Life Coaching & EFT Articles/Blog tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1 2008-04-11T22:39:24Z Tips for creating a life you love from life coach Pamela Bruner. Movable Type 3.32 Times They Are A-Changing tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1.26 2008-04-01T20:26:04Z 2008-04-11T22:39:24Z Hello, friends! I have so much to talk about this month, I'll be sending out more than one newsletter, just to cover it all! New and Upcoming: EFT Practitioner's Showcase I'm so proud to have been chosen as one of five practitioners for the EFT Practitioner's Showcase in Matthews, NC, April 18th- 20th. For more information, email me, or register... creating I have so much to talk about this month, I'll be sending out more than one newsletter, just to cover it all!

New and Upcoming:

  • EFT Practitioner's Showcase
    I'm so proud to have been chosen as one of five practitioners for the EFT Practitioner's Showcase in Matthews, NC, April 18th- 20th. For more information, email me, or register at www.janluther.com.

  • Video of EFT workshops on my website!
    Look for some website changes later this month. There will be new pages, including videos of several different workshops of mine. These will show EFT in action, and how powerful and effective it is.

  • New Enewsletter format!
    Because I'm feeling drawn to write more often, I'm combining my blog and my newsletters. You'll still get the Creating Powerfully newsletter that you're used to, but now they will be stored in the blog format on my website. This will let you know about upcoming events more easily, and give great tips on tapping your way through life's challenges.

Current Events:

I hope that some of you have been watching the Oprah/Eckart Tolle videocasts on 'A New Earth - Awakening to Your Life's Purpose.' These are thought-provoking conversations, on a fantastic spiritual level, and are drawing millions of people into these ideas. If you haven't seen them before, you can catch up by going to Oprah.com. More on this in the next newsletter!

Today's Tapping Tip:

It's easy to get discouraged these days, given the economic climate of the country. Bad news is all around us, and most of us know at least one person with a hard-luck story. It might even be you! When you begin to engage in negative thinking, you may start a downward spiral that is difficult to break. Using EFT to counter these 'recession blues' can keep you open to the abundance and possibilities that are available to you.

We'll use the Choices method to directly instill more optimistic thoughts. Will these create more abundance for you? Whether or not you believe that you have the ability to manifest things, it is undeniable that you are more open to possibilities with a better frame of mind. This leads directly to the appearance of 'good luck' and 'fortunate coincidences' in your life. It's not luck, it's you, creating an environment in which you can see opportunities.

Here's an example:

  • Even though I think that no one can prosper in these economic times,
  • I choose to be open to Universal abundance
  • I choose to be the exception, because there is always an exception!
  • I choose to consider that I can always make money
  • I choose to receive and allow abundance now!

Use this as your Setup, and then tap 5 shortcut rounds - one for the negative, and one for each of the positive Choice statements. You can tweak the Choice statement to make them more powerful or appropriate for you. (For a complete explanation of the EFT procedure, download the EFT basics guide on my What is EFT? page. A more thorough description of the Choices method is also in my blog.)

Upcoming Workshops:

Freedom from Food Cravings
Kernersville, NC, Wednesday, April 30th 7 pm - 9:30 pm

Cost is $30, additional teleclass sessions are available to provide follow-up support.

Do you have food cravings? Do you eat when you're not hungry? Are you always thinking about food, or worrying about what you should or shouldn't eat? Does weight loss seem a constant struggle, or an impossible goal? This workshop is for you!

You'll learn techniques to completely eliminate (not ignore) your food cravings. We'll explore, and gently release, the underlying issues that are keeping you fixated on food, and unable to lose weight. This workshop is not about nutrition tips, or exercise plans, nor about willpower and struggle. This is about freedom!


Ultimate Calm and Serenity
May 3rd, 10-5pm, Lawrenceville, GA, harp concert at 7:30 pm

Are stress and overwhelm your constant companions? Do you know that you need to create calm, but aren't sure how? Do you never feel that you have enough time? Are you uncomfortable with relaxation - or is it so unfamiliar that you're not even sure what it is? If any of these are true, this workshop can change your life!

When you live in stress and anxiety, you tend to be sick more often, and to make poorer choices, because of the effect of stress on higher brain functions.

We'll explore how to create calm from the inside out, so that 'being calm' doesn't occur as another item on the to-do list. This often has a significant effect on physical as well as emotional health.

We'll complete the day with my inspiring concert of harp & vocal music. Give yourself the gift of lasting serenity and calm!


The Spiritual Attraction of Wealth
May 31st, 2-5 pm, Columbia, SC, harp concert at 7:30 pm

Do you have all the wealth that you want? Do you believe that it's possible to live a spiritually rich life, and still attract wealth? Many people don't - they believe that they can either live a life that they love, with spiritual fulfillment, OR be wealthy, but not both.

It's time for a new paradigm! It IS possible to live a spiritual life, and attract wealth for yourself and others. In this weekend intensive, you'll explore what it means to live with a spiritually satisfying, holistic approach to life - one that includes abundance in all forms, including money! And you'll learn how to attract wealth within a lifestyle of honoring Spirit, oneness, self, and community.

You'll learn:

  1. The fears that are keeping you from manifesting wealth, and how to eliminate them!
  2. Why so many spiritual people are poor.
  3. The missing element in 'The Secret' method of attracting money.
  4. Practical strategies for creating wealth, now.

Whether you're an alternative healer, spiritual entrepreneur, or just want to attract wealth in a holistic way, this is the workshop for you!

NOTE: This workshop and concert are offered as a benefit for Compassionate Care, a non-profit that provides alternative health care solutions for those who could not otherwise seek them.

