Spiritual Guide | Inspirational Speaker | Lorraine Cohen

I’ve been noticing the difference between desperate action and inspired action as I have been flowing more with the Power of Grace.

In the past when my faith and trust was shakier, many of the choices I made were from desperation. I can usually tell when I begin to feel the grip of desperation kicking in.

I start feeling stress and tension in my body, my mind begins to scramble for options and solutions to a situation I feel fear and struggle with, and confusion increases.

I have come to know that any action I take in this state ends poorly.

Desperation is rooted in fear and is driven by the mind/ego in an effort to create a desired change.

Desperation is the ego’s attempt to control, manage, or avoid something that is perceived as bad and is anticipated to be an experience of suffering.

Action taken in desperation creates resistance and results in suffering.

Can you think of an experience when that was true for you?

Inspired action comes from within.

Intuitive nudges, subtle repetitive thoughts, sensations, a deep sense of knowing and trust, things that feel Divinely guided and peacefull in your heart, even if the action is uncomfortable. I often feel excitement, joy, love, gratitude.. when inspiration comes through.

The feeling can be visceral and energizing. Actions have a flow and ease because there is no resistance.

The key is to surrender any attachment to what happens, trusting that the outcome will serve you in the highest and best way.

What to do when you feel desperate?

Take NO action. Desperate and impulsive action can bring lots of regrets!

Stop. Breathe. Bring your attention to the present moment and being fully in your body.

Desperation is focused on the future. Come back to NOW.

Reconnect with The Divine with whatever practices help you to create sacred space with the God of your understanding - meditate, journal, take a walk in nature, pray, contemplation….

For every problem there is a spiritual solution.

Desperate action edges God out (ego).

Turning inward to commune with God invites that reconnection with your most powerfull ally who loves you madly. Pay attention to the thoughts that pop into your mind as you meditate, journal, pray…. Notice the synchronicities and messages that come to you and through you.

Listen for your guidance and follow what you feel called to do or be.

And no matter what actions you take - either desperate or inspired, the experience will offer healing and growth opportunities.

Nothing is wasted. There are no real mistakes.

And you never walk alone!

You are loved!

Have a great day

Love and blessings,
Lorraine

I awoke this morning with today’s article swirling around in my head. That’s how inspiration often comes to me from Divine inspiration.

I’ve had Self-Love on my mind and in my heart because I have been on a very deep journey of  “waking up” for the last few years. In fact what is true is that I have never felt more alive and aligned with my life path.

I am not the “me” I used to know or thought I was.  I am more aligned with my true nature and my prayers to have a deeper relationship with God have become a reality.  I believe one of the reasons I feel so much Grace and joy is because of my focus on self-love.

Love is our Divine nature and the Essence of the Divine. The absence of love separates us from who we are and God. Love is the bridge back “home.”

Below is a list of thirteen ways to love yourself which is really my list - the ways I love myself. This is a list that continues to expand as I do.

1. Commit to daily spiritual practices for stillness and communion with the God of your understanding. The relationship you have with your personal Divine is the most important relationship in your life. Prayer, meditations, journaling, inspirational reading, creating an altar, walks in nature, chanting, ceremonies and rituals…are all ways to deepen this most sacred relationship of love.

2. Ask for help when you need it. To be a great giver, you must also be a great receiver. Allow the people in your life to love you in return. And remember to invite the Universe to help – ask your angels, guides, Archangels, nature spirits… to be of service to you. Become helpless, which means acknowledging that you cannot do it all, all the time. Until you become helpless, God is helpless. “Let go and let God”.

3. Forgive yourself when you think, act, and do things in ways that are less than love. Each of us has done things that we regret, that have hurt another, or been unloving – resentments, jealousies, blaming, judgments…are expressions of inner pain. We cannot forgive absent of self-love and compassion.

4. Amend your inner self-talk. Become consciously aware of how you speak to yourself inside your head and what you repeat to others. Soften your language and choose words that treat YOU with love and respect. Look for ways to love your humanity rather than to condemn yourself.

5. Take responsibility for your thoughts, feeling and actions.  Be a great role model of integrity in the ways you choose to show up in the world. Make amends when you have messed up in your humanness, let go of the “blame game”, and look at life as a grand adventure for learning, creating, and evolving.

6. Make choices that allow your heart to be expressed. Giving permission for your creativity, passions, gifts, strengths, and talents to flourish opens pathways for greater happiness and prosperity. You might even feel your soul smiling with joy!  (I often do and it feels great!)

7. Set healthy boundaries and stick to them. Be willing to love yourself enough to say no and stop when you need to. Say yes when it feels right rather than from guilt or fear. Cultivate a courageous heart to teach people how to treat you by the ways in which you value yourself .

8. Surround yourself with emotionally safe people who positively support and love you.  Having a circle of friends who cheer you on, share your values, lovingly tell you the truth, kick you in the butt when you need it, celebrate your victories, compassionately listen (without fixing) when your heart is hurting can be a lifeline back to your true SELF on those days when LIFE feels hard.

9. Be willing to boldly go where you have never gone before. Dare to step out of your comfort zone to take those inspired leaps of faith that feel Divinely guided. Your soul would NEVER nudge you to do something that would put you in deliberate danger or cause you pain without purpose.

Doing the shadow work, inner child processes and walking through pain are pathways to liberation from the darkness of  past to the light of a brilliant future.

10. Do at least one thing every day that is personally pleasurable (I don’t mean something for another!).  Look for ways to nourish your mind, body and spirit. What makes you giggle with delight? What juices and excites you with joy?

