Because the power to be visionary is loaded in our DNA, it’s possible to have a compelling vision for life and work any time, anywhere. But there’s no more natural visioning time than fall, when nature itself is gloriously transforming; no better visioning exercise than a walk in the woods.

Need some proof that meditation and other spiritual practices are useful, not flakey at work? Need REALLY PRACTICAL stuff like how to get through everyday challenges like too much to do, too little time, too little appreciation or support? Look no further than the legal field.

If you think of work as only the means to earning money, you’re missing work at its best — like work with meaning, work with joy, work that stretches your talents, engages your body and spirit as well as your mind, and sends you home inspired by deeper connections with other humans and the earth. And if you think of work as something that ends when the official workday ends or when you retire, you’re not considering how rich the work of our lives is.

The Olympics are about so much more than winning or the feelings that go into it. For me it’s about doing one’s very best after many years of focused practice and extreme dedication. It’s about the ability to be centered enough to perform at one’s peak in front of the world watching. It’s about the drive and passion to be the best we can be at something and going after it. It’s about the ability to perform with precision despite any pain or obstacles that get in the way. And these lessons are applicable to all of us, including the spiritual practices that we can bring to our work, money and other important matters.