]]> The Power of Experience tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1.25 2008-02-01T20:25:06Z 2008-04-10T20:25:40Z

I have a confession - I love personal growth books! There are some really wonderful books out there. Books about motivation, spiritual exploration, universal connection, energy work - I read at least a bit every day, and I learn a great deal from these books. Sometimes suggestions in these books will give me a new perspective, shift my course, or... creating
'Life is an opportunity for you to know experientially what you already know conceptually'. - Conversations with God, book 1

From books we get concepts. Sometimes, if we are dedicated, we put those concepts into practice, and we get experience.

Workshops, on the other hand, are experiential. The potential for transformation is huge! That's why they can be a bit scary. I've never taken a workshop that didn't give me a dramatic shift - even workshops that I took that I wouldn't recommend allowed me the experience of something within myself, a transformative learning that wasn't possible in any other way.

I'm delighted to share that I'm leading a number of workshops in the upcoming months, with the intention of creating transformative experiences that make a lasting difference in people's lives. Here's my current calendar:

Short workshops:

  • The Energy of Love
    February 10th 2-5pm - The Essence Center, Weaverville, NC
  • Spiritual Feng Shui
    February 20th 7-10pm - The Essence Center, Weaverville, NC
  • Freedom from Food Cravings and Weight Loss Worries
    February 27th 7-10pm - The Essence Center
  • Introduction to EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)
    March 4th 7-10pm - The Essence Center
  • Creating Music with Love, not Fear
    March 19th 7-10pm - The Essence Center

Longer workshops:

The Spiritual Attraction of Wealth

April 18-20, The Essence Center, Weaverville, NC
Friday Evening Introduction, all day Saturday and Sunday

Do you have all the wealth that you want? Do you believe that it's possible to live a spiritually rich life, and still attract wealth? Many people don't - they believe that they can either live a life that they love, with spiritual fulfillment, OR be wealthy, but not both.

It's time for a new paradigm! It IS possible to live a spiritual life, and attract wealth for yourself and others. In this weekend intensive, you'll explore what it means to live with a spiritually satisfying, holistic approach to life - one that includes abundance in all forms, including money! And you'll learn how to attract wealth within a lifestyle of honoring Spirit, oneness, self, and community.

You'll learn:

  1. The fears that are keeping you from manifesting wealth, and how to eliminate them!
  2. Why so many spiritual people are poor.
  3. The missing element in 'The Secret' method of attracting money.
  4. Practical strategies for creating wealth, now.

Whether you're an alternative healer, spiritual entrepreneur, or just want to attract wealth in a holistic way, this is the workshop for you!

Ultimate Calm and Serenity

May 3rd, Serenity Lakes, Atlanta, GA
10am - 5pm, concert at 7:30 pm

Are stress and overwhelm your constant companions? Do you know that you need to create calm, but aren't sure how? Do you never feel that you have enough time? Are you uncomfortable with relaxation - or is it so unfamiliar that you're not even sure what it is? If any of these are true, this workshop can change your life!

We'll explore how to create calm from the inside out, so that 'being calm' doesn't occur as another item on the to-do list. This often has a significant effect on physical as well as emotional health. You'll gain benefits including:

  • Experience a profound shift in your perception of calm and serenity.
  • Release any barriers to creating peace in your life.
  • Gain a new experience of time as abundant!
  • Learn how to distinguish the positive power of excitement from the energy drain of stress.
  • Learn a number of tips, tools, and practices to incorporate calm and serenity into your life, now!

We'll complete the day with my inspiring concert of harp & vocal music. Give yourself the gift of lasting serenity and calm!

To register for these workshops, or for more information, call Pamela Bruner at 888-736-0620, or email pamela@creatingpowerfully.com.

If you'd like me to put on a workshop in your area, or schedule a workshop in the beautiful North Carolina mountains for your group, give me a call!

]]> EFT/The Law of Attraction/Affirmations tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1.12 2008-01-05T15:50:48Z 2008-01-07T17:26:59Z

