I saw Man on Wire this past weekend. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. It is the true story of the famous high wire crossing between the North and South World Trade Center Towers in NYC by Phillipe Petitt. I remember it happening and hearing that the performer got arrested immediately afterward. As a child, I couldn't understand why they would arrest someone for doing such a miraculous, incredible act. My parents tried to explain that it was highly dangerous and someone could have gotten hurt or killed. My brain said "But, no one did get hurt and it was spectacular..."
As an adult watching this documentary and the six years of planning and replanning, and practicing, and traveling, and talking about Phillipe's dream, I gained a new focus about what's important about this event. It is a story about manifesting your dreams- even dreams that seem completely crazy and impossible. Even dreams that seem like they could kill you or destroy your life in some way if they do not work out the way you want.
Phillipe seems to have access to a part of himself that we all have, but most of us dare not go. His soul calls him and he must follow. He is obedient to his passions because he knows that following his dreams is the secret of living a full life. He follows even in the face of death and sees death in pursuit of his dreams as the only way to go.
He also inspired all the people he needed to make his dream come true. Those who helped him seemed to almost put their own lives on hold to plan with him. It was as if his soul was breathing life into theirs. They had little explanation for their devotion- some for the adventure, some for the inspiration, and others had no idea. Once again, when you have a strong enough belief for something, people appear to help you.
I started to think about my own life. Am I dreaming big enough? Am I living my life on wire? Am I doubting my course or am I strong in my belief? Am I afraid to take that step out beyond the safety zone or do I feel I must move forward with my dreams? I challenge you to ask these questions. I challenge you to watch Man on Wire and have it inspire you to step out a little at a time in between the buildings...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Is Your Saboteur Showing Up?
Not so long ago, I had a run-in with my Saboteur. She's the part of you who seems to put obstacles to your dreams in your way. She's the one who can talk you out of anything.
This time, she was cleverly disguised as a loving, very rational friend who was looking out for me. And, in fact, she has that intention most of the time. However, she made it her duty to tell me all the horrible things that were to happen if I moved forward with a project that I had been dreaming about for some time. How did I know if it was going to turn out OK? I need to pull back, look at all my options, have my guard up.
It was difficult at first to figure out how much was her, just doing her thing, and how much was my inner wisdom guiding me to be cautious. So, I decided to ask some reasonable questions of the other people involved with this project and got some satisfactory answers. And then the next issue came into play. I stopped again, riddled with confusion, doubt, mistrust. I could have discussed this project and all the options with hundreds and even though it all sounded reasonable and logical, I would still be stymied and stuck.
That pattern of being stuck and confused and then OK for a little and then stuck and confused again led me to the conclusion that my Saboteur was showing up. She's there to stop me when I am process of manifesting my desires and this was a big one.
My coach then reminded me of all the great accomplishments that I have achieved as a result of working on this project. In fact, the most important part was complete. The rest was gravy. I thought about all the great success that I have enjoyed by allowing myself to feel the connection with my HigherSelf and how it has affected my work, my family, my friends, and this project. I started to appreciate all the things that I had learned. This appreciation helped to shift my thoughts and feelings. I realized that everything was clear and fine. My paralysis was about keeping the continued manifestation of this project away and no longer a wise sign of going slow.
I decided to have a little chat with my friend the Saboteur. She could be confident that I took her needs seriously and yet still go forward. I would take her hand and walk through the door with her. And when I made that decision, it was like an energy flood-gate was opened. Within a day I took two huge steps forward in this project. There was one piece that had a two week delay and so I blessed that delay and used it to review some details. The process was exciting and filled with "Yahoo!" and "I did it!" I celebrated each step. It felt great!
So, is your Saboteur showing up? Look for the signs: confusion, doubt, mistrust, fear, paralysis. Did you confirm things and still not feeling good about moving forward? Do you see the horror stories before you? Do you want something, but just can't take another step toward its manifestation? Perhaps it's time for a chat. A kind, gentle, but firm chat with your Saboteur. Yes, she has something to contribute and you will listen to her, but it will not stop you from moving toward your dream. Take her hand and take the next step.
This time, she was cleverly disguised as a loving, very rational friend who was looking out for me. And, in fact, she has that intention most of the time. However, she made it her duty to tell me all the horrible things that were to happen if I moved forward with a project that I had been dreaming about for some time. How did I know if it was going to turn out OK? I need to pull back, look at all my options, have my guard up.
