Stirring the Spirit Within

What is Your Dream?

2012-01-15T18:22:00.001-05:00

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his I Have a Dream Speech at the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C. 08/28/1963

When thinking about Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, what part of his message do you take to heart? His speech was originally titled, "Normalcy, Never Again". (The first draft did not include the words, I have a dream.)

Are you happy with your Normal? If not, what do you dream about changing?

Dr. King went off script at the end of his speech when gospel singer Mahalia Jackson shouted out "Tell them about the dream, Martin!" That's when Dr. King went into preaching mode with the words "I have a dream" being used to make his points.

What would have to happen or be said to you - to shake you out of automatic pilot and take you into a place of greatness?

It doesn't have to take a catastrophic event, but often the act of being tossed into a world of turmoil - where the ground's been ripped out from under your feet is a very powerful motivator to build yourself a more authentic life. One where you can operate from your true internal compass and be aligned with your own Divine Connection or Source and be at Peace.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and exhale slowly...remember you are truly never alone.

Seeing yourself at one with all that is good in the Universe can relieve and calm inner stress. Align and surround yourself with people who support you for who you are and who support the dreams that you hold for your life.

Appreciate the gifts in this Life experience. Recognize and embrace your own unique Spirit. Practice extreme self-care in order to not only help yourself, but to help others.

Acknowledge your own strengths and every one else's special gifts. Encourage peace in your world through the way you live your life and bless others.

Change may be inevitable, but your reaction to change is controlled only by you. With each shift or change in your life, it is an opportunity to move forward and expand.

I Have A Dream...Do You?

Tell me about your dreams in a comment below.

As always, if you'd like help attaining your dreams, contact me for an complimentary session to explore how coaching with me can help!

What Are You Willing to Be, Do & Have in 2012?

2012-01-01T12:04:00.000-05:00

Release & Let Go of What No Longer Serves You.

Claim What You Are Willing to Be, Do & Have in 2012.

If you don't participate in a group that has a burning bowl ritual or missed it this year, create your own.

Take a piece of paper and write what you are willing to let go of this year.

What no longer serves you?

sloth
a body less than fit
complaining
lack
disorganization
loneliness
negative outlook

Now take this paper and put it in the fireplace or go outside and safely set the paper on fire in a stone pit, clay pot, or grill. Consciously vow that you ARE ready to release these things from your life and to accept what is yours for your HIGHEST & BEST LIFE IN 2012.

Wait, you aren't done yet!

On a second piece of paper, write on one side what you are ready to BE, Do & HAVE this year. Are you ready to accept these in your life NOW?

a prosperous life
companionship
a fit, strong, or flexible body
happiness
peace of mind
a new car
service to others
a light unto the world
an author
the perfect job for your skills and needs

Turn this paper over and on the backside write what actions you are willing to commit to in order to BE, DO & HAVE this life. Yes, the Universe needs a bit of commitment and some elbow grease on your part!

Are you willing to:

make time for exercise
Eat more fruits and vegetables
work at not complaining
being grateful for what you have
be of service to others
give monetarily to causes of your choice
put aside time to write
putting in the time and effort for right employment

Put this paper in an envelope and put it somewhere safe (Your tax file, address book or ...), or give it to a trusted (organized) friend and ask that it be given back or mailed to you around Thanksgiving for the year's review.

There are many versions of how to do this. You could start with a Gratitude List for 2011, but whatever works for you, the premise is the same. A willingness to release what no longer serves you and setting your intentions for your highest and best life.

YOU may want to keep this in a journal where you check in on the letter monthly to stay focused on your desires and building motivation and momentum. there's no right or wrong way.

When I received my 2011 letter back in November I realized I had achieved 2 out of 3 of my desires for the year:

good decisions on my transportation needs (bye-bye Rendezvous-hello Juke)

better health habits - Eating Plant Strong, loosing 30 lbs, and lower cholesterol

Wait no longer! The Universe is ready, willing, and able to give you what is in your best interest. Are you ready to commit, work towards, and accept it?

May 2012 be the year you step further into the best version of you and let your light shine!

Namaste ~ Jude

The Stockings Were Hung

2011-12-24T21:00:00.000-05:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

in hopes that Florida relatives soon would be there.

Cleaning and scrubbing, and a new roof was put on

after Jude finished teaching and from school had gone.

Christmas Eve was spent shopping - buying groceries for:

the vegans, the dog & the omnivores.

The Grinch may have stole Christmas from the Whos in that show,

but WE'LL have a great Christmas, though I doubt we’ll have snow.

To All My Virtual Friends and Followers

Have a Blessed Holiday Season if you celebrate and I hope you enjoy family or friends no matter what.

Here's to embracing the journey 2012 brings and aligning your vibrational energy with the Cosmos for your Highest and Best Life!

I'd be honored to help you embrace the journey & attain your goals!

Gratitude's Attitude

2011-11-19T13:48:00.006-05:00

Yes! It's true. To have something more, better & aligned with who you really are, you gotta love what you have, even when it doesn't seem like there's anything to love! As Byron Katie would say "love what is". It certainly has been the story of my spiritual growth path. When life seems to suck, give thanks!

I remember a Christmas (in a previous married part of my life) that wasn't feeling so hot. No money, loads of debt, relationship wasn't feeding my soul in a good way, doing therapy, wondering if my parents role in my life had screwed me up, worrying that my kids' lives were screwed up and what role I'd had in that & needing some love & attention....ever been there? Then you know the head space I was living in. Not to rehash the past (that was my perception at that moment in time), but my spiritual upbringing kicked in. Be thankful - give thanks for what you have and who you have in your life now, because it's all for your highest and best growth.

I wrote letters to my family members as the biggest part of their holiday gifts (I couldn't afford much more). I thanked them for every good thing I could imagine they had provided for me, even if it was only what they thought they were providing, or what I thought they must have thought they were providing. I needed to feel that I mattered and was loved.

The result of those letters was much love and thanks were reflected back to me expansively. They affirmed that I did matter, that my gift of reaching out in love to others did affect them in a positive way that rippled out into the world.

No matter what life's circumstances seem to be handing you. No matter what the world's financial, governmental, or seeming lack of harmony "look" like. What's true is only what you allow as your current perception. I had to see that I could give thanks for all that was or that "seemed" to be part of my life at that moment to understand that much of it really wasn't true if I looked to the core of who I knew myself to be. Created in the purest way and filled with all that I needed in order to live a happy life that was not dependent on others or what they thought of me.

So this is my gift to you in this week of Thanks & Giving. Love what is. Love the skin you're in. Love your perceived world as it is. Thank the people in your life for what you can or what you can imagine they thought they were doing for you. Thank the Universe for this opportunity to see only what is there for your highest and best. The world will be a better place for it and so will you.

Namaste

Listening Fully

2011-08-08T11:56:00.003-04:00

Have you ever had someone ask you if you are really listening to them? Some signs may be that you’re interrupting them as they are trying to finish a sentence or you find yourself thinking about what to make for dinner.

When we do this, the speaker often feels disrespected or unappreciated. They see us with a far off look in our eyes or glancing at our watch. Their train of thought is interrupted when we jump into the conversation thinking we are connecting or worse yet think we know what they are going to say.

Yesterday I was getting ideas to use in my first grade classroom and came across a download on how to teach 6 year olds to listen with their whole bodies. WOW! What a great skill to give to children at this age. I will be one happy teacher if I have a classroom of real listeners!

The download is from Kathleen Pederson (who blogs at growingkinders.blogspot.com - She gives away and sells her creations for teachers at teacherspayteachers.com also). It is about using a little monster story to teach manners and adapts the concept from books on Whole Body Listening from Think Social Publishing with a cute little monster learning to listen with its head, heart, eyes, hands, feet, ears & brain. I can’t wait to try this with my class!

Then today, my DailyOm horoscope was Listen with Your Eyes. How perfect!

Here is just a clip. For the whole article go to DailyOm.

Perhaps today you can practice paying greater attention in your interactions by making an effort to not interrupt, interject, or add your opinions when talking to someone else….. Using our eyes to focus on another person means that we use more than just our ears to listen. Not only do they show we are fully present but our eyes allow us to sense emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects of our interaction…., your interactions will become more attentive and full of greater awareness and empathy for others.

How will you listen today?

Are you Allowing for Resistance?

2011-07-10T22:53:00.002-04:00

Have you ever had a break up where you knew the relationship was toxic, but you struggled with letting it go? Whether it was a love relationship or just a friend, your mind keeps going back to why didn't it work out or I miss him so much! You make a list of good points versus bad.

It's obvious that the damage from the minus side was taking its toll on you. This person is not going to change, but your monkey mind is holding on tight making you miserable with wanting what isn't working. You have an idea of how your life or the world SHOULD be and life just isn't cooperating with you.

How do you handle it? Do you get upset with yourself for not being able to logically let go & move on? What's the deal? You're a bright educated person here. Why does do you still feel so crappy about this?

Or do you allow for that resistance to change? Allow for those human feelings and emotions. Allow for the grief of unmet hopes & dreams or for loss. Allow for what is.

So many of us get stuck in the why didn't it work out? Why doesn't ___ (s/he, your parents, a friend...) love/treat me the way I need to be loved/treated? Why do other people do things that hurt me?

What if for one moment, you gave yourself permission to feel those feelings without judgement? What could be possible - self acceptance, less pain, even contentment?

The next time the emotional flood gates open and you find yourself saying "Why do I still feel this way?" - Try something new. Give yourself permission to feel those feelings. Notice them, give them some attention. "Oh! You're back again, hello - How long do you plan to visit?" They are just like an errant child who isn't getting the attention s/he wants.  These feelings keep yelling and screaming. Every time you slam the door in their faces, they get louder and louder with each denial that they should still exist.

You might even try scheduling time to invite these thoughts back in. By giving your mind permission to have these feelings, rational to you or not, it takes away the power they have over you. You are accepting what is.

After all - That which we resists, persists!

Have you tried something that works for you?
I'd love hearing from you.  Feel free to leave a comment.

As always, contact Jude for more information on how to love the skin you're in and live a life you love!

What Gets in YOUR Way?

2011-06-22T23:26:00.000-04:00

So maybe that's a rhetorical question. Most of us know that we are the ones that get in our own way. What do we do about it? This is about you, your life & achieving your goals!

In order to give yourself the best edge toward success, when you set a goal, make sure it's outcome focused, in line with your values and stated in the positive. Make it SMART:

Specific
Measurable
Action-Oriented
Realistic
Time Sensitive

Focus on the Outcome.

What is it you REALLY want and what is the PAIN of NOT achieving your goal?

QUESTIONS to ask yourself

Is this goal in line with your vision and your values?
Is the goal something you really want or think you SHOULD do/have?
When thinking about achieving this, do you feel a deep sense of contentment or excitement?
How does it fit into your lifestyle (time/effort/commitment/impact on others)?
If you could have this goal RIGHT NOW - would you take it?

Wait, you say! What's this got to do with getting in our own way? Here we go...

Identify possible OBSTACLES upfront

Can you start & maintain the outcome of this goal - are YOU in control?
What else might you need to deal with - will it affect other areas/people in your life?
What is the secondary gain for maintaining the status quo?
What will you have to give up or stop doing & are you willing to pay the price?
What else could help you or get in your way - how do you sabotage yourself?
WHO will you have to BE to achieve this goal?

Is your Goal the right SIZE?

Does it need to be broken into smaller goals or is it too small to motivate action?
What is the smallest, super-easy level?
What is your target level that you feel is just right?
Finally, what would be an outrageous level that would push you out on a limb?
Give yourself a goal range so you can't fail to achieve some level of success!

Now gather your RESOURCES and get moving! There are things, people, contacts, skills, money, etc. that you already have. Make an inventory and decide what you still NEED.

Remember - Goals are there to inspire you, not beat yourself up with...

Stop getting in your own way before you've even started. With a little forethought, those bricks will vanish into an open door that pulls you through with gusto.

Door Photo by Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Looking Backwards, a Hindrance or a Help?

2011-06-14T15:02:00.000-04:00

What do you believe about looking backwards over your life?

That it's a wasted effort?
Leave the past in the past and move on?
No use dwelling on what went wrong.

This is certainly a prevalent view. Is it yours?

Or do you enjoy ruminating over the past?

Either the happy times "that were" and you wish could still be.
Or all the things that went wrong and made your life miserable (at least that's what you're believing at that moment).

Kind of the glass half empty model. How's that working for you?

Is there another way?

What about taking a moment to examine your day to see if you're living in alignment with your highest beliefs (call it Spirituality, Divine rules you live by, or Universal laws to how to treat others & yourself).

One way to do this is through the Examen Practice or using your own version of these principles. It's been around since days of old and was used by St. Ignatius. It involves 5 steps which I've adapted:

1. Be still in the present moment and be at one with your Higher Power:

That may be God/Goddess/Source/Intuition, whatever you tap into for guidance. Ask that you be given clarity and understanding around the events of the day.

