Transformation Coaching Magazine November 2021 by Transformation Coaching Magazine

COACHING AND BUSINESS TOOLS Rising Star Coach: Deborah Bryan How to Find Your Niche INSPIRATION & GROWTH Helping Others Wisdom: Now and Always Dreamers and Visionaries Who Needs Need? The Third Pathway Want to Change? Reframe Changing Seasons The Nature of Appreciation

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FEED YOUR SPIRIT Who Said That? Spiritual Faith

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

EDITOR Lisa Cedrone

CONTRIBUTORS Deborah Bryan, Jowanna Daley, Jessi Franz, Miguel Mendonça, Jo Mooy, Gregg Sanderson, Linda Commito, Owen Waters, Noelle Sterne, Mary Boutillier, Terez Hartman

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Rising Star Coach: Deborah Bryan

Here at Transformation Academy we are excited to announce our November’s Transformation Academy Rising Star – Deborah Bryan Our goal with this initiative is to recognize and celebrate group membership who demonstrate the heart and service of a coach. Each monthly recipient of this recognition will be selected for a unique reason. Some will be seasoned coaches who serve as valuable mentors within the group. Others may be just starting their coach-training journey and exude a contagious attitude or passion. Others may be actively supporting other group members, whether by providing resources, answering common questions, or providing moral support. Regardless of each of our wonderful group members’ background or experience, we all benefit from the mutual support and varied perspectives offered within this diverse group! The Rising Star initiative is a way to give a special THANK YOU to those who go above and beyond to share of themselves within this community. This month we would like to recognize Deborah "GypsyOwl" Bryan for her positive vibe, helpful posts and comments, and overall being a role model of what it means to be a coach! Deborah has been a group member for over 2 years! Her tagline is “The Joy Broker helps Caregivers find inner-balance, which when achieved, unlocks joy.” We are grateful that she brings this joy to her fellow coaches with her engagement in the group. She is both an advocate for and shining example of the importance of both creativity and self-care. She is a powerful example of a coach who is her own client, meaning

she is dedicated to her own personal development and practicing what she preaches.

ABOUT DEBORAH:

Deborah Bryan (aka Deb "GypsyOwl" Bryan) is The Joy Broker (happiness coach), self-taught Intuitive Artist, Creative, Certified Reiki Master Teacher and lives a quiet artistic lifestyle amid full-time caregiving. A decade of Paraprofessional employment as a Therapist Technician (MHMR Crisis Residential), Certified Master Life Coach, Certified Master Mindset Coach @Transformation Academy. Working on Certifications in Advanced Caregiving as well as Assisted Living Management @AmericanCaregiversAssociation. Studied Business Marketing and Social Media Culture at Jones Intl. Studied Social Media and Business Writing Existential Well-being Counseling: A Person-centered Experiential Approach at EdX. Active Associations: International Reiki Organization and Transformation Academy Alumni and Graduates. You can find out more her at http://www.GypsyOwlArt.com. Below is an interview we conducted with Deborah.

WHAT IS YOUR NICHE (COACHING FOCUS) AND HOW DID YOU CHOOSE IT?

Here’s what I have learned in my over two decades of practice: Caregivers tend to be molded into a box of “self-sacrifice”. This tendency often keeps Caregivers in a cycle of servitude,

lacking balance and sadly - Joy. I help Caregivers discover inner-balance which unlocks joy.

WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?

I am. This realization shifted the otherwise complicated question to an easy one. I am a caregiver and struggled with self-care due to a belief the 'good' people do not focus on their own needs. I'm not alone.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A LIFE COACH?

The tools I have developed help Caregivers intentionally find a balance between self-care and caregiving, which leads to a more sustainable and joyful Caregiving practice. In the first four decades of my life, I continued perfecting a persona of servitude, which gradually took a toll on my well-being.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COACHING?

I've been a coach all my life. Being the oldest child in a large family, with both adults working outside the home, I often had more responsibility for my siblings. The dynamics of the environment were complicated. I 'learned' early in life to take care of others above taking care of myself.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR FIRST CLIENT?

I volunteered for peer support consultations, for women caregivers in crisis, in transitional situations.

HOW HAS YOUR COACHING JOURNEY CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Learning about myself, basically coaching myself while training for certifications, changed my perspective on my life. I discovered what I need to achieve and maintain joy.

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?

Realizing my own progress and development will always have room for growth and transition.

WHAT IS THE MOST FULFILLING PART OF BEING A LIFE COACH?

Realizing my own progress and development will always have room for growth and transition. (Same answer as I gave for the previous question, from a different perspective).

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MOST INSPIRATIONAL COACHING MOMENT, WITH A CLIENT?

Often it is silence. A pause. Followed by a deep breath. Those moments when the belief that we are expected to be weighted down float away and we become lighter.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COACHING ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE TO DO WITH CLIENTS?

The 'hat trick' I developed is my favorite. It is a process of guiding a client to make two lists (some like to use bullet points; some may prefer a pie with sections). The first list is 'all the things to make life perfect' which evolves over time to reveal the basis of the list usually comes down to one thing. The desire to be happy. The second list is 'all the things on the to-do list' and why they are there. Now let's reframe the process so we are happy with or without the perfect life list completed and choose to remove (or add) things from the 'to-do' list. Many times, the list gets shorter when happiness isn't tied into 'doing' and 'having' but is maintained by 'being' and 'inner-balance' again it is tied into the desire to be happy.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFFECTIVE WHAT IS THE IMPACT YOU WANT TO STRATEGY FOR FINDING CLIENTS AND/OR MAKE IN THIS WORLD? Do you remember the quote? GROWING YOUR BUSINESS? “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes

When a client is starting their coaching, I let them know I will be asking for a review, periodically, two or three times. These are kept for inspiration when working toward evolving my content. I may use excerpts for testimonials. When the two or three are compiled, I return them to the client for verification they still agree with what they wrote. Those little notes become treasures for the client to see how far they have come. We have our closing session with this note as the focus. That is when I ask each client to refer a friend for a complimentary introduction.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF BACK WHEN YOU FIRST DREAMED OF BECOMING A COACH?

