Serenity Pathways

Archive for the ‘family’ Category

Who knew after a lot of work the “pause” in our normal routine would be so refreshing. We had our (now after three years) “normal” company for Labor Day weekend.  To get ready we  did more than usual.  You know how it is and what you think you have to do when you have six additional people coming to your house to stay for 4 days!  This summer was odd; we had not done as much work outside as we usually do, so we did more than the usual weekly clean up in preparation. With the rain and rapid growth on the outside there was a lot to be done!  Plus we decided to paint one of the bedrooms.

Although it’s still very hot here in Florida, I knew that after this weekend I’d want to get back into work without thinking about changing my house into fall. (Yes, I am one who likes to decorate for the seasons down to my couch pillows.)  So I did that too!

The weekend turned out to be a much bigger “pause” in our normal routines than I had thought it would be.  We all had so much fun together and in small groups.   The planning paid off so it didn’t feel like we had to work at all for everyone to feel comfortable. It seemed like a luxury to spend that much time relaxing and just having fun!  I am always amazed at the magic of taking a real break – a pause from everything else.  I’m the Queen of mini pauses and quick breaks but every once in awhile taking a big pause really refreshes.  I didn’t worry about what I had to do this week or what I wasn’t doing. I know that’s the key!  Things moved with ease and my week has fallen into place easily!

Try hitting  the “pause” button!  Take a quick pause and work up to the longer ones. Don’t forget to hit the pause button on the “what I have to do” thoughts too!!!

Post your favorite way to pause,

Bonnie

PS If you want to hear more about “the magic of the pause button” tune in on Tuesday, September 14 at 6:00 PM ET to blogtalkradio.com/lea-yekutiel.  If you can’t make it, the recording will be there. There are other great shows to list with wonderful guests, too.

I felt invisible forces around as I visited with friends and family during my time in New York while staying with my Mom as she was recuperating from surgery. I noticed certain people seemed to be controlled by something no one could see. Some people were very focused on what was “wrong”. What was wrong with… you can name it: the church, politics, who was donating money to the wrong cause, what some friend’s and family member’s teenagers were doing (no, don’t ask) and more! It was also fascinating to watch and listen to how each person reacted as the conversations continued. It may have seemed to a casual observer that some people were bystanders rather than being in the drama of the conversation. However, if you listened closely, those people were compassionate but had a lack of judgment. So what invisible force was leading them by the hand?

Why such a big difference in people’s ability to perceive and react in such different ways? The obvious answer is: our beliefs. However, I was reminded about a question in a recent study group I attended. The question was: how are our beliefs influenced? Think about this for a moment. Have you ever been in a stadium when someone starts “the wave” and all of a sudden everyone in the stadium of thousands is moving? It’s an energetic connection that happens as the person next to you starts moving. The same is true when you’re on a project and everything just falls into place. There’s an invisible connection that occurs from one person to the next, and it’s not a thinking or talking experience once it has been set in motion. And it’s not an accident or coincidence. The intentions and thoughts create an energetic field of connection between each person or event.

Quantum scientists refer to this connection as a “morphic field.” You can liken this to a blueprint connected to whatever the focus is. The blueprint is fluid, moving and growing or not. There’s a “field” connected to politics, a field connected to disease, a field connected to religion, and a field connected to a party you are planning to have – just to name a few. There is NO judgment to the field itself; it’s just a collection of energy. For a moment, think back over the last few years. Have you felt worried or scared after you heard the news or talked with your friends about the economy? There is a “field” surrounding our economy and many times it’s a field of fear. When you tap into that field you may feel uneasy or think that things will never get better. Just a few more examples: there is a field of connections or morphic fields around prayer, God, sports, or the TV show So You Think You Can Dance.

What field are you in? When you feel an emotion or pinpoint a belief, ask yourself “Is this me?” Is this a commonly held belief in society? Is it from how I was raised? Are these my true feelings? Do I want to keep what I believe or let it go? Let go of what isn’t yours!

When we were discussing this in our study group the question was asked about the old saying “better safe than sorry”. I asked myself what percentage of that belief is from society. What is from my family? What percent left is mine? I let go of the society and family energy. A very small portion was my own perception of this saying, which to me meant being safe not sorry is living with limitations. I want to live without limiting myself from the many possibilities available to me. Yet others brought up that keeping their belief was a good thing for them because it kept them from doing dangerous things. Most importantly, just check in with yourself and see where the belief is coming from – from others or is it truly your own. You can decide either way if it’s worth keeping or changing. Wouldn’t you hate to think you were really controlled by outside invisible forces rather than making choices yourself?

Let go of what isn’t yours, have fun and enjoy the rest of the summer,
Bonnie

I’d like to pose a question to you…do you feel free or feel  a sense of freedom?  Can you remember those times when you did? When I looked up the  word free I found it  can mean “without a charge”. Freedom can be a “lack of restrictions, free will, or  looseness.” Most people I talk to have the opposite, a  sense of being confined. And, that’s  certainly a reasonable feeling as the hurricane of change and uncertainty still hovers around us. But, when we start to feel boxed in we can choose to slide into a more open and freeing state of mind. It can come in the most unexpected way.

My birthday was this week and I had such a sense of freedom and celebration during the day. What was unexpected and really contributed were  the  Happy Birthday songs. This was the year for the  six musical happy birthdays that entertained me both live and in messages. One birthday rendition  left me in a heap of laughter. It wasn’t that they sang poorly it was just fun and the joy they were having left me smiling inside and out. It was so freeing to hear them sing and just laugh in the moment and celebrate! The bubbles of that laughter keep me feeling free and that lovely feeling of openness  permeated my day.

So very simply put, this July 4th celebrate your freedom. This weekend is a wonderful time to enjoy the moments of being able to do nothing, be with your family and friends or enjoy being with yourself. Celebrate what you have and laugh.

Happy July 4th weekend, feel free it’s all in the feeling, have fun and enjoy the present moment,
Bonnie

I am including a video that had me in tears. Laughing will give you the opportunity not to be bound up, worried or feel restricted. It’s only two minutes. I bet you won’t be able to keep a straight face! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HttF5HVYtlQ (copy and paste)

Shifting thoughts have really moved the bubble of reality for me, and for those around me, in wonderful ways. In the last blog, I wrote about being able to shift your bubble of reality and I wanted to share a few stories with you. A teenager I coached recently was angry and very upset – until and her bubble of reality shifted. What changed for her? When she saw the possibility that what had been said to her, although hurtful and downright rude, was really not true! She didn’t have to buy into the hurt and angry reality.

Yesterday I had one of those days, like the teenager above, shifting my bubble. It started out with someone, where I do some contract work, putting their head down and mumbling, “Good morning.” I could hear it was not a good morning. Was it me? Maybe? Or maybe not!

Then later in the day I presented a program to support for staff in their work environment – something I was very excited about.

However, my bubble didn’t shift – it popped. Although the administrator was positive and open, she shared when some of the staff heard about the time commitment for the program I had created for them, they were resistant to participating. I felt I had gone above and beyond in creating this program to support them! So my bubble fell to the floor, popped and subsequently disappeared. I was really disappointed.

How did I let that happen? You guessed it! I didn’t shift my thoughts, when I received the feedback about some of the staff’s reaction and my bubble melted on the ground. I didn’t give myself any “wiggle room” – that energetic space where physical realities change, as Dr. Bartlett talks about in his books Matrix Energetics and The Physics of a Miracle.

It took me a bit to get another bubble in the air, but I did it. The breath that let this new bubble grow and airlift in it’s shift, was looking for what I was truly feeling and then changing my thoughts. I also had a deep conviction and belief there had to be other realities I could shift and move into and let go of where I was. I let go of my attachment to the outcome (will they choose to get involved with the program I created) and let go of the story that what I was offering wasn’t valuable. Whew! What a relief to let it go!

Most importantly, as I shifted my bubble of reality, I feel peaceful and knew that whatever happens happens. Being peaceful is really the intention. When we are in a peaceful state of well-being that’s where where the miracles are.
How are you shifting your bubble of reality? Post and tell us.

Here’s to beautiful bubbles floating in the air with many colorful and wonderful realities. You can choose!

