The Indigo Connection

I have this wonderful “page a day” calendar that I keep in my sunroom.   Each page provides a powerful healing affirmation statement.   I haven’t been disappointed by a single one of these pages yet.  

Today’s affirmation reads: 

“I trust that my future is in good hands.”

This calendar comes from Louise Hay - that energetic women who started Hay House and wrote the classic book “You Can Heal Your Life”.  Louise is my hero because she lives her life from a place of positive belief and radiates such warm and vibrant energy.  I had a chance to see her up close this year when I took the Hay House Cruise in April and I was impressed at how she moved and behaved like a person decades younger than her actual 80+ years.  I want to be like Louise when I am that age!

Today’s message reminds me that trusting is a process of letting go.  We can’t control every little thing in life, but can relax and know that our future is in good hands.  We are part of a greater plan and our thoughts are part of the creation of that plan.  When we are positive and choose love instead of fear, we can let go of that need to control and JUST BE.    The present is all we have  anyway. 

I was watching an interview last night with that incredible Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.  He had just won his 7th Gold Medal, putting him in a tie with Mark Spitz for the most gold metals ever (and he still has an opportunity to beat that!).   As the interview was wrapping up, Bob Costas asked Michael for any last words he wanted to share.  Although I can’t recall his exact words, Michael expressed that he felt that imagination was the key to his winning experience.  Having the imagination to believe something amazing was possible.  Having the imagination to feel it happening long before it ever became reality!

Michael Phelps has done a great service with his statement.  He is helping the world gain a better understanding of how the Law of Attraction works.   We don’t have to be perfect.  We simply need to imagine that perfection in our thoughts.  Positive imagination is a process that feels good and offers healing potential.  Setting aside doubts and fears for a brief time while we focus on creating a lively picture of success is something that engages a magnetic force.  The more vivid this imagination can become, the more we can attract this experience in the physical domain, just as Michael Phelps has done.

How can each of us use our own imagination to conjure up a life of greater success, joy and meaning? 

Action Challenge:

1. List 10 things you hope to experience, become, have or accomplish within the next year.

2.  Choose an item from this list and set a timer for 5 minutes of daydreaming time which includes the following:

Create a place, time and surroundings.  Add people that you choose to be part of this dream experience.  Add other sensory perceptions - what do you see, feel, touch, smell and taste as this experience takes place?  Put yourself into the middle of it and feel appreciation for the beautiful experience you are allowing yourself to enjoy.  Pretend that it is happening now and let your body show you how that feels.

3.  When the 5 minutes is up, record the vivid details of your thoughts, emotions, memories and sensations in a journal.   Let your imagination continue to roll as you recollect this daydream as if it really truly happened.  Make sure to check in to see how your body feels and if there is any discomfort or hesitation as you flesh out the experience.  These hesitations provide clues to negative beliefs that may be blocking you in real life.

4. Treat yourself for any negative thoughts or resistances that may have come up using EFT or another healing method.  Accept that you have resistances and decide if you can let them go.  Give yourself a break and accept yourself now with all of your limitations anyway.

Have fun creating daydreams for all 10 items on your list.  See if you can create more vivid images and sensations as you gain experience.  Pay attention and allow the negative stuff to stay behind while you enjoy this beautiful break from reality.  Record your observations in your journal regularly too, including those synchronicities that hint you’ve activated that attraction magnet.  You may not win a gold medal, but your life could change for the better!

I write this from the porch of my parent’s vacation home at Lakeside Ohio.  It’s late in the day and a time when I generally don’t choose to write.  What’s different today is that I am feeling so energized after a day that was just about perfect in all ways.  What exactly is a perfect day like?  For me it starts with how I feel when I wake up.  Today I was up at 6AM.  Is my body well-rested and refreshed?  Today this 49 yr. old was feeling A+. 

 Next comes how I feel as I do my daily routine of the 5 Tibetan Exercises.  Again I felt fantastic.

From there I dressed quickly, downed some water and took my golden retriever Gracie for a brisk run to watch the sun come up.  Gracie knows that we are running to her favorite swimming place by the Lakeside sailing area.  She has grown to be a super running buddy.  As I run I think about how nice it is that my dog is so well trained and able to run at my pace.  I feel very lucky.

As Gracie chases stick after stick I throw into the Lake, I marvel at how this day is so bright, how the air is so clean and how the temperature and humidity are so comfortable.  I’d like to bottle a day like this and save it forever.  

Gracie and I run another 2 miles together before returning home.  We both are wide awake and ready for the day ahead.  After a quick shower, I dress and enjoy a protien shake.  The windows are open and a cool morning breeze comes through.  I can feel people starting to stir in the homes nearby.  I make myself to a cup of coffee with steamed milk, then sit on the porch to write in my journal.  I realize that all the luxury I have experience so far today didn’t cost a dime.