In the field of life coaching, there are as many different approaches as there are coaches. Despite the differences, almost all coaches use some form of affirmations, for themselves and for their clients. Affirmations, which are positive statements used to re-train the conscious or subconscious mind, have been a mainstay of personal growth work for decades. And they can often... creating 'I am always attracting abundant wealth' the little voice may add 'Yeah, right, in your dreams!' This tail-ender, in effect, becomes your affirmation, rather than that wonderful positive statement that you were trying to instill. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is great for dealing with tail-enders. You simply turn the tail-ender into an EFT setup statement. (For more information on the structure of EFT, see the earlier letter EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique, or my What is EFT? page.) So in this example, your setup statement might be: 'Even though I don't think I can attract abundant wealth, I deeply and completely accept myself'. Or 'Even though I think that abundant wealth is just a unrealistic dream, I deeply and completely accept myself.' In the EFT basic formula, you would repeat this three times, while rubbing the sore spot or tapping the KC (karate chop) point. Then proceed through the tapping routine, with reminder phrases of 'can't attract wealth' or 'unrealistic wealth dream'. At the end of each tapping routine (after tapping on all the points while saying the reminder phrase), try saying the affirmation again. See if you still 'hear' the tail-ender. Has it changed? Is it not as loud now? Or do you feel a deep, complete sense of peace and truth as you say the affirmation? If your affirmation doesn't feel like complete truth yet, do another round of tapping. You may need to change your setup phrase, in response to your 'tail-ender' changing. Be aware of thoughts that pop into your head. Continuing the example above, some new thoughts might be 'I can make enough to get by, but I'll never be rich' 'I don't want to be greedy' 'I'll have to work too hard to make that much money' 'Nothing good ever happens to me' Here are possible setup statements for each of these new thoughts. These statements use the Choices method (for more information, see the previous letter EFT with the Choices method). 'I can make enough to get by, but I'll never be rich' Becomes 'Even though I don't think I can ever be rich, I choose to allow money to flow into my life now' 'I don't want to be greedy' Becomes 'Even though I'm afraid that it's greedy to want money, I choose to know that I will manage my money generously and wisely' 'I'll have to work too hard to make that much money' Becomes 'Even though I believe I'll have to work too hard if I want to be rich, I choose to consider that I can be wealthy while having fun working moderately!' 'Nothing good ever happens to me' Becomes 'Even though nothing good ever happens to me, I choose to allow good into my life now' This last kind of tail-ender indicates a global belief that may need more specific follow-up. When a global belief like this (an 'always' or a 'never') appears, sometimes a few rounds of tapping will reverse this feeling, and have you noticing how many good things do actually come into your life. This process can be subtle, so look carefully for it! EFT works best on specifics, though, so you may want to take specific events in your life in work on them individually. If you need help, call me! Now that you've had some examples, pull out those old affirmations and dust them off, or write some new ones, and see how quickly you can attract what you desire in your life! ]]> EFT with the Choices Method tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1.11 2008-01-05T15:47:23Z 2008-01-07T17:27:52Z EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a powerful tool for working through your life's blocks quickly. And it's easy for most people to use. There is an art to EFT, though, that can dramatically increase its effectiveness - using EFT with the Choices method is one element of that art. In a regular EFT setup phrase, the structure is Even though... creating Even though I have (this problem), I deeply and completely accept myself. The EFT with Choices method changes the second half of that statement to a specifically worded affirmation beginning with 'I choose'. Here's why: For some people, the phrase I deeply and completely accept myself is problematic - they don't feel authentic when they say it, which interferes with the treatment. Also, in some situations, a more specific positive affirmation might be more useful: Even though I have this fear of public speaking, I choose to feel calm and confident when speaking in front of groups. Notice that the Choices statement 'I choose to feel calm and confident ' is different from a traditional affirmation 'I am calm and confident '. This is effective in two ways. One, the traditional affirmation states 'I am' in a way that can raise objections in the conscious mind, such as 'No, I'm not!' Instead, saying 'I choose' can bypass this objection. Two, the act of choosing is a powerful act, and in the words of Pat Carrington, the creator of the Choices method: 'The person making a choice is exercising their will, deciding on and committing to a course of action. I have found that this freely entered into commitment can have a powerful influence on the desired result, often making it more likely to be obtained. ' Using the Choices Method After creating the setup statement, the acupoints are tapped while a 'reminder phrase' is repeated. (For more information, please see my What is EFT? Page, and the 'EFT Basics' document.) In regular EFT, the reminder phrase relates to the 'problem'. Reminder phrases might include 'this headache', 'this fear of public speaking', 'this craving for chocolate', etc. With the Choices method, two rounds of tapping are completed, one with the negative reminder phrase, and another with a positive reminder phrase based on the Choice statement. For example: Even though I have this fear of public speaking, I choose to feel calm and confident when speaking in front of groups. One round of tapping, with the reminder phrase Fear of public speaking A second round of tapping, with the reminder phrase I choose to feel calm and confident in front of groups The negative trigger (this problem) becomes linked to the positive choice, emotionally and energetically. When the 'trigger' occurs (for example, thinking of giving a speech), the Choice also is triggered (a calm, confident feeling). This powerful association can help quickly retrain emotions, habits, and attitudes - even ones that have been around for years! The wonderful thing about EFT is that you can do this yourself! If you need help getting started, call me. After having a session with an EFT life coach, you'll have experience tapping in a way that will truly empower you! ]]> A New Year, A New Focus tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2008:/life-coaching-articles//1.24 2008-01-01T20:24:18Z 2008-04-10T20:24:47Z I'm very excited to connect with all of you, because I've re-vamped the way that I support people. The result of this is that I can help more people in less time, resulting in time and money savings for you! This is all due to the tremendous success that my clients are experiencing with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). For those... creating This is all due to the tremendous success that my clients are experiencing with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). For those of you who already work with me, you've experienced how quickly you can move ahead with your dreams and plans by using this powerful method.

EFT has tranformed my coaching practice, and things that used to take months are now taking just a few sessions!

I have always believed that all people are magnificent, whole, and complete - they just have blocks to experiencing themselves that way. Then the universe mirrors back the blocks, and they seem insurmountable. But with the power of EFT, we can discover the underlying reason for blocks, and easily, gently remove those blocks.

The other wonderful thing about EFT is that you can do this yourself!

It's great to get started with a practitioner, but then you can do this empowering technique yourself, anywhere. The success rate for beginners doing EFT on their own is about 50% - that's still tremendous for a simple technique like this. Working with a practitioner, the success rate jumps to over 90%. If you aren't seeing some results in our first session, you won't pay for it!

In what area of your life would you like to move forward powerfully?

Perhaps it's a new business, or transition. Perhaps you'd like to lose weight, or overcome some long-term fears that have been holding you back.

You can download my report 'The Power of EFT' to see just some of the many success stories:

Take a look at my website Creating Powerfully - there's lots of new things there! In the Articles/Blog section, you'll see some recent posts about EFT. I now offer single sessions and multiple session packages. I can do this because I know that we can show results - fast! I'm already helping many people eliminate disempowering blocks that they've held for years, so that they can 'create powerfully' - and I'd love to work with you in having a life that you love!

Call or email me today!

