Transformation Coaching Magazine February 2021 by Transformation Coaching Magazine

INSPIRATION & GROWTH Take Time to Pause The Power of Determination Do You NEED Stress? No Turning Back Clean Love Kindness is Alive & Well What are Your Intentions? Make Your Mind More Aware Inside Your Bubble

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FEED YOUR SPIRIT Freedom from Fear

PUBLISHERS Natalie Rivera Joeel A. Rivera, M.Ed.

EDITOR Lisa Cedrone

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Boutillier, Terez Hartmann, Gregg Sanderson, Jessi Franz, Arielle Giordano, Linda Commito, Owen Waters, Noelle Sterne, Mark Pitstick, Jo Mooy

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Take Time to Pause

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Carolina Sanchez

Who else will be the one to give us permission to take care of ourselves if not us? By Mary Boutieller Listening to soft music playing in the background, I find myself filled with easy gratitude —for the beautiful weather outside, for craft days with the “girls”, for the untold hundreds of things I take for granted or don’t notice with enough consistency, and for this moment. How often do we miss these moments while thinking about other things? As I sit writing this article, I’m doing my best to stay in the present moment. My thoughts swirl from one idea to another, yet land on nothing in particular. So I wait, patiently, until what is needed spills out from a place I cannot name with any certainty. Imagine if we could do that on a more regular basis—just wait for the inspiration that arises from deep within. What would it feel like if we allowed our conversations to come into being naturally; if we sat in another’s presence without wanting to do something else; if we moved into our yoga poses by asking what our bodies truly need instead of what was instructed? What if we really just paused—to take a breath, to feel the emotional toll of loss, to say what’s in our hearts, to hug someone fully, or to give that same someone or something our fullest attention? I’ve heard the saying that we are not “human doings”, we are human beings and, yet, it can be a struggle to just be—to not always have a goal or an end in sight. I tend to be a multitasker (and we know that doesn’t really work), yet I find that when I do one thing at a time, I feel much

calmer. We all know this, and yet we push and pull, reach and tug at ourselves, our bodies, our relationships because it can be uncomfortable to just be inside our own skin. Today, I spoke with a friend about how nice it would be to get a relaxing massage and we both laughed, because it’s rare for me to just relax…there are things to accomplish, even at a massage! And as I said this, I thought that a relaxing massage, bath, walk, talk…is probably exactly what I need most of the time. Who else will be the one to give us permission to take care of ourselves if not us? Over that last year, I have let go of some of the obligations that weren’t bringing me joy. And I noticed that, for each thing I let go of, my breath got a little easier, the tension in my belly eased up, and my sleep improved. With more space in my life, I’ve been able to take longer walks, enjoy a hot bath, play and read more…all things that nurture my soul. What’s amazing to me is that we already know what we need. We hear the voice of our hearts; we feel the tension and tiredness in our bodies. It may be obvious or it may be subtle, but surely it’s there. What is the thing that you know you must do? What is it that you have been doing that no longer serves your highest and best good and is it time to let it go? Lately in the middle of an exercise walk, I’ll sit down on a bench and take in the scenery or pause longer than normal to look at the intricacy of a flower. I’ve been purposely pausing—to look at the clouds, feel the warmth of my husband’s

hand, to draw gratitude deep into my bones. Life feels particularly fleeting these days, and I think the antidote to this is to slow down a bit and take time to notice the wonder around us.

Yoga teacher Ganga White said, “Yoga is more about learning and refining a lifelong process than merely reaching goals.” Yoga can be a beautiful metaphor for life. How we move in and out of poses and how we approach our practice is a lot like how we approach our lives. Do we do so with care or aggression, as part of the journey or with only a destination in mind? Do we love the questions enough to stay, and can we wait for the answers to come when we are ready? Poet Donna Faulds wrote, “Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink into stillness. Just for now, lay down the weight you so patiently bear upon your shoulders. Feel the earth receive you and the infinite expanse of sky grow even wider as your awareness reaches up to meet it.” Living fully, moment by moment, allowing more space for what we need, letting go of what no longer serves us, finding joy in the simple things, appreciating everything—this is how we were meant to be.

The Yoga of Life with Mary Boutieller Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.

The Power of Determination

When you make up your mind and refuse to settle for anything less, you emit a clear signal that summons all of the resources of the Universe to help you succeed. 6

By Terez Hartmann Have you ever noticed that magic happens when you make a decision and then stick to your guns? Whether you are talking about cancer survivors, people who have lost weight and remained slim, single parents who found a way to balance their work and family lives, bestselling artists and authors, or individuals who achieved college degrees: wishy-washy had no place because determination was the name of the game! In this world filled with so many people citing statistics about why having what you want is extremely difficult, rare or even impossible, it’s no wonder that you encounter some resistance and sometimes run into those proverbial brick walls when it comes to

s uccess. The question is, who or what constructs those walls? If you have any true understanding of the Law of Attraction, you know, unequivocally, that YOU are the creator of both the pathways and the walls. But when you take the time to get clear about what you truly, deeply desire—with an emphasis on the core feeling you are reaching for—and make up your mind that you want what you want and refuse to settle for anything less, you tap into the power of determination and emit a clear signal that summons all of the resources of the Universe to help you create a path over, under, around or through what once seemed like impenetrable obstacles! Allowing the flow is about joy and ease. And sometimes, when you are looking to change a pattern

of thought or move beyond a longstanding condition, mental (and sometimes physical) muscle with an attitude of determination is the very thing that paves the way for the joy, ease, flow and healing!

