"You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and joyfully being what you are, you fulfill your own abilities, and your simple presence can make others happy." Jane Roberts
Happiness is an inside job - and guess what - so is Love! Ahhh...love and romance - the most written about subject - that intoxicating combination of inner and outer experiences. We want to be loved, we want to be adored, we want to be romanced, we want to be cherished, we want it all! And why not? Life is for living!
Love is the powerful inspiration and creator of so much, and there is an endless supply of it for you, when you can look inside and build resources from within first. When you cease expecting someone else to be your answer - and you meet your own needs. YOU are the answer to your prayers! YOU become the lover/partner/wife/husband/soul mate that you've been searching for ;-)
The great Ghandi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Translated; if you want peace; be peaceful, if you want love - BE loving, if you want romance - BE romantic, if you want adoration - BE adoring!
This excerpt from 'Abraham', Esther and Jerry Hicks says it all; "Do you know the relationship that you are all looking for? Do you know what it really is? You want the relationship between you and you. And when you meet a person who looks fondly at you, or who is appreciative of you, or someone you look fondly upon, or someone you appreciate, it just hooks you up to your Inner Being, which is what you want all along. So the relationship you are all looking for is the relationship between you and you. And everything else is just helpful in that, really."
"The greatest gift you can give anyone is to be happy. And we will take that further. The greatest gift you can give to any partner, past, present or future is to be so connected with who you truly are that they are irrelevant to your connection. And when they are irrelevant to your connection, then you are going to have a really good time together." Sound good? Uh-huh....?
In this life, you get what you focus on, if you focus on the fact that 'I don't have THAT', then of course it won't come to you; you aren't equal to it. If you can BE THAT and therefore aren't dwelling on the LACK of THAT, and instead are dwelling in peace, contentment, a feeling of having it - then you are equal to it - and you will attract it - and see it all around you. (cue rose-tinted glasses)
Recently I enjoyed reading an article in Grazia (UK) featuring a cute London couple - Joe and Katie. Three years into their relationship Katie told Joe he was about as romantic as a Spiderman duvet! Joe rose to that challenge by setting up a style blog devoted to Katie, featuring a daily photograph and anecdotes of her wardrobe arrangements for a year! (woah! what a come-back!)
www.whatkatiewore.com is a delicious morsel of what girls dream of, and many men fear;romantic devotion...ahhhh....(back of wrist draped melodramatically over forehead).
The blog features Katie in the most amazing collection of new, vintage and charity shop specials, taking the current trend of recycle, make do and mend and turning it into an e extravaganza (go Katie!!). The only caveat from Joe; no repeats! (I did however spy one repeat; shoes - although I believe Katie boasts more than 200 pairs of shoes!!! Where does she store all of this stuff?) Joe clearly loves his Katie, and his devotion is played out in the words of his blog. Katie clearly loves fashion and in her devotion has found one fabulous mode of self-expression!
It feels fitting to be writing this today, after attending a wedding this weekend; the greatest celebration of love and devotion! Included in the proceedings was a gospel choir, nice touch!
So who are you when you feel fully loved and supported - romantically and in every other way? What can you do to give that to yourself this week? How can you celebrate love and devotion? Leave any old guilt of the evils of selfishness out! It serves no-one...if you don't look after yourself, then you're in no fit state to help anyone else! When you are supported from within, you lead the way and the world benefits greatly.
Some ways that I express devotion to myself;
1) Practicing the art of saying 'no' - if it doesn't suit me.
2) Meeting my own needs first (within reason).
3) Taking good personal care; presentation-preservation-prevention.
4) Honoring self-promises (commitment).
5) Setting boundaries.
6) Using positive self-dialogue.
7) Making *me* time a priority (agreed; challenging for mums!! But not impossible!). Communicating your needs & desires (allowing others to support you).
These are just a few to get you started, and break down to a million and one elements. See if you can begin to implement a few into your weekly habits. Be the change!
Have a gorgeously, loving and romantic week! And don't be shy to share comments and stories please :-) - or send me roses ;-) eehehhehehheeee or chocolate!!!!
Soooo much lurve...