]]> EFT - Emotional Freedom Techniques tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.9 2007-12-29T15:29:27Z 2008-01-07T17:32:56Z

Nothing has more influence on our lives, success, health, and happiness than our belief system. Yet most people treat their beliefs as coming from their experiences, rather than knowing that their experiences come from their belief systems. Thanks to 'The Secret', the 'Law of Attraction' and other popular self-empowerment ideas becoming more prevalent, this is changing. However, even people who... creating It takes money to make money, and I don't have any. Some people (I) just can't lose weight. I can't help being angry, even though I know that I'm the one that's suffering. I can't do what I love, and make a living at it. Most people reading this letter already know that those beliefs end up as self-fulfilling prophecies. But those beliefs often go back for years, and have so much baggage in them, that changing seems impossible. Not any more! The field of energy psychology is now making it possible for even long-held, deeply entrenched beliefs to be changed, often quickly and usually painlessly. One of the best examples of this work is EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique. Based on 5000-year-old Chinese Meridian Therapy (the same ideas used in acupuncture and acupressure) EFT often works where nothing else will, whether on disempowering beliefs, fears and phobias, traumatic memories, performance anxiety, cravings/addictions, physical pain, and more. Here is a brief introduction to EFT: EFT is based on the idea: "The cause of ALL negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system." EFT is elegantly simple, in that it does not attempt to diagnose which of the many energy meridians of the body is disrupted - with a simple routine you can activate most of the meridians, and you will, by default, remove the disruption. If this is all sounding a bit weird, I recommend that you try the routine before dismissing it! Many thousands of people have benefited from EFT - why not give it a try? If you have disempowering beliefs like those mentioned above, and could change them, would it make a difference for you? To download the steps of the simple procedure, see my What is EFT? page.]]> Finding New Ways to Give Thanks tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.23 2007-11-01T20:23:39Z 2008-04-10T20:24:09Z On Monday, November 5th, my husband Dave and I were enjoying a 24-hour vacation. I'd just spent the weekend teaching and coaching at the Liturgical Harp Retreat in the mountains of northern Georgia, and we'd decided to stay on an extra day to enjoy some hiking. While we were hiking, my mom called (forgot to turn off that cell phone!)... creating The damage wasn't bad - mostly it would just mean half-a-house-full of new carpet. But for over a week, our house had plastic draped in it, and loud fans blowing, trying to dry everything out. I don't care for loud noises, but was committed to seeing how I could 'reframe' this event to be grateful for it.

The first, and easy one, was that I would get new carpet for almost no money. OK, that's great, but I wasn't about to stop there. After all, this was inconvenient and stressful (at the time I write this, new carpet and the return of furniture to its rightful rooms is at least two weeks away). I wanted to make sure that I got every bit of 'good stuff' out of this!

I noticed that the unaffected rooms had a couple of small piles of clutter in them, and since I could do nothing in the water-logged rooms, I cleaned those up. I noticed how much more peaceful I felt in a room that was complete, rather than one that had even a small mess. I'm grateful for this realization - I never knew before the psychic load that I was carrying from small piles of clutter. It feels easier to breathe in those rooms now. I also realized that this is a metaphor for parts of my life in which I have 'a bit of cleanup' to do, and now I can lighten my emotional energy needs in those ways too!

This is feeling pretty good - I'm getting pretty grateful for this event.

I also knew, almost from hearing about the damage, that I had needed to clean out the office, physically and energetically. It wasn't nearly as fun a room to work in as my studio, where I coach and teach. So I look forward to re-creating the office in a way that supports my spirit, and the business, and I know that's going to translate into better flow, more ease, and more business, as well!

Obviously, I wasn't going to clean up this 'stuff' in my life on my own, or I would have taken too long to do it. Since I always ask the Universe to give me what I need, I'm grateful for this event as a gift, complete with opportunities, awareness, a new sense of peace, and the new carpet, too!

In what areas of your life do you have challenges that you might be able to reframe? Even if you don't know how, or what to think, just the willingness to move in the direction of gratitude will bring huge rewards. If I can help, contact me. I look forward to supporting you in looking at your life and saying 'What a wonderful gift!'

]]> Life as a work of art! tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.22 2007-10-01T20:22:48Z 2008-04-10T20:23:23Z

Dear Friends, I've been silent for some time, focusing on the music portion of my 'life as a work of art!' I'll be expounding on some new, exciting personal growth information in October, but now I'd like to share my two new albums with you - I hope that you'll enjoy both of these new offerings as much as I... creating I've been silent for some time, focusing on the music portion of my 'life as a work of art!' I'll be expounding on some new, exciting personal growth information in October, but now I'd like to share my two new albums with you - I hope that you'll enjoy both of these new offerings as much as I enjoyed creating them!

Wind Beneath My Wings Wind Beneath My Wings is a collection of contemporary love songs, including some of the most beautiful love songs I know! Arranged for harp, voice, cello, and woodwinds, this album is a delight for listening, or singing along with someone you love!


The album contains:

1. My Heart Will Go On Listen!
2. Annie's Song
3. Somewhere Out There
4. Tara Theme
5. Through the Eyes of Love
6. Can't Help Falling in Love
7. I Love Who I Am When I'm With You
8. Wind Beneath My Wings
9. Unchained Melody
10. The Rose
11. My Cup Runneth Over
12. The Wedding Song
13. Somewhere in Time

Total Running Time: 57:15

Here Be Dragons Here Be Dragons is an inspired improvisational creation. I listened to African drum rhythms, and created motifs from those rhythms, which I improvised on in the studio. Then I invited Aryeh Frankfurter, a fabulous improviser, to play viola, violin, and more on the album. Added some exciting percussion, and presto! A thrilling ride on the edge was created.

Total running time: 59:38

Click to listen to a sample.

A note about Here Be Dragons: While working on this album, I learned a lesson about life. Life is an improvisation - sometimes it seems that it's not going anywhere, but when you pull out something terrific after a few bars, everything that came before seems to have been perfectly placed.

I hope that you'll go to my music website and check out both of these new musical offerings. Remember, it's not too early to order those extra Christmas gifts!

]]> How Powerful Are We? tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.21 2007-06-01T20:21:58Z 2008-04-10T20:22:38Z

Announcing: A Live Teleseminar! Wednesday, June 13th at 8pm-9pm Eastern (5pm Pacific). Creating Reality - What's Truly Possible? So many writers and speakers have simplified the idea of 'creating your reality' that it has become ridiculous. If you can't close your eyes and immediately manifest a new Lexus in your driveway, can you still create your reality? What does that... creating Announcing: A Live Teleseminar! Wednesday, June 13th at 8pm-9pm Eastern (5pm Pacific).

