Article:Sacred Space  

  

More and more I am aware of the need we have as human beings to have breathing room. If you have ever had a person in your space, you know what I mean. I sometimes feel really crowded for no apparent reason. I just want to walk away in the middle of a perfectly normal conversation. Or, I feel like if a person doesn't stop talking pretty soon, I may scream ! Other times,I feel like every bit of life has been sucked out of me as I try to patiently wait in a crowded line. Have you ever been to one of those sales the day after Thanksgiving? There is a definite lack of oxygen.And how about those sales people who call you and start reading their script without stopping to breathe ? You try to be nice and say ,"No thank you" but you are ignored. The last guy said ,"I understand ,madam ,but....." You know the rest of that story.  

All of these things are symptoms of the overload of our senses. If we could stop a moment...just a simple moment and ask,"Where is my space ? "What do I need to do right now to feel safe and sound ?" Today,pause and listen to stillness. There is a place that has plenty of room. A place where you can just be. Personal space is truly sacred because God is the One who makes it.He is the One who gives you the nudge to exit that conversation,excuse yourself from the shopping trip,or just hang up the phone. God's definition of "nice" is different from your mother's.  

Next time you feel like you are gasping for air for no apparent reason...take a sacred space moment and get centered on what really matters. Take a deep breath all the way down to your toes,let every muscle relax and then look around.Is there someone or something crowding you ? Find out what personal value or boundary may be being violated and make a mental note. Next time, you will remember where your sacred space begins and ends and you will respect it. You have to be the first to respect it and treat it sacred if you want others to do the same.  

Until then,make sure to cooperate with God and design some sacred space into your life every day. If the flowers in my flower pot get too crowded, I have to get a bigger pot. The same is true with my emotional space. Some days need more room.

  

  

                                                           

Article: Empowered For Change!   

What hinders us from positive change?  Have you ever thought, “I hate my job,” or “I feel stuck in a rut.”  We all have times in our lives that require us to make a decision: Stay the course, or make a change.  Whatever the outcome, the answer is always change.  Be it change in heart or change in action – something must change.  The process is make a decision, then embrace your decision, make a plan, and follow through.

In life coaching when I have a client in front of me who is making a tough decision, we go through the process of discovering the choice they want to make. This takes various techniques but there is one I like best.

How do we decide which path is best?  Start by closing your eyes.  Envision yourself 6 months from now, or a year from now, or any time frame that best suits your situation.  You are on one course you have as a choice.  How does it look?  Look at the success or defeat of your choice.  See if you are happy.  What did it take to get there?  Now do the same with the other choice.  Many times what people experience is a sense of certainty about one of those options. 

Next, embrace the choice you are making.  Staying the course is frequently the decision most people make.  How do you stay the course without getting burnt out?  Truly the “change” needed in this case is attitude.  When deciding to stay the course one must do so embracing the course.  For instance, if the course is your current job and you are deciding it is wiser to stay than to make a change at this time, you must not do so begrudgingly, but with a fresh energy.  Sometimes it takes a little extra support to transition to this new state of mind and a life coach or counselor might be helpful. 

If you have decided to make a major change, such as a career change, moving locations, or pursuing a dream that you are unfamiliar with, you will need to make sure you are making this choice with no reservations or conflict inside.  Sit with your choice until it is settled that your decision is final.  Do you have peace inside?  Is what you feel anxiety or excitement?  If you cannot make peace, then your decision is not made and you may need some help.  Seek out advice from a friend, pastor, coach or counselor.  You should always surround yourself with positive people who can provide you feedback.

After your decision is made, you need a plan.  How do you get from point A to point B?  So I’ve decided to pursue my art work and quit my job at the bank.  A big jump like this needs steps to bridge the gap.  This change can’t be made overnight or by yourself.  You need a big goal, and mini, achievable goals in between.  You need someone to support you through your transition. 

Then, you follow your plan.  This requires accountability.  Someone to help you stay on track with the steps you have committed to.  A cheerleader when you are down in the dumps and don’t see immediate results. A coach to light a fire under you when you are dragging your feet. 

Change is possible!  You can live on purpose and decisively.  It takes courage and support.  Before you know it, you are living your dream!