More and more we are seeing, hearing and feeling the hatred, fear and jealousy that permeates our global world. It spreads like a deadly virus indiscriminately among us contaminating our minds, bodies and souls.
As parents and grandparents we fear for the future of our youth. The negativity is consuming creativity, hope, and happiness.
Now is the time to focus on ensuring that our children learn to connect with their own inner strength and are equipped to thrive and prosper and make a difference in the world.
What are the tools they’ll require to become leaders of their own lives and bring value to the lives of others?
Here are my 12 “C’s” for becoming a warrior of peace and heart:
1. Consciousness: Lift your head (from your computer, smart phone, etc.) and become aware. Be present. Show up.
2. Core Values: Become fully conscious and connected to your true values. Embedded there is your truth and your inner compass.
3. Communication: Become a great communicator. Technology is simply a tool and no substitute for the sensory connection we all hunger for. Connect with your words, your eyes and your heart.
4. Comfort Zones: Blast the walls that entrap you in the dead zone. Step out and differentiate yourself with all your uniqueness and gifts.
5. Challenge: Push the boundaries of your fears and break through the “status quo” to be a force for change. Stretch yourself.
6. Consideration: Good manners have fallen victim to the unhealthy speed of lives today. Consideration and respect can go a long way to calming the anger, chaos and frenzy.
7. Consequences: Learn to take full responsibility for your words, behaviour and actions. The “blame game” is cowardly and serves no one.
8. Curiosity: Add a healthy dose of scepticism, but nurture the natural curiosity of childhood. Be that child: open up to all the wonder, wisdom and possibilities.
9. Creativity: From curiosity flows creativity. The possibilities are limitless. Create with expressions of joy, beauty and, innovative ideas. Add value to the world.
My last three are, for me, the most important character traits we can instil in our children:
10. Commitment: This goes beyond thoughts, ideas, strategic plans and verbal declarations. Commitment is about action, transformation and measurable results. Without this nothing will happen or change.
11. Compassion: The Dalai Lama speaks of compassion as the greatest of traits. We were born to be gentle and loving. True compassion embodies responsibility and action and is universal in scope. It’s the antidote to hatred. He says, “The true expression of non-violence is compassion”.
12. Courage: The warrior is not without fear. He acknowledges his fears and his limitations. He stands strong and confident in his core values. He is armed to face his foes, yet have compassion for them. He is prepared to move through fear to create a better, more peaceful world.
Finally, sprinkle your life with Chuckles. And, don’t take yourself too seriously!
Are the young people in your life ready to take on the mean world?
Your Warrior Coach,
Sharon
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Choices: Bad and Good
We all make bad choices from time to time, often with far reaching consequences. Decisions made from a place of overwhelm, fear or exhaustion rarely bring the results we seek.
That’s when our little voice, the Critic, the Judge gets to grab the hammer and clobber us with it.
As you roll out another year, there is an opportunity for shutting the door on the past and send the Critic to the closet.
The gift you can give yourself is the gift of Presence (ironically it sounds like Presents). When you are being totally present in the moment, it is impossible to feel overwhelmed or fearful.
Most people fear just “being”. You might actually see yourself and not like what you see. In truth, it is only in the silence that you can connect to what is good, wise and beautiful within.
By now your New Year's resolutions may be on shakey ground. Take the time to simply “be”. What do you need to do to be fully aligned with your values? What are the decisions that will take you to the next level? What is really important to you? How do you want to show up in the coming year?
2012, according to some, marks the beginning of a Shift. It is the shift to Awareness. It will be an awakening from the slumber of unconsciousness.
Are you ready?
That’s when our little voice, the Critic, the Judge gets to grab the hammer and clobber us with it.
As you roll out another year, there is an opportunity for shutting the door on the past and send the Critic to the closet.
The gift you can give yourself is the gift of Presence (ironically it sounds like Presents). When you are being totally present in the moment, it is impossible to feel overwhelmed or fearful.
Most people fear just “being”. You might actually see yourself and not like what you see. In truth, it is only in the silence that you can connect to what is good, wise and beautiful within.
By now your New Year's resolutions may be on shakey ground. Take the time to simply “be”. What do you need to do to be fully aligned with your values? What are the decisions that will take you to the next level? What is really important to you? How do you want to show up in the coming year?
2012, according to some, marks the beginning of a Shift. It is the shift to Awareness. It will be an awakening from the slumber of unconsciousness.
Are you ready?
