The Art of Paying Attention

Posted on December 30, 2014 by bridget

 Life is denied by lack of attention,
whether it be to cleaning windows
or trying to write a masterpiece. ~ Nadia Boulanger

   Paying attention to the world around you can teach you how to live in a natural flow of responding to life as you experience it. Life is a great teacher and if we pay attention to the world around us it will show us what our next step is. Often we can get caught up in mind-talk or play out far-reaching scenarios in our mind, instead of being mindful and aware of what life is presenting to us in each fresh and ever-changing moment. Life will always provide reasons for joyfulness as well as reason for concern. In attending to life in each moment we can learn to surrender to the flow of life as we are carried and supported in ways that go far beyond human understanding.

We have both a moment-to-moment purpose as well as a larger life purpose.   Our moment-to-moment purpose teaches us what needs to be done, what our next step is. When we are paying attention we realize that the herbs growing in the pot out on the deck need to be watered, or breakfast needs to be prepared, or the trash in the neighborhood park needs picking up, or the elderly lady standing on the sidewalk needs help crossing the road, or a load of laundry needs doing, library books need to be returned, a conference call needs to be scheduled or the dog needs grooming. The reality of life will always reveal what the next step is, and if you are in tune with the flow of life you will respond and attend to what needs doing. Attention must be focused on reality. Reality will always teach you what you need to learn. As you learn to observe reality you will get clear information regarding what needs to be done, this is purposeful behavior. Your next step will then be to do invest your attention into doing your activity well.   When you lead a simple and well organized life you will be able to put more attention on what needs doing instead of deciding what needs to be done. The magic is in the doing not in the deciding. Sometimes you may be required to make choices and decide what tasks are important or necessary. At certain times it may be essential and helpful to allow the dishes to pile up in the sink while you pay attention to your larger life purpose. The daily tasks can take up a large chunk of time, and it is important to be aware of the balance that is required in dividing your time up between daily living and your larger purpose. It is also interesting to note that your larger purpose can often be found in your moment-to-moment purpose, so pay attention!

Learn to pay attention to your surroundings. When you pay attention to people you will begin to notice many opportunities to be of service in the world. Compassion develops when you place your awareness on people, animals, plants and the beauty of the world around you, instead of remaining caught up in your own worries and concerns. Focusing your attention on others will help you to see the pain, joy, tenderness, love, problems, delight and concerns of others. As a result you will be far more in tune with the world and act in loving and compassion ways. When you are alert to the needs of your fellow human beings, then you may stop asking the question “How can others be of use to me?’ and instead ask, “How can I be of use to others?”

During challenging moments in life, pay attention to the world around you, it really is fascinating! Always remember the qualities of compassion, grace and gentleness. By staying aware and being connected to the present moment and learning to pay attention to the word around you, many previously unnoticed opportunities will become apparent. You will then have the chance to act on these opportunities and before long your life will be flowing smoothly downstream again. Whatever you pay attention to expands and the actions you take ripple out and have an effect on the world around you.

Remember that life is a matter of attention.
 
 “Have a look at the apple tree in your yard. Look at it with complete attention. It is truly a miracle. If you notice it, you will take good care of it, and you too are part of its miraculousness.”
                                          ~Thich Nhat Hanh

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The Gratitude Game

Posted on September 19, 2014 by bridget

“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears” – Anthony Robbins

 

When you experience the emotions of fear, disappointment, sadness, anger or envy, you lower your energy level. Holding onto such emotions can result as extreme stress, insomnia, anxiety and a feeling of life not working out the way you planned.

Anthony Robbins says that abundance appears when you are grateful. This happens because if you take the time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude you can begin to be grateful for all that happens to you.  Everything in life is made up of bundles of energy and you can exercise choice regarding your actions and attitude. You can cultivate an attitude that is filled with gratitude or you can practice an attitude of constantly complaining and staying stuck in feeling abused. Don’t wait until you have your life all planned out or all your ducks in a row before you allow yourself to be happy.  Allow yourself to enjoy vibrant health and fortune by being grateful each and everyday.

You can open to the flow of energy by learning to increase your awareness of blessings in your life by balancing your charkas. Chakras (a Sanskit word meaning spinning wheel or circle) are energy points in the body that correspond with the endocrine glands. The health of your energy centers, or chakras, may influence your physical health. You need to be aligned to experience and maintain vibrant health, well-being and to live a deeply fulfilling life. The belief in chakras originated in India and was first utilized in Ayuevedic medicine. If you practice yoga, meditate or do body work then you may already be familiar with chakras. Imagine your chakras as circles of energy that support the vitality of your body, mind and soul. Your lower chakras correspond to issues of the material world, while your upper chakras are centered more upon spiritual issues.

Below I will introduce you to the 7 major chakras even though there are many more, and I ask you to choose just one chakra to work with today as you play the Gratitude Game.

