Here in Ohio we will be setting our clocks back next week. This is the time of year when many begin to suffer from seasonal affective disorder – that low feeling that accompanies the cold and dark as winter approaches. Supplements offer a way to prevent or lessen this low experience. In this video, Betsy shares two supplements she takes to help her feel more energized. You can find the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTqy_93j2UM&feature=youtube_gdata
Posts Tagged ‘transition’
Energy Makeover Tip – Supplements for Winter Energy
Friday, October 29th, 2010Perhaps – A Divine Word
Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009In 1980 I had the opportunity to study for a summer in Vienna Austria. Learning the German language was a huge part of this immersion program. While I haven’t retained much conversational ability, I have always had a favorite German word. That word is “ vielleicht” and translates to mean “perhaps”. It is used liberally in daily conversation, often as the first word in a sentence. I remember how much I loved the sound and feeling of this word. It had such an uplifting quality. I often wondered why it was not a word we use much in American English.
On Sunday I had the opportunity to hear Lama Surya Das, one of the foremost Western Buddhist meditation teachers speak at the ACEP conference in Orlando. This is the man Dali Lama calls “the Western Lama”. One of the key points in his discussion on the topic of Enlightened Living was that “perhaps” is a Divine word. Suddenly, I knew why I loved that German word so much. It lives in my heart as a concept of hope.
What is it about “perhaps” that is so divine? It implies an invitation for connection and even a little bit of seduction. It holds a friendliness that is expansive, safe and kind. It is open to possibilities with a full range of freedom and choices.
I love the idea that we can reside in ”perhaps” while we pause to make a choice, then take action.
Perhaps is the beginning of change.
We are facing multiple challenges as people and as a planet these days. We are in a time of radical change and that divine word ”perhaps” is needed critically as we discern what is next. We must open ourselves to creative possibilities and it does not serve us well to be closed minded or clinging to old ways. Old ways may have worked before, but today we face a new world and a new way. Our minds, hearts and souls must work in connection to decipher a code for a comfortable transition. It exists! Perhaps is that potential.
I recommend that we all begin using “perhaps” more in our thoughts, writing and conversation. Think about how your own world opens and unfolds as you do this. The larger world changes when we change. We have more power than we know. Perhaps it is time to use it!
Moving On…. Instead of Shutting Down
Sunday, March 29th, 2009I am always astounded by the things that start happening in my life when I teach The Artists Way Book Study Groups how to integrate EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) into their creative process. The Artists Way, by Julia Cameron is a classic book for anyone who wants to open themself up to prosperity, deliberate living and a loving relationship with themselves. If I had unlimited funds I would place this book in the hands of every 12 year old on the planet as part of their journey to adult life. It’s not about art – but rather the art of living and creating a life you love.
I have been running into many professionals in transition lately. People who have recently lost jobs due to layoff, downsizing or economic decline. These people come from fields as diverse as IT, manufacturing, HR and retail. One phrase that keeps coming up in these conversations is “I need to reinvent myself for this new economy, but I don’t know where to turn.” I would love to just blurt out, “Read The Artist’ Way!”, but somehow I don’t think most of them are ready yet. They are shut down and need some tender loving care to feel safe enough to explore the positive possibilities. There are lots of employed people who are scared and shutting down too. You can help them.
How do we encourage and assist people who are shutting down? Perhaps you are the one shutting down? Each of the points below can be offered as self-care OR as a formula for assisting others in your life who need help moving on.
1. Accept them for where they are. See them as significant and worthy of attention.
2. Listen to them without judgment. Let them share their story. Ask questions to bring them out.
3. Ask about what they love. This will open up even the quietest ones.
4.Urge them to use this transition time to do things that make them feel great like hobbies, art, reading, physical fitness or outdoor activities. Give them recognition for the healthy support systems and activities they may already may have in place.
5. Introduce them to your networks. Invite them to attend networking or social events you are already involved in. Keep them in circulation. You can also invite them to join you for online networks like Facebook and Linkedin. Every connection offers potential.
6. Offer them discounts, extras or sliding scale rates on your services. If there was ever somebody needing a break, it is someone between jobs.
7. Encourage them to ask for discounts with other vendors too. Sometimes all it takes is to ask.
8. Help them see what’s going well in their lives beyond unemployment (or fear) and remind them to experience true gratitude.
9. Provide resources and recommend good books. Links to inspirational stuff like this video by Ken Robinson on TedTalks are excellent.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
10. Repeat from the list above as needed. That’s what compassionate people do.
Feel free to share The Artists Way too and invite them to read and discuss the book with you.
