Holding The Paradox

There is so much that I am learning.  There is so much that I am wanting to apply in my own life and as areas to bring into the Consciousness of my Coaching Clients.  There is so much that I am naturally applying in my own life and I love the opportunity for Self-Reflection to see what is working and new opportunities for growth.

Often it is just the Awareness and the bringing into Consciousness that can create HUGE Shifts.  For me I have been Consciously bringing myself into a State of being Present (more often, most often), being more in Body, and less caught in my Thinking or Feelings.  Being in my Body is my resting place - and from here I am Guided by my Intuition.  When I am resting in my Body, being Present, I feel that I am in my Soul's Home, My Yellow Heart.  The image of My Yellow Heart always brings me back to this place.  When I find myself Overthinking or getting caught up in the Past or be in my Worrying Shadow - I bring in the image of My Yellow Heart, and I come back into being Present in the Now.  This Awareness and Consciousness is changing my life.

In this place of My Yellow Heart, I am able to experience and enjoy Holding The Paradox.   This is a new Concept for me, so simple and so Powerful.  I can hold the Dark AND the Light.  It is no longer about quickly shifting from the Dark to the Light, or just staying in the Dark, or there being just Dark OR Light.  When I am Holding The Paradox, it is not about 'but', it is about using the word 'AND' - using it from a genuine, felt sense, heartfelt place.  When I am Holding the Paradox, I am in Balance - there is one hand Holding the Dark and one hand Holding the Light.  In My Yellow Heart I am Grounded and I am filled with Spirit, I am in my Strength and Authentic Power and Truth.  I am not just saying the words I can have a strong sense and feeling of Holding The Paradox.

In my Life I feel comfortable Feeling into my Emotions, being Present to my Emotions.  By Being in my Body I can feel at a gut level what is real for me, not what I Think I am Feeling.  And as I sit in my Emotions, sometimes sadness or pain, I can also Hold the knowing that there is Light and Joy.

I am Holding The Paradox in many Areas of my Life right now.  Paradox defined -
" A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true: the paradox that standing is more tiring than walking."
- "An assertion that is essentially self-contradictory, though based on a valid deduction from acceptable premises."

I can be in pain and sadness AND feel Happy and Grateful.  I can feel a sense of isolation and aloneness AND a strong sense of Love and Connection.  I can feel a sense of being stuck AND know I can take a step and start to move.

By Holding the Paradox, I do not feel distressed or weighed down or overwhelmed.  Especially when it comes to my loved one - right now I am Holding The Paradox of concern about my Parents and my Man who are all sick AND believing that they are getting the care and medical attention that is required and the Love and Light from me.  By Holding The Paradox I do not waste mental or emotional energy that does not serve me or serve the situation - instead, I can be fully Present to what is needed on a day to day, needs by needs basis.

I am Holding The Paradox that I am not earning as much money as my previous Management Career AND I can Trust and be Excited that I have found my Lifework as a Coach.  

I am Holding The Paradox that my work Monday-Wednesday does not make my heart sing and does not utilise all of my Strengths and Skills AND I am Grateful to work close to home and be busy in my job without a feeling of stress.

I am Holding The Paradox of there is so much still to learn and embrace AND I have learnt and grown so much.

I am Holding The Paradox of feeling less fit and not being able to run AND I can enjoy Walking and Yoga and a more relaxed pace of exercise.

I am Holding The Paradox of feeling I have so much to organise in my Home and garage and clutter to clear AND I am taking steps every day to create a Happy Home.

I am Holding The Paradox of day to day living with my Man and whatever that brings us in our day AND the Excitement of a deep and loving bond and wonderful times for our Future.

I am Holding The Paradox of being tired AND energised with all of my Dreams that I want to fit more into my day.

By Holding The Paradox I am Holding and Acknowledging the realness and the Truth AND I am also Holding a Light, Holding and Acknowledging being Grateful, holding Hope, holding my Dreams.

I can be Present to both Light AND Dark.  I can Hold both Light AND Dark.

In this Space of Holding both, I am neither Light or Dark.  I am at Peace.  In My Yellow Heart I am Love and Light.  And from this Space, I can draw in my Sage, my Wise Self.  My Sage is my Resource, infused with energy of God and Spirit, filled with rays of energy, helping me for my Highest  Good.  My Sage is Present when I am Acting, Speaking and Being in Wisdom.  While I am Still when I am Holding The Paradox, my Sage can help guide me towards my Next Steps.

And in my Purpose to Spread The Yellow, I am Holding The Paradox of:

- I am only one AND still I am one
- I cannot do everything AND still I can do something.

I am Holding The Paradox of wanting to rush out and get busy with Action and 'To Do' Lists AND  allowing space, living in the flow and trusting the Universe to show me the way.  I am asking God to show me the way and show me how I can live my Purpose to Spread The Yellow each and every day in the big and small ways.  By Holding The Paradox, this allows me more mental and emotional energy, more freedom, to be in the right Space to Love and Serve others.

And now it is time for me to wash up - one of the simple ways I can Spread The Yellow in my Home (since my Man hates washing up).  And then time for bed - Self-Care.

