Resisting the Forward Motion

If I had a dime for every time I got distracted… ya know, a bowl of ice cream sure does sound good.

Distraction - a powerful tool we use to divert ourSelf from moving forward.  We may do two loads of laundry, wash the dishes, clean the garage, reorganize the pantry, watch television, vacuum the car, scan the internet for hours and any other task to delay us from doing certain things we claim we will do soon.  There is a part of us that knows we should tend to these tasks.  If only we could tap into the creativity energy we use to avoid deadlines, mundane routines, etcetera, and utilize it towards our goals.  Just remembered, I need to add honey to my grocery list. 

It’s not for a lack of commitment nor ambition; there are real reasons why we procrastinate.  Awareness can be the first step in moving us forward in our personal healing and assist in transforming a habit, belief, value that no longer serves our purpose.  If you are curious, take a look at how you are spending your time.  It doesn’t matter whether we intend to write the next best-selling novel, paint the dining room walls, clean the basement, complete creative projects, vacation, pay the bills ~ there is a resistance.  Why?  What is holding us back?  If I were to move the sofa over there and the bookshelf over there…                              

"We flood our minds with words!  They mesmerize and manipulate us, masking the truth even when it’s set down squarely in front of us.  To discover the underlying reality, I’ve learned to listen only to the action.” –Judith M. Knowlton

If you wish to explore the possible root causes, and this is just an idea, write in a notebook or on scrap piece of paper (even a napkin will work).  Just write.  Let the thoughts flow effortlessly through the pen without paying attention to spelling, grammar, punctuation or anything else that’ll prevent you from communicating with Self.  Sometimes just getting the thoughts out of the mind can be helpful.  If you wish, start asking yourSelf questions.  Please be loving and gentle on Self when looking within for answers. 

What is holding me back from doing ____?

What do I believe?  Is it self-nurturing?

Did someone tell me I cannot?  Who?

When did I start feeling this way?  Why?

Am I being loving to myself?

Where am I?

What do I dream of achieving?

If I could do anything, I would ___________.

Define your dreams, goals, soul’s cravings.

Describe your perfect job, business, spouse, lover, friend, home, vacation, (allow this list to evolve…)

It is okay to let the words wander and write about your day, a short story, and about your shift at work.  As with any relationship, when we take the time to communicate and express ourSelf freely, it evolves and transforms into something beautiful.

NaNoWriMo

Attempting to eliminate the ways in which I'm distracted with the intend to spend more quality time focusing on tasks I wish to accomplish, I've seem to have increased my number of social media group enrollments. What? Say it isn't so!

Alas, it is true. One friend and family group, one spiritual based, third one on the list is for writers and the most recent is for NaNoWriMo. National Novel Writing Month, created by Amazon.com, I must say intrigues me. The idea is to write 50,000 words in a month with a goal to have the rough draft of a (or near) completed novel to edit. Broken down, that means 1,667 words written each day. During the month of November, I will have a NaNoWriMo word count widget included on the right column so we can keep track of the progress together.

They say a habit needs six weeks to be broken, how many did they say to establish one? As you've seen in previous posts, I write, I pause, I take a long break, then work on one of my novels again. I suppose there's nothing wrong with my yo-yo attention span with novel writing (mainly because there is no right or wrong - it is what it is). It'll be interesting to see what is accomplished at the end of the 30 days. My goal is to be faithful to my passion for writing. When I pick it up from the long pauses, I always ask myself, "Why did you stop in the first place? This feel so good!"

Shifting Gears

Focus is shifting from the sense that we have to get it all done to how can I relax? Realizing that being overworked, bombarded with deadlines, a to-do list without an ending is no longer a desired way of life; we seek serenity.

Meditation can be used to release the beliefs that no longer fulfill our journey, silence the continuous chatter of the monkey mind, balance energies, access internal wisdom, grounding and align with Self. Like exercise, we know meditation will help us to feel better, be healthier and so forth. Even though the intent is there, it's still resisted. Clocks are watched; and for the Go-Getter's on a constant run, the idea of stopping their busy life for 30-minutes (forget an hour) of meditation is put off for another day. Belief that there isn't enough time delays the action because how could it possibly be productive to stop the forward motion?

On the other side of the pendulum, there are those who try so hard they exert themselves to exhaustion to create a sense of relaxation that when achieved, it's not relaxing at all. Go, go, go, stop. Go, go, go, screeching brakes. This way of life can cause metaphoric whiplash. Ease into the new routine. Do it in baby steps if need be. As a friend told me years ago, "Take your time. This isn't a race. It takes practice. What happens when you slam on the brakes too hard? You smash your forehead on the steering wheel; and who needs the headache?"

