Archive for the ‘Health & Wellness’ Category

Wise Words From Old Ladies

Monday, April 15th, 2013

Isn’t it interesting that little old ladies are stirring up my life lately. I spent most of Saturday with a large group of women as part of MetroHealth’s EveryWoman event. I challenged the audience to find a great older lady as a mentor and to develop a relationship with her to help your own aging process. I explained that my favorite feisty mentors are not related to me, but have a few things in common – they are widows, they stick to their values and they have put their fears aside. Widowhood is my worst-case scenario, and also a likely possibility when statistically women outlive their husbands by several years. Finding active and joyful widows like my mentors Judy and Margaret give me faith that my later years will be awesome no matter what. On Saturday it was heartwarming to be approached by so many happy widows who personally stopped at my book table for a hug and a kind word. More mentors for my team!

Many of my friends also know that I have been immersing myself in study of the life of the 12th Century German nun, Saint Hildegard of Bingen lately. I suppose this is another part of my obsession with older women. The more I read about Hildegard and the translation of her actual words, I feel as though she is a time traveler who visits me in spirit. We are so deeply connected it puzzles me how this could be so strong when we live in such radically different times. She has so much wisdom to share as I realize my journey with her has just begun. It is no accident that the Pope finally named Hildegard a Saint and Doctor of the Church on Oct. 8, 2012.

Yesterday I took a 4 mile run while listening to Hildegard’s music on my headphones. It was haunting, calming and so beautiful. As I returned to my desk, I found the following quote that gave me chills:

“But although I heard and saw these things, because of doubt and a low opinion (of myself) and because of the diverse sayings of men, I refused for a long time the call to write, not out of stubbornness but out of humility, until weighed down by the scourge of God, I fell onto a bed of sickness.”
(Scivias, Preface) – Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard lived to be 81, although she is described in many historical accounts as having been a sickly person. She was considered sickly when she entered the Benedictine abbey at the age of 8 and had several near-death episodes throughout her long life. She admitted that her greatest times of illness came when she had mystical visions and messages from God, but failed to share that truth with others. When I read that quote, I thought to myself, “Me too!”

Do you realize how much energy it requires to hide your authentic self and your truth when you fear that the rest of the world might not agree? All that hiding can make you sick. It has happened to me and through Hildegard’s time travel and mentorship, I too have learned that it has to stop.

I have been hiding a few things out of fear. There are things I know that you also need to know, but I haven’t shared them because I didn’t think you were ready to hear them. Hildegard tells me it is time to speak up anyway.

The power of health, healing, success and joy comes from the energy of love in the form of connection. This connection is possible with humans, ALL living things and also with what you might consider non-living matter. You have the capacity to build your energy by simply taking a micro-moment to stop, notice and appreciate what’s around you. You need not use your eyes, although eye contact sure makes it pop! Take time today to appreciate the world around you and especially those wonderful old ladies in your life. We all need the wisdom of a feisty woman to help us live in joyful authenticity.

Press Release: LAKESIDE RETREAT PROMISES TO RE-ENERGIZE WEARY WOMEN

Tuesday, February 26th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Betsy Muller
440-238-4731
Betsy@theindigoconnection.com

LAKESIDE RETREAT PROMISES TO RE-ENERGIZE WEARY WOMEN
Registration now open for annual Indigo Women’s Retreat at Idlewyld B&B May 17-19

Strongsville, OH February 26, 2013 – As the blooms burst with new life this spring, a lucky group of women will realize a similar transformation – on the inside. From May 17-19, Indigo Connection will present its annual 7th Women’s Retreat “Let’s Pause and Play” at the Idlewyld Bed & Breakfast in Lakeside, Ohio just outside Marblehead on Lake Erie.

Hosted by Betsy Muller, best-selling author of Energy Makeover, professional speaker and coach based in Strongsville, the retreat will offer women the chance to take time out for themselves and create a positive transformation in their lives. In a charming atmosphere within walking distance of the lake, retreat goers will escape their busy lives to laugh, move, learn, eat healthy gourmet food, share stories and paint to find peace.