Jodie xxx
Thursday, 30 July 2009
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Unbearable Lightness of BEing
"It is important from time to time, to slow down, to go away by yourself, and simply Be." Eileen Caddy
Apologies for my very late posting this week folks! It seems I created my very own real life experiment of how not to live;'doing' versus 'being'. (Well...ya gotta fall off the wagon sometimes so ya remember how to get back on!)
Have you ever considered why we make ourselves so busy being busy all the time? For surely we are human beings - not human doings - right?
What does it mean, this 'being'? Have you experienced it in your life recently? True, aware, presence and Being? Most sports people know this feeling well - it's that powerfully addictive feeling of energy - supreme connectedness - that we feel 'in the moment'. When the mind is deliciously suspended from the past and the present, anchored in 'the now', it opens a door of great potential.
Possibility is ripe as you surrender to 'what is'. You experience that feeling of absolute rightness that is sometimes fleeting, sometimes flirting. As we line up properly with ourselves and our intention, all doubt, all fear, all negative emotion disipates. You are in your heart, and in the words of Abraham, it's that 'tuned in, tapped in, turned on' kinda feeling - you know the one! YES - that one ;-)
For my clients I often describe it as I have experienced it myself - as though the volume, colour and contrast controls on your TV have been turned up. Everything is brighter, more defined and seems to slow down a little. As kids we used to fiddle with the control panel of the TV and turn everyone orange :-) like Oompah-loompah's ;-D let's hope you don't experience that as 'BEing'!! And if you do - CALL ME!
My friend and coach Sky McInnes says in her book 'Loves Alchemy', "Mind dominant as doer involves effort, struggle, a sense of responsibility, unease, attachment to outcomes, resistance and fear. Mind surrendered (in being) is effortless, peaceful, and still. It is as though you get out of your own way."
This isn't to say that we don't get 'stuff' done - on the contrary - this is a platform for working smarter, not harder :-) It's a case of getting in 'flow' and moving away from the ritual western habit of 'driving, forcing, striving (upstream), stepping back to look from within, learning to accept what is, allowing what is and seeing the gift (however badly wrapped!). Such power exists when creating your work from a place of 'presence'.
It's immensely challenging at first - and of course it would be - it represents a paradigm shift in how we are taught to live our lives. Start by feeling your way and attain a deeper sense of balance and presence from within, that supports all that you experience in your outer world. Surrender the past, trust in the future, know that you are supported and allow the expansion. When we fear, we contract - when we surrender and trust, we expand. Allow life to flow through you - let the veil slip, and see it as it is, without the judgement, in incredulous and beautiful detail.
The film 'Peaceful Warrior' has an excellent visual of this, of tuning in to what's really happening around us, of really seeing things for the first time. You'll know what I mean if you've seen it, and if you haven't - then check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsS3cXGs2GQ
"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." Joseph Campbell
In closing, here's something I've shared with many over recent years. I hope you find it as provocative as I did when I first saw it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTMx3LFCuPE
Have a wonderful week - and give yourself the greatest gift - of 'presence', and learn how to let go and to 'be' this week.
Thanks again for your time!
Jodie xx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
Apologies for my very late posting this week folks! It seems I created my very own real life experiment of how not to live;'doing' versus 'being'. (Well...ya gotta fall off the wagon sometimes so ya remember how to get back on!)
Have you ever considered why we make ourselves so busy being busy all the time? For surely we are human beings - not human doings - right?
What does it mean, this 'being'? Have you experienced it in your life recently? True, aware, presence and Being? Most sports people know this feeling well - it's that powerfully addictive feeling of energy - supreme connectedness - that we feel 'in the moment'. When the mind is deliciously suspended from the past and the present, anchored in 'the now', it opens a door of great potential.
Possibility is ripe as you surrender to 'what is'. You experience that feeling of absolute rightness that is sometimes fleeting, sometimes flirting. As we line up properly with ourselves and our intention, all doubt, all fear, all negative emotion disipates. You are in your heart, and in the words of Abraham, it's that 'tuned in, tapped in, turned on' kinda feeling - you know the one! YES - that one ;-)
For my clients I often describe it as I have experienced it myself - as though the volume, colour and contrast controls on your TV have been turned up. Everything is brighter, more defined and seems to slow down a little. As kids we used to fiddle with the control panel of the TV and turn everyone orange :-) like Oompah-loompah's ;-D let's hope you don't experience that as 'BEing'!! And if you do - CALL ME!
My friend and coach Sky McInnes says in her book 'Loves Alchemy', "Mind dominant as doer involves effort, struggle, a sense of responsibility, unease, attachment to outcomes, resistance and fear. Mind surrendered (in being) is effortless, peaceful, and still. It is as though you get out of your own way."
This isn't to say that we don't get 'stuff' done - on the contrary - this is a platform for working smarter, not harder :-) It's a case of getting in 'flow' and moving away from the ritual western habit of 'driving, forcing, striving (upstream), stepping back to look from within, learning to accept what is, allowing what is and seeing the gift (however badly wrapped!). Such power exists when creating your work from a place of 'presence'.
It's immensely challenging at first - and of course it would be - it represents a paradigm shift in how we are taught to live our lives. Start by feeling your way and attain a deeper sense of balance and presence from within, that supports all that you experience in your outer world. Surrender the past, trust in the future, know that you are supported and allow the expansion. When we fear, we contract - when we surrender and trust, we expand. Allow life to flow through you - let the veil slip, and see it as it is, without the judgement, in incredulous and beautiful detail.
The film 'Peaceful Warrior' has an excellent visual of this, of tuning in to what's really happening around us, of really seeing things for the first time. You'll know what I mean if you've seen it, and if you haven't - then check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsS3cXGs2GQ
"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." Joseph Campbell
In closing, here's something I've shared with many over recent years. I hope you find it as provocative as I did when I first saw it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTMx3LFCuPE
Have a wonderful week - and give yourself the greatest gift - of 'presence', and learn how to let go and to 'be' this week.
Thanks again for your time!
Jodie xx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
So I say ‘Thank you for the music…’
If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
In the immortal words of ABBA (!!), I found myself one day last week singing ‘thank you for the music, for giving it to meeeeee…..’, after a rather fun, slightly wine-fuelled evening with an old friend, where we found ourselves dancing round my tiny kitchen – to old school rave tunes on youtube (bless youtube!!), whilst her baby boy slept soundly in the next room.
Wrapped in a fluffy blanket of hangover and sleep deprivation, I sat singing those lines to an internal juke box – in gratitude for the previous evening’s antics and all the memories that had come tumbling back in an instant, the flush of rich emotion intoxicating all on its own! There we were, pitched back into early nineties dance euphoria, complete with visuals, we dimmed the lights in honour of the sweaty, dark and dingy dance-floor of our minds.
But where does one start and where does one stop, in expressing gratitude for such experiences?!
Well, I thanked for the music and I thanked for the company and I thanked for the food, and I thanked for the wine, and I thanked for the laptop that delivered our drug of choice; music, for the friends who introduced this music so many years ago, and I thanked for my ears, and the fact that I don’t have neighbours close enough to upset, and I thanked for my brain that remembered each tune, and I thanked for the choice I made to travel to England, and I thanked for my family who provided my grounding, and I thanked for the memories that flooded my heart, my head – making it spin and whir with excitement – and last but not least – I thanked for life and the ability to feeeeeel and experience all of this and MORE!!
Let it be said - The role of gratitude cannot be underestimated. It is module No. 1 of all my coaching lessons for one prime reason – it grow’s your good quicker than anything I know, simply by shifting your focus daily, to what IS working – and away from what ISN”T. This makes us feel better, brings peace and happiness, which opens the heart for love and so much more.
In Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book ‘The How of Happiness’, she lists eight ways that gratitude boosts happiness:
1. Grateful thinking promotes the savouring of positive life experiences.
2. Expressing gratitude bolsters self-worth and self-esteem.
3. Gratitude helps people cope with stress and trauma.
4. The expression of gratitude encourages moral behaviour.
5. Gratitude can help build social bonds, strengthening existing relationships and nurturing new ones.
6. Expressing gratitude tends to inhibit invidious comparisons with others.
7. The practice of gratitude is incompatible with negative emotions and may actually diminish or deter such feelings as anger, bitterness and greed.
8. Gratitude helps us to thwart hedonic adaptation. (The manner in which we adapt quickly to a certain level of happiness and lose sight of the good – when daily gratitude is expressed it can actually counteract the effects of hedonic adaptation.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melodie Beattie
How could you not want all of that?! Make mine a double please!
Sitting here now, I’m remembering the first time the idea of a ‘gratitude journal’ was mentioned to me, by a very dear friend who’s mother had passed away from cancer. Her mother had long held this tradition, and having recently been diagnosed with cancer myself, my friend recommended it as a healthy and positive strategy. I thought – ‘but I am positive!! I’m gonna get through this! I’m not worried!’
However as I learned over time, there is a distinct difference between feeling positive, and expressing gratitude; one is a feeling, the other is an act. Action creates outcomes! It comes from a commitment to the act or idea. When we follow through with a commitment to living in peace and happiness, and set time aside for this practice, it becomes an act of devotion. Devotion to a life less ordinary! Beware – this simple act is powerful, and WILL change your life as you know it – for the better. Use with care ;-)
In closing, here’s something from Buddha:
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
Have a FABULOUS week everyone – and at the risk of sounding horrendously cheesy thank you for supporting my action of creating this group by reading my weekly blog, and committing to your own personal growth!
Enjoy thanking for all the good in your life, and make room in that BIG beating heart for so much more. You know you want it!!!
Jxx
PS – For Bristol residents, a reminder that WOW Factor commences tomorrow night -July 22nd - in the form of a ‘taster’ evening, followed by another ‘taster’ evening July 29th, for those who can’t make the 22nd, and the eight week course commences after that.
In the immortal words of ABBA (!!), I found myself one day last week singing ‘thank you for the music, for giving it to meeeeee…..’, after a rather fun, slightly wine-fuelled evening with an old friend, where we found ourselves dancing round my tiny kitchen – to old school rave tunes on youtube (bless youtube!!), whilst her baby boy slept soundly in the next room.
Wrapped in a fluffy blanket of hangover and sleep deprivation, I sat singing those lines to an internal juke box – in gratitude for the previous evening’s antics and all the memories that had come tumbling back in an instant, the flush of rich emotion intoxicating all on its own! There we were, pitched back into early nineties dance euphoria, complete with visuals, we dimmed the lights in honour of the sweaty, dark and dingy dance-floor of our minds.
But where does one start and where does one stop, in expressing gratitude for such experiences?!
Well, I thanked for the music and I thanked for the company and I thanked for the food, and I thanked for the wine, and I thanked for the laptop that delivered our drug of choice; music, for the friends who introduced this music so many years ago, and I thanked for my ears, and the fact that I don’t have neighbours close enough to upset, and I thanked for my brain that remembered each tune, and I thanked for the choice I made to travel to England, and I thanked for my family who provided my grounding, and I thanked for the memories that flooded my heart, my head – making it spin and whir with excitement – and last but not least – I thanked for life and the ability to feeeeeel and experience all of this and MORE!!
Let it be said - The role of gratitude cannot be underestimated. It is module No. 1 of all my coaching lessons for one prime reason – it grow’s your good quicker than anything I know, simply by shifting your focus daily, to what IS working – and away from what ISN”T. This makes us feel better, brings peace and happiness, which opens the heart for love and so much more.
In Sonja Lyubomirsky’s book ‘The How of Happiness’, she lists eight ways that gratitude boosts happiness:
1. Grateful thinking promotes the savouring of positive life experiences.
2. Expressing gratitude bolsters self-worth and self-esteem.
3. Gratitude helps people cope with stress and trauma.
4. The expression of gratitude encourages moral behaviour.
5. Gratitude can help build social bonds, strengthening existing relationships and nurturing new ones.
6. Expressing gratitude tends to inhibit invidious comparisons with others.
7. The practice of gratitude is incompatible with negative emotions and may actually diminish or deter such feelings as anger, bitterness and greed.
8. Gratitude helps us to thwart hedonic adaptation. (The manner in which we adapt quickly to a certain level of happiness and lose sight of the good – when daily gratitude is expressed it can actually counteract the effects of hedonic adaptation.
Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Melodie Beattie
How could you not want all of that?! Make mine a double please!
Sitting here now, I’m remembering the first time the idea of a ‘gratitude journal’ was mentioned to me, by a very dear friend who’s mother had passed away from cancer. Her mother had long held this tradition, and having recently been diagnosed with cancer myself, my friend recommended it as a healthy and positive strategy. I thought – ‘but I am positive!! I’m gonna get through this! I’m not worried!’
However as I learned over time, there is a distinct difference between feeling positive, and expressing gratitude; one is a feeling, the other is an act. Action creates outcomes! It comes from a commitment to the act or idea. When we follow through with a commitment to living in peace and happiness, and set time aside for this practice, it becomes an act of devotion. Devotion to a life less ordinary! Beware – this simple act is powerful, and WILL change your life as you know it – for the better. Use with care ;-)
In closing, here’s something from Buddha:
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.
Have a FABULOUS week everyone – and at the risk of sounding horrendously cheesy thank you for supporting my action of creating this group by reading my weekly blog, and committing to your own personal growth!
Enjoy thanking for all the good in your life, and make room in that BIG beating heart for so much more. You know you want it!!!
Jxx
PS – For Bristol residents, a reminder that WOW Factor commences tomorrow night -July 22nd - in the form of a ‘taster’ evening, followed by another ‘taster’ evening July 29th, for those who can’t make the 22nd, and the eight week course commences after that.
Friday, 17 July 2009
WOW Factor Workshop Series
Welcome to Recession-Priced Life Coaching!
A weekly workshop designed to help you navigate through everyday challenges and get on with the important stuff in life – FUN, freedom and creativity! Whilst you’re busy having fun and learning to be who you truly are, you will find that success is a natural by-product.
What’s in it for me?
1. Clarity on life-purpose
2. Deep and lasting self-confidence
3. Greater perspective on the ‘big picture’
4. Increased and sustainable energy levels
5. More fulfilling relationships in all areas of life
6. Easier and more effective communications
7. Improved physical, emotional and mental well being
8. Better judgment and more comfort in decision-making
9. Ability to set boundaries and communicate your needs
10. Enhanced enjoyment and ability to create more of life’s fun stuff!
Interested? Call Jodie at Day One Life Consultancy to book or for more information; 07598 901801, email jodie@day-one.com.au www.day-one.com.au, facebook groups ‘WOW factor’
When? Weds July 22nd 2009 @ 6.30 for 7pm start, till 9pm
Where? Boston Tea Party, Whiteladies Road, Clifton
Cost? Single £15, Concession £10, Friends (2+) £10 each
Make it easy! A selection of savoury delights, tea, coffee and cakes will be available should you wish to give yourself one less challenge on the night ;-)
WOW - Words of wisdom and inspiration from famous, and everyday people – explored through open discussion and application – with easy weekly tasks and fun group projects to further develop your learning.
A weekly workshop designed to help you navigate through everyday challenges and get on with the important stuff in life – FUN, freedom and creativity! Whilst you’re busy having fun and learning to be who you truly are, you will find that success is a natural by-product.
What’s in it for me?
1. Clarity on life-purpose
2. Deep and lasting self-confidence
3. Greater perspective on the ‘big picture’
4. Increased and sustainable energy levels
5. More fulfilling relationships in all areas of life
6. Easier and more effective communications
7. Improved physical, emotional and mental well being
8. Better judgment and more comfort in decision-making
9. Ability to set boundaries and communicate your needs
10. Enhanced enjoyment and ability to create more of life’s fun stuff!
Interested? Call Jodie at Day One Life Consultancy to book or for more information; 07598 901801, email jodie@day-one.com.au www.day-one.com.au, facebook groups ‘WOW factor’
When? Weds July 22nd 2009 @ 6.30 for 7pm start, till 9pm
Where? Boston Tea Party, Whiteladies Road, Clifton
Cost? Single £15, Concession £10, Friends (2+) £10 each
Make it easy! A selection of savoury delights, tea, coffee and cakes will be available should you wish to give yourself one less challenge on the night ;-)
WOW - Words of wisdom and inspiration from famous, and everyday people – explored through open discussion and application – with easy weekly tasks and fun group projects to further develop your learning.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Great spirits and soaring high!
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." Albert Einstein
Recently I read an interview with Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extra's) in The Big Issue (UK mag), in which he is quoted as saying; "In Britain, it's like you shouldn't put your head too high above the other poppies. Americans are told they can become the next president. English people are told, 'It won't happen to you.'
I have to agree that in my experience we are less willing to support the big ideas or less usual choices of another when it challenges our personal sense of reality. As an Australian born of two very positive individuals who saw the world in terms of 'what's possible', I was raised with the idea that I could have what I wanted - within reason ;-).
My mother enthusiastically supported of my ideals of becoming a world famous super model :-) and inspired and supported every aspect of that path. Years later her children returned her faith in kind, when after a horrific car crash resulting in 3 months in intensive care, doctors informed her that nothing more could be done to improve her health, she would basically be an invalid. We watched as she 'cut her own path', via natural and complimentary approaches to well being, and recovered in the most miraculous way!
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." John and Lyn St Clair Thomas
Now, as I coach people through challenges - financial, health, relationship - anything, the message is clear; "You can be, do, and have what you want." It's all about choice - YOUR choice. Cut your own path, you're driving this vehicle, you're writing the script." Why would we accept anyone else's reality of how our life should begin - play out - or end?
The story of my own experience, recovering from breast cancer without chemo, radiotherapy or pharmaceuticals, via detox and lifestyle changes, often results in exclamations of 'That's AMAZING!' 'WOW!' etc etc... When I personally think it's completely realistic that my approach would work and AMAZING that we consider it 'realistic' to 'attack' cancer with chemicals, when the body is already in a state of 'dis-ease', requiring support.
Aside from that and after working with many who did experience 'chemo', I acknowledge that there are many paths to well-being, and whatever the approach - if you believe it is right - it will work for you. Faith is the BIGGEST healer. We also know this as ‘placebo’.
SO 'Reality' it seems - is subjective - based on a personal viewpoint of what is 'true' for you. My great friend and teacher, Sky McInnes says, 'Perception belongs to the perceiver.' This in mind, I find it both hilarious and somewhat frightening, that we accept the viewpoint of another so readily - denying what is 'true' for us - to create our world. Why is it that so many of us are more willing to accept another's reality? 'The odds'. Does it really make more ‘sense’ to accept another’s story?
With regard to healing, career/business/relationship success, we readily accept the odds - statistics - which are all based on the experiences of others. Reading papers, watching TV, trawling the web - it is impossible to deny how much we rely on 'statistics' and literally chart our journey through life via these often grim markers. Someone told me the other day that there was a 60% chance of torrential downpour that day. WOW - didn't that make us jump for joy!!! Did umbrella sales soar that day? Do we actually even need to know this?
A story comes to mind, Zen warriors in training are taken deep into the rainforest under cover of darkness, and left to make it back to civilization without assistance. Through this experience, they learn to cut their own path - and not to follow that of another, the true mark of a warrior. It reminds me of this Zen wisdom;
"Anything is one of a million paths. Therefore, a warrior must always keep in mind that a path is only a path. If he feels he should not follow it, he must not stay with it under any conditions. His decision to keep on that path or to leave it must be free of fear or ambition. He must look at every path closely and deliberately. There is a question that a warrior must ask mandatorily; 'Does this path have a heart?'" Unknown
My question to you is, does your path have a heart? What is possible if your path were to have a heart? What could be true for you - in your very own 'reality' - were you to cut your own path? What have you accepted as 'reality' which stops you from fulfilling your unique prophecy in this world? Who would you ‘be’ if it were truly your life you were living? What steps could you take towards that, today, this week?
Anything is possible - if you choose to believe it is so :-)
That's all folks!
Have an AMAAAAAAAZING week y'all...
Jodie xx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and my website www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
Recently I read an interview with Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extra's) in The Big Issue (UK mag), in which he is quoted as saying; "In Britain, it's like you shouldn't put your head too high above the other poppies. Americans are told they can become the next president. English people are told, 'It won't happen to you.'