The 7 major charkas:

The Root Chakra: This is located at the base of the spine. It is a brilliant ruby-red color. Your root charka is related to issues of physical security and it is affected by your feelings, beliefs and thoughts about survival and your sense of security in the world.

The Sacral Chakra: This is located in the lower abdomen. In Eastern philosophy this center is known as the Hara, and it has a very significant part in the Asian martial arts as a central focus for movement and co-ordination. It is a vibrant shade of orange. The sacral charka is affected by your feelings, beliefs and thoughts about well-being, pleasure and sexuality.

The Solar Plexus Chakra: This is the 3rd  major charka and it is found right behind the navel. It is a shade of canary yellow. The main issues of the solar plexus charka have to do with self-worth, self-esteem and personal power. It is strongly connected to your attitudes about empowerment and decision making.

The Heart Chakra: This is situated in the center of the chest above the region of the physical heart. It relates to issues in your life that have to do with love and joy. The heart charka is a beautiful shade of emerald green. When your heart charka is healthy and balanced you are able to form loving connections with all living beings. The heart chakra is about giving and receiving love.

The Throat Chakra: This is the 5th major chakra and it is located inside the throat where it acts as a bridge between your heart and your mind. This chakra is blue in color and is the center of communication and self-expression. When your throat chakra is balanced you will feel lively and expressive.  If your throat chakra becomes blocked it is usually connected to thoughts and feelings centering on expressing yourself freely.

The Brow Chakra: This is located in the forehead between the eyebrows. It is often called the third eye. This chakra is a lovely rich indigo color. It presides over your capacity to think and discern, to use your imagination and develop your intuition. The brow chakra also helps you gather wisdom from all life experiences.

The Crown Chakra: The 7th major chakra is found at the very crown of the head. This chakra is a magnificent violet color and it links you with beauty, and your spiritual nature.

 

The Gratitude Game: Rainbow Gifts

Have some fun while you practice gratitude and balance your chakras. I invite you to play a game; this game is inspired by my Grandmother, Kathleen Thompson, who loved surprising people with gifts. Make a list of 7 people you appreciate and would like to say thank you to. You may want to consider the people who you may overlook but who add value and ease to your life, such as the postman, the garbage collector or your garden service.

Now decide on 7 inexpensive gifts, one of each color related to the chakras, and make a plan on how to present a small token of love and appreciation to 7 people.

Example:

A Red gift – I have a photo of a red cardinal that I am going to email to my great aunt who loves birds

Orange gift – I can squeeze a glass of fresh orange juice for my husband

Yellow gift – I can deliver a bunch of bananas, some pears, mangoes and golden delicious apples in a basket to the local nursing home

Green gift – I can leave a larger than normal tip at my local coffee shop today

Blue gift – I can take a blueberry pie to the local fire station or police station

Indigo gift – I can pick a bunch of wild flowers and take them to a friend in hospital

Violet gift – deliver a box of chocolate chip cookies with a big violet bow to the local animal shelter to thank them for their dedication and care.

Have fun playing the Gratitude Game. Don’t rush; it may take you a day or a month or even a year to play this game.  Be creative and experience the joy of giving to others and thanking them.

 Count your blessings. A grateful heart attracts more love, joy, beauty and abundance.

 

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Life Coaching can help you Stress Less and Weigh Less

Posted on August 6, 2014 by bridget

Gail who has been struggling to lose weight for 10 years decided to give Soul Coaching a try to help her feel better about herself and to discover new ways to lose those stubborn 25 pounds. Gail had read an article that described how losing weight and finding one’s purpose were connected. Now Gail was intrigued and eager to drop those extra pounds and find more purpose and passion in her life.

Gail spend a lot of time and energy focusing on her weight, on finding the next diet or exercise program that promised rapid results. Like most woman, she found talking about her body made her feel very emotional. Western culture places so much pressure on woman to look good and to keep their youthful appearance instead of honoring the passage of time and the wisdom and soul-beauty that is only earned through living life.

During her first Coaching session, Gail said that she felt so much pressure to lose weight and to fit into a smaller dress size. She felt disappointed with the ways in which her body had changed and no longer looked the way it did in her 20’s and early 30’s. Now in her late 40’s Gail felt like she was on a constant roller coaster ride trying new diets and weight loss pills, hoping to find a solution to a problem that was not going away.

During coaching sessions we discussed how focusing on diet and exercise is important when losing weight but in order to let go of excess pounds and to keep the weight off long-term, it is important to look at what’s going on inside, to delve into the unconscious mind and to become aware of what may be blocking her ability to lose weight. The root of the problem needed to be addressed on a physical, as well as emotional, mental and spiritual level.

Weight loss and self worth are connected and only once Gail understood the connection between her emotions and her weight gain did she begin to notice the surplus weight falling off.

