My work is my art is my life is my play...

Occasionally someone will ask me “what is your educational background for the work that you do”. I often chuckle and respond - “55+ years of life”. To me it seems the most complete, honest and credible answer.  I hope that I am wiser with each passing year.

Born in the Western United States, before the age of 13 I had lived in a foreign country, learned another language, and knew first hand the ways in which cultures can separate people as well as enrich our lives. In high school I sketched out a design for the world’s first fusion reactor and envisioned myself doing research on how the brain works. I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Professionally, I’ve developed and written science materials, been a salesperson, a business manager, independent consultant, writer, master facilitator, designer, coach and one of the first people to pioneer the development of a communication form called Dialogue within organizational contexts. I continue to develop ways to make the principles and practices of Dialogue more accessible to people in practical forms, in their individual practice, in a business, in personal relationships, in interfaith and intercultural communities.

I have always been a lover of the Land (mountains, deserts, oceans, rivers, trees, animals…), a hiker, rock climber, sailor. In my emerging work I find myself partnering more fully with the Power of Place and the Rhythms of the Seasons, weaving Presence Walkabout experiences within the landscapes of New Mexico. I am a student of creating “wadis” for individuals and collectives, in workplaces and communities. Wadis are places where water flows seasonally; oases in deserts. A perfect metaphor for those nodes in “space-time” where we can pause, let our shoulders drop, breathe out, and check in with ourselves and others to see what needs attention in order for us to move forward more effectively and wisely.

I wrote a book with Linda Ellinor entitled DIALOGUE: Rediscover the Transforming Power of Conversation, published by John Wiley & Sons, NY in 1998. It has been translated into Portuguese, German and Chinese. Over the last 15 years I have contributed many articles to a variety of international publications, some of which are listed in Suggested Readings.  In January 2010 I completed a paper on The Powers of Place:  Lessons for leadership from the Presence Walkabouts 2005-09.

In my work I partner with consultants, leaders, individuals, and groups, in the private and public sectors to create quality results. For a partial client list and information on my International Consulting Practice.

I am an international traveler and have enjoyed working in the United States, Europe, Canada, South America, Mexico, Asia, and Australia. I speak fluent Spanish.

I am a dancer, a poet, a frustrated musician, a budding permaculturist, a photographer and an avid reader. I currently live near Ojo Caliente, NM on land that my partner, Dave, and I "bought" in 2006.  We call it Paseo del Ojo because people love to come here to walk along the river, in the wild hillls; to reflect alone and gather with others.  Many are drawn to this Place for its beauty, wildness and the insights it offers.  We are its stewards and I look forward to walking with you here one day.

I believe all people, including me, want to be happy, free of fear and live their life in keeping with what matters most to them. I hope that each day I contribute in some way to diminishing fear and violence and helping others live more fully with purpose, passion, compassion and wisdom.

Albert Einstein once wrote…

“There are only two ways to live your life.
One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

Me, I prefer the latter.   

For a brief history of walkabout in my life and work.

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