DETERMINATION, PURPOSE AND HEALING

No matter what healing modality you subscribe to, all healthcare practitioners and healers know that a healthy body and mind thrives when energy is allowed to flow through it fully. It is certainly essential to allow time to quiet your mind and rest your body, no doubt, but all human beings feel most alive and require far less downtime when high energy is moving and flowing through them. 7

Thomas Jefferson once said, “It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which gives happiness.” When you occupy your time with a sense of purpose that causes high energy to flow to you and through you, you then have a compelling reason to recover, heal and get out of bed; in essence, purpose gives you something to be determined about. Uncover and discover what you want to do with that strong, happy, healthy body and mind, and you will find a key component for allowing any healing modality to deliver positive results.

DETERMINATION, PURPOSE AND LONGEVITY

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was one of the busiest people on the planet during his life. He accomplished more things in one lifetime than many people do in several. Logic would dictate that he probably experienced an ample amount of stress, yet he lived to be 83—which was largely unheard of during that time in American history! When you look at the many stories of entertainers, artists, visionaries, or any human beings over 80 who continue to live a healthy, happy

life, the common denominator is this: every one is determined to keep focusing upon and participate in the things that are meaningful to them.

Perhaps maintaining your determination to live with a sense of purpose is the most powerful healing modality and longevity tool of all. Here’s a cool Allowing Power Tool™ you can use for kickin’ up the power of determination: WHAT & WHY—Are you determined to discover your determination? When you know what you want and why you want it, you put the “I” back into the fire of your desires, the energy back into your body and mind, and the experience of allowing success back into your life! FULL PIE/BIG PICTURE—Answer these questions: 1) What do you really want? Pick one key thing. Let it be as general or as specific as you choose, but be sure to choose something that is “nonnegotiable,” that you absolutely know you want—period. Do keep in mind that every intention is actually linked to a feeling of some kind, so sometimes the best way to connect with a

“ nonnegotiable” intention that has real staying power is to go right to the heart of the feeling you are searching for. 2) Why do you want it? List all the positive, feel-good reasons why the idea of being/doing/having this rocks your world. SMALL SLICES—Revisit questions 1 and 2 above. Every full pie is made up of small slices, so if you believe that completing certain steps or specific actions are an important part of allowing your desire to come to fruition, treat the small slices the same way you would your full pie by honing your focus with “what and why” before you act.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON THE POWER OF DETERMINATION

We are indeed spiritual beings having a human experience, but when we feel a sense of accomplishment and know that we had a hand in orchestrating our own fabulousity, we add so much joy to our journey and bring an even bigger celebration to each destination! There’s nothing wrong with being flexible in the “how” part of the equation, but when you focus with determination to live a happy, healthy, prosperous life, follow through with the action that feels good to you, and then watch as doors, windows, and paths open before you, you allow your success as a human and rock your spirit to the core!

ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann

Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann,“Your catalyst for all things Fab-YOU-lous,” is the author of Allowing Your Success!, a proud contributing author of Transform Your Life! book one and two, a professional Keynote Speaker/Workshop Facilitator, Singer-Songwriter/Recording Artist, “Allowing Adventures!” & “Savor Vacation” Facilitator, and true Renaissance Woman, and Visionary. She keeps her fire lit by embracing and promoting a lifestyle of “Allowing,” and by using creative expression to elevate and ignite the human spirit, a passion that she shares with her husband, soul-mate and creative partner of over 15 years, John Victor Hartmann. Together they share “Allowing TRUE LOVE” workshops and experiences designed to help others attract, allow, and maintain extraordinary relationships, and create custom jingles and voice-overs in their studio, THE Creativity Express. Visit: http://www.TerezFirewoman.com

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Do You NEED Stress?

“The ways and means are available to me...The only question to be asked then is: ‘How much discomfort am I willing to sit with before I invite the answer to be revealed?’”—Dale Jukes 10

By Gregg Sanderson What single factor affects your personal health, your emotional well-being, and ages you before your time? I’ll bet dollars to donuts (gluten-free) that every article in this magazine refers to it and suggests a solution. Here’s a hint. You have full control over it, yet you’re often taught that the solution lies outside of you. It goes by many names. Some call it suffering, some call it unhappiness, and some call it stress. Many ways are offered to counteract the effects and reduce stress: • Pray, meditate, or use Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to calm your mind. • Explore counseling, therapy, and any number of effective disciplines. • Exercise and take mood elevators. • And let’s not forget our old friends sex, drugs, and rock & roll. They all may help, but none seem to zero in on the single cause of discomfort, poor health, and unhappiness that we call stress. Obviously I will, so here we go: Stress is the product of our common Stimulus —> Response paradigm. Something happens and you respond. Stressful Situation —> Stress. Are you with me so far? Of course you are. Now we’re going to develop a new paradigm. I illustrate it with the analogy of Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame. Quasimodo has a hunch about you. Quasimodo has just one function. He rings your bell. He could be your significant other, your boss at work, or your ex’s divorce lawyer. It might be a traffic jam, a tight work deadline, or something you see on the news. Quasimodo represents anybody or anything that “rings your bell.” Tintinnabulation, the sound of the bell, is the stress you feel when Quasimodo rings it. Some call it negative emotions, some call it suffering...No matter what you call it, it isn’t fun and it isn’t healthy. How can you stop the ringing?