11. Hydrate yourself with good, clean water.Invest in a high quality water system to nourish your body. Add a pinch of Celtic salt daily to strengthen water absorption in the cells of your body. You can be drinking plenty of water and still be severely dehydrated (I was!)

12. Eat healthy chocolate such as Xocai chocolate. If you are a chocolate lover, this particular raw chocolate is reported to have the highest antioxidant values on the planet. People regularly eating this chocolate have received miraculous benefits including ease with weight loss, reduction in joint pain, cardiac reversals, eliminating emotional overeating, heightened positive outlook….

13. Eliminate processed and fast foods. Choose organic, whole, and raw food options as often as possible. Consider the food sources you are putting into your body that can create future illness, aging, and affect overall well-being. Your body will thank you!

Exercise, getting regular dental and health checkups contribute to keeping your body at optimal health. How you physically feel affects every area of your life!

As you read this list, notice the ones you most relate to.

Which ones do you commit to regularly?

What would you add or change to be more self- loving?

The greatest wound that humanity suffers is a lack of self-worth.

The greatest gift you can share with others is love and it first begins with loving yourself! If you cannot truly love yourself, you really cannot love another with the full capacity of your heart.

It’s not your fault if you have difficulty being kind, compassionate, forgiving and loving with yourself. Your past experiences, your family dynamics, cultural conditioning has all shaped who you have become as a human being.

Withholding self-love is painful. It can feel like living in hell inside with no way out, because wherever you go, you take YOU with you.

What’s blocking your ability to be immersed in this love is within your grasp….

Ready to fall more deeply in love with yourself?

That is the opportunity I am offering you today.

On Wednesday, September 18, we begin a Journey into Self-Love for 4 consecutive weeks. This journey through Self-Love will provide opportunities to explore what love means to you, Divine Love, personal & inner integrity so that you can embrace your value and align with your true nature of love.

Register through Friday, September 13 midnight EST at a special tuition of $197. On September 14 the tuition goes up to $297.

What is unique about this program are the transformational meditations and deepening processes that are Divinely inspired and created right in the session. People report breakthroughs right on the calls!

Read about the program and the testimonials from past participants.

Imagine your testimonial there. What would you like it to say?

Learn more and register here

I believe it will be one the best investments of self- love you gift to yourself this year! And yes, you do desevre it!

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

Embracing self-love teaches others how to love and respect you and attract people who will value appreciate who you are.  We teach people how to treat and value us by how we treat ourselves, lovingly or unlovingly.

Whenever you make changes, the people in your life are affected and they may not always appreciate the shifts they see in you and respond negatively.

And also remember that by being true to who you are and modeling the courage to be real and authentic gives the people in your life permission to do the same.

The greatest gift you can share with others is love and it first begins with loving yourself!

The question is, “Do you have the courage to love yourself enough to be who you are meant to be and do what you are here to do?”

One of the ways I love myself is committing to my spiritual practices daily. Creating sacred time to be in communion with  the God of my understanding is one of my greatest passions that feeds my heart.

A second way I love myself enough  is having the willingness and courage to do the deeper shadow healing that liberates me from my past and frees me to co-create the future I want.

If you are a parent, what is the legacy you are teaching your kids about self-love and self-esteem?

What is the message you are communicating to others? Is it time to change your message?

Self-Love Exercise 1

Fill in the following statement with as many responses you can think of that would reflect your courageous heart. (we use this exercise in my Aligning With Destiny program)

I love myself enough to….

Self-Love Exercise 2

To begin, take several minutes to recall someone you deeply love or have loved. It could be a spouse, parent, child, teacher, animal, God…..Breathe into that feeling of love allowing that energy to fill you up inside your body. With this energy connection of love that can feel like Divine Love

1. Sit or stand in front of a mirror so you can gaze into your own eyes. Say loving things to yourself – be the recipient of that Divine love.

2. Breathe deeply and place both hands over your spiritual heart chakra in the center of your chest. Say loving things to yourself. such as saying your name and adding, “I am a wonderfull loving, incredible woman/man. I own my value and special gifts. I love my soul, I love my ego….” - lovingly embracing all parts of your Self.   You might continue to say “I love myself” over and over pausing to breathe in love and feel it in your heart.

3. As you continue to breathe in the love, have the thought of breathing out anything that is contrary to love. Release any resistance to receiving this love into your heart. Do this for several more minutes and then focus on breathing in love and breathing out love into the world.

Ready to fall in love with yourself?

Join me on September 18 in my Pathways to Awakening program. This  four week journey through Self-Love will provide opportunities to explore what love means to you, Divine Love, personal & inner integrity so that you can embrace your value and align with your true nature of love.

Guided by the Divine, the deepening processes and meditations will provide many opportunities to resolve past hurts, angers, resentments, and judgments towards others and especially towards your SELF; to open your heart to experience more peace, love, and Grace. Learn more here and take advantage of special pricing through September 13!

Imagine treating yourself with greater compassion, forgiveness and appreciation as the precious magnificent being you truly are.…

Imagine feeling good about yourself so that you stop punishing yourself and allow the abundance and love you crave to pour into your life.…..

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

2012 is finally here and what a year it will be!

I know last year was rough for many people physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. You might have experienced health or relationships challenges, struggles with money, growing your business and with your faith and trust that your needs and wants would be cared for by the Divine.

Many folks felt their inner world and outer one was turned upside down and inside out. I know I did. If you’ve been reading this blog, I have written quite a bit about how my powerfull prayer of asking to learn unshakable faith and trust manifested in my life in 2011. Holey moley.