2. Apply Gratitude:

Take note of the bright spots, moments of joy or beauty. What gifts did this day bring? Think of the work you did, the people you interacted with - what were the blessings and how were you a blessing to others? Food you ate, natural wonders you saw, catching all the green lights - the smallest things are worth noting.

3. Observe Your Feelings and Emotions:

Some of our best insights are here. Were you angry, excited, anxious, or joy filled? What do these mean? What would you go back and change if you could? What is your intuition telling you to do?

4. Focus on One Event and Ask for Guidance:
Wait in the stillness for a message about one part of your day -  whether it was positive or negative, what clarity or advice does your higher self have to offer around this? Don't force an answer, but listen to whatever arises.

5. Look Toward Tomorrow:
What's on your to-do list? What are your challenges? Pay attention to the feelings that come up around these. Feeling eager anticipation or not enough?   Ask for help, know that that guidance is always there for you to turn to.

Use this process today or periodically to check-in with yourself.   See if the path you are on is still the one you want to take.  Turn on your inner GPS. Are you are on the path that takes you where you want to go in the most direct route. If you feel stuck, imagine you are a wise strong eagle flying overhead observing you at a crossroads of paths unsure of which road to take. What does the eagle see that you can't because you're too close to the situation? Listen to and follow through on the guidance you receive, otherwise you may find yourself wondering around in a maze of detours by tomorrow again.

Looking back to see forward more clearly!  Try it today!
Please leave a comment if you've had an experience like this that gave you gained insight and clarity.

Image from Master isolated images / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Change Your Thinking - Change Your Life - Really?

2011-06-05T11:58:00.043-04:00

"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." ~ Stephen Dolley Jr.

You say you'd like a life where you're feeling no angst over your choices. You'd love your job, have a great relationship that included acceptance and support, you'd live in balance and be able to set boundaries for others and yourself. Do you believe it's possible or do you see all the problems that "might" get in the way?

Some people are so smart, they easily see all the things that could get in the way of their own joy:

I can't make the choices I want, because no matter what I choose to do, someone will tell me I'm wrong and criticism doesn't feel good.
All the good men are taken.
I have to work overtime in order to succeed.
Work has to come before my family in order to pay the bills.I can't quit this job, I'm in too many years to leave because of the benefits or the retirement program.
Just being who I am is not enough in this competitive world. I have to do or be more. I have to live up to someone else's expectations and that's just too hard.
I'd just rather not rock the boat, it's too scary.

Here's the deal, how badly do you really want a different life or at least a life that feels different? You have to really want it, be willing to try something out of your comfort zone, be willing to persevere, and really believe that YOU can have/do it. At the very least, you have to be fed up with how you're feeling now, have suffered enough loss of ___ (your joy, peace, happiness) to be willing to try something else.

When all those thoughts of why and how this may work for other people, but I can't have it because - crop up - focus on the positive aspects of making it happen.

What would it look like?
What would it feel like?
How will you reward yourself for making this change?
Who will be with you when it happens?
See them congratulating you!

Keep the focus on why you CAN make it happen instead of why you can't. Take no excuses from your monkey mind any more!

Do you need some help with this? Getting started is half the battle. Enlist a support system of family or friends. Put into place structures that will remind you this YOUR dream and it is possible. That may be journaling, mediation, vision boards, scheduling a regular massage. It may be hiring someone to help - life coach, counselor, baby sitter, or head hunter for that job you want.

We can have an immediate transformation of belief often after a session or two with someone who believes the power of our own innate ability to make these changes. They stand by us, cheer us on, and give us the tools to not only survive in our present circumstances, but to thrive in the now and work toward the what can be.

A quote that helped turn my thoughts around at a dark time in my life is:

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." ~ Lao Tzu.

Are you ready to let go of your perception of what you can't have or be?

If you like what you read, consider voting the UP arrow here (only once or I get disqualified) for Stirring the Spirit Within & please leave a positive comment there.

Inner Peace or Happiness - Are they the same?

2011-05-28T15:23:00.005-04:00

"In the sanctuary of my heart, I feel the peace and love of God.

Though responsibilities, interests and distractions compete for my attention, I am blessed with the ability to focus. I maintain space in my mind and heart for stillness and quiet. In this inner sanctuary, I find peace. I feel God's presence and love.

In the midst of any activity, I can pause for a moment and consciously shift my attention inward. It is as if I have touched the hem of the garment of Jesus and am experiencing a healing and soothing peace sweep over me.

During periods of extended meditation, I go even deeper into the silence. I welcome this respite and feel myself relax in mind and body. I am blessed by this conscious connection with the flow of good. Thank you, God, for your peace and love.

May mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.--Jude 1:2" Daily Word

Is your Inner Peace dependent on your Happiness or is your Happiness dependent on your Inner Peace? Or are they even related? In a recent SparkPeople Healthy Reflections I read:

“The secret to happiness is not to get what you want, but to want what you already have. If you think about it, most discontent grows from want. We want more stuff, more excitement, more pleasure. When we don't get those things, we're resentful and unsatisfied. Take away the want, and you take away the unhappiness. When your quality of life is tied to your desires, fulfillment is a shadow that escapes your view. Like trying to imagine a new color, the harder you look, the harder it is to see. Does this mean you stop setting goals and striving for a healthy lifestyle and better life? No. It means you can appreciate life regardless of the outcome. It means you can relish the pursuit while accepting the possibility of failure. It means you can still enjoy the ride. Happiness is not a destination--it's a way of life. The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet. - James Oppenheim”

That takes me back to my trip to Unity Village for a weekend retreat with Byron Katie - when I really began to figure out how to Love What Is. It all started with a traffic jam that caused me to miss my flight. OK. I had some choices. Wait and hope there was a future flight in time to make it there maybe missing part of the conference for a few extra bucks, pay for a whole new ticket for a whole lot of money, but get there without missing anything, or cancel the trip and feel that life had cheated me out of this opportunity that I’d work hard to achieve. What do you suppose I did?

At first I reacted with my human emotions of anger, helplessness & indecision. I was just coming through one of the darkest periods of time in my life. I had been working hard to let go of old ways of reacting and seeing myself as a victim of life’s hard knocks. I had been learning to embrace “what is”, breath through it, lean into it & not attach to the emotions that come up.

So I just bought a new ticket and went on my way—yes, it was a lot of money--yes, I’d worked hard to get the cheapest flight and make this trip affordable, but I wasn’t putting a price on happiness, and my inner peace didn’t need to be disturbed by this blip in my plans. I knew the trip was worth it. Even more, I knew that I was worth it!

I was investing in my spiritual and emotional growth. My inner peace was not going to be disturbed by this and my happiness didn’t depend on everything going “as planned”.

So open the prison doors of your mind--release old memories that were painful, old ways of acting, and start embracing and making new ones that nourish your soul today. And as always, if you’d like help with this process, contact me, I’d love to help!

Photo credit - Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

5 Tips to Starting a Spiritual Practice

2011-04-08T12:00:00.002-04:00

1. When you first awake - before thinking about your to-do list, breathe in deeply the breath of Life. As you breathe out say "Thanks" to the Universe. You may simply repeat "thank you" several times in a row for all that you have or picture specific family, friends, or things. Be conscious when beginning your day with a breath of thanks.

2. Be present - fully present - to what is in your surroundings. Focus on one thing and look at it as if it was the first time you'd ever seen it. Reject anything you already know about this item, person or experience. Just allow the moment to unfold in fully sensory vision and feel how your body responds. Stand in awe and just breathe it in deeply.

3. Focus on a thing of beauty. Open yourself to the splendor and see beautiful energy radiating out towards you and permeating your being. Imagine it like a battery that you can plug into and continually recharge from. When you feel fully "charged", send some of this energy to someone else who may need it. Know that you are continually being filled even as you give away the energy you share. Give thanks to the Universe for this beauty and the way you are interconnected with all the beautiful energy in it.

4. Recall an activity or person that makes you laugh, really laugh at a gut level. Pick a time and commit to doing this again or seeing this person. Do it within the next week and consider this appointment a priority that is necessary for your good health.

5. Sit in silence for one minute and just observe your thoughts. With your eyes closed try to focus on the upper center of your forehead and try not to attach to these thoughts. Let them float by without judgement or control. Just sit in the quiet breathing in, breathing out. If something tries to grab your attention say " Oh there's that thought (noise, situation...) again". You'll get better at this with each time you do it. You can gradually increase the time a minute or two after a few sessions when you feel you're able to sustain this non-attachment (use a kitchen timer). You are learning to be present in your heart space and re-centering.

These ideas came from reading - Wellness on a Shoestring: Seven Habits for a Healthy Life and can be found at www.unity.org and click on “Shop.”

If you are just starting your spiritual journey to the Soul or are ready to deepen your practice and would like help, Life & Soul Coach ~ Jude Eastman IAC-CC can help. Contact her today to find out more at jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com or go to http://www.stirringthespiritwithin.com.

"There is more to life than increasing its speed."

2011-03-20T18:04:00.002-04:00

The title ~ "There is more to life than increasing its speed." is a quote by Mahatma Gandhi. I wonder what he would think about the frenetic multi-tasking pace of today's world? What does it bring up for you?

Are you tired of trying to accomplish more in the same 24 hours that you've always been allotted? Tired of being "on call" 24/7 due to cell phones, text messaging, and social media? Do it yesterday, fax it now, make every conversation about how you can promote a new business deal?

Today is Sunday, March 20, the first day of spring. Have you noticed the blooming trees and daffodils? REALLY noticed? Today, I hope you took some time out for yourself to recharge and renew. Notice the little things, spread the light by paying someone a compliment, and give yourself permission to unplug for a while. Last night we had the wonder of the big beautiful moon. If you missed it, quick go look now. Just standing in your own back yard under the moon-shine connecting with all of life can be quite an enjoyable experience if you allow it.

What do I mean "if you allow it"? Surrender all thoughts about what you could, should, or feel you need to be doing right now. In the words of Ram Dass, "Be here Now". Spend some time in meditation, reconnect to your inner self, and spread that connection to the Universe. Giving yourself more time is precisely that~giving your "self" more time (Eckhart Tolle). Get to know yourself again (or maybe for the first time?) by reconnecting with the beauty and wonder of the world. Embrace your inner creativity without any particular goal in mind. Eek! Does that feel scary?

Get some watercolors and paint like you did as a child. Remember dipping your brush in a cup of water then rolling the brush in a dry color until it looked just the right vibrancy? Swirling your brush over the clean white surface of paper? How proud you were to show your masterpiece to your mom, dad, or siblings?

Did you write stories or poetry? How would it feel to try that now? If it seems difficult, write from your 15 year old heart, then progress slowly to the present. You don't have to show it to anyone unless you want to. Do it for the joy of it. No judgement. Just the desire to connect with your heart. The Spirit Within.

Do this regularly. It may be just sitting and communing with nature or taking pictures. Don't make it a struggle-just allow yourself some time and space to be or engage in a creative outlet. Your family and friends will begin notice a difference and I think that you will to.

"There is more to life than increasing its speed." What could that look like for you?

In connection, peace and joy ~ Inner Peace Warrior for the Soul ~ Jude

Beep! Beep!

2011-01-08T19:32:00.003-05:00

Tooting your own horn. How comfortable is that for you? Do you acknowledge your strengths, pat yourself on the back, and offer those strengths for the benefit of others? I was challenged this week to brag about myself.

Ack! I could literally feel my hands clawing at my neck in terror! B.R.A.G.! Are you kidding me??? Didn't your mother tell you to never brag?! Really, who am I to sing my own praises? That's for others to do if they so deem me worthy...oh crud. There it is, isn't it?

I thought I'd given up looking to others to validate me, taken back my own power & learned to stand in my own light. *slap on the forehead here* OK, here goes - just the facts:

5 years ago both my parents made their transitions as did my my marriage.
I was working full time as a third grade teacher,
Began a masters degree program for Reading Specialists,
Hired my first life coach, then a second,
Enrolled in a full coach training program
Started coaching clients,
Completed my masters degree,
Given a position as a Reading Specialist at my school,
Passed the Virginia State Reading Exam,
Finished my coaching classes,
Went to Hawaii to celebrate,
Lead a team for Divorce Support online at Sparkpeople.com
Continued to take coaching courses from various sources,
Started several triads & diads to practice and record coaching sessions,
In the process, built my own website and blog,
Facebook pages for Stirring the Spirit Within & Stress-Free Teacher Zone,
Came out of the closet at work as a Life Coach,
Started my Inner Peace Warriors support group at school,
Presented my first two workshops at church (Hey, It's Spirit Calling-Can You Hear me Now? & Spirit Vision),
Hosted several teleclasses: Tools for Spiritual Coaching, One Minute Meditation, and (co-hosted) a short series on Breaking the Clutter Habit and Creating Your Inner/Outer Sanctuary.
All while reclaiming & remodeling many areas of my home.
Became certified by the International Association of Coaching!