You can shoot Quasimodo, but that might have unfortunate consequences. Perhaps it would be easier if you take the clapper out of the bell. Then the ole boy could dance on the rope all day long, and there’d be no tintinnabulation. Now, what do you suppose that clapper represents? Think about this: Why is a situation stressful? Because you NEED it to be different from the way it is. Why is a job stressful? Because you NEED it to be different from the way it is. Why is a relationship stressful? Because you NEED your partner to be different from the way he or she is. Why is your life stressful? Because you NEED to be different from the way you are. Do you see a pattern emerging here? I know you do. It has something to do with NEED—what you MUST have to be happy. Our new paradigm now is Stimulus —> NEED —> Response. The NEED, not the stimulus, triggers the response. Here’s how the new paradigm works: 1) I am stress-free when I feel good about the way it is (the way you are). 2) The less “the way it is” meets my need for it to be different, the more stress I feel. 3) My emotional needs are “programmed” into me, and I can change them. 4) When I do, I’m less stressful, healthier, and age more slowly. Your needs are your unconscious beliefs about yourself and your world. They trigger every negative emotional reaction you have. They’re the clapper in your Quasimodo’s bell. In our new paradigm, NEEDS ARE THE ONLY CAUSE OF STRESS. When you understand this, you no longer have to change other people and situations to free yourself from stress. Just change those pesky needs into preferences, and life gets better. You just have to be willing to do it. That’s the hard part.

Happiness is BS with Gregg Sanderson

Gregg Sanderson is author of Spirit With A Smile, The World According To BOB. He is a licensed practitioner in the Centers for Spiritual Living, and a Certified Trainer for Infinite Possibilities. His earlier books were, What Ever Happened To Happily Ever After? and Split Happens—Easing The Pain Of Divorce. His latest project is the New Thought Global Network, where subscribers can enjoy the best in New Thought presentations from anywhere at any time. You can see it at http://www.newthoughtglobal.org.

No Turning Back

How I took my power back and transformed my life in the midst of chaos and addiction. By Jessi Franz Have you ever had the feeling that you know you are meant to do something big, you know were meant to be someone great and to do something great, but you just don’t know exactly what that “something great” is? I have had that feeling my entire life. Even at a young age, I knew in the depths of my soul that I was meant to do big things. I just didn’t know I would have to go through horrific obstacles to figure out what that “something great” was going to be. I have always known I was different. I am what society calls, “the black sheep.” I don’t conform, I don’t typically fit in, and I strive to break the mold of what society deems acceptable for a woman. Maybe you have felt this way too? I spent my young childhood and teenage years just trying to “be normal.” I was constantly trying to fit into this bubble that wasn’t me. The thing is, no one knew who I truly was. I didn’t even know who I truly was. As I look back on my childhood and young teenage/adult years, it’s almost like I was having an out of body experience, just going through the motions. As a young child, I was molested. That seemed to set the tone of the rest of my days as a child and my young adult years. My goal in life, as a young girl, was to keep secrets, put on a brave face, and not let my guard down. I learned quickly that if you look good, verbalize how happy and content you are and comply, people don’t question you. What I didn’t realize was that the demons I had been carrying with me for years would eventually rear their ugly heads in ways that I couldn’t imagine. That’s the thing about secrets, they keep you sick.

THE MOMENT

“My name is Jessi, and I am an alcoholic.” Something about that statement is so freeing. Here I am, 30 years old, and I have been sober for almost 7 years. In the world of socially acceptable drunkenness, where society promotes alcohol as a coping mechanism for having children, hating our job, and surviving family gatherings, I got sober at the age of 24. To make a long, devastating, horrendous, heartbreaking story short, in a few years of drinking, I overdosed too many times to count, I wasn’t allowed to see my son, I lost jobs, driving abilities, had endless rehab stints, experienced seizures, ended up in jails and institutions, and was left for dead at my parents back door, raped, beaten and completely broken. I lied, I was a thief, I cheated and deceived. I was truly living in a hell on earth, and I wanted to die. I would wake up every morning just infuriated that I was still living. After a couple of suicide attempts, my family had me admitted. I remember sitting in an abandoned house. My nose was bleeding because I was drunk and fell. That was the moment the world seemed to come to a screeching halt. That was the moment I was going to take my own life and succeed this time. This memory is ingrained in my brain, like something greater than me doesn’t want me to forget how bad it was. It was cold, it was in the dead of winter, and we had just had two feet of snow. There I was, sitting in this house, cold, with blood all over me, tears flowing down my face. I had the pills I needed, and I had the bottle. All I needed was to ingest both together and my pain would be over. Yes, MY pain would be over—but then

I realized that the pain would carry on for those who love me. That’s the thing about addiction: We often think we are only hurting ourselves, not realizing we are causing immeasurable pain to those who love us. I closed my eyes and thought of all the events that led me to where I was. I thought about all the hell I had put my loved ones through and how I would be doing them a favor by ending my life. What distorted thinking I had. Next, I heard a noise. Someone was slowly walking up the stairs. This giant man walked into the room and saw what a mess his little girl was. My father had to see his baby girl sobbing, and I remember saying, “Dad, I just want to die, please dad, just let me die”. He held me. He just sat and embraced me. All he said was four little words, “I need you here.” Then, Dr. Phil’s team calls. Yes, the Dr. Phil. My mom had been writing in to the television show for years. Let me tell you, when Dr. Phil asks you to be on his show, that’s when you know you’re life is really screwed up! Next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Los Angeles and appearing on national television. I managed to show the world the hot mess I was, said a few choice words to the Doctor, and was faced with the chaos and hurt of my life. It was rough. Talk about humbling! I was sick through the entire taping and, honestly, I hardly remember it. I was not drinking, but the withdraw symptoms were raging. The last thing I remember about the taping was toward the end, when he said, “Let’s get your son back. Will you accept the help?” And it was almost like I was having an out of body experience again. It was in that moment that I knew this was the beginning of the life that I was meant to have. It was time to take my power back and transform. Needless to say, I accepted the help, and I haven’t turned back since. I faced my truths, worked