Last year was the most painfull liberating year of my life. I am still working through quite a bit and I feel stronger than ever with a much deeper resonance with faith and trust w/God and myself.

How about you?

Looking back at 2011 did you discover new insights about yourself?  Grow through some difficult challenges? Or, break through a few old beliefs, limitations, and obstacles?

And did you prioritize deepening your bond with The Divine, who is the Source of all the good that flows into your life and your lifeline into this new Age of Enlightenment?

Although many folks look at the New Year as an exciting time for new beginnings and creating a vision for their life, suicide and depression runs are high. After the holidays, many people crash emotionally. 

I know many people are struggling with faith and trust this month.

So, I was curious to see where things are astrologically.  Here’s an excerpt from www.thepowerpath.com  about January 2012:

“The main theme for January is Destabilization. The secondary attributes are Interruption and Disruption. This month you will experience a movement and destabilization that will feel initially like everything is out of balance. Think of how it would feel if you were standing on solid ground and suddenly the horizon tipped or the earth moved slightly.

When the instinctive center opens up, it may cause temporary anxiety and a sensation of danger. It can also bring up old fears that have long been buried. There could also be an adrenalin rush or a sense of physical discomfort where relaxation seems impossible. Reactions could also include a loss of appetite or unconscious binge eating. It is an upset due to what has seemed stable being turned sideways.

Destabilization can show up in many aspects of your life and that the purpose of it is positive in the end. Your experience of this month will be directly related to how you accept, navigate and allow for the disruption. You will have an opportunity to move yourself from one experience into another through the rip in the fabric of your own stability that the disruption has caused.”

Dealing with upheaval causes emotional and mental reactions to flair –

• Confusion, inertia, feeling lost
• Anger/aggression
• Extreme fear/anxiety/worry
• Feeling victimized and helpless to create what you desire
• Overdramatizing and over reacting
• Rehashing the past
• Blaming and judging
• Doubt
• Frustration
•  Isolation
• Apathy/withdrawal

When your faith and trust becomes shaky and life feels hard, that is a sign you are disconnected from your innate wisdom and The Divine.

The result is unnecessary pain and suffering.

How is 2012 going so far?

How do you handle disruptions when your life or plan goes sideways?

Do you fight against life and fall prey to your negative thoughts and feelings or flow through situations with Grace?

Do you make choices from desperation or from a calm place of faith and trust?

How you accept, navigate and flow with life determines your experience and outcomes, now and in the future.

How to positively navigate periods of upheaval and destabilization to boost faith and trust?

1. Commit to your spiritual practices each day. Deepening your ongoing connection with your Self and God is the most important relationship in your life and is a lifeline to navigating any difficult experience and unhooking from the grip of your mind’s imagination.

2. See every situation as a growth and healing opportunity; a learning edge.  Let go of resisting whatever you might be struggling with and accept what is happening as a pathway to something better.

3. Trust in the right timing and divine order of your life experiences. The Universe is a friendly place that is always conspiring in your favor. Look for ways to recognize all the forms and ways miracles, blessings, and gifts show up in your life. Be open to see  that when things don’t go they way you want, that there is a higher purpose at work to enrich your life.

4. Focus on what is right and good in your world rather than what seems to be in flux. Dealing with fear? Try my Fear Release exercise here.

5. Do what you feel guided to do and “Let go and let God.” Faith and trust are built by having the willingness to take leaps of faith before the evidence appears.

6.  Music, dancing, journal writing, focusing on gratitude, and helping others are additional ways to lift your spirits.

One of my favorite songs to listen to and dance to is: “It’s a Beautiful Life” from Ace of Base. Hear it on YouTube or on iTunes by Guilt by Association.

I also LOVE TranscenDance by Michael Beckwith. My favorite song is “Who Loves Ya Baby?” The whole album rocks. Listen or get up and dance. You’ll be inspired, energized and your faith will SOAR. Mine does!

7. Having the support you need from people who are on a path of growth and spiritual evolution is a CRITICAL piece to weather any storm; to fulfill your Divine Destiny and allow all the abundance and joy that is your birthright to pour into your life.

When you have the right kind of support with kindred spirits who see you as whole rather than broken or in need of fixing, who lovingly hold the space for your brilliance and competence to shine, and who offer objective loving reflection without projection or personalizing….life can become amazing.

I mean having safe folks in your life to support you when you need a boost, an ear, and a loving kick in the pants when you forget who you really are! Folks who love ya and who’ve got your back..problems become opportunities and possibilities….Add the backing of the Divine and The Universe and watch the magic happen!

Lacking the support you need? Join my Soul Circle Mentor group beginning Monday, January 16, 2020. Registrations will be accepted through Jan. 29, 2012. Learn more and reserve your seat

You are a beautiful soul with gifts to share with the world

You matter

You are here for a Divine purpose!

And most of all… you are loved in every moment of every day by the Divine. You never walk alone!

 Never forget that

Love and blessings,

Lorraine

Slowing down  instead of racing through life may seem like an abstract idea rather than a realistic one, especially here in the US.

Yeah, but don’t you see all I have to do?????? And it’s the holidays so I gotta do……My family expects…my friends and colleagues expect…I have to… or they will think/feel……

Yikes.

If you look at nature during the winter months, leaves fall, animals go into hibernation, and there is a slowing down and resting period before things bloom in the spring.

We are part of the circle of life. Instead of slowing down in December we get nuts with all of the gift buying,  parties, and stress we create, the time to enjoy the real spirit of Christmas and slowing down gets lost. 

