Women Who Lead

DIY or BY for Success

DIY or Do It Yourself is often a great way to get things done when you want to get it done quickly and less expensively.  But, when it comes to mastery, it is all about BY, or Be Yourself. 

I am talking about Being versus doing.  About bringing your highest and best self to whatever you are doing.  It is then, that you are more likely to succeed with ease and joy. 

In my life travels I have found that no matter how much skill I have or how much I practice if I am not being my best I cannot succeed, or I succeed at a lower level with little to no joy.

Maybe you are like me and when out of balance, on autopilot and  doing, doing, doing tend to be busy versus productive, and move toward overwhelm.  Proper rest is allusive and negative talk creeps in.  Worst yet, fears show up and slow you down or block your progress all together.  At this point, you feel like or you are stuck.  You are no longer accomplishing anything, just doing without progress ... But, maybe this is a good thing. 

Next time you find yourself in this stuck space, realize it is time for Being versus doing. STOP, take a break or breath, slow down and go for balance and harmony.  Get off autopilot, get intentionally aligned with who you are and what you value and begin to attract what you need and want.  If you are practicing being aware and in harmony with who you really are, it will take only a few breaths and fewer moments to realign. And, when you are in this place of harmony you will find everything you do easier and more joyful.

So, next time you plan to DIY, remember to take a moment to Be yourself and bring your conscious, intentional self to whatever you do.  Oh, I forgot to remind you to bring your smile!

Success wi th H.E.A.R.T.™ Principle # 2: Take 10 - manage your (E)nergy over your time

My acronym HEART, includes (E) for energy. Inspired by Jim Loehr's "Power of Full Engagement" and the reminder to manage our energy over our time. The reminder to take (at least) 10 minutes each day for down time to just Be, re-energize and get in touch with You.

Down time to get in touch with your heart and intuition. Time to connect with your authentic self, nature, and relaxation. Time to ignite and maximize your creativity.

This may be 10 minutes to enjoy a slow breath, gaze out the window and just Be. With more time, you can budget in time for yoga, reading, music or a guided retreat.

I am enjoying time at my newly decluttered desk, by the window, to just breathe and enjoy the view.

How are you taking time for you? Please use the comments below to share.

Walking The Labyrinth... of Your Life

Last month while on retreat I took some time to walk the labyrinth.  During my walk, and after, I realized the metaphor it represented and decided to reflect on it by writing.  So, here's my share.

This photo is of the labyrinth I walked at Well of Mercy, in Harmony, NC.  On their web site they describe it as, "similar to the one on the floor of Charters Cathedral in France, which dates back to the 13th century... An ancient tool, a meandering but purposeful path leading to a center and out again. The sacred path, symbolic of life’s journey, is meant to give those using it a chance to pray, meditate, and find wholeness. Those walking the labyrinth meander back and forth, turning 180 degrees each time they enter a different circuit. As they shift direction, it is said that they also shift awareness between the right brain and the left."

I was attracted to the beauty of this labyrinth, situated on a hill overlooking forest and hills. I figured it would be reason for an intentional walk in the evening air.  I also love when ancient wisdom meets modern practice, so this made it even more attractive to me.

As I walked I noticed how the the paths started out shorter keeping me more conscious of my steps and turns.  Further into the walk, as I slowed down and began to be more in the moment, I noted the paths were longer between twists and turns.  This reminded me of times in my life when I start a task or learn something new.  At the onset of these endeavors I am more conscious of what I am doing - before it becomes wrote, more natural, easier and relaxed action.  Later, I am acting without so much thought and enjoying the results of the action and the view along the path.

It was also interesting to experience how the path progressed closer to the center then out again to the rim.  Close enough to touch but not available to enter until I walked the whole labyrinth path - unless I chose to jump the path and cut the experience short.  Yet, as in life, I decided not to quit, stayed the path and enjoyed the views as I slowed my pace, got more and more present, and walked the path as it was intended.

As I walked the labyrinth I revisited each view over and over.  Yet, each time I experienced something different.  Be it a simple change in light, a bird or animal on a path, or how the green of the trees varied from tree to tree.  I found myself paying less attention to my feet and the path and more engaged with nature.  Feeling the changes in the breeze and the light of the sun.

I've decided that I will keep this walk in mind as I walk through life.  Deciding to slow down.  Knowing it is OK to revisit a path.  Not quitting when the end is in sight but not yet attainable.  Enjoying the journey.  Taking time for gratitude for what crosses my path.

If you have enjoyed a walk, on or off of a labyrinth, please share your finding, thoughts and feeling in the comments below.

If not, I invite you to find a labyrinth near you and enjoy slowing down, being present, and taking time in nature.

May your walks through life be a journey to learn and enjoy!

Namaste'

Karen McMillan, ACC

The Conscious Leadership and Retreat Coach

www.kdmcmillan.com

P.S. I invite you to visit an artful video tribute contributed in a comment by a reader. In honor of her father in support of "stand up 2 cancer" .  It is a powerful, moving message for love and living.

Letting Go of Struggle - Five Simple, Sacred Tips

It was another busy week of decisions, decisions and more decisions.  A real need to focus, set clear intention then let go.  It was also another week of powerful synchronicity with my yoga teacher, Debbie George of Yoga For Life Dilworth.