“My vision is to open up unlimited possibilities for each woman,” said Muller. “We draw women from 30 – 80 years of age who bond brilliantly in a short time. Each year this retreat exposes our participants to new ways to balance life and a buffet of options to build their energy and spirit. My goal is that they return home with a greater sense of their own light along with tools and support to keep it burning even stronger. ”

Featured presenters for 2013 include Gloria O’Neil-Savage Certified Aromatherapist, Roseann Heinrich- Angel Therapy Intuitive and T’ai Chi Chih instructor, Julie Norman -Registered Dietitian (RD), Registered Yoga Teacher and Bobbie Dorr- Award-winning Watercolor Artist and Painting Instructor. Our event chef, Amy Ryan will create our delicious meals with flexible options for dietary concerns.

2012 retreat attendees share the following testimonials:

“Come with open expectations. You will definitely find what you need”

“You will definitely walk away feeling refreshed, having learned so many new things.”

“Just come – it is indescribably marvelous!”

“This is so worth the time and money for renewal and growth.”

Early bird prices for the entire weekend, including food, activities and lodging are available now through March 1. The event is open to a maximum of 35 women and fills quickly. For more information and reservations, call 440-238-4731. Download a brochure with rates, presenters and daily schedule at http://tinyurl.com/ae9ahwv

About Indigo Connection and Betsy Muller
The Indigo Connection is committed to making personal growth education and resources widely available through affordable group learning opportunities, inspirational programs, wellness programs, coaching, collaborations with other educators and networking breakfast events held on the second Wednesday of each month.
For more information, visit www.theindigoconnection.com or call 440-238-4731.

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Do People Really Get Results From Teleclasses and Online Coaching?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Do you ever take a moment to think about how much change has occurred in the past few years? One of the changes you may have been part of is the emergence of teleclasses, group coaching calls, social media support groups, digital audios and YouTube videos. Five years ago if someone would have told me that this would be THE area where coaching clients would be having some amazing successes, I would have quickly volunteered my skepticism. I am a face-to-face person and I like being with real people. I wondered if people would experience the self-care practices and tips with the same intensity as they do in my office or live seminar settings. Fortunately, I am also open minded and was willing to give it a try.

Now that I have facilitated several hundred teleclasses and group calls and well and even more phone coaching sessions, I know these distance-coaching format works just as well as the in-person events. I know that because I have testimonials from live and virtual formats on identical content that I have facilitated during the same time period. A few details might be different from the delivery style, but the results came through and the same! If you are on the fence about enrolling in an online format with me, I also put doubts to rest by offering a guarantee that you will be satisfied.

The Obvious Benefits:
* Group programs serve more people per hour
* No expensive gasoline, winter driving or travel time is involved
* Digital recordings allow participants to get the information at the most convenient time
* Technology for teleclasses and digital coaching services are easy to use, reliable and low cost (sometimes even free!)
* A low per person investment for a high value offering so that everybody gets more for less time, effort and money

Want more proof?
It delights me to share just a few of the most recent comments that came through from participants in my December 2012 Waist Management Virtual Coaching Support Group, which included weekly live calls:

“The variety of support was a key piece for me. Email, Facebook, U Tube, phone conferencing, recorded calls for later play. All at MY convenience. Thank you.”

“The Waist Management program was a fun, supportive and informative program that helped me to be mindful of what I truly wanted to do over a very difficult food season, Christmas. Thank you.”

“I was very committed to this program because of the quality of Betsy’s work, sharing, suggestions and teaching tools that she used to help us achieve a better understanding of health and waist management. I will continue on with everything I’ve learned.”

“This program gave wonderful group support without leaving the comfort of my home. Interacting with others on Facebook and during the live calls was valuable for me. Tapping proved to be vital to my success for this month. A December without Christmas cookies? This is a first. Success is a direct result of a tapping exercise, my desires changed!”