And when January rolls around, we think we are supposed to hit the ground running to get a jump start on the year. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Does this seem crazy to you?

Instead of slowing down, we speed up and wonder why we feel wiped out!

Did you know that the first three months of the New Year has been the highest suicide rate in past years? (I haven’t checked that statistic recently).

I’ve been talking and writing about my personal commitment to slooow way down this month for my own restoration, reconnection, regrouping, releasing, resolving, and receiving. It has been a very new experience to give myself this gift of time and space without feeling guilty or filling it with busyness and distractions.

Creating the space to just “be” without all of this do, do, do is an amazing gift.

Who says we have to do any of the things we typically do at this time of year?

WHOSE RULES ARE THOSE????

You want or need permission to do what you really want and NEED to do for you?

You got it!!

So, if you are feeling lost, confused, exhausted, at a turning point in your life or business and you haven’t a clue about what’s next, you are not alone!

We are meant to thrive, not survive!

Slowing down, creating time for quiet and stillness, and allowing some balls to drop is critical  to receive the clarity, improved attitude, and vitality you seek.

And most importantly, it is the pathway to connecting with your authentic SELF and Divinity for guidance and direction into your “what’s next”.

Click here to download a special meditation I created to “Connect With Your Sacred Self” as my gift to you. Happy Holidays!

Enjoy May You Be Blessed Movie

And when the New Year begins, it’s ok to ease into January and allow the ideas and inspiration to bubble up. It’s ok to allow your creative juices to stir and for your passions and excitement to rise naturally. 

Continue to invest in self-reflection and spiritual practices  like meditation, walks in nature,  releasing the past, deepening self-love , cultivating a deeper connection with Source…..It’s your life and you get to create it on your terms, ya know?

A few days ago, my friend Morgana Rae sent out her newsletter with the following post below. With her permission, I’m  sharing her article with you.

Your December Survival Guide

Feeling lost, slow-witted and confused? Congratulations! You’ve hit your edge. This is one of those pivotal personal growth moments where the world you know, the “who” you know yourself to be, may be disintegrating to make room for the person you are becoming.

Sometimes these changes are internally driven, and sometimes our circumstances change suddenly and we find ourselves reeling.

Does any of this sound familiar?

You feel uncertain, indecisive.

You question your direction.

Business as usual isn’t working.

You feel hopelessly stuck, and maybe discouraged.

You may even feel “blank,” like you’ve hit a wall.

Here’s my big piece of advice for the month. STOP!

If at all possible, put big decisions on hold.

Don’t start a new business project.

Don’t sign major contracts.

Don’t expect to have the answers and “snap out of it” just yet…

GO INSIDE.

1. Take advantage of this time of “not knowing” to dream, tap into your intuition, get out of your usual environment.

2. Explore possibilities without attachment.

3. Recommit to your core values. When your outside expression is shifting, look for what is eternal inside yourself.

4. Rest! Part of why it’s so hard to see, think, and act during these moments is your mind is working overtime, below the surface, processing information.

Lucky for us we have that groovy astrological Mercury Retrograde going on. Whether this visual phenomenon (the planet looks like it’s going backwards, when viewed from earth) really impacts our lives or not, your basic Mercury Retrograde rule book will come in handy this month.

Words that begin with “re” get a green light: Review, Revise, Redo, Restore, Reconnect, Recommit, Renegotiate, Repair, Resolve, Release… this is the time to take a look at the different areas of your life, your projects, your plans. Put your attention on things you’ve already started and improve, but don’t start anything new until January.

Plan for delays, reversals, repeats, and general annoyance.

Be extra careful when traveling.

Make sure your computer is backed up.

Expect people from your past to show up, or at least old life issues to stop by for a visit.

I, as your coach for the duration of this letter, give you a FREE PASS to take a break.

Your brain will come back with new insights, ideas and clarity. But for now, when something really big’s around the corner, give yourself time to process. You are preparing for a new world.

Copyright 2010. “Morgana Rae is an International Speaker, Author and Professional Coach who helps entrepreneurs attract more than they chase and RADICALLY change their relationship with money. Download a FREE audio teleclass “How to be a Money Magnet” at www.abundanceandprosperity.com“

 

 

Last fall, I wrote about taking a pretty bad fall while on my morning power walk.  I partially tore a ligament on my right ankle that is almost healed. It’s the third time I have injured that same ankle. For the first two-three weeks I had to surrender to a great deal of rest. With my office upstairs in my home and no laptop, the amount of online work I typically do was pretty much put on hold. I was only able to sit at my computer for very brief periods of time.

Having to stop doing so much was uncomfortable and  I got bored!  No, I’m not an adrenaline junky . Having to slow waaaaaaay down showed me how much I was outrunning some of my stuff because I was so distracted by do-ing, I wasn’t feeling or be-ing with my SELF or with Source/God/Higher Power.

It was eye-opening to realize how much of my time is invested in being BUSY doing something, especially when it has to do with business. Why was it such a surprise? Because I am continually getting on my client’s case to include lots of self-care for fun, nurturing, re-energizing, and decompressing so that they can really show up for the people and responsibilities they care about.   

Now , I have a lot of opportunities to schedule my time any way I want every day and while I add many things that really feed me: daily meditation, connecting with friends, some volunteer work, and the part of my business that really juices me.  In fact many times when I am so pumped with creative juices flowing that I can be working (it doesn’t really feel like work, though) and the hours by.  Those are very happy ways for me to bring my voice and heart out in what I am doing. Inspiration and intuitive insights are flowing and it’s a blast to capture that in my articles, teleseminars, and programs.