tirelessly to heal from my trauma, and spoke of things that I swore I would carry to the grave. For the first time, I heard the birds sing, I could feel the wind on my face and connect with something far greater than myself—and I was grateful for another day to be alive. I took a deep breath, allowing my lungs and my body to take it all in, and the feeling of gratitude was indescribable because—for the first time—I was truly and undeniably alive. Today, I am a mom to four kids, and I have a husband who cherishes me and cheers me on. I have made it my life’s mission to help others in all walks of life. I use my past experiences, the challenges that I have overcome and education to walk with others on their journeys. The pain and the darkness that I survived through has now allowed me to create this beautiful life of walking with others, hand-in-hand, as they discover who they were created to be. My ugly truths have created this magnificent life that I get to live today. My journey surely wasn’t pretty, but my transformation is greater than I could have ever imagined. Tracee Ellis Ross stated in an interview: “I am learning every day to allow the space between where I am and where I want to be to inspire me and not terrify me.” Today, let’s be inspired. Today, let’s not let fear win. Today, we will receive what the beauty of the world is giving to us with thankfulness, grace, and intention. I always knew I was designed to do big things. The same is true for you! It is never too late to start the climb to reach your destiny. Those big things that you were created to do are waiting for you. The world is waiting for you. Don’t lose your authentic self to a world that desires you to conform. Close your eyes, envision the life you want, take a deep breath, and jump. It’s time to transform. God speed.

Jessi Franz is the wife of an amazing, supportive husband, TJ, and she has four beautiful children. She is a public speaker, university graduate with my BA in Behavioral Sciences, certified Master Life Coach, Recovery Coach, Relationship Coach, Goal Success Life Coach, Happiness Life Coach and Life Purpose Life Coach. Jessi has made it her life’s mission to help as many people as possible, in all walks of life, to find peace during chaos and confidence in their authentic Self, and to help them embrace their personal journeys. She has completed extensive studies on many therapeutic techniques to help beautiful souls overcome adversity, whatever it may be, and to reach their full potential. Contact her at jessifranz90@gmail.com.

Clean Love

An open, innocent heart can be

pierced without being tarnished. By Arielle Giordano Those with sensitivity feel everything. The more sensitive you are, the more you feel, and when that sensitivity comes from your heart it is clean and pure—meaning it has not been tarnished by negative outside influences. When sensitivity comes from within, the frame of reference and feelings are from your true Self. There is nothing more sensitive then love, and an open heart is always being pierced. Yes, there will be hurt, but there is an understanding that it’s not personal. Love is gentle and quiet. It allows you to be sensitive without letting in external noise. Clean love is feeling what you are feeling without turning it into a story. The more you

open up, the more your sensitivity expands, and the more you can allow feelings to pass through instead of holding on to them. Let whatever cuts or hurts you to touch you without you putting your hands on it. Sensitivity infused with negative thinking writes an unhappy story—a tale that will lead you down a path of drama and discomfort. But innocent love can be pierced straight through. The wounds are clean and heal quickly. You will no longer hold onto issues or find things to fight or complain about. You will not judge or draw conclusions from you mind or feel vulnerable. A clean breeze will blow through your Selfl, and you will travel the road of happy destiny.

Dancing from the Inside Out with Arielle Giordano Transformational Life Coach Award-Winning Author & Speaker, Professional Dancer. Arielle’s Award-Winning book for Best Self-Help Award: Dancing With Your Story From The Inside is available on http://www.Amazon.com. Her professional career includes the Lead Faculty Area Chairperson and Professor for the College of Humanities, History and the Arts at the University of Phoenix. She is a published co-author of Transform Your Life Books 1 & 2 and author for Tampa Bay Wellness, Conscious Shift & Transformation magazine. She has published her 4th book, an Instructor’s Manual for Barlow Abnormal Psychology 4th ed. and authored Psychology, A Journey 3rd.ed. Study Guide published by Nelson Education, Toronto, ON. She has also studied philosophy at the College of Integrated Philosophy with John DeRuiter for twenty years. Arielle has been a featured guest on radio and television, in newspapers, and the media across the US and Canada. She is a certified Essentrics Stretch and Dance Instructor. Arielle offers coaching sessions, classes and workshops and a free 30-minute Consultation. Websites: http://www.dancingfromtheinsideout.com, http://www.ariellegiordano.com. Email: agbeautifuldance@gmail.com

Kindness is Alive & Well

Gifting kindness to each other during challenging times can go a long way in keeping us connected and inspired. By Linda Commito Tucked away in our homes, viewing life through a computer, TV screen or window, we may not be as aware that there are many inspiring acts of kindness being performed every day and that we can still be active participants. In the middle of the night, I awoke and thought, “I’m going to look on Facebook and see what I can find about kindness.” The first thing that I read was from a friend, Louise, who experienced an anonymous act of kindness in Sarasota, FL, and has decided to pass it on. It was a great start! “Yesterday I got a surprise gift from some sweet soul who put a dollar bill inside one of the items I purchased at the grocery store. I was so inspired by this generosity that I decided to pay it forward. And so today I will go to a store of my choosing and place this $5 bill in something that I feel will be of use to some individual. Doesn’t matter the amount, just the gesture alone means so much. It’s a feel-good thing for sure!”—Louise