Somehow Debbie knows exactly what is needed and how to integrate heart-centered advice with breath and yoga to get me where I need to be.  Not only during yoga class but each and every day.  I want to share this experience with you so you too can practice letting go when needed.

1. Debbie started by inviting us to sit in a non-habitual position, e.g., cross your legs in the opposite manner, sit with your feet under versus in front of you ... whatever was different from the usual.  In making this change I became more aware of my habit, and made simple moves to change.
2. Next, she invited us to set an intention, and be more intentional about the practice.  Here I could simply focus on letting go of thoughts and stress during each yoga move, or integrate an intention of something else I needed to let go of, e.g., stressing over the decisions I needed to make. At this point I became totally present and let go of operating on autopilot or letting my mind wonder to what I needed to do that afternoon.
3. Then, she reminded us to move slowly into this new position, becoming aware of what showed up in body and mind as we eased into this "new" position.  I remembered to do this without judgment or comparison to what was usual for me, or if I had a preference. It is necessary to slow down when letting go of what was in our lives. As always, we were instructed to breathe and relax as we moved more deeply into and became more comfortable with the "new" position.  Breathing slowly and deeply allowed me to let go of any stress I was experiencing.
4. She guided us to become aware of where or what we may be resisting and what we needed to let go of - physically, mentally, spiritually.  Again, this is not about judgment or knowing why we are resisting.
5. To help us maintain our balance, Debbie suggested we find our drishti, the place where we rest our gaze, focus our eyes.  This allowed me to let go of distractions and enhanced concentration for better alignment.  In daily life, it reminds me to remember what I am focused on, the big picture. Another great example of focus and presence is truly enjoying focused time with my daughter.  This works whether I am listening to her conversation or following her lead to lighten up and have some fun!

I so appreciate how the practice of yoga carries into my daily practice of living and working.  I call it everyday yoga.   I found it oh-so-valuable to learn this simple practice of letting go. 

I look forward to letting go of whatever is holding me back, standing in my way of peace and prosperity. I invite you to do the same.

Tell me what is your practice for letting go and staying present.  I invite you to share in the comment section below.  

So, I ask, "What will you let go of today, this week, to change your life?"

With peace and joy,

Life Coach Karen, ACC

The Conscious Leadership & Retreat Coach

 

** If this email worked for you, please share with friends and family.

* If you want to take it up a notch, go to my web site and sign up for the complimentary 7-week e-Course, Art of Life Balance with H.E.A.R.T. ™

Wisdom of the Inner Teacher - Get W.I.T. It™ and Thrive

I love my Kripalu yoga teacher, Debbie George, and her yoga class.  Probably because no matter how regularly or sporadically I show up for class, Debbie seems to know exactly where I am and what I need at that very moment in time. Probably because she is so connected to her own "inner teacher."

Lately, I have been like most, vulnerable to distraction by the stressful economic news and trying to successfully wear all my hats (mom, certified coach, entrepreneur, friend and volunteer).  It is in these moments I am totally aware that I need the support that Debbie and her yoga class offer to mind and body.  So, I show up to my favorite yoga studio, Yoga for Life in Dilworth, ready for the journey with Debbie. 

She leads with breath and joy, encouraging us to travel our own paths as we move with and into the asanas (positions).  Today, she reminded us to tap into our, "Wisdom of the Inner Teacher."  Guiding us to breathe deeply and slowly while simply observing what comes up as we move with our own breath.  Reminding us that our body will teach us what it likes and needs. 

Debbie teaches by example, keeping it light while she demonstrates options for the different levels of access to each asana.  She creates a safe space, and encourages vulnerability, reassuring us that this is not a competition, that continuous breath is the key.  Reminding us to relax, be kind and go only as far as our breath and body will take us.

She instructs us to let each breath be an "invitation to relax" - observing what shows up in each area of our body.  Inviting us to play with each move, aligning our breath and body.  As we reach into our postures, she speaks of extending our fingers as a means of ex-tension.   I smile and allow the life metaphors to come clear.

The metaphor that really speaks to me is Debbie's reminder that, "the hardest yoga position is being still."    With this, I self-challenge to let go of all thought, breathe the ocean breath and allow myself to be totally present.  As I relax out of mind and into my breath a smile possesses me and I become aware of how good it feels to let go.  I feel what it means to thrive versus struggle and survive.  

Mind you, I am the student, not the teacher, and must practice to get back to this beautiful place.  Over time, I have found it easier to be aware of when the moment slips away and can more quickly access my W.I.T.™ , allowing the Wisdom of the Inner Teacher to lead me.

I invite you to let your inner teacher lead you to your wisdom and a life that thrives.

Please take a moment to use the comment section below to share your journey with your inner teacher.

With joy,

Life Coach Karen, ACC

The Conscious Living Coach

p.s. If you are in Charlotte, NC, check out the best-ever Kripalu yoga studio to share in life-changing joy and yoga with Debbie George at Yoga for Life in Dilworth.

P.P.S. If you wish to complement your yoga practice with mind practice, check out our Art of Life Balance with H.E.A.R.T.™ eCourse and other complimentary self-coaching tools on my web site.