Then, there are times when I feel the pull to stop working and do something relaxing. It often comes at times when I am pushing or trying to force something to happen that isn’t flowing.  Boy, can I be a dog with a bone that just won’t let go. Other times I can feel the pull to let things drop and turn it over to the Universe and trusting the Creator to handle things on my behalf. Do I always listen? No.

Co-creating with the Universe can be tricky. In a recent conversation with my mastermind group we were discussing what it really means to dance with the Universe. My friend Kimberly said that she believes that we are responsible to do 5% of what is being created and the Universe handles the other 95% (the how part). And that means we give 100% to our 5% responsibility to action.

Ok, I’ll go with that.

For the last several months I have been in a high creative period working on my new 8-week Courage beginning April 14, my new book, and an online summit I am coordinating for July-August 2010. All of this is fun, fun, fun even with all of details to coordinate, market, write etc. Definitely my 5% I believe!

I’ve also had some minor medical issues that required two out-patient procedures. So, with my ankle healing, this medical stuff, working with two healers, completing two detoxes, and my projects, I thought I was doing pretty well in balancing my self-care and supporting my health.  After my last procedure about two weeks ago, I was wiped out for several days with low energy, poor concentration and a desire to rest more than usual. I had a strong sense it wasn’t all from the anesthesia. I’ve been investing a lot of energy for months and even though I put time aside for self-care, I wasn’t really resting and decompressing. My head was still going!

So, as I sat at my computer for some guidance, I asked my daily question, “What is mine to do today? Where should I be putting my energy?”

What I intuitively heard in response to my question (no I do not hear actual voices speaking in my head), was, “Self-care.”

I thought, “Huh? I have been taking care of myself, haven’t I?”

“No. Do more.”

My sense was what was really being said was to take more walks, sit on my deck outside in nature, listen to music, have more fun, create more space to my spiritual practices to commune with Source…….I was doing too much!

I said, “Ok, but I have a lot I need to handle right now with my upcoming program launching and even with the help I have there is still so much to handle. If I don’t do it who will?”

Answer, “I will”.

“But there are certain things that can only be handled on this plane” (meaning all the practice stuff that has to be done and you can’t really do that God….)

Answer, “Who says?”

Well, that caught my attention as I thought of the rules I have that say things have to happen a certain way. And that can sure apply to my rules about when I can take time off from my business. Even though I have gone to the movies in the middle of my day, it has been a while. I’ve been on the computer over the weekend and into the night hours creating material (I’m not apologizing). My buddy Anita kids me about that all the time by asking, “So Lorraine, whose rules are those?” All the shoulds, shouldn’ts, have tos that create rigidity and stress.

Thinking about this inner dialogue, I realized that what I was being encouraged to do was trust the Universe more in the “how” things were unfolding perfectly including following my guidance to slow down, take a break, and let some balls drop. It’s easy to forget that The Universe is continually conspiring on your behalf and what manifests isn’t solely dependent on the actions you take. Yes, you have your 5% part and the other 95% doesn’t require you getting in the way and trying to drive the bus.

It’s easy to forget all this when we’re feeling fearfull and worried about money, our future, health, relationships, business. We become impatient, kick in high do-ing gear and don’t value self-care enough to create space for stillness, contemplation, and nurturing; critical factors in having a prosperous and rich life that aligns with our soul path.

Self-care is not a guilty pleasure nor are the spiritual practices that feed your spirit and sustain your connection with Source, which is the most important relationship you have!

I’m reminded of one of my favorite poems by Robert J. Burdett

BROKEN   DREAMS

As children bring
their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams
to God
Because He was my Friend.
But then instead
of leaving Him
in peace to work alone,
I hung around
and tried to help
With ways that
that were my own.
At last I snatched them back
and cried,
“How can You be so slow?”
“My child,” He said,
“What could I do?
You never did let go.”

Ok God. I hear ya. I just wanted to write this post and now I’m getting offline to enjoy the rest of my day. You take it from here……

“You are perfectly aligned to get the results you get.”~ Dr. Stephen Covey

In a conversation yesterday I was reminded of how powerfull our ego is to influence what we create and manifest in our life. The three elements in manifestation are thoughts, words, and actions.

Everything that exists is energy, constantly creating and bringing to you whatever is a vibrational match. Whatever you put your attention on expands. If your attention is focused on lack and scarcity, you will attract more lack and scarcity, even if you spend time during the day saying or writing affirmations, visualizing, or using vision boards.

Every thought, feeling, belief, and action has manifesting energy: the power to create what you desire or more of what is undesired depending on the amount of attention and emotional charge invested. The more attention and energy you give to your thoughts and feelings, the faster you manifest.

For example, if somebody desires to have more money and abundance and they focus five or ten minutes a day affirming it, visualizing it, and feeling it and then spend ten hours fearfull, worried and concerned about how they are going to pay the bills, worse case scenarios, and how much struggle they have in their life, the vibrational match to what they attract is more lack and more struggle.

Here are seven ways to consciously shift money fears and poverty consciousness

1. Dump your story. Resist the urge and tendency to focus your attention on what is missing from your life. Dwelling on what you are longing for that you see as absent, gives life to lack and scarcity.  From the Universe’s perspective of abundance, you have everything you need so when your message back is “I want it. I don’t have it.” The vibrational match to your desire becomes more lack and scarcity. Fears are created from ego and focus on the “what ifs” in the future.