I have a friend due to arrive at 9AM so I have plenty of time to “just be”.  I enjoy having this extra time to relax.  When she arrives we enjoy sitting leisurely on the patio and catching up.  We are both excited about the day ahead and participating in the annual Lakeside tour of homes.  We depart on foot for our day of adventure.

My friend and I had a great time talking, walking and touring.  We got through the homes quickly, explored the craft show exhibits by the lakefront, enjoyed a lovely lunch and visited with a few other friends who were in town.  There was never a feeling of pressure.  The clarity of the sun in low humidity seemed to make every color more intense as the day progressed.  I kept wishing I had my camera as I mentally took in the images.  My pedometer says we walked over 5 miles.

I felt myself grinning from ear to ear and feeling like a kid.  We enjoyed tasting the new gelato flavors at “Ooh La La” and sat out by the lake to “people watch”.  There were many boats out today for a Thursday and I wondered how many working people had noticed this gorgeous day and decided on a last-minute vacation.  Looked to me like the workers might be in short supply on a day like this!   People are in good moods and very friendly at every turn.  Is it the weather or is it that this feeling is contageous once it gets started?  I choose to believe it is the latter.

Now that I am back home on my porch and my friend has departed, I realize that there are still a few hours remaining in this amazing day.  I wonder whether my thoughts attracted this kind of day into my experience and what lessons or affirmation statements could help me, and everyone else have more days like this.

I listed the following affirmations in my journal:

This too shall pass - but I love it anyway

Savor the present

Count the blessings

Feel the beauty in every cell and create more of it deliberately

Remember this moment to have access to this positive emotion and energy

Attract it   *    Be it   *  Enjoy it *  Live it Fully *  Share it *  Appreciate it out loud

Amen!

My Artists Prayer By Betsy Muller

I celebrate the dawn of each new day

As I count my many blessings

And know that my Divine Creator is near

Whispering softly to my heart

As I demonstrate my love for myself

I send love to ALL

Following the subtle nudges

My heart opens to exquisite peace

Keep me supported and safe

Within this powerful connection

Allow me to fulfill my destiny

As I follow your Divine will

Yesterday I returned from 6 wonderful days up at my family’s cottage at Lakeside on Lake Erie.   It was planned to be a mini vacation which would include a little bit of work, but all on my terms and within my personal control.  I brought my Golden Retriever Gracie, and enjoyed being the only person in the house for the first 3 days.  

I soon discovered how very free it is to be the only person home.  I didn’t have to follow anyone else’s schedule.  I could choose to write, study, walk, sleep, run or eat whenever I decided it felt right for me!  I really enjoyed this time of being the boss of my life.  It gave me a new understanding of the freedom of choice and what liberty means in a very pure sense.  It was also a little lonely, and it was so nice when the house filled with friends and family for the holiday.  I don’t mind giving up a little of my personal freedom for what others need.

Celebrate the choices that each new day brings and realize that you create your experience through the gift of freedom.

I was coaching a new mom recently who is having a rough time trying to do it all- mother, wife, artist, health, fitness, and work too.  Life suddenly doesn’t seem to be offering her enough time to get all that she needs and wants into her  day.  Instead of being excited about the future, she’s afraid she is burning out and that her health and relationships will suffer.   Guilt, frustration and fear are the dominant emotions.

I’ve certainly been in her shoes before.  I remember that feeling as a new mom working full time.  I spent many of those years in a state of autopilot.  I don’t think I was fully present very much then.  Unfortunately I was not aware of the selfcare tools I now have in my arsenal.

 I shared with this client a little trick I’ve been using lately.  It’s called “playing with space and time”.   Whenever I feel overwhelmed and feel as though I have created an impossible situation for myself, I ask God to give me a hand with space and time.  I request that a time warp be created so that what I have to do suddenly fits within this framework. 

When I first started playing this game I was truly skeptical.  I figured this creation thing was a stretch when it came to time.    I first started using the technique for presentations - asking that my material fit exactly into the time available - and it did! 

Next I started to apply the game to client sessions when we journey for deep meditation/regressions - situations which are so hard to time.  I simply set the intention that time would be handled by God, and as a result, my clients and I always emerge from the meditation at the perfect time.  I then started applying ”space and time”  to the long to-do lists on my desk too.  Delegating time to a higher power really works.  I take care of the doing and God handles the passage of time. 

As I stop worrying about time, I can focus on the present!  You can do this too.

Here’s a little 5 minute audio meditation to help you “Play with Space and Time”.  Let me know what happens when you begin to play this game in your life.

