3 Ways to Make the Most of Social Distancing

With global numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases on the rise, it’s time for us to learn how to live with this situation rather than keep hoping it’s leaving soon.

 After doing an inventory of people who are really thriving during this unusual time, here are 3 suggestions of ways you can be too.

1. Exercise

Whether you’ve always worked out or never have, now is a great time to incorporate exercise into your schedule.

Many of us have reduced or no commute times (as well as limited social calendars) and that means even more YOU time.

Why not try something you’ve always been interested in? Zoom makes it so easy. For me, it was mat Pilates. For my daughter, it’s been dance. A close friend of mine does Chi Gong.

What about you? Interested in learning salsa? Tai Chi? Fencing?

2. Create

The most satisfying and fun parts of my day are when I’m creating.

Making something out of nothing with your thoughts and hands – be it gardening, needlework, baking, drawing or weaving, can be incredibly energizing.

It feeds the right side of our brains, which, for those of us who do analytic thinking a lot, is a wonderful break and can actually feel regenerative!

What have you been hankering to do? One of my friends loves to color in mandalas, another is a potter, a painter, a writer, a multi-media artist.

What medium is calling to you?

3. Go Within

This global time is a massive undoing. Evidence of that is all around us – systems collapsing, industries drying up- and it’s also happening on a personal level.

We are ALL being asked to go within and release habits, beliefs and ways of being that no longer work, that hold us back, or are destructive.

How can you support yourself through this time? Would it be helpful to speak to a therapist or coach?

Do you have a spiritual practice? If so, how can you deepen into it?

What are you being asked to do for yourself right now? Maybe it’s to join an online group, maybe it’s to have meaningful conversation with a loved one.

The future is uncertain.

But at the same time, we can prepare as best we can by really supporting ourselves right now to the best of our ability.

Be kind to you. Nourish you. Support yourself and your loved ones.

And try any or all of these ideas to step more into feeling supported and held at this time.

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3 Simple Ways to Release Trauma

The physical body is truly remarkable.

And the more we learn about it, the more we see how interconnected our physical body is to our emotional well being.

Thanks to neuroscience, we now know that the body stores stress, memories, and trauma.

In part because the physical body is always present!

Whether you’re watching a movie or sleeping, working on the computer or making a speech – regardless of where your attention is, your body is present in that physical space.

It’s like the silent witness.

Which is why, it’s even more important than ever to work with the body when a trauma occurs – from something small like a rejection to something big like a car accident or physical violence.

Yes, it’s vital to talk about what happened and process your thoughts and emotions. But don’t forget to also support your body in that healing work.

Because when we experience trauma, it’s common to feel completely unsafe.

Here are 3 ways to safely return to your body: 

1. Self Hug

Take your right hand and place it under your left armpit, kind of over your heart. Then take your left hand and place it on your upper right shoulder. Take a few deep breaths as you gently hold yourself.

As somatic therapist, Peter Levine notes, this technique helps you to become more aware of your body as a container. It also helps release tension.

2. Grounding

Place your right hand on your forehead. Place your left hand over your heart chakra in the center of your chest. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths until you feel a shift in energy and physical sensation. Then take your right hand and move it to the center of your belly, over your belly button. Breathe in again with eyes closed until feel a shift. This will help you ground back into your body and have more clarity and less anxiety.

3. Tap/Squeeze

Gently tap or squeeze your arms, and legs. This is another exercise that helps you return into your physical body and feel the stress/tension contract.

Whenever you feel trauma or even anxiety, try one or all 3 of these exercises and see if by reconnecting to your body you can release tension and feel more relaxed in this sacred vessel that is your physical body.

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What Feeds You?

The other day I was talking to a young woman who’s been living in the city for a while. On a work trip recently she visited a sleepy town surrounded by national forest. While there, she realized the city was no longer feeding her.

More and more I hear that. And it echoes my own experiences.

I crave nature- trees, water, silence. 

How about you?

When life pulls at you, demanding your time and energy, it’s SO easy to feel depleted. 

Then what do you do? Sleep for a week? Binge watch Netflix?

Instead, think about what feeds you?

For some of us, it’s creativity. And choosing art activities. For my father, it was opera! Sometimes he'd call me after a performance and he was so blissed out, he often sounded high.

For some, it’s movement.  Think dancing, surfing, sailing, horseback riding...

For others, stillness.  

What is it for you?

If you’re not sure, try a bunch of different activities – nature hikes, visiting a garden, dancing or doing yoga, making something with your hands, going to a play or musical, even the ballet, a boat ride...

After each activity, check in with yourself.

How do you feel? Energized or depleted?

Grade each one so you know how that experience was for you.

Once you’ve taken inventory, see how you can regularly schedule the UPLIFTING activities into your life.

This is it- your one extraordinary life. If you don’t celebrate it, cherish it and feed your soul now, when will you?

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5 Major Blocks to Happiness & How to Release Them

When people are asked what they want in their lives, it’s always more happiness.

Then as a society, why aren’t we happier?

According to research, happiness levels in industrialized countries have stagnated since the 1950s and are now actually declining.

And it isn’t about needing more stuff, earning more money or having a bigger house.