Each time you find yourself slipping into fearfull thoughts of worry, stop, and breathe deeply a few times to bring your attention back to the present. Ask yourself, “In this moment, do I have everything I need?” If the answer is yes, breathe again and ask inside, “What is mine to do right now? What is the action I feel called to take?”

One of my dear friends consistently says that when money fears begin to bubble up, step back and recall times when things in life and business were going well. Recall that feeling of prosperity (and any other feelings like peace, confidence, joy..) , when you felt more financially flush. Sink into that feeling and let it fill you up.

What steps did you take to create those situations of prosperity that you could duplicate now? What are some things you can do today to attract money into your life quickly?

Pay attention to jumping into things from desperation and fear.  Tune into your guidance for direction and inspired action to manifest more of what you desire.

2. Look for the evidence of abundance. I see many people getting stuck on the idea that abundance, prosperity, or wealth is limited to manifesting money. If you have that mindset you are missing out in receiving so much more abundance into your life. Abundance comes in many forms.

My dear friend Anita Pathik Law has offered me several sessions to support ankle healing from a recent fall, a friend and colleague, who is a publisher and amazing creative, gifted me with four phone sessions to collaborate with me on my book, another colleague just offered me a consultation to brainstorm a idea for a new program I want to develop, my accountability buddy Kathleen continually shares advice, wisdom, and support that enriches me spiritually and in my business.

I could go on and on with all of the forms of abundance takes – gifts, blessings, miracles including money,  even if it is a penny on the ground, that makes life rich and joyfull.  Keep your mind and heart open to recognize and celebrate all the ways the Universe shows up in answer to your prayers. Whatever the size of your bank account is, you are richer than you might realize. Imagine what you might manifest when you view life through the eyes of abundance!

Bless all the abundance that flows and say, “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Cultivating faith, trust,  and courage in the face of fear, challenges and uncertainty deepens our faith that we are indeed supported by the Universe in co-creatorship and that all of our desires, wants and needs are supplied by an unlimited Source.

For additional insights on money, read my article: What is Your Relationship With Money?

3. Adapt an attitude of gratitude. Each morning I begin my day writing seven things I’m gratefull for. Sometimes I even write things in advance of them happening! Periodically I write 100 things I’m gratefull for which invites me to dig deep to recognize all the big and small blessings that are easy to overlook like having hot water, food in the refrigerator, laughter, a sunny day…I find that after I reach 100 which takes about 15 minutes I can still add more. Try this out for yourself!

Gratitude is a powerfull magnet to attract good into your life when your thankfulness is genuine. Heartfelt appreciation radiates love, which is our natural state of being.  Every person and life situation is in service to your individual evolution and the expansion of the planet. Every desirable or undesirable experience offers a healing and growth opportunity. You can either flow with them or fight against them. The choice is up to you.

Focus on all that is right in your world rather than all that is wrong.

4. Breathe. Breathing slows down rapid heart beating and fears. Our breath also opens the gateway for us to reconnect with The Divine/God/Source within. Practice conscious breathing throughout your day.  Make this a habit to stop, be still and focus on deliberate breathing for several minutes. You might find you feel more focused, present, grounded, connected to your SELF, and peaceful.

5. Shift your language. Your inner thoughts, self-talk, the words you are thinking and saying to others are either constrictive or expansive. You can feel this in your body because your thoughts, beliefs, and feeling are interconnected. Do your words and thoughts reflect what you wish to create? For tips to shift your language, read my article: Your Language Is Creating Your Reality

6. Be of service to others. I’ve written about this many times. Give what you most want to receive in your life because it brings you joy rather than for the purpose of getting something back in return. I’m a believer that we are all collectively connected and part of the ONE God/Divine/Creator of All That Is.

In giving to others we also receive. Look for ways to be of help to others in whatever way you can that feel right and true for you. Share your love, your wisdom, your time, your energy, your connections – whatever you feel called to offer another that will enhance their life positively. What goes around…

7. Commit to daily self-care and spiritual practices.Meditation, inspiration reading, walks in nature, stillness, journaling, are ways we feel connected to that Divine spark within us. Daily practices and rituals that nourish our bodies, mind and soul connects us to our soul purpose and the collective Oneness. Cultivating faith, trust, and courage in the face of fear, challenges and uncertainty deepens our faith that we are indeed supported by the Universe

Taking care of your body is an important element to your inner foundation. When we feel “fed” we can show up for the people, responsibilities and situations that we most care about with our best SELF. When we are depleted, over-extended, hungry, lonely, or angry, life becomes more burdensome.

Negative self-talk, self-sabotage, and fears increase when we are not nurturing ourselves. To check when you might be out of balance or in need of some self-care pronto, here are some common signals: taking things too personally, beating yourself up, irritability, over-reacting, resentment, anger, overwhelm, confusion, distracted, stressed, or tense. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now? What is my body asking for? What have I been ignoring?“ Then DO IT!

You might also enjoy my article on Seven Critical Factors That Support Achieving Transformational Goals

Notice your thoughts and feelings without judging, censoring or trying to get rid of them so you don’t stuff them down inside. Then, make a conscious decision to suspend giving your money concerns any more energy by choosing to place your attention elsewhere. Make a commitment to stop talking about, thinking about and worrying about money. Start with an hour, a day or a week. You might be happily surprised at how much energy and flow opens when you stand strong in love, faith, trust and courage!

Here is one of my daily prayers:

I create from a place of unshakeable faith. I am aligned with Divine Will! Thank you God for all the amazing abundance I enjoy. All is well in my world. I am always safe in God’s loving arms and I have all I need and more for everything I am here to do and be. I say YES to stepping into the next and highest version of who I AM!! I say YES! Amen

Create a daily prayer or prayers of your own. Say them out loud slowly. Breathe and feel into the words of your prayers.  Let the energy fill your heart and being, lifting you up and guiding you throughout the day!

