The Savor and Serve Experiment Begins

Today is the first day of my new adventure, The Serving and Savoring Experiment.

It’s a memoir of one year in which I explore the sweet spot where my desire to savor life meets my desire to serve the world.

In which I ask “Can knitting together savoring & serving create more sexy soulful aliveness for you and help us save the planet?”

In which I wonder is it possible self-love+world-love creates wholeness for all?

Let me tell you what I mean (don’t see a video – you’re missing my funny faces – click here)

I’m leaving the hobbit hole and diving in.

Pretentious? Naive? Too late? How will I earn a living? Let’s find out.

I’ll be gathering stories, playing with ideas, taking despair by the horns – hopefully with companionship.

Sign up right over there – where it says FIND THE GOOD and let’s get this savoring and serving stew a bubbling.

  • http://twitter.com/Later_Bloomer Elle B

    Dearest Jen, I remember when I first encountered your work many years ago as a workaholic young executive on the road to bitterness. I count you as inspiration for my epiphany that life could be different if I excavated my own heart’s wisdom and the not-so-coincidental decision to quit the corporate world to become an archaeologist.

    Reconnecting with you on the Internet has been such a blessing and inspiration. I am so excited about Savor and Serve, this place for our sacred longing. Love, Debra

  • http://twitter.com/zenpeacekeeper Marianne Elliott

    Oh Jen – I am so deeply excited and moved by this. Thank you.

  • http://twitter.com/zenpeacekeeper Marianne Elliott

    And PS: green is my all time favorite colour (though orange is a close second) and the new site looks fabulous!

  • http://twitter.com/photobird Susannah Conway

    Lovely Jen, the site looks amazing! YOU look amazing – your eyes are so sparkly and blue in this clip, like the light in you is truly shining out – i was mesmerised :) This is the beginning of something huge, i can feel it – you can feel it – i think we all can feel it. so excited for you, and i am *so* coming along for the ride xox

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      thanks Susannah! Really appreciate the support this morning.

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  • http://twitter.com/scoutiegirlblog tara gentile

    Congrats, Jen! Site looks amazing, your mission is beautiful, and you’re going to get so many people thinking!

    Kudos.

  • http://twitter.com/starshyne Jamie Ridler

    It is clearly no coincidence that you are absolutely radiant in this video. You are so on-purpose; you are literally shining. Yay you for stepping into this with courage, commitment, passion, a sense of adventure and some delightful Jen-style fun. I am right here with you. Namaste, my friend.

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      Did you see that little bit of shining that shoots through the frame near the end? Have no idea where that came from!

      • http://twitter.com/photobird Susannah Conway

        i saw that! and my first thought was: angel :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/theotherlaura Laura Healy

    I’m in, Jen. Love the site, love all this new wishing and dreaming!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      YEAH! Thank you Laura!

  • http://twitter.com/juliejordanscot Julie Jordan Scott

    love, lightness and consciousness….

    Yes, yes, yes to the question: is it possible self-love+world-love creates wholeness for all?

    I’m looking forward to living the question alongside you. What a grand and glorious adventure!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      oh so thankful to be connected!

  • Anonymous

    Everything about this is beautiful – your voice quavering with love brought tears to my eyes a NUMBER of times while I watched and listened — your passion and yearning LEAPED off the video.

    I am so in love with this idea – this experiment. I am so IN! Echoing what Julie Jordan Scott said: “What a grand and glorious adventure!”

    Thank you!!!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      Oh Karen thank you!

  • http://twitter.com/bethdargis bethdargis

    Oh Jen I am so happy to see you bringing this to the world. It is needed and you are just the one to bring it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/christinasolstad Christina Solstad

    Love love love this, Jen! This is sooo You! and I am there with you, saying Yes! xoxoxo

  • Anonymous

    Jen, your new site is beautiful, and so are you and your great, big vision of savor and serve.

    Wishing you and this precious new baby so much love. May this year of experimentation bring blessings and miracles to your own life, and to the life of our world.

    I’ve tried three times to leave a comment, and each time the power went out halfway through! So I’m going to press Post now. :-)

    Love, Hiro

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      I love it that the power went off! Your wishes straight to my heart!