Start coaching ASAP: I kept saying 'just one more course and then I'll start thinking about starting.’ It was later, I learned it isn't required to have a certification (in my case - in the USA - coaching is unregulated), so there is not a requirement to 'finish all' of the pieces of training first. If I had looked first at what I needed, which turns out was confidence, then I would have taken Confidence Coaching first and started offering services as soon as I finished that one course. Then continue to take courses for Continuing Professional Training purposes.

you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ― Howard Thurman My fondest wish is to help people so when they read this quote, they will be able to say "I AM" yes I am discovering what makes me come alive every day. I know this is possible because I Am. I discovered that creativity makes me come alive. So every day I create something with intention.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH TRANSFORMATION COACHING MAGAZINE READERS?

When I started coaching as a child, I was a daily life survival coach. Throughout my life, I have been a complete this or that list coach (list usually provided by an employer or others). When I took coaching training courses, I was guided to look within myself, to complete the assignments presented in courses 'as if I was a client' and honestly, I had no idea how much coaching I would receive while being a student. My daily life has honored this by taking care of myself first, my creativity time, my self-care. Then, having a full cup I am better able to help others when I am coaching or caregiving. In-between caregiving and coaching, I create. Creating is an essential part of my self-care routine.

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”— Howard Thurman

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How to Find Your Niche

HOW TO YO U R N

O FFIND IND N I CH E

Understanding how to segment your market makes it easier to define your ideal client and forecast your revenue. By Jowanna Daley So you’ve finished your coaching certification, and you’re ready to empower the world! Now everyone is telling you to “niche down.” You’ve probably heard it in training, by experts, and parrots—but what does it really mean? Then, when you ask how you find your niche, you hear all kinds of opinions. It leaves you feeling deflated, intimidated, and demotivated. No, it’s not you.

WHAT IS A NICHE?

Niche is used in various ways. For instance, some people use it to describe your professional focus, others use it to describe their target market, and some use it interchangeably. A niche can describe your coaching focus, such as a business, life, success, or executive coach. A niche is also a smaller segment of a bigger market (also called a market segment). Carving out your niche is not a straight recipe. Instead, it’s like that your grandma’s secret sauce—a dash of this and a pinch of that. Your niche can take on many forms, such as: • A few specializations for one group (e.g., a life coach who sees divorced women seeking a new career, self-esteem, or goals success coaching) • One discipline for a broad population (e.g., a life coach who specializes in self-esteem issues and sees anyone from 15 to 70+) • One specialization for a targeted group (e.g., a relationship coach that sees engaged couples)

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MARKET NICHE AND MARKET SEGMENT?

You may have also heard the term “market segment.” The only difference between a market niche and a market segment is perspective. Both phrases describe a portion of a larger market. Big corporations usually “segment” their market, appealing to the masses first. While small businesses look for a smaller (often under served) market—they niche down. So why shouldn’t you appeal to the masses, like “Big Business”? Here’s why: • Big companies have the resources to appeal to many segments at one time • As a new business, you are learning your brand and your clients, and generic messaging will kill your business

• Enough studies show that you do better with a narrower focus (mainly because of personalization and budget) • You are not going to know your strength and weaknesses for real before you get out there; reaching one niche (and one ideal client) at a time gives you time to evolve your business

SEGMENTING THE MARKET

Dividing the market is not straightforward, but there are some common ways you can slice the pie, including: • Demographic Segmentation is a quantitative way to view your market. This means you can count the population in this segment. Common ways to break up your demographics include age, gender, ethnicity, income, religion, family status or structure, occupation, and level of education. • Psychographic Segmentation is a more qualitative or subjective way to view your target population. It is a powerful way to look at data because it gives insight into your market’s motivation. Common ways to break down the data are personality, attitudes, values, activities, and lifestyle. • Behavioral Segmentation is based on how a person engages with your business, product, website, or app. It can also give insight into how they interact during the different phases of a purchase cycle. Typical ways to segment purchasing behavior include how and when they purchase, usage, loyalty, and benefits sought. • Geographic Segmentation is based on the premise that people who live near each other use the same products or services. As a life coach, you may decide to see people close to your location because you want to have in-person sessions. Or you may choose people in a time zone that aligns with your work hours. Common geographic parameters include location, climate, culture, population, and language.

IDENTIFYING YOUR NICHE

Determining your niche will help you define your ideals clients, and going through the steps of the process will pay off as you further define your business. It will help with creating your ideal clients and developing your market strategy. Let’s review ways to help you find your niche. What’s Your Super Power? What do you like to do? Transformation Academy’s (TA’s) Life Purpose or Career Coach certifications can help you articulate what you love to do, your

skills, and your natural abilities. All of TA’s coaching curriculum coaches the coach first. Additionally, Life Purpose will help you unveil any limiting beliefs you may have about what you can or can’t do. What’s Your Story? Often, we are led by changing moments in our lives. Think about the obstacles you’ve overcome and how you overcame them. Who helped you? Do you want to be like someone who helped you through something? Who didn’t help you? What did you have to do to overcome the situation? Align your story with the coaching discipline you select or even with your age during the experience. What Groups Appeal to You? Whom do you like working with, talking to, or watching? I loved mentoring young women back in my corporate days because I could relate to being a young lady in a male-dominated field. Brainstorm groups that appeal to you. Do not limit it to typical coaching clients—you may miss an otherwise obvious fit. What’s In Demand? I’m one of those people who can live my purpose in just about any field or circumstance. Given that the average person changes careers every 13 years and has about 12 jobs in their lifetime—chances are your purpose evolves as well. Look to see what coaching niches are in demand. Mix It Up. Don’t think linear. Analyze your superpowers, experiences, the groups you like, and demand to find your niche. Be like grandma, and make your own recipe. I bet you and your clients will love it! Start Coaching. You don’t have to figure out everything to start coaching. Take advantage of TA’s done-for-you certification courses. Start with those you know. Let them know what you are doing and start coaching. There is a systematic way you can

grow from those in your Rolodex (I’m dating myself). You will figure out to whom you most appeal and their needs through coaching and feedback. I know you’re constantly hearing different tips, and that’s because you can define niches in multiple ways. However, understanding how to segment your market makes it easier to define your ideal client and forecast your revenue. Remember that it is not an exact science. It is also not like grade school either—you don’t have to pass 12th grade to graduate. Just start coaching!

The Daley Word with Jowanna Daley Jowanna is a business and personal coach, consultant, freelance blogger, and personal brand photographer. Jowanna uses her 20-plus years of business, information technology, business analysis, and project management experience to serve solopreneurs, microbusinesses, and professionals through consulting, coaching, training, and workshops. She is also a freelance blogger who serves corporate and non-corporate clients. Visit her website at https://www.jowannadaley.com/about/.

HELPING OT H E R S

Helping Others

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world”—Mahatma Gandhi By Jessi Franz I tend to be a voice supporting, “Take care of yourself first.” It’s because you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you will not be able to give your best self to others. At the same time, helping others can contribute to our own well-being; by helping others, often times we are helping ourselves. From a psychological standpoint, there is evidence that helping others can promote physiological changes that are linked to happiness in the brain. For one, in the moments that we are helping others, whether it’s through an emotionally hard time or lending a hand to help with a move, we are temporarily getting “out of ourselves.” Still, the effect of kindness is extremely undervalued in today’s Western society. It’s time to change that! Finding the balance of helping others, while maintaining our own social and emotional well-being, is a complicated place of equilibrium to find—but it’s not impossible. In fact, helping others and giving our time in those moments might just be what we need to enhance our emotional and mental well-being. In acts of service, we are temporarily forgetting our own struggles and hardships, focusing on others, and figuring out what we can do to be a light in their lives. It’s not only a gift to them, but it’s a gift to ourselves as well. There have been many studies that support the lasting effects that helping others have on our overall happiness. I’m not talking about just interviewing people and asking if helping someone else

generated happiness. I’m talking about repeated experiments, interviews with all types of people from all walks of life, brain scans, etc. Scientists actually have discovered that people can enhance their own personal happiness simply by the act of being selfless. (If you are interested in finding out more about happiness, check out the Netflix documentary Happy, an award-winning film written, directed and co-produced by Roko Belic.) By helping others, we are pushing ourselves to be more socially active and aware. This can assist in times of loneliness or when you feel withdrawn, especially as the world continues to struggle with isolation. Last year, for example, Americans’ happiness was at a five-decade low during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite being satisfied with their financial situation, according to a survey from the University of Chicago. We often get an intense feeling of purpose and we become satisfied with who we are as a human being. It can enhance our connections with others, and simple social interaction is critical—even for those who are introverted. From another perspective, when I am sharing my personal story of passed hardships and overcoming, it tends to take me back to those dark days. And this can be a good thing: I remember how bad it was, and that allows me to be continuously grateful for where my life is today. Even on my “bad days” my life is still so, so good. When we dive into helping others, specifically those less fortunate than ourselves, it has power to put things into

perspective. There will be times when we need to get out of ourselves—see how others live with challenges—and this can bring on a new perspective and an attitude of gratitude for the way our personal everyday lives look. Now let’s talk about self-esteem. When we are struggling with our own selfworth, one of the best things we can do is to get out and volunteer. Many studies have shown that those who volunteer on a consistent basis tend to have higher selfesteem and a greater sense of well being and confidence, not only in themselves, but in their everyday life and decisions. Performing acts of kindness, regardless of how big or how small, naturally becomes a mood booster which, in return, allows you to have a “glass half-full” perspective. After a day of working with clients who have the desire and the fire to heal, grow, discover and embrace their authentic selves, feelings of gratitude, fulfillment, and a sense of wholeness fill my cup because, in those moments, I am not focused on myself, but on others. Sometimes, it’s just what the soul needs. Plus, the advice I give to others I sometimes needed to hear myself! “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.” —William Arthur Ward

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.

Wisdom: Now and Always

Developing wisdom is a path of self-discovery and a vital part of our shared journey. By Miguel Mendonça The year 2020 will go down in history as the year the pandemic arrived. The year of Black Lives Matter. The year of QAnon. The year that led to Trump supporters attempting to overturn the democratic foundations of their own country. The word that came to me repeatedly in this time was “wisdom.” I wondered: Where is it? Who are the wisest among us right now? And what is wisdom, truly? So I began seeking out the wisest people I could find, from a range of backgrounds, to help develop a sense of what wisdom is in theory and practice, and how it can be identified and cultivated. The culmination of the journey is found in my book: Wisdom: Now and Always, and the following summarizes some of the key themes: The first thing I learned from these extraordinary people is that we are all fellow travellers. Wisdom is not something held only in sacred texts, windswept Himalayan recesses, sweltering ashrams and men and women of deepest knowing. Each of us cannot help but acquire some type of wisdom as we move through the world. At the most basic level, wisdom is about learning from mistakes. It then becomes a tool for good decision-making. Understanding the full context of our decision is highly complex, as it includes geographic, cultural, political, economic, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual factors. And no doubt others. Our choices will all be made within a number of dynamic, multidimensional, interweaving contexts.

Words of Wisdom INTERVIEW EXCERPTS FROM PROFESSOR FAILAUTUSI AVEGALIO, JR.

Papali’i ‘Tusi’ Avegalio was raised on a coastal village in American Samoa and entered college in the United States as a scholarship recipient in 1968. Returning to Samoa as a graduate, his teaching and cross-cultural-based leadership style was rewarded by unprecedented job promotions from the classroom to the Central Office in one year. He pursued advanced degrees in Education and became president of the local community college in American Samoa. After serving as an East West Center Research Scholar at the University of Hawai‘i, he was recruited as a professor in its College of Business, where he is Director of the multinational awardwinning University of Hawai‘i Pacific Business Center Program. He was conferred the Papalii title in 1980 as a senior heir of the Malietoa Talavou (warrior king) line of Samoa. He is an advocate for the weave of indigenous wisdom, values of aloha and spirituality with modern science, knowledge and technology.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST-WON WISDOM THAT YOU HAVE?

In coming from my culture to the U.S., I don’t know if it was difficult as much as it was new. It was more about curiosity and adaptation. As they say, “You can’t direct the wind, but you can adjust your sails.” Adjusting and adapting is part of a voyager’s life. I think Polynesians in general tend to get along well under almost any circumstances. So I was more curious and fascinated than feeling intimidated or discriminated against. Even if there was discrimination, I wasn’t aware of it to the point where it bothered me.

IN THE WORLD TODAY, WHERE DO YOU SEE WISDOM, AND ITS LACK, BEING DEMONSTRATED?

In leadership. Again, it goes back to the mechanistic world. Western culture says that if something’s wrong, you need to ‘fix it’. You go see a doctor and they say, “Let’s work out what’s wrong and see if we can fix it.” These terms are used by a mechanic. So, when it comes to complex human intentions, it may not be appropriate

to say, “Let’s fix it.” How do you fix hate? You don’t—you heal it. Then, there is a confusion between healing and curing. Curing is removing all evidence of the disease, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re healed. So, you could cure without healing. Healing means to make it whole. The focus of most leaders, from my perspective, is on curing and fixing. Tensions are usually caused by pain to the body, the soul or the spirit. If you can heal those, that can move you closer to the desired state of harmony and balance that we all see as peace in the world. The same language was used by Nelson Mandela. He used the word “healing.” That was the first time I’d ever seen a leader use that kind of language. He had suffered horrific violence, but he saw that only healing was going to build his nation, not fixing… The machine paradigm has been pervasive so much in modern life that when there is a problem, particularly when it involves a human being or life form, the tendency is to view the solution as a matter of ‘fixing’ the problem. As I had learned from the wisdom of my grandmother, healing is different and a deep dimension of alofa (love). Similarly, I had always been moved by Mandela’s compelling advocacy of reconciliation and healing. Our wise elders and ancestors guide us to seek remedies to the negative legacies of the past, and through that process we heal as a people, move forward as a nation, and embrace as humanity.

And then there is insight. Wisdom seems to crystallize in gestalt moments, where the full dimensions of a thing become suddenly clear. It may be that we realize something important about ourselves, others, relationships or situations that now seems obvious, but before was buried in layers of complexity. Or perhaps denial. As insight is mental, intuition is often physical—a literal gut response. Observing this and taking note can be vital, in everything from art to sport to wilderness survival. Our body, mind and consciousness are picking up signals continually, and feeding information into our decision-making center. But wisdom has a higher level yet, which is beyond intelligence, discernment, courage, cultivating relationships and an instinct for timing. It is not about service to self, but service to all. It is bound

up in benevolence, reciprocity, compassion and humility. Nature, in its wisdom, takes care of others, through reciprocity and balance. The stories of indigenous people ritualizing their practices of harmony with and respect for their environment reinforce the idea that wisdom is central to survival. An important consideration which proceeds from this is the matter of differentiating wisdom from intelligence. One can be an intelligent sociopath, or a shrewd investor whose decisions and priorities damage the Earth and the human spirit. Or one may be a politician whose policies and rhetoric divide and dispossess. The material and professional success of such individuals may be lauded in some societies, and they may be considered wise by their peers, but this is not true wisdom. Each interviewee in my study dedicates themselves to others,

some or most of whom they may never meet. They take a wider, deeper view of life, and of priorities. They feel the richness of existence, and seek to share and protect it. They are always ready to listen, to learn, to explore and to advocate. Many of them have changed the world in important ways, and all have changed lives for the better. They each face personal challenges, but their spirit continues to carry them through. Our existence is such an incredibly complex proposition that reflection through art, spiritual practice and conversation with trusted allies will always be vital. As long as we proceed with an open heart and mind, wisdom—both inside and outside—awaits. Simply put: Wisdom seems to be the answer to life. The two are intimately bound up. Life breeds wisdom; wisdom breeds life. And love is so closely intertwined with them that wisdom and love are virtually interchangeable for me. Wisdom is as much heart-based as head-based. It is no simple thing to deconstruct wisdom, and no two people will see it alike. And yet most of us feel it when we encounter it. The real trick is to cultivate our own with honesty and integrity, and maintain some objectivity. It is easy to slip into self-delusion about our own wisdom, but we can equally be blind to that which we have. Ultimately, developing wisdom is a path of self-discovery, and now, perhaps more than ever, this is a vital part of our shared journey. Editor’s Note: Wisdom: Now and Always by Miguel Mendonça is available in paperback and kindle on Amazon, and the audiobook is available via Audible and iTunes.

Miguel Mendonça is a writer and researcher. In his nine books, he has investigated a variety of topics, including sustainability, consciousness, spirituality and metaphysics, wisdom, and art and creativity. Find out more at http://www.miguelmendonca.com.

Dreamers and Visionaries

Photo Credit: “Earthrise: Luna Surface and Earth Seen from Apollo 8 Spacecraft” by NASA Goddard Photo and Video is licensed under CC BY 2.0

By Jo Mooy Up against enormous public and political opposition, John F. Kennedy forged ahead and dreamed space exploration into the national consciousness. He said, “Space can be explored and mastered without feeding the fires of war…There is no strife, no prejudice, no national conflict in outer space as yet. Its hazards are hostile to us all. Its conquest deserves the best of all mankind, and its opportunity for peaceful cooperation may never come again.” Dreamers and visionaries have always led the march into the unknown. When Neil Armstrong went to the moon in 1969, I watched along with millions around the world. We were glued to our 13-inch black and white TVs, holding our collective breaths as he stepped off the lunar module onto the moon’s surface. It was one small step for mankind. Three years later, in 1972, a photo of the Earth, taken from Apollo 17, caught the attention of the world again; the Earth was suspended like a small blue marble in the blackness of space. It enchanted me. So, I had a poster-sized enlargement of “The Blue Marble” put up on my office wall, where it remained for 30 years. It also affected everyone who came into my office; they often stared dreamily at the photo. It opened my horizons to endless “what ifs.” What if we all could experience Earth from that distance? What if do-

ing that changed how we behaved on Earth? What if we treated this fragile blue pearl more sacredly? What if…? On another July day, 52 years later, another launch captivated me. I planted myself in front of a much larger TV screen and watched Sir Richard Branson’s trip to suborbital space on Virgin Galactic’s Unity space plane. His vision began as a 19-year-old, when he watched Neil Armstrong’s moon walk and was “instantly convinced he would go to space himself.” As Unity’s engine’s ignited, the pilots called out, “mach 1, mach 2, mach 3.” The altimeter readings on the right side of the TV screen increased to 282,733 feet. The four passengers inside, beaming with ecstatic smiles, became weightless. A billionaire dreamer was taking ordinary people into space. It would no longer be restricted to trained astronauts. In time, the costs would come down, and he wanted people to see The Blue Marble, and appreciate this delicate place we call home. He said that, from space, you can see the “wonderfulness of Earth. From that vantage point perhaps petty squabbles that mean nothing will disappear and you’ll realize how precious it is to all of us.” Yes, this dreamer is a billionaire. He’s been vilified and widely criticized both before and after the launch for taking a “joyride” into space instead of using money that many felt could feed the hungry. Most don’t realize he’d already given $3 billion to

charities that are united in positive world views that include sustainability, climate change, and human rights. He did something else not usually done by government agencies: He respected the visionaries of the Native American people of New Mexico. He put the Zia Sun symbol on the tail of the space plane. The sacred symbol represents the four seasons of life—childhood, youth, middle age, and old age. It also represents the four cardinal directions, the four seasons of the year, and the four periods of each day—morning, noon, evening, and night. Dreamers and visionaries see things and say, “Why not?” When they dream, the impossible becomes inevitable. They speak their visions and inspire thousands who are magnetized with the same “can-do” fervor. When dreamers dream, the small steps of mankind become impressive leaps of accomplishment. Visionaries and dreamers are a rarity in our species. Still, somewhere on the planet a young child watched the Unity space plane and dreamed of one day traveling the galaxy. Somewhere on the planet, an adult will get their wish to go to space. Somewhere on the planet, an ordinary person will see the earth with different eyes. Somewhere on the planet people will encourage each other with what ifs instead of nots. And the impossible dreams of thousands will one day propel the rest of us into a new world.

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.

Who Needs Need? The Third Pathway

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Yoonjae Baik

By Gregg Sanderson I welcome the opportunity (even if painful) that my minute-tominute experience offers me to become aware of the addictions I must reprogram to be liberated from my robot-like emotional patterns. I have the most delightful little device around the house. It moves along the floor and bumps into things. No, it’s not a puppy. It’s a robot, and it goes along one way until it bumps into something, then it heads off in another direction until it bumps into something else. That describes the emotional lives of a lot of people. One big difference is that my robot cleans the floor in the process. But robot or human, all they can do is follow their programming. People get programmed from birth with limitations and models about right and wrong. When something happens that your programming can’t accept, it sets off the unpleasant emotions. We call them addictions because they act just like physical addictions, except

they’re emotional...and they’re the ONLY cause of suffering. My robot can’t change its programming—but people can if they just know what to change it to. That’s where these 12 pathways come in. Based on Ken Keyes Jr.’s Handbook to Higher Consciousness, they describe a mindset that you can apply to get back to center any time you’re upset. I’ve been using them for (OMG!) almost 45 years and have never found a painful emotional incident where one or more of the pathways didn’t apply. Realize that any time you aren’t feeling happy, you have the opportunity to open your personal gates of joy even wider. You can go from “poor me” and “somebody done me wrong” to peaceful acceptance, and you’d never have had that chance unless your programming got triggered. …that my minute-to-minute experience offers me... If you aren’t happy, you’re suffering. If you’re suffering, you ALWAYS have the opportunity to change—and you don’t have to. Emotional growth is always an opportunity, but never a requirement.

...to become aware of the addictions I must reprogram... All suffering is caused by needs that aren’t being met. You have the chance to discover exactly what you’re demanding from the situation that you aren’t getting. You reprogram by “up leveling” the addiction to a preference. ...to be liberated from my robot-like emotional patterns. No more bouncing off the walls. When you change the program, you’re free to make your own choices when you (metaphorically) bump into something, then you can take off in any direction you choose. Thus completes the “Freeing Myself” section of the 12 Pathways. We’ve learned: I am freeing myself...Nobody is going to free me. I am discovering...My needs distort my perception. I welcome the opportunity...My chance to shine! Next month, we start the all important section, “Being Here Now.” Be there then.

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.

NOT JUST A GAME! Each custom-designed deck of Just Ask 1 2 3 cards offers 53 thought-inspiring questions and a Directions card. A lovely organza gift bag is included to hold the cards for selecting.

Just Ask 1 2 3 is a fun pathway to conversation, kindness and connection!

JustAsk123.com & LoveIstheNewCurrency.com 25

Who Said That?

Messengers come in all shapes, forms, and sizes to convey meaningful information. By Linda Commito We learn a lot about our world through our five senses, yet we often take them for granted, only realizing their value when they diminish with age or we lose one of them. What we are less likely to acknowledge is that we comprehend and experience life with more than sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and that oftentimes our less-tangible senses are far more effective than their physical counterparts. For example, do you sometimes seem to just know things? We may not always be able to put a name to it or explain how we know, we just do. Even scientists can’t explain the reasons behind the feelings and perceptions of someone who is in touch with their intuition, their inner wisdom and guidance system. We may understand things about people that have nothing to do with what they are saying or doing. We know how we feel when we walk away from someone and we’re able to cut through the social politeness to get to the essence of what just transpired. We oftentimes base our trust of others more on the good vibes or feelings that we get from them than by the words they speak. We are just beginning to realize the power of our thoughts and how

interconnected everything is. We think about someone and moments later they call, saying, “You were just on my mind.” Even though this is a common phenomenon today, it is still strong validation that a world exists beyond our physical senses. This type of communication happens with beings outside of our physical environment, too. We can ask for the help that we need, and we can tune in to our angels or guides, who are ready to assist us if we allow it. And, if we are really listening, what we hear can offer tremendous support.

CLEAR MESSAGES

At times, that voice has even saved lives. Two different people, at different times and locations, have told me almost identical stories. One friend, Amy (alias), said that she had gone to a party with two friends, leaving behind a roommate who didn’t want to go with them. At one point, Amy was sitting alone at the party when she heard a voice say, “Go home!” Who said that? she wondered as she looked around, but there was no one nearby. Amy jumped up, gathered her friends, and headed home, where she found her roommate in critical condition from a suicidal overdose. They were able to

rush her roommate to a hospital in time to save her life. Kevin, a compassionate teen whom I spoke with recently, had a similar experience. He and a friend shared an apartment, but on this particular day Kevin was visiting with his dad. While he was at his dad’s, he heard a clear voice tell him to “Go home!” At first he thought, Well, I am home, thinking of his dad’s home as his. But without hesitating, Kevin told his dad that he had to go and drove to his apartment where he found his housemate writing a suicide note. Kevin invited him to go to the beach and just talk—heart to heart. There he shared with his friend his own experiences with despair and how he had turned his life around. It was a valuable conversation and today Kevin’s friend is doing some good things with his life by helping others. Messengers come in all shapes, forms, and sizes to convey meaningful information. We may see images, hear voices, or just have a feeling that something is not right, but the messages may be just what is needed to turn a life around, to save a life—whether it is ours, someone we love’s, or a total stranger’s. We may not know who said that, but when we hear that voice, it’s enough to just pay attention.

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.