Done in niblets, meditation does not require a person to sit in an uncomfortable position with index fingertips pressed against the tips of the thumb forming circular symbols to experience inner peace. Inconspicuous ways people meditate without realizing they are doing it may include:

• Taking a long walk through the woods
• Focusing on and repeating an affirmation
• Sitting in a boat waiting for a fish to bite
• Soaking in a warm bath watching the flame of a candle flicker
• Listening to a favorite song that teleports the senses to a peaceful momory
• Stepping outside from a long day at work and taking in a deep breath of fresh air
• Watching the sun set
• Staring out the kitchen window while washing a sink full of dirty dishes
• Loosing track of time while working on a hobby

Truly there is no right or wrong way to experience serenity; what matters is the intent. It is when focus shifts to developing a healthy relationship between physical and divine Self that true love of Self blossoms naturally.

Please share the ways in which you take time for yourself.

I'm Attracting That?

The repetitive sounds of the waves and the breeze fill my ears with the sweet harmony of bliss. Me and Lake Michigan and wet sand between my toes. Only a few people have claimed their piece of paradise as I find mine. The fold-up chair is placed in a perfect spot so the occasional wave can tickle my feet. Pad of paper and pen ready to capture whimsical thoughts and dreams as odd looking beach bugs scurried on the hot sand running to and fro and rarely in a straight line. These were the thoughts I had yesterday when I began to journal. Quickly they changed as awareness of the law of attraction was making its point.

Here's insight to yesterday's journal entry and a wonderful example of how our vibrations affect what we are manifesting. On the way out here, I was made aware... yes, I noticed it. If law of attraction is listening – paying attention – boy, am I in trouble. At the grocery store, the cashier asked where I was working and if I liked it. My response was less than enthused as I responded, “I'm grateful for the paycheck.” At the post office, the gal behind the counter weighing my box to be shipped mentions she hadn't seen me in a long time and asked where I was working and how I like it. This time I feel a touch of resentment build internally as I told her, “I'm going to the beach for the first time all summer.” The discussion went from me feeling good about my day off to not so good vibrations when I mentioned that I work most weekends and usually work six days a week with several short shifts so I barely hit 40 hours. Wow, at this point my day of relaxation is not feeling so relaxing.

My journal entry then continues: This is not what I want... so how do I manifest things I enjoy, feel valued and respected, receive a fair paycheck for my services, and without all the office drama-luster. My goal is for the highest good for all with harm to none ~ my focus is to assist others. I am a writer with many stories to tell... stories to warm the heart, inspire people to be authentic and encourage personal growth.

“Women are repeatedly accused of taking things personally. I cannot see any other honest way of taking them.” -Marya Mannes

As I sit at my computer this morning allowing my fingers to tap dance on the keyboard I truly see how awareness brings change in various forms. A common thing we as a society whine about is our jobs. I most certainly am not discrediting my employers as I am very grateful I am one of their employees. We have fun and plenty of 'good stuff' is accomplished. The ultimate point being made is to pay attention to how your energy feels when speaking on any subject.

Observing the rise and fall of our vibration can make a difference in our perception. The key element to manifesting is the focus of energy we feel in any given moment. Yesterday, I allowed my emotions to be altered by the lack I was feeling. Today, as I get ready for work, I am feeling gratitude. Joy that I have a job close to home, every time I pick up the phone I have the opportunity to make a new friend and assist them to the best of my abilities, and for the steady paycheck.

Going back to my afternoon at the beach, I made a list of questions to create an internal dialog for change, bring forth emotions and view my desires on paper. I closed the journal after I wrote '...and do what? Listen to the music of the waves and wind.'

Today as you go about your business, note the emotions you feel when speaking – and listening. Are you aware of your manifestations?

Exposing the Internal Chatter

Waking up from an odd dream this morning, I picked up my journal to help sort out the bits and pieces I remember - and the parts I’d rather forget. It was odd. Really strange. As the words were written, the internal dialog morphed into reasons why it's a good idea to journal. It didn’t take me long to realize the subject of today’s blog.

Sitting with a pad of paper and a pen, allow the internal conversation to flow - Self-Love 101. For some it can be considered Problem Solving 101. Who better to answer your questions and advise you on your quest? Who knows you better? Here’s a more important question, “Who has your best interest at heart?”

Journaling is a great way to get thoughts out of our heads and to better understand our emotions. Some pretty amazing things can be discovered this way. Unresolved resentments all the way to hidden joys are given the opportunity to flow from deep within the subconscious and into awareness. During the writing process is not the time to overanalyze. Let the words be as they appear. Once on paper you can decide to review the creation or get rid of it. Embrace or release - author’s choice.

"Remember, there is a creative energy that wants to express itself through you"; "Don't judge the work or yourself. You can sort it out later"; "Let God work through you." -Julia Cameron (The Artist Way, published 1992, 2002, page XV)

The process of the internal dialog can have significant healing properties. Explain and describe your emotions (good and bad, no holding back) the way you feel in that very moment. Once exposed, you can determine if you wish to continue this state of mind or if you want to make a change. Awareness provides us the key elements and opportunity to learn more about me, myself and I. We have multiple personalities that expect to be heard. We embody the Worker, the Slacker, the Lover, the Loner, the Adult, the Child, the Creator, the Destroyer, the Overwhelmed, the Calmness, the Aggressor, the Peace-Maker and there's more within. Each one has a voice and craves attention.

