesday night, I attended a talk at East West books by Jeff Klein, the author of Working for Good: Making a Difference While Making a Living . I had previously heard a podcast interview with him and Tami Simon on the Sounds True website and was very intrigued. Jeff is the Executive Director for Conscious Capitalism, Inc. (a.k.a. FLOW) through which he facilitates Conscious Business™, Peace Through Commerce®, and Accelerating Women Entrepreneurs™ Alliances. His words have inspired me to work more consciously.

In reflecting on Through a Dog’s Ear, I thought about ways that we are a very conscious company “Working for Good” and ways that we can improve in that arena. Our products were created out of combining my passion for music with my love of dogs. My dream is to improve the lives of dogs worldwide and witnessing that happen is rewarding beyond description. The business relationship between  Joshua Leeds and I is very conscious. It started out as a student / teacher relationship and has grown to an equal business partnership that is based on trust, support, connection, and friendship. We have different strengths and weaknesses and we know how to lean on each other in areas needed.  Our relationship with a hired consultant is equally rewarding, caring, inspiring and conscious. Sounds True, our publisher, is one of the first companies I’ve ever witnessed that operates from a place of deep higher consciousness. Visiting their offices outside of Boulder, CO, it was inspiring witnessing their friendly, supportive, nurturing environment where employees bring their dogs to work and take breaks in their beautiful meditation room. 

But, I am not writing these words to brag about what a wonderful company we are. I am however noticing areas that deeply please me and I may have taken for granted, while looking at other areas that can be improved. Jeff Klein spoke of ways to create a conscious company from a holistic prospective – looking at not only the products and services and relationships within the company, but also “how” people work in the company. That is an area I now set the intention to improve. My love of dogs combined with my passion for music propels my dedication. However, I also feel that other areas of my life are distracting me from my dream of improving the lives of millions of dogs worldwide. Before attending Jeff’s talk on conscious businesses, a computer crash and a dog attack on Sanchez also started to get my attention. It was like a loud voice that once started as a whisper saying “Slow down, breathe and get your priorities straight.” I think I better start listening before the voice sounds like someone screaming into my ears. I am making profound decisions about my life that support me in devoting not only my heart to the growth of Through a Dog’s Ear, but my time, focus and energy.

The other appointment in my book last week that turned into a profound experience was a masterclass with Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba . I never thought I would give up my previous workout program of 19 years, but after my first Zumba class in February, I was hooked. Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance-fitness class that incorporates Latin and International music and dance movements. Even though you sweat like crazy, it feels more like a party than a workout. I knew I’d have a blast dancing with Beto and a room full of Zumba Fanatics. But the entrepreneur in me was equally mesmerized by hearing Beto’s story of the creation of Zumba. In brief, it was jaw dropping to hear about his dream at age 14 of dancing around the world and the synchronistic events that helped him launch and grow Zumba into the hottest fitness program worldwide. Beto’s passion for dance and desire to positively affect the lives of millions through his love of dance is contagious.

I reflected on this in relation to Through a Dog’s Ear. Creating music for dogs has not always been my dream. However, my dream of playing music for millions was born by age 11. I started playing the piano at age 7. By age 11, we had a Steinway grand piano and I made a commitment to practice three hours a day. Some years later, when I graduated from Juilliard, I knew I was on my way to being a concert pianist that would play for millions of people worldwide. My dream wasn’t to create music for dogs that improves the quality of their lives, but I can’t think of doing anything in life that would make me happier. Honestly, it’s even better than playing Carnegie Hall.