Spiritual Faith

We are limited only by our belief systems. By Owen Waters With spiritual faith, your heart and mind open up and guide you in your search for personal truth. Faith in the spirituality of life is what makes your spiritual path possible. Faith may sound like a form of belief, but belief is actually a fixation upon a version of the truth. When a belief becomes rigid, seeking and growth are not possible. For example, the biggest challenge facing quantum physics today is the enormous shift that is required from previous beliefs about the nature of reality. Researchers have to shift to a new view where time, space and physicality are liberated from the constraints that people previously believed that they had. If you believe that you exist in a fixed location in space and that time must always pass you by like clockwork, think again. Subatomic particles do not share your beliefs about time and space. They take a much more liberated view. Subatomic particles pop in and out of physical manifestation millions of times per second, just when and where they feel like it. Their disregard for time is perplexing, to say the least, as they respond immediately to events in their future and even time travel backwards to alter their past when it suits them. Now, we can all identify with the idea of creating a different future based on decisions that we make now, but creating a different past? Well, that’s what subatomic particles do, right there in the lab. As a result, in the mathematics of quantum physics today, one of the necessary tools is negative time—the ability of a particle to send a message into its past in order to change its own history. Subatomic particles are friendly by nature. When they bump into another particle that they take a liking to, and they seem to like all of them, they become friends and carry on communicating with each other—forever. The fact

that they may become separated by millions of miles does not reduce their willingness to communicate. The speed of their communications comes as a surprise. Einstein said that nothing exceeds the speed of light, but apparently subatomic particles weren’t listening when he said that. They communicate over huge distances virtually instantly. If there is a limit to the speed of transmitted thought, then that speed of thought has to be millions of times faster than the speed of light. Subatomic particles, by their very freedom, serve to remind us of our true potential as conscious beings in a conscious universe. We are limited only by our personal collection of beliefs, our belief system. We also share our part of a larger, societal belief system, the consensus reality.

Faith in the spirituality of life is what makes your spiritual path possible. With spiritual faith—an open heart and an open mind—we can discover more about today’s New Reality and what it means to humanity. Discovering more about life expands our view of reality and evolves our belief systems. Besides, and this is what really counts, it’s fun! Author’s note: Owen Waters is author of Higher Consciousness: Finding Peace and Joy Above the Noise, available now at https://infinitebeing.com/ebooks/higher.htm

Spiritual Dynamics with Owen K. Waters Owen Water is a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy and InfiniteBeing.com, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at https://www.InfiniteBeing.com. 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. He has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter since 2004 which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their clarity and deep insights. Contact Owen via email News@InfiniteBeing.com.

Want to Change? Reframe

As we retell our stories positively and change our perspective, we will express ourselves differently and experience life differently. By Noelle Sterne Many wise people have observed how most of us dislike change, even hate it and fight against it, and many equally wise people have observed that change must take place. If we want to improve our lives, we must accept change. And, as many other wise people have said, changes in our thoughts precede changes in our experiences. One of our blocks may be to that word change. We worry, “I’m going to be shaken out of my routines, my familiar places and activities, my long-held goals, my cherished expectations.” Seen this way, change feels like we’re being forced to alter our ways of being and beliefs into other shapes, like pulling dried taffy. We feel we’re too entrenched and just can’t change; we’re really afraid, and so we may give up “trying” to change. But change doesn’t listen. Inevitably, it sweeps over us, drives away our fragile sense of security, and gives us miserable life experiences. We don’t have to succumb to miserable life experiences. Instead of thinking we must change when something in our lives isn’t working, or we feel swept up in the need to change, we can think of our need as reframing.

WHAT IS REFRAMING?

Reframing has been with us since people realized they could think. Simply put, it’s seeing and labeling things in another way. Politicians do it all the time (not “go to war” but “deploy”); preachers do it (not “lazy bums” but “our less fortunate brethren”); detectives do it (not a “socially disenfranchised individual” but “the perp”); and parents do it (not “my son is creating great neo-fusion-rock-n-rumble music” in the garage but “a racket and waste of time”). We can think about reframing with other, more expansive words that may make us feel less helpless : • Relabel, restate, reinterpret, recast, reslant, refocus, reformulate, rethink. • Reconstruct, recreate, reconstitute, remake, redesign. • Remold, reshape, refashion, rebuild, redirect, reposition. • Shift, convert, transform, alter attitude and perspective. • These definitions can erase and replace our old damning labels so we can: • Restore, reinstate, and reconnect with our best selves and highest dreams.

WHO IS REFRAMING?

In many fields people are reframing former precepts, often called paradigm shifts (paradeigma in Greek means pattern or example). Our views of the universe have changed radically based on new discoveries (quantum physics, dark matter). Our views of the human body have expanded tremendously with

alternative and holistic practices (yoga for stress, mind-body connection, increasing acceptance of spiritual healing). Personal growth and fitness magazines regularly feature articles to help readers re-view their attitudes (get off the couch, get up once an hour, get off the chips). Author Sharon Boone advises readers to reframe themselves audaciously by turning their “so-called faults into assets” from “procrastinator” to “contemplative,” from “impulsive” to “spontaneous,” from “scatterbrain” to “multitasker,” and from “pessimistic” to “realistic” (“Turn Your Flaws into Advantages,” Mind Body & Spirit Fitness, October 2003, 86-90).

REFRAMING OUR STORIES In counseling and psychology, reframing is often seen in terms of clients’ personal “stories,” their outlooks and perspectives about their lives. Cybil and Steven Wolin, the founders of Project Resilience, an organization dedicated to helping people overcome troubled pasts, point out how our stories affect us: “The organizing themes of some people’s stories are constructive . . . other stories are destructive” (“Reframing,” Project Resilience.com. http://www.projectresilience.com/framesconcepts.htm, p. 1). You probably know many people with destructive organizing themes about their lives—they’re the ones who keep you on the phone with a litany of horrible events/circumstances/ otherswhodone’emwrong. Occasionally, though, people surprise us with positive themes. A friend who had recently gotten divorced told me he was quite bitter about the split, in which he lost his business. He said he was swearing off women, at least for a while. Then, perking up, he said, “I can always make money. Tomorrow I’ll look into some new business possibilities.” He reframed his “loss” into an opportunity. Unlike my friend, many of us may hug our destructive stories like childhood dolls. I recently heard this one from a 42-year-old man: I came from a poor family. My parents couldn’t afford to send me to college, so I never got anywhere. I’m not dumb, but I’ll never be anything more than a laborer because I know the world doesn’t recognize someone without a college degree. Of course, we could list many successful people who had some or no college, followed their dreams, and became very successful: Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Rachel Ray, Halle Berry, Henry Ford, Ted Turner, Pablo Picasso, Eleanor Roosevelt, William Faulkner, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Frank Lloyd Wright. The Project Resilience founders tell us, “Reframing capitalizes on the subjective nature of personal stories to uncover underlying, underemphasized themes in people’s stories that are potentially helpful” (p. 2).

