When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing that you think about? Do you groan, roll over and hit “snooze”? Do you cover your head up with the blankets and wish it was the weekend? Or do you jump out of bed with a spring in your step, feeling happy to be live and excited about your next opportunity to spread a little sunshine? I would like to think that, most days, I choose the latter but like everyone, I have those moments where staying in bed has seemed like the best option compared to whatever negative circumstance I felt I had to face that day.
The truth is that bad things happen to good people and it isn’t easy to pick sense out of it all. Having faith that all is as it should be can be very difficult during sorrowful times and it is even necessary to have a good cry and get the grief out of your system in order to let the light shine again and embrace the potential of the future. One of the most powerful lessons I have learned in recent years is that of GRATITUDE. When I start my day thinking of all the great things in my life, it invariably sets a positive tone for the rest of the day and lands me in an excellent spot for processing whatever comes my way. One of the bedtime rituals I started with my children when I was first living on my own with them was to ask when I was tucking them in: “What was your favorite part of the day today?” This question often developed into a conversation about events that happened – goo d and bad – at daycare or school, but the key was that it got them thinking about how they spent their day and what good there was to be found. Our conversation would always end with a reminder to be grateful for all the blessings that we have.
Practicing this with my children was a great tool for me, again, especially in the early years after the divorce when I wanted to make them feel safe and secure in a new environment. Regardless of how the evening at home had gone with them – homework, activities, and baths often requiring more patience than I could summon after working and studying all day – this bedtime ritual of gratitude always brought me into the present moment and melted away any shadow of a doubt that I was where I was meant to be and that I have many, many blessings to celebrate.
Just yesterday, a fire claimed most of my colleague’s home and her family’s possessions. The newspaper headline stated: Couple counts their blessings. While I have been thinking grateful thoughts on a regular basis and particularly this week , this story reminded me that in every tragedy we can still find faith and recognize that the gifts in our lives are not material things but the people in them and the contribution we choose to make in this world. One of my greatest blessings is this Lesson Learned.
Professional Motivator, Lisa Payne, finds inspiration in everyday events to help others embrace their potential.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Finding Solutions in Overwhelm
What a week!! Have you ever questioned WHY you choose to jam so much into a short period of time? As a chronic over-achieving Type A and recovering perfectionist, I am quite familiar with this position. Now, in my new-found awareness, I can be fully conscious of the fact, that I have created this situation that has resulted in less patience and increased back pain and headaches!
Yes, it’s true. From time to time, I allow myself to get caught up in the insanity of trying to fit it all in, being ruled by time and a to-do list the size of your arm! In an effort to create balance, I actually put pressure on myself to achieve more with less. I can even ‘predict’ when it is going to happen, and the first week of August is traditionally it for me. Of course, I realize now that the mere fact that I believed this week was going to be nuts, proves how powerful the mind is at manifesting what you think about! While this has been a very balanced week, my plate truly runneth over with engagements and responsibilities at home, at work, at play and at peace. Here’s how it looks for me:
At home, this is birthday week for Joel. We have had special outings and visits each day. He is my quiet introvert who demands very little in terms of attention or material things. When he shows interest in something, I therefore, do what I can to give him pleasure. This week has been full of those types of gestures on my part. I believe it will make memories to last and explains why it is so important to me.
At work, this is a short week because of the civic holiday, but also a week where I prepare for an exciting road trip to New Brunswick. It has always been the busiest week of the year for administration work – admittedly the part of my job that I like the least. Being tied to the computer, especially when the weather is nice is a chore nobody enjoys but, alas, a necessary component of my work.
At play, I have missed the George Street Festival and the Gander Day celebration, ‘adult’ fun times which always take place at the same time each year and hold a certain appeal for me. However, I have infused every day with joyful times as I embrace my inner child at the beach, park, mall, and theatre. I can’t say that I’ve been all work and no play this week, for sure.
