Posts Tagged ‘positive psychology’

My husband and I rode on a wave of  fun and relaxation during Memorial Day weekend. We marveled at how great it was. I think it’s one of the first three-day weekends we relaxed being at home and not on vacation.  We relaxed and had fun all three days. It was fantastic! So, I really wanted to share with you what we noticed afterward during our “work week”.

Although there was some irritability and anxiety  in air at my two-day contract job, I noticed that it didn’t affect me as much.  It was easier to stay light and unburdened in an uncertain working situation.  Although I stay pretty balanced, the uncertainty of what’s going on can and does affect me at times. I also noticed it was easier for me to support others to observe, without judgment, and really look at where some of the unrest was stemming from.  It was even easier to explain how to shift the focus to the appreciative side of things.

As you know, with change there can also be drama. Everyday there seemed to be something to set everyone off.  You have to admit there are times we all feed on the “drama” of a situation.  So to lighten things up a bit, I suggested we consider the idea that we’re playing a kid’s game of “gossip”.   Yes, it was much easier and more fun when we looked at what was happening in that light!  So we looked at the “rumors”  as part of the game.  The rumors  weren’t the truth (which is the Truth). When we can relax into what is going on with our own stories and opinions or with other people’s stories and opinions, we’re not coloring our world into one of negativity. Life can then take on  a more light and playful flavor.  Playing the game of gossip took the pressure and the sting out of what will happen in the future…because we truly don’t know what will happen for awhile yet.

Each day we played  “gossip” and asked each other what the latest game had for us today. We actually laughed! I felt lighter and not as tired at the end of the day. My co-workers seemed lighter also.

The tension bubble  popped.  And, letting go of  the tension is what’s important for our bodies and our minds. The truth is we don’t live in the past or the future . We know we only have the present moment. (I know at times  our minds struggle with the thought of staying in the present, being in the flow and at the same time open to the the cues that guide us to move forward.)

On the other front, my husband was noticeably lighter and more optimistic than before the weekend. He seemed more committed to certain things that had been eluding him in the past.  And I heard him whistle – a sure sign that all is well in his world.

Research tells us the importance of play and taking daily time-out on our stress levels, health, and happiness. But, I strongly suggest you do your own research.  The carryover effect is one you’ll be sure to notice. Relax into relaxing, it’s much more productive than you may think. !

So put your feet up and relax into relaxing,

Bonnie

P.S .What do you notice when you relax or take a time-out? What do you do to relax? Or how do you take some quiet time for yourself? How are you different afterward?  Post any of the answers to any of the questions and share with our readers.

You can change your bubble of reality, even though sometimes you may find it difficult to imagine. After reading Bartlett’s book, The Physics of a Miracle and listening to his CDs, I knew deep inside what Bartlett was talking about rang true to me on a profound level. It confirmed what I have witnessed with my clients and myself many times. We do have the ability to shift and create changes in many places in our life – in the little and big challenges in our bubbles. Just playing (that’s an important word) a bit with the concepts, I saw magic occur. After experimenting further, I felt the strong energy of change that I had read about. I continue to be very hopeful and excited as I pursue changing my bubble of reality even more and supporting my clients in shifting their reality more quickly to what they desire.

This past weekend I attended a Matrix Energetic Workshop with Dr. Bartlett. I had a strong desire to “sit” in the energy and learn more about how to shift my reality bubble. You may think that Bartlett is a bit of a “crazy guy” (he says that about himself) but he allows you to be your “crazy self” and not judge you for it. In fact, he honors and respects your reality. When the workshop is over, you know this man is brilliant with his vast knowledge of medicine, religion, Quantum Physics and much, much more. However, he would tell you that isn’t what’s important. It’s probably not, but for some it may be a reference point of creditability. My impression of Bartlett’s mission and purpose is to find as many people as possible and teach them how to shift their reality bubble.

Physical Reality Shifts Right in Front of Our Eyes

How crazy would it be if a person’s bubble includes a possible neurological disorder and then it doesn’t? At the workshop, one of participants from the audience walks unsteadily on the stage with help of a cane but when he leaves the stage he walks off the stage holding the cane in his hand. I think you would agree that is a miracle. (The next day this man held the cane just in case he needed it and two days later he didn’t even carry the cane. You would have never known he could barely walk before).

There was just enough room in his bubble of reality, just a little “wiggle room”, to think that things could be different. Did Bartlett focus on what was wrong? No! He placed his observations of the “problems” on an imaginary clipboard and then created a shift. Then, Bartlett directed his focus elsewhere using two other points of reference partnered with fun, laughter and his strong belief there was another bubble of reality in which this person walked without a cane. Sound a bit strange? Maybe or maybe not? I remember a quote from the bible where after Jesus healed someone he said you can this and more.

How do you shift your bubble and create the magic? Find a small space, those moments where you have just a little wiggle room. The space where you can find trust in your heart, where what you want is possible. All you have to do is think of a situation. It starts on the inside…the inside of you… from a deep desire in your heart. Stop right now and think about something you desire…, stay in your heart space and let that thought go. Now move your focus to a success you have had or a gratitude for something in your life. Just the simple act of moving your focus shifts your bubble. Remember, the more you think about what you don’t have the more you create that. Bartlett suggests you put what you want on an imaginary clipboard. Allow Spirit the Divine or God to work out the details. How do you do that again? Move into your heart. Ask open ended questions: what would it be like? What will be the next step? But don’t answer them! Let your right intuitive brain go to work and give your left brain the steps. You job: Feel it from your heart space and then switch your focus to something else . Stay away from what you don’t think you have or what you don’t want to happen.

Focus on those uplifting synchronicies. The ones that surprise you, where people show up and experiences happen in a way that you noticed seemed amazing. Focus on that! The more you focus on those kinds of miracles, even when things are challenging, you’ll find more magic will happen in your life and the more you will shift from what you didn’t want to a life that you truly desire. I know how powerful you are in many areas of your life. I know you can shift your bubble in other areas of your reality too!

For more information on Matrix Energetics visit MatrixEnergetics.com.

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

In our ever-changing, very busy world, many of us experience “high stress moments”. It may be with our children, our jobs, or our relationships. During these high stress moments what can you do? You can take a deep breath and ask yourself some questions: Am I safe right now? Am I taking responsibility for others feelings? Is what I am saying to myself or about someone else really true?

Believe it or not you can be “happy for no reason.” You can stop, take another breath and consider something different! The truth of how we feel comes from inside, not the outside!

Below are four of my favorite places for those high-stress times and moments. These four “tools” can support you in making an internal shift back to peace and happiness. Please, pass this on to your friends, co-workers and relatives. Sometimes just reading new information or taking a class can change a person’s life forever.

To relieve high-stress moments related to broken hearts, completely heal from the residuals of divorce (during or post divorce) and attract that new relationship into your life, join a webinar from the On Purpose Divorce©. Many people get through the legal aspects of divorce, adjust to a different life but never completely heal or understand the reason or true purpose of their divorce. If you are curious about the purpose of your divorce or where you are in the process, join Dr. Bob Evans and Janet Conner on May 15th for Webinar On Purpose Divorce© 360° of Healing. ( check for more classes comimg in June)http://acenterforhumanpotential.com/MayWebinar.htm

To relieve those expected, and unexpected, moments of high stress with children, you will love The Greater Good Science Center website. It’s a great site for parents interested “in raising happy and emotionally literate kids.” It’s a wonderful place for parents to find research-based ideas that work to raise resilient and competent kids. You can blog with other parents to discuss challenges, exchange positive ideas and learn new ways to interact with children. Enjoy reading the Half Full:Raising Happy Kids Blog-http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/half_full/

To relieve high-stress moments of life and to expand your happiness potential, read Marci Shimoff’s book Happy for No Reason. This book may be one of the best things you can do for yourself. In Happy for No Reason you will find compelling and heart-warming stories, research and practical ideas to be “happy for no reason.” It is easy to read and easy to do.

To release the high-stress moments of your day in less than 10 minutes, visit the free rooms in the Virtual Spa™ or become a member. You will be amazed at how taking just 10 minutes on a daily basis will reduce the frequency of high-stress moments in your life. Having this wonderful place to de-stress during the day allows you to return to work calm and focused. The spa is open 24/7 and, when you become a member, you can take the spa with you on CD or your ipod with the free-to-members downloads. www.SerenityPathways.com