How would reframing help the man whose story I heard? A reframing might go like this: My parents could never send me to college. But I’ve made the most of what I’ve got. People respect me in my job, and I’m very good at it, even if it isn’t in a big office. Why couldn’t I take a few classes at night? I know more about building construction than all those supervisors and engineers I work for. Who knows, I might get a college degree yet. Wayne Dyer in 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace recommends accepting our past, honoring it, and finally transforming it with “a new job description” (p. 75). So, recall and recount your strengths, triumphs and overcomings. Give yourself credit for them and see yourself in a new light. We need to give ourselves a new job description, tell ourselves a new story. As we retell our stories positively and reframe our perspective, we will express ourselves differently and experience life differently.

IF YOU’RE FIGHTING CHANGE

When you feel you cannot change unpleasant circumstances that have arisen, ask yourself a few questions: 1) What exactly must change? 2) What can I do to see this change as good? 3) What positive, even great, things can I see in this change? 4) What can I do to anticipate good from this change? If, for example, you’re facing a relationship breakup or divorce, granted it’s hard and it hurts. But you know it’s the right

move. To address the first question, what must change could include your living situation and maybe your children’s, your financial picture, possibly your job, your need to explain to family and friends, your self-image. Make a list, especially if you feel overwhelmed. Monumental as some of the items may seem, at least the list is finite. For the second question, what can you do to see the change as good? Again, reflect on what good can come: a sense of relief and no more fights or frosty silences, a feeling of independence, a chance for adventure and discovery, stimulating challenges, opportunities to do things and go places you didn’t feel you could before because of partner censure or lack of interest or cooperation. Third, how can you see the change as positive and great? By recognizing all of your responses to the second question and recognizing that you are up to the challenges and growing because of them. (Resilience!) And very possibly, you will gain a renewed reliance on the Source of all for guidance and instructions in the steps to take. Fourth, you can anticipate good from the change by declaring what you want and imagining the right outcomes. Whatever you assert and believe, life will prove you right. As real as the outward events seem, they don’t make the difference. Our expectations and consciousness do. “Out there” is “in here.” The profound words of metaphysician James Allen in As a Man Thinketh remain true: Every man is where he is by the law of his being; the thoughts which he has built into his character have brought him there. . . . Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit. The outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought. (pp. 19-21)

And more direct is Gregg Braden’s assertion in The Spontaneous Healing of Belief: Shattering the Paradigm of False Limits: “We’re clearly the architects of our lives” (p. 79). When, as architects, we reframe our mental “house,” we shatter our former sets of hampering beliefs, break down the walls of our resistance, and almost look forward to the changes. We make room for the new edifice of better and more satisfying experiences.

ACCEPT THE CHANGE AND REFRAME

When you reframe, you see yourself and your circumstances with new eyes, new definitions, and new assumptions, as in your answers to the questions above, even if the results are not in front of you yet. The hoped-for circumstances cannot help but appear as you keep concentrating on your new thoughts. Dyer talks about the shift in terms of intention: “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change” (p. 173). A Course in Miracles puts it this way: “From new perception of the world there comes a future very different from the past” (Workbook, p. 447). This new perception—your determination to reframe—may be the greatest thing you will gain from the change. Fill your mind with the new advantages and focus on them. As you do, you will reframe more easily and become more positive. Instead of fighting against and recoiling from change, you will embrace it and even look forward to it.

Trust Your Life Now with Noelle Sterne, Ph.D. Author, editor, writing coach, workshop leader, and academic mentor, Noelle Sterne has published over 700 stories, essays, writing craft articles, spiritual pieces, and occasional poems in literary and academic print and online venues. Publications have appeared in Author Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul (six volumes), Inspire Me Today, LiveWriteThrive, MindBodySpirit, Journal of Expressive Writing, Life and Everything After, Mused, Pen and Prosper, Romance Writers Report, Ruminate, Sasee, Textbook and Academic Authors Association blog (monthly), Thesis Whisperer, Transformation Coaching, Two Drops of Ink (monthly), Unity Daily Word, Unity Magazine, WE Magazine for Women, Women in Higher Education, Women on Writing, Writing and Wellness, Writer’s Digest, and The Writer. Eons ago, she published a children’s book of original dinosaur riddles (HarperCollins), in print for 18 years. 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 draft-deep in her third novel. Her webinar about Trust Your Life can be seen on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95 EeqllONIQ&feature=youtu.be Visit Noelle at her website: http://www.trustyourlifenow.com © 2021 Noelle Sterne

Changing Seasons

To resist what is, is to miss the beauty that each season has to offer. By Mary Boutieller Lately, I’ve been doing some fall cleaning, organizing drawers and donating things that no longer serve the greater good at home. All around me, squirrels are eagerly collecting nuts and preparing for winter, and the Earth itself seems to be catching its collective breath, getting ready for the shorter days to come. This time of year gives us a reprieve from the summer heat and a respite from the anticipated winter months ahead. It also gives us time to prepare our warm beds, tend to our harvests and enjoy time outdoors. I’ve often wondered how it would feel to be deeply attuned to the rhythms of Mother Nature: to wake and sleep by the changing light of day, to know when to migrate south and when to head back home. What would it be like to let go of the modernity of our lives and intimately know our surroundings? Even now, it is dark outside as I sit near a lamp typing on a computer, yet I can hear the crickets chirping their nightly song through an open window. How do they know when it is time to sing? Maya Tiwari said, “When the seasons change, we experience a sympathetic internal shift. All life-forms open themselves up to receive cosmic redirection from nature during these crucial seasonal transitions, so we are likely to be more vulnerable and unsettled.”