It was difficult at first to figure out how much was her, just doing her thing, and how much was my inner wisdom guiding me to be cautious. So, I decided to ask some reasonable questions of the other people involved with this project and got some satisfactory answers. And then the next issue came into play. I stopped again, riddled with confusion, doubt, mistrust. I could have discussed this project and all the options with hundreds and even though it all sounded reasonable and logical, I would still be stymied and stuck.
That pattern of being stuck and confused and then OK for a little and then stuck and confused again led me to the conclusion that my Saboteur was showing up. She's there to stop me when I am process of manifesting my desires and this was a big one.
My coach then reminded me of all the great accomplishments that I have achieved as a result of working on this project. In fact, the most important part was complete. The rest was gravy. I thought about all the great success that I have enjoyed by allowing myself to feel the connection with my HigherSelf and how it has affected my work, my family, my friends, and this project. I started to appreciate all the things that I had learned. This appreciation helped to shift my thoughts and feelings. I realized that everything was clear and fine. My paralysis was about keeping the continued manifestation of this project away and no longer a wise sign of going slow.
I decided to have a little chat with my friend the Saboteur. She could be confident that I took her needs seriously and yet still go forward. I would take her hand and walk through the door with her. And when I made that decision, it was like an energy flood-gate was opened. Within a day I took two huge steps forward in this project. There was one piece that had a two week delay and so I blessed that delay and used it to review some details. The process was exciting and filled with "Yahoo!" and "I did it!" I celebrated each step. It felt great!
So, is your Saboteur showing up? Look for the signs: confusion, doubt, mistrust, fear, paralysis. Did you confirm things and still not feeling good about moving forward? Do you see the horror stories before you? Do you want something, but just can't take another step toward its manifestation? Perhaps it's time for a chat. A kind, gentle, but firm chat with your Saboteur. Yes, she has something to contribute and you will listen to her, but it will not stop you from moving toward your dream. Take her hand and take the next step.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Power of Vision
Our family, (my husband, three kids, and I), just returned from Walt Disney World this weekend and I was so excited to reflect upon this trip here today. The excitement was due in part to the unanticipated thoughts and feelings I had while making the trek from car, to tram, to monorail, to Magic Kingdom. I was giddy and teary-eyed as my daughters and I spotted Cinderella's castle in the distance, the music swelled, and we noticed Mickey Mouse ear confetti on the ground. Here I am, almost 43 years old, and I could feel the magic of the place. (No, I don't work for Disney!)
The biggest recurring thought I had was about Walt Disney himself. He was a man with a vision. His vision was so clear and strong and passionate that it inspired hundreds and thousands to help him manifest this vision into the physical world. And here we were, so many years later, witnessing his creation. Just Magic Kingdom alone must be the size of 4 or 5 amusement parks. After three days of exploring it, we still did not see everything.
An accompanying thought was about the Disney characters and parade at 3 pm every afternoon. The parade displays many of the Disney characters on floats, with dancers sandwiched in between. All smiling and sweating and smiling some more. Everyone stays in character without fault. The kids are mesmerized and adults impressed. Once again the music made a huge impact because it called forth Walt Disney's "Secret" to his power. The song was about celebrating the dream come true, celebrate yourself, and that anything is possible.
I know it sounds hokey, but that is the central message to manifesting what you want. You must celebrate yourself and all your passions, desires, talents. You must celebrate your existence and that you are here to feel the joy and expansion of yourself. And if you want to manifest your desires, you must believe that your dreams will come true and that anything is possible- IF you believe it. When you feel good and you believe in your dream, the Universe- through people, events, ideas and so on- will bring to you what is needed for the dream to become alive. Yes, action is necessary part of this formula, but if you have a shaky belief, results are mixed at best.
For me, that was the magic of Disney. This magic that he subtly but directly was letting us in on. The formula for how he did it all. And, in that moment, I realized how a large part of my dream was coming true. My dream to remind my children about their own power of vision of their dreams in a world that often resists this power as childish.
It also rekindled my hope in my dream for my life- Yes, I am on the right track. Yes, if I keep the dream alive, so many people and events will come into my life to help me manifest it all. Within 48 hours of my return, I had one of my articles published and waiting for me in my pile of mail and a musician call me to coordinate the music for my CD of Guided Meditations. Amazing!
Have you celebrated yourself today? Have you seen the power of your vision? Can you believe in your dreams long enough so that others can be inspired as well and help you? If one man can build an empire of film, music, toys, theme parks, television and more, could you believe that you can see your dream come true? The world is waiting just for you...