“This was a great program. I loved it. The seed has definitely been planted for me to start fresh in January. If the program continues or there is another one, I want to be included.”

“You always do a great job being a facilitator, you are uplifting and fun with your classes and teleseminars.”

“Betsy’s humor, compassion, and optimism helped me to stay the course. Her program was affordable and offered the structure and daily reminders I needed to stay on my weight reduction plan. I lost 4 pounds in 25 days and have kept that weight off during the holidays.”

“Betsy has the uncanny ability to put her finger right on the issue at hand. With her gentle and kind approach, you feel like you can conquer any problem no matter how big or how small.”

“I found the advice to be practical, down to earth and easy to follow. There was no eccentric eating plans or changes to my lifestyle.”

“It is helpful to me when you mention your own struggles and how you work through them. This program helped though the holidays. I did not stay on track perfectly but to enjoy all the temptations of the holidays within reason was my goal. I liked the drink video. I decided to skip the wine at my next party for a few more cookies!”

“Although Betsy was leading the group, she was going through it & participating in the same way everyone else was. As a participant it is always more comforting to me to know that Betsy really understands our concerns & has shared them. She really lives what she is teaching us.”

Want to be in one of my upcoming groups so that you can enjoy support, coaching, new friends, EFT, live calls and more? I would love to serve you. Our Waist Management 6 Week Program starts up on Jan. 17, 2013. Learn more and enroll at http://2013waistmanagement.eventbrite.com/#

There is also a FREE introductory live call (with digital recording available) to the very popular – Awaken Your Creativity with EFT and The Artist’s Way which will be held Jan. 23, 2013 at 3PM EST. You can enroll for the FREE CALL at http://www.theindigoconnection.com/classreg.htm

Groups Are The Solution: Get on Track and Stay the Course

Monday, December 31st, 2012

If you really want a high and consistent level of success in the New Year, you need the support of a group. People are often surprised to learn that I have been a lifetime member of Weight Watchers for over 21 years. They comment that I don’t need to lose weight. They are even more shocked when I tell them that I still attend the weekly meetings. “Why do you need to do that?” they’ll often say. My response is a simple one – It’s exactly how I have kept my weight in check all these years! I thrive with the support, accountability and resources a group offers.

It’s really easy to get off track when you go it alone. Most diets or change strategies will work for awhile, but then rules start bending, a sense of rebellion can set in or worse yet, a feeling of apathy can take over. It’s the same way for life and business changes too. Without that support, the great things that you accomplish can quickly become un-done.

Two of my most beloved groups to assemble are the Winning at Waist Management and Awaken Your Creativity (Artist’s Way with EFT) groups that have been convening for over 7 years. The early groups were small and met face to face in the Cleveland area. Technology and my courage to use it has now allowed me to offer both groups as teleconferences that include live sessions, YouTube video, audio and email support. What’s exciting to me is that people get results either way. Social media has made this even more exciting. Our December 2012 Waist Management group had members from Japan, Singapore, Australia and Brazil!

Here are just a few of the comments from participants:

Betsy’s humor, compassion, and optimism helped me to stay the course. Her program was affordable and offered the structure and daily reminders I needed to stay on my weight reduction plan. I lost 4 pounds in 25 days and have kept that weight off during the holidays.

Betsy has the uncanny ability to put her finger right on the issue at hand. With her gentle and kind approach, you feel like you can conquer any problem no matter how big or how small.

I found the advice to be practical, down to earth and easy to follow. There was no eccentric eating plans or changes to my lifestyle.

Although Betsy was leading the group, she was going through it & participating in the same way everyone else was. As a participant it is always more comforting to me to know that Betsy really understands our concerns & has shared them. She really lives what she is teaching us.

I was very committed to this program because of the quality of Betsy’s work, sharing, suggestions and teaching tools that she used to help us achieve a better understanding of health and waist management.