As if cued by an invisible force, perhaps we notice that something is different as we move from one season to another. Our human-ness receives this message that something is shifting, yet so often we go about our days in a trance, unaware of the changing light on the trees right outside our window. We have forgotten what our ancestors knew. We have forgotten about the “cosmic redirection” so inherent in our souls’ journey. Author Jane Hamilton wrote, “There were so many miracles at work: that a blossom might become a peach, that a bee could make honey in its thorax, that rain might someday fall. I thought then about the seasons changing, and in the gray of night I could almost will myself to see the azure sky, the gold of the maple leaves, the crimson of the ripe apples, the hoarfrost on the grass.” Our lives change too, from birth to youth to old age (if we are lucky). Oddly, instead of welcoming these shifts, we resist getting older and we ignore the undeniable fact that our time is finite. To resist what is, is to miss the beauty that each season has to offer. Not all seasons are bountiful, though, and we know that they won’t always be easy. Some years bear fruit and some do not. Yet, therein lies the rub. It’s those challenging times—those seasons when the ground lies fallow— when we build up our reserves for what

comes next. I think that we are never too old to grow our lives (and ourselves) into what we want them to be. It’s never too late to begin again, to rise up from the soil. We are ripe with possibility and will be until our last breath. Pause and imagine the Earth shifting beneath your feet. Take a moment to notice that the birds have changed their song and that the sky is a deeper blue than it was just a month ago? Tap into your ancestral knowing for just one breath, and imagine lying under the star-lit sky on a clear, beautiful night, listening to the crickets sing.

Kristen Dalton said, “Be aware of what season you are in and give yourself the grace to be there.” We can simply give ourselves the grace to be where we are at this present moment. And while we are at it, we can remember that the rhythms of the Earth, the rhythms of our bodies and the music that we dance to are all in sync, if we would just allow it. May we find gratitude for all the lessons that the seasons impart along the way. Namaste’, Mary Mary Boutieller

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 Nature of Appreciation

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Townsend Walton

Connecting with nature can be one of the shortest (and surest) paths to gratitude as we soar through life. By Terez Hartmann As I soar thousands of feet above North America in a beautiful silver bird gazing out at the shapes, textures, and colors below, I can’t help but smile to myself. Yes, we humans are wonderfully intelligent and resourceful. However, in my opinion many of our greatest inventions would never have been even a glimmer in our eyes had we not first looked skyward to the birds in flight; witnessed the grace and speed of jaguars, impalas or mustangs; or marveled at the many different ways and means nautical creatures circumnavigate our oceans and waterways. Have you noticed that when you mirror the many positive aspects of nature, your life also seems to flow better? Have you noticed when you take a moment to breathe like a dolphin coming up for air, play like a squirrel bouncing from tree to tree, or keep your roots firmly planted in what nourishes you like the trees, you stress less and enjoy the journey more? It’s true that we humans came into this plane of existence with an expanded ability to create, grow, and sort through more details than our animal friends. But isn’t it nice to know when we do get a little out of balance that the Great Mother and all her inhabitants seem to serve as a beacon to show us the way back to our human-nature and the being part of Human-being?

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE…

From the time I was a small child, I’ve been fascinated by the

idea of flying. I always look forward to being in an airplane, I can’t wait to ride “Soarin’” in Walt Disney’s Epcot Center as many times as I possibly can, and I even did an indoor skydiving experience once (which was way cool!). Perhaps one day I’ll get the guts to try hang-gliding or some other form of human-ish flight, but in the meantime I discovered a way that we all can fly high—whether or not we choose to leave the ground: Feel and express deep love, bliss, or appreciation and gratitude! Have you noticed that when you are dancing in those high-flyin’ emotional states, you physically feel lighter and more buoyant and often use words like being “high on life,” “flying high,” or “light as a feather?” Yes, I know it’s a stretch, but when you think about what flying truly represents (joy, freedom, fun, and ease) and you spend a few minutes focusing on thoughts of love and appreciation, you truly feel like you can “fly like an eagle…!” The more consistent you are with this practice (In my case, I put appreciation in writing because I have found it easier to stay focused), the more you’ll notice that life sends beautiful people, opportunities, and experiences to appreciate! Remember, as fellow Divine beings, it is also our nature to soar! Let’s face it, I know I’m a weird bird and writing down appreciation may come a little easier to me than some, but even the bright-and-shiny hummingbird girl has an out-to-lunch moment from time to time! As much as I may love my human friends and

life overall, sometimes reaching for thoughts of appreciation can be a bit more challenging when I’ve experienced a funky moment with a fellow human or during a time of unexpected contrast. Whether you are having a “moment” or dig the concept of putting appreciation in writing but find it a bit of a struggle, take heart and consider the ideas below. When you attempt to jump into appreciation by diving headfirst into a subject that is hard to feel good about because there is ample downward momentum gathered around it and the Law of Attraction is simply doing what it does, shifting into gratitude/appreciation on that subject—or even at all—can feel like the proverbial uphill-in-the-snow scenario. When you change the subject and focus on something that has no resistance attached to it, such as the beauty and ease of the natural world, you stop feeding the funk, lighten up, and jump on the fast track to feeling better. Yes, you can eventually get back to an attitude of gratitude by digging for the good stuff, but why crawl when you can fly with a little help from Mother Nature! Think of how a tiny hummingbird seems to float in midair as it happily sips the nectar from a nearby flower or feeder. Hear the hum of its wings and its sweet chatter. Think of catching your first glimpse of mountains, the ocean, fall foliage in full blaze, or some other natural wonder as you walk, cruise, roll, sail, or fly into a new landscape—especially for the very first time. 39

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Elisa Stone

Think of your favorite furry, feathered, or scaled pet and how much love, fun, and entertainment it adds to your life! How do these thoughts or ideas make you feel? I would guess, at the very least, that you feel lighter or are smiling a little wider—and by virtue of the Law of Attraction—you are already, in this moment, on your way back to a vibration of appreciation.

THE BOTTOM LINE ON THE NATURE OF APPRECIATION

A great quote from Einstein that speaks volumes is: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” But once you plug back into the circle of life and start feeling better, you are then in a position to discover solutions, get back to your true nature of appreciation and remember that it really is all good!

“I get by with a little help from my [furry/ feathered/scaled] friends…”—The Beatles Thank you Great Mother Earth!

ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann

Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann is a Visionary Creative & top-rated instructor, Law of Attraction & Allowing YOUR Success specialist, published author, speaker, singer-songwriter, recording & performing artist & composer, “Catalyst for Fab-YOU-lous” and true Renaissance Woman who has already helped over 10,000 students in over 130 countries allow success and live life on FIRE. She is deeply passionate about helping other Powerful Creatives and Leading-Edge Thinkers live unique, empowered lives on their terms by cultivating the courage to dream, to express themselves boldly & authentically, and to focus Onward, Upward and Forward into new possibilities. http://www.terezfirewoman.com