Communicating is so much more than talking. It's about honesty with ourselves and others. The 5th Chakra, or energy center (wheel) in the body is the Throat Chakra. The color is blue and when this energy center is working well we communicate well with others and ourselves. There is less need to decieve, which is different than being untruthful in many cases because we are unaware of it. Lack of awareness and letting our ego's rule are forms of self deception.
The Challenge:
1) Think about something that has been causing you to experience a less than desirable emotion (jealousy, envy, anger...)
2) This can be hard to do on your own but try to consider what label you are trying to hold onto that is making you feel this emotion. I know it's easier to blame someone else for the feeling but here is an example. Let's say you feel jealous because someone else has something you want (a home, car, jewlery, job, promotion, etc). Instead of thinking mean thoughts and maybe even talking poorly about that person consider what it is you want and how you can obtain it. Another example: You are angry at someone that hurt your feelings. You feel misunderstood. Stop and consider how you participated in the misunderstanding and how you can correct it. Many times we act with a lack of awareness. You may be sending signals to someone that you are needy and that is why they keep telling you what to do. Or you may always be looking for complements and now someone is avoiding you.
3) Write down 3 small changes you would like to make. Think of characteristics in others that you like (integrity, funny, easy going, classy).
4) Have fun implementing these changes in your life!
What I am working on:
I love planning and accomplishing so I can be a bit of a task master, control freak. I can justify this (self-deception) by saying it is for the greater good. Everyone benefits from all that I accomplish; right? WRONG! My mantra is to lighten up and go with the flow in some areas but to have iron discipline when it comes to accomplishing my big tasks (it's easy to want to slack off with the sales aspects of my business and that is not a good way to sell books!...)
Hope this helps. Enjoy.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Week 45 - Resurrection
With both Easter and Passover I must ask - What has passed you by? What do you want to resurrect? Sometimes passing over something is a good thing; it can be the blessing; and if it is a personal choice it can show you are satisfied, not needy, decluttering, etc. And other times it is important to reflect to determine if there is something you have not done but have a yearning (yen) to accomplish.
The Challenge:
1) Take a moment to determine if there is something missing. Clearly articulate (verbally) and/or write it down.
2) If you want to begin preparing for action you may. Or if you prefer just keep your new intention somewhere you can see. Think about it daily and feel joyful about this discovery.
What I'm working on:
My next book idea may have sat long enough. I still need to focus on promotion of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life which will be released June 1st but I may be ready to start the book proposal in the very near future. For me it is important to focus on the task at hand so knowing I want to work on this project is enough for me at the moment.
The Challenge:
1) Take a moment to determine if there is something missing. Clearly articulate (verbally) and/or write it down.
2) If you want to begin preparing for action you may. Or if you prefer just keep your new intention somewhere you can see. Think about it daily and feel joyful about this discovery.
What I'm working on:
My next book idea may have sat long enough. I still need to focus on promotion of Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life which will be released June 1st but I may be ready to start the book proposal in the very near future. For me it is important to focus on the task at hand so knowing I want to work on this project is enough for me at the moment.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Week 44 - Confidence
When I observe my Chihuahua's barking when they are unsure or startled it makes me think about how us humans work around our insecurities. Maybe it's a survival technique to have a big bark to appear big when in fact we feel small, scared or unsure. If you, or someone you know tends to act like a know-it-all, prideful, cutting others down, etc. it could be that there are missed opportunities. As humans a big part of success is the support of others so we must play nice. If you are really confident you won't need to rely on your less than attractive survival techniques. Here are some ideas:
The Challenge:
1) As Steven Tyler from Aerosmith says "Fake it till you make it". You may not really feel confident but if you practice a behavior you will gain genuine confidence.
2) Understand the difference between confidence and hubris. No one likes a know-it-all or show off; a big part of real confidence is not needing to show off. In other words; relax.
3) When writing down a goal also write down the feelings you would like to have as well. For example you may want to lose weight and when you do and people notice you will put yourself down or diminish your accomplishment. Instead learn to simply say thank you for noticing. Also, it's okay to want money and nice things; it's not okay to show off and make others feel less important.
What I'm working on:
Pitching book ideas, and promoting a book certainly keeps you humble but it's important for me to promote with passion. Sometimes speaking with confidence feels like I am bragging but since I believe what I am doing will help others I need to put forth all the confidence I can muster. It's kind of fun. :)
Have a fantastic week!
The Challenge:
1) As Steven Tyler from Aerosmith says "Fake it till you make it". You may not really feel confident but if you practice a behavior you will gain genuine confidence.
2) Understand the difference between confidence and hubris. No one likes a know-it-all or show off; a big part of real confidence is not needing to show off. In other words; relax.
3) When writing down a goal also write down the feelings you would like to have as well. For example you may want to lose weight and when you do and people notice you will put yourself down or diminish your accomplishment. Instead learn to simply say thank you for noticing. Also, it's okay to want money and nice things; it's not okay to show off and make others feel less important.
What I'm working on:
Pitching book ideas, and promoting a book certainly keeps you humble but it's important for me to promote with passion. Sometimes speaking with confidence feels like I am bragging but since I believe what I am doing will help others I need to put forth all the confidence I can muster. It's kind of fun. :)
Have a fantastic week!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Week 43 Creativity
In an article I have written for a local magazine I talk about the art and science of balance. Art is your creative expression in anything that you do. Being creative can add so much to your life; you can create beauty in your surroundings, peace, joy, happiness, love, success, transformation; the sky is the limit.