At peace, I have been meditating twice daily for a week. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I listen to a CD that helps me visualize the day ahead. I am going for walks each day for exercise and to clear my head. At bedtime, I listen to another that helps relax my mind and body.
You may be thinking, this seems quite well balanced. What’s her problem? It is true that this is a week of balance. The sad part about my current reality is that my physical energy level is low, and my level of patience has been even lower. In an effort to ensure balance, I have committed to doing too many things without paying attention to what I really need. As I said to a friend and colleague, “At times like these, I really need to take my own advice.”
Moving to solution for me is to block out a certain amount of time for home, work, play and peace and stick to it. Assess what I am trying to accomplish in the allotted time and prioritize those items. Whatever doesn’t get done will get done the next day. At these busy times, I must remain focused within those blocks of time so I can easily move from one task to another without concern or guilt. Each task will get my full attention as I will be present. This is my challenge. There are three more days left to my week at work and with the children and I will make the most of them!! And it won’t kill me J
I will take care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. I will also enlist help to clean my house and do the paperwork that is piling up. Child labour laws don’t exist in my house and nothing says family-togetherness than sorting training materials for Mommy’s workshops!! I have committed to some rewards at the end of the week, too: a barbecue with friends and perhaps a jaunt to the Brigus Blueberry Festival. The truth is that I’m finding what works, living in possibility so that I can embrace my potential. Lesson Learned.
Yes, it’s true. From time to time, I allow myself to get caught up in the insanity of trying to fit it all in, being ruled by time and a to-do list the size of your arm! In an effort to create balance, I actually put pressure on myself to achieve more with less. I can even ‘predict’ when it is going to happen, and the first week of August is traditionally it for me. Of course, I realize now that the mere fact that I believed this week was going to be nuts, proves how powerful the mind is at manifesting what you think about! While this has been a very balanced week, my plate truly runneth over with engagements and responsibilities at home, at work, at play and at peace. Here’s how it looks for me:
At home, this is birthday week for Joel. We have had special outings and visits each day. He is my quiet introvert who demands very little in terms of attention or material things. When he shows interest in something, I therefore, do what I can to give him pleasure. This week has been full of those types of gestures on my part. I believe it will make memories to last and explains why it is so important to me.
At work, this is a short week because of the civic holiday, but also a week where I prepare for an exciting road trip to New Brunswick. It has always been the busiest week of the year for administration work – admittedly the part of my job that I like the least. Being tied to the computer, especially when the weather is nice is a chore nobody enjoys but, alas, a necessary component of my work.
At play, I have missed the George Street Festival and the Gander Day celebration, ‘adult’ fun times which always take place at the same time each year and hold a certain appeal for me. However, I have infused every day with joyful times as I embrace my inner child at the beach, park, mall, and theatre. I can’t say that I’ve been all work and no play this week, for sure.
At peace, I have been meditating twice daily for a week. Before I get out of bed in the morning, I listen to a CD that helps me visualize the day ahead. I am going for walks each day for exercise and to clear my head. At bedtime, I listen to another that helps relax my mind and body.
You may be thinking, this seems quite well balanced. What’s her problem? It is true that this is a week of balance. The sad part about my current reality is that my physical energy level is low, and my level of patience has been even lower. In an effort to ensure balance, I have committed to doing too many things without paying attention to what I really need. As I said to a friend and colleague, “At times like these, I really need to take my own advice.”
Moving to solution for me is to block out a certain amount of time for home, work, play and peace and stick to it. Assess what I am trying to accomplish in the allotted time and prioritize those items. Whatever doesn’t get done will get done the next day. At these busy times, I must remain focused within those blocks of time so I can easily move from one task to another without concern or guilt. Each task will get my full attention as I will be present. This is my challenge. There are three more days left to my week at work and with the children and I will make the most of them!! And it won’t kill me J
I will take care of myself physically, mentally, spiritually and socially. I will also enlist help to clean my house and do the paperwork that is piling up. Child labour laws don’t exist in my house and nothing says family-togetherness than sorting training materials for Mommy’s workshops!! I have committed to some rewards at the end of the week, too: a barbecue with friends and perhaps a jaunt to the Brigus Blueberry Festival. The truth is that I’m finding what works, living in possibility so that I can embrace my potential. Lesson Learned.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Have Courage! Go Barefoot!
Two weeks ago I started this blog, sitting in a new Quiet Space, barefoot, under a tree in Victoria Park on a sunny Terrific Tuesday afternoon. How I found myself in this position was quite ‘by chance’ and since, I believe that everything happens for a reason, I took this as a sign that I should dedicate today’s blog to Going Barefoot! It is now a Magnificent Monday and no better day that to talk about COURAGE.
The landscape of St. John’s, being quite hilly, can pose a challenge for people like me who wear high heels and park on 45-degree angles. When faced with the grassy terrain of the park, I decided that my best option was to carry my shoes in one hand and cross the park barefoot while scoping out the best place to enjoy the sunshine, my tuna sandwich and my notebook in hand. This daring act made me think about how often I have gone barefoot in public and why it seemed so significant to me.
Going barefoot is exhilarating, on many levels. I like the feel of the cool grass between my toes. I am aware how it soothes the soles of my feet. It keeps me present. I like to think of going barefoot as a symbol of freedom and courage. Today I felt safe and secure enough in my own skin and in my environment to be myself, expose myself (my feet, that is) and hence, demonstrate courage by putting myself at risk.
Barefoot. Carefree. Joyful. At peace. Think about how often you were barefoot as a child, when you were fearless. Imagine that world again – where you feel safe and secure enough to walk around unprotected, you can be yourself, expose yourself and hence put yourself at great risk. Of course, the risks multiply as you get older and your sense of self in tied to external measures of success.
I have recently gone Barefoot and exposed myself by entering the world of the blog and sharing intimate details of my experiences and philosophies with the public. I have launched a new business which puts me “out there” front and centre from the world to judge. While I have always considered myself an “open book”, this has been a huge step in the courage department for me. I am embracing my potential, moving beyond my comfort zone and making choices that support my vision of success, even though I do so at great personal risk.
Starting your own business is one example of a significant life event that will test your courage. Moving to a new town, getting married, getting divorced, having children, leaving work to take care of your children or parents… none of these decisions are made lightly, we usually weigh the pros and cons but when all is said and done, they can evoke a sense of exhilaration as you embark on a journey into the unknown. Like free-falling, you have to trust in yourself. You must have faith in your own wisdom and your ability to create a new great reality.
As the butterfly trusts that nature will guard and protect her as she moves from one phase of her life to another, I don my symbol of transformation around my neck – a gift bestowed by my mother, a woman who demonstrates quiet courage in her daily life – and step into my courage today to make my life one of possibility, one of courage!! I am going barefoot in an unknown world. I have faith in me. Lesson Learned.
The landscape of St. John’s, being quite hilly, can pose a challenge for people like me who wear high heels and park on 45-degree angles. When faced with the grassy terrain of the park, I decided that my best option was to carry my shoes in one hand and cross the park barefoot while scoping out the best place to enjoy the sunshine, my tuna sandwich and my notebook in hand. This daring act made me think about how often I have gone barefoot in public and why it seemed so significant to me.
Going barefoot is exhilarating, on many levels. I like the feel of the cool grass between my toes. I am aware how it soothes the soles of my feet. It keeps me present. I like to think of going barefoot as a symbol of freedom and courage. Today I felt safe and secure enough in my own skin and in my environment to be myself, expose myself (my feet, that is) and hence, demonstrate courage by putting myself at risk.
Barefoot. Carefree. Joyful. At peace. Think about how often you were barefoot as a child, when you were fearless. Imagine that world again – where you feel safe and secure enough to walk around unprotected, you can be yourself, expose yourself and hence put yourself at great risk. Of course, the risks multiply as you get older and your sense of self in tied to external measures of success.
I have recently gone Barefoot and exposed myself by entering the world of the blog and sharing intimate details of my experiences and philosophies with the public. I have launched a new business which puts me “out there” front and centre from the world to judge. While I have always considered myself an “open book”, this has been a huge step in the courage department for me. I am embracing my potential, moving beyond my comfort zone and making choices that support my vision of success, even though I do so at great personal risk.
Starting your own business is one example of a significant life event that will test your courage. Moving to a new town, getting married, getting divorced, having children, leaving work to take care of your children or parents… none of these decisions are made lightly, we usually weigh the pros and cons but when all is said and done, they can evoke a sense of exhilaration as you embark on a journey into the unknown. Like free-falling, you have to trust in yourself. You must have faith in your own wisdom and your ability to create a new great reality.
As the butterfly trusts that nature will guard and protect her as she moves from one phase of her life to another, I don my symbol of transformation around my neck – a gift bestowed by my mother, a woman who demonstrates quiet courage in her daily life – and step into my courage today to make my life one of possibility, one of courage!! I am going barefoot in an unknown world. I have faith in me. Lesson Learned.
Birthdays and the Passage of Time
Each year, with the passing of my son’s birthday, I find myself on a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride. I reminded Joel today that he should expect the annual sniffle-fest from me on Tuesday when he turns 11. He is enjoying a week-long celebration with a party at my house Saturday, dinner at grand-parents’ Sunday, spending spree with party cash on Monday, REAL birthday on Tuesday that includes a long-awaited trip to see Happy Potter 6, Regatta Day civic holiday on Wednesday, who-knows-what on Thursday (detox from sweets, for sure) and party at his dad’s on Friday! Come to think of it, this is almost EXACTLY the way I have been celebrating my birthdays for the past 5 years!! I love it!
I have always been a big celebrator. I love planning parties and hosting them, especially birthday parties. My family was very supportive of this when I was living at home and, while we weren’t extravagant by any means, there were always gifts to be opened, decorations to be hung, and Mom’s cake to be eaten. Now that I’m caught up in Joel’s annual gala, even amidst all the hooting and hollering, I get all sentimental about his getting older (for some reason, Sydney’s birthday doesn’t affect me the same way). While I have never been one to worry about getting older or fear the number of candles on the cake, the occasion of Joel’s birthday always makes me reflect on the passage of time. I remember with particular detail, the events of the week leading up to his birth: he was 6 days late and it seemed he grew 10 pounds heavier each day in the July heat! I also think back to how my life was at that time and find myself amazed at what can change. He is only 11 but I feel like I was living a different life when he born and each year, I spend some time thinking about the time that has passed and the choices that I have made to shape my current reality. In my reflection, I count my blessings and marvel at how much we have all grown and learned from our experiences.
How do you view time? Do you count down to events? To 5:00? Thank God it’s Friday or dread the upcoming Monday? Do you look at each birthday as a new beginning, a celebration of what you have accomplished over the past year or try to pretend it’s not happening and pray nobody remembers? In the past (ok, just a few month ago), I could never understand people who don’t want to celebrate their birthdays… it seems odd that all of the men in my life have been like that (of course, nothing is ‘odd’, it just is). Everyone has their reasons, just as I have my own wanted to shout it from the rooftops… I’m 39!! Woo-hOO!!!! Wait until next year! This afternoon while I was hanging with the kids at the beach, I thought about how I would celebrate turning 40… the plan may start early and will likely last months instead of just a week.
The fact is, I am in a perpetual state of celebration, and I am not ashamed to say so. I feel that each day is worthy of a party, one of gratitude, to be shared with those you love. And if you happen to be alone, sing and dance with reckless abandon! Let us view the passage of time as a conscious celebration of growth and learning. Every day there are new opportunities to explore and successes waiting to be realized.
Be on purpose in all of your choices and time won’t fly, it won’t stand still, it won’t exist. But you will be existing in possibility as you embrace your potential! That’s what I will tell Joel on the occasion of his 11th birthday and every year thereafter. He and his sister are my daily inspirations and the reason I choose to celebrate life!! They gave me the gift of this Lesson Learned.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Freedom!
Friday past, I ended a night of dancing with my girlfriends to George Michael’s Freedom ’90 and I haven’t gotten it out of my head since. Upon reviewing the lyrics I see that it was more the energy of the song and the meaning I gave the word FREEDOM that got me so worked up. The following day, getting ready for an afternoon ride on motorcycle, I donned my yellow t-shirt with the word Freedom emblazoned across the chest. Appropriate attire… I think, yes. Travelling down windy highways around the coast of this beautiful province, barely hanging on the back, as a passenger that day I let go of all control and sat back to enjoy the ride. It was a marvelous adventure and the sense of peace that came with such abandon was remarkable. And, quite frankly, tossing my long straight hair (still getting used to this after a lifetime of short curly hair) in the wind after taking off the helmet – AWESOME! I am grateful for the experience and trust it will come again soon (hint to cycle owner).
Ah sweet freedom! It’s a word that conjures many meanings and interesting discussion, at least in my life lately. Lately, when I’ve been watching movies, I have paid more attention to the dialogue and actually recorded a few statements that left me riveted. Once such example, from Catwoman (with Halle Berry): “All your life you have been caged. By accepting who you are - all that you are - you can be truly free.” Have you ever felt like you were trapped in a life that you didn’t choose or that a situation has engulfed you to the point where you can barely breathe?
I have felt like that in the past – unable to freely express myself; unable to do the things I want. The truth is, I was the one who chose not to exercise my freedom. I created a reality in which I buried my true self, thinking that it had to be hidden from view. I assumed the dutiful role, as you may have, in order to keep the peace and not rock the boat; all the while, I was stifling my true desires and not being honest with myself or anyone else. Placing blaming on someone else for this circumstance served only to keep me in victim mode and in a powerless position. Finally, I decided that enough was enough.
After I accepted the responsibility for the situation that I created and understood the lesson to be learned, I was determined to see what was possible as I regained my sense of freedom. The last step in this process is to embrace potential and that’s what I did. (This process, which I will write about soon, is the foundation for my workshop Embrace Your Potential found on my website: http://www.embracingpotential.com/.)
The concept of freedom, like most others, means different things to different people. I searched for definitions on-line and found: “the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints; immunity from an obligation or duty.” I accept those definitions but I find myself in discussions lately about freedom in the context of a relationship and have grappled to clearly expressed my thoughts on the matter.
My attempt: I believe that within a healthy, interdependent relationship, romantic or not, both parties can be free to act or speak without restraint. I believe that a relationship demands respect, but that this respect is not an obligation but a choice, and therefore does not exist to restrict freedom. Respect is giving mutually and as a fundamental component of the relationship. When respect is present, as a (love- as opposed to fear-) response, and both parties accept who they are individually and within the relationship - all that they are - they can be truly free. (Just like the lady in Catwoman said.) And as George Michael sang (and my girlfriends and I bellowed), “I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.” Imagine how powerful two people can be in such a relationship! Lesson Learned there and some!! Thank you.
Ah sweet freedom! It’s a word that conjures many meanings and interesting discussion, at least in my life lately. Lately, when I’ve been watching movies, I have paid more attention to the dialogue and actually recorded a few statements that left me riveted. Once such example, from Catwoman (with Halle Berry): “All your life you have been caged. By accepting who you are - all that you are - you can be truly free.” Have you ever felt like you were trapped in a life that you didn’t choose or that a situation has engulfed you to the point where you can barely breathe?
I have felt like that in the past – unable to freely express myself; unable to do the things I want. The truth is, I was the one who chose not to exercise my freedom. I created a reality in which I buried my true self, thinking that it had to be hidden from view. I assumed the dutiful role, as you may have, in order to keep the peace and not rock the boat; all the while, I was stifling my true desires and not being honest with myself or anyone else. Placing blaming on someone else for this circumstance served only to keep me in victim mode and in a powerless position. Finally, I decided that enough was enough.
After I accepted the responsibility for the situation that I created and understood the lesson to be learned, I was determined to see what was possible as I regained my sense of freedom. The last step in this process is to embrace potential and that’s what I did. (This process, which I will write about soon, is the foundation for my workshop Embrace Your Potential found on my website: http://www.embracingpotential.com/.)
The concept of freedom, like most others, means different things to different people. I searched for definitions on-line and found: “the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints; immunity from an obligation or duty.” I accept those definitions but I find myself in discussions lately about freedom in the context of a relationship and have grappled to clearly expressed my thoughts on the matter.
My attempt: I believe that within a healthy, interdependent relationship, romantic or not, both parties can be free to act or speak without restraint. I believe that a relationship demands respect, but that this respect is not an obligation but a choice, and therefore does not exist to restrict freedom. Respect is giving mutually and as a fundamental component of the relationship. When respect is present, as a (love- as opposed to fear-) response, and both parties accept who they are individually and within the relationship - all that they are - they can be truly free. (Just like the lady in Catwoman said.) And as George Michael sang (and my girlfriends and I bellowed), “I don’t belong to you and you don’t belong to me.” Imagine how powerful two people can be in such a relationship! Lesson Learned there and some!! Thank you.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Surrender Judgment
What would your world look like if you let go of the need to be right? What if, for one day, you surrendered all judgment? What do you suppose would happen to your relationships, your workplace, your home life? How would you feel inside?
Letting go of preconceived ideas is very difficult for some more than others. This continues to be the area of my ego that challenges me most. As a reformed perfectionist, it is ‘easy’ for me to slip back into old patterns of judgment, where I find fault OR excellence in all things. My mind is a judging machine! Even my Myers’ Briggs profile: ENFJ tells me I am, so I must be, right?? J
Yes, I have been right many times and when I am not as sure, I gather evidence (like the MB typing above) to back me up. I have surrounded myself with people that support my views and avoided those who challenge me. My Type A personality (more evidence) has had me so wound up when the world around me appears ‘wrong’ that I can barely cope… I have manifested illness like chronic back pain and headaches as I fight the concept of surrender: wouldn’t that make me wrong?? Wait, isn’t THAT another judgment?
I feel like I have been typing in circles. I apologize for that to the reader who is trying to pick some sense out of this blog today. The fact is that, without surrendering judgment, our minds do create vicious cycles that are difficult to stop. Once we decide that we are right, it automatically makes someone else wrong. How can good come from that? When we are in the cycle of judgment, we can easily miss the beauty of the imperfection of life.
If we remove the ultimate word of judgment, “should”, from our vocabulary, freedom will reign. Think about it! How many times each day do you find yourself saying things like: “I really should do the dishes now; The kids should do their homework now; My spouse should fix this now; My dad should mind his own business. My neighbor should take better care of …?” Surrender yourself to the flow of the Universe, and suspend judgment – even if for one day – and take note of the change in you and your environment.
When we surrender judgment, we have a remarkable opportunity to learn about ourselves. How we judge others is often how we perceive ourselves to be lacking. If we judge another to be stupid, fat, or ugly, it often comes from a deeper self-image issue that we need to address in ourselves. When we judge others to be imperfect, we are projecting the feeling of imperfection that we view in ourselves, even if we do so unconsciously. It is imperative (is that a judgment?) that we look inward to the source of our insecurities that ultimately cause us to form judgments. Accept what is and surrender the need to be right.
Imagine if we recognized the Divine beauty in all people and all things, accepting that how we see them is actually different than how others do. This is part of what makes this a wonderful world! We are blessed with the capacity to change our minds and change our worlds. Embrace the imperfect because it is there where beauty lies. Respond with compassion and love. Do this for yourself first, then other. Move forward with an open heart to what is possible and you will find inner and outer peace. What a beautiful Lesson Learned.
Visit my new website: www.embracingpotential.com
Letting go of preconceived ideas is very difficult for some more than others. This continues to be the area of my ego that challenges me most. As a reformed perfectionist, it is ‘easy’ for me to slip back into old patterns of judgment, where I find fault OR excellence in all things. My mind is a judging machine! Even my Myers’ Briggs profile: ENFJ tells me I am, so I must be, right?? J
Yes, I have been right many times and when I am not as sure, I gather evidence (like the MB typing above) to back me up. I have surrounded myself with people that support my views and avoided those who challenge me. My Type A personality (more evidence) has had me so wound up when the world around me appears ‘wrong’ that I can barely cope… I have manifested illness like chronic back pain and headaches as I fight the concept of surrender: wouldn’t that make me wrong?? Wait, isn’t THAT another judgment?
I feel like I have been typing in circles. I apologize for that to the reader who is trying to pick some sense out of this blog today. The fact is that, without surrendering judgment, our minds do create vicious cycles that are difficult to stop. Once we decide that we are right, it automatically makes someone else wrong. How can good come from that? When we are in the cycle of judgment, we can easily miss the beauty of the imperfection of life.
If we remove the ultimate word of judgment, “should”, from our vocabulary, freedom will reign. Think about it! How many times each day do you find yourself saying things like: “I really should do the dishes now; The kids should do their homework now; My spouse should fix this now; My dad should mind his own business. My neighbor should take better care of …?” Surrender yourself to the flow of the Universe, and suspend judgment – even if for one day – and take note of the change in you and your environment.
When we surrender judgment, we have a remarkable opportunity to learn about ourselves. How we judge others is often how we perceive ourselves to be lacking. If we judge another to be stupid, fat, or ugly, it often comes from a deeper self-image issue that we need to address in ourselves. When we judge others to be imperfect, we are projecting the feeling of imperfection that we view in ourselves, even if we do so unconsciously. It is imperative (is that a judgment?) that we look inward to the source of our insecurities that ultimately cause us to form judgments. Accept what is and surrender the need to be right.
Imagine if we recognized the Divine beauty in all people and all things, accepting that how we see them is actually different than how others do. This is part of what makes this a wonderful world! We are blessed with the capacity to change our minds and change our worlds. Embrace the imperfect because it is there where beauty lies. Respond with compassion and love. Do this for yourself first, then other. Move forward with an open heart to what is possible and you will find inner and outer peace. What a beautiful Lesson Learned.
Visit my new website: www.embracingpotential.com
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Soulful Sundays
Sundays is considered a day of rest for many people and has traditionally involved some form of religious observation. Although it has been a while since I have attended church on Sunday mornings, I find peaceful satisfaction in nurturing my spirit and spirituality on Soulful Sundays. As Sundays have become a day where I tend to my heart’s desire, it can’t help but be a day of rest for me.
It is a day where I get in touch with my spirit and what may be lacking; I restore my energy and my consciousness in order to live in possibility each and every day. It is a vital part of the process to have one day for such self-care. Sundays have been it fore me for the past 5 years.
I have a number of books and meditation CDs that I use to help in this process. On fair weather days I head to the beach, to my Quiet Space. When I am able to relax my body and mind, my spirit gets revitalized. It often needs this because of Sinful Saturdays!! As I let myself go into indulgence on Saturday, the order of business on Soulful Sunday starts with forgiveness for whatever I have chosen throughout the week that may not have been in alignment with my vision of success. Allowing myself the room to deviate in advance (part of the Sinful Saturday plan) makes this much easier than in the past but is still important and leads to full self-acceptance.
Today, in particular, I had to forgive myself for a number of disempowering thoughts that I experienced yesterday. As much as I try to avoid them, the Universe tests me like everyone else and leaves me in a state of victimhood now and then. In order to regain ground, I first recognize where I have traveled, let the feelings surface, and then focus on how I am being. If I were not BEING a state ripe for victimhood, I would not have attracted those circumstances that me made feel disempowered. I use this analysis as an opportunity to learn. I forgive myself for going to that dark place, regardless of how long it lasted, and being to create anew. It is remarkable, with hindsight, how we give up our power to such trivial things. The fact is that it does happen to each of us, and the quicker we are able to acknowledge and recover, the less often it will happen and the less destructive it will.
How are you nurturing your spirit on this Soulful Sunday? Will you take the time to examine your thoughts and actions and forgive any ‘trespasses’? Be the change you want to see in your world. It is an ‘inside job’ after all.
My day has been spent with my two wonderful children. After sleeping in, we broke up the raining day with a bridal shower (we all won door prizes!), a trip to Chapters, and some quiet relaxation. For me, that meant meditation, reading and writing. For them, it meant reading and playing. This evening will be a little more lively with our weekly Dance Dance Revolution competition on the Wii. Our Soulful Sundays are filled with different activities that nurture various parts of our spirit with relaxed expressions of creativity, alone time and togetherness. It is a great way to wind up the week and prepare ourselves for the return of Magnificent Monday.
I have enjoyed this day in ways that I could not before. Now that I consciously decide how I will spend my time. It is how I live my life on purpose. Involving the children in this pursuit makes them more conscious as well. It is my way of teaching them about choice, forgiveness and empowerment. It is a Lesson Learned that I choose to impart on my children and anyone I touch because I see the power of possibility in each of us.
Check out my new website: http://www.embracingpotential.com
It is a day where I get in touch with my spirit and what may be lacking; I restore my energy and my consciousness in order to live in possibility each and every day. It is a vital part of the process to have one day for such self-care. Sundays have been it fore me for the past 5 years.
I have a number of books and meditation CDs that I use to help in this process. On fair weather days I head to the beach, to my Quiet Space. When I am able to relax my body and mind, my spirit gets revitalized. It often needs this because of Sinful Saturdays!! As I let myself go into indulgence on Saturday, the order of business on Soulful Sunday starts with forgiveness for whatever I have chosen throughout the week that may not have been in alignment with my vision of success. Allowing myself the room to deviate in advance (part of the Sinful Saturday plan) makes this much easier than in the past but is still important and leads to full self-acceptance.
Today, in particular, I had to forgive myself for a number of disempowering thoughts that I experienced yesterday. As much as I try to avoid them, the Universe tests me like everyone else and leaves me in a state of victimhood now and then. In order to regain ground, I first recognize where I have traveled, let the feelings surface, and then focus on how I am being. If I were not BEING a state ripe for victimhood, I would not have attracted those circumstances that me made feel disempowered. I use this analysis as an opportunity to learn. I forgive myself for going to that dark place, regardless of how long it lasted, and being to create anew. It is remarkable, with hindsight, how we give up our power to such trivial things. The fact is that it does happen to each of us, and the quicker we are able to acknowledge and recover, the less often it will happen and the less destructive it will.
How are you nurturing your spirit on this Soulful Sunday? Will you take the time to examine your thoughts and actions and forgive any ‘trespasses’? Be the change you want to see in your world. It is an ‘inside job’ after all.
My day has been spent with my two wonderful children. After sleeping in, we broke up the raining day with a bridal shower (we all won door prizes!), a trip to Chapters, and some quiet relaxation. For me, that meant meditation, reading and writing. For them, it meant reading and playing. This evening will be a little more lively with our weekly Dance Dance Revolution competition on the Wii. Our Soulful Sundays are filled with different activities that nurture various parts of our spirit with relaxed expressions of creativity, alone time and togetherness. It is a great way to wind up the week and prepare ourselves for the return of Magnificent Monday.
I have enjoyed this day in ways that I could not before. Now that I consciously decide how I will spend my time. It is how I live my life on purpose. Involving the children in this pursuit makes them more conscious as well. It is my way of teaching them about choice, forgiveness and empowerment. It is a Lesson Learned that I choose to impart on my children and anyone I touch because I see the power of possibility in each of us.
Check out my new website: http://www.embracingpotential.com
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