We never know what a difficult time someone is going through nor how they might be touched by a simple kind word or deed. Another friend shares her experience: “It was the morning I was furloughed from my consulting job with a hospital. Even though I expected it, I was a little bit in shock. As I was driving, I got pulled over for going 10 over. The first act of kindness was from the officer who saw my hospital badge. He asked if I worked there and I said I had just been furloughed. He said he was sorry and only gave me a warning. I drove away shaking and decided to go to Starbucks to pick up my

son’s favorite latte. As I handed the barista my card through the window she said, “The person in front of you paid for it. My second act of kindness on that hard day. I gave her a tip and drove away with tears of gratitude on my cheeks for that sweet stranger.” I wanted to know other examples of what people are doing to be kind or how they are experiencing the kindness of others, so I sent an email to friends asking for examples: Gift of Life and Health: What could be a greater gift than giving someone the gift of life, an extension of time with loved ones, an opportunity to fulfill a need, or to leave a legacy? Tom, a dear friend from Colorado, now living in Rhode Island, didn’t think twice about donating his left kidney to his step daughter’s father in-law, Doug. Tom says, “I’m grateful all went well. I’m no hero. It was just the right time to do the right thing.” At the time, Tom thought, “He needed one. I’ve got one.” And ironically, they share more than a kidney now. Four days after the surgery, both became a grandfather to baby Cody. And at 62, the year his own dad died, Tom finds it a slow recovery, but he remembers his dad’s motto: “In life, you try to do the best you can with what you have.” Tom’s dad would be proud! Community Sharing: Paula in Loveland, CO, shared, “Some folks in my neighborhood got together to offer free soup and pie to anyone who wanted it on the day before Thanksgiving. Also, on http://www.NextDoor.com, neighbors are constantly offering to help others. It seems that the hardships we’re all witnessing are bringing out compassion in many.” Little Free Libraries: I love the little free libraries (LFLs) that are showing up in communities, where neighbors or passers-by can pick up or drop

off a book to share. The 10 members of AWG (Awesome Women’s Group) of Sarasota not only built and serviced three free libraries in their neighborhoods for a few years, but they recently pooled their money to purchase a bright blue, durable model to be placed at SOAR Learning Center, a communitybased K-3 after-school program. Now kids of all ages, their parents and anyone in their community will have easy access to a new source of quality reading materials. Messages of Love and Appreciation: We long to see and be with our loved ones and friends. Sometimes a loving phone call, card or email may be the best way we have to express our caring. My 93-year-old Aunt Pepine, who lives several states away, is mostly confined in her third-floor walk-up apartment, relying on the kindness of her nephew Ronny to bring her groceries. I sent her a loving card and picture followed up by a phone call a few days later. It was wonderful knowing how much the connection meant to both of us. And let’s not forget to be kind to ourselves during these difficult times. For me, it’s going out for a walk in nature every day, alone or with a friend. And there is nothing like hugging a tree to feel good.

We are all in need of a little extra kindness these days— and we are the perfect ones to gift it to each other.

Love is the New Currency with Linda Commito Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.

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Freedom from Fear

Love is the

universal force that neutralizes fear.

By Owen K Waters Fear is the great separator of mind from spirit. While you fear, you are unable to trust your divine origin. It follows that people who pressure you to fear things in life want to keep you away from the power of your inner connection so that they may gain some kind of power over you. Love neutralizes fear. At the human level of consciousness, love and fear are opposites. Fear will drive out love. Love will drive out fear. You choose which one you wish to concentrate your focus upon. You choose whether you will give your energy to love or to fear. Giving thanks is the expression of gratitude, and gratitude is one of the most beautiful secrets in spiritual life. Gratitude is an expression of love, and love is something which flows from the Creator of the universe through all forms of life and all forms of manifestation. Without love, life in the universe cannot exist. Love is the universal force of preservation which holds creation in manifestation.

THE NATURAL FLOW OF LOVE

Love is as natural as the universe. By design, there is a tension between the forces of creation and universal love. It is this tension which controls the size of the universe, holding it within its envelope. It is this tension which regulates the size of an electron’s orbit around a nucleus. Love is the force which retains electrons in their orbits, making atoms possible and therefore the existence of life as we know it. You can block love, or you can allow it to flow naturally through you. Falling in love with another person is an allowance of the flow of love through your heart. In a world where everything has the appearance of separateness, it is a surrender to the underlying unity of all life. It is a place of apparent vulnerability, a willingness to take the risk that the illusion of separation will once again return if that love is later lost.

When you allow your heart to open to the universe’s flow of love, gratitude comes with that flow. Gratitude for being alive, for just existing, for just being in the flow of the adventure of life. Gratitude for the Sun that gives us life. Gratitude for the Earth that gives us our home in the cosmos. Gratitude for the people that you love, and for those who share your journey through life. Gratitude flows unimpeded from an open heart. When you allow it, it flows as freely as the sunshine, unobstructed by judgments or conditions.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Gratitude adds new meaning to the words, “quality of life.” It really works! Try it now… Gratitude Affirmation: I am grateful for life And all that I love I am grateful for the Earth And the Sun up above I am grateful for my spirit And my inner being For the One that I express And the joy of this feeling

Spiritual Dynamics with Owen K. Waters Owen is a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at: http://www.SpiritualDynamics.net. He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. For the past 12 years, he has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their insight and clarity.

What are Your Intentions?

How to sharpen and enlarge you r understanding and application of intentions. By Noelle Sterne I used to think that the word intention was weak. Unlike affirmation, it didn’t seem to carry a strong and definitive declaration. To say “I intend to…” felt like a metaphysical world away from “I am…” Surprisingly, though, I discovered that intention stems from the Latin action noun intendere and means, literally, “a stretching out” and more colloquially “to turn one’s attention to.” I was even more surprised to read Wayne Dyer’s definition in his excellent book The Power of Intention. To pair intention with power sends a message all its own, as does his subtitle: Learning to Co-Create Your World Your Way. Who says intention is weak? Dyer offers a new, much expanded definition of intention that dispels forever the notion that it is paltry and limited. He credits Carlos Castenada (The Active Side of Infinity) with opening his figurative eyes to the power of intention. Castenada writes, “Intent is a force that exists in the universe.” Dyer expounds: “Imagine that intention is not something you do, but rather a force that exists in the universe as an invisible field of energy!” (p. 4). This is indeed a greater concept of intention than I’d ever thought of. Dyer devotes his book to exploring the many faces (his word) and power of intention, with chapters instructing us for just about every part of our lives. For example, “It Is My Intention to: Feel Successful and Attract Abundance into My Life,” “It Is My Intention to: Attract Ideal People and Divine Relationships.” With such a larger, more encompassing portrayal of intention, how can we sharpen and enlarge our own understanding and application?