You always do a great job being a facilitator. You are uplifting and fun with your classes and teleseminars.

Maybe you have big dreams for 2013? If that’s the case, I urge you to find a group who shares some aspect of your dream and join. Whether it is a business mastermind group, business networking, weight loss, writer’s group, fitness class or a support group for a common challenge, you have a much greater likelihood of real and long-term change. You will also find that it feels like it takes less effort too.

Need help finding a group? I’ll be starting several new group coaching opportunities in the New Year. If you are in the Cleveland area, you can learn about women’s networking, mastermind and holistic business groups meeting soon by joining my mailing list at www.theindigoconnection.com or by becoming my friend on Facebook. You’ll also be excited to learn that a live seminar will take place this Friday Jan. 4 at 7PM where I will offer EFT demonstrations, tips for success at a variety of goals and some special deals for new programs.

Friends from around the globe will be happy to know there are several teleseminars beginning in January 2013 as well. Realizing how powerful group energy can be, it’s something I will always offer. Private coaching has a place when privacy and focus is needed; however groups offer a chance to meet new like-minded friends, to work on shared goals, to share frustrations and to heal pain that we have in common. Groups witness each other in the process, often pointing out the subtle things that need to be seen. Groups are energy and when energy work is added to groups, results are breathtaking.

It would be my honor to have you as a member of one of my groups in 2013. As a professional speaker, I enjoy inspiring existing groups who can benefit from energized new ideas. Need more information? Send me an email at Betsy@theindigoconnection.com.

Taking a Pause for Integrity

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

I woke up today feeling disappointed and very upset as I checked my iPhone for updates. No additional registrations had come in during the night for Wednesday’s EFT class. It was time to pull the plug and cancel. Doing so was admitting failure and also realizing that maybe people don’t even care about energy self-care.

As long as I was facing reality this morning, I decided to step on the bathroom scale. I knew that the number would be up, but when I saw the reading, I recoiled in disgust. I guess there is a very real reason my clothes have been tight. Ouch! Why had I been so careless these past two weeks? With the holidays approaching, is it even possible to imagine that I could burn off those pounds and the 2 extra inches I have gained around my middle? An ugly reality for the author of Winning at Waist Management to admit, but it is the truth.

Pity parties are not my thing, yet here I am feeling embarrassed and out of integrity. Could there be a way to turn this into something to benefit others as I get back on track? Is there a holiday gift wrapped up in this mess?

As I completed my workout on the elliptical trainer this morning in a desperate attempt to change the situation, I thought to myself, “What else would a great coach recommend to turn this situation around?” It was time for a pause, a quiet mind and refreshed focus. As I meditated in my office, the answers were soon flying in.

It occurred to me that I always get great results for my own life and a smaller waistline when I teach what I know. What if I was to begin a series for people to take the waist management journey with me during December when there are so many challenges? Could we all be better off and ahead of our game when 2013 rolls in? Are there other ways I use my talents to help others make the best of this last month of 2012? My calendar said yes. A program could be produced. It could be a series set up as an automatic course with live support and a private FB group too. Would my connections like this? Would they want this sort of a holiday gift?

Here’s the program I have in mind:

1. Begins on Monday Dec. 3 and runs through Dec. 28

2. Participants will receive a daily email with a topic and a resource such as a video, article, tracking tool or self-care process.

3. We will cover a variety of issues such as diet, exercise, emotions, beliefs and handling personal challenges. I will pull from my 21+ years as a lifetime member of weight watchers to bring depth to the discussion.

3. On Wednesdays at 4 PM EST (Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26), there will be a live 45 minute call for questions, discussion and checking in.

4. A private FaceBook Group will be established for all members of the program as a forum for sharing ideas, support and resources.

5. The cost for the entire 25 day program is ONLY $9.95 (just 40 cents a day!) for those who enroll between now and Friday Nov. 30. After that, the price increases to $39.95 – which is still less than $1.60 per day. Indigo Connection Premium members are invited to participate FREE!

