Saturday, February 21, 2009

The Storm's "I"



The Storms of life continue to swirl. We are facing the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression, our country is at war, unemployment abounds, people all over the world live in fear. If we focus on all that seems to be wrong, or threatened to go wrong, we lose sight of the power each of us holds.

When we remember who we each are....in essence what the qualities are that make us each the "I" of the storm, we are reminded we have all we need to be at peace, no matter what is happening around us.

I understand it is easy to forget (that is if we ever really knew it), yet I can share personally that I know it is possible to not be sucked into the swirl of life's storms, when our focus is made inward. The practice of positive thought and presence can not only change your perspective, it can change your whole experience of life.

It is by being with the peace that resides deep within us, and remembering who we truly are, that we can stay grounded as we look around at all of the stuff of life that seems to be whirling out of control. Remembering we are not the storm, but simply observers of the storm, helps us to better make decisions about our life's course.

When we are in the "I" we respond to life with peace, rather than react with fear.

If you would like to experience this yourself, join me and David Larson for a full day workshop on March 28 th. Early bird registration fee of $100 (including morning muffins and lunch) ends March 1st. Call me for more information or to register at 570-723-1020.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

The Team



Imagine that you have a team of supporters that are standing with you, always. Their job is to be "with you" in whatever way will best serve you as you move along the path of life.

  • Your team is like cheerleaders that remind you that you can accomplish what it is you want to achieve.
  • Your team will console you, love you, and hold you if you need it, when things seem to be too hard to bear.
  • Your team does not judge you, get impatient with you, or chastise you for any mistakes you make along the way.
  • Your team will help you find the humor in situations that seem way too serious.
  • Your team will acknowledge your little steps of improvement as though they are major stepping stones on your path, because they are.
  • Your team will listen to you rant, rave, cry or complain and will wait until you are emptied and ready to be filled with love again.
  • Your team will love you unconditionally, so you will always know that no matter what, you're safe.
  • Your team will hold you accountable to follow through on the things your heart is directing you to do.
  • Your team will calm you when you get scared, reminding you that you can never really be harmed.
  • Your team will always be there, as your closest allies, no matter what, no matter when, no matter how you may need help.

Imagining this troop of allies as my team, makes me smile. I have many real life people in my life that fit into these roles. I also have a celestial team of supporters that are always on call and give me great comfort.

So, with this large team that is standing by to support me, who is in charge? Who's the team captain? I am. I am happy to lead my team in assisting myself to have a life that is filled with joy and with a minimum of suffering.

You see, my team cannot even step in to assist unless I ask for help. For me to ask for help, I must see myself as worthy of receiving love, support, kindness and help of any kind. Being the captain, and since I am always with me, I can often derail any potential problems before they get too big. I can simply change my thoughts from fear to love. I can remind myself of the truth.

As Team Captain, I am vigilant that I stay centered....and if I forget how, I know my team will help me to remember.....I just need to ask.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

What's Important, Really?



When asked what's really important, many of us will list things like family, friends, church, community and health. If we truly believe these things to be most important, then why are we not committed to putting more of our time, energy and attention to them?

For many of us, although we'd like to believe we are committed, we may be fooling ourselves. We often spend more time working than we do enjoying our families. We may not be taking very good care of our health because we don't have time to exercise, have medical check ups or make healthy eating choices. We may say we love our communities, but in fact are not contributing to making our towns, cities or country better places to live. We say our friends are important to us, but we don't have time to spend with them, or even call them.

If we are not honoring and attending to what we say is most important, then what are we doing with our time?

For many, work is the main focus. Perhaps we're believing that if we work harder, it will be the best thing for our families. We tell ourselves that someday we'll get around to getting in better shape, or getting together with friends, or taking part in a community or church event. What may be the truth is that while we are on the treadmill of work, meeting deadlines and pushing ourselves harder and harder, or stuck in front of the computer or television, that which we hold most dear, can be gradually fading away.

Our children grow up and leave home, our friends lose interest and stop calling, our bodies deteriorate in health and become ill, and we become like visitors in our communities and churches, rather than a vital part of the group.

Asking ourselves "What's really important?" and then honoring that which we name, by making those parts of our lives our main focus, is likely to create a major change, for the better. Prioritizing by importance and then scheduling our time accordingly, would be a great fist step.

It is when there is a balance in life that we feel fulfilled. When we are feeling fulfilled, it is a sure sign that what we say is most important is being honored.


Sunday, February 15, 2009

Innocent Gifts



My life path has joyfully led me to working with teens. This week-end brought in the JOY...big time.

Yesterday I introduced a new group of eight teens to Project: Inside Out in the kick-off event of a low ropes course day. It was a delight to see them opening up to who they really are, sharing their natural and innocent gifts and having fun in their process. The group consisted of eight students that did not previously know who their team mates would be. Perhaps they agreed because they knew that each of their team members would also be agreeing to be respectful and kind....unconditionally.

Today created an opportunity to extend the connections, learning, and gift giving of these amazing eight students, when we gathered to create an Alliance for our future work together and begin our "Inside" focus of the group coaching.

When a new group of students gather as we did today, we have a discussion about values, the Gremlin or Saboteur, and their unique gifts. That is always an eye (and heart) opener for anyone of any age.

What a joy it is for me to witness each student recognizing and naming what is true about them. The self doubts, fears and negative self talk does not represent the truth, and with any potential negativity absent, there is only more room for positive intentions and feelings.

There is much yet to be learned for these fresh, eight students over the next twelve weeks of in-school sessions of leadership training. I am honored to be a part of the process and know their innocent gifts will continue to show up as they support one another along the way.

It becomes clear, very early on, that each student has all they need to be leader in their life without even trying.