Gail wanted to share her 5 easy steps to weigh less and stress less

1.      Realize that when you feel stressed and anxious your cravings for certain foods will increase. Whenever I felt stressed I would reach for sugary foods such as donuts and cookies. I began to notice that I was eating a lot of foods that were high in fat and sugar. I became a more mindful eater and kept a journal tracking how my negative emotions where influencing my inability to lose weight. I was just adding more weight and more stress to my life.

2.      Learn the value of self-compassion. Dr. Kristin Neff has done some remarkable research on the power of self-compassion, self-kindness and genuine love for self. She offers a short test on her website that can help you get deliberate about your self-compassion. This short test measures the elements of self-compassion (self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness) and the things that get in the way (self-judgment, isolation, over identification). The self-compassion test and other great resources are available on Dr Neff’s website: www.self-compassion.org

3.      Discover your passion.  Over the course of my life coaching session with Bridget it became very clear to me that my purpose and weight loss were connected. Feeling lost and empty I filled myself up with food. With some weekly assignments as part of the coaching I started to notice where my passion was, my purpose started to become clearer and the void I had been filling up with sugary foods, is now filled with actions and activities that fuel my soul and bring a greater sense of peace, clarity and satisfaction to my day. Begin to notice what brings joy to your soul and brings a smile to your face!

4.      Interestingly enough weight loss is not so much about diets, pills or exercise. It is more about achieving a shift on an energetic level. Weight loss occurred for me when:

– I understood my beliefs and values, and how I could create meaning in my life.

– I empowered myself by acting on what I believed was right; I began to express myself freely, and appreciated myself more.

– Resolved and healed the pain of situations and people that had hurt me

 –  I started making new choices about the way to relate to people in the NOW so that my relationships bring me joy.

5.      As you heal and create a life that is based upon your highest values and beliefs, it is important that you become aware of the people, places and things that may be draining your vital life force energy. I had to look long and hard at what was draining me.  I made a note of anything that was draining me. This might be a person that you need to spend less time with or an activity that you need to cut down on. This is about getting clear on what gives you energy/power and what drains your energy and your power. I realized that I was not making enough time during the day to take care of my inner emotions; instead I was so focused on my family and friends and trying to fix their lives. I started to pull my energy back towards myself and focus on what was really important to me, I made time to exercise, to meditate, to cook and prepare healthy meals and snacks. I also carved out time each day to write in my journal as I believe that writing was a great help for me in losing weight and having a safe place to release negative and uncomfortable emotions.

Putting an active self-care routine into place is imperative. It is important that you ensure you don’t burn out or feel overwhelmed. A self-care routine can help you stay on purpose! Know your level of self-compassion (you will discover this by doing Dr Neff’s test.) The kinder and more forgiving you are with yourself, the easier it becomes to make new choices and create a life that supports you. In Gail’s words “My world is expanding as my thighs and butt are shrinking!”

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Purpose Quest

Posted on April 25, 2014 by bridget

You may notice that you carry so many things in your mind (including feelings) that you may tend to forget who you truly are. When you become more mindful of your daily purpose and your larger life purpose you can become more present in each moment as it unfolds. Being aware and present may not be a cure-all, but it clearly allows you to expand your being in the world.

As a Life Coach I am often asked by clients “How do I find my real purpose for life?” Larry (not his real name) arrived in my office 2 months ago feeling as if he had missed out on the most important parts of his life. He said “My life lacks meaning! I have a high-paying job; I am fulfilled in my roles as a husband, father, son, brother and friend. I even have some long-term goals that really motivate me, but I still feel as though I have not found the real reason I’m alive, the reason why I exist?”

So how do you find out what your real purpose in life is? A simple way to become clearer on your purpose is to:

  1. Get a blank sheet of paper and a pen or any electronic device of your choice where you can type.
  2. At the top, write the heading “What is my purpose in life?”
  3. Now write or type whatever answers come to you. It is important that you don’t analyze, but instead just write down what comes up for you.
  4. Write for about 15 minutes without stopping (you may want to set a timer)
  5. At the end of 15 minutes, circle 3 words or phases that stand out for you. These 3 words may make you feel a bit emotional or you may feel a deep resonance with them.

 The process of finding 3 words or phrases is very sacred and life-altering for many Life-Coaching clients. It can help you find clarity and a deep sense of purpose and meaning.

Larry sat quietly in my office for about 20 minutes while he wrote on his piece of paper. He mentioned afterwards “I felt like it took about 5 minutes of writing before I could move past the “shoulds” and all the cultural and social conditioning I have been subjected to. I felt tense and wondered if this process would help at all. But as I continued writing something shifted inside me and I began to notice a bit of a pattern emerging in my words and sentences on the paper.”