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
What is the Feldenkrais Method?
The Feldenkrais Method is a unique approach to human movement and learning. Often our movement is limited due to unconscious habits of muscular holding.
Feldenkrais lessons help people to recognize and interrupt these habits, and eliminate limitations and restrictions. As a result students learn better body mechanics and discover natural flexibility and comfort. As students let go of unnecessary effort they start to move more in accordance with the design of the skeleton and experience reductions of strain and tension throughout the whole body. This new way of coordinating oneself results in increased strength, grace and well-being.
This learning is directly applied to improve all of life’s daily activities, as well as athletic and artistic skills. There are two complimentary formats of the Feldenkrais Method (Awareness Through Movement), and private lessons (Functional Integration).
Carolyn Townsend is a Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and well-known Physiotherapist in Fredericton. She practices physiotherapy and the Feldenkrais Method at CBI Health Centre, Kings Place Mall and offers Feldenkrais Classes and Workshops at Lokamotion Complementary Health Studio, 151 Main Street, Unit 2, Fredericton, NB.
For more information, to book an appointment, or register for a workshop, contact ctown@nbnet.nb.ca or phone 459-8697. To contact her at CBI Health Centre call 458-0204.
Feldenkrais lessons help people to recognize and interrupt these habits, and eliminate limitations and restrictions. As a result students learn better body mechanics and discover natural flexibility and comfort. As students let go of unnecessary effort they start to move more in accordance with the design of the skeleton and experience reductions of strain and tension throughout the whole body. This new way of coordinating oneself results in increased strength, grace and well-being.
This learning is directly applied to improve all of life’s daily activities, as well as athletic and artistic skills. There are two complimentary formats of the Feldenkrais Method (Awareness Through Movement), and private lessons (Functional Integration).
Carolyn Townsend is a Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner and well-known Physiotherapist in Fredericton. She practices physiotherapy and the Feldenkrais Method at CBI Health Centre, Kings Place Mall and offers Feldenkrais Classes and Workshops at Lokamotion Complementary Health Studio, 151 Main Street, Unit 2, Fredericton, NB.
For more information, to book an appointment, or register for a workshop, contact ctown@nbnet.nb.ca or phone 459-8697. To contact her at CBI Health Centre call 458-0204.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Importance of New Beginnings
You reach a certain stage in life when it seems there are more endings than beginnings. In his epic book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill says that most people have given up their dreams by mid-forties. There are many ways to die.
I got thinking about this as I sat parked in front of the building that once housed our flooring businees. It's slated for demolition. It looks broken, used up, nothing like it once was.
I thought I might get a sense of soul if I went there just once more. I was mistaken. Gone is the laughter, the blood, sweat and tears. It used to vibrate with our passion and dreams.
I now get to view it all through rose-coloured glasses. I can let go of the struggles and remember the success. Brian and I would often look at one another and say, "We have the best customers!". It was a zoo in there. One former employee said, "It was a fun place to work".
The ambiance was such that our customers would come and linger: perhaps on the showroom couch, sipping fresh coffee, meeting their friends and sharing their news. Come, sit awhile. Times have changed.
It's important to begin again. With each passing, we must create a new adventure. There is no failure in life other than doing nothing.
It's all too easy to charge through life, breathless, numb and missing the meaning, the beauty and the possibilities for rebirth.
Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to truly express who they are and create a great experience for both staff and customers. Don't miss that! And, if you are in a job or career you hate, one that violates your deepest values, move on.
Begin again - because you can.
Feeling stuck? Call me.
Warmest regards,
Sharon
I got thinking about this as I sat parked in front of the building that once housed our flooring businees. It's slated for demolition. It looks broken, used up, nothing like it once was.
I thought I might get a sense of soul if I went there just once more. I was mistaken. Gone is the laughter, the blood, sweat and tears. It used to vibrate with our passion and dreams.
I now get to view it all through rose-coloured glasses. I can let go of the struggles and remember the success. Brian and I would often look at one another and say, "We have the best customers!". It was a zoo in there. One former employee said, "It was a fun place to work".
The ambiance was such that our customers would come and linger: perhaps on the showroom couch, sipping fresh coffee, meeting their friends and sharing their news. Come, sit awhile. Times have changed.
It's important to begin again. With each passing, we must create a new adventure. There is no failure in life other than doing nothing.
It's all too easy to charge through life, breathless, numb and missing the meaning, the beauty and the possibilities for rebirth.
Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to truly express who they are and create a great experience for both staff and customers. Don't miss that! And, if you are in a job or career you hate, one that violates your deepest values, move on.
Begin again - because you can.
Feeling stuck? Call me.
Warmest regards,
Sharon
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Stories are not Truth
We are a story-telling species. Stories make sense of our world, shape our identities, beliefs and tell us where we belong. Our past, present and future are embodied in our stories. From cave walls to Facebook walls we seek our place and fulfill our innate need to tell our stories and to hear those of others. By sharing our tales, we find validation and common ground. There are countless ways of expression through music, art, dance, writing and speaking.
The whole world is fuelled and shaped by stories. In order to understand a culture you must listen to the stories. Stories can inspire, motivate, teach, persuade and entertain.
Stories can also separate, isolate, segregate, manipulate and devastate.
Every experience has a story attached to it.
The story we choose to attach to our experience is influenced by the information we have at the time and the cognitive level we’re at. Before language, a child is imprinted emotionally. Future experiences will trigger past emotions and colour our stories. We are also influenced by culture, religion, schooling, assumptions and the opinions of others.
We can become entrapped by the stories of our life.
Become aware that You are not the story: You are more than the story.
Recognize that others are not the stories you make up about them.
What about your story can you reframe?
Leadership in this changing world requires that we re-write the stories of how things should be. And, the world today requires that we all be leaders. We need to take charge of our lives and that means first that we take command of our thoughts, our judgements and our script. Innovation and creativity don’t arise from a mind and soul trapped in stories that no longer serve.
What are the thoughts that chain your mind?
What if you were the “hero” in your own story?
What is your Bigger Story (your life purpose)?
What actions do you need to take?
Warmest regards,
Sharon
The whole world is fuelled and shaped by stories. In order to understand a culture you must listen to the stories. Stories can inspire, motivate, teach, persuade and entertain.
Stories can also separate, isolate, segregate, manipulate and devastate.
Every experience has a story attached to it.
The story we choose to attach to our experience is influenced by the information we have at the time and the cognitive level we’re at. Before language, a child is imprinted emotionally. Future experiences will trigger past emotions and colour our stories. We are also influenced by culture, religion, schooling, assumptions and the opinions of others.
We can become entrapped by the stories of our life.
Become aware that You are not the story: You are more than the story.
Recognize that others are not the stories you make up about them.
What about your story can you reframe?
Leadership in this changing world requires that we re-write the stories of how things should be. And, the world today requires that we all be leaders. We need to take charge of our lives and that means first that we take command of our thoughts, our judgements and our script. Innovation and creativity don’t arise from a mind and soul trapped in stories that no longer serve.
What are the thoughts that chain your mind?
What if you were the “hero” in your own story?
What is your Bigger Story (your life purpose)?
What actions do you need to take?
Warmest regards,
Sharon
Monday, July 25, 2011
A Heartfelt Testimonial
I made a call to Sharon at a moment when I felt my life was spiraling down around me. I was a bundle of emotions with anxiety, sickness, despair and frustration. I remember being close to tears when I made the initial call saying I need to be fixed. Sharon, very matter of fact said, you are not broken and I will help you find the path to clear vision and a place of calm. Immediately after making that initial call I was feeling better, the weight I had carried with me for the past year was lightened because of our conversation and her reassurance that she would work with me to help me understand myself and my feelings.
That first call in my time of total despair put me on the path to finding the authentic me. Sharon asked me a very simple question that I had never really thought about in the past. What are your values?? A simple question yes, but for me it took some thought. Listing my true values on paper helped me understand my own feelings and how I relate to others. Another pivotal point for me in our weekly sessions was learning to respond and not react to situations. I learned why situations triggered my emotions and learned how to Respond instead of React. What an uplifting and motivating experience!!
These sessions helped me understand myself in a way that has given me self confidence and clear direction. It has helped validate who I am. My personalized coaching with Sharon moved my business forward in a professional manner at a very fast pace. This shift was taking place before my very eyes with each weekly session. Imagine my excitement seeing such immediate results!! I am in a leadership position so it was extremely important for me to understand Me before I could lead others. I am now having fun and enjoying the challenges life brings each day whether it is in my personal life or professional life. It has restored my desire to be the best I can be each and every day. I Now Believe in Me. I have lost the backpack of guilt, frustration and limitations, I feel lighthearted, happy and empowered to spread my wings and be open to opportunities, enjoy new experiences and new dreams.
