I generally avoid the word "always" because it is so frequently used when "always" is not the accurate timeline. So, the fact that I have now used that word four times before getting into the subject of the article itself, is quite interesting.

In order to experience life, you are always asking. Not every asking has a question mark at the end of the statement, or an upward inflection of the voice, as is common in English language speech. Not every asking involves words. Your cells ask for sustenance. Your lungs ask for oxygen. Your mind asks for thoughts. Your stomach asks for nutrition. Your fingertips ask for touch. Asking, you are always asking.

I advocate asking questions which are empowering rather than disempowering. Asking is not just a matter of extracting information from someone. Asking questions that are empowering is a means of engaging effectively with others. When you ask yourself or others empowering questions, you move the relationship with yourself or others forward in a positive way.

Even though you may think "I don't have any questions," you are still asking. You may be asking for the question. "What is the question?" is a powerful question. Or you may be observing, which is still asking. When you smell a meal cooking, you ask if you are hungry or what is for dinner, or your stomach asks with hunger pangs for the simmering food. You are always asking, always.

When you take in the beauty of a scenic view with pleasure, you are asking. You are asking for more of that experience; you are asking for more experiences similar to that. Appreciation asks for more to be appreciated.

When you hear your doorbell or telephone ring you are asking who is there. When your dog barks from another room, you instinctively ask the reason for the barking. As you open your email software, you ask who has written to you.

To articulate a question can be very powerful. If you muddle through the formulating of a question, that can also be empowering because the sorting out process clarifies the most relevant ideas. When you bring a question into focus, you are already getting close to the answer. In many cases, the answer is so contained in the question that it answers itself.

What are the questions that you will be asking today? Is there an over-riding or over-arching question that you will be asking yourself or others?

Jeanie Marshall

Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant, directs all activities of Marshall House, drawing on the services of other professionals as needed. Her consulting practice has evolved over the years, transforming to respond to the needs of her clients of today. Jeanie says "the most joyous part of my professional life is working one-on-one with clients, which is a partnership of co-creative, empowering ideas." With a focus on energy, Jeanie supports each person in being empowered and authentic. Her sessions typically begin or end with a guided meditation process.

Jeanie has an M.S. in Organization Development. She conducts private consultations by telephone for clients all over the world, appears as a guest on television and radio shows, and has produced hundreds of guided meditations on audio cassette tapes, CD, and MP3.