Creating Reality - What's Truly Possible?

So many writers and speakers have simplified the idea of 'creating your reality' that it has become ridiculous. If you can't close your eyes and immediately manifest a new Lexus in your driveway, can you still create your reality? What does that mean? What's TRULY possible? And how does this effect your happiness?

We'll debunk the myths, examine what's known, and consider some intriguing possibilities. You'll come away with a vision for what's actually possible, and feel empowered and capable. There will be time for question and answer.

Space is limited - to register for this free teleseminar, email me or call 888-736-0620. All you need to participate is a phone!

Usually in a newsletter I present an ordinary, everyday situation and then suggest a possibility for improving that situation. Today, I want to ask some questions. Because the inquiry for answers may itself lead to something amazing! Some of these we'll discuss in the teleseminar mentioned above, so don't miss it!

For example, how many times have you gone on-line, using a seach engine, and found interesting things that you weren't originally looking for?

So here we go:
What can we actually create? Can we truly create our reality? What does it mean to say that? What is reality, anyway? And what's OUR reality? Are those things different? Why do we seem to be such poor creators of our reality?

Consider the following:
An investigation was conducted by an insurance company into a series of automobile accidents in Saskatchewan. These accidents were unusual in that cars were running into small planes that had had to make emergency landings on highways in rural areas. When the car drivers were asked why they hit the planes, they said that they hadn't seen the planes! Perhaps because seeing a plane on a highway is so outside the realm of what our minds expect, we don't process the information, and so don't 'see' the plane until we hit it. (Source: What the Bleep Do We Know - Arntz, Chasse, Vicente)

There are approximately 4 billion bits of information available to our senses at any moment, but we only process 2000 of them at a time - so what are we missing? How large a role does perception play in our understanding of reality? How large a role does processing play?

Science is discovering almost daily new ideas and information that doesn't fit with our previously established paradigms. While for some this is exciting, many people either dismiss these ideas as fabrications or ignore them completely. What will you do? Are you open to all the possibilities that are available to you?

Join me on the 13th to explore some of life's great mysteries, and come away with answers that work for you!

]]> The Secret, and the Law of Attraction tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.8 2007-05-22T16:47:20Z 2007-05-22T20:50:28Z It has become popular among the 'spiritual literati' to speak negatively about the book/movie entitled 'The Secret', which has made 'creating your reality' and 'Law of Attraction' familiar to millions. In the magazine Spirituality and Health, June 2007, an article appeared by Rabbi Shapiro in which he took issue with many of the ideas presented by the Secret. What follows... creating Spirituality and Health, June 2007, an article appeared by Rabbi Shapiro in which he took issue with many of the ideas presented by the Secret. What follows is my response: Rabbi Shapiro begins by saying that he doesn't believe, and is 'terrified' by the idea that the universe is a giant wish-granting machine. When he asked around a college campus to find out what people would wish for, the results were largely materialistic and personal. I have two answers for that - 1) he asked around a college campus. Adults under the age of 21 aren't credited with enough sense to be allowed to drink alcohol - why would the Rabbi think that they would be representative of the best of our society? and 2) I don't see an indication that he asked them what 'top fifty things' they would wish for. Do most people start with personal gain when granted a 'genie in a bottle'? Certainly. But after a while they begin to think about benefiting their friends, families, communities, and world. In this case, he just didn't ask the right people the right question. He later goes on to say that people are exhausted by the 'never-ending suffering, tragedy, and horror that assault us daily', and want it to go away. I agree with this, and on this basis alone I am grateful for the presence of The Secret, and works like it. Because it makes people feel powerful. If they start out feeling powerful because they can 'create' a new car, fine. And some will start and end their spiritual journey right there. But there is a desire in most people to help others, and what stops them is feelings of helplessness and powerlessness. When they begin feeling powerful, they WILL take action to improve their world - not just personally, but globally. How many will do this? I don't know. I believe that the numbers are high - but even if they are in the 10% range, because of the wide-spread appeal of The Secret, that's a significant number of people that we've added to the 'part of the solution' side of the equation. In this, I believe that 'The Secret' has the incredible effect of empowering masses of people, even if it begins in a simplistic and incomplete way. (Working with a Life Coach who is familiar with these ideas can dramatically increase your effectiveness in applying them!) He also takes issue with the statement from The Secret 'Everything that is coming into your life you are attracting into your life', and then says that this means for rape and incest victims, and for people with AIDS and cancer, that it is 'their fault'. Unfortunately, Rabbi Shapiro has made the not-uncommon mistake of confusing blame and responsibility. No one says that these people are to blame for what occurs in their lives. Taking a position of responsibility, however, is a place to stand - it is a potential place of power. It is a metaphysical viewpoint that for many leads to feelings of empowerment, which may result in healings, both emotional and physical. Taking responsibility is an empowering thing to do - and it does not mean accepting blame, or guilt. He makes a statement later in the article that I must take issue with: 'Because thoughts and feelings are largely outside your control...' It's not just 'The Secret', and the people in it, who disagree with that statement. New Thought spiritual leaders, empowerment writers such as Wayne Dyer, many counselors, therapists, coaches, etc, work with people every day to change their thoughts, and through that work, to change their feelings. And they are successful. I have personally experienced people going from cynicism to a belief in miracles (accompanied by a pervading improvement in mood!), going from hopelessness to effective action, and from feeling unhappy to feeling happy. Instead of attempting to change your thoughts and feelings, Rabbi Shapiro suggests a Buddhist-based philosophy called Constructive Living which he makes sound almost Kantian - do what you are supposed to do, and don't worry about whether you're unhappy about it. (Note: My comments are in no way about the philosophy of Constructive Living, which may be an excellent way of life. They are only addressing the Rabbi's statements in this particular paragraph extolling a focus on action, regardless of how you feel.) I can't believe that the goal of human existence is to toil away at 'my purpose' regardless of whether I am happy or not. There are several key ideas stated in 'The Secret' which I believe support my view of it as a catalyst for spiritual growth, albeit aimed at people who may be just beginning to grow. These are as follows: 'Love is the highest vibration that you can give off.'' 'If you take only one thing with you from this work, take the practice of gratitude.' 'Know that there is only one substance in the universe, that all things are part of it, and that we are all connected.' These three statements alone mark this work as important and powerful for a budding spiritualist. People who have worked in a 'I create my own reality' framework for years know that 'seeing the change you wish to be' isn't enough. We know that we must 'be the change' as well - that is an essential ingredient in the creation. Does The Secret explain this well? Perhaps, perhaps not. But because of The Secret, millions of people are now exploring what it means to create a world that they desire, whether they do it with thought, vision, or action. The more that they explore, the more they will understand, learn, and grow. And isn't that a goal that we all share?]]> Life Coaching Research tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.20 2007-05-01T20:20:59Z 2008-04-10T20:21:51Z I've been doing some study and research lately, and wanted to share the (admittedly informal) results of that with you. One of the things that I've been researching is other coaches - what they offer, what they charge, and how they interact with their clients. And I've discovered that there are, broadly speaking, two kinds of coaches. One kind is... creating The trend suggested by these coaches is to set up a community - get lots of clients, and have them work in groups together. Additional value is created by providing ebooks or recordings with information to clients. They also provide teleseminars, and group coaching. There may be no private time with the coach at all.