Thank you Sharon for helping me find my way. It has been a positive eye opening experience for me and has made ALL the Difference in My World. The best part of this experience is knowing Sharon, you are only a phone call away if I stray from my path you are there to light the way!! For that I am very grateful.
These personal coaching sessions with Sharon are very powerful and helpful for anyone no matter where you are in the path of life!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!! There is only One You!
Reignite your Passion for Life and Follow Your Dreams you will Love Yourself for it!
Sincerely,
Jane
Halifax, NS
That first call in my time of total despair put me on the path to finding the authentic me. Sharon asked me a very simple question that I had never really thought about in the past. What are your values?? A simple question yes, but for me it took some thought. Listing my true values on paper helped me understand my own feelings and how I relate to others. Another pivotal point for me in our weekly sessions was learning to respond and not react to situations. I learned why situations triggered my emotions and learned how to Respond instead of React. What an uplifting and motivating experience!!
These sessions helped me understand myself in a way that has given me self confidence and clear direction. It has helped validate who I am. My personalized coaching with Sharon moved my business forward in a professional manner at a very fast pace. This shift was taking place before my very eyes with each weekly session. Imagine my excitement seeing such immediate results!! I am in a leadership position so it was extremely important for me to understand Me before I could lead others. I am now having fun and enjoying the challenges life brings each day whether it is in my personal life or professional life. It has restored my desire to be the best I can be each and every day. I Now Believe in Me. I have lost the backpack of guilt, frustration and limitations, I feel lighthearted, happy and empowered to spread my wings and be open to opportunities, enjoy new experiences and new dreams.
Thank you Sharon for helping me find my way. It has been a positive eye opening experience for me and has made ALL the Difference in My World. The best part of this experience is knowing Sharon, you are only a phone call away if I stray from my path you are there to light the way!! For that I am very grateful.
These personal coaching sessions with Sharon are very powerful and helpful for anyone no matter where you are in the path of life!! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!! There is only One You!
Reignite your Passion for Life and Follow Your Dreams you will Love Yourself for it!
Sincerely,
Jane
Halifax, NS
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Intentional Goals Part 3: Creating the Powerful Plan
The feeling of your INTENTION is the power that drives your goals. It’s not just your thoughts, words or actions.
The focus of your ATTENTION is when your thoughts and energy are aligned with your Intention.
I can’t stress enough that to achieve Clarity for the above, you must clear the clutter in your head!
NOW you are ready to create your Powerful Plan.
1. Your Intention and your Goals must be written down. This is the first and most important step.
2. Written goals should begin with “To...” Example: "My intention is to be a catalyst for my clients to achieve more clarity, joy, fulfillment and success in their personal and professional lives. My current goal is to create a program that will assist my clients to clear the clutter that obscures their full potential and purpose.”
3. All goals must have a completion date.
4. It is the smaller goals that are most important because they are the Action Steps that will get you there.
5. Get clear and specific about the obstacles: write them down.
6. Be prepared and flexible about changing the goals or steps when necessary.
7. Stay with it! Check in with your lists weekly.
A slightly new twist on SMART GOALS:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Accountable (for living into the Big “A” agenda)
• Resonant (fully honouring your core values, desires and true self)
• Thrilling (compelling, exciting, powerful, big)
Be Bold; Be Real; Be a Warrior!
The focus of your ATTENTION is when your thoughts and energy are aligned with your Intention.
I can’t stress enough that to achieve Clarity for the above, you must clear the clutter in your head!
NOW you are ready to create your Powerful Plan.
1. Your Intention and your Goals must be written down. This is the first and most important step.
2. Written goals should begin with “To...” Example: "My intention is to be a catalyst for my clients to achieve more clarity, joy, fulfillment and success in their personal and professional lives. My current goal is to create a program that will assist my clients to clear the clutter that obscures their full potential and purpose.”
3. All goals must have a completion date.
4. It is the smaller goals that are most important because they are the Action Steps that will get you there.
5. Get clear and specific about the obstacles: write them down.
6. Be prepared and flexible about changing the goals or steps when necessary.
7. Stay with it! Check in with your lists weekly.
A slightly new twist on SMART GOALS:
• Specific
• Measurable
• Accountable (for living into the Big “A” agenda)
• Resonant (fully honouring your core values, desires and true self)
• Thrilling (compelling, exciting, powerful, big)
Be Bold; Be Real; Be a Warrior!
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