Ah, Fall...the weather turns crisp, the leaves begin to change color, the nights are cool and for some of us it's a time of new beginnings. I always think of Fall as the beginning of a new year. I'm sure this comes from when I was a kid and school started in September. I would get new clothes, shiny new school supplies and a new teacher. I'd learn new subjects and meet new friends. I loved it. For me Fall was like the line from that old Simon and Garfunkle song, "..kicking down the cobble stones and feeling groovy..." I would walk home from school kicking up the fallen leaves and feeling, well, groovy...life was indeed, good.
But now that I'm a little older, okay, a lot older, I don't have quite the same great feeling about Fall as I did then. As an adult, Fall does not automatically announce new beginnings. Mostly what it announces is the start of darkness - I know that sounds pretty ominous but what I have found is that it's the lack of light that causes all the trouble. You see in the summer we get an average of about 13 hours of daily sunlight available to us - if we get up at 7am and it doesn't get dark until 8pm - that's thirteen hours of sunlight, but in the winter with Day Light Savings time we get about four hours less because by 5pm it's pretty dark. This causes some of us to get the blues - the winter blues.
So what does this have to do with calling? Well, if one is down in the dumps and feeling like a bear wanting to hibernate it's hard to think about, much less do anything about our calling. What we have to do is take action to keep our momentum from the summer months. I have come up with some ideas to keep us upbeat and positive and therefore open to our calling.
Light Therapy - If, like me you think lack of light is a problem for you then build or buy yourself a light therapy box. There are many sources available on the Internet - just put SAD light therapy in your browser and go from there.
For Stress Relief - Use Breathing as a way to release the stress. Take a deep breath – in fact take 5-10 separate deep breaths and as you take each one hold it in to the count of ten and let it out slowly.
Meditate – People who meditate tend to be more positive/serene that those who don’t.
Re-Frame your situation – tell yourself “This too shall pass.” Or marshal evidence that your pessimistic thoughts are just that, you thinking the worst – re-frame it to you thinking the best.
Visualize what you really want in this situation – if you can, find a picture and post it near you with the new way you want things.
Distract yourself – go do something else – do a mindless chore or simply take a break - read a really good book that is uplifting or funny or that takes you to a better place.
Create a Joy Basket – put all kinds of things in it such as quotes that inspire you, books that are uplifting, a list of activities you like to do, some chocolate, a tea bag to remind yourself to make yourself a cup of tea. Pictures of loved ones or things that you love such as the ocean or the mountains or your favorite animal.
Go for a walk in nature.
Remember some good news even if it was a long time ago – try to get that feeling back when you did something you really loved doing or something special you accomplished.
Call a friend and ask them what good thing has happened to them lately – joy is contagious but so is negativity – no pity parties.
Go to a funny or romantic or action movie – go with a friend or go alone – enjoy your independence.
Wear a rubber band around your wrist and when you start the negative self talk snap it back – this will snap you back into your true self which is always positive and seeking authentic happiness.
Give thanks everyday for the good in your life – do the Three Blessings Exercise by writing down in a journal or little notebook what you felt blessed with that day.
Pay attention to your dreams and write down in a little notebook any ones that seem related to your calling.
Use the winter months to grow and heal. If you don't feel this is the time to actually answer your soul's call then begin a program to heal old wounds and clean out any psychic closets that are filled with oudated ideas, old beliefs that no longer work or anything esle that limits you.
Learn something new - as we did in our school years - something related to our calling. For example, since writing is my calling I am using this winter to learn everything I can about book publishing so that in the Spring when my book is finished I'll be ready for the next steps in the process.
With these ideas we can turn a potentially dark time into a time of light and energy, maybe not the same energy some of us have in Spring and Summer but productive energy none the less. Let me know how you do with these and if you have others you'd like to share, I'd love to learn about them.
Blessings, Lorraine
Monday, September 15, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The Sacred Connection Between Creativity and Your Soul
One of the most profound ways of knowing that you're in contact with your soul is through the act of creating something. This is why when we see a pregnant woman most of us feel a kind of reverence for her – we know that she is in a sacred state of creation. There is an aura around her that encourages a kind of amazement. She is living a soulful, spiritual and creative experience. When we see a great work of art such as Michael Angelo’s, David, most of us feel a sense of soul within that work too. When I watched the recent Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics I felt the hearts and souls of the thousands it took to put on that showcase of Chinese ingenuity. The creativity was awe-inspiring and I felt the collective soul of the Chinese people that night watching it
Now we don’t have to create an Olympic Opening Ceremony or sculpt a David or even have a baby to be creative and in touch with our souls. Everyone is creative by nature and with a little nurture can be even more so. Most of us are a lot more creative than we give ourselves credit for and therefore a lot more in touch with our souls than we may think. The act of creation is all around us – new ideas, new ways of doing things and new solutions to old problems are happening at the speed of light. Look around you and take note of all the creations you see. Then take a look at your own life and make pay attention to your own creations.