  • http://twitter.com/juliedaley Julie Daley

    Jen,
    Wow. and more Wow. You’re a light and a beacon, and you shine in this video like I’ve never seen you shine before. Congratulations for stepping into your longing, and turning towards your heartbreak. I’m with you all the way.
    Big, big love and kisses,
    Julie

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      deep huge appreciation!

  • Anonymous

    ohhh,YES! It is On for real. I feel proud to be invited to your experiment and will take a stand right here, right now, to savor this morning of creative time I’m moving into (which prior to seeing this post I was on auto-pilot about) and to think more about your questions around what service can truly mean to me. I have never thought of service along side sexy, saucy, and self-induced–but I’m doing it now. Thank you for the new framework and for taking a big LEAP into your knowing.

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      saucy and self-induced indeed! thankful BIG time to have you along!

  • http://twitter.com/boxofcrayons MichaelBungayStanier

    Woo hoo! Let the adventure begin!

  • http://twitter.com/MarkHeartofBiz Mark Silver

    Jen- you are a true sister and inspiration. Thank you for taking this on, despite everything. It’s beautiful, it’s true. Deep gratitude.

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      thanks honey bear!

  • http://www.facebook.com/LisaRough Lisa Rough

    You are radiant, my dear! I’m so inspired by your willingness to heed your calling, face the heart-opening tragedies of our world straight on, and redefine what service means for ALL of us. Your site is simply beautiful, and so are you, sweet friend!!!

  • http://www.soundbiteshaman.com/ Isabel Parlett

    Love the rawness of this!

  • http://twitter.com/nataliecurrie Natalie Currie

    Bravo Jen:

    I do love a good experiment. I think the world is ready and I am happy to join in!

  • http://www.shaboominc.com/blog Molly Gordon

    Congratulations on the lovely, inspiring new focus and your new look. Rooting for you from the peanut gallery!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527691890 David Jan Jurasek

    Oh Jennifer,

    You are talking to my soul!

    I have a verrry similar mission: to nourish myself deeply while enhancing the help I offer others… and helping helpers to do just that with me.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=527691890 David Jan Jurasek

    Dear Jennifer,

    Ohhhh yesss! You are speaking to my soul!

    I have a verry resonant mission to yours: to deeply nourish my heart and soul while enhancing the help I give to others… and helping fellow helpers to join me!

    So far, it rocks!

  • http://twitter.com/inspiredjen Jennifer Hofmann

    “There’s got to be a way that together we can turn towards that despair and use our
    goodness and our longing as fuel. There’s more life than we know.”

    Preach it, Jen. Consider yourself joined!

  • http://twitter.com/inspiredjen Jennifer Hofmann

    “There’s got to be a way that together we can turn towards that despair and use our
    goodness and our longing as fuel. There’s more life than we know.”

    Preach it, Jen! Consider yourself joined!

  • Anonymous

    Jen! REALLY HUGE!! I feel the momentum! This video is mesmerizing! Count me in!

    Lailey

  • Anonymous

    Woo hoo!!! It is ON!
    I’m so excited, so moved by your courage, and want to jump up and say, “I’m coming! I’m coming! Count me in on the journey!”
    The world needs this.
    Love,
    Tara

  • http://www.facebook.com/Silky.Hart.Michero Silky Hart Michero

    LOVE your new site! Love your sparkling energy in this video! I was chatting with my friend, Joanie Stallo, who came to your workshop in McKinney (remember I already was booked for another workshop) and we were talking how we want you to come back! Love you Jenn, Silky

  • http://twitter.com/DanielleLaPorte Danielle LaPorte

    I’m in. All in. Om shanti, sister, what a beautiful beginning.
    xo

  • Anonymous

    I’m in love! This is going to be awesome and I’m delighted you’re giving us all the chance to be involved!

  • http://twitter.com/TernionResults Angie Bryant

    Sending you nothin but love! We haven’t met- and that makes no difference. I know you and you know me- we are traveling this journey together! Om shanti.

  • http://twitter.com/artizencoaching Jennifer Lee

    Hot damn! That was inspiring! Thank you for being such a powerful, vulnerable, authentic leader who is inviting us along for the ride.