Bonnie

Three critically, important questions can pave the way for your success this year. I have read, coached (Empowerparties.com) and experienced the success of these powerful questions. I believe you’ll find they will give you a more direct connection to your dreams and intentions as you move into 2010. After you have asked these questions add another dimension. Make your desires visible through writing and pictures. This starts creating your new reality for the year. The first question to ask yourself is: “How or what was successful for me in 2009 and why?” The answer to this question is vital to your success. This isn’t as much about what you did, as it is about the components that made you successful in achieving your desired outcome. The second questions is: “What would I do differently in the areas I didn’t achieve the success I desired?” This isn’t about blame and shame. It’s just an evaluation of events. The third question to ask yourself is: “What do I have to support me to be successful that I didn’t have in place last year?” To reach new goals and intentions we have do and be different. These are really dynamic and powerful questions to guide you in keeping what worked and changing what didn’t. After you have pondered and written down your answers you are then ready to start to create a plan for success this year. Have fun. Here are a few of my favorite support “things”.

A Few of My Favorite Things

Over the holidays I once again watched the musical The Sound of Music. I love the song My Favorite Things “Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens …”. The song gave me the idea to share with you a few of my favorite things to shift my inner and out worlds for success, peace and change. I wanted to share them with you to support you in realizing your dreams and making 2010 the success you desire.

Of course one of my new favorites is something here at SerenityPathways, The Virtual Spa® Gift Package. This new three month Virtual Spa® Membership gives you access to the many rooms in the spa filled with ways to relax, release, and refresh yourself 24/7. A new addition to the membership gift package are daily one minute audios. Many of my coaching clients have said they would love to put me in their pocket to carry with them between sessions. (I think it might be a bit dark and crowded in someone’s pocket:)) So added I added an extra feature to the three month membership in the spa. Every day, for three months, not only will you have access to over 24 rooms in The Virtual Spa® and get a spa weekly tip filled with great ideas to nurture your body and soul … you will have your Spa Coach (yes, that’s me) in your pocket everyday, with an inspirational one minute audio boost coming to your email daily and a gentle reminder to visit the spa!

Not Just Any Harp Music

I have had Amy’s magical and healing music in my home for 6 years. I have also had the honor and joy of recording a CD with Amy. Amy’s music has been healing, calming and transformational in my life, my families, clients and friends. The research behind the relaxing and healing that can occur while listening (the body can heal once it is in a relaxed state) of these CDs is just amazing. These two are my current favorites and have gotten me through the tough times and relaxed and balanced me in my daily life. http://www.serenitypathways.com/relaxation.htm (For her full collection visit AmyCamie.com)

Elyse Hope Killoran, President of Choosing Prosperity From the Inside Out

Our journey (my husband and I) began or continued in Elyse’s Prosperity Partnership Program – a powerful “place” for spiritual business owners and anyone on the spiritual path especially if you want to move forward in your life or business. The offerings from Elyse can support you in being the person who can align with your innate ability to create prosperity…from the inside-out. The Anchoring Prosperity CD is a great way to start visualizing your intentions, seeing yourself being where you want to be in 2010. It is a CD you will listen to many times over! To find out more visit: http://prosperityportal.com/ or http://choosingprosperity.com

For Parents

Tami Gulland is a wonderful colleague and friend. She is an empathic and talented coach and parent of two children. I have had the awesome opportunity to witness some of her incredible ability for transformation and miracles in families close to me.

Restore Harmony Within Your Home and Family with Tami Gulland

Positive Psychology is something that has really pulled me up and into who I am. It changed the way where I started with clients in counseling and where I always start in my coaching practice. I found that part of self nurturing is to find your gifts and strengths which leads to stronger relationships, paves the way to move through challenges more easily and is the natural path to happiness in life.

Here are some of my favorite links to finding your strengths and gifts and claiming your happiness now!
www.AuthenticHappiness.com
www.viacharacter.org
At these two sites you can start finding the best of who you are as you identify your gifts and strengths.
HappinessProject.com I haven’t bought the book yet, but you can be sure I will.

Books I couldn’t leave out!

Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson

I love how she found the science on why how positive thoughts and 10 minutes of quiet can change your daily reality from chaos to more ease.

Happy for No Reason
Marci Shimoff did a fabulous job of bringing happiness to a level that everyone can understand.