Any time you take raw materials, whether they are tangible or intangible, and make something new, you are being creative. Any time you solve a problem in a new way, you are being creative. Any time you plan an event and see it through to completion you are being creative. Anytime you change the way you think of something or someone and you have a different response, you are being creative. Any time you chose to do something you have not done before, you are being creative. Any time you take a risk, or choose to learn something new, you are being creative. And of course any time you create something of beauty such as a work of art, a piece of prose or poetry, a lovely decorated room, a delicious meal, a craft, a home or building, a garden or any number things in the traditional sense of art, you are being creative.
If you would like to be more creative – to access the creative aspect of your soul in a more conscious, more nurturing and direct way below are some tips to help you get started:
Take yourself on an Beauty Date - a specific time once a week where you go alone to see and experience something you consider beautiful and has the potential to ignite your creative soul
Ask yourself before you begin a project, even housework or some task in your job - how could I do this in a more creative way? How could I bring beauty to this endeavor?
Begin to use creativity when dealing with your relationships – whether children, spouses, friend or co-workers – ask yourself – how could I use creativity to make this situation come out better and more positively?
If you long to paint, sculpt, write, do crafts or build something – begin a process of allowing time for this in your life. Find others of like mind and connect with them.
Make note of your creative endeavors and creative solutions each night when you have dinner with your family or even just with yourself if you are single - ask the question – how was I/you creative today?
Begin a creativity journal where you write about your desire to be more creative. Pay attention to your dreams and record them in your journal and make note here where you are already doiing things in a creative way.
Remember, we are all creative by nature and simply need to listen and pay attention to our soul urges – once we do, all kinds of glorious and creative things begin to happen.
Now we don’t have to create an Olympic Opening Ceremony or sculpt a David or even have a baby to be creative and in touch with our souls. Everyone is creative by nature and with a little nurture can be even more so. Most of us are a lot more creative than we give ourselves credit for and therefore a lot more in touch with our souls than we may think. The act of creation is all around us – new ideas, new ways of doing things and new solutions to old problems are happening at the speed of light. Look around you and take note of all the creations you see. Then take a look at your own life and make pay attention to your own creations.
Any time you take raw materials, whether they are tangible or intangible, and make something new, you are being creative. Any time you solve a problem in a new way, you are being creative. Any time you plan an event and see it through to completion you are being creative. Anytime you change the way you think of something or someone and you have a different response, you are being creative. Any time you chose to do something you have not done before, you are being creative. Any time you take a risk, or choose to learn something new, you are being creative. And of course any time you create something of beauty such as a work of art, a piece of prose or poetry, a lovely decorated room, a delicious meal, a craft, a home or building, a garden or any number things in the traditional sense of art, you are being creative.
If you would like to be more creative – to access the creative aspect of your soul in a more conscious, more nurturing and direct way below are some tips to help you get started:
Take yourself on an Beauty Date - a specific time once a week where you go alone to see and experience something you consider beautiful and has the potential to ignite your creative soul
Ask yourself before you begin a project, even housework or some task in your job - how could I do this in a more creative way? How could I bring beauty to this endeavor?
Begin to use creativity when dealing with your relationships – whether children, spouses, friend or co-workers – ask yourself – how could I use creativity to make this situation come out better and more positively?
If you long to paint, sculpt, write, do crafts or build something – begin a process of allowing time for this in your life. Find others of like mind and connect with them.
Make note of your creative endeavors and creative solutions each night when you have dinner with your family or even just with yourself if you are single - ask the question – how was I/you creative today?
Begin a creativity journal where you write about your desire to be more creative. Pay attention to your dreams and record them in your journal and make note here where you are already doiing things in a creative way.
Remember, we are all creative by nature and simply need to listen and pay attention to our soul urges – once we do, all kinds of glorious and creative things begin to happen.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Cinema Self Exercise – A Romantic Movie
Here is a fun exercise to do today on this Labor Day Holiday. Describe yourself as you would be in a romantic movie. Answer the following questions and use as much imagery as possible. Use descriptive words and phrases. Make it fun!
What do you (Cinema Self) look like in the movie?
How old are you?
What is Cinema Self’s style or way of dressing?
What kind of car does Cinema Self drive?
Where does Cinema Self live?
Describe her home/apartment?
Describe Cinema Self in as much detail as possible
Who would play Cinema Self in the movie if this were a real movie?
Where does it take place?
Who is the romantic lead
What does he look like
What kind of work does he do?
What kind of car does he drive?
Who would play him if this were a real movie?
What makes him the romantic lead?
What else does Cinema Self do besides date the romantic lead?
Does she have other passions and what are they?
What kind of accomplishments is Cinema Self most proud of?
What do her friends in the movie always say about her?
What is she known for? What is her most famous line?
What do her friend say about the romantic lead?
What is his most famous line?
What is he known for?