I have been told by my clients that I am a force of calm & balance, supportive, client focused and validating, ask probing questions to help them see things in a new perspective or come to ah-ha moments..shift from a place of fear to hope...reach beyond what they thought was possible...find and implement answers to their own questions or goals...

Seriously, if you want to read more, you may go read my recommendations at http://www.linkedin.com/in/judeeastman.

If you would like help with a loss of yourself, a loved one, relationship, who am I now that ___ has happened to my life? And you are ready to do the work to uncover your beautiful, happy, contented self--or to create the new life that is yours to live, I'd love to support & work with you on this! Contact me today!

Thanks to a great coach, Flo Mauri, who gave me this challenge, and to all my fellow travelers, friends near & far, who have walked ahead of me & with me, encouraged & challenged me, sending your energy into the cosmos for me to incorporate into my own Golden Ball of Light floating into the flow and Loving what is!

Photo linked here

Taking Stock ~ Then Moving Forward with Intention!

2011-01-01T22:48:00.008-05:00

I get daily messages from the Abraham-Hicks Publications and Notes from the Universe. I love knowing that the thoughts and energy we take in and radiate out helps to create our life. As Mike Dooley would say- "Thoughts become things." More than things they create...

...this swirling Vortex and the power of attraction responding to pure, nonresisted, focused desire. The Vortex is literally drawing in all things necessary for the completion of every request it contains. All cooperative components are being summoned and are coming for the completion of these creations, for the answering of these questions, for the solutions to these problems. - Abraham (adapted)

Have you taken a few moments to take stock of 2010? The wins or goals you accomplished - what did it take to make that happen? What worked for you? What supports did you use? Pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments of this year! Celebrate the littlest to the largest accomplishments is a very important step toward solidifying your current and future successes. If you don't do it, how can you expect anyone else to value them? Take a moment right now to say Yippee and Congratulations.

My year in review included passing the Virginia State Reading Exam for Specialists and getting that put on my state license, holding not only my first, but second coaching workshops at Unity Fellowship Church, and becoming a International Association of Coaching - Certified Coach! I trusted the process along with my abilities, got coaching support, and persevered. Now to celebrate ~ a cruise perhaps?

Kiss any frogs this year? What have you learned about what's best for yourself from life's uncomfortable experiences? How can you turn those lessons into beautiful blossoms for your highest and best life?
What did not happen that you hoped for? Are you able to see the blessings in that yet? If so--more hugs - if not, sleep on that thought and think about it again tomorrow.

What you like to see happen in your life this year. Why is it important to you? What will it feel like to be a player in your life when you've accomplished these things? Close your eyes and play a movie in your mind complete with full surround sound, high def technicolor and emotional mind-body connections. See it. Feel it. Taste it, Hear it. Touch it.

Here are my three top Intentions and why they are important:

1. I have a new dependable, fuel efficient car that reflects me uniqueness & is affordable for me.

*I am free of the fear of a breakdowns & expensive repairs. I'll feel calm and secure knowing I have dependable, affordable, (sporty-unique) transportation that helps me save energy.

2. I am connected with a partner who is aligned with my unique essence & being. He will be a partner who communicates honestly and values me. There is a balance of give and take in the relationship. We share a soulful connection.

*I am at my best when I am in connection with others and feel valued and understood. I love being in intimate connection emotionally with someone with whom there is a balance in the relationship. Being partnered with this person makes my energy zing & my essence sparkle!

3. My health is in balance - including my BMI (healthy range)- cholesterol, flexibility & strength.

*My health is balanced, I have more energy, flexibility, strength & less aches and pains. I feel confident in my clothes and other aspect of life in front of people. I am happy that my risks of weight related disease are diminished.

Got Inner Peace? What daily practices or supports do you want to try in the up coming months ahead to move forward into these new intentions? ~ journaling, meditation, reading inspirational/spiritual thoughts for the day, or visualizing and focusing on your intentions via a vision board? Commit to 10 min. a day for 30 days. Who's in? What are you willing to let go of or embrace to make this life possible?

You can do it - I can too! Be open, be vulnerable - take a chance on yourself and your best life.

Share your thoughts by commenting here now. If I can help you in anyway let me know--really.

Inspiration to write up my intentions popped up upon reading the blog Expanding Your Comfort Zone. Being connected to so many intelligent and like-minded coaches is one structure of support in my life I appreciate tremendously!

Inner Peace Warrior Resources

2010-10-03T22:16:00.001-04:00

Inner Peace Warrior

Resources

stay alert
and

recenter
anywhere.

Try this 1-minute yoga breathing exercise to boost blood oxygen for alertness and productivity:

Inhale slowly and deeply into your belly.

Each time you exhale, it will be for a slightly longer amount of time.

Inhale counting to two

Exhale counting to two

Inhale counting to two

Exhale counting to three

Inhale one - two

Exhale one - two - three - four

Inhale one - two

Exhale one - two - three - four - five

Do this a few times, then start breathing normally.
This helps oxygen flow into your blood, clearing your head and helping you to focus.

A second resource is the Inner-Ease™ Technique from HeartMath.org:

(1) If you are stressed, acknowledge your feelings as soon as you sense that you are out of sync or engaged in common stressors— feelings such as frustration, impatience, anxiety, overload, anger, being judgmental, mentally gridlocked, etc.

(2) Take a short time out and do heart-focused breathing: breathe a little slower than usual; pretend you are breathing through your heart or chest area.

(This is proven to help create coherent wave patterns in your heart rhythm—which helps restore balance and calm in your mental and emotional nature while activating the affirming power of your heart.)

(3) During the heart-focused breathing, imagine with each breath that you are drawing in a feeling of inner-ease and infusing your mental and emotional nature with balance and self-care from your heart.

It’s scientifically proven that radiating love and self-care through your system activates beneficial hormones and boosts your immunity.

Practicing will increase your awareness of when the stressful emotion has calmed into a state of ease. The mind and emotions operate on a vibrational level. Slowing down the stressful vibration helps re-establish the cooperation and balance between heart, mind and emotions.

(4) When the stressful feelings have calmed, affirm with a heartfelt commitment that you want to anchor and maintain the state of ease as you re-engage in your projects, challenges or daily interactions.

For the complete free booklet The State of Ease from Heart Math click the link below the photo:

http://www.heartmath.org/state-of-ease

Try these out and let me know how they work by leaving a comment. More strategies to come, so if you like these, subscribe to this blog so you won't miss any of them. Feel free to contact me if you'd like more help de-stressing and enjoying your life more at work or at home. ~ Jude

Inner Peace Warriors

2010-09-24T22:51:00.001-04:00

In the workplace or in the world, do you carry an unshakable peace within you? Do you radiate joy and calm to all whom you come in contact with? Would you like to? Become an Inner Peace Warrior! (c)

Peace versus Warrior. Are these at odds with each other or can we find a way to bring them together for our greater good? Cultivating habits (some might say spiritual in nature) to build up our inner strength is one of the best ways I know of to ward off stress and stay balanced, even joyful, in the midst of what seems like undeniable chaos and pressure.

Recently, our school system implemented a new testing and intervention program designed to help students get the help they need more quickly. Great! The drawback was a steep learning curve, more to do in less time, teachers feeling like everyone was breathing down their necks, and the pressure seemed unbearable. Combine that with personnel changes, new technology systems, no raises...the weights were piling on. The tension began to rise. Teachers, administrators, assistants, and office personal alike began to feel the heat.

One of my core values is to be of service. I felt a need to do my part to help lower the stress within my own school. It wasn't enough anymore to just "be a good example" of grace and balance anymore. I came out of the coaching closet and let my fellow teachers know there was another part of my life that I'd love to share with them. Hence, the Inner Peace Warriors has been born.

We'll meet once a week, share successes, lift each other up, and coach each other through these trying times. We'll also start developing some habits that can help us stay centered when stress threatens to pull us off center: breath work, small moments of meditation, detachment, and gratitude.

Get ready to take back your true nature, stand in your own light, and reclaim the power that has always been yours. The Universe wants nothing more than to provide you with a life you love, so that you can share this feeling with others. We've all dropped a pebble into a pond and watched the ripples spread out across the surface, calm and serene. Be the pebble. Share the love. Change the world - bit by bit.

To access some of the resources I've accumulated so far, go to my facebook group Stress Free Teacher Zone (type in the search bar) or contact me at jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com.

Hearing the Spirit Within ~ Intuition

2010-07-14T13:27:00.000-04:00

"Only when we find the quietness in our own minds can we begin to hear our inner teacher, so that we may receive some intuition. Only when we are ready to recognize and value the wisdom that we carry at the core of our being will we turn our attention inwards and 'listen in'. But it's been a long time since we truly listened, so a little practice and patience will be needed. Sit down, be quiet and listen in at some point today and you might be surprised at what you hear. Then do it again tomorrow. All you need to do is remember that you are the listener and not the noise." ~ Unknown

What is your definition of Intuition? Is it trusting your gut, an instant knowing, or something else? The dictionary says Intuition is a direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process/a keen and quick insight. Do you believe it could be Spirit or the Universe talking to you?

For much of my life I looked to the outside rather than my inside for guidance and validation. Experts must have known better than I. Family and friends’ opinions seemed so important and superseded my own. When asked why I believed what I did, all I could answer was “because I do” and therein was the hint I was missing for so long. A feeling of what was right or wrong for me.

What holds you back? Is it emotions or ways we react to situations based on past experiences?

What moves you forward? Feelings or acting in alignment with your core values or authentic self. Align here and the Universe seems to encourage things in your life to fall into place.

In a recent workshop I did on intuition a participant asked, "How do you know the feeling you get with a new idea is intuition and not fear?" My answer was that you should feel open and energetic about the choice and not constricted or dragged down by it. The very next day another coach I know, Nina East, founder of the Personal Growth Princess.com posted in her blog: "The key distinction is that inner guidance always brings relief (sometimes coupled with excitement), almost always whispers, and never criticizes. If you hear a yelling voice in your head - and you aren't in imminent physical danger - chances are it's your fear talking, not your intuition. If you hear a voice chastising you for not having done something, that's not your inner guidance." (used with permission).

Practice strengthening your intuition muscle! There's no limit to where it can take you.

Under Stress? Just Breathe!

2010-04-25T09:23:00.058-04:00

Are you a teacher or in the education field? Do you feel harried by the principal coming in with her checklist? Under pressure to get the kids to "perform" during testing season?

Maybe you are in another helping field or job where the expectation to achieve results is breathing down your neck, or you'd just like to learn how to act instead of react in stressful situations in order to be your best self always.

I recently held a call where we discussed what happens when we're stressed and what to do about it:

What's working for us now and what isn't working. What are the effects on our lives when we continuing reacting the same way as always? I guided the attendees through the steps of a one minute meditation moment. We brainstormed when and where we can use this technique.

I challenged us to try this technique at least once a day for 30 days to see what happens.

If you missed the call, below is a brief synopsis--

I have a technique I use to relax in the moment whenever I'm faced with a situation that I feel myself tensing up against. In my mind I visualize myself standing on a mountain top facing a lovely sunrise. I open my arms out wide and soften my heart,breathing in the wonder of that moment and breathing out any tension within.

I drop my shoulders as I take a few deep belly breaths and remember this situation does not define or control me. This person speaking to me is coming from a place of need within them. It's less about me and more about them. This helps me see that I can hear what they are saying without reacting to it in a way that closes me off. I can then act in a way that expresses my highest self more completely.

Recently I read about Martin Boroson's One Moment Meditation: Stillness For People on the Go - He describes his version of obtaining the same benefits from a minute (eventually, a moment) of stillness, thereby helping us achieve the same peaceful, calm centered feeling that puts us in that OM zone.

It's all about being able to quiet the mind in a stressful situation or tensing when we are multitasking,and pushing the reset button on life in the moment. Embrace the feeling of what is happening now and allow it instead of resisting it. When practiced enough you can learn to detach, step back out of the stress, and act from a place of grace and compassion.

If you'd like to try this practice of meditation in the moment:commit to a minute a day (when you are not stressed) for 30 days. Use a kitchen timer. As you get comfortable, count the number of breaths you take in one minute, then you will be able to do this anywhere by taking the same number of breaths to relax. Then try reducing the number of breaths by one and see if you still get a sense of calm from it. Eventually you will be able to De-stress in a moment and come up with your own moment of meditation.

Try it stuck while in a traffic jam or while on hold on the phone.
*Disclaimer* Keep your eyes open in traffic! My average when deep breathing is 8 complete breaths or 10 if I am breathing normally. When someone says something at work and you feel that burn creeping up on you--excuse yourself for a breath of air or slip into that quiet spot within.

So right now, scan your body. Are you tense any where? Does your back or neck hurt? On a scale of 1-10 what is your stress level?