Larry then circled his 3 words/phrases that he felt a strong resonance with. He said “This is what stands out for me, AWAKENING TO LOVE, ABUNDANCE, and LIVING FEARLESSLY AND MINDFULLY”.

After some time Larry noticed how he was already living on purpose. Larry noted that the career path he had chosen involved helping others live more abundantly, but it also involved some risk-taking and the desire to live fearlessly and with courage. Larry also exclaimed that the workshops he offered to help his clients make wise investments were centered on mindful and conscious-based decisions.

Larry also become aware that the qualities he brought to his relationships with family and friends were also based on his 3 phrases. This was an A-HA moment. He saw the bigger picture of his life and his grander life purpose. When Larry gained clarity and was able to connect with his unique and very personal answer to his question of why he existed, his life took on a whole new meaning. Two months have passed now since Larry first did the exercise that helped him uncover his real purpose and he said “I am very grateful I was able to define my purpose clearly. Now I am leaning into doing more and becoming more of my purpose. The last 2 months have brought about some much needed changes. I’ve become more aware of what made me feel uncomfortable and I've noticed that some things need to shift. I noticed what made me feel good and peaceful and I decided to be and do more of that!”

Some other examples from clients are:

  • To accept my own uniqueness and help others do the same, Fun, Live with courage!
  • Ease, Inspiration, Abundance
  • Adventures, Creating a balanced life, Making conscious-based decisions
  • Simplicity, Trust, Healing
  • To live with Freedom, to live consciously, To live lightly on planet earth
  • Independence, Peace, Enjoyment
  • Courage, Humor, Spontaneity

 When you define your purpose in 3 words or phrases, it makes it easier to stay on track and to make balanced choices that are in harmony with your highest vision and purpose. Write your 3 words on sticky notes and place them in areas around your house so that you are reminded as you go through your day of what is truly important to you.  When you feel drained, tired, or unsettled, or unclear, then meditate on these words and feel inspired to take action that is in alignment with your greater purpose and life purpose blueprint.

There are trade offs for most decisions you make. The question again comes, what are you willing to give up or sacrifice to follow your purpose and to make your dreams come true?

This is where you may find yourself getting stuck because it can feel overwhelming, and most people prefer to stay in their comfort zone. To truly live a life that is filled with purpose and passion you need to keep on expanding, to never settle for something just because it is convenient or comfortable and to not let fear hold you back from owning your true magnificence.

It takes courage. It takes stamina. It is worth it!

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Put an End to Procrastination the Morita way

Posted on March 4, 2014 by bridget

“I’m so full, I could pop” says Annabelle as she takes the last bite of her pizza. “I really need to eat healthier, I’ve got to loose 30 pounds … but I’m feeling so stressed today that I think I’ll order the cheese cake. Across the table, her attorney friend, Avery, orders another glass of red wine, she is so stressed from handling the constant pressure of dealing with clients facing divorce. Meanwhile Sue is complaining about her 17 year-old daughter, Mindy. “If she doesn’t get more focused, I’m afraid she won’t get into a good college,” she says, “I don’t know what we’ll do then.” Annabelle and Avery know what Sue will do—she’ll continue to feel anxious and worried about her daughter. The next time they all meet for lunch Annabelle will overeat and then feel guilty, Avery will drink too much red wine and Sue will be filled with anxiety over her daughter’s life-style choices.

We all encounter these scenarios, and they continue to repeat themselves over-and-over again until you break the patterns. The challenge is how do you learn to co-exist and embrace uncomfortable feelings, such as, anxiety, depression or illness? How do you co-exist with unpleasant feelings and still live a productive life?  How do you enjoy living?

Morita Therapy known as the Psychology of Action was developed by Japanese psychiatrist Shoma Morita in the early part of the twentieth century. Morita was greatly influenced by Zen Buddhism although Morita therapy is not a Zen practice. This treatment method originated from Morita’s observation of his clients who developed a type of anxiety neurosis called shinkeishitsu. Morita’s observations and desire to help people to live a full life regardless of feelings of anxiety, depression, illness, or procrastination helped him to develop Morita Therapy. Morita Therapy or Morita Coaching teaches people how to work with the obstacles that are created internally by focusing one’s own attention on what reality brings in each moment. By learning to simply accept what is, Morita teaches one how to then actively respond to what needs doing. Morita is a reality-based therapy that teaches the value of taking action in creating a meaningful life regardless of your fears, insecurities or uncomfortable feelings.

According to the latest research, one out of four adults reports being a persistent procrastinator.  If your to-do list stirs up uncomfortable feelings and thoughts such as “I don’t feel like it, I couldn’t care less, or I don’t want to do it now” don’t worry, you are not alone.