Is this a valuable and effective service? Certainly it is!

The other type of coach provides one-on-one coaching, and personal, individualized support. She communicates with clients in a private environment, where the total focus is on the client - one client, you. Only your desires and goals are important, and all of the energy and attention is centered around you.

Is this a valuable and effective service? My clients think that it's invaluable!

Is one type of coaching better than the other? Each provides value. It's up to the individual to decide. For some people, the value of the community is a good one, and they get the coaching that they need in the public group format. For many people, however, the glitz of a high-profile 'lots of fr*ee downloads' coach wanes after a while, and they find that what they are really craving is for someone to listen, just to them. For someone to give time, just to them. And for someone to be there, just for them.

I love teaching workshops, and my workshop attendees tell me they love them too! But one-on-one coaching is the heart and soul of what I do. I love supporting each individual client in living their dreams, experiencing freedom and happiness, and powerfully pursuing their goals.

If that's the kind of experience that you'd like to have, call me. I'm here, just for you.

]]> I Just Need To... tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.19 2007-02-01T20:20:17Z 2008-04-10T20:20:48Z

The words 'I just need to' are some of the most damaging, disempowering words I hear people use - all the more so because they seem so harmless! But let's look at what's behind that simple phrase. Beginning with 'I just' implies that what needs to be done is easily accomplished, a small task at best. For example: 'I just... creating Beginning with 'I just' implies that what needs to be done is easily accomplished, a small task at best. For example:

  • 'I just need to organize my files'
  • 'I just need to ask for what I want'
  • 'I just need to exercise every day'
  • 'I just need to do what I need to do, and I'll have the life I want!'

If it were that easy, you'd have done it. And so would everyone else.

Then there is the underlying negative judgment. By implicitly declaring that a task is simple, and yet not accomplished, you've got to be either morally deficient or downright lazy, right? Not at all!

Each situation is different, but one thing is always true: it's always true that you get something out of not having done whatever you 'just need to' do. There's a payoff in addition to the negative stuff. Figuring out that payoff can give you tremendous power in shifting your behavior, and actually getting it done!

You can do this work on your own - lots of people have figured out their payoffs, and accomplished what they wanted to. And lots of people are still saying 'I just need to.' It's not bad or wrong to do this. But the 'I just need to' people aren't living the life that they could be. Working with a coach can help identify the payoff, clarify the issues, and create a structure of commitment that actually, really, concretely has you living your dreams.

Try this on: Anytime you hear yourself saying 'I just need to' try substituting 'If I choose to, I can'. How does that feel? It's always a choice. If you don't know what's keeping you from making the empowering choices, and acting on them, why not find out?

So are you ready?

When you are, call me. I'd love to help you live the life of your dreams.

Movie recommendation: 'Rudy' starring Sean Astin

This film, based on an amazing true story, centers around Rudy, who at 5'6" and 160 lbs, had a dream of playing football for Notre Dame, one of the top football colleges in the country. One of the best examples of 'living your dreams' that I've ever seen!

]]> Forget the Resolutions! tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2007:/life-coaching-articles//1.18 2007-01-01T20:19:19Z 2008-04-10T20:19:56Z

At this time of year, we as a culture seem to delight in pointing up our shortcomings, and dwelling on our 'shoulds'. Some of the 'shoulds' aren't even ours, we borrow them and then suffer under them! We come up with schemes and plans designed to give us the perfect bodies, the perfect relationships, the perfect finances - and almost... creating It's no real surprise, then, that most New Year's Resolutions whither on the vine long before the end of January. Our good intentions fizzle under the weight of obligation, struggle and effort that is attached to them. Because we begin these resolutions by noticing what's 'wrong' and what 'needs to be fixed' we give energy and focus in our lives to what we DON'T want. Shifting from that to what we do want, as expressed in our resolutions, seems an immense challenge. And we fall back into our old habits, whether it's snapping at the spouse and kids, not exercising, eating what we don't need, or spending on something we don't truly want.

So let's throw out the resolutions! Let's break the cycle of 'woulda, shoulda, coulda' and do something different! Does this mean that we're doomed to repeat our current unsatisfying habits endlessly? Not at all! But there are different ways, more effective ways, more joyful and fun ways, to bring change - lasting change - to our lives.