Set your timer for one minute.
Sit up straight yet relaxed. Lay your hands in your lap comfortably in your lap.
Put your feet on the floor to ground yourself to the power of the Earth.
Close your eyes.
Think of the top of your head as being open to all the Cosmic energy and wisdom of the Universe.
Settle in and just notice your breath.
One minute elapses--DING!

Now scan your body again--From 1-10 how stressed do you feel?
What did you notice? Please comment and let me know what worked - was there an resistance? Continued practice of just one minute will make this an automatic response when you need it.

Listen in real time and do 1 minute of meditation now.
Tap the volume button to increase it.

Jude Eastman ~ Life & Soul Coaching
http://stirringthespiritwithin.com/

Gratitude and Growth

2010-04-03T10:20:00.003-04:00

Beauty & Growth from the toils of winter

Let me thank all my friends now and say "You've helped make me who I am"! What motivates me is motivating others to see the goodness already in their lives now.

Look around you right now. What can you see that is a miracle of creation, growth, or motivation?

The tenacity of a squirrel chasing a robin away from his stash of acorns or his nest.
The beauty of the budding forsythia, daffodils, or Easter Lily.
The cool moist air on your face.
The stalks of pussy willows that represent the possibility of blossoming and growth.
The gift of friendship.
The ability to be active.
The abundance of food.
Family gathering around you

What is good in your life right now? What would you like to have more of and how could you take steps toward getting a little closer to that goal?

What are you willing to let go of to have that feeling that you are in harmony in mind body and spirit?

Many of you already know one of my favorite quotes is from Lao Tzu. I recently realized there was a second line to this quote.

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
When I let go of what I have, I receive what I need".

So get up off the couch, get dressed and go, live your life NOW.

Relax-Renew-Refresh-Rejoice

And don't forget to have some fun too!

How'd I Name My Business?

2010-02-13T16:22:00.003-05:00

Explaining how I came up with the name of my coaching business goes back to telling how I came to life coaching. In 2005 I sustained the loss of both parents and my marriage. The following summer I attended a weekend retreat entitled "Moving Onward and Forward with Your Life". The sessions evolved around: What are your core values? What are your deepest fears and limiting beliefs? If nothing stood in your way what would you like to do with your life?

I realized I had no dreams, hope, or goals. My life had revolved around others: how could I please them, be a better person according to their standards, and live up to their expectations. I didn’t know who I was, or what I wanted to do and be.

Our presenter was a life coach who offered a sample session to anyone who was interested. I signed up and CLICK--my inner light had been turned on! It was then and there that I knew what my passion and vision for the future was. I'd always enjoyed listening to and helping others with their problems, and brainstorming with my friends, family. This seemed like a perfect fit. My Spirit within had been stirred immeasurably. A goal and a plan began developing.

When I got home, I immediately hired a coach. Our connection was eerie. We had many of the same beliefs about being whole and capable right now. We had similar spiritual connections that made this seem more than a coincidence. I knew THIS was what I wanted to do too and it felt so right. Things were falling into place. I began to learn about synchronicity.

By stirring my own spirit, by awakening to my inner wisdom and highest self, I began evolving into who I always had been, but had covered up, pushed down, or forgotten about. My perspective on my life began to change. I found a quote by Lao Tzu that said “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” I began to let go of who I thought I had been for so many years as someone’s daughter, wife, and mother. I began accepting that I am strong, have my own wisdom, and am complete without anyone or anything to make it so except the Universal Source of love and light.

So stand in your own light and take back your own power to live your best life by stirring the spirit within you today. I would be honored to help.

My coaching involves -

•Clarifying and distilling your Values-Purpose-Needs-Wants

•Validating & building on your strengths to help you create the life you want

•Finding out what has worked for you in the past and what hasn't

•Uncovering what stands in the way: Fear? Uncertainty? Lack of Knowledge? Self-Sabotage?

•Helping you shift out of a way of thinking that may has kept you stuck with questioning, deep listening, and shared insights

•Co-creating a plan of action

•Challenging you to step into it and move forward

•Helping you create supports to sustain momentum

•Letting you fly...

Jude Eastman M.Ed.~Life & Soul Coach
Thrive where you're planted and grow towards the light~YOUR inner light!

http://stirringthespiritwithin.com/
http://stirringthespiritwithin.blogspot.com
http://twitter/coachjude
http://facebook.com/judeeastman
http://tinyurl.com/fbSTSW
http://tinyurl.com/fbStressFree

Conquering Your Fears Through Action

2009-11-14T12:29:00.015-05:00

"I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experiences behind him.- Eleanor Roosevelt

Life brings with it many doubts and fears. But the unknown and the untried have held more people back than any lack of ability. Most successes are never seen because they're never attempted. The courage to face your fears can build momentum that creates magic. Each time you overcome an obstacle, a fear or a step back, you gain confidence. Every small victory helps you feel more certain of yourself and your direction, pushing you further and faster than you ever thought possible. You can do it! What's holding you back? True, fears are intimidating. So start small. Believe in yourself and take one small swipe at your fear today just to see what happens. If you can't talk yourself past the "point of no return," get a friend to help. In the end, half of the doing is in the deciding. If you stumble, don't be afraid to brush yourself off and jump back in. " Sparkpeople.com Healthy Reflections

This brings back memories of my first life coach's advice. I'd get so paralyzed by decisions. He'd tell me to take action--even if I wasn't sure it was the "right" action. The only way you'll know is to just do something-anything is better than nothing. If you find out it's not what you really want, well then, you are one step closer to knowing what you do.

How often do we stay in our heads about a decision or something we want to move towards? We think it over and over, imagining all the scenarios of how it could go? Maybe we get as far as mapping it out on paper, but still can't decide which way to the "right" way to do it or even to begin.

Start by taking the struggle out of the equation. List all the ways to go about it. Just write for 10-15 min. No judgment. Put some steps in order according to how they make you feel - easiest to hardest. Include doing nothing, doing more research, or asking others for advice/help.

I'll use my own example of having to make decisions while remodeling my house. I am currently finishing up the living room and dining room. I want to remodel the bathrooms and kitchen next, but feel over whelmed by all the decisions I have to make including: buy everything at once to save money or not, where to store it if I do, colors of paint/flooring/cupboards/fixtures etc...

I just want to run screaming from the home improvement process!

My choices:

Ground Zero: Do nothing and think about it some more.

Choice one: Map it out on paper-one tiny part at a time and work out from there. What color paint do I want to use in one bathroom? Buy that and start (easy enough to change).

Choice two: Map out the bare bones of overall project on paper from the big picture down. Leave some details blank for now. Ask a friend who has done this before to help me think it through.

Choice three: Decide on a few small things to buy first, then buy the most expensive items later and save some money.

Choice four: Decide whether to buy it all at once and save the most money (which involves making lots of decisions first, buying it & storing it in my garage, & leaving my car outside for the winter).

Ack! Choice four seems WAY too overwhelming. Choices two & three speak to me and say "That feels do-able."

I will start with the overall look/feel I want to affect with the remodeling.
Ask my friend to help me sketch out various parts of the project & leave out details I'm not sure about at this time.
Move on to choice three by the end of the week.

I'll revisit my plan weekly. Now that feels do-able.

Can this process help you? Comment about conquering your own fears or indecision.

Let's encourage each other along to move through them into action.

Leave Stress at the Office and Relax

2009-10-17T14:47:00.011-04:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could..."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remembering your triumphs and letting go of your mistakes is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. At the end of each day give yourself permission to lay it to rest. Each morning is a new opportunity to begin fresh with right intention. In actuality, each moment is a new chance to begin again.

Leave your problems and stress at work. Go home and truly give yourself the gift of relaxation. Try this for a week. Work hard at the office, give it your all, then leave the to-do list there when you go home. Create a ritual if you need to by writing what's left undone or problematic on an index card and put it in a special spot and say "Good night", putting it to bed, so to speak.

Got issues in your personal life? Ask for inner guidance, follow your highest instincts, then know you've done everything you could for today and lay it down. A new day may bring a fresh perspective. How important this issue will seem 5 years from now?

When you come home, take a moment to switch gears and let go.

Try this meditation:

With your eyes closed, quietly relax.

Open your mind to the awareness of your true Source.

Inhale deeply, all the way into your belly.

Visualize pure white light & energy pouring in through an opening in the top of your head.

Scan your body for any tension and breathe into that area.

Relax your face and your shoulders. Let them go slack.

Breathe out- fully releasing all thoughts of the outer world and the day so far. The incoming white light is shimmering golden now. Feel the tingling sensation as it pulses throughout your body and pushes out old stale thoughts and problems.

Focus on this single affirming thought: "Today I am satisfied that I gave my highest and best."

Nothing else matters in this very moment. Detach from the pressures you left at work. Let go of personal problems.

Focus on your true Be-ing--relaxed and at ease--fully present in the here and now.

Affirming this intention mindfully, quiets the chattering of your mind.

In a moment of gratitude be thankful for all that you accomplished, all that you have been given, and all that could happen in a NEW day.

When you're ready, open your eyes and smile.

(copyright 2009)

In the near future, I'll be offering this in audio form. Stay tuned!

Teachers: Got Stress?

2009-10-07T23:00:00.014-04:00

Learn to connect to your inner self and purpose for being on this earth--learn to love yourself and be comfortable with who you are--knowing you ARE "good enough" right now makes everything else better.

Find the joy within and "Love the Skin You're In".

I help teachers reconnect to the joy & creativity that brought them to teaching in the first place. Learn how to find & claim YOUR inner balance!

Anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life or affect performance.

As your coach, I create an environment that supports your growth, lets you break out of stuck thinking, and moves you forward into a life and career that nurtures your soul again.

"Jude is both inspiring and supportive. With Jude, I'm able to expand my ideas and explore new possibilities. Jude didn't give me advice or tell me what to do. Instead she guided me in a way where I could find my own solutions. As I worked with Jude, my own answers became clear, answers that I am excited about and eager to implement." Patricia Robinson, MS MA MFT http://patriciarobinsonmft.com/

Thrive where you’re planted and grow toward the Light ~YOUR inner light!

A small excerpt from: The Heart of a Teacher
by Paula Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box...
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing...
and others just seem to hide
But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out...
and help the child to see
the potential for greatness he has within...
.....
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more...
than he ever imagined...or dared
A teacher with a HEART for her children...
knows what teaching is all about
she may not have all the answers...
but on this...she has no doubt
When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled...
"It's not the subjects that matter...
It's all about teaching the CHILD."

What is your biggest stress about teaching? If you could change something about your job, what would it be? If there was a way to come together with other teachers either in person, or virtually would you be interested in connecting?

Jude Eastman M.Ed. ~ Life & Soul Coach

http://stirringthespiritwithin.com
jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

As a burned out teacher, I went through losing my parents and marriage at the same time. This set into motion the wheels of change that helped me earn a masters degree, become a reading specialist, and take on life coaching simultaneously. Let me help you let go of what you are and become what you might be.

I've started a Meetup group both live and virtual for teachers with stress to connect. I will also be holding monthly tele calls for us to communicate, learn new strategies for not taking on/releasing the stress, mastermind group to help each other attain our goals.

Oct 26 will be our first call. topics to talk about:

What's Happening Now?

Is your Workload Realistic & Fair?

Are You Experiencing Rewarding Relationships At Work?

Do You Have Adequate Professional Support?

Is Your Personal Life Balanced with Your Professional Life?

I will be using some material from my dear friend, Doris Helge, Ph.D.'s book:
Joy on the Job

If you are at all interested in purchasing her book, please consider clicking through to it here through my affiliate's link. http://wahmcart.com/x...

Master Gardening

2009-08-12T23:40:00.011-04:00

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. - Goethe

The easiest way to identify what our heart wants is to examine the feelings that surface when we relate to that subject. Do you find solace when picking up your journal to write a daily reflection? Does time spent with your family thrill you to tears? What feelings arise when you chase down the things that make your heart flutter? True happiness comes when we routinely engage in positive activities that we love. Take a look at your life as a whole. Pursue the things that make you feel alive and fill you with joy and healthy balance." sparkpeople.com

How do I get that you ask? Sometimes we feel like one chapter of life has closed suddenly and unpleasantly. Loss of a relationship, death of a loved one, or the kids flew the coop. These circumstances in life often leave us feeling flat, worn out, and joyless. We have forgotten what brings us joy and who we really are inside. Change can happen when you're ready to let go of feeling that you have no control over life. If you can't change what's going on in life right now, can you change how you view it? Pick up that journal and start a list of what gives you joy. State in positive terms what you want as if it's already happened (I live a life of joy and harmony, I walk daily to maintain my healthy weight, I have many positive friends who support my life's dreams). Start cutting pictures out of magazines that make your mind say ahhh...and your heart glow. Make a vision board that shows pictures of what you'd like to see in your life and start your inner journey toward making that come true. Some very focused people make this happen by themselves. Many of us try and try, but keep slipping back into old ways (old thoughts and habits die hard). It's OK to treat yourself as well as you would your best friend. It's even OK to ask for help. Life Coaches help us learn to help ourselves.

