Word for February:  WARM

(Not just for campers.) CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark. Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Several people did not get last week’s post. If you don’t get a Sunday post, be suspicious. This week makes [...]]]> (Week 108)

Word for February:  WARM

(Not just for campers.)

CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark.
Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share.
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Word for January:  SUPPORT  (last week)

The hardest part about teaching a child to ride a bike is knowing how much to support and how much to let go.

How much to hold on.

How much to let go.

There is no manual. It’s a feeling.

And sometimes they fall.

This is how we too learn balance. _ _ _ _ [...]]]> (Week 107)

Word for January:  SUPPORT  (last week)

The hardest part about teaching a child to ride a bike is knowing how much to support and how much to let go.

How much to hold on.

How much to let go.

There is no manual. It’s a feeling.

And sometimes they fall.

This is how we too learn balance.
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STUDIO STREAMLINE

Word for January:  SUPPORT

We are all designed to create. We all have a left and a right hemisphere. The right, with its infinite imagination and wisdom, was created to lead. And the left does its best work as support, physically carrying out the right’s ideas. It holds the to-do list.

This morning [...]]]> (Week 106)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

We are all designed to create. We all have a left and a right hemisphere. The right, with its infinite imagination and wisdom, was created to lead. And the left does its best work as support, physically carrying out the right’s ideas. It holds the to-do list.

This morning as I wrote, I felt fear. I know my left brain was trying to lead, because it does fear. By design, it was created to warn of danger, real danger, and we need it to survive. But its opinion about perceived danger is just that, opinion. It’s important to know its not fact. Your truth is found in the right hemisphere. Where your true self and God merge. And create.

I turned the page and asked a heart question. “Why do I want to do it?” This immediately put the right guy, the right brain, in charge. Heart questions do that. The answer flowed. Fear departed. And I felt energized. Excited. My focus had shifted from me to the people I wanted to serve. I saw it as an offer of love. There, there was peace. And no struggle.

If you’re feeling anxiety about something you want to create, shift focus. From focusing outside, on what others might think. (This is where your left, fearful brain points.) To focusing within, on what your authentic self knows. Ask why? And you will shift to the right space. And the left can do its best work as support.
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REFLECTION, 2012

Word for January: SUPPORT

Is it time to clean out your friends closet?

Friendships are like clothes. They have a certain fit. Some fit a season. Others a lifetime. It’s because of our evolution, our ever becoming process. Preferences change. Over time, some clothes no longer feel right.

We transform for good reason. We’ve [...]]]> (Week 105)

REFLECTION, 2012

Word for January: SUPPORT

Is it time to clean out your friends closet?

Friendships are like clothes. They have a certain fit. Some fit a season. Others a lifetime. It’s because of our evolution, our ever becoming process. Preferences change. Over time, some clothes no longer feel right.

We transform for good reason. We’ve got a job to do. It’s the reason we’re here. Our growth is the process that gets us there. Our authentic self, the vehicle that gets us there. Hold tight.

Letting go of a friendship is painful. Grieve. Give it time. Find a friend or two who will grab your hand and help you to the other side. Don’t resist, allow the emotions. They’re making room.

You may not see it for a while, but in the end, both parties benefit. Both are now available to find something that supports them. Something that fits them beautifully. Something that celebrates their assets!

Really, why have any clothes that don’t do that.

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STUDIO SHIFT

So yesterday, during my morning pages, I got this brilliant idea. Make videos to address the creative struggle. Videos that remove the blocks so creatives can reach their potential. After all, this gift can ultimately bless all of us. If I can help that, I want to!

So, as you’re reading this, think of a problem you’re having with your creativity and send it to me. Something that’s keeping you from moving forward. Just press “reply” to this email. It will begin the experiment. Who knows what will come? I love that about the creative process. (Fits me perfectly.)

(Week 104)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

With this new year before us, all stretched out and pretty, we stand in front of a white canvas free to create. An invitation to play. This moment does not know what came before. It doesn’t even care. We can make anything happen. What [...]]]>

CLICK image to watch.

(Week 104)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

With this new year before us, all stretched out and pretty, we stand in front of a white canvas free to create. An invitation to play. This moment does not know what came before. It doesn’t even care. We can make anything happen. What do you want to see? Remember, your studio is you.

What will you create for yourself in 2012? I like the idea of one thing at a time. One thing brings focus. One thing can stick in your brain. Choose something. Write it down as if it has already happened. Then put a date on it. For example, “I have completed my book. It’s June 30, 2012.” This is how we shift from dreaming to doing. And this is often where we get stuck. When action is required. Because it takes time. And obstacles show up.

So GET SUPPORT! That’s right. Do something you rarely do. Once you decide what you want and when it will happen by, pick up the phone or send an email to someone you can count on. Someone who’s got your back. Someone who will do all they can to help you accomplish your thing. (They probably have a goal you can help them with.)

Tell them your intention and what you want help with. Work out the details. I’d suggest weekly check-ins. This effort does have the power to create that thing. You’re attaching commitment to it. It can happen this year. When there’s action.