Penny (not her real name) is just one of my clients who experiences these types of feelings everyday.  Penny noticed that her life was so full of uncomfortable feelings and that these unpleasant feeling were preventing her from living the life she dreamed of. Penny was a procrastinator. Penny decided to come to me for Morita Coaching. Together we explored the ways Penny was procrastinating and we found new ways for Penny to learn how to co-exist with unpleasant feelings and still take action on what was important to her. Many of the excuses Penny used to make have now fallen away and she now find herself looking at what needs to be done instead of only responding to the things she feels like doing.

Penny exclaimed “The awareness of being driven by my purpose instead of being driven by my feelings has resulted in a deeper and richer life experience. I am very grateful for Morita Coaching because it has also taught me about perseverance and to never giving up! Now when I don’t feel like doing something, I remember my purpose, and that motivates me to keep going! One of the important parts of doing Coaching was to help me clearly identify my purpose and now I engage in activities that support my purpose. Even when I make a mistake, I know that tomorrow is a new day and I get another chance at living my life in a full and beautiful way.”

Penny says that on “bad” days she reminds herself of the popular Japanese expression “Nana-Korobi, Ya-Oki”, which means, “seven times down, eight times up”.  This phrase reminds her of the importance of determination, taking action, and living life in a meaningful way in the face of frequent failures and to keep on going despite the setbacks she encounters along the way.

 It takes courage and stamina to get up after a knock; it takes will-power and strength to try again. However, this is often what life requires you to do. You need to be able to accomplish your purpose in spite of fears and self-doubt. Always we begin anew!

A jug fills drop by drop – Buddha

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Never, Never Give Up

Posted on February 25, 2014 by bridget

As we journey through life we encounter many different feelings and emotions. Sometimes we feel happy, sometimes sad, despondent, depressed, shy, lonely, joyful, content, appreciated, or cheerful and so the list goes on. It is easy to live fully when we feel happy and loved as opposed to the times we feel sad or lonely.  In the end, it will be those who never gave up on themselves who will find the true meaning of living a full, rich and abundant life. You will make mistakes along the way that is guaranteed, but always continue with the spirit of knowing you will find your way, no matter how many times you have to start over. Set your mind and heart on your goal, and with discipline and determination, follow through with the necessary action as you continually move closer to your dream life one step at a time. Life can be demanding and difficult at times but you are strong and you are powerful.  Next time life knocks you down – get up and keep going and remember these wise words from Winston Churchill, “Never, never, never give up!”

 There is something about the human spirit that desires to live a full life and transcend problems. Even if you are experiencing some challenging times right now, such as a financial crisis, contemplating a divorce or separation, or dealing with the loss of a relationship, depression, a career transition, an illness, or searching for more purpose in your life, know that beneath all the chaos, grief, pain or confusion is a budding blossom of hope, grace and reason. Marsha Sinetar is quoted saying, “Life's ups and downs provide windows of opportunity to determine your values and goals. Think of using all obstacles as stepping stones to build the life you want.”  Allow your past experiences to be your greatest teachers and as a spur towards living a life you feel proud of. Stay focused on your priorities and move boldly in the direction of your dreams. Just below the surface something magical is happening. Let yourself explore and discover your true heartsong.

 It is in doing that we find meaning and purpose. Our doing can also become our identity in the world. While living life fully and taking action, we discover who we are and what we are made of.  It is important to take deliberate action and setting an intention can help you to be certain that the actions taken support the choices you have made. Intentions pass into the reality of action and from the action stems the intention again; this interdependence produces the greatest form of living.

Life is always kept in balance, so as you invite a new project or activity into your life, or you consciously decide to change directions,  you will be required to make a choice to release something you no longer need or something that no longer supports your choices and goals. Life is always asking you to make choices. Consider what needs to be done in order to put your intentions into action.

 If you choose to get up early and do an hour of yoga in the morning, then you will need to give up on an extra hour of sleep. If you spend time writing the book you want to publish, then you may need to skip a favorite TV show. You have to choose your priorities and then stick to them.  In the next 3 months you can move closer to living your dream life. Remember that if you make mistakes along the way, tomorrow you can begin again!

 

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Living and Organized From the Inside Out

Posted on September 18, 2013 by bridget

“Satisfaction lies in the effort,
not in the attainment —
full effort is full victory.”  – Gandhi

 

Autumn is a wonderful time to get more organized – whether it be cleaning out a closet, getting your paperwork in order, prioritizing for the new school year or getting more organized and disciplined about an exercise program or preparing healthy meals for your family. Autumn is a good time to harness your energy inwards after all the activity and business that accompanies the summer months.

