The Joy in Business

6Now Is Perfect

• Q. Have you ever felt depressed? Of course, you have. Who hasn’t?
• A. The critical time for positive change is now!

The Critical Time is Now!

Several years ago, I found myself terribly depressed about everything. Work, marriage, parenting, and basically life in general. A cloud of sadness consumed me that I just couldn’t shake. Has that ever happened to you? It was an exhausting and dreadful experience that seemed never-ending. I didn’t want to take medication or see anyone about it. I thought that would make it worse.

A friend suggested I contact Stuart, a spiritual guru in Sedona, Arizona. I was so riddled with anxiety that I took the advice and gave Stuart a call. One of the first things Stuart asked was, “What color is your anxiety?” I immediately thought, “Oh no! What have I got myself into?” It seemed like such an obscure question, and I immediately thought it ridiculous and that he potentially was a quack until I blurted out “It’s red.” Who knew my anxiety had a color? It was a flaming, fiery, scorching hot red.

Stuart said, “Take a breath … and another. Now what color is it?”

I wondered, “Why am I wasting my time with this man? He is way too ‘out there’ for me.” That is, until I replied, “Now it’s orange.” Realizing that my anxiety really did have a color and that, by breathing, it changed, was interesting.

Stuart said, “Take a breath, and another. There is plenty of air!” I did as he advised. I took a breath and another. He then asked, “What color ...