  • http://twitter.com/katiemaedays Kathy Weinkle

    Yes to your beautiful journey. Loving ourselves in full creates the opening for compassion. Imagine the power of then connecting through compassion. Thanks for your courage in sharing your dream and experiment.

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      Kathy love connection through compassion – yes!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Lisa-Evans/621431144 Lisa Evans

    When you said your deepest wish was, “Love, Lightness and Consciousness…” and then the dancing light appeared RIGHT AFTER you said it, all I could think of was, “If this isn’t Spirit confirming Jennifer’s wish, I don’t know what is.” Absolutely beautiful, Jen!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      isn’t that sparkle a little miracle? Thanks Lisa for being here!

  • Anonymous

    Jen, I love your passion, your honesty, your courage. They (and you) shine through here!
    I’m not entirely sure what I mean by this, but count me in!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      oh Lynne, so glad you are along for the ride!

  • Anonymous

    Your passion and excitement leaped through the screen! I am so moved and excited by this. I hope (and believe) the answer to your question is yes. Thanks for inviting us along!

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      oh thank you!

  • Anonymous

    Your passion just leaped through the screen! I am so moved by this since I hope (and believe) the answer to your question is yes. Thank you for inviting us along with you!

  • Anonymous

    Your wonderful blue eyes are shining with light. Thank you for diving in, opening up, and sharing the experiment. I’ve got my lab coat on and ready to rock with you.

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      lab coat, love that Eric!

  • http://twitter.com/Bbravo Britt Bravo

    Hi Jennifer,

    I think you’re tapping into an idea floating around in the collective unconscious. I literally wrote last night:

    How do we integrate:

    -self-love and service
    -optimism and pessimism
    -idealism and realism
    -having fun and doing good

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      Britt, thanks for saying that and sharing your list – that is so rich!

  • Anonymous

    I believe the answer is YES!
    Congratulations on beginning your journey for proof. Just know the answer is already there.
    xoxo

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      thank you – I will repeat your words often, “the answer is already there.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/christianeholbrook Christiane Holbrook

    Dear Jennifer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw your note on fb. I too had (and have) dedicated this year to an experiment (see more at http://www.SacredProductivity.org ) .

    I wanted to find out if I could let go of over-achieving, working endless, dreadful hours and instead show up more purposefully, powerfully and effortlessly. Well, it’s only been 6 weeks since I started and I can say from the bottom of my heart: YES, it’s possible. I never felt more loved, more aligned, more free AND more productive.

    I spend more time BEING: being in meditation, reading sacred words, contemplating, feeling gratitude, going on mindful walks and yet, the spark of creativity has never come more frequently and I’m serving the world more than ever before!

    So, fellow experimenter, enjoy this fully. I already know that savoring and serving IS possible and it is what all the great spiritual masters were trying to teach us anyway, we’re just not that great at listening.
    If purposeful, come on over to my blog at http://www.SacredProductivity.org and pick up some ideas. I’ll sure be following you.
    Blessings to all, Christiane

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      loved visiting your blog and seeing the connection – beautiful!

  • Anonymous

    Jen – yes I saw them! Two at least, maybe three, bright little spirits flitting by as you reached into your heart and poured it out to us. These (I think) are the guardians of this journey and they will surely be there for you and us all as we jump out of the hobbit hole into the new world. There may be some Gollums along the way, but even he found his heart again ~

    I can’t wait!!

  • Anonymous

    Jen – yes I saw them! Two at least, maybe three, bright little spirits flitting by as you reached into your heart and poured it out to us. These (I think) are the guardians of this journey and they will surely be there for you and us all as we jump out of the hobbit hole into the new world. There may be some Gollums along the way, but even he found his heart again ~

    I can’t wait!!

  • http://twitter.com/AmpleAliveness “Coach Anne” Kaplan

    Your video — the pure YOUness present and radiating from the screen — reached out and directly touched my heart, cutting through layers of cynicism, ennui, exhaustion, overwhelm… I was going to unsub… instead, I’m joyfully signing up and signing on.

    Looking forward to the unfolding….