During the past 4 weeks I’ve been offering free coaching to three local student athletes who are interested in learning Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and other energy coaching self-help methods.  These athletes applied for this opportunity and were selected based on their sincere interest in self-improvement and the challenges they face both in their sport and in life.  I was keenly interested in gaining more experience with athletes while I also felt that this was a beautiful way to give back to the youth in my community. 

It is often said that “Givers Gain” and I truly believe this to be true.  These young people have showed me what a joy it can be to work with energy that is already strong and vibrant.  These students are already successful and have great habits in place.  They are in touch with their physical bodies and easily feel the energy move.   Watching them respond so quickly to EFT and coaching suggestions is exhilarating.   They make my job so easy because they already understand so much about the concepts of positive self-talk, physical discipline and maintaining good habits.  It is clear that other positive coaches and role models have been involved in their lives before I ever came into the picture. 

Ryan, a soccer player who will transition to Division 2 college level next year has just completed his final coaching session with me.  As I look back on our coaching experience, I realize that this guy would be successful regardless of whether I coached him or not….yet energy coaching and the emphasis of the power of positive thought has made a difference for him.  In those weeks we worked together, I have witnessed his confidence improve, challenges become triumphs and disappointing memories from the past lose their hold on him.  The result after energy coaching is a more resilient person, who can handle whatever life throws his way.  Ryan’s also aware of how he creates a life through his thoughts and perhaps that’s the greatest gift I could possibly share with a young person. 

Changing the world happens through strong individuals.  Young athletes are the kind of people who are the leaders of tomorrow.  What amazing potential exists as more of these young people learn how to master that edge through understanding their own energy.  It is my privilege to be part of this next wave of leaders and healers. 

Two recent experiences have taught me so much about living in the present moment.  The first was leading a 10 week group for discussion of Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth.  The second was The Indigo Connection’s 3rd annual woman’s retreat at Lakeside held May 2-4.  Coincidentally the book group finished week 10 just one day after the retreat concluded.   

In the process of developing a powerful conclusion for both of these wonderful groups, I was guided to introduce Z-Point Process as an energetic intervention.  Z-Point is an elegant technique developed by a Canadian, Grant Connelly http://www.zpointprocess.com/.

It’s funny how I don’t remember much about what comes through me when I do these meditations.  I just know that they made a difference because there were so many requests from participants for a similar follow-up recording.  I certainly had to honor that.   This recording is as much for me as for the listeners, because it is here that I can also witness the beauty of the words that flow through me. 

I have created this new Z-Point audio that you may download absolutely free.  Use it to to clear resistances and live in connection with the present moment through the infinite power of your creator. 

 Here is the link to download the 16 minute audio:

http://bbmuller.audioacrobat.com/download/662436cb-f316-0cf7-e22e-eabc1798f5c3.mp3

If you prefer to listen to it now, click on this link:

http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WcHZM3ds

When you connect, you co-create.  I am enjoying so much co-creation now and wish the same for you.  It is so fitting to awaken presence in springtime!

I was listening to This American Life on NPR this morning as I was running and it got me thinking.  The program featured several interesting stories about people who have power over others and the responsibilities that come from those situations. 

During the program introduction, it was stated that people in powerful roles like teachers, bosses, therapists, judges and parents often do not give much thought to the people they have power over.  The program then went on to feature situations where the person who had the upper hand in the power situation wasn’t being very responsible or aware. 

These scenarios struck me as so odd and foreign to my own personal experience.  I guess I am someone who sees being in a position of power as a huge responsiblity and has never  taken the responsibility of power lightly.  

In my work as a coach, I am mindful that my own choices, words and behavior need to provide a role model for my clients.  I am also very careful that I don’t judge, criticize or make my clients feel small.   I am there as a resource and someone who suggests ideas, but never dictates action.  I realize it is a sacred trust that allows me to work with people and I am careful not to betray it.

As I looked back to other times in life that I have held power, again I see that I have been very conscious of the dynamics.  As a boss and business manager in my last job running a medical practice I remember putting intention into being fair, diplomatic and an example for the others.  If I was to enforce rules, I certainly followed them.  I also worked hard to lead by example.  I suppose the same could be said for my role as a parent.  I have always maintained that my own behavior teaches my kids far more than lectures and punishments ever could.

It is certainly my hope that as a new generation of leaders takes the helm in business, government and as parents, responsible intentions will also be there to guide the action.  Often we will find ourselves in a place where we can decide who we choose as our leaders and who we will entrust with power.  Remember that responsibility matters, integrity is key and the best leaders inspire by example.  I’ll be watching for that kind of leader.

 Action Step:  Pay attention to the power playing out in your life.  What kind of role model would you  choose to give your power to?  Jot down a few characteristics of a responsibile leader.  How could you incorporate those characteristics into your life this week?  Have fun with this.  We all have opportunities to lead.