Just “stop it!” You CAN ask for help. You’ve tried this on your own, right? Take just one minute to really get this thing going. You know how fast this year will go.

(A lil support because I love ya!)
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Word for January:  SUPPORT

As we move to support the things we love, we will also feel the poetry.

Welcome to 2012. CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark above. Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ [...]]]> (Week 103)

Word for January:  SUPPORT

As we move to support the things we love, we will also feel the poetry.

Welcome to 2012.

CLICK HERE to download this month’s bookmark above.
Best printed on card stock. Includes some extras to share.
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STUDIO : Sacred Play Session

Time to treat your soul.
Connect with your body, creativity and dreams.
Gain insight, peace and direction as you create a vision for 2012 in collage.

Join Mindfulness Educator Ann D’Angelo and I as we play with the possibilities. Limited to 6 participants. Sierra Madre.
For details, CLICK HERE.

Word for December: LIVE

Happy holidays! _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ STUDIO WISHES

May the Spirit of this season live within you all year long. xo

(Week 101)

Word for December:  LIVE Life is a process.

When I was little, I wondered what time I’d have to get up to be first on the freeway. Now I understand that people getting home are passing the people leaving home. Freeways represent a continuous flow. They are always in motion. So are we.

What [...]]]>

Click to shop.

(Week 101)

Word for December:  LIVE

Life is a process.

When I was little, I wondered what time I’d have to get up to be first on the freeway. Now I understand that people getting home are passing the people leaving home. Freeways represent a continuous flow. They are always in motion. So are we.

What will I be when I grow up?
What is meaningful work to me?
How will I express my creativity?
Where do I want to live?

I used to think there was just one answer. Now I know we too are a continuous flow. That what we choose today, may not be what we choose tomorrow. As we live, we change. Things change. And our answers change.

Live by grace.

Grace allows the flow. Life’s organic, unpredictable nature. And ours. Without judgement.

When we judge ourselves, we lose. Whenever we deplete our joy, we lose. When we fail our own test, we lose.

Grace allows us to win. We accept what is, including ourselves. And go from there. To another place if we wish. But we don’t get stuck.

Do you have enough? Depends on how you answer this question… “am I having fun?”

“One of the great qualities necessary for every human being besides a generous and attentive heart and mind, is a sense of self compassion for the way that you’re made in particular.” David Whyte

(Click here to download the bookmark “Live by Grace”.)
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STUDIO GRACE

Business is a flow as well. Stay close to your heart. Do your best, and release the rest. It will keep it fun. xo

(Week 97)

Word for November:  EXHALE

In life, we sometimes hold our breath. We are in “effort” mode, and we are trying. REALLY hard. To make it happen. Or to make it not happen. It is our effort to control. Our effort to avoid pain. We often do that. Even with [...]]]>

The Pacific Ocean

(Week 97)

Word for November:  EXHALE

In life, we sometimes hold our breath. We are in “effort” mode, and we are trying. REALLY hard. To make it happen. Or to make it not happen. It is our effort to control. Our effort to avoid pain. We often do that. Even with God’s business.

As we hold our breath, tension builds. Carbon dioxide collects, and we weaken. When we hold tight. As we stop the natural flow. In our all out effort. We lose the big picture. Our balance. Our faith.

The exhale is the act of letting go. Of trusting. For freedom.

Interesting it’s required to live.
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STUDIO LOVE

Wishing you a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Great, and necessary, time to exhale. Enjoy! xo

Word for November:  EXHALE

Breathing. We do it unconsciously. But we can also do it consciously. To reduce anxiety and overwhelm. When we notice our breath, the fast, stressful thoughts are replaced with slow, soothing movement. We create quiet. So we can hear and re-connect with ourselves.

Inhale, notice the air, the oxygen [...]]]> (Week 96)

Word for November:  EXHALE

Breathing. We do it unconsciously. But we can also do it consciously. To reduce anxiety and overwhelm. When we notice our breath, the fast, stressful thoughts are replaced with slow, soothing movement. We create quiet. So we can hear and re-connect with ourselves.

Inhale, notice the air, the oxygen as it comes into your lungs. Put your right hand on your chest and your left on your abdomen. Close your eyes. Take a nice deep breath. Feel your belly expand, as a balloon filling with air. The chest moves too, slightly. This is you. Noticing you. And your body. Doing what it does. Filling you with life.

Exhale, notice the air as it passes thru your nose, carrying carbon dioxide out into the world. For the trees. And the plants. The abdomen comes back towards the spine, gently pushing out all the air you have. Allow the exhale to last longer than the inhale. Tension also leaves. This is your body taking care of you. Making room for fresh, new air to re-enter.

Just three minutes of focused breathing. When you need a new perspective.
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STUDIO CERTIFIED

It’s official. I passed the certification test to become an official “Martha Beck Certified Life Coach”. Completion feels good.

But just to tell you. It’s not the seal, the title or the diploma that creates competency. It’s your head. Whatever you believe to be true, is. No matter what the paper says.