The Challenge:
1) To make sure you are accessing the right hemisphere of your brain (considered to be the creative side) first take time to doodle, draw, paint, or enjoy natural surroundings like trees, flowers, etc.
2) Now think about your goal(s) and ask yourself "What haven't I considered? This may seem like a strange question but many times a coach will ask you this question. It's kind of like packing for a vacation -- when you're done don't you ask "What did I forget?".
3) Unlike packing when you think of something you haven't considered you may not be sure how to move forward with that idea. First remember just coming up with a new idea is creative and maybe you know exactly what to do -- For example you may decide to try a yoga class after all because you've heard it can help with your wellness goals. But what if the idea that comes to you is not that defined yet? Maybe you are just deciding you want to encourage well being -- this idea can take you in many directions. In this case it's okay to be with the idea for a while. Maybe you will want to journal or talk to other people. Maybe your creativity will give you the courage to explore different possibilities. Think of yourself as a child playing; just have fun and explore.
What I'm working on:
It's time for me to work on book promotion because Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life comes out on 6/1/11. I am very passionate about promoting the book and coming up with many creative ideas. My curiosity is leading me to trying unconventional methods. My publicist is doing the media promotion and I am looking for opportunities to do presentations and workshops.
As I said on Facebook the other day "People said I would never get a publisher but after a lot of No's came a yes. You only need one yes so don't let the No's scare you. Not trying is saying no to yourself. Here's to your success!"
Don't not ask for what you want because you are afraid of the no. Be curious; be a creator!
Enjoy!
The Challenge:
1) To make sure you are accessing the right hemisphere of your brain (considered to be the creative side) first take time to doodle, draw, paint, or enjoy natural surroundings like trees, flowers, etc.
2) Now think about your goal(s) and ask yourself "What haven't I considered? This may seem like a strange question but many times a coach will ask you this question. It's kind of like packing for a vacation -- when you're done don't you ask "What did I forget?".
3) Unlike packing when you think of something you haven't considered you may not be sure how to move forward with that idea. First remember just coming up with a new idea is creative and maybe you know exactly what to do -- For example you may decide to try a yoga class after all because you've heard it can help with your wellness goals. But what if the idea that comes to you is not that defined yet? Maybe you are just deciding you want to encourage well being -- this idea can take you in many directions. In this case it's okay to be with the idea for a while. Maybe you will want to journal or talk to other people. Maybe your creativity will give you the courage to explore different possibilities. Think of yourself as a child playing; just have fun and explore.
What I'm working on:
It's time for me to work on book promotion because Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life comes out on 6/1/11. I am very passionate about promoting the book and coming up with many creative ideas. My curiosity is leading me to trying unconventional methods. My publicist is doing the media promotion and I am looking for opportunities to do presentations and workshops.
As I said on Facebook the other day "People said I would never get a publisher but after a lot of No's came a yes. You only need one yes so don't let the No's scare you. Not trying is saying no to yourself. Here's to your success!"
Don't not ask for what you want because you are afraid of the no. Be curious; be a creator!
Enjoy!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Week 42 - Going Home
With only 10 weeks left of our challenge I wanted to talk about what I will call 'going home' because I feel every journey usually ends back home and so will this one. But like any journey you may go home but you are not the same person you were before you left.
The Challenge:
-First think about what 'going home' may mean to you. Do you ponder big questions like "Who am I?" or re-connect with your core values? Do you think about your actual home and how you want to present yourself in your life? Do you reflect back on your childhood and all you have seen and done?
-Consider 'triggers' that may set you back when you return home. While you are focused on a goal it can be easier than maintenance. Just like diets the hardest part is after you've hit your goal. Make a plan for your maintenance or come up with a new goal.
-Look back and congratulate yourself on your progress. Even your failures have taught you and can make you a better person.
What I am working on:
It's interesting that about the time the Yen Path 52 Week Challenge ends is when I will be promoting the book, Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life. I did the blog because I want Yen Path to take many forms. After this blog and the book there will probably be more books and other products. Home in this context is Yen Path; which is simply following your yearnings and desires. Desires change as do you (and I) but the essence remains.
We are all seekers; don't be afraid to explore and know you can come home anytime.
The Challenge:
-First think about what 'going home' may mean to you. Do you ponder big questions like "Who am I?" or re-connect with your core values? Do you think about your actual home and how you want to present yourself in your life? Do you reflect back on your childhood and all you have seen and done?
-Consider 'triggers' that may set you back when you return home. While you are focused on a goal it can be easier than maintenance. Just like diets the hardest part is after you've hit your goal. Make a plan for your maintenance or come up with a new goal.
-Look back and congratulate yourself on your progress. Even your failures have taught you and can make you a better person.
What I am working on:
It's interesting that about the time the Yen Path 52 Week Challenge ends is when I will be promoting the book, Yen Path: Taking Steps Towards What You Want in Life. I did the blog because I want Yen Path to take many forms. After this blog and the book there will probably be more books and other products. Home in this context is Yen Path; which is simply following your yearnings and desires. Desires change as do you (and I) but the essence remains.
We are all seekers; don't be afraid to explore and know you can come home anytime.
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