Writing out desires assists in clarifying the I want’s and can begin to pave a trail for the journey, or at least machete chop the jungle growth out of the way. Used as a tool, it can help plot out the baby steps to reach the intended goal. Some people use this technique as a way to work out a five year plan.

For me it was a tool to clear my head and, by chance, accomplish today’s post. After I finish this article, I believe I shall work on that Gratitude List I keep in my journal.

Keep writing, my friends.

Goddess Impact

A relationship can last a lifetime or as long as it takes to smile at a stranger. Each person we encounter will have an impact whether at home, work, even while shopping for eggs and milk.

On Monday, I wrote the line, “No one will ever love me like he did.” It's a very true statement. People may have similar qualities, however we are all unique with our special way of experiencing life. We interpret each interaction differently based on moods, age, circumstances, environment, peers and how we emotionally feel towards the individual in that particular moment.

On the flip side, what impact do you have on others? Do you walk around without regard to those around you or do you go out of your way to be kind and loving? Are you in the mood to seek peace or on the warpath? There are no right or wrong answers to the question, only the extraction of awareness. You have every right to feel the way you do without exception, without apologies, without hesitation. It's not healthy to resist and attempt to stifle emotions. Like a river, if they are blocked and flow is prevented, the energy behind it builds until it either overflows or bursts.

“There are no right or wrong answers to the question, only the extraction of awareness.” -Cindy Kochis

There are many avenue in which to express what you are feeling. The objective is to find what works best for you. For example you could call a close friend, write in a journal, meditate, and even beating a little blue ball in a game of racquet ball will help in some situations. The goal is to move the energy out of the system/mind without hanging onto any unwanted residual affects. In other words, retain the memory of things that make you feel good and let it go of the rest. Ask yourself, “Is this for my highest good?”

Unless you are in the performing arts, don't waste your time (or mine) pretending to be someone you are not; well, only if you want to. Part of being authentic is being you – in the Now. I've surprised many people with my inability to react the way they expect. I will not be cheerleader if I'm not in the rah-rah mode, I will not be the over-actor, I will not fake it for anyone at anytime anywhere.

I have set the intent of “for the highest and best good for all” placing Self first before everyone else. By treating mySelf as a Goddess worthy of a wonderful life experience, it naturally overflows on to how I impact others.

Break It Down To Define

My clean house can be accredited to delay tactics. Laundry, vacuumed floors, clean toilets, dust bunnies removed from the ceiling fan, organized shed and the list keeps on going. Embarrassing as it may be, I used to claim to be the Delay Tactic Queen. It’s not really a title I want to hold anymore and have found one much more suited to me ~ Giggling Goddess. I enjoy giggling a lot and occasionally finding myself doing it at things no one else finds funny.

Now that I’ve taken you on a short trip off the subject of delay tactics I suppose I need to refocus. Maybe being out of focus is the root cause, not laziness. Could it be as simple as not having a clear vision on the goal? There is so much I want to do and experience.

Here’s a phrase that helps me get clear and define goals: “Who, What, When, Where & How?” Sounds pretty simple and uncomplicated till you start to understand each component's significance. For fun, decide which goal or project you’d like to tackle first. With pencil in hand, write at the top of a blank sheet of paper your goal. I’ll choose “workshops” since this is a service I’ve recently decided to start offering.

Top of page ~ Workshops

• Who? I will facilitate the workshops
• What kind? Guided Group Meditations
• When? Need to set up a schedule
• Where? At area stores that offer classes of this nature

“How” is the break it down into bite size pieces so you can map it out word. When looking at the initial response, can you further answer the how question?

In the above sample, the Who is pretty much set, right? Not really. Who will attend is a key element that really cannot be left out. This can be broken down more so it’s time to add another word to the formula - “Why.” Below you can see how I started to add more elements.

Workshops

• Who? I will facilitate the workshops
• Who will attend?
• Why will they attend?
• What kind of workshop? Group Guided Meditations
• What is my intent?
• What kind of interaction will there be?
• What’s the time limit I set for individual sharing experience?
• How will I prepare?
• What do I bring with me?
• When? Need to set up schedule
• Who do I call?
• Where? At area stores that offer classes of this nature
• How much? $$

Keep asking the questions until it feels finished. Every time I do this I end up scratching off unwanted desires, drawing arrows to another part of the paper to complete a thought and thinking of one more item to add when I believed I was done. To help seal the goal's fate, I rewrite it on a clean sheet of paper. Hard to have a clear focus when there’s scribbled notes in your field of vision.

Have fun with this project. Be easy on yourself. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Heck you may come up with a very unique way that works miracles and you’ll be teaching us your technique.