One of the most challenging aspects associated with making changes is that as you proceed with a new habit, over time, you may fall back into habitual patterns and without realizing it you may find you are attempting again to get things done the “old way.” In other words, you “fall asleep” and behave in mechanical ways. When you “wake up” you discover that you have resorted to your feeling-centered patterns. These are the underlying or unconscious thoughts and feelings that drive your every action and decision in life. These are the thoughts and feelings that keep you from making the changes that you desire. This can be a very frustrating loop and it takes a lot of effort to break this pattern and make conscious choices, one choice and one day at a time.  Getting your life organized from the inside out is about living up to your full potential; it is about tapping into your true essence and allowing the beauty of your soul to shine through. It's about living an authentic life. When you notice that you have fallen back into the old way of doing things, take a deep breath, and then simply continue on – taking action, taking the next step. Remember your point of power is in the now. All you have is this moment of reality to take inspired action and bring about positive change.

Joey (not his real name) has been a coaching client for the past 7 months and we began our first coaching session just after Joey went through a really nasty divorce. Joey was feeling overwhelmed and was wondering how he would ever manage to get his life in order. The cost of his divorce was devastating on all levels, not just financially. Joey wanted to live life to its fullest, he wanted to move past the regrets and loss and create deeply meaningful connections. Joey wanted a fulfilling life; he wanted to be living from the inside out.   As Joey sank into the chair in my office, he said “I find that as I achieve one milestone along the way towards my goal, it would be so easy for me to let go of my breath and say – phew, did that – and then fall right back into my old, comfortable and familiar ways.”

We discussed that one thing that may be helpful for Joey is to note when he’s ruminating and then stop and ask himself  “Well, if I'm thinking about it so much, what can I do right now about it?"  Using the rumination as a trigger for action, instead of just a continuous and tiring reverie, allows Joey to honor his feelings and put them to use in a way that is more productive.  The worst case scenario, is that if he can't — or chooses not to — take action directly tied to those ruminating feelings, then he can say something to himself along the lines of "If I can't do something on that goal right now, I don't have to think about it or keep it top of mind right now,"  which seems to have a positive effect of turning down the volume on the rumination, and providing head space to do something else.  

To get you started on organizing from the inside out and create a more meaningful life here are some tips to de-clutter your home, office or any space. If you're one of those people who are surrounded by clutter and just can't seem to get organized, then you may lack the skills of organizing, which can be easily learnt. Organizing should be broken down into a step-by-step process and below are three steps to help you on your way:

 1. Analyze – If you are in the process of organizing your office desk you most probably have lots of paperwork to sort through. It’s important that you look at your existing situation and ask questions: 

What’s working?
What’s not working?
What pieces of paper are most essential to you?
Why do you want to get organized?
What’s causing the problem?

2. Strategize- Decide what you need to help you get organized. Take small steps and create a plan on how to continue taking action on your organizing project. Estimate how much you can accomplish. Be realistic!

Remember that organizing from the inside out isn’t about tidying up and moving things around. It is about getting rid of stuff that is clogging up your life. One idea I like is to photograph sentimental things you can't bear to part with. It is the memory you cherish, not the item.
 
 3. Action- Jump right in and start organizing!
 
PLEASE REMEMBER it’s important not to get stuck in the first two steps of analyzing and strategizing. Often it’s best to jump right in at number three and follow Nike’s prescription “Just Do It!” and an even better idea is “Just Do It Now!”

I have often heard people refer to the book “Organizing From the Inside Out” by Julie Morgenstern, I have had it sitting on my bookshelf for many years now and it was not until today that I decided to browse through it and see if I could find any pearls of wisdom. Visit her blog at juliemorgenstern.com 

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How to Find Your Passion and Creating Meaningful Work

Posted on June 12, 2013 by bridget


As a Life Coach and Reiki Master I notice a common thread among many of my clients and that is the continual search for a fuller, more passionate and meaningful life. The question is “How do I discover my personal passion?”

Your personal passion is what drives you, it’s the reason you get out of bed in the morning, and it’s what gives your life purpose and direction. Not everyone knows precisely what their passion is right away. Many people ask "Isn't there a passion course available?" A good place to start is to become aware, as you go through your day, as to what gives you the most pleasure and joy. Even though you may feel as though you have endless daily responsibilities, you can simply create your own self-reflective test to discover your personal passion.   At the end of the day, reflect upon the activities and interactions that provided the most meaning and that made you feel completely in your element. When you practice this simple self-reflective test often, you will soon become aware what your truest passion is. 

At times you may feel stuck and unable to move forward in your life. Life may feel overwhelming and the path ahead unclear. You may also find yourself coming up with excuses as to why you can’t do what you love, why you can't take the time to discover your passion.  A common response is”yes, but….” You may find yourself falling into this category, just as one of my clients Connor (not his real name) does.