The biggest recurring thought I had was about Walt Disney himself. He was a man with a vision. His vision was so clear and strong and passionate that it inspired hundreds and thousands to help him manifest this vision into the physical world. And here we were, so many years later, witnessing his creation. Just Magic Kingdom alone must be the size of 4 or 5 amusement parks. After three days of exploring it, we still did not see everything.
An accompanying thought was about the Disney characters and parade at 3 pm every afternoon. The parade displays many of the Disney characters on floats, with dancers sandwiched in between. All smiling and sweating and smiling some more. Everyone stays in character without fault. The kids are mesmerized and adults impressed. Once again the music made a huge impact because it called forth Walt Disney's "Secret" to his power. The song was about celebrating the dream come true, celebrate yourself, and that anything is possible.
I know it sounds hokey, but that is the central message to manifesting what you want. You must celebrate yourself and all your passions, desires, talents. You must celebrate your existence and that you are here to feel the joy and expansion of yourself. And if you want to manifest your desires, you must believe that your dreams will come true and that anything is possible- IF you believe it. When you feel good and you believe in your dream, the Universe- through people, events, ideas and so on- will bring to you what is needed for the dream to become alive. Yes, action is necessary part of this formula, but if you have a shaky belief, results are mixed at best.
For me, that was the magic of Disney. This magic that he subtly but directly was letting us in on. The formula for how he did it all. And, in that moment, I realized how a large part of my dream was coming true. My dream to remind my children about their own power of vision of their dreams in a world that often resists this power as childish.
It also rekindled my hope in my dream for my life- Yes, I am on the right track. Yes, if I keep the dream alive, so many people and events will come into my life to help me manifest it all. Within 48 hours of my return, I had one of my articles published and waiting for me in my pile of mail and a musician call me to coordinate the music for my CD of Guided Meditations. Amazing!
Have you celebrated yourself today? Have you seen the power of your vision? Can you believe in your dreams long enough so that others can be inspired as well and help you? If one man can build an empire of film, music, toys, theme parks, television and more, could you believe that you can see your dream come true? The world is waiting just for you...
Friday, March 6, 2009
Getting the Opportunity
I was channel-surfing the other night and stopped on Evan Almighty. Steve Carrell plays a congressman who is told by God, played by Morgan Freeman (of course), to build an ark because there is going to be a big flood. Sound familiar?
There was one moment in the film where Morgan (God), who is posing as a waiter in a restaurant, has a conversation with the confused wife of Steve Carrell. He says to her that she has an opportunity in this relationship. He states that when people pray to God for patience, they don't get patience. They do get an opportunity to be patient. I loved that!
I felt that this notion of having opportunities for becoming what we think we don't have or what we need really resonated with me. It comes down to this. We have and are everything! I mean everything. The Universe is contained inside us, just as we are part of the Universe.
We forget that. We don't believe it. We confirm our disbelief whenever we look outside ourselves for something that we think we don't have already. So, our relationships, so perfectly, provide us with opportunities to experience and be what we think we don't have.
I took Morgan (God) at his word and applied this idea to my life. When I was feeling impatient with my kids, I began to look for opportunities to be patient. They were certainly there, instantly. I took advantage of the opportunities at some times and not at others. When I did not take advantage, I found patience within myself for myself.
So, consider trying this at home: Think of what you are needing or wanting in your life. Is it peace, security, love, abundance, passion, patience? Whatever it is, see if you can see the opportunities to be those things with yourself and others. What happens? Let me know....
There was one moment in the film where Morgan (God), who is posing as a waiter in a restaurant, has a conversation with the confused wife of Steve Carrell. He says to her that she has an opportunity in this relationship. He states that when people pray to God for patience, they don't get patience. They do get an opportunity to be patient. I loved that!
I felt that this notion of having opportunities for becoming what we think we don't have or what we need really resonated with me. It comes down to this. We have and are everything! I mean everything. The Universe is contained inside us, just as we are part of the Universe.
We forget that. We don't believe it. We confirm our disbelief whenever we look outside ourselves for something that we think we don't have already. So, our relationships, so perfectly, provide us with opportunities to experience and be what we think we don't have.
I took Morgan (God) at his word and applied this idea to my life. When I was feeling impatient with my kids, I began to look for opportunities to be patient. They were certainly there, instantly. I took advantage of the opportunities at some times and not at others. When I did not take advantage, I found patience within myself for myself.