IDENTIFY YOUR INTENTIONS

The first step, if you haven’t already taken it, is to identify your intention. What is it you most want to turn your attention to, your most motivating, passion-making desire? What do you want to do that you’ve been avoiding, not giving enough time to, or excusing? With the universe’s Energetic Force at your elbow, what do you want to stretch toward? Go back to childhood or adolescence (the good part). What most fascinated you? What did you seek out and ask for on your birthday, at Christmas, in books, DVDs, games, puzzles? What school subject couldn’t you wait to get into? What did you explore on your own? Let yourself dream back and replay those scenes. You probably know the answers already. Wherever you are now in your life, whatever you are judging yourself as having done or not done, chosen or not chosen, throw it all out. Those judgments are only getting in your way and blocking your intention and the Force that manifests it. Instead, start NOW. If your reminiscences aren’t yielding much, here’s another method. Deepak Chopra says in The Seven Laws of Success that Stillness is the first requirement for discovering our intentions. So, if you need help, become quiet and affirm: My most delicious intention is revealed to me now. I yield and listen for my greatest and most passionate intention. If more than one passion is revealed, fine too. List them all. You are entitled to your intentions and desires. You deserve your intentions. You can strengthen your intentions by thinking of them as reflections of the universal Force.

Are you not as committed as you’d like to be? A little scared? Fine. Accept the feelings. You’re in charge.

APPLY YOUR INTENTIONS

You may not have realized it, but Intention is a law. Chopra devotes an entire chapter to “The Law of Intention and Desire.” The law is based on “the fact that energy and information exist everywhere in nature” (p. 67). Chopra explains that our nervous systems become aware of the fields of energy and information through our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and beliefs. And, most startling, our bodies are not separate from “the body of the universe…[T]he universe…is [our] extended body” (p. 69). So, with our mind and thoughts we can “consciously change the informational content” of our world (p. 70) and manifest it physically. You don’t have to master all of this heady stuff (or understand it) to apply your intentions. Just know that we are made perfect and whole, and we have all access to the universe of nonmatter that we experience as we apply our desires. If this is still too much, know that where we place our thoughts and attention (turn our attention to) produces our intentions and desires. Our intentions carry our intent to realize a goal, objective, aim. Remind yourself too, as Chopra and many other spiritual teachers tell us, that if you have the desire and intention for something, you inherently possess the means for its fulfillment.

AFFIRMATIONS FOR INTENTION

Apply your intentions through mental images and affirmations that really do reflect your desires. Sometimes I imagine a line drawing of the desired goal and tell myself that as I focus on it the Source manifests it by simply coloring it in. (Source = God or any other term you like where you can easily feel the Infinite.)

A friend says she creates and “directs” a movie of her desire and intention and plays it several times a day. Affirmations are very powerful. You can use them for your intentions about anything in your life—your body, mind, emotions, relationships, possessions, actions, events, outcomes. To help you, here are several examples. First, four affirmations on my writing intention: 1) I intend to allow Source to fully come through me in all my writing. 2) I intend to reach readers’ hearts and minds and souls through the writing that comes through me. 3) I intend to devote my fullest passion, attention, interest, and energy to the writing that comes through me. 4) I intend to remain open to Source for all ideas and directions that come through me. And here are four affirmations a generous colleague shared on her primary relationship: 1) I intend to see him constantly whole. 2) I intend to let him be fully himself, as I intend to be fully myself. 3) I intend to give up my judging, accept our differences, and celebrate them. 4) I intend to know that we are each a unique reflection and manifestation of Source. If these affirmations feel right to you, use them. Or draw on them as models, substituting your own words, subjects, and details. Your intentions are your strength. Feel their fervor and fire. Know and trust their rightness, and practice focusing on them. They are grounded in the universal Force and cannot fail. You have decided. You have intended. You now express your perfect intentions and they appear in your life.

Trust Your Life Now with Noelle Sterne, Ph.D. Author, editor, writing coach, workshop leader, and academic mentor, Noelle Sterne has published over 600 stories, essays, writing craft articles, spiritual pieces, and occasional poems in literary and academic print and online venues. Publications include Author Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul (five volumes), Inspire Me Today, LiveWriteThrive, MindBodySpirit, Journal of Expressive Writing, Mused, Pen and Prosper, Romance Writers Report, Ruminate, Sasee, Textbook and Academic Authors Association blog (monthly), Thesis Whisperer, Transformation Coaching (bimonthly), Two Drops of Ink blog, Unity Magazine, WE Magazine for Women, Women in Higher Education, Women on Writing, Writer’s Digest, and The Writer. With a Ph.D. from Columbia University, for 30 years Noelle has assisted doctoral candidates in completing their dissertations (finally). Her published handbook to assist doctoral candidates is based on her professional academic practice): Challenges in Writing Your Dissertation: Coping with the Emotional, Interpersonal, and Psychological Struggles (Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2015). In Noelle’s spiritual self-help book, Trust Your Life: Forgive Yourself and Go After Your Dreams (Unity Books, 2011), she draws examples from her academic consulting and other aspects of life to support readers in reaching their lifelong yearnings. Continuing with her own, she is completing her second novel. Her webinar about Trust Your Life can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95EeqllONIQ&feature=youtu.be Visit Noelle at her website: http://www.trustyourlifenow.com.