As many of you know, I’ve been actively studying happiness since 2011 when I became a certified happiness coach. Since then, I’ve taught workshops on happiness as well as continued to dive into the practice of daily happiness on a deeper level in my life.

And here are the 5 biggest blocks to happiness.

1. I'm Too Busy

Have you filled your time and energy with events, bookings, appointments, and jobs, in other words, tasks that keep you running and “busy” all day everyday so that you don’t have to be alone with you?

 If you just answered yes, here’s your solution:

Schedule an afternoon with yourself. Check in with you. Be willing to go within and ask:

~What does happiness mean to me?

~When do I feel happy?

Sit down with a pen and paper and ask yourself these questions.

Even though we all say we want more happiness, how many of us have actually sat down and thought about what makes us feel happy?

The first time I answered the question, when do I feel happy? My immediate answer was, when I ski! Guess what I schedule once a week during the winter and early spring?

2. There's Not Enough

 Does it always feel like there’s never enough time, money, friendships, love?

The easiest way to shift out of that deep well of lack, is to practice gratitude.

AND, it turns out that gratitude is the shortest short cut to happiness!

Why not start a gratitude practice today?

It’s really easy.

All you have to do is make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for. Do it right now, even if it’s in your head.

At this moment,

• I am grateful for my reliable computer that allows me to create and communicate easily and effortlessly with countless folks across the world.
• I am grateful for my healthy body.
• I am grateful for my loving family who support me, protect me and nourish me with their kindness and devotion.
• I am grateful for the nutritious, wholesome food I am able to put into my body everyday.
• I am grateful for the countless opportunities – in business, marketing, creativity, wellness, friendship and on and on- that I have in my life right now.

I love to do this activity at night, right before I go to bed. It’s a positive review of the day and brings happiness, peace, satisfaction and love to me to fall into dreams.

3. No Reception

Often times we forget to open up, to receive because it might mean we have to do two things: Ask and then listen.

God or the Uni-verse or whatever word you like to use for the great mystery that surrounds us, is always trying to support us.

Our task is to help God by allowing ourselves to open up and receive all the love, goodness, kindness, prosperity, and health that it has for us.

Here’s an easy exercise: try asking for something you want more of in your life (like creativity) then lie down with your arms over your head and feel that creativity raining down on you.

4. Lack of Intimacy

Are you spending more and more time interacting with people online, on Facebook and Twitter and less time talking face to face?

Well, you’re not alone. But you might feel lonely.

One of the best ways to feel happier and more fulfilled is to have meaningful, deep relationships with real, live human beings.

Reach out to people you genuinely care about – friends, family members, cherished loved ones.

Schedule time to be with them. We are all social beings. The love, generosity and support you get will pay off in dividends.

5. Pursuit of Happiness

We are taught that happiness is some elusive thing that we have to chase, and I did this for years. I’d already figured out that stuff didn’t make me happy. Yes, it’s pleasurable, and enjoyable but my new bottle of perfume isn’t going to sustain my happiness day in and day out.

Instead, I went seeking for happiness, learning everything I could, working with different teachers, traveling. I thought, if I kept looking, eventually I’d find it.

And what I found was that I had it all along!

HA

Because joy is who we really are. It is our innate nature.

And the ONLY thing that keeps you from experiencing joy all the time, is you.

We all tune in and out of joy.

It’s so easy to forget happiness and get consumed with emotion or worry, allow fear or anxiety to crowd in. Even when that happens, joy is still there. It waits patiently for you to return.

Think of joy like the radiant sunshine. Even when it’s raining or the clouds have covered over the sky, that sun is still there above it all, beaming down, right?

Joy is the same way.

Sadness, stress, or worry might crowd in and narrow the view, make the winds tremble, the rain fall. But above it all, beams happiness, waiting patiently for us to clear away those clouds.

Take a self inventory and scan how many of these happiness blocks are preventing you from accessing that bright sunny joy.

Happiness is there – waiting patiently for you.

What's the major block you're ready to release?
Share it with us below so we can see you stepping more into joy today!

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What’s Your Preference? Routines or Goals

Tell me about your schedule:

• Do you wake up everyday at exactly the same time?
• Often eat the same meal for breakfast?
• Don’t particularly like it when there are last minute changes in your day?
• Work best knowing there’s a deadline?
• Enjoy crossing items off your To Do List?
• Prefer projects with clear beginning and end dates?

If the first 3 questions resonated with you, you’re likely more of a routine person. Meaning that you prefer life to be consistent, regular. You do your best work when things are humming along and you are in your flow.

If, instead, the latter 3 seemed more fun and fitting to your personality, you’re likely to be more goal oriented.

Neither one is bad or good. It’s just helpful to understand yourself and your own rhythms.

And even if you find that you have a preference, one over the other, they are not mutually exclusive!

Lots of people who prefer routine also have goals, and goal oriented folks need routine to get stuff done!

Here are a few tips to keep you on track:

Routine Folks

Be aware that you thrive best with a steady daily schedule.

1. Create a Healthy Routine

You want your life to support you in mind, body AND spirit. That includes scheduling time for exercising, play, social, and contemplative time.

2. Mix It Up

See if you can throw a little spice into your routine now and again just to get you out of that box! Maybe it’s a spontaneous movie night or social engagement.