    Love & gratitude,
    -Anne

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      oh Anne, then it worked! how delightful!

  • http://twitter.com/yuki_murai Yuki Murai

    Whether through TeachNow or in your Cafe (I’m a new member!), and always on your blog, the courage and commitment you’ve brought into my life has been monumental. I feel the road opening up…for you, and in following closely along, for me as well. Thank you!

    Love,
    Kiki (Yuki)

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      powerful wonderful words Yuki, thank you!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Charleen-Tupper/590969340 Charleen Tupper

    Congratulations! This site feels like a deeper, more expansive and dare I say, yummier expression and experience of what you have to offer the world!

    Is this your “mojo project” (my lingo these days) as part of http://www.themojoproject.com?

    I’m here to be of service, a partner, a witness, in celebration and play together! We live are just a few beautiful, west coast islands apart!

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CNBGRZEB7LFAP6SRWQ5LRWUAEY Anonymous

    Not sure why my comment posted as above and I don’t know how to delete. I’m going to try again. Sorry, Jen.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_CNBGRZEB7LFAP6SRWQ5LRWUAEY Anonymous

    I am SO with you, Jen, and want to thank you for taking the lead. Well, it did it again. So I’ll sign. — Mary Montanye

  • http://www.sparksocialmedia.com LeifHansen

    Jen, 3 cheers for your experiment! Sounds like the spirit of ‘savor and serve’ is in the air reading the other comments. In fact, it’s also at the heart of the “The Lila Retreat: An invitation to divine play” led by Zhalae and myself this June (http://www.LilaRetreat.com). How fun would it be to have you there! Look forward to hearing more, warmly, Leif

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      sweet Lief, Lila is the perfect name for you to be working under!

      • http://www.sparksocialmedia.com LeifHansen

        Thanks Jen, I’m feeling lots of love about it :)

  • http://twitter.com/epiphanyatwork Jill Malleck

    Hi, Jen. Loved having the video of you – although I’ve read your stuff for a long time, it is great to see you and listen to you speak from your heart. Like Skyping with a dear friend. Thank you.
    We are on a similar path – my “goal” for 2011 is to make it a year where my work nurtures me. I’m like many overachievers who have left themselves out of the equation in the service of others. In my Integral Theory space, I’m ignoring my development in the Upper Left (I) quadrant – but no more.

    I have created a simple Integral “Finding Meaning in My Work” four quadrant template for my journal. These are the nightly questions I am reflecting on:

    To what extent did my work today provide nourishment for my soul or spirit? Is there something meaningful and important to me in the work I did today?

    What was the impact of today’s work on my energy level and my physical being? Did it energize me or exhaust me? What parts?

    Did my work today provide me with the chance to connect with others in a deep way? Did it contribute to my sense of community and belonging? Did it draw others in?

    Did I learn something new today? Or, was I able to apply something I already knew in a different way – was I stretched?

    I look forward to staying in touch.
    Deep bow for putting yourself on the front line.
    Jill Malleck, Epiphany at Work

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      what wonderful questions Jill! so good to meet!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1369637784 Shamsi Charlie Pettus

    AhhhLOVe! YES! HOW? Did you get so deeply into my brain and heart… you just spilled it all out right there. *THANK YOU* yes, I will be standing right beside you splitting hearts open. Thank you for your visibly shiny inspiration Woman :)

    • http://twitter.com/jenlouden Jennifer Louden

      oh thank you!

  • http://twitter.com/LuminousHeart Mahala Mazerov

    Jen, I have been feeling your power grow energetically ever since you announced a new trail you were blazing. And this, now, EXQUISITE.

    I find myself returning to this page to watch that video, so pure, raw and open (and the dazzling miracle meteors, too.)

    So much love,
    Mahala

  • http://twitter.com/KatTansey Kat Tansey

    I love what you are doing, Jen — and I’m with you. We are the answer, right here, right now. It’s time to allow ourselves to be still, to feel fear, and not shut it out by pushing harder or sinking into depression.