Every minute, every hour and every day you choose what you will create. Do the inner work to identify, heal, and transform things that are unresolved from your past and shift limiting conscious and subconscious beliefs. Get help where you need it and remember to send your prayers to the Universe. Help comes when asked for. You are not meant to travel through this life alone!

Have a blessed and joyfull day

Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
www.isayyesnow.com

In my last article post, Guilt Free Self Care, I talked about creating a new definition for being “self -ish ” in the very best positive context of self-love and value. 

Let’s look at 7 areas of your life that could benefit from more TLC:

1. Negative stress. Where is your attention focused? What’s zapping your energy? If total elimination of all negative stress feels impossible, stress reduction is the next step. Consider how you might be contributing to your stress levels. Without realizing it, you might be creating more angst and drama by overcomplicating things and making life situations bigger than they need to be. One way we add more stress is by imagining worse case scenarios, problems, and what ifs.

Suggestions:

• Make a list of 10 promises you have made to others that are causing you stress, even if it’s stress you can handle. Reconsider those promises and give yourself permission to change your mind including offering alternatives that might be more aligned with who you are and what you can realistically say yes to. Sometimes we make promises because we fear other people’s reactions rather than to do what is right and best for us. Also, re-evaluate any promises you have made to yourself. Are you keeping them or breaking your word to YOU? Ouch!
• Identify the top three sources of negative stress and create a plan to decrease or eliminate them completely. If one of those sources is a financial burden and you have been struggling to manage it alone, get help. You can’t afford not to!
• Delegate things that need to be handled. Know what your strengths are. Install support systems to do for you what you can’t, won’t, or don’t do for yourself.
• Are you saying yes to people and things when you really need to say no? On the flip side, are you saying no to the people and things that would enhance your life quality?
• Take frequent breaks throughout the day for 10-15 minutes about every three hours
• Our mind continually cycles through past, present, and future thinking. Practice conscious breathing and come back into NOW.
• Resolve past conflicts.
• Deal with anything you’ve been avoiding.

Make your own list.

For additional ideas on what might be stressing you, check out my post on 7 Reasons Why You Might Not Be in The Flow and scroll down to #4.

2. Environment. Does your physical environment provide comfort? Do you feel energized or is it draining? If you have a home-based business, your office and home can be energizing or depleting. Creating an environment that includes sacred spaces to feed your spirit, nurture you during high stress periods, and provide a sanctuary -like safe haven for you to unwind makes a huge difference in life quality.

Suggestions:

• Revamp your home to be more restful and nurturing. Small changes can make a huge impact if you are on a budget.  Rearrange furniture, add colorful pillow and plants, or paint.
• If you don’t like something, fix it, change it, or toss it.
• Create a clutter free environment in and around your house. Clutter zaps energy and blocks flow. If you have a lot of stuff, start with small areas and work your way through it by taking 30 minutes to an hour per day. Invite friends to help you and make it a party!
• Bring in a professional organizer for ideas to make your home space work better
• Have a friend who has a great eye and knack for creating warm and inviting home spaces? Ask for help.

Make your own list

For additional insights read my article on Creating a Success Setting Environment 

3. Pleasure. What delights you and brings you joy? What activities nurture you the most? Make a list of the things that bring you the most pleasure mentally, physically, and spiritually and add them into your life. Include things that titillate your senses and pamper you!

Suggestions:

• Burn candles or play music to create a soothing ambiance.
• Spend a day at the spa for super pampering. Or, how about scheduling a fabulous hot-stone massage?
• Walk in nature or work in your garden.
• Cultural events like going to the theater, opera, or the ballet.
• Chill out with a good book.
• Sleep in a good bed with a quality comforter, feather bed, and high-thread count sheets. How luxurious!
• Have a special meal with your favorite foods (without overindulging so you feel bad!)
• Buy yourself a fabulous bouquet of flowers.
• Have a romantic evening with your special someone.

These are my faves. I could go on and on here…..

Make your own list

4. Well-being. What helps you feel centered and at peace? What activities contribute to your being at your best and feeling good? Commit to rituals of extreme self-care as a daily process, not a one-time program, to support greater life balance.

Suggestions:

• Identify your self-nurturing rituals and implement as many as you can each day. Meditation, yoga, inspirational reading, guided imagery, or burning incense are ways to connect with your spiritual center. I encourage people to take time every morning for spiritual practices before beginning work. 
• While holding a strong vision for the future, the only moment you have is NOW. Practice living in the moment.
• Cultivate your connection with God/Higher/Source. Daily spiritual practices will help you to access Divine guidance, intuition, and instincts inspired by love rather than motivated by fear.
• Begin a gratitude journal and appreciate all the blessings, gifts and miracles in your life.
• Set boundaries for yourself with others.
• Are there some things you always wanted to learn because they looked like fun? Take some classes.
• Forgive yourself for any judgments or upset you are holding.

Make your own list

5. Support and experts. Self-care is enhanced by the investment you make in all areas of your life, including enlisting the service of experts.

Suggestions

• Hire a personal coach who has a track record of helping others create work/life balance
• Work with a chiropractor, energy or other bodywork specialist knowledgeable in healing modalities
• Participate in programs and activities that enhance the quality of your life with professionals you trust and respect
• Surround yourself with healthy people who are loving and respectful. Build a community of friends, colleagues, and experts who lift you up. 
• Schedule time for your personal growth. Set aside time in your calendar daily, several times a week or on specific days for introspection, healing, and spiritual evolution.
• Socialize regularly so you don’t become too isolated, especially if you work from home.