I've been working on ways to talk about coaching and what I do for YOU - the client (This extends a past post "Cultivating Your Inner Garden"). I was trying to come up with a memorable way to introduce myself that will stick in your mind long after that brief 10 minute conversation at the party or networking event. Try this on for size. I'd love your feedback.

Hi I'm Jude Eastman, Master Gardener & Life Coach. Coaching is a bit like gardening. When you haven't been able to get the flowers to bloom by yourself, sometimes you hire a gardener. Think of your life in similar terms. I help you:

Prepare the soil by turning over the earth or examining your life circumstances.

Pull the weeds by up rooting & getting rid of limiting beliefs.

Plan the new garden by envisioning the life you WANT to live.

Plant seeds for change by clarifying your values &
aligning your life with them through focused action.

Fertilize by giving you tools to accelerate your growth.

Add sun by bringing out your strengths and validating your efforts.

Watering to create the momentum that keeps the dream alive.

If you'd like to know how I can help you grow your ideal life--I'd love to discuss my gardening tips with you. E-mail jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

Thrive where you're planted and grow towards the light (Your inner light)
Jude Eastman~Master Gardener & Life Coach
How does your garden grow?

How Thankful Are You?

2009-08-05T22:00:00.004-04:00

Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold. - Maurice Setter

"Appreciation of the Good Things in Life--How many times are we blind to the good in front of us because we're looking past it for something better? It's like watching the railroad track your entire life, waiting for a train to come in and never realizing that you're sitting smack in the middle of the splendid Grand Central Station. Take a second look at your goals. Are they building on the good already in your life? Are you taking full advantage of the strengths you already have? Is it worth giving up what you have for what you might have? In many cases, the answer is yes. To that we say "Go for it!" with all the enthusiasm we can muster. Those are the meaningful goals. If the answer is no, try reworking your goals to include ones that complement your present life rather than substitute for it. Whatever the answer is for you, we could all use a little more appreciation for the pieces of silver in our lives. " sparkpeople.com

By the end of a recent call on Attraction and Gratitude I was literally glowing with warm fuzzy feelings! All of the us expressed gratitude for pieces of our lives that brought us to our present circumstances. The more each of us opened up, the more others thought to be grateful for. It was contagious! There was no way to be unhappy with whatever circumstances, because we each embraced the gold nuggets of learning and growth that came with it.

My thoughts ran from gratitude for parents who were had high expectations, to having an education and job that support me, to being grateful that I walked through the fires of hell in 2005 and came out the other side a better person (the dross turn into gold). I sustained multiple loses (read more at my website), and underwent a powerful transformation. I literally "stirred the spirit within." by being grateful for all that I had and what I could become

Do you need big things in order to be grateful? Of course not! Do you have at least one good friend who is always there for you? How about a dog or cat you gives you unconditional love and acceptance on a daily basis? Did you see a beautiful sunset, a rainbow, or the most perfect flower in passing? Do you have a family who nurtures you? What about a spiritual family that uplifts and supports you?

What would be possible to create in your life next if you aligned your goals with the values strengths that are uniquely YOURS? Find little ways to pull more of that into your life. Visualize yourself being thankful that these goals are already true and in your life now. You just have to accept them. Stop looking down the track at what what you don't have and get on the train.

What are you grateful for today?

Too many spinning plates

2009-07-21T10:35:00.006-04:00

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” – Lao-Tzu

"One essential goal-setting strategy is to be as specific as possible about your desires. Write out your goals and formulate a detailed plan about how you are going to achieve this goal. Baby steps are important, but keep them focused. Often we are pulled in many directions at once. It is important though, to devote time and effort to a single goal at a time to avoid distraction that can lead to putting forth less effort. Take time to put down some of your "spinning plates" and track your progress over time." www.sparkpeople.com

What do you think? For me this is so true. I have found that when there are several new learning experiences going on in my life at one time, that I CAN prioritize what I'm doing each day and which goal I want to focus on (or is banging on the door of life) first.

When asked recently in my mastermind group what my goals were, I listed a long string of things and I felt overwhelmed. I was getting coached on one goal in particular: giving a workshop (in fact, I've been talking about this one for years) and couldn't figure out where my reluctance to forge ahead with it was coming from. I knew I knew HOW to complete all the preparation steps and that I could deliver the event, but wasn't doing it.

I thought long and hard about it. I asked my inner wise self. I let my body give me clues. When thinking about this goal in particular, I felt a tightening in my gut--a shutting down. I've learned that unless I have an open. light, expansive feeling that it isn't the best fit for RIGHT NOW. Not that I might not revisit this at another time, but when I took this spinning plate down my life felt so much more in control. So I set it on the self for now. I found that what I really wanted was to work on improving my physical environment so my life felt more in balance.

Ask your wise inner self. I believe we all have have the wisdom of our wise wise knowing self, our highest self, available to us at all times. We've just forgotten how to ask, then "be still" and listen.

Here are some steps and an exercise to help clarify your goals. Get a journal, write what you think you want in your future. Close your eyes, in whatever atmosphere works best for you, and ask your inner wisdom (pretend it's your best friend) what do I need to know, what questions do I need to ask, what information do I need, to clarify these goals?

Focus on your third eye (the center of your forehead) if you can. If not, focus on where in your body you "sense" your highest self exists, shrink yourself mentally into that spot and just observe what you see or feel. Ask what you need to know to clarify your direction.

Sit in silence and listen for 5 min. If you're very in tune with yourself, that may be all you need, or all you can absorb the first time. Have a journal by you and free write whatever came up for you and more may keep coming up.

Don't try to figure this all out at first. Do this daily--OR--ask this question before bed to the Universe and be prepared to write as soon as you awake. After doing this daily for a week--what themes do you see?

Where ever you are-whatever experiences you are having now, are exactly where you're supposed to be right now for your lessons and journey. All roads take us to the same end, how we get there or how long it takes may vary.

So check out the spinning plates on your poles. Is there one calling out for more attention? How will you answer that call?

Looking Up or Looking Down

2009-06-21T22:50:00.004-04:00

This is a continuation of a blog below titled "The Power of a Dream and a Vision"

"One person working toward a dream is worth 99 people just working. - Lani Kraus, writer

We've all worked with people who just show up to fill space. Uninspired and stuck going through the motions, they pick up a paycheck on Monday and wait for Friday. Some are just killing time until retirement. Maybe you even find yourself in this mindset. Not a very satisfying way to spend your days is it? Sounds like an easy life--except that in life, retirement can be permanent and unexpected. In your life, are you actively heading straight for your goals, or are you puttering around vaguely? Nothing is wrong with hard work; determination and elbow grease are what make the best dreams possible. But it's interesting that most work makes us look downward, while dreams lift our eyes to the sky. While you're keeping that nose to the grindstone, make sure you keep your head up to see where you're going." sparkpeople healthy reflections

My new outlook on life is everything is a positive in my life. I am the one calling the shots and making the decisions for my better good. I can choose how to view what is happening around me. I can look forward and ask, 'If I had all the time and money in the world, what would I like to do?" My answers may seem impossible in the here and now, but I can look for little aspects of what I want and start incorporating it into today. How can I love what is right now? How can I ask the Universe for what I'd like in my life?

Two major changes have taken place. When I finished my masters degree in reading, I wasn't sure I wanted to leave the classroom to be a reading specialist. I thought I wanted to use my new knowledge in my own classroom, or was that "fear of change" talking? The decision soon was made for me when the superintendent of the school system placed me into a reading specialist job in my school. I could gripe and moan about the change, like some other teachers were doing about other changes that were happening or I could embrace it as the wisdom of the Universe coming into play. I choose to see it as the next step in my growth that was offered up by a higher source.

Here is another example of looking up. While I was moving through my grief and loss (long story of losing both parents and my marriage) over the last 4 years, I completed my masters degree. My coach friends started asking, "How are you going to celebrate this accomplishment?" My standard procedure would be no graduation, party or special reward. I was supposed to finish after all. That's what I'd been taught to do. Not to reward myself for doing what I was supposed to.

So first I said , "Well, I've always wanted to take a cruise, but going alone isn't economical." "What do you really want to do?", my friends asked.
"Go to Hawaii, but you're supposed to go there with a lover or a spouse." None of those were handy. But the more I entertained the idea that this could be a reality, things stated to fall into place.

An old best friend in California, retired and got travel money as part of her package. Without batting an eye lash, I quipped, "Want to go to Hawaii with me?" Yadda yadda yadda.....and guess what?! A few e-mails and phone calls back and forth & I am flying out there Tuesday! A week on the Big Island and a week in CA visiting dear friends who've seen me through thick and thin.

Look up--dream big--find ways to make big happen or bring little bits of big into your everyday life and experience the pleasure of a life that nurtures you. The unique and special you that contributes something no one else can to the Universe. The power of dreaming big, embracing what is as a chance for growth, and framing every thought in a positive vein is my commitment to myself in the here and now.

Knowing your role in the world

2009-06-12T20:52:00.002-04:00

"If I have seen farther than other men it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.
- Isaac Newton, physicist

Here we have one of the smartest people who ever lived, accepting the fact that he couldn't do anything alone. He understood that he could not know what he knew or do what he did without the help of others. Greatness happens when people get together and pool their strengths for each other's benefit. It happens when lessons are passed down and taken even further. Who do you know in your life that you could learn from? Do you have a hero? How can you build on the opportunities that are given to you? How will you pass your knowledge down to the coming generation? Learn your strengths and the strengths of the people around you. Find out how you can help each other achieve what you never could alone. Right now, you can be the one "seeing farther." Be the "giant with shoulders" for someone else. Either way, you'll be part of something big." (from sparkpeople.com)

How are you a giant for others? When I am with with others who are liked minded, our energy amplifies to an enormous percent. The contribution feeds me as much as it does them and I can only bless the Universe when I combine forces for the highest and best of all around me or the world.

One way I am a giant is to be a force of balance and calm in my surroundings ~ letting my true spiritual nature shine out and envelope those around me. The calming pull to true center that I add helps to be a stabilizing force that let's others let go of fear, anxiety, mistrust, unknowing. I love teaching people how to access their own higher self, accept and love "what is", and clarify what they want in their picture of the future and work to attract that into their lives.

How are you or can you be a stepping stone for others to build upon? What will you do today to lift up your fellow travelers in this life's journey? Set an example and be the change you wish to see.

Everyone can teach you something

2009-05-23T14:35:00.005-04:00

"Listen to all, plucking a feather from every passing goose, but follow no one absolutely. Chinese proverb

Possible mentors and teachers can be found everywhere and anywhere. Everyone you've met today has something they could teach you--a skill, a bit of wisdom, or a personal secret to success. All you have to do is look for it and ask plenty of questions. Most of all, respect the fact that each person has something of value to offer. If you can't find one "feather" to pluck from someone, you're not looking hard enough. Yet, in the end, you still have to think for yourself. It's still your job to take the knowledge you gain and turn it into your own value system for solid decision-making. It's still up to you to use your skills to carve a unique path in the world. So when night comes, those feathers can make a nice soft pillow that lets you rest your head in peace." sparkpeople.com-healthy reflections

Everyone from our inner circle to those in our external surroundings (home, school, job, community, or world) can offer us something to learn from. Write down the names of some of your closets friends or colleagues. Quickly jot a few key items about them that make them great. What do they add to your life? Which of these items would you like to embody more often? Persistence, grace, balance, organization, honesty, clear communication, and action are a few that come to my mind. Often we dismiss the value of what someone may be able to add to our lives through superficial scrutiny. A colleague at work may be quiet and seems to sit back waiting for instructions instead of asking what they can do and you've judged them as not adding to the positive work environment. Do they come to work on time daily? Do they do whatever is asked of them reliably? Maybe they need a role model or someone to gently guide them along on what is expected of them. Do they always speak positively about others and not gossip? Is there something you can pluck out here? Take the time to get to know them better. Is it possible they are just shy until they really get to know others? Maybe they are unsure of where they fit in and don't want to "over-step" their bounds. So look hard, be curious about what makes them tick and you may just learn something new.

Keeping it in Perspective

2009-05-18T21:54:00.006-04:00

"The present is what slips by us while we're pondering the past and worrying about the future. - Ziggy

Is there anything that Ziggy doesn't know? In the cartooning universe, he's often placed in hopeless situations, pitted against a world that doesn't make sense. He's an agreeable punch line for the quirks of human nature. Yet he's able to brush off his mishaps and focus on the opportunities that today brings. He can also look to the future with hope, knowing full well that more struggles may lie ahead. Most of all, he can look at himself and have a good chuckle. Do you make yourself anxious about things that might happen or stew over mistakes you've made? Don't let a preoccupation with tomorrow or yesterday rob your ability to face that crazy world with a smile. For Ziggy, today is today. It's not a good day; it's not a bad day. It's a day. And he knows that it's important to give that day the value it deserves." www.sparkpeople.com, healthy reflections.