Goal Peeps

Goal people can tend to procrastinate and wait until the last minute to get stuff done. This can be SUPER stressful.

1. Think about Time Management

This is where lists and spreadsheets come in really handy as does scheduling. Because like it or not, goal oriented people need some kind of plan/schedule to get everything done!

2. Make Lists

I used to work with a wonderful coach and this was her method:

• Write everything that you have to do down on a piece of paper. Research shows it's actually MORE effective writing by hand!
• Next, put 1s next to each item that has to get done immediately, 2s next to the second most urgent tasks, etc.)
• Step it out from there, looking at all the 1s, prioritize them so you have 1a, 1b, 1c… you get the point.

3. Create a Timeline

Excel is a simple tool for project management. I use it all the time to break down projects into smaller bits then I assign each one a deadline. Of course there are LOTS of time management softwares out there too. If you want an app (many of which are FREE), here are some to check out:

•    RemindMe
•    RescueTime
•    Remember the Milk
•    Focus Booster
•    Toggl (Here's a great review on this app)
•    Evernote
•    Mind42
•    MyLifeOrganized
•    Zendone

Kinda feeling like your both goal oriented and need a routine?

Good!

Because if you REALLY want to accomplish and achieve an amazing life, you’re gonna have to learn to master both.

But don’t worry, nothing is ever too hard, especially with all the support and tools at your disposal.

Celebrate whichever you are – goal oriented or routine based- and honor yourself for your own unique and creative way to live and be of service.

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5 Strategies To Deal with Uncertainty

Sometimes the news feels like too much.

• Hurricanes
• Earthquakes
• Fires
• Threat of Nuclear War

I wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to stick your head in the sand, or in a pint of ice cream and check out by binge watching Game of Thrones.

I used to do that all the time.

As soon as the anxiety would flutter into me, I’d run straight to the cupboard and eat my way into not feeling it anymore.

But then I realized there was another way to deal with anxiety and uncertainty.

Here’s my top 5:

1. Feel It

One of the things I learned when I overcame my binge eating disorder was that I was eating because I didn’t want to feel negative emotions – like fear, anxiety or uncertainty. Instead I buried them under pounds of junk food.

Now I allow myself to experience those uncomfortable emotions in my body. I feel my stomach clench, my lungs that want to start panting, my heart palpitating.

And then I look out my eyes at my surrounding world and ask myself:

Am I okay right now?

Am I safe in this present moment?

Almost always the answer is YES.

2. Get Grounded

Often when we get scared or anxious, we want to avoid or distract ourselves.

Instead, see if you can come down, come into the present moment.

The easiest way to do this is by breathing.

Take a deep breath and allow your entire body to relax. Breathing oxygenates the body and immediately grounds us.

So that rather than emotionally reacting to a situation or a perceived threat, you can feel more centered, and have more clarity and insight.

3. Ask for Guidance

Information, like action, reduces anxiety. Do some research about the situation whether it’s a storm, stock market fluctuation or political threat.

After you’ve read, use your discernment and ask:

What’s real?

What’s hype?

What do you believe?

Then take a moment to check in with yourself. What feels right for you? Use your internal compass to help guide you.

4. Avoid Chaos

The world is filled with craziness and in our highly networked, 24-hour news cycle, life can feel increasingly stressful. We now hear about every disaster the world over, natural or man made – from droughts and climate change to drownings and even genocide.

You need information to make smart decisions however, watching too much news or spending excessive time on social media can increase anxiety.

Avoid falling into the swirl of chaos by being mindful of your exposure.

Know your ability to manage information so it doesn’t overwhelm you. Be kind to yourself and know when you’ve had enough.

5. Seek Peace

Who or what in your life helps you feel connected, relaxed and peaceful?

Are there friends or family members, perhaps a chaplain or monk, whose presence offers solace?

Maybe you prefer a boat ride? A walk in the woods, or on a beach. Perhaps visiting a garden or even gardening will bring peace.

Some find baths and massages work wonders and bring relaxation.

Others enjoy crafts.

Meditation is always a popular way to feel more comforted.

Incorporate ONE of these ideas into your life every day and see how much that supports your mindset and eases the uncertainty.

Life is filled with the unknown. And even though it can cause us anxiety, it’s also ripe with opportunity, and excitement.

But when you find yourself feeling dread about the future, lean on these 5 tools to bring you back to a place of clarity, peace and presence.

Which one will you try first? Leave a comment below!

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Feel It & Heal It: 5 Steps to Transform Pain

I was 15 years old the first time I consciously felt anxiety and had just started my sophomore year at a new boarding school. The souring in my stomach and the fear that blinded me was terrifying. So I bolted down the stairs of my dorm, and headed straight to the vending machines. I wanted to push away and bury all that anxiety and uncertainty.

By October, I’d gained twenty pounds because I didn’t know how to deal with dark emotions like: discomfort, anxiety, pain, anguish, frustration, resentment…

It took me 10 years to learn how to be present and experience these uncomfortable feelings.

Now when they come up, do I like it? Not really.

Is it fun? Absolutely not.

Is it worth it? Definitely.

And here’s why – because you can’t heal something unless you allow yourself to feel it.

If you're ready to open up and move through your own emotional pain, here's a road map:

1. Make Space

Be okay with whatever you’re feeling. Allow it to be in the room, to be in your body.