If you've been reading my newsletters for any length of time, you know that I believe that what you focus on expands - what you bring energy to grows in your life. So I'm going to suggest that instead of resolutions (nose to the grindstone, struggle, effort, drudgery), you try a new idea to bring what you desire front and center in your life.

Acknowledge yourself for what you do in your life that is in accordance with your values. Every day.

That's it - pretty simple, huh? Let's look at this idea, this incredible tool, to see how it works, and how to best use it for maximum results.

The first thing that you'll need in order to do this is a list of your values - things that are important to you. Some of these you may know immediately, and some you may need to think about. Here are some questions that may help:

  • At a time when I was really effective in life, what qualities was I expressing?
  • If I consider my three favorite characters or real people in books or movies, what is it about them that I most admire?
  • What feelings or qualities give me an overwhelming sense of well-being? Do I resonate more with the idea of passion, or of serenity? Of adventure, or of security?
  • Come up with five or ten words that you just love - and yes, this list can and may change over time.

(Caution: Don't borrow anyone else's, or society's, values in this. Your list does not have to include any particular words just because you think that they 'should' be there. This is YOUR list!)

Now that you have a list of values, you can acknowledge yourself. How you acknowledge yourself is important. Acknowledgements are not compliments - they are a recognition of action in alignment with principle, your principles, your values.

If this is a tool that you are unfamiliar with, you may want to begin using it in the following way:

  • Reflect back on an action that you took that felt great to you.
    ex: I responded calmly when a family member was complaining to me.

  • Identify the value that you hold that was supported by that action.
    ex: I have a value of peace; I am committed to living a peaceful life.

  • Acknowledge yourself for the action that was in accordance with your value.
    ex: I acknowledge myself for living my value of peace in that family interaction!

Alternately, you may want to choose one of your values, and look back in the last day or week at everything that you did that expressed that value.

Here's what makes this work: Do this every day - preferably in the evening, at the end of your day. You can do this aloud, or write it down. You can do it with a partner (who listens, but doesn't speak!) At first, this may seem awkward, or perhaps conceited or arrogant (it's not). Keep going! You're making those important connections between your values and your actions. The more that you do this, the easier it will become.

Always use acknowledgement in a positive manner. Acknowledge what you did that worked, and what you see now that could work more effectively. For example 'I acknowledge myself for seeing how I might use my value of serenity in a similar situation in the future, and how effective I will be when I do!' Do not acknowledge yourself in a way that creates what you don't want, or that indicates any mistakes or shortcomings. When you focus your attention on what works, what is consistent in your life with your values and desires, you attract Universal energy to that. Every time you acknowledge yourself for living your values, you put energy and attention on what is most important to you - and it expands.

So forget the resolutions - acknowledge yourself, and see how great you are!

Workshop notice: I have two workshops currently scheduled:

A Musician's Path - February 10th, 10-5pm, $95, near Asheville, NC

This workshop is designed for musicians who desire to powerfully create a vision for their musical future. From this incredible day, you will:

  • Discover yourself as a complete musician
  • Remove limiting beliefs
  • Learn to listen with a new ear to nuance and expression
  • Find out what really inspires you
  • Formulate a plan that will incorporate that into your music
  • Get clarity about what's important for you
  • Create a practical, enjoyable plan of action for achieving your desires

Call or email me for more information!

Creating Magnificence: Living a Life You Love, April 18-22, Costa Rica

More information about this terrific opportunity will come in a separate newsletter - stay tuned!

Movie suggestion of the month:

The Secret - this incredible movie is fast becoming an icon for anyone who wants to powerfully create their life. You can view or order it online through http://thesecret.tv/

It's one of the few movies that I own, so I can watch it over and over. ]]> Happy Holidays - Lessons Learned from the Grinch tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2006:/life-coaching-articles//1.17 2006-12-01T20:18:36Z 2008-04-10T20:19:04Z

As we enter the holiday season, we anticipate time with our families, a bit of time off, great food, and opportunities for appreciation and acknowledgement, right? Well, some of us do. Some people, instead, will find their stress level rising, a feeling of overwhelm, and irritation and other negative emotions surfacing and being expressed. In short, we begin to resemble,... creating When I looked more closely at that classic Christmas story, I realized that the antidote to a 'Grinchy' holiday season was right there. For those of you who haven't read the story, or seen the cartoon lately, let me refresh your memory. The evil Grinch, alone and miserable on his mountain, decides to sneak down to Whoville on Christmas eve, after all the little Whos have gone to sleep, and 'take Christmas' from them. He steals the gifts, the Christmas trees, and all of Christmas dinner, including the 'roast beast'. On Christmas morning, he peers down into the village, expecting the Whos to be wailing and bemoaning the loss of all of their Christmas goodies, and is shocked. The Whos are singing, smiling, and enjoying their day anyway. At this point, the Grinch has a transformation - his heart 'grew three sizes that day', and he swoops down the mountain, returning all that he has taken, and is welcomed to their Christmas festivities.

The Grinch is the focus, and hero, of the story. But I'd like to pause here and consider the Whos, those clever people who truly understood the nature of happiness. Here's why:

1) They chose to be happy, despite their circumstances. This shows that they recognize happiness as a choice, completely based on internal thought, not external appearances.

2) They shared their happiness. They gathered together and sang for the joy of it, thereby multiplying their good feelings. So if any one of the Whos had been inclined to be a bit down with the loss of the Christmas trimmings, he or she got to be lifted up by the good spirits of those around them.

3) They created their reality, and it had far-reaching consequences. Not only did they lift themselves up, but their attitudes created a shift in the Grinch, whose life was transformed!

4) They practiced forgiveness and acceptance, and welcomed the Grinch into the community as a loving member.