Connor  is about to turn 40 and as he reflects back on his life and the choices he has made, he is left feeling empty, with no burning passion and completely unfulfilled. Even though Connor is living the American dream of enjoying a good marriage, 3 healthy children, a successful business and a nice car, he wonders if there is more to life.  As a little boy, Conner loved playing with airplanes and his dream was to become a pilot. Being a wiz at math and science he followed an academic route and excelled at college and started a very successful financial consulting business. Working with numbers was not his passion but it was something he was very good at. So when I asked Connor what was stopping him from getting his pilot’s license now, he came up with many excuses as to why he could not embrace his personal passion. Connor had become a “yes, but” person.

The next time you find yourself saying “yes, but…” drop the “but” and keep the “yes”! Become a yes person and see what happens.  “Yes” opens you up to a whole new range of possibilities and pulls you towards your truest passion and purpose. When you use words that limit you, you will get stuck and life will loose its vigor and meaning. 

There are various ways to make your self miserable in life. These included unnecessary comparisons, lack of gratitude, self focus, fighting against reality, living with limitation, fatigue, fear of failure and broken or forgotten dreams, among others. One way to assure misery is to not discover your passion, not to work hard and create something larger than your self. . Having a purpose draws you into life. Compare a person that is active with some purposeful work or personal passion, with a person that merely passes time with meaningless activity. Living a satisfying life with meaning and purpose will automatically make you feel good. When you feel good, your life expands. When you feel down, your life restricts and you can fail to see the opportunities right in front of you.

In the process of aligning with your personal passion and creating meaningful work, always come back to your purpose. So whether it’s to go back to college, search for a new job, get your pilot’s license, start your own business or put a course or workshop together, get clear on your purpose, then take the necessary action. Pay attention to what reality is presenting to you, as this is where the gift of opportunity can be found. Life will require that you take risks along the way, take one step at a time and remember that results come from taking the necessary action and saying yes to life! Discovering your passion, your truest passion is one of life's greatest rewards. 

“If we live a life contributing to others in our present circumstances, then our lives will blossom, and our shoulders will straighten. When we become a person needed by others there comes real significance to our living. When our existence is not useful to others we shrink into ourselves.”  -Takehisa Kora

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Love your Money!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by bridget

Money is neither good nor bad, it is energy. The way you choose to use your money determines the positive or negative impact it has on your life and the world around you. Money can be used as a positive force that benefits you and others. If you generate money in a way that benefits others, through raising their level of consciousness, or through serving and making a contribution, by always giving your best, respecting all life forms and by putting attention and awareness into what you do, you are making a contribution to the world and to your self. When you make the conscious choice to use money in ways that serve your highest purpose then you add light to your money. The more money that is made and spent with awareness and integrity, the more it becomes a force for goodness and healing in the world.

Start counting your blessings of financial abundance – no matter how much money you have today. A wise woman once said “Expressing your gratitude is not just a reactive emotion; it is also a causative energy.” When you count your blessings, when you are grateful for the money flowing into your life, you will bring more blessings into your life. The Law of Attraction is one of the most powerful laws in the universe and when you apply it to money it clearly states that what you think about you bring about. So start to thank the universe for the money and financial resources you have in your life today.

The grateful mind is a great mind, and attracts
to it great things."-  Plato

When you practice the art of gratitude it brings you to a place of giving and receiving. The flow of giving and receiving is important with money too. You may want to begin practicing being a superior receiver as well as a generous giver.  Money is more than just paper notes or coins. It is an energy that should be flowing freely to you and through you to help you materialize abundance on every level. Abundance is love and wisdom, your unique gifts and talents, money and material goods, whatever you need to fulfill and express your life purpose.

Gratitude acknowledges the abundance already present in your life, and, is an act of giving back to the universe. Abundance then becomes a natural by product of living in gratitude. A great place to start counting your financial blessings is by being grateful for all the opportunities that are flowing into your life to support you today.Begin to appreciate and notice all the comforts in your life, all the luxuries. Become aware of all those things that money can buy and that you get to enjoy. Notice how these things enrich your life and the lives of your family and friends.

Mary-Jane has been a life coaching client for the past four months. Her focus was on breaking through her blockages regarding money. She is a talented artist but feels uncomfortable charging for her work. Mary-Jane recently inherited some money from her great uncle. This was unexpected and came as a wonderful surprise. Being a kind spirited and generous woman, Mary-Jane wanted to use the money to bless her family and friends. After meditating and asking her Angels for guidance in how to use the money, she decided to rent a vacation home on the beautiful Florida Gulf coast for the summer months and invite her friends and family to come and enjoy the lovely coastal community of Grayton Beach. Mary-Jane extended this open invitation all through the summer and when it was time to pack up and head back home to prepare the kids for the new school year, she felt elated. This was the happiest summer of her life; she had so enjoyed sharing her unforeseen inheritance with others. Mary Jane said, "It is the experiences shared with others that enriches life and creates the best memories. I could have invested the money, set up a studio for my artwork, or bought myself a convertible, but the joy of watching other people having fun in the sun is far more valuable than any material possession.”  She also commented that this was one of the best experiences of her life, and she now feels as if she has broken through her barrier of lack and limitation. The summer months shared with others showed her that what you give out returns many times over. When you live in the space of gratitude, trust and love, nothing is impossible.