I have to agree that in my experience we are less willing to support the big ideas or less usual choices of another when it challenges our personal sense of reality. As an Australian born of two very positive individuals who saw the world in terms of 'what's possible', I was raised with the idea that I could have what I wanted - within reason ;-).
My mother enthusiastically supported of my ideals of becoming a world famous super model :-) and inspired and supported every aspect of that path. Years later her children returned her faith in kind, when after a horrific car crash resulting in 3 months in intensive care, doctors informed her that nothing more could be done to improve her health, she would basically be an invalid. We watched as she 'cut her own path', via natural and complimentary approaches to well being, and recovered in the most miraculous way!
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." John and Lyn St Clair Thomas
Now, as I coach people through challenges - financial, health, relationship - anything, the message is clear; "You can be, do, and have what you want." It's all about choice - YOUR choice. Cut your own path, you're driving this vehicle, you're writing the script." Why would we accept anyone else's reality of how our life should begin - play out - or end?
The story of my own experience, recovering from breast cancer without chemo, radiotherapy or pharmaceuticals, via detox and lifestyle changes, often results in exclamations of 'That's AMAZING!' 'WOW!' etc etc... When I personally think it's completely realistic that my approach would work and AMAZING that we consider it 'realistic' to 'attack' cancer with chemicals, when the body is already in a state of 'dis-ease', requiring support.
Aside from that and after working with many who did experience 'chemo', I acknowledge that there are many paths to well-being, and whatever the approach - if you believe it is right - it will work for you. Faith is the BIGGEST healer. We also know this as ‘placebo’.
SO 'Reality' it seems - is subjective - based on a personal viewpoint of what is 'true' for you. My great friend and teacher, Sky McInnes says, 'Perception belongs to the perceiver.' This in mind, I find it both hilarious and somewhat frightening, that we accept the viewpoint of another so readily - denying what is 'true' for us - to create our world. Why is it that so many of us are more willing to accept another's reality? 'The odds'. Does it really make more ‘sense’ to accept another’s story?
With regard to healing, career/business/relationship success, we readily accept the odds - statistics - which are all based on the experiences of others. Reading papers, watching TV, trawling the web - it is impossible to deny how much we rely on 'statistics' and literally chart our journey through life via these often grim markers. Someone told me the other day that there was a 60% chance of torrential downpour that day. WOW - didn't that make us jump for joy!!! Did umbrella sales soar that day? Do we actually even need to know this?
A story comes to mind, Zen warriors in training are taken deep into the rainforest under cover of darkness, and left to make it back to civilization without assistance. Through this experience, they learn to cut their own path - and not to follow that of another, the true mark of a warrior. It reminds me of this Zen wisdom;
"Anything is one of a million paths. Therefore, a warrior must always keep in mind that a path is only a path. If he feels he should not follow it, he must not stay with it under any conditions. His decision to keep on that path or to leave it must be free of fear or ambition. He must look at every path closely and deliberately. There is a question that a warrior must ask mandatorily; 'Does this path have a heart?'" Unknown
My question to you is, does your path have a heart? What is possible if your path were to have a heart? What could be true for you - in your very own 'reality' - were you to cut your own path? What have you accepted as 'reality' which stops you from fulfilling your unique prophecy in this world? Who would you ‘be’ if it were truly your life you were living? What steps could you take towards that, today, this week?
Anything is possible - if you choose to believe it is so :-)
That's all folks!
Have an AMAAAAAAAZING week y'all...
Jodie xx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and my website www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
Monday, 6 July 2009
Simple pleasures...mmm-mmm :-)
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” Babatunde Olatunji
Are you living in the present, the past or the future? Many of us let life pass by whilst waiting for things to be 'perfect'. Your life only ever happens 'NOW' - in every moment - not next week, month or in 5 years time. We live and create our lives in this moment and yet why is it that so many of us postpone today's pleasures for tomorrows dreams? The 'I'll be happy when' approach to life seems crazy really - when you consider that all you ever really have - is now.
Indulging in simple pleasures is a great way to celebrate our 'present' and indeed - life. The little things we do each day to experience life through our senses make each moment count.
Scooping froth off your cappuccino and savouring it spoon by spoon
Eating your croissant by peeling it, layer by layer
Licking melted ice-cream as it runs down your wrist
Stroking silky or velvety fabric (ok - slighty pervy but ohhhh so nice!)
Making a wish as you blow a fairy (the plant variety!!)
Taking the long way home to enjoy the scenery or break routine
Watching water wash around your feet at the beach
Squishing sand or mud (!!) through your toes
Sinking into a silky hot bath and watching the steam rise in mysterious shapes
Gazing at the moon or counting shooting stars whilst laid in the grass
Smelling and admiring flowers that you pass each day
Watching a bug navigate your arm, through a jungle of giant hairs
Luxuriating in bed just that little bit longer, and feeeeling how good it is!
Once I passed a small city park in Sydney early on a summers day, and watched in amusement as an elderly man, perched on a children's swing, enthusiastically soared higher and higher through the air whilst his aged dog sat watching - looking extremely bored. The man beamed from ear to ear as age slipped away.
This week as I coaching a client by phone in the park (that's my simple pleasure - working outdoors in the sun!!) a prim looking Clifton lady removed her shoes at the edge of the grass and walked barefoot through the soft clover to the other side, barely masking her pleasure!
It's so important to 'grow your good' by finding ways to feel better everyday. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Discover the wonder of everyday things that you don't normally take the time to notice or experience. Enjoy this film - it epitomises exactly that. A musician friend introduced it to me a while ago and I found it sooo inspiring!;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2bcPIXl8kc
Enjoy the week and get celebrating with simple pleasures!
I'm off to enjoy the rest of mine - mmmmm....coffee and cake - and sunshine!!
Jxx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and my website www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
Are you living in the present, the past or the future? Many of us let life pass by whilst waiting for things to be 'perfect'. Your life only ever happens 'NOW' - in every moment - not next week, month or in 5 years time. We live and create our lives in this moment and yet why is it that so many of us postpone today's pleasures for tomorrows dreams? The 'I'll be happy when' approach to life seems crazy really - when you consider that all you ever really have - is now.
Indulging in simple pleasures is a great way to celebrate our 'present' and indeed - life. The little things we do each day to experience life through our senses make each moment count.
Scooping froth off your cappuccino and savouring it spoon by spoon
Eating your croissant by peeling it, layer by layer
Licking melted ice-cream as it runs down your wrist
Stroking silky or velvety fabric (ok - slighty pervy but ohhhh so nice!)
Making a wish as you blow a fairy (the plant variety!!)
Taking the long way home to enjoy the scenery or break routine
Watching water wash around your feet at the beach
Squishing sand or mud (!!) through your toes
Sinking into a silky hot bath and watching the steam rise in mysterious shapes
Gazing at the moon or counting shooting stars whilst laid in the grass
Smelling and admiring flowers that you pass each day
Watching a bug navigate your arm, through a jungle of giant hairs
Luxuriating in bed just that little bit longer, and feeeeling how good it is!
Once I passed a small city park in Sydney early on a summers day, and watched in amusement as an elderly man, perched on a children's swing, enthusiastically soared higher and higher through the air whilst his aged dog sat watching - looking extremely bored. The man beamed from ear to ear as age slipped away.
This week as I coaching a client by phone in the park (that's my simple pleasure - working outdoors in the sun!!) a prim looking Clifton lady removed her shoes at the edge of the grass and walked barefoot through the soft clover to the other side, barely masking her pleasure!
It's so important to 'grow your good' by finding ways to feel better everyday. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Discover the wonder of everyday things that you don't normally take the time to notice or experience. Enjoy this film - it epitomises exactly that. A musician friend introduced it to me a while ago and I found it sooo inspiring!;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2bcPIXl8kc
Enjoy the week and get celebrating with simple pleasures!
I'm off to enjoy the rest of mine - mmmmm....coffee and cake - and sunshine!!
Jxx
Share this message? My weekly blog is posted on blogger.com/secretsnippet Facebook groups “WOW factor” - twitter @_jodie_barrett – and my website www.day-one.com.au Thanks for your support! :-)
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