Inner Peace Warrior ~ Life & Soul Coach ~ Jude Eastman ~ Love the Skin You're In
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Gratitude's Attitude
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.
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
Monday, August 8, 2011
Listening Fully
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?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Are you Allowing for Resistance?
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!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
What Gets in YOUR Way?
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.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Looking Backwards, a Hindrance or a Help?
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
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.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Change Your Thinking - Change Your Life - Really?
"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.
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?
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Inner Peace or Happiness - Are they the same?
"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
Photo credit - Evgeni Dinev / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Friday, April 8, 2011
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.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
"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
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
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Beep! Beep!
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:
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
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!
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
Saturday, January 1, 2011
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)
...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!
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