So, consider trying this at home: Think of what you are needing or wanting in your life. Is it peace, security, love, abundance, passion, patience? Whatever it is, see if you can see the opportunities to be those things with yourself and others. What happens? Let me know....
Saturday, February 21, 2009
"Nature is Change"
I gotta tell you that I love Pixar films. My kids love them, my husband loves them, and I could watch them over and over. And because I have three kids, I end up watching them over and over and over. Fine with me.
Recently, they've been into Ratatouille. In case you haven't seen it, it is about a rat named Remy who is passionate about food. He loves good food and happens to live in Paris, a mecca for great cooks and great food. The problem is, obviously, that he is a rat and humans don't look on rats in their houses, much less their kitchens, too kindly. As you may have guessed, he ends up cooking in the best restaurant in Paris and is elated.
Meanwhile, his father finds out what he is doing and is very disappointed and concerned. He does not trust humans because they have a history of killing rats. There is a very poignant scene when Remy's dad takes Remy to a shop that is selling rat poison. It has rat traps with rats hanging in them in the store front. The audience sees the brutality of "pest control" on display.
His father, making his point to Remy about the reality of how humans feel about rats states "You can't change nature." And Remy retorts "Change is nature."
My take on this exchange is that when you follow your passion, you can create what you want in this world. You can be a rat who loves cooking and food and against all odds, becomes a great chef in Paris. You can create different kinds of relationships between animals and humans and between humans and humans. Every moment is an opportunity to be different. To make a different choice. To tell a new story.
Have you been seeing things a certain way and can't conceive of things changing any time soon? Are you absolutely certain that "you can't change ______"? What rules have you made for yourself or others have made for you that have narrowed your point of view?
You may consider taking a step back and remembering that "change is nature". Change is our friend, not a scary thing that we try to avoid. Change allows us to look at things in a new way. It gives us wiggle room to see the infinite possibilities. Allow change. Welcome change. If you can, embrace change.
Leave your comments and insights about how change has served you in your life.
Recently, they've been into Ratatouille. In case you haven't seen it, it is about a rat named Remy who is passionate about food. He loves good food and happens to live in Paris, a mecca for great cooks and great food. The problem is, obviously, that he is a rat and humans don't look on rats in their houses, much less their kitchens, too kindly. As you may have guessed, he ends up cooking in the best restaurant in Paris and is elated.
Meanwhile, his father finds out what he is doing and is very disappointed and concerned. He does not trust humans because they have a history of killing rats. There is a very poignant scene when Remy's dad takes Remy to a shop that is selling rat poison. It has rat traps with rats hanging in them in the store front. The audience sees the brutality of "pest control" on display.
His father, making his point to Remy about the reality of how humans feel about rats states "You can't change nature." And Remy retorts "Change is nature."
My take on this exchange is that when you follow your passion, you can create what you want in this world. You can be a rat who loves cooking and food and against all odds, becomes a great chef in Paris. You can create different kinds of relationships between animals and humans and between humans and humans. Every moment is an opportunity to be different. To make a different choice. To tell a new story.
Have you been seeing things a certain way and can't conceive of things changing any time soon? Are you absolutely certain that "you can't change ______"? What rules have you made for yourself or others have made for you that have narrowed your point of view?
You may consider taking a step back and remembering that "change is nature". Change is our friend, not a scary thing that we try to avoid. Change allows us to look at things in a new way. It gives us wiggle room to see the infinite possibilities. Allow change. Welcome change. If you can, embrace change.
Leave your comments and insights about how change has served you in your life.
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Power of Love
I was watching my kids today. They were playing, eating Valentine's candy and to my surprise, actually sharing their candy with their siblings. It was good to see. My oldest had been looking forward to Valentine's Day for a while and it wasn't for the candy. It was for the love. She loves giving cards about love and of course, receiving them as well. She is open and generous with her love. My middle daughter loves to give kisses and squeezes and is always up for being carried around like a princess who is going off with her prince. My youngest, a son, is in constant state of "love me". He also gives kisses and hugs and asks for them often. That is the foundation of their life. It is the root of their survival. Giving and asking for love.
That is the power of love. Without it, we can cease to exist in this physical form or live a life where we feel dead. With it, we will not only live, but we thrive and blossom. In fact, love can change the planet. When just one person expresses and feels love, it has a ripple effect that can raise the vibration worldwide. It is our choice to add love to this world or to add fear.