Instead of trying to push the uncomfortable feeling away, avoid it or, like I used to do, stuff it under food, allow it to exist. Rumi’s Guest House poem is the perfect reminder. In it, he describes himself as a  guest house – opening the door and welcoming all visitors (his emotions)- whatever they may be, and inviting them in. Here’s a link to it.

2. Give Yourself Permission

It’s okay to have bad thoughts, cruel thoughts, unkind thoughts. We all do, we’re human! Give yourself permission to just feel what you feel. Mad at yourself or another, rage, vindictive.

When I was a girl, my mother used to say, “you’re not responsible for your feelings, only your actions.” Maybe at times I did want to kill my sister but I never actually did it.

3. Release Judgment

Part of why we don’t even allow ourselves to feel dark emotions, is because we immediately judge ourselves. The inner critic starts, “don’t think that” or “who are you to…” or “you shouldn’t feel angry about that because…”

Try allowing yourself to experience anger, hurt, jealousy without judging it – no inner critic, no running dialog. Just feel it and see where that takes you.

Do this without judging it or you.

4. Get Dirty

Once you make space for these dark emotions without judgment, the real work begins. Dig in. What is the source of the frustration? Hurt? Anxiety? What does it trigger or link to? See if you can find the root, because that is where the healing is.

As a teenager, my anxiety got triggered because I felt stupid, inadequate, not enough. Sometimes these same ghosts pop up when I try new things, take risks or new chances. Today, I sit with that feeling of inadequacy to see where it takes me. Usually it goes back to childhood where I can love the little girl and cherish her.

5. Let It Go

Once you’ve processed those uncomfortable feelings, you can release them. As we free up these internal spaces, we make room for more clarity, more energy, more focus and power. It’s like cleaning house, internally.

The real work of our lives is to be present with our own beings – when we feel elated and blissful as well as when we feel frightened and insecure. Allow it all to be. Experience the good and the bad, knowing that every moment offers insights and lessons. Heal and keep opening to life, to love and to you.

Life is a process requiring us to constantly open. Open to our own inner beings as much as anything else. Take some time to explore your triggers, the places where judgment and anxiety lie. What lessons are waiting there for you?

The work may not be “fun” but it is powerful and transformational and SO worth it. 

Be sure to let me know how it goes - feel free to drop a message below!

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Manifest Your Holiday Miracle

The other morning I turned the page for my new lesson in A Course in Miracles (ACIM) and here is what it said; “I am entitled to miracles.”

I smiled.

First because I love that idea, and second because it felt so timely, given that Christmas and Chanukah are right around the corner.

I’ve always been fascinated with miracles, magic and what seemed like “other-worldly stuff.” To me, miracles were the foray of Gods, of holy people, of wonder. They weren’t something that a mere mortal such as myself could perform.

Until I learned more - that we, you and I, co-create our world with God.

One thing that I really appreciate about A Course in Miracles it that it’s like a handbook for how to do that. In fact, on page 3 it details 50 principles to describe a miracle!

Here Are my Top 10 Definitions of a Miracle

1.     There is no order of difficulty in miracles.

One is not "harder" or "bigger" than another. They are all the same. All expressions of love are maximal.

2.     Miracles occur naturally as expressions of love.

The real miracle is the love that inspires them. In this sense everything that comes from love is a miracle.

3.     Prayer is the medium of miracles.

It is a means of communication of the created with the Creator. Through prayer love is received, and through miracles love is expressed.

4.     Miracles are both beginnings and endings, and so they alter the temporal order. 

They are always affirmation of rebirth, which seem to go back but really go forward. They undo the past in the present, and thus release the future.

5.     Miracles are teaching devices for demonstrating it it as blessed to give as to receive.

They simultaneously increase the strength of the giver and supply strength to the receiver.

6.     A miracle is a service.

It is the maximal service you can render to another. It is a way of loving your neighbor as yourself. You recognize your own and your neighbor's worth simultaneously.

7.     Miracles reawaken the awareness that the spirit, not the body, is the altar of truth.

This is the recognition that leads to the healing power of the miracle.

8.     Miracles are natural signs of forgiveness.

Through miracles you accept God's forgiveness by extending it to others.

9.     The miracle acknowledges everyone as your brother and mine.

It is a way of perceiving the universal mark of God.

10.  The miracle is a learning device that lessens the need for time.

It establishes an out-of-pattern time interval not under the usual laws of time. In this sense it is timeless.

As we head into the holidays, think about Jesus as an example of one who recognized his own divinity.

Why not embrace your own ability to manifest miracles?

Be love, share love and open up to the wonderment of life this season.

Use prayer to set intention and visualize perfect healing, manifestation or whatever it is that your life needs.

You can do this – it is your nature and right. And as we are taught in ACIM, “Miracles are natural. When they do not occur, something has gone wrong."

So get to work!

Don’t forget to let me know how it goes – share your miracles with me.

Leave a comment below.

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PS - If you’re interested, here’s a link to see all 50.

5 Tips for A Stress-Free Holiday Season

We’re entering into the vortex of holiday. The next 5 weeks will be a blur of excitement… and stress.

