RemarkAble Women Speak

Question the Truth of What Is

In the past, I've blogged about the work of "The Work,"  a process for living with less stress by focusing on four key questions to question the thoughts that trigger stressful reactions.  If you subscribe to my ezine, I'm also written articles about The Work, and how I use it with my clients as well as myself.

Last Friday evening, I was treated to a two-hour presentation by the creator of "The Work," Byron Katie.  She spoke at the University of Washington, and I attended with two friends, one who is a coach, and the other a counselor.  Our levels of experience with The Work vary, yet, by the end of the evening, we could each see how this process can be used to help our clients, and anyone for that matter, get past the beliefs that continue to plague their progress towards a life that is more meaningful, fulfilling, and joyful.

Who's Taking Care of You?

Today I had a delightful coaching session with a client who gets it.  She experienced firsthand the value in taking care of herself, and saw how each activity is a gift to her Self.  Exercising with her daughter and enrolling in a writers' group allow her to connect, not only with others, but also to that person inside that says, "Here I am.  Love me."  We all have that person in the rich space of our hearts.  It's more a voice than person, but it is a part of who you have always been.

It's your intuition.  It feels neglected when you forget to stroke it, to thank it, to pamper it.  "Why wait for someone else?," it pleads.  "Am I not important to you?"

A Choice of Intention

Last week, I attended an all-day conference sponsored by my local Puget Sound Coaches Association.  What a blast we had!  Whenever you put a bunch of coaches in one location, the energy level is automatically ramped up megafold.

The morning keynote speaker was Sandra Anne Taylor(pictured here with me), author of the New York Times bestseller, Quantum Success.  She has also written Secrets of Success (with her twin sister, Sharon A. Klingler) and Secrets of Attraction.  Yes, we chuckled about the fact that she and her sister have the same middle name as me, and their maiden name is my married last name.  Sandra's latest hot-off-the-presses book is 28 Days to a More Magnetic Life, a palm-sized treasury of thoughts and activities to help you ingrain the habits that will lead to the attainment of your goals and intentions.

Sandra noted that there are two kinds of intentions.  Logistical intentions are about something you want to do; for example, find a new job, end a relationship, plan for retirement.

Emotional intentions, however, are usually a random reaction to something.  You did not intend to get upset with the waitress when you first walked in a restaurant.  Then she forgot to bring your order in a timely fashion. If her delay will make you late for a meeting, she becomes the focus of your anger and your stress. Your intention now is to blame her (at least, in your mind) for disrupting your afternoon. The anger and stress might even carry over into your evening. 

The beauty of emotional intentions is that they can be shifted in the moment to one that is more positive and has more energy. From anger to compassion; from stress to calmness.

When I talk to women's groups about the damages of stress, I remind them that accumulated stress does not put the body in a healthy state of being.  Over time, it can set the body up for disease and illness.  As Sandra told our conference audience, it's OK to have a negative thought.  Accept that that is where you are right now, then move out of it by shifting your consciousness towards an attitude that supports you better, and increases your energy to a higher level.

Throughout the days and weeks to come, I will share more lessons from Sandra Taylor, especially around the power of your consciousness to create your reality.  In the meantime, consider this intention she encourages us all to embrace each morning.

"I am creating happiness today."

The Music is Not Dead

Today marks the 50th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that took the lives of rock and roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, the Big Bopper J.P. Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson.  Theirs was the music of my older sisters, and because I heard it all the time, the songs of the '50s and '60s have always been my favorites.

It is said that these talented singers are memorialized in the song, American Pie, written and sung by Don McLean.  Interpretations aside, Don has never stated that is so.  Yet, the song's words, "the day the music died" are often attributed as a final sendoff to the teen heartthrobs and the DJ.

The Day the Music Died.  Music that came from the bottomless abyss of their souls; music that spoke of teenage love, romantic heartbreak, and youthful escapades.  Simple lyrics and innocent pinings wrapped up in indelible stories.  Music that stirred a generation to speak up in new, powerfully bold ways about what was important to them. Music that is not dead.

What about your music, your dreams, your passions?  What's stirring in that intuitive space deep within you that yearns to be expressed?  In might not have a tune, but it is music nonetheless.  It is the music of your dreams, the song of your soul.  It might sound like a best-selling novel, a charitable foundation, a new business, parenthood, travel to remote shores, becoming a chef, doing a triathlon.  Music that puts your authentic self smack dab in the middle of an infinite oasis.  Music that has you doing and being as you were meant to do and be.

Yes, today's times are difficult, but a recession cannot kill your music.  It cannot take away your right to live a life full of happiness and joy. Only you can do that. But I don't believe you want to do that.  If you are waiting for the perfect moment, there is none like the present, and it need not be perfect.  Begin now to feel the divine tugs, especially if you've ignored them in the past.  Pay attention as they grow stronger.  Act, as they urge you forward, with small steps. If you've already begun to realize your dreams, forge ahead.  Keep whistling a happy tune. The world deserves your music, however it shows up. 

If you want proof that the music did not die in 1959, visit Ritchie Valens' website.  Regardless of your age, crank up the jukebox.  Maybe you won't get goose bumps like I did, listening to him croon about Donna, but something will awaken in you. 

It will be the possibilities of your own music that have come alive.