Healthy Sources of Energy

We had a great night last night - out with my Man and his Friends.  We went out to a Thai Restaurant and enjoyed great food and wine, stories, chatting and laughter.  I love laughing.  Laughing for me is definitely one of my Healthy Sources Of Energy.

And today has been a day of relaxation, which I have loved.  I remember the days when I had every minute of my life planned and I was always on the go - now I love the opportunity to relax and recharge.  I have also enjoyed looking at my College work today, which is my lifework and a hobby.  Unlike when I was at University years ago, I love my College work, it is not a chore at all.  I love that it offers me the opportunity for my own Growth and I love continually learning to help me with Coaching my Clients.

For my College work and for my Self-Development, I have been looking at Distractions and Energy Leaks.  In 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson there are some good reminders for me of how I used to be and how I do not want to be again - this part resonates with me "Another common way to keep the adrenaline flowing is to spread yourself too thin.  Investing your time and energy in too many areas causes stress and anxiety.  Instead of working on too many projects at once, pursuing multiple business ideas, or getting involved with too many organisations, narrow your focus.  Decide to do one or two things well, and channel your energy.  Too many irons in the fire give the illusion of getting a lot accomplished, but it's usually less productive."

As I tune my awareness to Energy Leaks and Distractions "of what triggers my body into fight or flight response, even on a subtle level", I really like the opportunity to consider how I replace this in my own life with Healthy Sources Of Energy (or fuel).  In the book 'Take Time For Your Life' by Cheryl Richardson, she talks about the "energy that comes from a higher source - the kinds of fuel that give you the power to do all that you want to do and contribute to your overall health and wellbeing.  Living a high-quality, whole life is a long-distance event.  Give yourself plenty of good fuel you need to sustain yourself."

I review the "What's Fueling You" List and check the good sources already in my life and I am conscious of what I still may need to Consciously bring into my life.  Cheryl Richardson explains "These are the things that will fuel you in a way that contributes to the quality of your life... give yourself 2 points for every item checked.  Tally each section individually and multiply by 2.  Then, combine the scores from each section for a grand total.  With 100 points available, how did you do?  If you score is low, don't worry.  Now that you have more time and energy available, it will be easier to consistently add more of these types of energy sources to your life."  In doing this Activity I decide to give myself either a 0, 1 or 2 which helps me avoid the black or white, yes or no, and allows space for the sometimes and I want more.  If I feel like I do have some progress in this area and I would still like to make some improvement, I will rank this Area at a 1.
 
Relationships
- I enjoy the company of special friends -1
- I share my life with my soulmate - 2
- I have a blood family or chosen family with whom I feel close - 2
- I get immense pleasure from spending time with children - 2
- I have a pet that brings me joy and provides me with unconditional love - 0
- I spend time having fun with people who make me laugh - 2
- I am part of a loving and supportive community -1
- I have relationships that stimulate me intellectually - 2
- I have people I can turn to in times of need - 2
- I have relationships where I feel intimately connected to others - 2
16/20

Environment
- I have a special 'soul nurturing' place in my home just for me - 0
- I listen to my favourite music regularly - 1
- I love my sense of style and feel good in the clothes I wear - 1
- I've let go of all the 'stuff' I no longer need - 0
- I keep fresh flowers in my home and office - 2
- My home is neat, clean and well organised - 1
- I create beauty around me - 1
- I love the neighbourhood I live in - 2
- My bedroom is the perfect place to get a good night's sleep - 2
- I have at least one room with a beautiful view that I enjoy - 1
11/20

Body, Mind and Spirit
- I exercise regularly -2
- I have eliminated caffeine from my diet - 1
- I have a way that eliminates stress and keeps me centred - 2
- I eat healthy and nutritious foods -1
- I care for my body with regular healthcare checkups and bodywork appointments - 2
- Each day I read something inspirational to keep my attitude positive - 2
- I have a Spiritual practice that connects me with my Wise Self - 1
- I feel a strong connection to a power greater than myself - 2
- I set aside regular time for solitude and silence - 2
- I have a safe and healthy outlet for my emotional wellbeing - 2
17/20

Work
- I enjoy my work - 1
- My commute is stress free - 2
- I have a mentor who guides and encourages me - 0
- I always take lunch breaks - 2
- I have colleagues who inspire and respect me - 2
- I take mental health days when I need them - 1
- I feel energised at the end of most work days - 1
- My office is a beautiful space that's well organised and free from distractions - 0
- My work contributes to a larger Vision that I have for my life - 1
- My ideas and talents are welcome at work - 1
11/20

Money
- I always carry enough cash with me - 1
- I have a system to keep my finances in order, and I know where my money goes - 1
- I am fully insured and protected - 2
- I save money consistently - 0
- My taxes are paid and up to date - 2
- I've made smart investments that earn very well -1
- I enjoy being generous and easily share my wealth - 2
- I pay myself first - 0
- I spend my money on things that I love - 2
- I pay my credit cards in full each month - 0
11/20

My Total Score = 66/100


I am surprised that I am only at 66 out of 100, and then another Part of me is not that surprised as I know that Environment, Work and Money are Areas that need my attention.  I am Excited that by having a look at the list of different Areas, by chunking it down to specifics, I am able to see opportunities for me to bring more Healthy Sources Of Energy into my life.