Many of us look forward to the holidays as a time for family, fun, sharing and giving. But the holidays are THE most stressful time of year.

So in the midst of decorating, shopping, cooking and partying, be sure to take extra special care of YOU.

Here are my top 5 ways to stay sane and enjoy this most wonderful time of year.

1.    Start Your Day

How you start your day is critical. 

For years my husband would say, “How you start your day is how you live your day.” 

He and I always start with meditation. Why? Because it offers a moment of silence, of unity and a way to ground and center myself before I jump into the chaos of life.

Give yourself the gift of silence in the morning. 

If you’re not ready for that, listen to a guided meditation. I have many on my website. Feel free to download some today. Click Here

2.     Schedule Timeouts

Timeouts aren’t just for toddlers anymore. Timeouts are for adults, especially Mommies and Daddies who need a little down time, relaxation and rest.

But the key is to schedule them.

I know this sounds counter intuitive – but if they aren’t scheduled, life will intercede. Here are the steps to making your timeouts a reality:

• Ask yourself: What time during the day is good for even a 20-minute time to chill? Around lunch time? During that 3pm drag? A half hour before bedtime?
   
• Now think about what day or days of the week this could work.
  Maybe Wednesdays the kids don’t need to get picked up until 4 so you could have an hour to put your feet up and read a magazine. Or Friday is a half day at work, you could do something in the afternoon...

SCHEDULE these breaks into your life.

Think of them as catnaps OR take an entire afternoon and get a massage, relax in the hot tub or simply unwind on a nature walk.

3.     Delegate / Ask for Help

Even when we look forward to the holidays, they can easily feel overwhelming.

Because in addition to the regular schedule – job, children, family, chores, school – there’s the added decorating, gift buying, socializing…

How can you manage it all?

• Make a list of all the new chores and obligations/invitations that the holidays bring.
   
• Prioritize the list. What can other people do?
   
• Enlist help from friends and family members including children – regardless of age. They love to assist and it’s fun for them to be involved.

I know a woman who confessed to being such a control freak she wouldn’t let anyone help her put the lights on the Christmas tree.

Know yourself and decide what the MUSTS are for you, then give away the other tasks. (Even if it means they don’t get done absolutely perfectly.)  

4.     Stick to the Budget

I know this one isn’t romantic but it’s a vital anti-stress tool.

Overspending for the holidays can fell good for a fleeting moment but ultimately it adds undue pressure and stress.

To avoid this, make yourself a budget.

How much available cash do you have for gifts?

Be realistic.

Once you identify that, allocate a certain amount per person. If you have specific presents in mind, subtract those costs from your budget and then get creative with the rest.

There’s always enough money for everything you need to get.

5.     Exercise

I recently finished an article that cited research about the incredible benefits to your brain of cardio exercise like running. It helps create new brain cells (wahoo!) It also benefits mitochondria which provides energy to the cells.

If you aren’t in the habit of exercising, the holidays are the perfect time to start.

You'll feel better in mind, body and spirit. It will lower your stress level and keep your neurons strong and healthy regardless of how much eggnog you imbibe!

Enjoy these next few weeks with friends and family. But be sure to take the best care of YOU!

Let me know how it goes – share your self care plan with me and leave a comment below!

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4 Ways to Choose Love in the Face of Uncertainty

Life is filled with the unknown. Whether it’s a presidential election, a storm prediction, a doctor’s appointment or the stock market.

In fact, life essentially is uncertainty in action.

Think about it.

Whenever you try something new – a dance class, a restaurant, lunch with a new friend, a job opportunity – there’s risk. Simply because it is new, unknown or uncertain.

So, how do we, as students of spirituality learn to embrace that which is unknown and not fall into fear?

Especially when that fear is palpable and permeates everything.

This is one of the major challenges we face, walking into uncertainty or fear without leaving us cold hearted, apathetic or checked out.

Here are 4 ways to help you.

1. Live In The World But Not of The World

My teacher, Ma Jaya used to say this all the time.

But what does it mean?

I define it as being an active participant in the world, showing up to make a difference, willingly and voluntarily. And working at not having any expectations.

It’s also the recognition that we are here in a body, in this time and space, but it isn’t all there is.

There is a vast reality far larger than we can even imagine – Source, God, One-Ness, Brahmin, Dreaming…

Remembering that this earthly plain is not all there is helps create energetic distance so you don’t get sucked into the drama, the chaos of this world that circles all the time.

Instead, be in the world as a speaker of truth, a messenger of love and choose not to get pulled into the craziness that is ever present.

I often think of the novelist Tom Robbins. In his book, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, he wrote, “and the world situation is, desperate as usual.”

I read this when I was in my early 20s and it stopped my daily news addiction. Unfortunately, it seems even more appropriate today!

2. Choose Love

We always have a choice to stay in the vibration of love or come from a place of fear.

What will you choose?

I recently read about a church in Indiana that was defaced with graffiti that said, “Heil Trump” and another of a tilted swastika. Instead of immediately painting over it, the minister opted to leave it.

As she said, “we believe that symbols are what you make of them. And if we decide to look at these symbols as hate and be angry and frustrated, we’re focusing on the wrong issue. And so we’ve decided to leave them up as symbols of hope, whereas if anybody in the surrounding area — or even country — sees these and knows that we were targeted because we’re inclusive and they need a safe space, then they know that Saint David’s is a safe space.”