6. All program enrollees will be entered into a drawing for 4 hours of private EFT or energy makeover coaching with me, which can take place any time in 2013.

7. Satisfaction Guaranteed

If you want to be part of the December 2012 Energy Makeover Waist Management Journey, enroll online at http://dec2012waistmanagement.eventbrite.com/ I look forward to taking this journey with you.

Women Who Thrive – Coming Nov. 14

Tuesday, October 9th, 2012

Social Networking Expert Andrea Nierenberg to Speak at
Women Who Thrive Event- Nov. 14, 2012
Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Pregnancy Center

Strongsville, Ohio – (October 8, 2012) –Do you remember a simpler time when a women needed only to be concerned about bringing home the bacon, frying it up in a pan, and keeping her family (including her man) happy. Today’s woman continues to do all of the above (except probably eats less bacon), but now adds tweets, shares, comments and likes to her day as social media has become part of the new daily routine. When it comes to juggling work, life, health, friends, finances and promoting a business, are there secrets to keeping it all in balance? YOU BET!

The event will feature a keynote presentation “Networking in a World of Change” by best-selling author Andrea Nierenberg. Called a “networking success story” by The Wall Street Journal, Andrea Nierenberg is founder and president of The Nierenberg Group, best-selling author and world-renowned business authority. With a stellar 25 years as a leader in sales and marketing, Andrea is an in-demand business expert both at home and abroad. Her company partners with an array of the world’s leading businesses, including Citigroup, Time Inc., TIAA-CREF, The Food Network, Omnicom, Coach, Deutsche Bank, Tiffany and Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Betsy Muller, along with the women of the Indigo Connection will host “Women Who Thrive – Striking Balance in Health, Wealth and Happiness,” which she warmly describes as “a women’s expo filled with resources, workshops, inspiration, ideas and connections.” She invites all women to grab a few girlfriends, coworkers and clients and block off the morning of November 14 as a business and personal commitment.

“Women Who Thrive” is set for Wednesday November 14 from 8:00 – 11:45 am at the Middleburg Heights Community Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cleveland Pregnancy Center www.clevelandpregnancyhelp.org . Discounted advanced registration is $15 for Indigo Connection members and $20 for non members. After November 2, tickets will be $49.

Muller, Indigo Connection’s founder, says the event will be “a day of inspiration and connection.” Attendees will share an entire morning with successful women who appreciate the juggling act a balanced life requires. Muller says there will be ample opportunities for business and personal networking, as well as a breakfast provided by Whole Foods and Caribou Coffee, the opportunity to shop with our vendors, and a chance to attend three (3) workshops with area experts on topics such as fitness, feng shui, shopping for your next car, financial planning, gluten free nutrition, choosing supplements and “green cleaning” for your home.

Special thanks goes to our generous sponsors: Merrill Lynch, Stephanie Dawn, Whole Foods, Carabou Coffee, COSE – Council of Smaller Enterprises and Business Depot.

Middleburg Heights Community Center is at 16000 Bagley Rd. in Middleburg Heights. To register online, go to http://womenwhothrivenov14.eventbrite.com. For information on sponsor and vendor opportunities, call 440-238-4731.

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What Can You Change in 30 Days?

Friday, September 14th, 2012

As you read the title of this blog, I wonder what jumped into your mind.

Is there anything you would change about your life if you knew you could succeed and do it quickly?

I have always been a no-nonsense coach who likes to help people transform quickly and comfortably using human energy self-care systems. Thirty days is what I have been asking people to consider as a reasonable time-frame for transforming 2-3 major life challenges or goals when they choose to work with me. That’s far less than most coaches ask for client engagement.

I’m actually starting to re-think the 30-day mark. Why? Because it has been just 30 days since I returned from Soul Detective Level 3 training with Barbara Stone PhD, and I have witnessed some pretty amazing things that have happened after a single intervention. While I am trying to make sense of it all, I am convinced that we are living at a time when healing can happen even faster than I have previously been taught to believe.

What’s different? I have now experienced and facilitated energy healing at the soul level. The boundaries of time shatter when you step into this realm. This is work at a sacred level where I let go and just ask questions with Divine guidance providing the plan. Everything requires permission and very gentle respect. I know I am not in charge, but simply facilitating some work for much higher beings. It is humbling and also kind of fun. I never know where it will go, but my faith increases with each encounter.

Here’s just a bit of what I have witnessed in the last 30 Days:

• A depressed and grief-stricken professional is smiling, fully engaged and hopeful again, after months in a deep funk. The healing happened quite immediately and without medication. You can see the sparkle in her eyes and it touches your soul. Others have noticed the significant change and commented to me about the transformation.

• A colleague who was feeling stagnant with her business and plagued with self-doubt and distractions has found clarity and direction. She felt odd for a day after our session, but then saw business lining up easily and doors are opening. She is has more focus too.

• An energy healer who is working a stressful corporate job is no longer smoking, breathing more easily and feels alive again. Her confidence level has jumped to new heights. She is ready to start a business.

• A businessman struggling with family stress is feeling more relaxed and hopeful than he can remember. A heavy issue that has been haunting him since high school has evaporated.

• A single woman who has been searching for a soul-mate for the past 3 years suddenly finds all sorts of very attractive and eligible men are striking up conversations with her. She feels very hopeful.

• At least 8 earthbound spirits (ghosts) have been re-united with loved ones on the other side.

• Client appointments, referrals and speaking engagements have been coming to my business mysteriously. I have made more trips to the bank to deposit checks than I usually do and the account balances are growing.

• New clients are perfect clients and a joy to work with. Some exciting relationships for long-term partnership are underway for my business as well.

• My personal health, comfort, energy level and sleep have been outstanding. The mental clarity has been amazing too. Clients are reporting similar health shifts.

• There was one negative – my business web site and email were mysteriously obliterated for almost 5 days. None of my experts can tell me why this happened, but fortunately everything has been restored. I suspect the dark forces were not very happy that I had some new tools.

Here’s my theory on what’s going on

I have changed. Removing dark force interverences that were operating within my system were limiting my reach as a healer. Those blocks are gone now. I can do more and my energy level is higher for both my physical life and client facilitation.

The rules have changed! There appears to be a new environment for healing in which a simple request can receive a huge dose of Grace as a response. Being as specific as possible in making the request helps direct the energy for the healing. An energy shift that results in an emotional, spiritual and physical healing is rapid and comfortable.

Dark Forces are Open for Negotiation: When considering how to state this properly, the emphasis is on the word negotiation. The new process I am using checks for dark forces, curses, hexes, 666 calibration, ET interference and what some people would call demonic entities. This is not something I ever thought I would want or need to work with. (I believed I was too practical for that stuff – LOL) Now that I am choosing to look for dark force interferences, I am learning that the power of Archangels and the Divine is comfortably situated to negotiate with and transform these forces into forces of good. I can offer some of the preliminary negotiating and the rest is handled by the unseen light.

There is surprisingly little struggle.
The negative just dissolves and joins the troops in the light. I believe this may be a relatively new phenomenon that has emerged and wonder if humankind has been granted a new kind of power from some benevolent force out there. If there is some tipping point that needs to be reached in 2012, maybe that’s part of it too.

What will happen in 30 more days? There’s a Divine power to handle the nasty stuff and I’ll stay present to the life that is unfolding around me. We are all here to be our highest selves, play the part and set good intentions. While we are at it, we can all make sure to ask that every healing is accompanied by a multiplier of good will for all who may suffer from a similar form of pain. That’s the kind of healing that will create heaven on earth.