I have just returned from a weeklong cruise.  This wasn’t your ordinary cruise, rather it was a Hay House “I Can Do It” event involving some of the world’s most outstanding leaders and speakers in the areas of spirituality and personal growth including Wayne Dyer, Sylvia Brown, Cheryl Richardson, Brian Wiess, Doreen Virtue and Carolyn Myss.  This was a charter voyage, so only Hay House people were on board.   A whole ship full of like minds!  The energy was certainly different from any other cruise I had ever taken (check out my blog post from June 07 regarding a different cruise experience and my sensitivity to energy!)

This kind of experience makes me more aware of how the people we choose to spend time with can affect our life experience.  Spending time with people who share our values and see the world in a similar way certainly lets us relax and just be.  Like-minded people are less likely to drain your energy and far more likely to give you the means to build it up.  Certainly a cruise experience is an even more ideal setting to hang out with like minds, but it nevertheless demonstrates how good it can feel.

The challenge I pose now is that we all take a little time to review the key relationships in our lives.  Do you share sometime positive in common with these important people? Have you even taken the time to find out where the other person is coming from?  Think about your partner, co-workers, family members, friends and acquaintances.   Consider the following questions:

1. What do you  hold as truth in your life?  How does your version of the truth compare with this person you spend so much most time with?

2. Do you share your beliefs openly with the people in your life?  Do you feel you can without being attacked or judged?  

3.  Do you allow other people to share what they believe in without judgment or interruption?

4.  If you disagree with others, how to you communicate your difference of opinion?  

5.  When other people disagree with you, how do you react?  Do you speak out,  stay quiet or change the subject?

 Finding a friend of like mind is an amazing way to build energy and gain the courage to follow your own heart through even the most difficult times.  Even if you are not sure what you believe, there is probably someone out there feeling the same way.

We were meant to connect and share.  We can learn through the experiences of other people and can teach through our own sharing.  We can certainly feel more safe and secure in the presence of like minds.

I have learned that just being present as an openminded witness for other people is one of the most healing things a human being can do whether you agree or not.  When you allow yourself to simply be present and listening, a space is created for hearts to connect.  Pay attention to relationships this week and celebrate the healing power a kindred spirit can offer.

It never ceases to amaze me that just when I think I may have figured out how a small particle of this universe works, something new comes along to show me how much more I still need to figure out.  I guess I see this as a sign that there will always be a great reason to greet each new day as long as I’m here in this physical form.  One of my favorite teachers always said that true leaders should strive for “Enlightened Stupidity”.   I guess I’m following that path!

There have been many AH- HA moments during the past few weeks sharing the book A New Earth with both the local book group I’ve been leading as well as Oprah’s live teleconference.  What a great experience it has been.  I encourage anyone who has not yet read the book to check out some of the free webcast downloads at www.Oprah.com because they are outstanding.  I applaud Oprah, Eckhart and Oprah’s producers for handling some very difficult and deep questions on live TV.  This is vulnerable leadership at its VERY BEST. 

I will also admit right up front that my opinion of Mr. Tolle has been transformed during these 5 weeks.  You see, I came into this having listened to Mr. Tolle read The Power of Now on audio and had read A New Earth in early 2007.  I regarded both as works of spiritual inspiration, but I felt humor and lightness were suspiciously lacking in both.  Now that I have experienced Mr. Tolle working in the live environment, I see that he is a gentle, genuine soul with a very subtle silliness running through him.  Yes!  My awareness tells me that his God is the same one that speaks to me.  That was the missing piece.

 I also realize that each one of us filters the messages from the Divine in very different ways and that is how it should be.  Each one of us is a true expression of that Divine energy, yet also something that is unique in and of itself.  That is the beauty that I am now seeing so often in the present moment.

 This week I head off to book-writer’s bootcamp with Cheryl Richardson and the Hay House “I Can Do It” team of exceptional speakers and authors.  We will be sailing from San Diego down the Mexican coast for 7 days.  I can only imagine this will be about as close as it gets to heaven  on earth and I will strive to make this a continuous stream of present moment engagement.  There will be so much to inspire my writing too!

I used to think that writing was going to be a tough uphill climb for me because so many people have written important messages of spirituality, healing, balance and success.  How could I possibly add something to these great written accomplishments?  Suddenly I see that my unique energy can and will create something that has never been stated quite the same way before — and that message will reach the souls that are ready to hear it in a way that awakens something new within them.

It is my deliberate intention to stay on this path and be who I am.  I’ll be writing with a new confidence and sharing my journey.  I look forward to having kindred hearts respond to the messages that run from God through my unique filter.