What music would be played as backdrop to the movie?
Is there a theme song?
What happens in this movie? Describe the plot and how the plot is resolved? What does Cinema Self struggle with? What is the conflict between her and the romantic lead? How is this conflict resolved? What does Cinema Self learn in the end about love and relationships?
Name your movie and Post it on the Blog here and let's have some fun.
Blessings, Lorraine
What do you (Cinema Self) look like in the movie?
How old are you?
What is Cinema Self’s style or way of dressing?
What kind of car does Cinema Self drive?
Where does Cinema Self live?
Describe her home/apartment?
Describe Cinema Self in as much detail as possible
Who would play Cinema Self in the movie if this were a real movie?
Where does it take place?
Who is the romantic lead
What does he look like
What kind of work does he do?
What kind of car does he drive?
Who would play him if this were a real movie?
What makes him the romantic lead?
What else does Cinema Self do besides date the romantic lead?
Does she have other passions and what are they?
What kind of accomplishments is Cinema Self most proud of?
What do her friends in the movie always say about her?
What is she known for? What is her most famous line?
What do her friend say about the romantic lead?
What is his most famous line?
What is he known for?
What music would be played as backdrop to the movie?
Is there a theme song?
What happens in this movie? Describe the plot and how the plot is resolved? What does Cinema Self struggle with? What is the conflict between her and the romantic lead? How is this conflict resolved? What does Cinema Self learn in the end about love and relationships?
Name your movie and Post it on the Blog here and let's have some fun.
Blessings, Lorraine
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Soul and Creativity – Art Waiting to Happen
Think about it – you walk down the street one day and you see this couple – a man and woman are strolling hand and hand, they are laughing and talking together – something we have all seen a million times, but there is something about the woman – an aura that is unmistakable - her step is light, her movements are fluid, her smile is warm and her attitude is joyful – then she turns and you realize that she’s pregnant. Ah, that explains it. They are in love and they have created a baby out of that love. You have just witnessed the connection between the soul and creativity – the original way, if you will, but certainly not the only way.
When we see a great work of art such as Michael Angelo’s, David, most of us feel a sense of soul within that work too. When I watched the recent Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics I felt the hearts and souls of the thousands it took to put on that showcase of Chinese ingenuity. The creativity was awe-inspiring and I felt the collective soul of the Chinese people that night watching it. I call it life as art and everyone can create “babies” whether they are creations of the body, mind or spirit.
Now we don’t have to create an Olympic Opening Ceremony or sculpt a David or even have a baby to be creative and in touch with your soul. Everyone is creative by nature and with a little nurture can be even more so. Plus, most of us are a lot more creative than we give ourselves credit for and therefore a lot more in touch with our souls than we may think. The act of creation is all around us – new ideas, new ways of doing things and new solutions to old problems are happening at the speed of light. Look around you and take note of all the creations you see. Then take a look at your own life and pay attention to your own creations.
Any time you take raw materials, whether they are tangible or intangible, and make something new, you are being creative. Any time you solve a problem in a new way, you are being creative. Any time you plan an event and see it through to completion you are being creative. Anytime you change the way you think of something or someone and you have a different response, you are being creative. Any time you chose to do something you have not done before, you are being creative. Any time you take a risk, or choose to learn something new, you are being creative. And of course any time you create something of beauty such as a work of art, a piece of prose or poetry, a room you've rearranged, a delicious meal, a craft, a home or building you design and build, a graden you plant, or any number things you might create in the traditional sense of art, you are being creative.
Being creative is in our DNA but living life as art is about focusing on being creative. So, if you would like to be more creative – to access the creative aspect of your soul in a more conscious, more nurturing and direct way then here are some tips to get you started.
As I wrote last week take yourself on an Artist Date - a specific time once a week where you go alone to see and experience something you consider beautiful and has the potential to ignite your creative soul
Ask yourself before you begin a project, even housework or some task in your job - how could I do this in a more creative way? How could I bring beauty to this endeavor?
Begin to use creativity when dealing with your relationships – whether children, spouses, friend or co-workers – ask yourself – how could I use creativity to make this situation come out better and in a more positive way for everyone?
If you long to paint, sculpt, write, do crafts or build something – begin a process of allowing time for this in your life. Find others of like mind and connect with them. Make a plan to create and work your plan.
Make note of your creative endeavors and creative solutions to problems in a creativity journal. Have a time at dinner every night to ask your family – How were you creative today?
Begin a creativity journal where you write about your desire to be more creative. Pay attention to your dreams and record them in your journal. If you feel hampered in being creative begin a process through journaling to rid yourself ot limiting beliefs or ideas.
Get help from a coach or creativity group to support you in your creative efforts. People who seek out others are in the act of creating simply by the act of asking for help.
Remember, we are all creative by nature and simply need to listen and pay attention to our soul urges – once we do, all kinds of glorious and creative things begin to happen.
Blessing, Lorraine
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