Despite the crises that our world is facing, there is an increasing number of people awakening to this idea that love is powerful and that the solution to our challenges comes from love and not fear. Our fear-based thinking is limited at best, self-destructive at its worst.
How do you love more? Choose to love yourself first. Choose to have the best, more inspired idea of yourself, forgive everything else, and do the same for others. Choose to see people not as their roles, beliefs, politics, religion, jobs, spouses, friends or children, but as who they really are. They are waiting for love to show them to themselves.
Not clear about this notion of love? Think of the kindest thought you could have for yourself right now. Now even kinder...I know you can do it. That is evidence of self-love. Now, have that kind thought for another person. A thought that a really loving parent would have for their child. More evidence of love and loving. As you choose these loving thoughts more and more, see what happens in the next hour, day, week. See the power of love in your life.
If you get a chance, check out this music video!
That is the power of love. Without it, we can cease to exist in this physical form or live a life where we feel dead. With it, we will not only live, but we thrive and blossom. In fact, love can change the planet. When just one person expresses and feels love, it has a ripple effect that can raise the vibration worldwide. It is our choice to add love to this world or to add fear.
Despite the crises that our world is facing, there is an increasing number of people awakening to this idea that love is powerful and that the solution to our challenges comes from love and not fear. Our fear-based thinking is limited at best, self-destructive at its worst.
How do you love more? Choose to love yourself first. Choose to have the best, more inspired idea of yourself, forgive everything else, and do the same for others. Choose to see people not as their roles, beliefs, politics, religion, jobs, spouses, friends or children, but as who they really are. They are waiting for love to show them to themselves.
Not clear about this notion of love? Think of the kindest thought you could have for yourself right now. Now even kinder...I know you can do it. That is evidence of self-love. Now, have that kind thought for another person. A thought that a really loving parent would have for their child. More evidence of love and loving. As you choose these loving thoughts more and more, see what happens in the next hour, day, week. See the power of love in your life.
If you get a chance, check out this music video!
 | 7 min - Mar 28, 2007 - A choice for humanity, Love or Fear. What do you choose? www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMOMgQCRAqM |
Monday, January 19, 2009
Is Your Egg Cracking?
The other day my 6 year old daughter proposed playing a powerful game with me. She said that she wanted me to pretend to be the "mommie spider" and she was my spider egg. She sat, all curled up, on my lap. She said that I loved my egg so much. Then the egg starts to crack and I get scared that I'm losing it. Finally, I see that inside this egg is a baby spider. I am elated to see that I now I have something even better.
Now, the reason I thought this was a powerful game was because it felt like a metaphor for what so often happens in our lives. We have our "eggs" in life. We focus on them and nurture them and love them. We become very attached. Until one day, the eggs start to crack. We start to worry or even panic, because our eggs are breaking. Things are changing drastically and we don't know what will happen. Our lives are falling apart. But, the Universe knows something that we don't. There is a baby spider inside that egg. The egg needs to crack for the baby to come out and show itself.
So, when things start to fall apart or change or crack I'm not so afraid. Sometimes, when I'm feeling more connected, I even get excited. What will come of this cracking? What little baby spider will emerge from this breaking up? There's nothing to do, but watch, stay alert, and be open to what is.
Anything cracking or breaking apart in your life right now? Are you worried about the unknown future? You will be able to handle what ever happens. In fact, all you have to do is stay connected and stay alert. The rest will be shown to you. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
Now, the reason I thought this was a powerful game was because it felt like a metaphor for what so often happens in our lives. We have our "eggs" in life. We focus on them and nurture them and love them. We become very attached. Until one day, the eggs start to crack. We start to worry or even panic, because our eggs are breaking. Things are changing drastically and we don't know what will happen. Our lives are falling apart. But, the Universe knows something that we don't. There is a baby spider inside that egg. The egg needs to crack for the baby to come out and show itself.
So, when things start to fall apart or change or crack I'm not so afraid. Sometimes, when I'm feeling more connected, I even get excited. What will come of this cracking? What little baby spider will emerge from this breaking up? There's nothing to do, but watch, stay alert, and be open to what is.
Anything cracking or breaking apart in your life right now? Are you worried about the unknown future? You will be able to handle what ever happens. In fact, all you have to do is stay connected and stay alert. The rest will be shown to you. You might just be pleasantly surprised.
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