Make your own list

6. Ingestion. What you put into your body affects your energy, behavior, concentration, mood, sleep and overall well-being. Have you been overindulging or abusing your body by not treating it as the temple it is. When health is compromised, quality of life suffers. How you physically feel affects everything you do or don’t do as well as how we show up.

Suggestions:

• Drink 8 or more glasses of quality water each day
• Practice tuning in to what you body needs and wants. Then do it!
• Eliminate caffeine and decrease/eliminate sugar. Watch your alcohol intake too!
• Eat more healthfully and treat your body lovingly by choosing fresh fruits and veggies, organic food wherever possible. Decrease or eliminate processed food. The long term investment in quality food  pays big dividends.
• Incorporate regular exercise that includes cardio and strength training. Buddy up with a friend, coach, or close colleague for additional support and accountability.
• Are you working too late?  Re-arrange your day so you are getting enough rest to be at your best.

Make your own list.

7. Appearance. When you look at yourself, do you like what you see? When we look and feel good about ourselves, motivation and inspiration naturally flows. And we can feel fabulous in a pair of sweats or dressed to the nines. Our inner joy and glow shines through.

• Toss every single article of clothing that does do make you look and feel great.
• Prioritize your hygiene. (When we get stressed or frustrated with ourself, we can fall into self-neglect!)
• Treat yourself to facials, manicures/pedicures etc.
• Compliment yourself in your head or out loud. Become your own cheerleader.
• Be loving towards your body. Thank your body for all the ways it shows up for you.

Make your own list

If you know you have a stressfull period coming up, create your self-care plan in advance. One of my clients travels around the country teaching seminars. Exercise and healthy eating is a priority for her. She often brings some snacks along and stays in locations that have a gym so she can get a good workout before her presentations. When she comes home, she leaves a full day open without appointments so she can catch her breath and get caught up with her business.  

Saying YES to taking great care of you is a daily commitment. Tuning in throughout the day will help you tap in to what you might need to be at your best. Be willing to stop, take several breaths, feel into your body, and ask, “What do I need right now?” and then do it to the best of your ability. If what you need can’t be handled in that moment, commit to responding to your needs as fast as possible. Make YOU a priority.  

When you are out of whack, every area of your life is affected including your business! Cultivate self-care as a natural behavior for you, not a temporary effort that keeps you and your life running well, happy, and abundant. 

You are worth it!

Cheers,

Lorraine
www.isayyesnow.com  

PS: Make an investment in YOU! Learn how to resolve the past, break through resistance and blocks to your abundance, use Universal Laws to your advantage, and create a more prosperous, loving life in my 13-week transformational course, Aligning With Destiny beginning September 8, 2020

Past students made breakthroughs with blocks they had been struggling with for years by applying the class principles, models, exercises, AND specifically using our hypnosis audios and meditations to shift subconscious beliefs and sabotage patterns. Save up to $200 when you register by 8/20. www.aligningwithdestiny.com  

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I’m an advocate about having daily spiritual practices to stay grounded and centered. I have found that how I begin my day can set the tone for how I might go through my day - either responsive or reactive.

I make the distinction between responsive and reactive as:

Responsive - viewing external situations with calm, and peacefulness inside. My actions are thoughtful and deliberate. I know that when I am taking good care of myself - body, mind, and spirit, I flow much easier with life especially when things happen that are undesirable. 

Reactive - Emotionally charged, drama-based, anger or shame-driven that can lead to actions that often are regrettable and embarassing. When I’m in reaction, personalizing and stepping into “the victim” is a place I can easily slide if I am tired, overextended, or overly stressed. Noticing when you’re in reaction is a great signal to  ask yourself, “What do I need right now? What inner nudges, needs, desires have I been ignoring? What emotion is my reaction covering?”

For example:

I have found that anger is a great cover for fear and sadness. People feel more powerfull in their anger than they do when they feel afraid or sad. The problem is that when people stuff their feelings, they don’t release or resolve them.  We’re human and that means feeling the full scope of emotions. That’s what being alive means! So, feel what you feel without building four walls and a roof, moving in there and making it your permanent residence, ok? Then you can move to a better feeling, see?

I like the idea of framing my day with spiritual practices that connect me with my heart and spirit. What I do when I first wake up is to lay in bed for a few moments and ask, “How can I be in service today? What needs my attention today?” My responses to questions typically come as intuitive insights. 

Then I spend a few moments thinking about all the people and things I’m grateful for.

After I get up, I have a note that pops up in my email at 9am that says: “I AM willing… I AM ready….. I AM available to more good than I have ever imagined, realized, expressed, manifested or experienced at any time in my life. I say YES to becoming God’s vision for me as my life. Bring it on!” The first part of this mantra is take from Rev. Michael Beckwith’s Life Visioning 4-CD program which I love, love, love. I read this out loud to give voice to this intention

I also enjoy daily emails Neale Donald Walsch,  www.tut.com and the Daily Om. I usually meditate every day and at night, I write or think about all the blessings, gifts, and miracles that I have received throughout my day.

I find that when frame my day with morning and evening spiritual practices, I have a lot more peace, energy, and happiness. I also have a lot more abundance from what I am attracting!

PS - don’t forget to have FUN!!!!

What morning and evening practices do you enjoy to frame your day?

What’s missing that you might add?

Peace

Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz