Joy Ignites Success

Experience Your Fear and Take Action Anyway

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:18:00 GMT

Success Principle #15: Experience Your Fear and Take Action Anyway

The Principle in a Nutshell: Don’t let fear stop you.

Discussion: Underlying almost every reason, excuse or explanation for not doing what you need to do to get to where you want to go is fear. Fear of looking foolish, fear of failing, fear of succeeding (yup, we have that fear too) and so much more. When we feel our feelings (not conquer them), they move through awareness without a lot of effort. When we resist the feelings, they hang around and create havoc. I have seen many, many clients over the years resist feeling sadness, fear, anger, grief and more because they are afraid they will get stuck in the feeling and be overwhelmed or immobilized by it. Nothing is further from the truth. When we don’t allow ourselves to feel or experience our emotions, they simply hang around lurking under the surface.
As an acronym, FEAR has been defined as false evidence appearing real. Many of the things we fear are not based in reality.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to think about something you have been planning or ‘trying’ to do that just doesn’t ever seem to get done. Notice whatever comes up inside of you as you think about doing that. If fear shows up, could you just allow it to be present? (if another emotion shows up, welcome it as well) And just for now, could you let go of wanting to change the experience of fear? Would you?
Notice what you feel in sensation: does your heart race? your throat constrict? your stomach tighten? Whatever sensation you are aware of; could you just breathe into it and allow it to do whatever it does? (the feeling is likely to just let go at this point, if it gets bigger, be with that as best you can) You can also ask yourself, ‘is this feeling coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Then, let go of whichever you are most aware of and notice how it affects the fear.

Movement Activity:

Fear is a great emotion to play with in movement. Pick a song (Psycho Killer by Talking Heads pops into my mind) that has scary lyrics or a quality that flushes up fear (how about The Jaws music?) and just allow yourself to move as if terrified. Take one step in and three steps back, or stretch up and immediately pull yourself back into yourself. As you tone your body to move in fear mode, you will find it easier to take action in your life, even if something scares the bejeepers out of you!

What do you think? Your comments are valuable to us.

What did you notice when you played with moving in fear? What has fear stopped you from doing?

What? You're Going to Another Workshop?

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:07:00 GMT

What? You’re Going to Another Workshop?

Do these title words sound familiar to you? Or do your friends and family just sigh and hope you find your way? Well, maybe it’s because you know something that others might be missing.

I have been attending workshops, seminars and classes for self-improvement and spiritual growth for over 30 years. And not just on occasion. Some might call me a workshop junkie. And they would be right. Given spare time and money I would likely find myself in many more workshops and seminars. I’ve been fortunate that most of the workshops I have attended have been transformative and motivating, with the occasional exception. I laugh at the facilitators who claim ‘this will be the last seminar you’ll ever attend’. As a general rule, I love the format and intensity of seminars and workshops, and will probably continue attending them for a long time, even if I have improved myself beyond recognition.

The workshop environment, when done well, gives me a chance to be outside of my daily habits, my ritualistic thinking and behaviors, and my non-productive habits. It’s a chance to shift gears, land in neutral and see where to go next. When I am immersed in my life and routine for too long without a break, I miss the higher perspective that can be obtained by moving away from it. I love coming home from a seminar feeling revitalized and more aligned with my self and my deepest desires.

Perhaps as important to me is the energy created in a workshop with like-minded participants. We all know the bible verse (or the song) - “When two or more are gathered…”. Lester Levenson, creator of The Sedona Method, said that the power of releasing was not multiplied, but squared by the number of the people in the room. So the power of ten people releasing together, would magnify the release by a hundred-fold. I like those odds.

I go to workshops to get recharged, refocused and sometimes redirected. I am in love with the synergy created by a group on task. And the people I meet! I have amazing friends all over the world that I have met in workshops. I consider them the icing on the cake.

Think I’ll sign off now and go find a seminar to register for…

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Take Action

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Success Principle #13: Take Action

The Principle in a Nutshell: Do something! The universe rewards action.

Discussion: This is one of the simplest principles to understand, yet still demands exploring. As I see it, there is a great divide between many goal-oriented and success programs and spiritual programs, where there needn’t be. Sometimes on a spiritual path we can go into magical thinking and expect the world to open up for us because we have meditated or visualized. On the other path of success and goal-oriented seminars, we can push too hard and think we are the only factor in what happens. In between, there is a path of taking action and letting go. Of doing, what Bernardo Monserrat, of CRS in Santa Fe, says is our 10% (the universe or God being the 90%). In my experience, we don’t even have to figure out the right action, we just have to let the universe know that we’re in. We do this by taking action.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to think about an action you could take to achieve your goal. Maybe it’s giving up refined sugars, or going to a networking event, or writing that book. And notice, in thinking about that action, does any resistance arise? If so, could you just welcome the resistance and allow it to let go. Repeat this step at least 3 times until you feel courage or acceptance about taking that step. Also, notice if the mind is trying to figure out whether that action step will be helpful or not? If so, could you let go of trying to figure it out?

Movement/Play Activity:

This is a great principle to play with in the body. Just allow yourself to think about taking that action step (literally moving in that direction) and see what happens. You can also play with this as a multiple choice question. So, if you are working on weight loss, the image to your right might be of a big X over refined sugars. In front of you may be an image of fish and vegetables. To your left may be an image of working out at the gym. Holding these images in your mind, see what it feels like to move towards each of these. Then go back to the above exercise and release on whatever shows up.

What do you think?

What did you notice when you brought the release into your body?

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Act As If

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:01:00 GMT

Success Principle #12: Act As If

The Principle in a Nutshell: Start acting right now as you would when the goal is achieved.

Discussion: There are many things we can do now that will put the gears in motion for being where we want to be. We can change our clothes, our attitude, our business cards, our websites and more to reflect the changes we want in our lives. For health and relationship goals, this may take a little more creative thought, but acting as if sends a clear message to the universe and reprograms our brain.
When we act as if, it is possible it will bring up some feelings of grief, anger or lust about not already having it. The following release is designed to help you let go of those feelings.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself imagine being thin, being rich, being healthy or whatever it is you desire. Welcome all the pictures, sounds and sensations that arise as you think about that. Then also notice if that brings any feelings to the surface. If so, ask yourself, is this feeling coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Whichever want you are most aware of, could you let it go? And could you let go of that feeling? Repeat exercise until the feeling dissolves and then start over and see if any new feelings come up. Release on all feelings until you feel courage, acceptance or peace.

Movement/Play Activity:

In writing this blog, my mind started to play with possibilities. This activity invites your mind to play. For each of the following statements, fill in at least three options of what you might be doing, wearing, feeling, etc..

If I was fit and healthy, I would be _______________________________

If I was financially independent I would be _________________________

If I was in a positive, supportive relationship, I would be _______________

If I was experiencing freedom in my life, I would be ___________________

Add your own goals and fill in the blank.

What do you think?

Send us back your filled in statements. Share the wealth of creative thinking.

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See What You Want, Get What You See

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:05:00 GMT

Success Principle #11: See What You Want, Get What You See

The Principle in a Nutshell: Use visualization to support your success.

Discussion: The power of visualization has long been used by sports psychologists and performance coaches. Seeing yourself engaged in an activity primes the brain and the body for peak performance. Supporting the visualization process with emotion is key. As you feel into the experience, you are toning the body-mind to allow for more and different opportunities. Researchers have found that the brain can’t actually distinguish between a real activity and a visualized activity; it responds in the same way. When we visualize, there may be a negative reaction or thought that arises, rather than pushing it away, use releasing to move through it.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to thing about something you want. Maybe it’s a vacation, a new body, a better relationship or improved health. Whatever it is, just allow yourself to imagine having it. What does it look like, feel like, sound like? Who’s with you? Turn up the dial on the sensory experience and allow it to get as real as possible. Then just notice if the mind starts chattering, or offers an opinion about you not deserving, it’ll never happen, etc. And then, rather than trying to push those thoughts away, could you just allow them to be there? And then, could you notice that those thoughts are not actually attached to you and that you don’t need to do anything at all with them? And could you just allow them to naturally dissolve? (which is what happens with all thoughts and feelings when we don’t resist them)

Click here to listen to the release on goals and visualizing from blog post #7.

Movement/Play Activity:

While visualization by itself is a very powerful tool, some of us are more kinesthetic or auditory in our orientation. Try adding some music and movement to your visualization. How will your body move when you’ve dropped 20 lbs? What sounds will you be hearing in the cabarets in Paris? Perhaps there is an old song that stimulates a feeling you’ve been trying to recreate. Or your modality may be clay or finger paints. Find what feels good to play with, and let yourself enjoy the process. This will also help you stay released and not go into the feeling of lust (which then you’d just have to release).

What do you think?

Do you have any great stories about using a vision board or visualizing? Please share them with us.

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Release the Brakes

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:05:00 GMT

Success Principle #10: Release the Brakes

The Principle in a Nutshell: Get out of your comfort zone and self-imposed limitations.

Discussion: I’m wondering if reading the title of this post evoked fear or excitement for you. Or a little bit of both? The truth is most of us live our lives in a pretty confined space. The thoughts we think are repetitive and the experiences and people we seek out have commonalities. We like to know what to expect, often more than we want success.

We limit ourselves with negative self talk even in subtle ways. Whether the voice says ‘I’ll never be any good at that’ or ‘there’s too much to do, I’ll never get it done’ we are often telling ourselves things that are simply not true. Canfield suggests positive affirmations for reversing these beliefs, the Sedona Method asks us to simply stretch beyond the belief.

Sedona Method Release:

What’s an area of your life in which you feel stuck? Notice the negative self beliefs that accompany that feeling. For example, ‘I’ll never be a best-selling author’ or ‘Nobody will ever love me’ or ‘I have always (and therefore always will) have this pain or disease’. And then, to begin, simply recognize that thought as a belief. That it is not attached to you, and that you probably won’t die if you stop believing it. Then, dig a little deeper, and ask, is believing that coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation, or oneness? Whichever want you are most aware of, could you let go of wanting that (just for now)? And could you let go of wanting to believe that again? (repeat at least 3 or 4 times until the belief loosens its grip)

Movement/Play Activity:

Ah, release the brakes… where my mind goes with this one. I see myself flying down the hill at 90+ miles an hour, hair blowing in the wind… but wait…

If you happen to live in a warm environment near an amusement or activity park, you might want to try this in bumper cars. If all you have is your living room, or your imagination, not to worry, the basic theory will work. Allow yourself to feel what it feels like to press on the brakes: you can use a wall or the floor. Notice how your body responds to pressing on the brakes. And then try gently easing up and notice again what happens in your body. Then press down on the breaks again, observing the reaction in the body, and this time, don’t ease up, just release the breaks completely. What images come to mind? Is it fun? Or scary?

What do you think?

Please share with you notice easing up on the breaks versus letting go of the breaks completely. This will be great material for the next release, so please don’t hesitate.

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Success Leaves Clues

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:06:00 GMT

Success Principle #9: Success Leaves Clues

The Principle in a Nutshell: Whatever you want to do, someone has gone before and knows the way. Ask for guidance.

Discussion: We often get so caught up in our own thoughts and lives that we don’t think beyond ourselves. We forget that others often have useful information. We also get caught in the fear of asking. We think we might appear foolish or get rejected.

The truth is people love to talk about themselves and their accomplishments. When you ask someone to share their expertise, you are paying them a great compliment, and in my experience, you will rarely be turned down.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to think about reaching out to someone who has either done what you are hoping to do, or has some information that may be helpful. And just notice your initial reaction. Is there any resistance to calling or e-mailing? If so, could you just allow that feeling of resistance to dissolve? Then ask, is there anything about calling or e-mailing that I feel accepting of or would be willing to accept? (this might be excitement about the possibility of getting information or even being okay with dialing the phone) If so, could you simply welcome, or rest into, that feeling of acceptance? Then go back and ask, is there any resistance? Keep going back and forth between releasing the feeling of resistance and welcoming the feeling of acceptance until you feel ready to take action.

Movement Activity:

This principle is asking us to be willing to be students, to not know it all. See if you can find the student in you, the inquisitive one who is willing to ask questions, raise his or her hand and wait for an answer. Notice the excitement and anticipation in the body that can come in this state.
You might also want to explore the opposite- what does it feel like when you think you have all the answers? When you think you know it all, or should know it all?

What do you think?

Please share with us how what you noticed doing this movement activity and what actions you are taking.

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Chunk it Down

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:06:00 GMT

Success Principle #8: Chunk it Down

The Principle in a Nutshell: Breaking down large goals into smaller, doable action steps is what makes them achievable.

Discussion: Whether we have actually set a goal, or have just been longing for something, what prevents us from taking action is often the feeling of overwhelm. Whether we are looking for a career change, a fit body, or zero debt; we may get stuck thinking that we don’t know where to start or that a small step is meaningless.

One of the areas in my life that this principle has been really helpful is in cleaning up the physical messes in my home and office. While it feels impossible to tackle the whole closet, I can commit to 15 minutes or one shelf a week. And, slowly but surely, the spaces around me are becoming less cluttered and more livable.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to think about an area of your life where you want to see something shift but have not taken any action. Just notice what feelings arise as you think about both the change you have been wanting to see, and the lack of action. You may notice feelings of lust or craving, or feelings of frustration with yourself or even apathy or grief. Whatever feelings are arising, could you just allow them to be here? And then check and see, is that feeling coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Whichever want you are most aware of, could you let it go? And could you let go of the feeling? (Keep going until the feeling releases)
Then ask yourself, what’s one action step I could take towards this? Then notice if there is any resistance to taking that step. If so, allow yourself to feel the resistance and let it dissolve. If the resistance gets stronger, ask yourself if the resistance is coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness. Keep going until you feel courageous enough to take that step.

Movement Activity:

This is a fun and easy one to play with in movement. Find a space in your home or office where there’s room to move. Allow yourself to think about your goal and imagine it being across the room. Take a tiny baby step in that direction and notice how it feels. Then take a huge step, again noticing how it feels. Play with bigger and smaller steps allowing yourself to think about what action steps might be big, small or in-between. Find the action and movement that is comfortable and a bit of a stretch for you. (and then make a plan to do it)

What do you think?

Please share with us how what you noticed doing this movement activity and what actions you are taking.

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Unleash the Power of Goal-Setting

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:39:00 GMT

Success Principle #7: Unleash the Power of Goal-Setting

The Principle in a Nutshell: Setting measurable goals will cause you to stretch and move through all obstacles.

Discussion: There are numerous studies about the power of writing goals. When we get clear on what we want, and when we want it by, we unleash our creative juices in that direction. The mind focuses on solving the problem.

Lester Levensen, originator of the Sedona Method, also believed that every goal we still have, is an indicator of where we still hold wounding or are not free. From this perspective, setting a goal in order to release on it, is another path to freedom.

For more about this principle and releasing, read my article “The Missing Key to Achieving Your Goals”. (The system will prompt you to enter your e-mail, but will not duplicate mailings.)

Study: I, like many, used to have an aversion to setting goals. Too often, I was setting goals that created resistance, and therefore, never came to be. When I learned to start releasing, and to have fun with the goals I set, I started enjoying the process and achieving the goals. One great example was a goal I shifted from losing weight to enjoying my kick-ass body. The change in verbiage changed my attitude and it worked!