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Make Your Mind More Aware

Eleven powerful keys to shine up you r mind so it serves you well−even in the most challenging of times. By Mark Pitstick, MA, DC Your mind is a wonderful tool if it is calm and aware. The term “mind” is used differently by various disciplines. I define “mind” as a bridge between your body—including your brain—and your soul/timeless essence. Your mind contains your unique attributes: your personality, likes and dislikes, memories and other characteristics. Regarding when you die, you’ve likely heard the saying, “You can’t take it with you.” That’s true for material possessions and your body, but not for your mind. When you pass on, you do take your mind with you. That’s why some people experience life as heavenly or hellish, whether on Earth or in the hereafter. As such, wise people take time to fine-tune their minds so they always can enjoy a magnificent experience. Here are 11 basic but powerful keys to shine up your mind so it serves you well—even in the most challenging of times. 1) Use a pro and con list whenever faced with difficult decisions. List the advantages and disadvantages of each decision and notice which list is longer. Prioritize the items and see which ones are most important to you. Viewing your options in black and white often clarifies decision-making. 2) Future tripping, a simple visualization technique, helps you through tough times. Imagine ahead 1, 5, 10, or more years and see yourself being

successful and happy. Picture reaching your goals in spite of or even because of the difficulties you presently face. Remind yourself that most major stressors are time-limited, so enjoy your visions of a brighter tomorrow. 3) The 80/10/10 Rule states that 100 percent success all the time is impossible. Unrealistically high expectations can set you up for failure and selfcriticism. In most cases, things will go smoothly 80 percent of the time and fairly well another 10 percent. The other 10 percent are events governed by Murphy’s Law. So if you’re reaching your goals 80 percent of the time with gusts of 90 percent, that’s great. Whenever things get rough, mentally remind yourself “80/10/10.” 4) Appreciate what you have and give thanks for it. Happiness is being content with what you have and, at the same time, growing toward even greater heights. So, yes, set your goals and never stop improving, but remember that happiness lies in the journey and in reaching the destination. Also, remember that the grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence. Some people waste their lives chasing the carrot dangling in front of them: a new car, bigger home, more attractive partner, and so on. They don’t realize that lasting happiness does not come from ego boosts or material objects.

None of this, by the way, is a justification big b usinesses influence you to buy things that you don’t need and you can’t afford. for mediocrity or putting up with a chronically unhappy situation. 9) Form a Master Mind group. Find several people Count your blessings rather than focusing on the who are seriously working on themselves in body, negative. We all have so much to be thankful for. mind and spirit. Meet once or twice a month to I learned this lesson at college when I was going discuss plans for improving every area of your life. bald. I envied a thick-haired student who was Stay focused and positive; don’t let it become a walking on the other side of a short concrete wall. complaining session or social hour. Your masterAs he passed the wall, however, I saw that he mind allies can provide valuable feedback, suphad only one leg. It reminded me of the saying, port and networking. “I complained about having no shoes until I met a 10) Enjoy the present moment. Present time conman with no feet.” sciousness means living one day and one moment Don’t take life too seriously. Humor and laughat a time. An old Sanskrit maxim says: “Look well ter are important for psychological and physical to this day, for yesterday is but a dream; and balance. Research shows an increased immune tomorrow is only a vision. But today well-lived response, decreased anxiety, and reduced muscumakes every yesterday a dream of happiness and lar tension with hearty laughter. Since prevention every tomorrow a vision of hope.” is the best approach, take time to regularly enjoy The word happiness comes from the root humor from comedians, movies and everyday life. word meaning “to happen.” Happiness comes from Motivational books and tapes keep the heart a life of action—fully living the present moment and and mind focused more positively. With a steady being in harmony with the great way of life. input of higher thought, you can look at the bright Living in the present moment includes recside more consistently. Enrich your life with the ognizing that each action takes you down one fork works of positive and enthusiastic individuals. By of a crossroads. Don’t look back too much. An octhe way, the word “enthusiasm” comes from two casional analysis of the past reveals trends and lesroot words meaning “filled with God.” Over the sons. For the most part, however, don’t relive past years, I’ve particularly benefited from inspirational decisions and second-guess yourself. Live in the teachings by Richard Bach, Wayne Dyer, Denis present moment and stay alert for new possibilities. Waitley, Og Mandino, Richard Carlson, Stephen 11) Simplify. Energy blocks and stagnation occur Covey, David Schwartz, Charles “Tremendous” when your life, office and home, are too cluttered. Jones, Zig Ziglar and others. Clear out the accumulated junk and notice how your life feels lighter and more flowing. Excellent Take it easy on the material things. More is not books are available on the Eastern art of feng shui always better. The stress in your life is directly and simplifying every aspect of your life. proportional to the number of electronic and gasoline-powered objects you own. Keeping Use these keys to assist experiencing the greatup with the Joneses can keep you overworked, est life you envisioned: a wonderful life of fulfilling opporstressed out, and broke. Slick advertisements by tunities for service, adventure, growth and enjoyment.

Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, master’s clinical psychologist, holistic chiropractic physician, frequent media guest, and webinar/workshop facilitator. He directs The SoulPhone Foundation and founded Greater Reality Living Groups. Dr. Pitstick can help you know and show—no matter what is happening to or around you— that your earthly experience is a totally safe, meaningful, and magnificent adventure amidst forever. Visit http://www.SoulProof.com for free articles, newsletters and radio interviews with top consciousness experts.

Inside Your Bubble

Your Bubble is an organic energetic imprint of how YOU are seen, and how you project—inwardly and outwardly—to the world. By Jo Mooy Once upon a time, cultures and institutions were isolated in their thinking inside vertical silos. Everyone associated with a culture, an industry, an institution, or a tribe operated inside the confines and rules set by the rulers of the silos. Those living in the silos were ignorant of—or oblivious to— what was happening in other silos. There was safety in the silo because everyone was surrounded by likeminded individuals who thought the same and behaved the same. In that contained world, there was no need to question beliefs or look outside the silo for answers. But at the turn of the 20st century a radical notion began to form. Forward-thinking individuals started to see the silos were not vertical but had become horizontal and that they overlapped. They noticed that what happened in one silo affected all the other silos. When a pandemic stopped the world in 2020, there was a dramatic understanding that the world was intertwined. A virus spread at great speed, infected every country on earth. No one was immune. That realization was even more challenging for the average human psyche because all of a sudden the integration and unity between all things was hard to ignore. Some had been waiting for this unity consciousness all their lives. Other shied away from it as though they’d been scorched by acid. But what really happened? Civilized societies are built on rules and beliefs that govern behaviors in the collective. In 2020 all the rules and beliefs that had been built up over the

ages were upended. What we believed was stable and “truthful”—health systems, the environment, religion, democracy, racial acceptance—was in crisis. The “normalcy” we’d come to accept as truth was now threatened. Any change in a short period of time is difficult for most to adapt to. In this case, everything was changing so rapidly there was no time to let it sink in and figure out a rational way to deal with it. Retreating back to the silo mentality was much easier than courageously adapting to the changes that would ultimately affect all of humanity. As the old silo beliefs began disintegrating, along with the systems that constructed them, the people retreated into personal, self-absorbed “pods.” No longer able to rely on the old silo systems for protection, they reached out to any new belief system, no matter how bizarre or preposterous, to prop up their inability to deal with the real events unfolding. Unknowingly and unintentionally they were creating new silos. The absurdities coalesced and magnified the invisible patterns that surrounded their physical forms. I call those invisible structures Bubbles. Everyone has always lived inside an invisible Bubble, even inside the silos. The Bubbles are an energy formation created by each person. It’s not built with bricks and mortar, but by thoughts, beliefs, ideas and feelings. But its formation is as strong as if it were built with bricks and mortar. The Bubbles look like geometric energy patterns that are resident in a wide and fluid cosmic field of energy. The patterns of the Bubbles are vivid. But, they’re not solely constructed by

an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Each Bubble, holding powerful magnetic charges, is also influenced and affected by the thoughts, beliefs, culture and feelings of others. The Bubble is an organic energetic imprint of how YOU are seen, and how you project—inwardly and outwardly—to the world. It’s an incredibly complex matrix of nonverbal communication found in the human species. The animal, plant and mineral kingdoms also have energy patterns, but those patterns are not as pronounced as it is with humans. Through this patterning each person projects and presents their energy frequencies to other Bubbles through powerful magnetic resonance of like attracting like that appear as solid structures. No Bubble stands alone. Each abuts other Bubbles. If a Bubble shares your emotional qualities or values it will magnetically align close to yours. We instinctively move towards things we love and are repelled by things we fear or don’t love. Bubbles not in alignment with your shared characteristics generally never come into your orbit. But your Bubble can be influenced by the responses of other Bubbles. If an individual is not firm and clear in the beliefs and the ideals it holds, the other Bubbles, based on the intensity of their feelings, can enter your Bubble’s atmosphere and alter the hue, colors and patterns of your Bubble either positively or negatively. Duality is the norm in this universe though it’s usually well-balanced. But not now. Currently, two extreme polarities of Bubbles oppose each other on the planet. It would be easy to put them into the context 33

of positive and negative or good and evil. But if you’re in either of the opposing point-of-view Bubbles you faithfully believe you’re good and the other one is evil. So perhaps it’s better to look at the two Bubbles as you would a child’s seesaw. Each Bubble is an intense opposite of the other. Like the seesaw, one end is up and the other down. Concurrently, beliefs and behaviors in the opposing Bubbles are also seen as upside down. What we used to think of as good, like caring for one another through religious doctrines or teachings, or through social programs, is now seen as bad to a broad spectrum of people. On the other hand, racism, a behavior once considered intolerable, is proudly endorsed as good by another spectrum of people in their Bubbles. I researched, and then with a brass pendulum, dowsed the values of both Bubble polarities. Each Polarity definitely lifts up its Bubble “constituency,” meaning all the Bubbles that align with certain beliefs and values. But I discovered one Polarity vibrates at 300 and the other at 800. What I learned in the dowsing experiment, which was repeated several times, is that the polarity vibrating at 800 lifts ALL the Bubbles to greater heights and qualities, while the other does not. If your values and ideals are noble and pure, your Bubble magnetically

projects those qualities and keeps your Bubble pure and intact. Practices or meditations that reduce stress are helpful in keeping your Bubble pure and clear. Any incursion into your Bubble frequency can be felt and pinpointed in meditation. If you notice it, use a spiritual practice to help transmute what you’re feeling. Whatever practice you choose to do is but a rearrangement of the deck chairs unless it alters your consciousness as well. Consciousness changes by staying committed to the practices and doing them regularly.

Whatever you project outward magnetically attaches to and, through the laws of reciprocity, returns to your Bubble. When your nature is at ease or peaceful, then stresses will be minimized. When your nature is anxious or fearful everything bothers you. Your Bubble’s atmosphere will only respond to and attract like-minded thoughts and beliefs. As new changes appear on the horizon in 2021, keep the Bubbles clear and stable as vertical silos are split open and universal consciousness returns to the planet.

Conscious Living with Jo Mooy

Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.