Sometimes our lives are so filled with beauty and unexpected blessings. These can come as a smile from a stranger, witnessing a sunset, a sloppy lick from a pet, or a friend taking you out for lunch. Pay attention to the wonder all around you. Life is filled with comforts and luxuries that often go unnoticed such as the house you live in, the food you eat, the car you drive and cell phones, computers etc.

Sometimes life surprises you. Begin to notice all your blessings, an unexpected windfall, such as a bonus, a gift, or just a sunny day. Be grateful for the times you find a solution to your money challenges or for an unexpected salary increase or generous tip from a client.  Thank the universe for having a rewarding career that allows you enough time and the financial resources to play and have fun with your family. When you love what you do, and you do what you love  – you will never work another day in your life!

Being able to handle your money wisely is also a gift. Having the health to work and earn money is a gift as well. Money is a big part of your life and you need to be on top of your finances. When you are in full control of your financial situation, other parts of your life will likely also improve.

Reflect upon all the times that you felt truly abundant. Write them down in a gratitude journal and give thanks. Count your blessings everyday. Notice the money flowing in to your life and give thanks every time you have sufficient money to buy what you need.

What you give out, is returned to you, in great avalanches of abundance. The possibility for creative abundance and way to generate money are endless. Follow your highest joy and become aware of what you are giving out!

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Now You Can Live Fearlessly With the Help of the Tarot

Posted on March 16, 2013 by bridget

The Tarot cards are a powerful transformational tool that can help you live a life free from fear, worry and anxiety. Over the past 17 years of doing Tarot readings for clients, I have noticed a certain pattern emerging time-after-time. Most people carry around a lot of fear, such as fear of the unknown, fear of being alone, having no money, or getting cancer. Fear can sabotage your goals and dreams unless you take steps to control and counter it.

 The Tarot cards offer you a symbolic map of consciousness that exposes visually the creative ideas and levels of consciousness that are present in all cultures. The journey through the Tarot represents a journey through life, it teaches you that life is constantly changing and you are here to realize and honor your own, unique individual path.

The Tarot cards contain symbols that are keys to help you unlock your creativity and delve deeper into the wonderful mysteries of life. Tarot is a wonderful tool for self-reflection, and understanding the deeper meaning of the circumstances in your life. The Tarot deck psychologically reveals different visual pictures of psychological states and these can provide you with great insight into designing a fulfilling life which is free from fear.

The Tarot will show you how to live your life fearlessly and with great freedom:

  • The Tarot journey teaches you to lean into the cycles of life, trusting that the pendulum will always swing, and each one of us will experience the highs and lows of life. The important lesson is to stay true to yourself, to your passion and do what brings out your creativity, joy and purpose for living. Remain focused on your passion and your contribution to others, instead of your fears.
  • The Tarot teaches that your life is created more around what you feel about yourself. During a Tarot card reading, each feeling is symbolized by a card and each card appearing in your reading is a reflection of what is happening subconsciously. The Universe will always prove you right in your belief about yourself. The more loving and accepting you are towards yourself, the more outward events will reflect that. The more judgmental you are towards yourself, or the more fearful you are about taking risks or opening your heart to others, the more situations will match this.
  • The Tarot shows you how to trust the process of life and live fearlessly by always remaining true to yourself no matter what.  Fear will dissipate when you switch from trying to be positive about something you actually fear, such flying or public speaking, and instead just remain true to yourself through the process. The Tarot teaches you to follow your personal spiritual path and learn to trust and follow the promptings of your own inner being. When you live fearlessly, you begin to tap into your infinite self.
  • Living boldly requires that you choose to conduct your life by connecting with your own internal passion, bringing out a calm, tranquil quality to your life, which further inspires you to live a life of meaning and of unity.
  • When you release fear, a wonderful new state arises, the state of total allowing. This is the state where most significant change can occur. Drop your fears, and let yourself be you, no matter who you are, and embrace anything that makes you feel alive.

Living fearlessly with the help of the Tarot, will teach you how to give up on pursuing things that you feel you just have to get, or achieve, and instead open up and allow the cycles of life to happen, to embrace the dance of life, and to realize that the act of going after something often stems from fear.  The fear of not having what you truly want.

The art of self-reflection is a wonderful tool to help you realize what is truly important and valuable to you. Don’t focus on what’s lacking in your life because this will keep you stuck in fear and limitation. Let life move you towards what you want to experience. Expand your awareness by trusting and allowing new experiences instead of paying attention to your fears and what leaves you feeling unsatisfied and discontented.

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