Sedona Method Release:

There are many, many releases specifically designed for working with goals. I think the best place to start is in releasing any aversion or attachment to goal setting. Using the holistic releasing process (remember, go back and forth at least 6 to 8 times until you feel neutral) Could you allow yourself to feel as much aversion to setting goals as you do? /Could you allow yourself to feel as much attraction to setting goals as you do?
Another fun holistic release- Could you allow yourself to feel that achieving the goal is important? / Could you allow yourself to feel that achieving the goal is unimportant? (remember, the more released you get about a goal, the more you increase the probability of it happening)

For more ways to use releasing with goals, you might want to check out Effortless Creation; a set of thirteen recordings and a workbook from Hale Dwoskin.

Visualization Activity:

We all know how powerful visualizing is when it comes to goals. What makes visualization even more powerful is to add body awareness and sensations and releasing.
For a 5 minute guided release and visualization, click here.
Try listening to this recording every day for a week or longer and see what happens.

To make this process even more powerful, create a vision board.

What do you think?

Please share with us how you have fun with the process of goal-setting.

Become an Inverse Paranoid

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:45:00 GMT

Success Principle #6: Become an Inverse Paranoid

The Principle in a Nutshell: Believe that the world wants you to win and is here to support you and that everything you experience is ultimately in your highest good.

Discussion: This is one of my favorite principles. Since most of what we think people feel or believe about us is made up, why not assume they love us and want us to succeed? Taking this further, we also make up stories about our own experiences all the time. Why not make up a story that supports you?

Application 1: If I approach a potential contact being paranoid about the response, I am likely to minimize myself and expect a no when I make my request. If I am being an inverse paranoid, I will go into the conversation assuming it will be a win-win. When in this state of mind, I am much more likely to have solutions for any possible issues, knowing that this person wants me to succeed.
Application 2: When I don’t get what I want in the moment, I can open to the possibility that something even better is waiting in the wings.

Sedona Method Release:

Allow yourself to think about a situation where you are wanting to ask someone for something. Notice if there is any resistance as you think about asking. Check and see if you are expecting a negative response. If so, is that coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Whichever you are most aware of; could you let go of wanting that? And could you let go of expecting a no? Do this release until you feel neutral or confident about asking.
Or ask yourself, what is it that I am afraid will happen? Could you let go of expecting that to happen?

Movement Activity:

Allow yourself to feel in your body the posture that comes with expecting a no response. Then think of someone who loves you and something they would say yes to. Feel the difference in your posture. Then go back to the person you believe will say no and try on the yes posture. What shifts in thinking? Go back to the Sedona release if necessary.

What do you think?

Tell us about your experience with being an inverse paranoid. Remember, the world is exposed to the media and negative stories on a regular basis. You can help shift the balance by sharing your story.

Believe In Yourself

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:46:00 GMT

Success Principle #5: Believe In Yourself

The Principle in a Nutshell: You must believe in your own ability to be successful and effect change.

Discussion: Very closely related to principle #4 (you must believe it’s possible); the self-doubt will sabotage steps towards success. As simple as this principle sounds, it is one of the most difficult to put into practice. Negative self beliefs are wound pretty tight for most of us and can be challenging to let go of.

Example: When we believe success is possible, but not for us, we start to feel like victims. The world only works for everybody else. This results in thoughts such as ‘why bother?’ ‘it is never going to happen’ and ‘I’m just wasting my time’. Resulting or related behavior includes being easily distracted, addiction, procrastination, blaming and more.

Sedona Method Release:

There are many releases that can be used on this topic. I am listing several holistic releases (remember, with holistic releases, go back and forth on each at least 6-8times in one sitting). I would recommend doing a couple of these releases, whichever resonate for you, daily for a week or longer and see what happens.*

1. Could you allow yourself to dislike yourself as much as you do?/Could you allow yourself to like yourself as much as you do? (or as best you can)
2. Could you allow yourself to feel as incompetent as you do?/ Could you allow yourself to feel as competent as you do?
3. Could you allow yourself to feel as stupid as you do?/ Could you allow yourself to feel as smart as you do?
4. Could you allow yourself to feel as unsuccessful as you do?/ Could you allow yourself to feel as successful as you do?

(go back and forth at least 5 or 6 times until both sides feel neutral)

*Often, when I ask people to feel something perceived as negative about themselves, they resist, not wanting to strengthen the belief. In truth, the belief gets strengthened by resisting it. When we allow ourselves to bring it into awareness, it can let go.

Movement Activity:

Think of something you feel very confident about, even if it’s your ability to count to 10. Notice what it feels like in your body to know you can do something. You may even remember being in grade school raising your hand, thinking ‘I know, I know, call on me’. Let yourself remember what it feels like to believe in yourself. Let this feeling get as strong as it possibly can in your body and notice if your posture or the way you walk shifts. Then think of something else you feel confident about and do it again.

What do you think?

Have you ever had the experience of thinking something about yourself and had someone reflect back to you the complete opposite? (Ex. Thinking ‘I’m not creative’ and someone saying to you ‘you are so creative’) Please share with us.

Believe It's Possible

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:47:00 GMT

Success Principle #4: Believe It’s Possible

The Principle in a Nutshell: You must believe something is possible in order for it to happen.

Discussion: If you don’t believe it’s possible, you are not going to take action steps towards allowing it to happen. Whether it’s important to believe it’s going to happen is an area I think our two experts (Canfield and Dwoskin) might disagree. I like getting to the place where it’s not important what I believe, and still do whatever it takes to let the universe know that I’m in.

Case Study: I have way too many clients that believe success is impossible and therefore sabotage themselves and don’t take action. The belief that something is impossible becomes an easy excuse to not pick up the phone, not write the book and so much more.

Sedona Method Release:

I think a fun way to play with this is to look at the advantages and disadvantages of believing something is impossible. The release goes like this: Part 1- What’s an advantage to believing it’s impossible? Is that coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Could you let go of wanting that? Could you let go of wanting to believe it’s impossible and rest beyond all beliefs? Part 2- What’s a disadvantage to believing it’s impossible? Is that coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Could you let go of wanting that? Could you let go of wanting to believe it’s impossible and rest beyond all beliefs? (go back and forth at least 5 or 6 times until both sides feel neutral)

Playful Activities:

Tinker Bell in Peter Pan embraces this principle. Allow yourself to clap three times and say “I do believe, I do believe in ____________”. Fill in the blank with as many things as you can come up with.

What do you think?

Please share about something that happened to you that either you always believed was possible, or that you never thought could happen.

What Do You Really Want

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Canfield Principle #3: Decide What You Want

The Principle in a Nutshell: What do you most want for you? What do you want your life to look like?

Discussion: If you don’t know what you want, the course of your life is without direction. Others (people and universal forces) will not know how to support you if you are unclear.
Getting clear can be challenging. Our parents, caretakers and society all have ideas about what our lives should look like. We often grow up thinking we want what they want for us, and don’t realize we are trying to live someone else’s dream.

Case Study: I’m a great case study for this one. My dad was an accountant and I idolized him and became an accountant as well. Though I knew as a child that my passion was movement and performing, I suppressed that because of many messages about succeeding in the arts. Eventually, I was able to define what I wanted and redesign my life.

Sedona Method Release:
1.   What’s something you have done in order to please others? Notice if you have done that in order to get approval, control, security, separation or oneness. Whichever you are most aware of, could you let go of wanting that? (repeat this exercise at least 4 or 5 times)
2.   Ask yourself- What do I want more than anything? Notice if that want is coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness. Whichever you are most aware of, could you let go of wanting that? (repeat this exercise at least 4 or 5 times, you will find the unimportant things will let go and the important things will just get stronger)

Playful Activities:
1.   If you were given 10 billion dollars, and had to spend ½ to change the world, how would you spend it?

Movement Activity:
1.   Put some music on and walk (or leap) around the room as if you know exactly what you want and where you are going.
2.   Do the same exercise as if you didn’t have a clue.
3.   Repeat 1 and 2 and see what is revealed.

What do you think?
I would love to hear how you would spend the 5 billion dollars to change the world.

About Purpose

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:11:00 GMT

Canfield Principle #2: Be Clear Why You’re Here

The Principle in a Nutshell: Know what you have been put on Earth to do.

Discussion: Your purpose is always tied to your passions. Exploring what you love to do and doing more of it is good for you, good for others and good for the planet.
I have seen way too many clients in angst over not knowing their life purpose and feeling paralyzed trying to figure it out. Taking a step, any step, will start the process. Don’t wait until you think you have it figured out.

Case Study: Lydia was in a field she hated for many years. She was afraid to leave because she didn’t know what she would do for income. As she learned to allow herself to have fun with the exploration, she started a blog on one passion and shortly thereafter, another opportunity presented itself in another area she was also passionate about. Within just a few months, she was able to quit her job.

Sedona Method Release: This is what’s called a holistic release, going back and forth between two polarities. Don’t try to answer the questions, just notice what comes up.
Could you allow yourself to feel as much as you do that you don’t know what excites you or what your purpose is? Could you allow yourself to feel as much as you do, or as best you can that you know what excites you or what your purpose is?
(go back and forth between the two questions 6 to 8 times, you may be surprised at what you uncover)

Playful Activities:
1.   Write yourself a letter from your inner 5 year old. What does he/she love to do? What would she like to see you doing more of? What does he miss in your life now? What dreams did she have? What was exciting about those dreams?
2.   Put on some music that helps you to slow your thoughts down and create a spontaneous collage from magazine pictures and sayings. What are you drawn to? What images or words make you smile?
3.   Ask yourself, ‘if there was one thing about the world I could change, what would it be?’   Journal about this and see what comes out!

What do you think?
Please share an experience you had with this principle. Or any questions…

Responsibility

Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:11:00 GMT

Canfield Principle #1: Take 100% Responsibility For Your Life

The Principle in a Nutshell: Give up blaming and complaining. Recognize that you have the power to change the circumstances in your life through your actions and responses.

Discussion: Recognizing that you are not at the mercy of others can be very empowering. Knowing that you can take charge of your life, make changes and be master of your responses provides strength to move forward and take action.
Using this principle to blame yourself and take responsibility for everything that happens in life can become destructive and crazy-making. Too often people will exhaust themselves wondering why something happened to them instead of accepting it, learning from it and moving on. Remember, when you give up blaming, that includes blaming yourself.

Case Study: Suzanna had been sexually abused as a child and as many do, blamed herself. She carried the blame into adulthood and came to believe that she didn’t deserve to be happy. This led to many instances of self-sabotage and expecting the worst to happen. As she learned to give up blaming, she started to see more possibilities and new opportunities became available.

Sedona Method Releases:
1. Allow yourself to think about any area of your life where you feel like a victim or un-empowered. Could you welcome the pictures, sounds and sensations that go along with that memory? Is that feeling coming from wanting approval, control, security, separation or oneness? Whichever you are most aware of, could you let it go? And could you let go of that feeling? Could you let go of wanting to keep the memory alive?
(Repeat 3 or 4 times or until dissolved)
2. Think about someone or something you have been blaming or complaining about for circumstances in your life. Allow yourself to feel any frustration or anger associated with the situation. Could you allow yourself to be as upset as you are and open inside to the sensations that accompany the upset? (You may find that as you get present to the sensations, they will start to loosen their grip and will naturally dissolve.) Could you let go of wanting to blame?

Movement:
1. Allow yourself to find the posture that goes with feeling like a victim or un-empowered, notice what it feels like and let it go.
2. Allow yourself to find the posture that goes with taking too much responsibility (perhaps like the weight of the world is on your shoulders). Notice this posture and let it go.
3. See if you can find a position that supports and empowers being in this moment and appropriate response. How are you sitting or standing? Are you aware of your breath? Is your head up? What position is your spine, your arms, your mouth?
4. Take a couple of minutes to play with the different postures and see what you notice. A simple shift in posture may create a new perspective.

What do you think?
Please share an experience you had with this principle. It can be about a time you felt like a victim, or when you gave up blaming, or how the above exercises felt to you. Thanks!