Clearly Rev. Kelsey Hutto is choosing love.

3. Nothing Real Can Be Threatened

This is a line from the Introduction to A Course In Miracles. The whole text reads, "Nothing real can be threatened. Nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God."

I find this line especially helpful when I have fallen into fear.

When we experience fear, it’s always coming from our ego selves, the place where we feel separate and alone.

In those instances, I will often repeat this line over and over to myself like a mantra. It brings me back to what I know, that I am safe, that the world is protected and everything else is unreal.

As ACIM reminds us, there is only love or a call for love.

When we are in fear, our soul/God/Source/One-ness is giving us a call for love, to remember who we truly are, that we are not our egos, not the fear, that we are a part of God and love.

4. Do Your Spiritual Work – Strengthen Your Inner Compass

The best way to stay in a higher vibration is to have a daily practice.

What is yours?

Prayer, meditation, yoga, ecstatic dance?

It is imperative to take some time each day to connect in to God/Source/Love. Fill yourself back up, recline in the infinite bliss that is your refuge and sanctuary.

Make time everyday.

This is THE most important time of your day. Do this for your inner growth, your sanity and your ability to show up exactly how you want to – with love, compassion and light.

It is always in times of darkness when the light is needed the most.

Be that beacon and shine bright. 

What will you do? Leave a comment below!

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Yes You Can!

Ready to make that shift in your life?

A new job, relationship or home?

Once you decide, things start to fall in place, a To-Do list or path becomes clear.

And yet, as you move closer to the actual shift, the change itself, new resistance and difficulties arise.

Here’s the trick: Don’t Quit!

The first time I heard about this was from Harv Eker.

He explained how you have to be willing to keep going towards your goals despite the obstacles. Often, there are a few and it’s only after you’ve attempted for the third time that you break through.

Sound familiar?

I experienced this exact thing when we made our move last month.

On the day the truck was at my house loading our belongings, I went to run a quick errand with my kids to pick up a piece of jewelry I’d designed and ordered. The pendant was a symbol of my “new” life so I was eager to get it prior to the actual transition.

About twenty minutes into the hour-long ride up I-95, we hit standstill traffic. There was a huge collision and the police were re-routing everyone off the highway. It took another two hours for us to get there.

Did I quit? No. Because I knew that this is how change is.

The next day we flew to Seattle. We had three checked bags, two carry-ons, three back packs, and our puppy dog. Since we had so much stuff and were arriving late at night, I reserved a rental car at the terminal.

Once we retrieved our luggage and piled it onto a metal cart, we followed the signs to the rental car area. This lead us out to the curb where over a hundred people were queued up, waiting for a shuttle bus to the rental car building.

Sometimes nothing feels easy.

And this is because of our egos.

When we are on the cusp of shifting, part of us gets scared – what if this change is bad? What if it hurts? What if it’s a mistake?

Despite the fact that it’s exactly what you want, your ego doesn’t really want to change – it always seeks to stay the same.

So it kicks up resistance when you least expect it, and obstacles get in the way.

The trick is to keep going anyway. Just like I did at the Seattle airport.

I took a deep breath, got on line and wheeled that buggy to the bus. Just as my husband boarded with the dog, and I was unloading our bags wondering how the he** I was going to manage it all, an airport supervisor showed up. He stopped everyone else from getting on and loaded my bags for me!

Thank you, God!

So the next time you feel like the change isn’t ever going to happen. That you’ll never get there, know that you will.

Remember that it always takes more effort than you think. It may even take three tries! Love yourself enough to know that you can do it and that you will succeed!

You’re so close!

Share where you are on YOUR path! Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear!

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STOP Before You Jump Into 2016

For many of us, this was the first week back to work-school-life-as-usual after the holidays as well as the first week of the New Year. Happy New Year!

Maybe you’re like me, and want to eagerly jump back into life.

But before you leap back into the craziness and chaos of your wonderful life, do yourself a favor and stop.

Stop and get clear about where you want to go this year, what you want to accomplish and how you plan on doing that.

Here are 3 simple and easy ways to launch your 2016 so that you manifest all that you desire and rock your year!

1.  Purge & Organize

The New Year is a great time to clean out the paperwork.

If your desk looks like mine, it has a huge pile on it of stuff that needs to be filed. Take an hour (or two) and get your personal space organized, cleaned up and ready. Not only will you feel better when you look at it, but you’ll start your year out with a clean slate.

This task is also super helpful for tax time (which, if you live in the United States, is just around the corner.)

2. Write It Down

Once your space is neat and tidy, take another hour to really contemplate this year – all twelve months of it. What do you want for yourself in 2016? What goals do you have for your future? What would you like to accomplish?

When you do this activity, think holistically.

Don’t only focus on your relationship to money and career but think about your relationships to your body and health, your family, romantic partner, education and spirituality. How would you like to evolve this year? What do you want to manifest?

3.  Choose A Word

For three years now I’ve chosen one word to contemplate, explore and delve into for the year. This word – whatever it may be – becomes an overriding theme for your year.

Two years ago, I chose trust.