Wow! Have you ever made a mountain out of a piece of news before it even happened? You decided that any number of things could happen when XYZ comes to pass. So, in effect, you have invited it TO happen. I certainly have stirred the pot, so to speak, before. What if this news turns out to be the best thing for you; your career or your personal life? Imagine the possibilities that might open up or come about because of it: new found success, confidence, friends, colleagues, and growth as a spiritual being having a human experience. Just sit in that for a moment...Feeling the love yet? Even if you aren't, remember that even speaking about the possible negative consequences open the Universe up to granting those ideas power in your life.

Next time you hear something and have an immediate knee jerk reaction to it consider this: immediately be thankful that this might happen, journal about the positive possibilities, make a vision board of what you DO want to happen, and speak only in positive terms about it. There's an old saying that goes "You'll catch more flies with honey"--catch the highest and best life has to offer you right now. Know that it's being offered to you in ways you may never have imagined and keep it all in perspective.

Take the Leap--Believe In Yourself

2009-04-29T23:03:00.006-04:00

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.- John Wooden, Hall of Fame college basketball coach

"Limitations can either define us or give us a challenge to outwit. When you look at your abilities, do you see boundaries and limits, or do you see possibilities and potential? Obsessing about weaknesses can blind us to the untapped abilities we already have. You have talent. Everyone does. The secret to success is to find that talent, develop it and push it as far as you can. Grandma Moses might have been a lousy bowler, Einstein probably couldn't sing a lick, Michelangelo could've been unable to speak well in public. So what? They knew what they were good at and rode that pony. Your talent might be right in front of you: where do you get the most compliments? What seems to come easily to you? What do people ask your advice for? Live there. Don't let the rest get in the way." (From http://sparkpeople.com/ healthy reflections)

First, admit it--you have strengths! We all have something we are good at. Acknowledge them. If you can't think of what they are, ask your friends to tell you. Then, share this with others--leverage it to your advantage. Does this mean forget about trying other stuff? Learning a new skill that will takes us to a new level? NEVER! But our insecurities get the best of us now and then and even get in our way, telling us, I've got to work harder, longer, later. I need to be perfect/or at least REALLY good, or others will see me for the fraud that I am. I've never done this before--what if I fail? OK-What if? What's the worst that can happen or better yet, the best if we step out on the ledge with nervous anticipation in a new learning experience?

Will people see a fraud, or someone willing to take a risk/grow and learn while sharing their strengths with the world? Setting the bar for those who come after you or walking along side of you. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with so many knowledgeable others while on my own journey who teach me that we all have something to learn. What are the possibilities that we can be come good, even great at something we have no experience in now?

I want to learn to trust the journey--to allow for my greatness....It will always bring me exactly where I need to BE.

Your turn, "I want to learn ............because it will bring me........."

3 Days and Counting!

2009-04-26T11:28:00.003-04:00

After a little over 3 years of life changing events and start to finish graduate work, I am about to reach the place where a diploma is given for learning, growth, and understanding. Not to mention endurance and perseverance! In less than 3 days I will have completed my masters program as a reading specialist and love how it has improved my own teaching in my classroom reading groups. Being able to offer children what they need at their own particular level of reading development has helped them better able to become independent learners. My own personal growth has come in seeing myself as a fully capable learner in my mid 50s, fully participating and adding to discussion with my peers has been both challenging and rewarding, but I now know that I have it in me to pursue whatever it is that I desire to learn and apply in my life. One paper to go--and I'm ready to graduate and celebrate! I have given myself permission to bask in the glow of this accomplishment instead of saying this opens up time to XYZ next. Oh believe me, there will be XYZ coming, but I am learning to pat myself on the back, allow myself space to breathe and say "Look what you've done girl! I'm proud of you!" without the need to think--"this isn't enough" yet. I am enough, right here - right now.

Think Before You Speak

2009-03-29T16:09:00.008-04:00

"If you think twice before speaking once, you will speak twice the better for it. - William Penn

The idea of choosing your words carefully sounds easy enough, but how many times do you end up with your foot in your mouth? Everyone can probably recall a situation where someone offended them by saying something rude or out of line. These comments are not only embarrassing, but they can also damage relationships.... If you say the wrong thing in front of others, chances are that people will remember it. Wouldn't you prefer to be remembered for something more positive? Once you have said something out loud it cannot be taken back, and rarely can it be undone even with a tremendous amount of work." (from www.sparkpeople.com healthy reflections)

This advice is great to remember, especially for spur of the moment conversations- for example: a colleague has drops in unexpectedly and starts complaining about the boss or another colleague. The temptation may be to join in the complaining as a form of sympathy or support. Before you know it Complainer number 1 talks to another colleague and attributes the complaint to you or says that you support his/her complaints. All of a sudden this gets back to the boss and you're in the middle of it.

What do you want to put out into the world? Positive energy or negative? So what do you do when temptation comes knocking? When someone else brings it to you, how can you stop the flow?

Take a step back, mentally & physically out of the complainer's energy space.

Firmly ground yourself with a few deep breaths.

Tell yourself silently, "This is not about me."

Ask yourself,"Is this what I want to be remembered for?"

Remember: There are no do-overs. Once it leaves your lips, someone will remember.

Say to the complainer, "I hear your frustration. Have you spoken to __ about this? (direct them back to the source of their venting).

If you feel strong enough, say "I cannot be party to this negative energy, but I'd be happy to keep your highest and best in mind for a positive resolution."

So think twice, speak once.

Visit my Coaching site

2009-03-21T11:57:00.008-04:00

Would you like help cultivating your own inner garden that makes your heart sing? I'd love to connect with you~message me at jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

Cultivate your inner garden

2009-03-20T23:07:00.005-04:00

"Plant seeds of expectation in your mind; cultivate thoughts that anticipate achievement. Believe in yourself as being capable of overcoming all obstacles and weaknesses.
- Norman Vincent Peale
In order to grow anything in a garden, a lot of factors must come into play--properly planting the seeds or flowers into the soil, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and ensuring adequate sunlight. Are you tending to your own goals in the same fashion? Getting that new job takes determination and positive vision to make that dream a reality. Do you believe in your abilities? Believing is a wonderful, powerful tool but it takes more than that. You've got to fight the elements, take good care of yourself, and dig down deep for courage in order for your seeds to be cultivated into success." (from sparkpeople.com healthy reflections)

What are the seeds of change you are trying to plant? Are the conditions just right? Are you hanging with the people who emulate these same goals or qualities in their lives? Do you mindfully watch what you let into your thoughts? Only let in those ideas that are positive and that will pull you forward into a life you love. Weed out--or reframe those thoughts that come to you as negative and drain on your energy. What do you mean you may ask. An example: While working with one of my coaches, I commented on the idea that it takes me a long time to think about, research new ideas and goals such as changing jobs, retirement, or moving. She quickly reframed for me by saying "You mean you're a really thorough planner?" Whoa! That brought me up short. I loved seeing it in that light. I liked being a thorough planner.

Do you believe you can have a life that will make you smile from the inside out? Add the nutrients to the soil of your garden to help "grow" what you want. Play to your strengths and values. Align everything in your garden to your authentic self for maximum growth, bloom, and endurance. Do you know your strengths? If not--ask 5-10 of your friends to list what they see as your strengths. Are there reoccurring themes? Do you know what you stand for and want to promote (your values)? Who are some people famous or personal that you admire? What qualities do they exemplify that you'd like in your life? Want to cultivate these in your life too? Take one quality, like independence, and weave it into everything you do and say. Affirm that you are already independent and expect that YOU CAN handle things on your own. Try one little thing alone that you wouldn't have before. Build on each success.

Daily sunshine, air, and water--the basics of life. Constant vigilance to weed out what no longer serves you (negative thoughts, people, or drains in your life) is necessary. Fertilize your Soul & Spirit by aligning with your true Be-ing & Source. Enjoy the fragrance of life in full bloom!

Need help with this? I'd love to chat with you!

Jude Eastman ~ Life and Soul Coach
http://stirringthespiritwithin.com/

Keeping to True Center

2009-03-15T17:05:00.005-04:00

Trusting in my true Source or the Universe, I know that I am complete and on the right path always. When things do not turn out as I planned, I don't get deterred or lose my motivation. I turn inward to my higher self and come back to true center in the core of who I am. I reframe my thoughts so that I see things in a positive light and relax into the good that is always there for me. The more I trust in this, the wiser I become. My positive expectations help steer me through the detours of life and onto new roads of discovery. As I continue along on my journey, I rely on the guidance of Spirit to steady my steps. With each decision, I come to several doors. I close my eyes put my hand over my heart, and take a deep breath and consult my wise inner knowing. Whichever door I open will lead to a path that can only bless me. Turning around to face my greatness, I realize that what might have dissuaded me will prove to be the beginning of a joyful, more fulfilling experience. Does this resonate with you? If not, how do you keep centered?

http://www.pmri.org/spectrum/guided_meditations.html Here's a guided meditation from Dean Ornish's site to bring you back to center.

Grateful for Luxuries

2009-03-03T09:14:00.009-05:00

"You'll never miss the water, 'til the well runs dry."- W.C. Handy

Even if you've never seen it, you are probably aware of the CBS reality show Survivor--sixteen castaways sent to live on an island to duke it out and vote one another off for a million dollar prize. What is most striking about this concept is not the competition, but the absolute gratitude these people hold for things we take for granted everyday. The dirty, unpurified water they cling to for life is the same stuff we flush, wash, and cook with everyday without batting an eye. They covet and fight for food that we could easily pop in our microwaves or sit down at a restaurant to order. The very fact that you can read this at your computer signifies that you are one of the most wealthy, educated persons on the planet. Take a moment to think about the luxurious and privileged life you live. Give thanks for a whole body, everyday freedoms, your family, and all of the choices you have. Cherish what you have while you have it because you never know when your life could change. " from Sparkpeople.com Healthy Reflections

Wake up dissatisfied that you don't have the newest car with all the bells and whistles, less money today than yesterday in your investment account, or had to cancelled the upper tier of your cable?

Think about what you do have today. Enough money to pay the bills, basic cable and Internet, and a reliable car that gets you from Point A to Point B.

Today I have not only a high school degree, a BA degree, and in one more month, a Maters degree. I have a full time job with health benefits teaching school and a retirement plan. I was able to afford a full coach training program and have a coaching business. I have the freedom to choose my profession and where I live. I own my home outright and my 7 year old car is paid for, in good condition, and has a garage to be parked in. My trusty companion, a pointer mix dog, is healthy and I can afford veterinarian fees to keep her so. Three grown children are living lives out from under my roof. My laptop had a meltdown this weekend, but I'm grateful that I backed up most of my files on a thumb drive and have a generous loving son who helped me pick out and install a new hard drive which is humming away.

A few years ago I would have given thanks that I had a wonderful husband of 30+ years and 2 loving parents, but that has since changed. My marriage went by the wayside and my parents made their transitions within months. Does that make me feel lack? I will admit to grieving those losses deeply and fully, but I've found the growth and blessings in them too. I now have a bit of financial security and was able to rediscover the core of who I am and always was. I've learned to tap into my own power and stand in my own light! I have memories that sustain me of those times and have chosen to remember the good and learn from anything that doesn't seem to fit that category. For more on gratitude see DailyOm.com

What luxuries do you have today?

http://www.stirringthespiritwithin.com/

Shining Your Light on a Friend's Shade

2009-02-02T19:28:00.000-05:00

"Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That's why it's a comfort to go hand in hand.

- Emily Kimbrough

You can't turn on a country music station without hearing a song about someone down on their luck. But what about those around you? Think about how much it means to you to receive a note in the mail from a caring friend when you're going through a hard time. Use those warm feelings to compel you to spread the love to others. We all need such encouragement and often we forget that it's okay not to be the pillar of strength when life has us by the tail. Throw your arms around someone today who might need a good squeeze, send a card to a co-worker who needs cheering up, or bake a special treat for your ill child. Friends are precious, not just in the sunshine of life, but especially in the shade." (Sparkpeople.com Healthy Reflection 2-1-09)

Taking those few extra moments to give emotionally or spiritually to someone else is paying it forward in Universal Love. Be part of the solution and energy grid--positive energy. Then when your battery is low--plug in and "ask".

That's the part so many of us refuse to do. We'll give and give, but if we're a bit low, had a bad day, lost our focus on the synergy available to us, we hole up and isolate. I'm learning that my friends want nothing more than to give back to me when I need some centering, positive energy, or an attitude adjustment. Who am I to deny their gift to me? It really is a rude thing to do. So surrender your pride or ego to the cosmos, open up your heart and soul and ask for a "Little Help from Your Friends" (remember that song- "I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends?" Ask and receive a big hug of pure white Love from the the One Source.

Then shine your light on all those around you!

Even more good stuff, see dailyom.com

The power of having a dream and a vision

2008-12-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

One person working toward a dream is worth 99 people just working.

- Lani Kraus, writer

We've all worked with people who just show up to fill space. Uninspired and stuck going through the motions, they pick up a paycheck on Monday and wait for Friday. Some are just killing time until retirement. Maybe you even find yourself in this mindset. Not a very satisfying way to spend your days is it? Sounds like an easy life--except that in life, retirement can be permanent and unexpected. In your life, are you actively heading straight for your goals, or are you puttering around vaguely? Nothing is wrong with hard work; determination and elbow grease are what make the best dreams possible. But it's interesting that most work makes us look downward, while dreams lift our eyes to the sky. While you're keeping that nose to the grindstone, make sure you keep your head up to see where you're going." sparkpeople.com

The end/beginning of the year is one of many times to reflect on your vision and dreams. Do you see your dreams as just that - Not real or illusive and unattainable? You can have what you want, but do you want it enough to work hard for it? It may not be as hard as you imagine. Think of one way to bring more of what you dream for your life in to it - Right Now. Start making those vacation plans you've always hoped for, and be very specific about what you want and how to achieve it.

Close your eyes now--take a deep breath--play a movie of what it will be like--be very sensory specific: the sights, sounds, smells, and tactile sensations. Write it all down. Can you have some of that in your present situation? Buy some clothes that you will wear on this vacation. Cut pictures out that represent it and make your vision board. Look it it regularly and be there in the moment.

Are you living a life in alignment with your values? What is your vision for the next 3--6 months? How about 5-20 years? I've spent much of my life just living in reaction to whatever happened, but not choosing what I wanted and going for it. Be a Chooser, not a victim. (This thought taken from a current book I'm reading called Conscious Dating by David Steel.) If you haven't pinpointed your values--now is the perfect time to do it. Then make conscious choices to create a vision for your life, short term and long, and start living it. If it seems overwhelming, take baby steps--Start moving forward instead of meandering around in a lateral maze.

Do you feel something's holding you back from past issues? If so, get the appropriate help with this. If you are ready to go forward, but not quite sure how, hire a life coach. After a session or two, you may feel ready to fly on your own or take it to the next level.

Take your dream, create a vision, and map out how to get there. Baby steps are fine or a great big ole jump if you feel urge. See you in my dreams!

Seeing the wonder in the smallest details

2008-12-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.
- Albert Einstein, physicist

What do you appreciate and what do you ignore? Is a sunrise any less special because its image wouldn't make it on a magazine cover? Is any day less precious because, in your mind, "nothing special" happened? For some reason, it's hard to be impressed with anything these days. Driving a car is a source of strain instead of wonder. The internet is already old news. Quick--when was the last time you paid attention to a space shuttle flight? Remember when that was all people could talk about? Once you take something for granted, you also take the life out of it. When nothing is "special," boredom and gloom aren't far behind. Look around where you're sitting right now, and try to see it for the first time, like a child would. Think about the human potential that created the stuff in the room. Think about the miracles of nature right outside your window. Think about how amazing it is that you're even here to see it. dailyom.com

Even the Grinchi-est of us can stop, smell the spiced cider, the fresh evergreen, (OK-so you don't have a real tree--go outside!), the recent huge full rising moon. For me the little things in life make it all worthwhile. The kiss of my dog when I get home, the sparkle of the lights during this season. Appreciate, really appreciate what you have now. If you don't have the money to buy expensive gifts, give the gift of love. Write letters to those in your life that are there for you. Tell them how much you appreciate all that they do. Even those people who irritate you. Surely there's something about them you can appreciate. It will come back to you ten fold. Be the candle in the mirror--Be the change you wish to see.~Here's my wish for you~Let your heart glow with the light that is of you!

This is the season of light, a time when hearts are aglow. I picture the image of a light that holds my attention. It may be a streetlight with sparkling snow flurries whirling past it. Perhaps I see sunlight creating prisms on a snow's glittering surface or moonlight moving shadows across a meadow dusted in white. My image may be of a single candle lit in the window with an intention of holiness. In this stillness, I reflect upon the light. I breathe and relax. All is tranquil, prayerful.

This is a time of insight, radiance, and joy. I give thanks in advance for love, sharing, and guidance. I realize I can let my own inner light shine out more brightly. With wisdom and kindness, I make a difference in the lives of many.
dailyword.com

If you're not feeling amazed and amazing--the light and the love--what changes do you want to make in your life?

Contact me--Let's stir your spirit within. jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com

The destructive power of worry

2008-12-03T22:23:00.000-05:00

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.

- Corrie Ten Boom, author and human rights activist

Legend has it that 90% of what we worry about never comes to pass. Whether that is statistically precise or not, there's probably some truth to it in your life. How much of our lives do we miss because we're agonizing over what might happen down the road? How often do we fail to act--even if it's the right thing to do--because we fear any number of possible consequences? Fretting over the future doesn't solve any impending problems. It only paralyzes your actions of the present. It stresses you out, makes you mentally and physically tired, and saps all the fun out of what could have been another great day. Next time you start to worry about what might happen, think of this: You can prepare, but you cannot predict. So do what you can and forget what you cannot. Sparkpeople.com

So often we "assume" to know what someone else is thinking, will do, or what his/her motivations are. Most of the time we are projecting what we think and believe. We get all worked up over something said, let stuff get in our head and eat away at us. Just for a moment, think what it would be like if there were no ulterior motives, no reason behind the action or words other than a flat out observation of what is. Right now in this moment. Reality.

Recently, I made a simple conversation into a, "it's all about me". What I thought was going to happen, what I wanted to happen or not happen, and how dare ___ even think that. Ha! In my head, machinations twisted me around like crazy. I complained to all my best friends about it. They worried and checked in on my mental state. Guess what?--it wasn't about me at all. It never was. Damn! Suckered in to the black hole again.

Step back--Stay in the light. Be totally present. Make no assumptions. Love what is.

Tackling big challenges with small actions

2008-11-27T00:48:00.000-05:00

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.
- Calvin Coolidge, American president

This is a perfect illustration of tackling big challenges with small actions. It also shows the power of focus. There's a growing tendency for people to want to have it all. Not wanting to sacrifice anything, they run themselves straight into the ground--sometimes literally--only to end up frustrated, unhealthy, and tired, with nothing to show for it. What they don't realize is that you can have it all (or close to it). You just can't have it all right now. Does it feel like you're always busy, but you never seem to get anywhere? That's because when you try to do everything, you don't do anything well. Your child may force you to learn this lesson anyway. Instead of living your life all at once, try doing one thing at a time. Choose one goal and, through some small "things" every day, focus in on it until you've succeeded. During the day, put your full mind and efforts on one task at a time. You'll be much more productive (and calm) in the long run. sparkpeople

Spend ten minutes planning that goal and some actions steps. Get a notebook just for your goals. Once you get started, you may not stop at ten minutes, but schedule that ten minutes daily or 4 times a week. That way it doesn't seem intimidating. Then how will you be accountable to yourself for making the time? Get an accountability buddy (a friend you will e-mail to when you've taken a step each week. If they don't hear from you, they'll be asking "What have you done toward ____ this week?"

Often if I say I will exercise for 15 min., if I get started, I have no problem stretching that to 30 minutes. It's getting started. I have a goal to book a vacation for myself to reward the last 3 years of school work and completion of my masters degree. So I've spent 10-15 min. several times a week looking at my options. Once I choose my destination and mode of transport, then I will start rounding up reservations and tickets. Hmmm...Hawaii or a cruise to a tropical island? More on that later!

Like the commercial says -- Just do it! Baby steps will get you there - No action won't.

I did it! I really did it!

2008-11-23T11:24:00.000-05:00

Crack out the Yipeee Girl! I finished my comprehensive exam for my master's degree as a reading specialist. If I just use this knowledge in the classroom to be a better reading teacher, it was all worth while. The essence of it is, when I decided to start this journey it was only because the school system was paying the tuition, not because I had an overwhelming desire to go back to school, or learn something new, or even to challenge myself.

As the journey progressed, my mother made her transition, I had to opt out of the first class of the program (this is the one I am taking right now). My marriage went by the wayside the end of that year and I stated the program in January, as a completely bereft person. Taking classes with some of the best women I know kept me sane--forced me to think of something beside my own pain.

The rest is history--I discovered coaching--hired a coach or two--enrolled in coaching school and am now truly living a new life. Coaching others is my way of giving back. I want everyone to know, no matter what you think you know about yourself, there is so much more untapped inside. There are dreams and adventures, days of peace and days of bliss.

Today is a day of bliss-I completed something I never dreamed I wanted, but as the coursework went on, I was learning so much about who I am and can do. A celebration is in order!

2008-11-23T10:58:00.000-05:00

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.

- Sally Koch

You can impact more people than you'll ever know

Too many people sit on the sidelines of life waiting for that one great opportunity or the chance of a lifetime. We seldom realize that while we are waiting, we are missing the small opportunities to make a difference that surround us in our everyday lives. For example, you could pick up the litter on a street that you travel often, help someone carry her groceries to her car, or offer to help a child read a book. Of course, this list could go on and on. Your small action could make all the difference in the world to someone and you may never know it. Don't sit around and wait for the BIG CHANCE because you never know...one of those small opportunities might turn into the next chance of a lifetime. sparkpeople healthy reflections

Every conversation you have with others is a chance to be the one ray of light in their lives. Calm voice, non-reactionary, impartial witness to their story, encourager, cheerleader, supporter of vision. A smile and eye contact--It's amazing what that will do for someone's heart.

What have you done this week? Do you take the time to look around your surroundings in the hurry of the day? Who is in your immediate vicinity? Do you look at them? No, I mean REALLY look at them? What do you see? How about in the landscape? I've taken to picking up paper towels in the restroom on the floor. I mean how hard is it to put it in the trash? The next person in the door will appreciate it. Maybe the fact that the floor is clean will encourage them to make sure their trash makes it in the bin.

A kind response to an e-mail. We choose how we set the tone in the world. Be the change, be the calm, be the light that brighten the world.

Happy Thanksgiving--I have so much to be greatful for! Hey! You're reading my blog!

Taking the Path to Personal Growth

2008-11-16T14:18:00.000-05:00

When you stand still, you reject the struggle, and you refuse to change and grow. Ultimately, you reject fulfillment, happiness, the dance for joy and everything else that is eternally good.

- Matthew Kelly, classical actor and game show host

Action is the only way anything ever gets done. Sitting around and waiting for life to happen to you will only guarantee one thing: that you're not going to end up with a life you love. By waiting, you can react to what's tossed your way and nothing more. It's easy to take a passive approach to life without taking chances. It's easy to fall into a rut and do the same things the same way all the time. Change is sometimes hard, but it's change that will reveal all the wonders that life has to offer. You can break out of your set ways by taking action. Try doing the same thing a different way. Jump in with both feet and learn something new. Ask a friend to teach you a skill they're good at. Grow as a person and your world grows with you. Sparkpeople.com (healthy reflection 11/16/08)

Rejecting the struggle--for many years I was an expert at this! I thought I was rejecting what didn't want. Life eventually threw me three hard balls in a row. The last one knocked me out. The only way to get back up was to change. And learning to embrace change saved my sanity.

When I first hired a life coach, he would give me a challenge, and I would reply, "I don't know if this is REALLY what I want to work towards." His reply was, "It doesn't have to be your final goal, but taking any action is better than none. Even if it helps you decide what you don't want to do."

I often felt paralyzed to decide what I wanted and how to get there. Baby steps. When I thought of different options, I began to listen to my intuition. I learned to feel the reaction in my body, and choose the one that would light me up the most.

My second coach helped me think up ways to be accountable to myself. One day she said to me "It's your ___n life! Ask for what you want and need." That became a new mantra for me. It's my ___n life. I get to decide what I want in it! If you have a desire to make changes in your life, it IS possible. Take action now and adjust as you go. Embrace change--Take action--Life is not set in stone--it's ever changing and evolving.

And hey, hire a coach if you need one! They want what you want for yourself and will help YOU take action to get it.

Overcoming obstacles one at a time

2008-11-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Fall seven times. Stand up eight.

- Japanese Proverb

Your goals may not come easy. There is no accomplishment without work, and no "win" without something to beat. It's easy to get discouraged when roadblocks appear--in fact, it's only natural. You've invested time and emotion into creating the perfect plan, and then something has to come along and muck it all up. Sometimes, though, all you have to do to beat that barrier is to get back up and move forward again. Obstacles are like the Wizard behind the curtain--they're a lot less intimidating once you see them up close. Next time you take a step back, don't let guilt pile it on top of your previous "stumbles." Just take two steps forward and you're still farther along than you were before. It doesn't matter how many walls you face. You only have to get the better of that last one. www.sparkpeople.com healthy reflections

For most of my life I was not one to set goals or intentions. I lived life on a daily basis--reacting to the good and bad, the fear and the doubt. Not much of a way to make progress. Not to say I didn't learn lessons along the way--Boy, did I learn some hard ones!