My newest favorite is The Physics of Miracles by Richard Bartlett. Don’t read this one unless you want to start changing your world. It is a bit mind boggling what we can change by just connecting “two points of light”.

Writing Down Your Soul by Janet Connor
A friend and someone I have watched totally transform her life living Writing Down Your Soul. This is a must for anyone who wants personal guidance and enjoys writing. In February, Janet will teach you more secrets about harnessing your writing and guidance in a new course called Plug In! The Intersection for Writers and Other Creatives.
This ten-week teleseries is unlike anything else. It is the first in-depth exploration of The Intersection and it is designed specifically for writers, speakers, and other creatives. It merges new and very powerful spiritual practices with your craft infusing your work with access to limitless creativity and guidance. The result? You create a unique message that cannot help but find its expression in the world. All you have to do is Plug In to the incredible power of The Intersection.

I could continue but I said just a few of my favorite things. I would love if you would post a comment and share one of your favorite “things” that have inspired you and supported you in your success. “Rain drops on roses …”

Enjoy your success in 2010,
Bonnie

Yes, you can find peace in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, if you really want it. Even if there is a sadness in your heart, you can discover peace during this holiday season.

The other day I was reminded of this as I watched a dove take it’s winged grace into the air. (We have doves here around our house in Florida.) I love watching the doves, hearing them coo and knowing of the peace they can bring. In some sad moments today the energy of the doves cleared my way to more peace.

Historically, and in many faith traditions, doves are known as a symbol of peace. They are also known in Animal Totem medicine as a symbol of the peace of grace. It doesn’t matter where you live, you can capture the energy of the dove’s profound peace wherever you live and especially now in the season of light, peace and love.

I knew doves were associated with peace and love but I didn’t know that doves were also associated with giving.    It’s important for all of us to Let go of the notion there’s not enough time. This season and as you move into the new year, let “giving” to yourself  be one of your gifts.

Whenever you slip into the energy of chaos and desire the delicious comforting sense of peace….think of the dove energy.   It’s never too late to give to yourself.  Make a choice to  make things simpler.  Or give yourself a “time out”.  Be quiet before you head out shopping, wrapping, or cooking.  Trust your intuition; you know what you need. Those few self-nurturing moments have a big payoff in the grand scheme of things. And don’t forget to breathe in thankfulness for whatever you love and that is dear to you this holiday!

When you finish reading this blog take a moment, close your eyes and visualize or imagine beautiful doves of peace soaring and floating gently across the skies.  Imagine the serenity they bring as they noiselessly flap their wings, stilling your thoughts and bringing a true sense of tranquilly to you.  Just breathe in the tranquility!  Everything will fall into order.  Let it sink in before you open your eyes to the sights and sounds of this very precious season.

Wishing you all the peace of the doves,’

Bonnie

What do the first letters of the words above spell? Yes, you knew it—B.U.S.Y.! There is busy and then there is B.U.S.Y. Feeling B.U.S.Y. is feeling like you’re on the bottom, underneath the pile of to-dos weighing you down, stressed—thinking about what isn’t going to get done and then. . .the really yucky feelings creep into the pit of your stomach. Need I go on?  I caught myself in that trap this morning after starting a new two-day-a-week work opportunity (which I’m grateful and very appreciative of having).

I really thought this morning my inspired priorities were in order.  But, when I started to think of the top one on my list (a new task list added to the already long list–finding my Social Security card, which I needed so I could send a copy to my new contracting company so I could get paid) I felt the yucky feelings start to creep in. I wasn’t able to locate it when I looked before a late dinner last night, on top of knowing all I had to accomplish today after being out of my office.  Being the de-stress queen I knew I had a choice.  I could keep feeling like I was propelled out of a cannon ball and get aggravated OR de-stress myself.

The Power of De-Stressing

I make the choice I know works the best for me: de-stress and connect.  I focused on breathing. . .I breathed deeply in and out of my nose for a least 30 seconds. Then the pit in my stomach released. (I reminded myself how my brain, and yours, gets locked up when we are stressed and clear thinking gets put to the side.) I also remembered how when I’m able to flow more freely without worrying how the most important things on my inspired list seem to get done. Although quite frankly, I’m not always sure how they gets done. In fact sometimes it truly amazes me.