I am healed……

Wednesday, August 15th, 2012

Sometimes getting away for a few days of learning can be more healing than you could imagine. I remember signing up for Dr. Barbara Stone’s Soul Detective Level 2 & 3 class months ago, not quite knowing why or what I would do with this training. I simply wanted to support Barbara in making this training successful.

Barbara is a dear friend, fellow ACEP member and extraordinary healer. Our history goes back (at least in this lifetime – ha ha) to her role as my ACEP certification consultant. Two of my past-life cases appear in her book, Invisible Roots. Barbara planned this training to take place at her exquisite property on Lake Buckhorn in the remote outskirts of Millersburg, Ohio. I had been there before and knew this setting would add a great deal to the experience. Her home and yard are a nature girl’s dream — fairies, crystals, flowers, lush plants, fruits, vegetables, wildlife, images of Christ and Divine mother, artwork, textiles and more! You enter this space and experience the embrace of angels and God. How lucky for me to be invited to stay 3 nights in this beautiful home so that I might also eat food from the garden and sleep in this calming wonderland.

There were 11 other participants attending the program, including 3 MDs (including a psychiatrist) who already believed that when healing happens at the soul level, the body and mind are automatically restored to greater health. We were all here to expand our toolboxes and to heal ourselves so that we could be of highest service to others. I was immediately impressed by the diversity and divinity of my fellow classmates. I’ll also add that we looked like a normal bunch of business professionals. It was no accident we were all in this together. Still not quite sure about the WHY for me, I trusted that it would unfold.

The healing began immediately. We reviewed protocols, then practiced muscle testing, assessed energetic interference patterns and customized tapping diagnostics in small groups. The end of day one had me questioning my abilities and feeling somewhat frustrated that we were using the more complicated TFT protocols rather than the intuitive EFT tapping that I practice on a daily basis with ease. I was glad when Saturday’s class was over.

That evening after dinner, Barbara invited Dr. Bob and me to explore the presence of energetic implants that might be impeding our ability to fully express ourselves as healers. I’ve done tons of work on myself, but that is one area I have never explored and a bit too “WOO WOO” for me. I wasn’t quite sure I wanted to go there. What I do know is that my body doesn’t lie and that I have full control when I work with Barbara. My open mind agreed to be curious about this. Self-testing said “yes”. Both Bob and I experienced rather profound healings that evening. Energetic implants were identified and released. Both of my implants were from dark forces, attacking my throat (YIKES – not good for a professional speaker) and the clarity of my Divine connection. Once identified, these interferences were easily neutralized by invoking help from my soul council and the angelic realm. After the session closed, I felt awake, clear-headed and extremely well. I slept like a rock and awakened the next morning ready to be fully present. In my journal I wrote, “I had no idea I could feel THIS WELL, when I previously felt so well.”

As the group gathered on Sunday, I was ready to jump in and found myself volunteering to be the demonstration subject for the first exercise on releasing curses and hexes (WHAT????). Yes, the left-brainer in me still makes a funny face when that subject comes up, but I swear, I am a believer. Muscle testing detected a curse I was carrying. Working the soul detective process released it in what I can only describe as a physically intense experience. That session left me with extreme thirst and a racing heart. Once the dust settled, the lighter and clearer me emerged. How awesome!

I won’t share all of the details of the final two days, but suffice it to say that I feel quite empowered to help others shine their lights more brilliantly. In the past I have turned away from working with dark forces, however I now find myself much more open to it. Light always wins, especially when that light has been given brilliant maintenance and optimization tools. I know how to do this now and have a stronger life force within me. My clients will benefit and as they heal, there will be a multiplier effect for the planet. Everything I do from this point on will include elements of this beautiful work Barbara Stone has brought to my life.

Yes – everything will be easier!

Note: In August and September 2012, I will be offering Soul Detective Sessions at deeply discounted rate so that I might reinforce practice of these techniques in my coaching sessions. For the time being, I will only be offering live soul detective office sessions to clients I have worked with in the past.