I had just started a business and was putting myself out into the world in a more personal way. This required me to trust in new and different ways and deepened my relationship to myself, to life and to spirit and allowed me to more fully embrace the notion that I am divinely loved and protected at all times.

In fact, about three months into that year, I made a pictorial representation of trust to remind me of free falling into God. On it, I wrote this line from the poet Rumi: “Stop acting so small. You are the Universe in ecstatic motion.”

Last year, my word was love and the exploration was vastly different.

It was subtle and gentle and deeply internal. It taught me about self-love and opened me up to more clearly understand how to love myself completely and wholeheartedly. My inquiry into love helped me see that I am healed and whole and deserve everything. Pretty cool, huh?

This year, I have chosen receive. Or perhaps it has chosen me.

I look forward to the exciting adventure!

So do yourself a favor, and take a couple of hours to stop, organize and plan out your 2016. It will be well worth it. And if you’d like a little help with that, Click Here to Download my FREE 2016 Vision Planner. Enjoy and have fun!

Share one of your 2016 goals with me!
Leave a comment below!

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Your Life Is A Creative Venture

Lately I’ve been doing inventory.

I’ve been reflecting on my life and examining it by asking this question: Did I make that significant decision according to a set of rules, some kind of pre-ordained/ family inspired plan OR because it was truly and deeply something that I wanted to do for my own self growth?

Take a moment to look back at your life and ask yourself the same question.

Turns out that we make a lot of decisions based on: pleasing others, fulfilling expectations, because it’s the right thing to do or is what we’re “supposed” to do.

Ouch.

But when all is said and done, this is your life. 

It’s imperative – for you, your family, society and the world at large – for you to follow that innate knowing, that core inner voice that’s telling you what you really want to do. This voice that easily gets drowned out by all the shoulds and have-tos shouting around us.

Now is your time.

Give yourself permission to live a different way. And experience life as an exciting adventure.

I believe that we are co-creators of our lives. If you embrace this idea, then allow yourself to step into the role of creative director of your life!

We live in a world of infinite possibility. How exciting is that? Anything and everything is possible for you right now!

If you’ve decided that you don’t want to live by someone else’s rules, limitations or expectations, or perhaps you have had that creativity in your life but somehow lost it along the way, here’s how to get it back:

1. YOU Are In Charge

Embrace this idea that you are the co-creator of your life. Life is an active, creative process, one that we are manifesting and visioning into reality everyday. Think about all of the changes in technology – ipods, smartphones, apps. How did they all start? With an idea.

Your life is a creative process, too, so dream it into existence!

2. Get Really Clear

The first part of being a creator is to decide what you want. 

For many years, I didn’t know what I wanted and so I learned what I didn't want by doing lots of not so fun things. This method wasn't terribly effective and I don’t recommend it. It would have been much easier if I’d known what I'd wanted and gone for it!

Be clear on exactly what you want: a new job (where, doing what, earning how much…) The more specific you can be the easier it will manifest.

Then take focused action towards your goal. What can you do to move you towards getting that job? Write a resume, cover letter, email the company, get an internship, etc.

3.     Focus On The What

Our job is always to answer ONE question: What do you want?

Then we have to get out of the way.

We have no control over the how or even the when. Those are within the Universe’s domain.

I know this sounds hard, especially for those of us who are or were control freaks. But the most amazing part of this is once you do let go, the Universe works in ways you could never imagine from your current vantage point. I have been suprised over and over again by things that have manifested virtually out of thin air!

4.     Relax And Have Fun!

Life is meant to be enjoyed not toiled through. Doesn’t that feel so much better?

I spent years of my life under the harness of duty and obligation. It’s part of how I’m hardwired. The wonderful aspect of this is that it has always motivated me to be of service to humanity. The downside is I can get resentful when I do things because I should and not because I want to.

Now I still serve but in ways that also fuel me. I am happier, and my life is more fun and exciting.

Think about how you can enjoy this creative process of life – making it richer and fuller all the time. How could your life be even more fun?

Relax and know that if you focus on creating it, it will come.

Incorporate these 4 simple tools into your life planning, sit back and enjoy the ride!

Where are you going to start? Leave me a comment below!

Re-Entry With Ease

I just got back from a 3-day business workshop that was designed to help women entrepreneurs break through success and money barriers.

It was informative, emotional and healing but it was also a bit of a marathon, going from early in the morning until late into the night.

I enjoy these kinds of events especially because I’m committed to my personal development and self-growth. I love to immerse myself in new ways of thinking, bond with other women and meet fellow entrepreneurs.

I find the experiences to be fulfilling and inspiring but then I have to come home.

This time, my re-entry was difficult.

Not so much emotionally, which is often the case, but physically. I typically drag my feet, not wanting to jump back into my life. But this time was different. I was just physically exhausted.

Coming home and diving back into my life was more about returning to my normal rhythm and routines when all I wanted to do was sleep.

And life – as it does- was hurtling along. In addition to my work obligations, I had many family ones too. And before I knew it, I was feeling utterly overwhelmed.

So I took a step back and recalibrated my To Do List.
 

1.     Look Hard At The Week Ahead

When I looked at my appointments and tasks, I immediately began prioritizing and had to genuinely reassess what I could do and what I wanted to do. This meant postponing deadlines and changing appointments that I could easily alter.

