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Response from Gary

The name came from an inspired idea that a colleague shared with us. It combines the image of an umbrella — providing shelter from the rainstorms of life — with the natural energy lift a person can get from humming.

Humming is a musical expression anyone can do. That felt right for what we're building: self-improvement from the little things that make a difference every day, available to everyone.

Response from Gary

Twenty years ago I was having financial troubles and my married life was falling apart. Without going into a lot of detail, I'd say that I felt buried under stormy weather that just wouldn't let up. Then I hurt myself — a sprained ankle — and that was the last straw.

I asked Robert Middleton, who was my small business consultant at the time, for advice on how to get "unstuck," and he pointed me to Katie's first book, Loving What Is. My first Judge Your Neighbor worksheet was easy to complete, and so were the next batch. I had all kinds of complaints.

But it took me a while to get it. I listened to lots of Katie's sessions and watched her videos. In many cases, I would say to myself, "Oh yeah, that's how I feel too." And I'd work step by step through her methods. I knew it was real and it was helping. My feelings were moving toward softer emotions and away from the soul-crushing experiences I just couldn't seem to solve.

Since those early days, I've needed to do my worksheets and inquiries again and again, for all kinds of reasons. Each time, I come out of it, because the false beliefs I seem to harbor just fall away with the turnarounds. I also know that no stressful thoughts are true for me now. And I can have an easier time because of that. If I doubt it, I ask again.

Life is never going to be without challenges, because I'm always reacting to something. Katie's work gives me a way to respond rather than react. It may not come naturally, but it does come out better each time.

Response from Gary

Robert is definitely a clear thinker with something to offer everyone. His latest projects are published newsletters about making a difference and adding light to the world. You can read more about him on our site and follow the links. I highly recommend checking him out — what he has to say is relevant to everyone.

Tom Asacker is one of my favorite authors. He's busy dissecting our belief systems to see just what makes people think about everything from purchases to relationships. He taught me that there is a whole other system of seeing the world available to me for the asking, and I appreciate that. You can find more about him in our Inspirations page.

I've also enjoyed getting a perspective on life from Wayne Dyer, Tony Robbins, Thich Nhat Hanh, Yogananda, and the Dalai Lama. I was fortunate to attend a seven-day Kalachakra in Washington DC, where I met the Dalai Lama in person. His teachings were heartfelt and impressive — applicable to life situations even though I wasn't Buddhist or Nepalese.

There are many others — Eckhart Tolle, Gandhi — who have inspired me. I'm looking forward to learning who inspires you, and why. You're welcome and invited to share that in our Community discussion area.