Summer 2012 – Amplifying the Experience of Gratitude

Sunday, July 15th, 2012

I woke up this morning and took a long breezy ride on my new Schwinn bike. This experience stirred up many gratitude memories – the bargain price, finding it in stock, right in my home town, how pretty it is (even though it is white and purple, not indigo), the discounts I nabbed on the accessories, a new option for transportation, and the pleasant exercise challenge cycling offers. Every time I pass my bike in the garage, I can’t help but smile and feel all happy inside.

It is very valuable to take stock of gratitude on a daily basis. According to Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happy, people who write down 5 things they are grateful for each day report:

o Feeling better about their lives overall
o More optimistic about the future
o Fewer health problems than the other participants.
o Improved sleep
o Protective effect against heart attacks

Guiding others in gratitude practice as part of coaching has raised my awareness about the blessings in life and also about the emotions and feelings that are woven into the gratitude experience. Clients often ask what I put on my list each day. I used to be surprised about this, but now realize that many people feel challenged as they begin. I remind them that little things are very important. Here are some of my favorites from the past month:

o Technology for conference call worked flawlessly
o Weight Watchers friends who inspire me with stories of their health recovery at today’s meeting
o The sparkling sun in the early morning
o My friend Patti looking so healthy and radiant after beating pancreatic cancer
o New butterfly twinkle lights for the patio (a bargain and they change colors in a cool rhythm)
o The audio book, After Life, that keeps me wanting more (+ got it free at Book Expo)
o A little boy’s hearty laugh during a show at Lakeside
o Coffee break with Sig and Gracie on the patio
o How kind my women’s group members are to one another
o Fresh flowers everywhere!
o Delicious new recipe with chick peas (healthy, pretty and filling!)

What you might have noticed is that many of these things aren’t about what you have or own, but about experiences and moments of delight. They are moments when you witness something that excites your values and what you hold dear.

Clients have admitted that they can write the list, yet don’t feel the powerful positive feeling they want to feel. As with any new and developing habit, patience and persistence are advised. You build these skills, experiences and feelings over time. Be both curious and open.

As a guideline, I would suggest the following to boost your awareness and positive feelings:

Notice what grabs your attention. You will find yourself distracted every day, often in a good way. Catch yourself in the present moment and make a mental note about what is there. What’s the best part? How are you experiencing the moment? This can happen while eating lunch, doing mundane household chores or during meetings.

Use all of your senses to uncover both the obvious and hidden gems. Gratitude moments exist in every corner of life. Challenge yourself to find the less obvious things. You might also ask others to help you notice the world around you through their experiences. Slow down a bit and notice details, sounds, tastes, scents, words, music and creations around you.

Share your gratitude awareness with others. A very pleasant conversation should follow. There is so much good in the world. You do your part by spreading it around. There are many who are stuck or simply not plugged into this habit yet. You can get them thinking and their comments may prod you to enjoy even greater appreciation for life. Perhaps they will even add YOU to their gratitude list for the day!

20 Things I Would Miss

Monday, July 2nd, 2012

Spirituality is knowing what you love about life right now. The latest issue of Cheryl Richardson’s weekly newsletter contained a story about Nora Ephron’s List. The beloved writer and director of many films, including “When Harry Met Sally”, Nora Ephron passed away last week. Nora’s most recent book gave us a precious glimpse into her life by listing 20 things she would miss when she was gone. Cheryl challenged all of us to make our own list and I am up to the challenge. Here goes:

1. George
2. My kids
3. Bold, fresh-brewed coffee
4. Running on a beach
5. Sunrises
6. Patio dining
7. Watching Sig sleep
8. Being greeted by Gracie
9. The Outer Banks
10. Lakeside
11. Reading
12. A full bodied red
13. Dark chocolate
14. Sunday mornings with the newspaper
15. NPR
16. Gatherings with the entire family AND all of the cousins
17. Purring
18. Twinkle lights
19. Fresh Flowers
20. Just-picked produce