Tuesday
Finding Riverlogic in Conflict and Communication: Interview with Denise Blanc, MA
A Shambhala Blog Post
Denise Blanc, MA teaches, coaches, and writes at the intersection of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and conflict transformation. Her new book is Riverlogic: Tools to Transform Resistance and Create Flow in all of our Relationships.
In this interview, Denise discusses how she drew inspiration from Pema Chödrön, other Buddhist teachers, and her diverse professional training in writing Riverlogic, and how we can bring openness and fluidity into our communication, relationships, and lives.
What inspired you to write Riverlogic?
My inspiration to write Riverlogic began several years after having named my consulting practice “River Logic Partners.” The name originated from something Pema Chödrön said in a talk she gave many years back. She had described how we sometimes operate with that she called “rock logic” where we become rigid, righteous, and fundamentalist in our thinking. We are immoveable – kind of like a rock. She contrasted this with what she called “water logic,” where we become more open, adaptable, and fluid. I played with water words and decided to name my newly formed business “River Logic Partners.”
Pema Chödrön contrasted rigid, righteous “rock logic” with open, adaptable, and fluide “water logic.”
Upon taking the name “Riverlogic,” I felt I needed to unpack what river logic meant for me and my work. The power of the metaphor was an invitation to explore interpersonal communication and leadership, which have been my primary work throughout my career as a coach, facilitator, and mediator – but now through the lens of the river metaphor.
Since I wanted to explore how we can make the shift from being rigid to being open and adaptable, the metaphor of the river provided a provocative and powerful model since the river overcomes endless obstacles, adapting to whatever route proves possible to reach their destination – and then rivers are motivated to flow!
My exploration led into me to write about 20 blog articles, which I unrealistically had thought could just easily become a book. It was not that easy and took me about five more years! My goal was to write a small, pithy book which was practical, and that provided tools and practices but also inspiration.
Continuing reading on the Shambhala Blog.
Entries filed under Featured Stories
The Wonder of Bishop Andrus – HIGHLIGHT
by Larry Barnett Shambhala Communications Director In a presentation filled with wit, heart and wisdom, California Episcopal Bishop Marc Andrus held his audience in rapt attention for over an hour as he moved through topics as diverse as contemporary physics, holocaust studies, and the meaning of “wonder.” Speaking ... continuePosted May 18, 2013 by
Gathering Opens in California – HIGHLIGHT
“Creating Enlightened Society” gathering opens at Craneway Pavilion in Richmond, California report and video by President Richard Reoch “We’re in such a high, auspicious moment on earth,” said Jyoti, Spiritual Director of the Center for Sacred Studies as she opened the “Creating Enlightened Society” gathering hosted by Shambhala ... continuePosted May 11, 2013 by
Book Release: The Shambhala Principle – HIGHLIGHT
Discovering Humanity’s Hidden Treasure new book by Sakyong Mipham released to the public today, May 7, 2013 review by Dixie Griffin Good In Chicago for the Imagining Peace conference in April 2013, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche told a riveted audience at Rockefeller Chapel, “Right now, even though there are very ... continuePosted May 7, 2013 by
Investigating Original Peace – HIGHLIGHT
Shambhala Times Updates from the Inside Out Editor’s Column by Sarah Lipton Shambhala Times Editor-in-Chief Is it possible to feel deeply into our humanity in the midst of our speedy, chaotic world? Can we truly touch in to the underling basic-ness of our experience? What would it mean to express ... continuePosted May 1, 2013 by Sarah
Sakyong Meets the Interrupters – HIGHLIGHT
The Sakyong shaking hands with Tio Hardiman the Director for CeaseFire Illinoisreported by Joshua Silberstein, Chief of Staff for Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche photos by Breton Hoagland At the University of Illinois campus in downtown Chicago the Sakyong was invited to be a part of a meeting of CeaseFire ... continuePosted April 30, 2013 by
Peace Practices – HIGHLIGHT
Imagining Peace Conference Malcolm X College, Chicago by Debra Hiers, Shambhala Times Reporter How incredibly fortunate we are to have come together this weekend to engage in an honest conversation about the relationship between peace and violence, and to explore the role we each play in realizing a society ... continuePosted April 28, 2013 by
Changing the Way we Participate – HIGHLIGHT
Imagining Peace Conference Malcolm X College, Chicago April 27, 2013 by Debra Hiers, Shambhala Times Reporter photos by Erlina Sinaga There was a great sense of purpose and witness to this day of Imagining Peace hosted by the Chicago Shambhala Center at Malcolm X College. Everyone present seemed ready to ... continuePosted April 28, 2013 by
A Technology of Heart – HIGHLIGHT
Fulcrum Point opens the eveningCreating Enlightened Society through Imagining Peace with Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche at Rockefeller Chapel, University of Chicago April 26, 2013 by Debra Hiers, Shambhala Times Reporter Entering Rockefeller Chapel tonight there was a high-energy buzz amongst those gathering, sangha friends and acquaintances greeting each other, finding seats. We ... continuePosted April 27, 2013 by
Personal Path, Social Transformation – HIGHLIGHT
Sakyong under the Gothic arches, Grace CathedralCreating Enlightened Society www.creatingsociety.com by Cody McGough, Director, San Francisco Shambhala Center “Enlightened Society is all about nurturing the human spirit – waking up to the goodness, kindness and strength that we already have.” – Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche As human beings, how do we ... continuePosted April 21, 2013 by
Joining a Global Conversation – HIGHLIGHT
Every member of Shambhala today receives a letter from the President of Shambhala inviting them to join global conversations about the future of humanity and our planet. This letter is accompanied by a short survey that enables people to join this initiative. The survey is going ... continuePosted April 16, 2013 by
“The Birth of Society” To Reach All in Shambhala – HIGHLIGHT
Today, the Sakyong’s message to our community, titled The Birth of Society, will arrive in the inbox of every Shambhala member. His seven-page letter describes his forthcoming book, The Shambhala Principle: Discovering Humanity’s Hidden Treasure, and its significance for our community. “Like many of you,” he ... continuePosted April 9, 2013 by
Awake in the World – HIGHLIGHT
Fifty years ago, in 1963, a young Tibetan monk named Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche arrived in the United Kingdom on board a steamer from India. He went on to develop a fresh and hugely influential approach to the teachings of Buddhism for the West. His inspiration was ... continuePosted April 8, 2013 by
Marking the 26th Parinirvana – HIGHLIGHT
This year marks the 26th Parinirvana of the Vidyadhara, the Venerable Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche, founder of the International Shambhala Buddhist community. Centers and groups all over the world will be commemorating this day by coming together to practice the profound Sadhana of Mahamudra, the feast section ... continuePosted April 4, 2013 by
Mapping the Resounding of the Profound Treasury – HIGHLIGHT
by Carolyn Gimian photos taken at the 1st Seminary by Tenzin Parsons Forty years ago, the first Vajradhatu Seminary was held in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. These photos show a seemingly relaxed atmosphere, at least in terms of hair styles and dress. But when you encounter the teachings that ... continuePosted April 3, 2013 by
Shambhala Times’ New Acquisition – HIGHLIGHT
by Ernst Dumfredder Shambhala Times Regional Correspondant Shambhala Times Chief Editor Sarah Lipton reclines in her post World War II-era, Austrian leather-backed chair, behind her century old white oak slab desk. The light falling through the floor length, leaded windows of her luxuriant corner office here in the ... continuePosted April 1, 2013 by
RSS feed for the Featured Stories category
View all posts from authors in Featured Stories: