I selected this topic because this past week was my 22nd wedding anniversary which got me to thinking about the importance of rituals in our lives.
Typically when we think of a ritual we think of a ceremony like a wedding. Before the ceremony there are two single individuals but afterwards there are many real changes that occur in the couples lives. Rituals are extremely important in creating an opportunity to change who we are. Afterwards we are changed.
Another example would be coming-of-age rituals that occur in many ways throughout the different cultures in our world. In this example, after the ritual the individual is no longer considered a child. Their responsibilities change from that day forward.
While we continue to grow and change over time, these rituals create a real marker. This type of distinction creates real transition. Without it we would not fully embrace the new identity.
The Challenge:
1) Think about your goal and create a list of the behaviors that align with success. For example if you want to be healthy maybe determine what your diet will consist of and your exercise schedule. If your goal is to save money then open a savings account and commit to making a deposit after each pay day. If you want positive changes in a relationship then think about what you can do to make those improvements (vs. what your partner should be doing) -- Maybe they will even do this with you if you make it fun and non-threatening. If you want someone new in your life commit to attending functions that will help you to meet new people.
2) Decide when you want to fully embrace these behaviors -- Actually set a date. Make it soon! Just allow enough time to prepare.
3) On that date have a ceremony to celebrate your the new you. At the very least dress up, journal, light a candle, buy something to remind you of the event like a new ring or have a party. Share your transition with a loved one. Declare who you are! Believe you have transformed.
4) From this point forward live in alignment with the new you.
What I'm working on:
With all the wonderful changes in my life over the last year or so I also realized that meant I had to do some letting go. Therefore my emotions have been like a roller coaster. I allowed for the 'grieving' and fear to pass and then began to feel a lifting of my spirit. I celebrated by sharing my turning point with those I love.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Week 36 - Introspection
It can be easy to get caught up in the external stimulus of every day life. Especially with cell phones that can keep us up-to-date on email, test messages, news, events, etc. Like Pavlov's dogs we've become conditioned to respond immediately when we hear a sound. Technology has allowed us to constantly stay connected; but with what? Being more connected to the outside world can leave you feeling over worked, tired, overwhelmed, anxious...
The Challenge:
1) Take at least a half an hour each day (maybe longer) to turn off your cell phone. Obviously don't do this if you work at a hospital and are on call but you get the idea. Allow yourself some time to 'unplug' and check-in.
2) Sit quietly with no television, radio, computer... Or if you would prefer go for a walk. If you want to be in the company of a person or pet that is fine but if you do talk make sure the conversation allows for introspection.
3) Ask yourself (or each other if you have a buddy you want to do this with) the following question: How do I feel? At first your mind may start with the negative feelings; like a headache or earlier disagreement with someone. Acknowledge those feelings briefly and then move on to what feels right. If for example you do have a headache then you may want to focus on how you can feel better and/or notice how many other parts of the body are feeling just fine. As I've said before, these are your quiet supporters so acknowledge them and give thanks. If you notice you have a negative thought consider how you can shift that to a positive thought. For example, is there a lesson you have learned or some advantage? If not find another way to conjure up a positive thought and stay with that for a while.
What I am working on:
My husband and I learned from our trainer that our puppy's failures are ours. If Nitro does have an accident in the house Jody and I have learned to immediately focus on where we failed. This helps us to create success for all of us. While it may seem we are focusing on the negative we are actually being introspective as we examine what really happened and how to improve.
This can be more challenging when examining 'bigger failures' however these lead to our biggest successes. For example I am reminded yet again that my passion can get me into trouble. I can be "too intense" and seem pushy with my agenda. And my passion to help others can lead me to doing for them instead of letting them do for themselves. In particular I am referring to a past business partner and I've really had to stop to consider how I can improve.
That's it for now. Turn off your cell phone and computer now. :)
The Challenge:
1) Take at least a half an hour each day (maybe longer) to turn off your cell phone. Obviously don't do this if you work at a hospital and are on call but you get the idea. Allow yourself some time to 'unplug' and check-in.
2) Sit quietly with no television, radio, computer... Or if you would prefer go for a walk. If you want to be in the company of a person or pet that is fine but if you do talk make sure the conversation allows for introspection.
3) Ask yourself (or each other if you have a buddy you want to do this with) the following question: How do I feel? At first your mind may start with the negative feelings; like a headache or earlier disagreement with someone. Acknowledge those feelings briefly and then move on to what feels right. If for example you do have a headache then you may want to focus on how you can feel better and/or notice how many other parts of the body are feeling just fine. As I've said before, these are your quiet supporters so acknowledge them and give thanks. If you notice you have a negative thought consider how you can shift that to a positive thought. For example, is there a lesson you have learned or some advantage? If not find another way to conjure up a positive thought and stay with that for a while.
What I am working on:
My husband and I learned from our trainer that our puppy's failures are ours. If Nitro does have an accident in the house Jody and I have learned to immediately focus on where we failed. This helps us to create success for all of us. While it may seem we are focusing on the negative we are actually being introspective as we examine what really happened and how to improve.
This can be more challenging when examining 'bigger failures' however these lead to our biggest successes. For example I am reminded yet again that my passion can get me into trouble. I can be "too intense" and seem pushy with my agenda. And my passion to help others can lead me to doing for them instead of letting them do for themselves. In particular I am referring to a past business partner and I've really had to stop to consider how I can improve.
That's it for now. Turn off your cell phone and computer now. :)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Week 35 - Retreat
How interesting that this week I planned on talking about this topic and last week I found out that the parent company of Health Beat Radio was pulling the plug. My intention was to talk about planning a retreat but this just goes to show they can come about unplanned as well.
The Challenge:
Do you feel frazzled, tired or unhappy about a certain aspect of your life? If so list the items that are causing these feelings and consider how you can create a break from them. For example; if you have children I know you love them but they can be a lot of work. Can you plan a little 'you' time? Maybe just a hot bath or an outing with some friends? Or maybe a weekend away with your partner? If works got you down or someone is demanding in your life can you think of a few ways to set some loving boundaries.
What I'm working on:
Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want In Life (Price World Publishing) will be released on 6/1/11. As I work with the publisher, editor, publicist I realize these will be the inward tasks. Soon the book will be in the pubic and so will I. This summer I will do a lot of traveling to promote the book and enjoy time with family and friends. Now I need to enjoy my retreat and prepare for summer.
I also spent time reflecting on some past events in my life and realize that my passion means sometimes people take advantage of me. I am always willing to jump in and accomplish tasks that need to be done. It can mean I take on more and more responsibilities and then people just assume I always will. This happens in many aspects of my life -- I see the trend and am ready to set loving boundaries going forward. It becomes tiresome to always have to be the one to make the phone calls, encourage family relationships, have the gatherings, write the meeting minutes, do the planning/press releases...keep the team encouraged... I know I am my own worst enemy and I created this. I want people to be happy and I want things to succeed. But I cannot do it alone...hence retreat! Some people may perceive that "something is wrong". Actually that is not true at all. I have had a new awareness I am thankful for and believe I can encourage growth for others without always doing the work myself. Hopefully my insights for the week have helped you as well. I will always be passionate (I hope) so no worries. Just retreating for a bit. :)
The Challenge:
Do you feel frazzled, tired or unhappy about a certain aspect of your life? If so list the items that are causing these feelings and consider how you can create a break from them. For example; if you have children I know you love them but they can be a lot of work. Can you plan a little 'you' time? Maybe just a hot bath or an outing with some friends? Or maybe a weekend away with your partner? If works got you down or someone is demanding in your life can you think of a few ways to set some loving boundaries.
What I'm working on:
Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want In Life (Price World Publishing) will be released on 6/1/11. As I work with the publisher, editor, publicist I realize these will be the inward tasks. Soon the book will be in the pubic and so will I. This summer I will do a lot of traveling to promote the book and enjoy time with family and friends. Now I need to enjoy my retreat and prepare for summer.
I also spent time reflecting on some past events in my life and realize that my passion means sometimes people take advantage of me. I am always willing to jump in and accomplish tasks that need to be done. It can mean I take on more and more responsibilities and then people just assume I always will. This happens in many aspects of my life -- I see the trend and am ready to set loving boundaries going forward. It becomes tiresome to always have to be the one to make the phone calls, encourage family relationships, have the gatherings, write the meeting minutes, do the planning/press releases...keep the team encouraged... I know I am my own worst enemy and I created this. I want people to be happy and I want things to succeed. But I cannot do it alone...hence retreat! Some people may perceive that "something is wrong". Actually that is not true at all. I have had a new awareness I am thankful for and believe I can encourage growth for others without always doing the work myself. Hopefully my insights for the week have helped you as well. I will always be passionate (I hope) so no worries. Just retreating for a bit. :)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Week 34 - Beauty
It can be easy to focus on beauty in the springtime when flowers are blooming and the days are long. There is the promise of hope when everything feels fresh and new. However you can almost always find beauty and when you do it can lift your spirits. I know winter has been challenging with all the snow and ice so lets lift those spirits!
The Challenge:
It can be easy to focus on struggle because it has a way of grabbing your attention. In my yoga classes when my students are in a challenging pose I first make sure everyone is in a safe posture and then ask them to shift their focus to an area of the body that feels completely at ease. The shift in focus can help you notice what's pleasant.
Ask yourself "What do I want to attract?" If you focus on the negative, the struggle, the ugly, the work... then that is what you are attracting. Today; and all week I want you to seek out beauty. For example; instead of looking at the tons of snow outside maybe you will find a single beautiful snow flake on the window. Or maybe instead of focusing on the abundance of darkness you can celebrate the light when it arrives. If you are unable to do things you love take time to not only remember past experiences but makes some plans for the future.
What I'm working on:
Since I now live in FL I have been fortunate to enjoy mild weather but I have been hibernating in a way because of my work load. Yes I get out to exercise or go to a yoga class in the mornings but that has even been feeling like a 'to-do'. With my book release date moving up two months and other opportunities and challenges that I am dealing with I have almost no free time. I don't mind because what is keeping me busy are my goals and I am thrilled they are manifesting.
What I have been acutely aware of recently is the beauty I see in the eyes of others. It really makes me stop as for a brief moment I notice their inner beauty. Some eyes sparkle and when they do I quietly rejoice in their moment of peace, happiness, or success. And whenever possible I will acknowledge someone for a beautiful quality that I see in them. When I do I notice their spirits lift and that is also beautiful.
Update on Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life
The new release date is June 1, 2011 and you can pre-order your copy now on Amazon. Just search on my name or the book title to find it.
The Challenge:
It can be easy to focus on struggle because it has a way of grabbing your attention. In my yoga classes when my students are in a challenging pose I first make sure everyone is in a safe posture and then ask them to shift their focus to an area of the body that feels completely at ease. The shift in focus can help you notice what's pleasant.
Ask yourself "What do I want to attract?" If you focus on the negative, the struggle, the ugly, the work... then that is what you are attracting. Today; and all week I want you to seek out beauty. For example; instead of looking at the tons of snow outside maybe you will find a single beautiful snow flake on the window. Or maybe instead of focusing on the abundance of darkness you can celebrate the light when it arrives. If you are unable to do things you love take time to not only remember past experiences but makes some plans for the future.
What I'm working on:
Since I now live in FL I have been fortunate to enjoy mild weather but I have been hibernating in a way because of my work load. Yes I get out to exercise or go to a yoga class in the mornings but that has even been feeling like a 'to-do'. With my book release date moving up two months and other opportunities and challenges that I am dealing with I have almost no free time. I don't mind because what is keeping me busy are my goals and I am thrilled they are manifesting.
What I have been acutely aware of recently is the beauty I see in the eyes of others. It really makes me stop as for a brief moment I notice their inner beauty. Some eyes sparkle and when they do I quietly rejoice in their moment of peace, happiness, or success. And whenever possible I will acknowledge someone for a beautiful quality that I see in them. When I do I notice their spirits lift and that is also beautiful.
Update on Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life
The new release date is June 1, 2011 and you can pre-order your copy now on Amazon. Just search on my name or the book title to find it.
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