Welcome to my website. I hope you are having a summer filled with peace, joy and enjoyment of friends and family. Each summer I spend a lot of my time in the garden, planting, weeding and creating beauty around me. Working with plants brings me into the moment and by nature’s simple example, showing me patience, presence, calm and constant transformation.

In my work as a counselor I see the same principles apply. The seeds of change, health and transformation are with each of my clients. My only job is to nurture what is already there, yet not fully realized. My clients, like my plants, flowers and trees show me the perpetual state of life in its many phases, challenges and blooming. Gardens need just enough attention and care, not too much. The rest is up to the plant and creation.

One of the natural phases of life is death and transformation. Recently, my dear friend, teacher and fellow gardener died. Sydney Banks (1931-2009) helped transform my professional life and more importantly my personal understanding of life through his wisdom and dedication to helping thousands of people around the planet. I will be eternally grateful to Syd for showing me the way to trust and listen to my own wisdom. Go to his website by clicking his name to learn more about his incredible life and contribution to humanity.

This spring and summer I have been planting many seeds in my work with public speaking and trainings. I am always struck by the common desire of all human beings to realize their inner source of peace, love and growth. Recently, Mavis Karn and I have begun a five-month training program, called The Art of Fearless Leadership at Beltrami County Health and Human Services in Bemidji, Minnesota for managers and the various programs. It is our goal to help shift the culture of the various human service programs to create an atmosphere of service, calm, fearless leadership and teamwork.

In July I will be headed to Alaska with my friend Dr. George Patterson to lead a retreat on the Copper River for our 15th Fly Fishing for the Mind program. We have a full group of adventurer’s lined up to explore their inner and outer worlds. I will be sure to put some photos on the website of the fishing, the bears and the spectacular scenery of Alaska.

This Fall Harper One will be releasing a new edition of my book with Dr. Richard Carlson, “Slowing Down to the Speed of Life”, with a new forward and cover. Our book is still selling around the world in twenty-six languages and will be available in October of 2009.

For other news and events, go to my “News and Calendar” section of my website. Soon, I will be starting a blog radio show—stay tuned.

At the Speed of Life,


Joe