    Pema Chodron inspires me to stay still, let the feelings in, learn that they are not going to kill me, and then, ever so gently, find my way to right action. I’d like to share some of what I learned from her talk at the retreat on Smiling at Fear in this video: http://www.choosingtobe.com/2010/10/smile-at-fear-retreat-part-two/

    This will be a year to remember…

    tashi delay,
    Kat

    • Anonymous

      Kat so glad to have you here and to see this video from Pema. Thank you!

  • http://cloud9design.wordpress.com/ Cloud9 Design – Amber

    Wow! Your eyes and smile and voice are full of joy and love. You are a beacon of light! What a powerfully inspirational video and adventure you are leading us on. I love the part about hearts splitting open….Very raw, very authentic. Let the healing begin! ;) I’m so happy to have found your site.

    • Anonymous

      Amber, thank you for coming here and watching!

  • http://twitter.com/mentor4women your mentor

    Hi Jen!! loved loved loved this. the shaking voice, the blue eyes, the fierceness and passion. This is so needed and you are so brave.
    I am so in!! Service is at the center of my life at the moment, I would give and have given anything for it. And yet self-care is also a core value of mine. Taking deep breaths and long baths are essential to my survival and dare I say, to my being able to serve the world to the best of my capacity.
    You might enjoy this post I wrote on my 31st birthday about what it takes to serve the world today. It is, I believe, my truest post to this day. Hope you’ll enjoy.
    http://spreadingdajoy.blogspot.com/2010/09/on-going-for-your-dreams-and-making.html
    By the way you might have also seen me around on twitter as Bahiehk, this one is my new twitter handle that goes with my new blog.
    I look forward to what this experiment will bring us all.
    Thanks for opening the conversation.
    Much love and appreciation,
    Your sister in Service,
    Bahieh :)

  • Anonymous

    Count me in.

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  • http://sidneyport.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Marie

    Oh. Wow. (found this through Square-Peg, but I’ve heard of you before,) I can’t believe this, but your small video made me cry, in the best way. Thank you.

    • Anonymous

      I’m glad it was in a good way!

  • Anonymous

    Beautiful Jen, truly.

    • Anonymous

      thanks!!!

  • Anonymous

    so glad you have you along!

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  • Linda Rodgers

    So many, so many people strutting their stuff, and i get turned off by almost all of it – and you – I’m LOVING this – this is from where you are, where we are, it feels real and whole and right. Thank you.

    And YES in BIG caps – self love +world love creates wholeness – how can we serve without self love? Not sure how to begin to be with you, but i want to! I’ll be listening tomorrow to your Teach Now programme (in UK) – I love teaching, and have stepped back from it for too long.

    And all these comments here look like they’re from your dear friends – even better! A real woman, with a real purpose. Thank you xxx

    • Anonymous

      oh Linda, thank you thank you! Your words are better than chocolate! and hope you liked Teach Now!

  • DianeDavid

    I am savoring the seasons in Vermont, living with the slow rebirth of a really scary 1856 farmhouse and painting across media in a room with a view. Some kind of wonderful.

  • Susan Telford

    13 years ago I was on the verge of a burnout that would last almost 7 years and your Retreat book and Comfort book were among the tooola that saved me. In the last 6 years I have forgotten sommany lessons and am on the verge of another burnout and there you are again!

    I love the possibilities of savour ( hey I am Scottish, can’t spell without the u :-) ) and serve. My life is about service but I overdo it and fall into unhealthy patterns of overheating, not nurturing myself and so become unable to serve. My sense is that 2012 is my year to find balance , to savour my life in order to be refuelled in order to serve. So what you are doing resonates deeply with me and I too need to live e questions , to crack openmy heart and to be fearless in letting go of what no longer serves me in order that I truly can serve he world.

    • Anonymous

      let us do it together!!

      • Susanctelford

        I have spent this last day of the Old Year musing on what I need to call forth in 2012. The words that come are gentleness, kindness, creativity, patience, contentment. So different from the frantic pace of my life of late. I just read these words in Yoga Journal: ” replace hard hearted self discipline with self compassion”. Like you I am 50 in 2012 and all my life I have been a type A perfectionist type. My gift to myself in this my golden year is to do all from love and to let go of the need to be in control. Happy New Year! May it be filled with blessings x