Now, as a advocate of creating reality you may argue that had the Whos really been effective at creating their reality, they wouldn't have had their Christmas trappings taken in the first place! But then the Grinch would have continued to sulk on top of his mountain. And the Whos wouldn't have had the delightful confirmation that when you create your happiness, good things flow to you.

So what can you do in your life to experience a 'Whoville' joy?

1) Recognize that happiness is a choice. Wake up in the morning and say 'It's a happy day!' Smile and take a deep breath while waiting in line, and look at all of the beautiful people around you. Instead of counting to ten if you get angry, count your blessings instead. And know that your happiness is completely within your control!

2) Share your happiness. Smile at people. Tell people how much you appreciate what they do for you. Tell your family that you love them. Grin like a fool - you'll be the wisest person in the bunch!

3) Create your reality. Begin, right now, to visualize and speak the holidays that you desire. Take a few moments to imagine your holidays as peaceful, loving, abundant, and flowing easily. Create a vision for your holidays, write it down, and say it every day.

4) Accept each member of your circle, or extended family, this holiday season. After all, you created them in your life for a reason! Bless them for what they bring to you, whether it is love and joy, or an opportunity for growth and forgiveness.

And have yourself a happy, happy holiday season!

Movie suggestion: The Christmas List

This light-hearted comedy/drama revolves around Melody, who works at a perfume counter. After sending a Christmas List to Santa, she begins receiving everything on her list! A fun look at creating your reality.

]]> Thanksgiving - Why Have Gratitude? tag:creatingpowerfully.com,2006:/life-coaching-articles//1.16 2006-11-01T20:17:39Z 2008-04-10T20:18:15Z

During this month when many folks in the US turn their attention to giving thanks, it's a great time to look at gratitude - at how to cultivate it, and why it's important. First, let's look at all the reasons you may want to expand the feelings of gratitude in your life. Reason 1: Gratitude feels good - it's an... creating

Reason 1:

Gratitude feels good - it's an emotion akin to joy, and love. When we feel grateful, we feel good. Our bodies are filled with endorphin-like chemicals, and our minds are open and receptive. It's fun to feel grateful! Try this, right now - think of something that happened today or yesterday that you are grateful for. It could be something like the beautiful weather, or a good book that you are reading, or the lunch that you enjoyed, or the nice person in the checkout line... Focus on that thing or event or person for a minute or two. Feel gratitude that this came into your life, and concentrate on that good feeling. Now pick something else, and focus again. Do this for five or ten minutes, and see what happens to your mood. (If you're one of those people that believes that if someone does something nice for you, you have to do something for them right away, you may think that you don't want to feel grateful. I would say that what you don't want is to feel obligated, which is not at all the same thing as grateful. Hang in there, and keep reading.)

Reason 2:

When we focus on feeling grateful, we become more and more aware of good things in our lives to feel grateful about. The things that we take for granted begin to take on more significance, and we notice good things that would have otherwise passed us by. One great way to experience this is to keep a gratitude journal. Each evening before bed, write down at least ten things that you are grateful for that day. Some days you may be hunting for things, and some days you'll keep going to fifteen or twenty. Just the experience of knowing that you will be writing in the evening will help you focus during the day on the good things in your life. You begin to look for things that will give you entries in your journal - and you will find them! (I think that this is especially fun with a pretty, hand-bound blank book, but you can write it in any way you choose.)

Reason 3:

Gratitude is a step towards bringing good things that we desire into our lives - it's not just for things that have already shown up, it's for things that we want to create. People who actively create their reality, who manifest their desires, know that gratitude is one of the keys to this process. It works like this: I think about what I would like, then I express and feel gratitude for it, as though it had already shown up. This feeling of gratitude is an integral part of manifesting my desires into reality. (If you're asking 'How can I feel gratitude for something I don't have? - I would say in response 'How can you expect to have anything if you can't imagine (and feel) what it will be like to have it? So imagine that you have it, and feel the feeling that you will have when that thing is yours - gratitude, enjoyment, etc.) This works!

In looking at why you may want to expand gratitude in your life, we've already touched on a couple of 'hows' - bringing good things to mind and focusing on them, keeping a gratitude journal, and feeling gratitude as a step in creating our reality. Another suggestion is to look at whether we can substitute gratitude for another emotional response that's not as much fun. For example:

My mother packed a couple of boxes of CDs for me to take to a concert last week. When I arrived, I noticed that one of my CDs was missing - one that I knew would sell well at this particular concert. I called her, and asked her if she would mind making the 45-minute drive to bring me the missing CDs. She graciously agreed. I was tempted to go into guilt and remorse about this - 'I hate to ask her to do this' 'I feel guilty asking her to make this drive', etc. However, I decided to choose to feel grateful that she would do this - I focused on gratitude, and let my heart swell with thanks for her help and graciousness. When she arrived, instead of wincing and feeling guilty, I was in a great place emotionally to thank her - I felt wonderful about what she had done. And as a result, she felt fully acknowledged, and was able to enjoy my gratitude. We both benefited from that choice.

So your gratitude serves you well, and it also serves the world - the people to whom you feel grateful. Even if you're feeling grateful in general, say for a beautiful day, your emotional state benefits you, and in so doing will benefit the world.

I won't tell you that you 'should' feel grateful - that's just putting obligation and effort into it. But I will invite you to join me here, in gratitude - because it feels good for your, it improves your life by bringing in what you desire and giving you awareness of it, and it serves the world!

A Note about Workshops

I'm getting some inquires from people in various parts of the country about giving workshops. If you're interested in having a workshop in your area, please drop me an email. Knowing how many are interested in a given area will make it happen faster!

Movie suggestion of the month:

'Take the Lead' with Antonio Banderas - this is based on the true story of a ballroom dance instructor who brought dance to public schools in New York City. A great movie with heart, inspiration, and great moves!

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