I am enjoying these Yang Processes and yet I am feeling my Yin Part of me calling to check in with my Intuition to get a feel of Next Steps plus bring in some images to bring possibilities to life for me.  In terms of Relationships I have a sense that of most importance to me is Connection with my Man on a daily basis  (this week I think we'll put on some music and have fun dancing, as well as enjoy some  Nature walks).

It is also important for me to maintain Connection with Friends and also be proactive in joining in with Community through the Bookstore and Church.

In terms of my Environment, this week I plan to listen to more music that I enjoy, at home and in my car.   I love music, I love when I put music on at home when I am cooking and I love listening to music driving to work, it definitely gets me energised for my day.

And I plan to keep my living area and kitchen free of clutter and organised.  I am not going to make a Commitment to organise my Office - this is a big job, and I want to be realistic and have the time to be able to focus my energy - and so for this week, it is just small Next Steps.


For my Body, Mind, Spirit I am also making a Commitment to enjoy at least 15-30 minutes of Meditation every day - this is important.  This week I will use this as the Opportunity to Connect with my Wise Self.  This is the image that I feel resonates with me when I talk about my Wise Self, the Sage Part of me.

The Area of Work is a BIG one for me.  While I love my Coaching, I also have a sense of wanting to be bringing more of my Self and my skills to my Monday-Wednesday job and I also want to put more energy into building my Business.  For me this week I am just going to hold myself Accountable to finalising the requirements for my Coaching Advertisement.

Money is also an Area that requires my attention.  There has been a huge change in this Area for me, directly related to my decisions regarding Work.  I make a BIG decision to not go back into a Management, Corporate, Full-Time role once I was made redundant so that I could be true to my Journey of becoming a Coach.  And this has been the right decision - even though it has had a huge impact on my Financial situation - and I trust that this struggle is just short-term.  For this week I am planning to be conscious of living to my Budget and keeping a record of where I am spending my Money.

I am also looking forward to reading my notes from College about "Invest in Your Financial Health" - sounds like a perfect topic for me.

I am Excited to know that with all of this Self-Reflection via all of these Yang Processes and Activities, there is the opportunity to work with a Coach and so perhaps this is where there will be space for getting insights from my Intuitive Yin and Emotional Yin Parts of me.  As I am so connected with my Feminine, Intuitive and Emotional Yin, I do welcome the opportunity to get my Yang Part of me working for me, taking ACTION.

All of these Processes are fantastic by offering the Opportunity to look at all Areas of Life.   I am Excited to use them as Exercises in Coaching with my Clients and to add them to my Toolkit.

Commitment

'Commitment' is the word that has been coming up for me in the last few days - just the sense of Naming my Commitments and Honouring my Commitments.

Yesterday and today my Organiser Archetype has been in Action, with my To Do Lists, getting things done. And by being in Yang ACTION mode I do feel good about myself, I feel a sense of Achievement.  I have been organising my tax, health appointments and an Advertisement for my Coaching Business.  I have made a Commitment to get more Organised, so that I feel more Empowered in my Life.  

This morning, as I was lying in bed, I had a look at my Values on the wall and Commitment is one of my Values.  I love having my Values on my wall - they guide me for my day and for my life.

As I was lying in bed and enjoying lying in bed, I see the words Commitment and Health.  I am choosing to Name and Honour my Commitment to my Health.  Recently I was shocked to complete a Wheel Of Life Activity and have a sense that my Health is only at a 2 out of 10.  I was looking at my Wheel Of Life on 1 July 2010, knowing that I still had 6 months left of 2010, I wanted to put my own Dreams into ACTION.  I am SO HAPPY that I am now going to Yoga - I have a Commitment to go to Yoga at least once a week - and I love it.  I love the feeling of stretching and strengthening my body, I just love it!!!  After Yoga, I was very relaxed sitting at home on the couch and I was very very tempted to have some chocolate - and yet I have made a Commitment to not eat sweets during the week.  I am not sure what changed for me, I never used to eat chocolate, sweets, cakes.  I am glad that I am more relaxed and yet I need to Balance this with my Commitment to my Best Health. 

Thanks to my Commitment to Yoga, the last two Thursday nights I have slept so well, sleeping through the whole night.  Getting enough sleep is also important to me.

Nature is also on my list of Values, and while I could have stayed in bed longer, I felt Inspired to get up and go for a walk.  By having a Commitment to my Health, it is easy to make a decision to get moving and get active.  

As I go for a walk, I see some runners pass me and I always have the same response, a feeling of 'I wish I was Running'.  Every time I see a runner or hear a story about Running from a friend, this feeling is always present for me.  I love Running.  I have tried other activities such as Paddling and love the idea of Swimming - and yet I always come back to my love of Running.  And yet I have made a Commitment that starting a family within the next 6-12 months is a Priority for me and so I have decided to just enjoy Walking so that I can be painfree in my back and neck.  I know that I will be Running again one day and so for now I enjoy Walking.  I love the sense of peace that comes with Walking, especially when I am in Nature.

I love Gunnamatta Park, it is one of my favourite places.  My Soul feels at home here.  I just love the Trees and the quiet.  I love being outdoors, especially at Gunnamatta Park.  I feel a sense of Connection with Nature.  I love feeling a sense of Connection with Trees.  I am drawn to a tall tree and I have a sense of the Tree's Wisdom.  I put my hand on the Tree and listen to the whisper of the words that I feel inside of me.  I wait.  I have a sense of the following words - "Be", "You are here", "You are here!!!", "Follow the signs".

I feel a sense of stillness.  These words speak to me.  I have a sense that due to the nature of Coaching and the moving forward, I am often looking forward and setting Goals and wanting to take the Next Steps and in  hearing these words "You are here" I have a feeling of Relief, Peace, Rejoice, Celebration - "I AM HERE" - WOW!!!  I say to myself "Wow, I AM HERE, look where I AM".  I have so much to be Grateful for right now - after years and years of being unhappy in my Career and wanting to work with people and be a helper and healer - I AM HERE - I am a Coach now.  This is a new Journey and I am still learning and growing and yet I Am Here - I can be happy with where I am right now.  Yes, I want to grow my Business and work with more Clients and be more Active in running Workshops and Group Coaching and today I also have a sense of being a Teacher and speaking at Seminars - and these are all possibilities and opportunities.  And this will come.  And I have reassurance in the words "Follow the signs".  I also have a sense of "I AM HERE" in the area of my love relationship - for years and years I have put so much energy into the wrong relationships and this has been my Soul Path and now I AM HERE in a loving relationship - my Man is Home to me - it is a wonderful feeling.  I have a strong Commitment to my relationship with my Man.

I love being in Nature.  I have a strong sense that I want to do outdoor Coaching that may involve Nature Walking and picnic rug style Coaching as well as Group Coaching at Sunrise and also Sunset.  These are just ideas that feel right for me, and my Organiser Archetype has scheduled 2 hours next week to put these and more of my other ideas into writing.  I definitely have a Commitment to grow my Coaching Business.  I love Coaching and working with Clients.  I also have a Commitment to Spread The Yellow in my daily living, in my Coaching and also through my Business.

I also have a Commitment to be in Community and so I enjoy being at the Bookstore today where there are some lovely woman and I love being able to talk about our Spiritual Journeys.  I really enjoying sharing time with them and enjoy a sense of Connection.  I also enjoyed a Meditation at the Bookstore today, guided by one of the healers.  This is the second time I have come to this Mediation Group and I am really enjoying this opportunity.

I always love the opportunity to just connect and relax within.  I have a feeling that I am within my Soul's Home, my Yellow Heart, which is a place of Love and Light, and I am just being "Present and Warm To What Is" - it is really nice to just take time for Meditation.

I love the image above and it captures the sense of my Yellow Heart filled with Light and the rays of Light coming from my Heart.  And I also have a strong sense in my Meditation of rays of Light coming from the Heavens - from God, the Universe, my Angels.

During the Meditation I have a sense of the words "I Am Here" (again here are these words).  And I also have a visual of a Yellow Path, that I will be guided and I just have to "Follow the signs" (these are also the words from my Nature walk this morning).  I love the visual of a Yellow pathway and I hear the words "Trust", "Trust".

I have a Commitment to my Soul Purpose to Spread The Yellow and I am asking for Guidance to show me the signs of my Next Steps.  I do not want to be so in Yang that I am not in tune with my Yin - I want Spirit to speak to me through my Yin and for my Yin to then direct my Yang.

As I Name and Honour my Commitments of my Health, my Man, my Coaching Business and my Purpose to Spread The Yellow, I believe that this will open up more doors and ways for me.  I have a sense that I have to "Be" and "Listen" and "Trust".

I love the following quotes about Commitment -
- “Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach.” Tom Robbins

- “There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when circumstance permit. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.”

- “Commitment unlocks the doors of imagination, allows vision, and gives us the "right stuff" to turn our dreams into reality.” James Womack

- "When work, commitment, and pleasure all become one and you reach that deep well where passion lives, nothing is impossible.” - this is how I feel about my Coaching and being in a place of Spread The Yellow - I feel like I am definitely on my Yellow Path, I AM HERE!!!  And as I say these words I am Excited and Delighted, I feel a lightness, a brightness - I AM HERE!!!  And I have a Commitment to follow my Path, even if it is not always Yellow, even if it takes me through the forest or down into the Valleys, I have a sense that my Light will carry and support me on my Journey...

And this afternoon my Man is doing a cleanup and finds some beautiful Christmas decorations that we bought last November and that we had forgotten to display at Christmas.  He brings them out and I love that there is an Angel with a Yellow Heart and also a Golden Butterfly.  They are beautiful and have so much meaning for me.  I decide to bring them into my everyday, rather than just packing them away for Christmas.  I feel the Angel with the Yellow Heart is there to remind me of my Soul Purpose - that my Yellow Heart, at the centre of my being, is filled with Love and Light and is a Gift from God.  This is why I am here, to Spread The Yellow, and God, the Universe and Angels are here to support me.

And the Golden Butterfly also speaks to me - the Butterfly is such a strong symbol of Tranformation.  As I look at the picture of the Golden Butterfly, the Light has created a Shadow - a reminder to me that Life is Light and Dark, Day and Night, Summer and Winter and a reminder to me that I am also Light and Dark.  And as I live in the Light and Upper World, I can make Space to Witness my Shadow and be open to all emotions and open to the messages of my Unconscious... this is my Commitment.

My Archetypes Evening Review

I have spent so much time getting to know my Yin Feminine and Yang Masculine and now is the time to get to know my Archetypes (which are a combination of Yin and Yang).

I enjoy looking at this website http://www.herowithin.com/arch101.html which has a lot of great information about Archetypes - "Archetypes provide the deep structure for human motivation and meaning...  Twentieth-century psychiatrist C.G. Jung called them 'archetypes'.  Building upon Jung's work, Carol S. Pearson has created a system of 12 archetypes that put a human face on the meaning structures that are correlated with success and fulfilment today. Studying Pearson's archetypes can help you:

* Better understand your own journey

* Increase communication between your conscious and unconscious minds

* Trigger a greater sense of meaning and fulfilment in your life

* Inspire and motivate others

* Cope more effectively with difficult people

* Have greater flexibility to respond to the challenges of life

* Be more effective within your family, workplace, and community context."

When I read the above paragraph I feel motivated to learn more and embrace the Archetypes in myself, essentially the Strengths and Resources within me.  As part of my own Journey and my College work,  I enjoy time in Self-Reflection, where I am especially interested to understand the Archetypes that are showing up for me on a daily basis.

Today was my Niece's 4th Birthday.  I love my Nieces, they are a blessing in my life, they bring me so much joy.  We had a great day.  Time now for My Archetypes Evening Review to see what Archetypes were present for me today.  This is a Process recommended by my Coaching Teacher, Mentor, my Coach and I am happy to finally start looking at my Archetypes by using a more Yang Structured Process.

To assist me in this Process I enjoy the details on this great website -
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:mYkgixQeeIsJ:www.marketingforsports.com/content161.html+CAREGIVER+ARCHETYPE&cd=9&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=au

 

MY EVENING REVIEW
1. Which different Archetypes were predominant at different times during this day? What circumstances (inner or outer) made them emerge or withdraw? Were there any conflicts between them?
- Today I feel that I was in my Regular Gal Archetype "The Regular Guy/Gal/Orphan understands that everyone matters, just as they are.  Down-home and unpretentious, it reveals a deep structure influenced by the wounded or ophaned child that expects very little from life, but that teaches us empathy, realism, and street smarts"

-  I also felt that I was in the Caregiver Archetype "The Caregiver is an altruist, moved by compassion, generosity, and selflessness to help others.  Although prone to martydom and enabling behaviours, the inner Caregiver/Atruist helps us raise our children, aid those in need, and build structures to sustain life and health."

- I felt that I Consciously chose to be in the Regular Gal Archetype and my Caregiver Archetype naturally came in when I was with my Nieces and my Parents.

2.    What were the valuable qualities and what were the limitations to the situation of each Archetype or in their proportions? How did each help me or get in my way?
- In the Regular Gal Archetype I felt comfortable and I felt a sense of belonging with my Family, I did not feel any sense of pretense, just a genuine care and interest in everyone
- The limitation was that in blending in with everyone, there was not always the time and opportunity for a sense of Connection
- In the Caregiver Archetype I had a desire to look after my Nieces when they were in my care when we went to the Park and I also had concern for my Dad
- The challenge for me of the Caregiver in me is that I need to respect that my Nieces are not my children and that I have to trust my Mum and Dad in their own decisions - I can offer care and then I can move away and continue on my own path

3.    What did each want to contribute? What would it like my life to be if it could contribute to its highest level?
- I like what I read about the Regular Gal and Caregiver Archetypes that rings true for me
- "The Regular Guy / Gal wants to fit in. By developing ordinary, solid virtues and avoiding any form of pretense or pomposity, the Regular Guy / Gal achieves a sense of belonging in his or her chosen environment.  The Regular Guy / Gal archetype begins as an orphan who seeks somewhere to belong. At the second level, the Regular Guy / Gal learns to connect with others, accept help and develop friendships. The highest level of the archetype is the humanitarian who believes that all people have value regardless of their abilities or circumstances."
- "The Caregiver helps and protects others. By serving others and supporting them emotionally and financially, the Caregiver helps others achieve their goals.  At the lower levels, the Caregiver archetype involves caring for one’s friends and family, and learning to balance caring for others with caring for oneself. At its pinnacle, the archetype involves an altruistic concern for and desire to help the entire world."

4.  Were my Archetypes in harmony with what I wanted to do, or did I have to integrate or synthesis them? What part did I take in harmonizing and directing them?

- In my Regular Gal Archetype I just naturally sat in this place and then moved into the Caregiver Archetype as needed through the day

- In terms of my Caregiver Archetype I did need to remind myself that I am not the main Caregiver of my Nieces or my Dad and just need to give love and care in the moments and I need to ensure that this does not extend into worry

5. What are the underlying or implicit values and beliefs operating in each?

- Values of my Regular Gal Archetype are Family and Love - My core belief is that I do Belong with my Family

- Values of my Caregiver are also Family, Love, Service - My core Belief is that I do have a responsibility to give care to my Family

 

6. What assumptions can you challenge upon which you base/d your ideas, feelings and actions regarding not working with an archetype in the optimal way?

- Being in the Regular Gal Archetype assumes that I am just like everyone else and should just blend in - perhaps then I am not bringing my energy or personality or uniqueness or greatness to the day

- Being in the Caregiver Archetype I have a sense that I need to be loving and caring and yet I also must respect that my Family have their own lives and it is not my responsibility to be the worrier or rescuer

7. Recognise potential biases or discriminations in your choices or engagement with them

- Being in the Regular Gal Archetype I almost feel that I am not consciously bringing my whole Self to the day

- Being in the Caregiver I have a potential bias to move to overcare or worry

8. Describe any fears to acknowledge them and build resources to transform them

- In terms of being in the Regular Gal Archetype I have a fear that I am not bringing other Parts of myself to the day, I am lacking Consciousness of what Parts of me I may need to bring onto the stage

- In the Caregiver Archetype there is also a fear of stepping into worry and also a sense of being misunderstood or unappreciated

9. Identify possible areas for improvement. What might make a difference?

- In terms of being the Regular Gal Archetype I do not want to just be sitting in this Archetype - I would prefer to be sitting in my Soul's Home of "Being Present and Warm to What Is" and then Consciously bringing my Archetypes onto the stage as guided by my Intuition

- In terms of the Caregiver Archetype I love my Nieces and my Family and my Man and I can bring in my Sage's wisdom to stop me from going into overcare or worry

10. What are the most compelling reasons to make this difference and grow?   What is the deeper meaning of this for you?

- By sitting in my Soul's Home of "Being Present and Warm to What Is" I can tune into my Sage and understand the Archetypes that will support my being, my day, my Journey

- While I love the Gifts of the Regular Gal of realism, empathy and lack of pretense - I do not want to fall into complacency where I just blend in and lose a sense of my uniqueness

11. What change does this call for? What theories and philosophies might help and assist your growth? Where or who might that help come from?

- I have a sense that Meditation on a daily basis will help me connect with my Soul and Sage and this will assist me on my Journey

- I also love just taking this opportunity to learn about my Archetypes and believe that Art Therapy will also help me on my Journey

12. What is your Vision for the outcome of these differences?

- My Vision is to sit in a place of Awareness and Consciousness of all Parts of Self

- By also Being in a relaxed, peaceful and natural state, with a Consciousness of being "Present and Warm To What Is" I feel I can choose how to act and respond by tuning into my Sage

- Other times, by having an Awareness of all my Archetypes, I feel I will naturally bring them on to the dancefloor of my life to serve the greater good

13. Outline the specifics if you need to (mind, spirit, body, emotions). Where is the first place to start experimenting with the change? When will this occur? 

 - For me I am making the Commitment to enjoy Meditation every day

 - I am also going to use my Journal and all of these questions for Self-Reflection

14. What else might create opportunities for practicing the “how” of the change?

- I can practice this change when I am in the workplace from tomorrow, just being "Present and Warm to What Is"

- I can also continue to remind myself that my Family are on their own Soul Path and rather than constantly being in the role of Caregiver I have to be active in caring for myself with a focus on my own Path

15. What might help move this toward becoming a new positive habit?

- Affirmations will help me - "Present and Warm to What Is" and "Trust others to be on their own Journey"

- Art Therapy

16. What systemic changes might create powerful additional help with reinforcement of whole new directions?

- These changes will free up my energy and create Space, so that I can tune into my Intuition and my Sage that will guide me on my Next Steps for my Purpose, my Life, my Coaching Business.

WOW, that is a big Process - a lot of great questions.  This Process is definitely worthwhile.  I have a sense that I can Consciously choose which Archetypes will serve the greater good.

And after such a Yang Process, I embrace my Yin and enjoy Art Therapy.  When I spend time on the Regular Gal Archetype I draw lines and lines of colour and then I have a sense that this does not feel right, that I want to shake it up!  I also write next to the Regular Gal heading - 

"How can anyone be Regular?  

We are all the Same,

We are all so Different!!!

We are Ordinary, 

We are Extraordinary!!!

I also enjoy sketching in colour in Reflection on the Caregiver and I have a sense of rays of light and energy all coming from me towards others.  I write the following words -
"If I direct all my light and energy to others, I am not taking care of myself.
In this space, I am not trusting others to care for themselves."


Now time to give Care to Self...

Yes I Did It!!!

Yes I Did It!!! Yoga!!!  Finally!!!  I have been wanting to go to Yoga for years and today was my first Step.

I had been recommended to this Yoga Teacher from my Chiro and yet it was a Thursday night class a few suburbs away.  And yet I felt Excited when I was on my way and I felt so Present in the Class with so much Trust in the Teacher.  Yes I Did It and Yes I Loved It!!!  I felt my body stretching and I loved that feeling and I can't wait to go again next week.  I am in a Beginners' Class which is excellent as the Teacher is going through all the basics and making sure we are doing each move in the right way.  I now wish that I had have started years ago and I am Grateful that I have started this Journey.

After writing my Ideal Scene for 5 years from now - I looked at my Wheel Of Life and I was surprised to see that my level of Satisfaction is low in many Areas.  Very surprised!!

One of my main Areas I want to focus on right now is my Health, I have rated it at a 2.  And after receiving clear results from an X-Ray on my neck and back, and after going to Yoga tonight, I already feel that I am moving up the Scale.

With today being 1 July 2010 - I am very Conscious that we have experienced 6 months of this year and there is 6 months to go - and I want to make every day Count.  Rather than having a Step by Step Plan, my Intention is to follow my Intution to take Next Steps that will naturally move me towards 10 out of 10 in each Area.

This has been a perfect ending to a positive day for me.  I am Grateful to be working with a brilliant Coach where I am learning so much about my Soul's Journey.  I have a sense that my Health is being affected by taking on emotions and worries, absorbing them in my Body.  I am also Conscious that rather than automatically going into Positivity or Gratitude, I may also need to Honour my Feelings.  My Coach talks about being at my Soul's Home and the words "Being Present and Warm with What Is" resonate with me. 

When I get home I enjoy Art Therapy to capture the Awareness and I enjoy time in Meditation where I work with my Sage, the Wise Part of me to look back on my Past where I may still be carrying layers and layers of pain.

I make a Commitment to myself to tune into my Feelings, my Body's Felt Sense.  I find a great website talking about Honouring Feelings -
http://www.evancarmichael.com/Work-Life/1870/How-do-you-honor-your-feelings.html

"Why do you think it is important to know what you are feeling? Do you take notice of what your body is trying to tell you or do you bypass your emotions, allowing your head to rule the day? Do you think other people's feelings are more important than your own?

It is important to know what you are feeling as feelings are the best personal response! Your feelings are like a compass, directing you through your life, so it is important to listen to what they have to say, as they can guide you into making the right choices. Your inner wisdom is brilliant - yet most of us ignore it by denying our gut feelings and initial reactions. However, to do this can cause you harm as it can lead you to befriend the wrong people, pursue inappropriate career paths and be in relationships with the wrong person. How many times have you said to yourself 'I knew I shouldn't have done that'?  So trusting and honoring your feelings is vital to achieving your best life ever!

Learn to trust that your feelings are there for a reason. Do you get an uncomfortable feeling every time you go to a certain event or meet a certain person? This could be your feelings telling you to Beware! Is your body exhausted or stressed - this may be your body telling you to slow down a little and take care of your health. You may also find that if you choose to ignore these feelings, they often get stronger and stronger and will not just go away! Often your feelings will escalate until you listen to them and pay attention to them. For example, if you ignore the fact that you are tired and exhausted, you may end up having a virus or a cold.

However, the choices you make as a result of honoring your feelings will bring you contentment, acknowledgment that you are on the right path and joy and fulfillment.

So, how do you honor your feelings?

Try the following steps:
1) When you feel something in your body, give it a name and identify exactly what you are feeling.  At least twice a day, ask yourself, What am I feeling?  Write your feelings down. Start each day by writing 'I feel..' and then keep on going

2) Try to understand what your feelings are trying to tell you - Are your feelings telling you you're anxious? Happy? Overwhelmed? If so, try and work out why! Are you working too hard? Are you about to do something which is not in integrity? Are you about to do something which is not appropriate to your life plan? Are you feeling anxious because you are about to try something new?
 

3) Affirm and validate your feelings - We are very good at invalidating our own feelings! We consider them to be unimportant, stupid or unacceptable. Many of us have even learned that it is unsafe to honor our own feelings. Try to listen and honor the way you feel - your feelings count! Try the following affirmation to assist you in validating your feelings:
* All of my feelings are acceptable
* I honor and respect my feelings
* I choose to have compassion for myself

In conclusion, your feelings are often the voice of your biggest desires which are waiting to be heard. They have so much to teach you and will always give you clues to your inner wisdom and the right path to follow. Growing into the wonderful people we are meant to be requires honoring our feelings!"

I love reading these wise words which are in line with the work that I am doing with my Coach.  I am Inspired with the words "Being Present and Warm with What Is", especially since tomorrow is my day of being the Coach, and I am really looking forward to holding this Sacred Space for my Clients.

Soul Purpose

I am reading 'Soulcraft' by Bill Plotkin - I have heard that this book is life changing - I would agree.  Each word is wonderful and yet I would like to include some paragraphs and sentences that speak to me, in terms of reflecting on Soul Purpose:

- "The individual Soul is the core of our human nature, the reason for which we were born, the essence of our specific life purpose, and ours alone.  Yet our true nature is at first a mystery to our everyday mind.  To recover our inmost secrets, we must venture into the inner/ outer wilderness, where we shall find our essential nature waiting for us."

- "By Soul I mean the vital, mysterious and wild core of our individual selves, an essence unique to each person, qualities found in layers of the self much deeper than our personalities.  By Spirit I mean the single, great and eternal mystery that permeates and animates everything in the universe and yet transcends all.  Ultimately, each Soul exists as an agent for Spirit."

- "Soul embraces and calls us toward what is most unique in us.  Spirit encompasses and draws us toward what is most universal and shared."

- "The Soul is the sacred realm of our most heartfelt purposes, our unique meanings, and the ultimate significance of our individual lives.  Soul holds the keys to our central lessons - and to the gifts that are ours and ours alone to carry to others."

- "As you delve into the mysteries of your Soul, you discover your core powers and learn to integrate them into your daily choices and actions."