Once I reached the driveway it occurred to me to look through our files again.  Sure enough, there was a second folder with important papers in it that I had missed the previous evening.  Viola! There was my Social Security card.

What do you do?

I’m really interested in what your favorite de-stressor is. How do you keep yourself grounded with all you have to do?  They can be serious, fun or just practical. Blog and tell us what your favorite (healthy) de-stressor is.  It’s great to share so everyone benefits! We will choose the top 3 most unique or best de-stressing tips and send you a gift.  So please put your email in your blog response so we can contact you by email if you are a winner.

Welcome to SerenityPathway’s new blog The Natural Path to Being You, Ideas to Nourish Your Body, Mind and Spirit. The intention of Serenity Pathways’ (Blog, CDs, Coaching, Natural Path to Happiness© Modules, teleclasses, The Virtual Spa®, ebooks and products) is to create short, elegant pathways–stepping stones–for you to transform, create and keep a positive, loving connection to your body, mind and spirit.

Life Makeovers by Cheryl Richardson

“Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own shadow.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson (from Life Makeovers by Cheryl Richardson)

I believe that everyone can connect to their authentic self and to an energy that is much greater than each of us individually (God, Spirit, Source, the Universe etc.) I also believe that when we connect to each other while being our authentic selves, we create a much better world. As your “best” and authentic self, you give a gift of you to yourself and the gift of you to the world. It’s energizing, joyful and fun. (You’re not a gift when you’re filled with drama, stress and anxiety. It just fills the world with more toxins.) You then inspire those around you to be their “best” selves.

Competing, being a victim and sacrificing was the old game. The new structures for us to build now are to allow ourselves to be just who we are using our gifts, strengths, and taking care of all parts of ourselves. That includes the obvious self care, as well as the deeper choice of being gentle and kind to ourselves.

Being your “best” and authentic self is a choice. You have a choice to do the self nurturing and self care that supports you being your authentic and fully-connected self or stay on the treadmill of more work and while keeping going and not stopping. If you choose to not stop, at some point you’ll fall off in exhaustion in one or all areas of your body, mind and spirit. Deeply honoring your body, mind and spirit is the choice that is important for your connection, health and wellbeing.

When you choose self care and self nurturing, you grow and are more abundant in every way. As each of us does that in our own way, our planet will shift and become a more joyful, healthier, safer place to live. We can certainly use that now!

I hope this blog will inspire you, give you practical information and be a place of community where you can all share your wisdom and gifts. I also hope that everyone reading the blog will find a short, elegant pathway that make will make life easier and more fun.

Wishing you the ease of the elegant butterfly,

Bonnie

Relationships-We all know to enjoy them and have fun……we just forget!  Enjoy this one minute video of true friends and fun.  Remember the kid inside of you. ( I am not sure how they got some of those shots.) Remember the fun of being with friends. Call a friend this weekend-you’ll release those good chemicals, feel happier and be healthier!

http://tr.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2B_d_eBI6g

This will make you smile! Your boost for the day.

Happy Friday,

Bonnie

PS We are going dancing tonight. I can’t wait to have fun and meet new people.

 I know many times we get overwhelmed coping with all the change going on in our lives.  Even the routine changes can deplete our  energy. Taking the time to find and expand your social support systems  and making connections take some time.  This is so very important.  It lights you up!

Kathryn Britton writes in her article “We can rewire our brains in new ways, but doing so requires repeatedly performing new behaviors, over and over, and repeatedly stopping the reinforcement of old behaviors that had become automatic. People tend to have a small budget of energy for intentional change so they need to be selective.”  However, it’s really not as hard as you think. It’s more about being aware and making a different choice until it becomes a habit.  Be selective and use your energy to stay or create positive connections..

Enjoy! This article was written at the beginning of the year, however, it has all the ingredients for how to make changes. She weaves in both practical ideas and research.  (copy and paste urlhttp://pos-psych.com/news/kathryn-britton/200901071414)

So what are you going to do to stay connected today?

Staying connected,

Bonnie

P.S. I’ m calling the dance studio today!