I needed to be honest with myself about what I could sensibly and sanely get done.

2.     Release that Judgment!

Doing the above step was about choosing NOT to feel crazed and insane. I really don’t like it when I have to change an appointment or modify a due date and yet, I also want to be realistic about my time, energy and commitments.

Sometimes something has to give.

In years past, that was always me. I sacrificed my peace of mind or physical health to get everything done. Now I realize that some things can be modified and it really isn’t a big deal.

See if when you make changes, you can do it without ‘shoulding’ yourself or scolding yourself for not being perfect.

3.     Honor YOU First

Many of us are givers. We freely and lovingly take care of those around us because we enjoy it and it’s fulfilling. Sometimes, givers can fall into resentment, particularly when we forget to honor ourselves.

For givers, taking care of us can be really hard because it’s easy to interpret self-care as being selfish. Yet, this couldn’t be farther from the truth!

One of my teachers used to frequently use the analogy of a water pitcher. In order to give to others, the pitcher must be full and the pitcher (which is you) can only get filled through self-care, taking care of you.

When I came home on Thursday morning, having just arrived on a red eye, my body was shaking. I needed to carve out some time to both physically rest as well as mentally, emotionally and spiritually process the event I had attended.

Even when we make plans and think we’ve factored in all the down time we need, we may just find that life has thrown us a few unforeseen snags. So, just like these unexpected commitments, we need to modify accordingly and shift around our schedule so that we can still take care of us.

Knowing how to prioritize and being sincere when you do need to cancel or postpone can be freeing. After all, we’re human, every person can understand feeling over-extended or stressed. By being honest, you may also be helping the next person to do the same.

Can you take care of you on re-entry? Let me know how that will work for you!

Leave me a comment below!

The Hazards of Busy & 4 Ways to Remedy it

I love being an American but one thing that’s been vexing me lately is how work and career have taken over our lives. It’s as if we are no longer human beings but human doers. The overriding message is that when I’m not “doing”, I’m nothing.

In essence, we’ve allowed work and success to define who we are.

It's even worse nowadays because work has become chronic overwork. In the last few weeks, I’ve read three articles about people cracking because work essentially overtook their lives.

One was continually being hospitalized for having seizures. Another, a young man just beginning his career in finance, couldn’t take the pressure and jumped off a building. A third up and quit her job and moved to Europe.

The expectation to overwork is even being written into contracts. The assumption being that you’ll be available to answer emails late into the night, work weekends and even be reachable for holidays.

How is this okay?

What can you do instead?

We need to create healthy boundaries in order to have a more balanced life. Here are four easy ways to begin doing that.

1.     Take Care of You First

Many of us, because we are so busy working or taking care of others, have forgotten or simply don’t know what this means.

But the truth is that we are not just automatons trudging to do a job. We have a physical body that needs care, exercise and healthy food, an emotional body that needs camaraderie, attention and love, an intellect that craves stimulation and a soul that yearns for peace and stillness.

Cheryl Richardson’s book The Art of Extreme Self Care is a great tool to use to delve into this idea more deeply.

But you can also start by making a list of things you love to do and then begin scheduling them into your life.

Maybe it’s signing up for that yoga class you’ve been “meaning” to do for months, or taking a nice hot bath after a long day. Perhaps it’s scheduling a massage or a pedicure.

How can you make time for you?

2.     Check Back In With Your Dreams

Where are they and where are you? Are you moving towards your dreams or have you gone far afield?

Think for a moment about your work environment. Is it feeding those dreams and inspiring you? Or did you move into a career for other reasons? If so, how can you shift or adjust your life to bring your dreams and present reality more into alignment?

If you work as a copy editor but really yearn to write, can you carve out a few evenings a week to make time for your novel? Could you get up an hour earlier and spend that quiet time writing?

If you loved art in college but find your job works your intellect and not your creativity, could you find a local studio that offers a class? It may feel like more work but will actually energize you, feed you and feel rewarding.

It will also open you up to your creativity and help you brainstorm how to find a job that better aligns with you.

3.     Start Saying No

If you’re in your first job ever, it can be hard to say no BUT once you have established your talent, capability and are sought after, it’s time to add a little enjoyment into life.

Because your life isn’t simply about working more.

How can you begin to reign in crazy overwork?

Perhaps you can hire someone or delegate tasks to another colleague or assistant. One of the suggestions I give to my clients is instead of adding yet another task to your To Do List – ask yourself: Who can do this instead of me?

Recognize what you are excellent at, where you shine and what tasks you do the best. Everything else gets delegated.

Value you – because if you don’t, no one will.

4.     Schedule Fun

What do you really love to do?

Now that you’ve answered that question, when are you going to do it? Schedule fun days into your calendar. They are imperative.

If you love to sail, how can you get back on a boat? You don’t have to own one, lots of captains need crews. Check out your local marina and get involved.

Doing things you love and experience as fun, will clear your mind, work your body and help you show up back at work revitalized and refreshed!

In truth, I think this is the lesson that corporate America needs to learn. When people have time to be human and live balanced rich full lives, they’re actually better employees. Their creativity and productivity improves. This has certainly been my experience.

Let’s shift back from being human doers to human beings. It’s time!

How are YOU going to take action?

Leave me a comment below!