5 Tips to Starting a Spiritual Practice

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."

 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!







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!

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

Inner Peace Warrior

Resources

to

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

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

"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!

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.

Gratitude and Growth

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?

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

"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

"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?

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

"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?

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

“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

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

"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

"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.