- "Soul shows us how we, as individuals, are different (in a community-affirming way) from everybody else.  Spirit shows us how we are no different from anything else, how we are one with all that exists.  In relation to Spirit, everyone has the same lessons to learn; for example, compassion and loving-kindness toward all beings, as Buddhism teaches.  Our relationship to Spirit makes possible the experience and expression of such universal transpersonal qualities as unconditional love, perennial wisdom, and healing power.  In relation to Soul, we each have lessons and qualities as unique as our fingerprints."

- "Each of us is born with a treasure, an essence, a seed of quiescent potential, secreted for safekeeping in the centre of our being.  This treasure, this personal quality, power, talent, or gift (or set of qualities), is ours to develop, embody, and offer to our communities through acts of service - our contributions to a more diverse, vital, and evolved world.  Our personal destiny is to become that treasure through our actions."

I know that so many of the paragraphs and words sound the same - and yet I just love these words - I love this whole area of Soul Purpose.

After reading these great words in my book this morning, I enjoy a Meditation.  I just love Meditation.  I find it is a wonderful way to get in touch with my Yin, my Inner world.  In my Meditation, I have a feeling of people in a line - 3 or more and they are in dark clothes, almost like a dark shadow is above and around them - and I reach into their being, into their heart and bring them to life - find the Yellow and light in them - and then they SHINE.  This image warms my heart.

In my Meditation, I then have a sense of climbing down into the depths of my being, where at the very bottom of a well, there is my Yellow heart.  When I reach my Yellow heart, it rises up, to the surface, just rising above the level of the grass.  I love being with my Yellow heart, sitting with my Yellow heart.  I see a visual in my mind's eye of me diving in the ocean, deep in the ocean and I find my Yellow heart, my treasure.

I also see a visual of me diving into the water with others - as they find their Soul Purpose - I give them space - and I witness them - they know I am there with them - they know that I am close - yet I give them space and freedom to explore.  As we dive, we have oxygen, and yet we do not feel constricted by our gear.

In the Meditation, I also have a sense of the forming of community - of stick figures - 1 - then 1 + 1 - then 1 + 1 + 1 (1 invites another and then that 1 invites another) - the stick figures form a circle.

I also see an image of me sitting in my Coaching room with a Client - it is good seeing me sharing space with a Client.  In the Meditation, there are some instructions for my Yang - a step that I can take this week to promote my business.  I love Meditation.  I love my Yin giving my Yang direction in the Next Steps to take - the ACTION towards my Vision.

I love in my Mediation that I see the image of me sending out thousands of Yellow bubbles - there are so many - I love sending out Yellow bubbles - wanting them to reach potential Clients.

               

As well as reading 'Soulcraft' this afternoon, I also enjoy reading my College notes on Vision and Purpose.  After my Meditation, I am reminded of how much I want to work with Clients in their Quest to find their Soul Purpose and live their Vision.

Some of the key definitions that are important to understand for me and for my Coaching are:

- Values - Who I Am

- Purpose - An Expression of Who I Am
- Vision - An Expression of My Sense of Purpose - What matters, what I want.

In terms of Purpose:
- What gives meaning?
- What’s your medicine?
- What’s your Gift?
- What are you here to experience?
- What is your Life Purpose?

In terms of VISION:
- What do you want to do with your Sense of Purpose
- What do you want to see for yourself and your world.

While Vision can change, Purpose is a consistent running theme - you could be anywhere and it would be the same - it is the experience you bring about consistently - if you weren't doing it or it was blocked or deleted you would feel lost/ sad/ unfulfilled - you can't help yourself from doing your Purpose.

I am blessed that just a couple of months ago I was able to get in touch with my Soul Purpose - Spread The Yellow.  These words came to me, out of the blue, while on my way to College to study a Course on 'Vision and Purpose'.  I then created a statement of 'From a Place of Love, Spread The Yellow To Serve (Others and Myself) To Make A Difference'.

An activity that we enjoyed during College - for the purpose of helping us get in touch with our Purpose - was to get feedback from the people who know us.  We each had a cardboard hand with our name on it, and everyone in the Class took time to write heartfelt words about one another - asking questions of - what do you experience about me?  This was such a special experience - the Gift of words mean so much.  I treasure the words from my friends from College, when I read them again tonight, the words warm my heart:

- Yellow = Giving

- Pure sunshine radiant

- Energy and light and SO MUCH LOVE

- Just FABULOUS!! You do Spread The Yellow

- Energetically generous

- Bright

- Positive

- Playful childlike wonder

- Considerate, caring, enthusiastic, loving

- Exuberance

- Good intention

- Honest and genuine

- Lightness

- Energised and colourful as well as bright

- Unending light

- Alive.

I am so touched to receive such beautiful words.

In knowing my Soul Purpose, this has changed my life.  I feel that every day is a Gift.  I am also able to have a clear intention every day.  By knowing my Soul Purpose this Awareness and Consciousness helps me in making decisions and taking action and working out my priorities.

I am very Excited to be a Life Coach and I look forward to working with my Clients to help them find their Uniqueness, their Greatness, their Light, their Soul Purpose.  I feel very honoured to be a Life Coach.