It wasn't until I had nothing to lose, that I had to guts to start living authentically. First I had to clarify my values. Just what did I stand for? I visualized my future life--perfect in every way and looked backwards. How did I get there? What was I doing? How could I work towards that life now? Working with my coach I started taking some baby steps. I used to cringe when he said take action this week. Often I wasn't sure this action was what I needed to get my ideal life, I was paralyzed by what if this isn't the right way to go, I'll have wasted, time, money,...But eventually I learned-- I'd be one step further along the path. I'd know what I didn't want if it didn't work out. I've graduated to if it scares me I want to try it. Because I know that 9 times out of 10 the wizard behind that curtain isn't as scary as I thought. Baby steps--just do it!

Are you afraid to try or are you afraid to fail?

2008-11-09T17:03:00.000-05:00

To swear off mistakes is very easy. All you have to do is swear off having ideas.

- Leo Burnett, advertising pioneer

A well-lived life is not for the timid. The world was never meant to be approached with extra caution and fear of making mistakes. Kids know that you have to jump in feet first and be willing to take some lumps on the head if you're going to have any fun. When did we stop trying new things? Why did we stop taking risks? In large part, we're afraid of messing up. We've settled into our comfort zones and don't want to look like a fool to ourselves or others. What's the price we pay for our pursuit of perfection? No growth, no sense of discovery, few real experiences. The sacrifice isn't worth it. Are there points in your life that you wish you could have back because you didn't pursue an idea or a new interest? Those chances are gone forever--but you'll have more in the future to take full advantage of. It's been said that most people don't learn much that's new past their 20s. That's an awful long time to stay stagnant. The only mistake you should be afraid to make is not trying. sparkpeople.com healthy reflections

Lumps on the head. How many of us learned our lesson afterward or did we require a few more wacks? Jump off the cliff--out of the safety zone--guess what? Sometimes when you jump, you find out that it wasn't such a long way down. It was just an optical illusion. Ya never know unless you try. So go ahead, take that watercolor class, lead a teleconference, or go bowling. want something bigger? Stepping out of the zone may mean saying "No, I can't do that for you right now. Maybe another time.", speaking to your boss about a well deserved raise in a confident manner well thought out reasons why you are so valuable to the company, or start investigating a new line of work, if that is where your heart is. I'm learning, if it's a little exciting and yet a little scary--Try it...You might like it!

Living according to your true values

2008-11-08T14:42:00.000-05:00

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

- John Locke, philosopher

The best intentions matter little if your daily life doesn't reflect those values. How can you make sure that your thoughts and actions match? Good or bad, your values are shaped by your actions just as much as they do the shaping. Actions that are true to your values build a stronger personal foundation that others can see. Why are the memories of our greatest personal and public heroes so powerful and timeless, long after they're gone? They stood for something. They were living, breathing examples of the values they prized. It takes courage, a belief in yourself and strong determination. But it can be done. Do one thing today that shows the world what you believe. Do one thing that you know is right. Do one thing that would make your hero smile. Sparkpeople.com

A huge shift in my life happened when I clarified my values and decided to live in alignment with them. Things I wanted started falling into place. I got more of what I wanted, things seemed to "flow" more easily. My fears about life's uncertainties lessened tremendously. Without fear standing in the way, I was able to ask for what I wanted more easily (not in a "gimme" kind of way), but in a respectful gracious way. Acting from a place of honesty and grace--being the change I wished to see--made me realize that everyone just wants to get their needs met. It doesn't means someone else is right or wrong---more or less. They just are.

Playing to your strengths

2008-11-07T20:22:00.000-05:00

If you spend too much time working on your weaknesses, all you end up with is a lot of strong weaknesses. - Dan Sullivan, business coach

It's tempting isn't it? It's so much easier to see what's wrong with yourself and your life than to take advantage of what's right. The problem is, too much focus on the negative can affect your attitude and opinion of yourself. It's a quick road to burnout. While it's important to pay attention to things you can improve, your best bet for a breakthrough lies in maximizing what you're already good at. The secret is to use those strengths to help boost yourself up where you need the help. What are your major talents? What do you have a special knack for? Set specific goals to improve those talents and don't fret as much about your weak spots. They'll get the extra help they need as you climb higher.
Courtesy of SparkPeople.com Healthy Reflections

What are your strengths? Mine are flexibility, openness, connection, relationship, honesty, intuitive listening, support, dependability, and perseverance. How did I discover this? At a time in my life when my confidence needed a boost, a coach told me to ask some of my closest friends to tell me what they saw in me as a friend--in other words, my strengths. I then had to believe what they were telling me, so I started noticing when I was BE-ing those traits and told myself--Yes, I am ____ ! Before long I not only began to believe this about myself, but started attracting people into my life who were aligned with who I am. Find your power-Shine your light! (c) 2008

Beautiful Handmade Soap

2008-11-03T23:42:00.000-05:00

WumpusWonder

Are you looking for something different to put in the stockings this year? Look no further. Kaitlin Eastman produces wumpuswonder soap named after one of her cute little hairless ratties. Help a budding entrepreneur get a business off and running.

The beneficial beauty of selfless acts

2008-11-01T11:42:00.000-04:00

Do something for somebody every day for which you don't get paid.

- Albert Schweitzer, philosopher, musicologist, doctor

Al was a smart man. He knew that generous acts benefit everyone, including yourself. The small actions you take now, no matter how insignificant they may seem, can have profound effects that you may never know about. Sometimes, just living as a good example has the power to inspire. Not quite as well-known are the physical and mental benefits that being a positive force can have for you. When you help others, stress decreases and causes less physical harm. Work and athletic performance improve. A positive attitude appears. And the mind is eased as troubles are put in perspective. Doing for others can involve a small gesture (pick up trash, write a note of encouragement, offer to mow your neighbor's lawn) or an ambitious undertaking (volunteer at a neighborhood center, mentor a coworker, work with disadvantaged youth). Make a habit of thinking "What can I do today to make someone's life easier?" www.sparkpeople.com healthy reflections

Now sometimes the person you do something for has to be yourself. Remember that you are no good to others if you are worn out and worn down. My gift to myself today is to turn off the computer. Work on my environment (yeah- ok- clean my house) so I'm ready to go to the movies later today. How about you?

Mastery Coach Exchange

2008-10-29T12:33:00.001-04:00

Mastery Coach Exchange is popping these days. If you want a great place to connect with other coaches, find a coach, or attract clients, stop by now. Join soon and you have free access to online social network classes and resources to be offered.

Leading My First Tele-Conference

2008-09-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

I am in several coaching groups online--one at the Co-Active Network where I'm in a niche group for spirituality and coaching. There had been several posts about having a call where we could all get together in a "sacred space" and share our intentions for ourselves and our clients. I had never led a tele-conference, so I offered to organize and lead the first call. What a treat! We started with a few moments of silently aligning our intentions for the call. I then led the group with a guided meditation inward putting us in touch with our higher selves before opening up the cal to a round table of sharing our intentions of what we'd like to see this group do: a monthly call was decided on where we will take turns organizing and leading along with sharing a tool we use with clients (meditations, techniques, etc..), supporting each other in being open with our spirituality when we are led to and to attract clients that are in alignment with this.

I've discovered that one of my strengths is in organizing and leading-something I have to watch when I'm coaching! (the leading part anyway).

2008-08-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

Anyone else tired??? How many hours do YOU spend online on your business?

New Opportunity

2008-08-17T15:35:00.000-04:00

While at a friend's home this weekend, I met her sister. She and her husband had just lost a son 3 months ago to a car accident. We spoke about honoring your grief and my experience with it. I visited her business, a skin care shop, and she spoke to me of wanting to create a holistic tone there with all kinds of services to care for yourself. Then she asked me if I'd come and do a life coaching presentation for her staff! Wow! I was flattered, excited, and quiet honestly a little nervous. I have been dreaming of doing a presentation like this for over a year.

Now to do my homework. I need to speak with her some more about what her vision is for this and how she wants her staff to benefit. I then need to design a fun half-day program geared towards that and possible a series of workshops to follow it!!

Whoo Hoo!
Your greatest gifts lie just beyond the doorways of fear.

2008-08-12T02:55:00.000-04:00

I've made a commitment to coach 100 people in the next two years to increase my experience as a professional coach by joining the Experienced Coach Program. This means I need to coach one new person every week for a minimum of thirty minutes.

Would you be willing to let me give you 30 minutes of free coaching?

My one request is that I will need you to fill out an easy 5-minute feedback form to prove I coached you.

After you receive your free 30 minute session and I get your feedback form, you may be interested in additional coaching. If so, I currently hold evening phone sessions by appointment. (Long distance charges may apply depending on your phone package.)

How it works: After we schedule a day and time for coaching, I'll send you my phone number, you call me, I ask what you'd like to be coached on: changes you want to make, your purpose in life, moving forward through a life transition..., we get curious about this, and co-create a plan of action and accountability, you fill out the feedback form.

How easy is that? Interested?

Let's stir the spirit within--all the wisdom, power, and grace are within you to change your life. (c) Jude Eastman 2008

Contact me at jude@stirringthespiritwithin.com www.stirringthespiritwithin.com

Elitism in coaching

2008-08-12T02:05:00.000-04:00

Which coaching school did you graduate from? Are you certified? By whom? Man there's a lot of judging going on! I subscribe to a coaching network sponsored by one coaching school. Even though the network is open to everyone, I often see in a post "well they not a XXX graduate. Sometimes I wish this forum was only for those of us who attended XXX coaching school."

Quite frankly, I enjoy reading posts from members who have varied backgrounds/credentials and the like. As a relatively new coach, I love seeing different approaches--sure the lingo may be a bit different here and there, but it's not hard to figure out we're all in the business being curious, to help the client move forward in their lives, and get paid in the process (that's a whole new post).

So business coaching, life purpose coaching, tarot cards, and intuition--Does it matter? Only if you are not being true to your own style. The client will either keep working with you or not.

Training--How much experience--letters behind your name or not--Again, let the client ask those questions, be informed and make a decision. Yes, I'd like to think that being "trained" and "certified" adds a layer of professionalism and credibility to you, but in the long run, clients want what works for them.

Do coaches want to be seen as credible? Most do. But whose governing body should be in charge?

One way to train

2008-08-10T00:08:00.000-04:00

Are you interested in becoming a masterful coach? Check out

http://www.cartville.com/app/?Clk=2495052

Become a certified life coach through the School of Coaching Mastery and the IAC (International Association of Coaches). One of many choices.

Who am I & How did I get here?

2008-08-09T23:44:00.000-04:00

How did I come to life coaching?

2005 was the year that both of my parents passed on and my husband and I separated. The following summer I attended a weekend retreat entitled "Moving Onward and Forward with Your Life". One of the afternoon sessions evolved around: What are your core values? What are your deepest fears and limiting beliefs? If nothing stood in your way what would you like to do in life? At the end of the afternoon, our presenter stated that she was a life coach and was offering a ten minute sample session to anyone who was interested. I signed up and--click--the light bulb went off! It was then and there that I knew what my passion and vision for the future was. I'd always enjoyed discussing problems and brainstorming solutions with my friends, family, and co-workers. This seemed like a perfect fit.

When I got home, I researched coaching & immediately signed up for a complimentary session. Our connection was spooky. We had many of the same beliefs about being whole and capable right now. We had similar spiritual connections that made this seem more than a coincidence. I signed up to work with this coach and knew this is what I wanted to do too.

I grew up in Florida and got my B.A. in education from the University of South Florida. While married, I lived in the Washington, D.C. area, Northern California, and Virginia. I'm a life coach and a teacher. I am currently working on a masters in reading from the University of Virginia and life coach certification through the School of Coaching Mastery.

I was married for thirty-one years and have three grown children. In my life's journey so far, l've learned much about relationships, grief, spiritual wholeness, Attention Deficit Disorder, depression, & learning disabilities.

A few of my pleasures in life are going to the beach or being out in nature, cooking a wide variety of ethnic or vegetarian foods, and reading. I like animals of all kinds and currently have a two year old dog.

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." (Lao Tzu) This quote started me on my way of discovering my core values: honesty, spirituality, connectedness, integrity, communication, collaboration, joy, peace, service, & growth...and of letting go what no longer served me.

Is something telling you to "do" or "be" more? Need help redefining the YOU, who used to be very clear on who you were and what you wanted out of life? Feeling lost in your own chatter? Let's discover what your core values are!

Let's stir the spirit within--all the wisdom, power and grace are within you now to make changes and discoveries in your life. http://www.stirringthespiritwithin.com/