I am participating in the Women on the Verge monthly blog extravaganza. This month’s topic is Women Change the World.

No topic too big for Women on the Verge, that is for sure!

Sometimes the notion of changing the world becomes so big that any decent person is intimated. Instead of rallying our sense of courage, we freeze and lose track of our keen wisdom.

Fear not, my friends. After 30 years as a social worker, group facilitator, cultural competency trainer, life coach and business owner, I have adopted a perspective that allows me to engage the world with grace, humor, and supreme influence.

This perspective keeps me alive, refueled, and present to the wonders of change.

What is this grand point of view you ask?

It is quite simple, really.

I have finally come to accept that the world wants and needs me. All of me. In fact, more I can bring me into the world the better.

This is just as true for you. You change and influence the world simply by being alive. The more you open up to and welcome all of you, the better we all are!

With this method of world change, there is nothing to do, have, think, or convey.

There is no arm twisting, grand strategy to execute, or club to join.

You don’t have to run for office, get your name in lights, or break a single glass ceiling.

You might, but you could stay in bed all day long and STILL change the world.

You see, because the likes of you have never existed before you, you change everything simply by being alive.

Part of me still wants to come up with a very convoluted, or disciplined approach to changing the world so that you will take this notion a bit more seriously.

But I won’t. I don’t want to distract you from you.

With this perspective in mind, your biggest opportunity is to bring as much of you to each moment as possible. Opening up to, sharing and trusting you is where you find your biggest challenges and your biggest joys.  Experiencing and expressing you is what life is ALL about!

If you want to change the world even more, see how much YOU, you can bring to each moment, each interaction, each action-even if the action you choose is to take a nap.

Think about it.

Who else questions, explores, experiments, experiences, wonders, walks, runs, dances, sits, plays, eats, learns, dreams, dares, tastes, touches, smells, listens, speaks, writes, reads, draws, emotes, screams, sins, repents, forgives, cries, prays, bows, rises, stands, sees, laughs, creates, confronts, and loves, like you do? (adapted from Terry Tempest Williams’, Leap)

This isn’t an ego trip.

This is about accepting your place in the divine web of the universe. Look around and know that this is also true for every other person on earth.

The more you open up to and share you, the more you can enjoy  the gifts the world has in store for you.

I understand. Sharing you takes courage.  Exposing you feels vulnerable. The world often sends a contradictory message, as if you are not perfect just the way that you are. As if NOT being you is the path to safety and security. I would venture to say that ALL of our individual and collective ills can be linked to the small and large choices each of us make that compromise who we truly are.  Our BEST successes are rooted in pure expression.

Now, more than ever, the world needs each of us!

You, just the way that you are today, are the gift that the world needs and wants now.

Come on! Let’s open up  and give the world what we’ve got!

Spa for Your Soul 2012
Everyday People, an Extraordinary Year

“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” ~Dr. Howard Thurman

February’s Spa Topic: Your Sacred Power! Read more about it below.

Let’s make 2012 the year of a lifetime together!

To support you in your journey, I am hosting the Spa for Your Soul 2012, a collaboration with Women on the Verge, to give you the inspiration, courage, and peace of heart to change the world simply by being you!

Spa for Your Soul sessions are hour-long telecalls held on the first Wednesday of each month and align with the Women on the Verge monthly topics. You don’t have to be a WotV member to benefit fully from this series.

With each session you will also receive:

• a Spa Journal that includes fabulous insights, ideas, and easy to use daily practices related to the monthly topic to help you to come alive everyday. Imagine the personal resource you will have by the end of the year!
• a MP3 recording of the session. Listen to the call again, or when you can’t participate in the live call.
• access to others who are also devoted to experiencing and sharing the best life has to offer.

Create your own spa experience! Register for any single Spa session, a Mani/Pedi for your soul, or enjoy a year-long commitment to you!

Spa A la Cart: $40 a session
Mani/Pedi for your Soul: $95 for three months
Full Spa Treatment: 12 Sessions $295 ($25 per month!)

Spa Options

A la Carte $40.00 USD Mani/Pedi $95.00 USD Full Spa Treatment $295.00 USD

Spa for Your Soul 2012. Everyday People, Extraordinary Moments

All calls will be held 5:00 pm PST/8:00 pm EST

January 4th
Envision Your World: Begin the year envisioning what you truly want to create and experience throughout 2012. This month’s Spa Session and Journal will help you envision 2012-individually, and collectively. Claim it, be it!

February 1st
Your Sacred Power: Each of us has a sacred power that brings us and our world alive. This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore how to connect with your power to sustain you and your vision all year long!

March 7th
The Art of Creating Your Personal Support Team: Life may be up to you, but having your own support team, and being on others’ support team makes life richer, more meaningful and so much easier! This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore how to create, access and sustain your perfect team.

April 4th
Embrace Your Inner Fool: Do you let yourself follow a hunch or your passions with complete abandon? Can you lovingly laugh at yourself, your- quirks, flaws, gifts and foibles? There is great freedom in NOT taking yourself so seriously. This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore the gift of laughter and loving the wild, outrageous, silly and laughable you!

May 2nd
What is Your Super Power?: Who says that only comic book super heroes have access to magical super powers? This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore your personal magic through the lens of archetypes. Discover the personal archetypes that aid you in your daily quests.

June 6th
Imperfection and Vulnerability: Trying to be perfect and protect yourself sucks up your valuable energy, leaving your depleted and alone. This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore how the “new” power is personal, vulnerable and imperfect.

July 11th (Note: 2nd Wednesday)
Your Life, Your Choice: Every moment is a choice. The art and joy of life always resides with us. This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore the peace and power of choosing, each and every moment.

August 1st
What’s Self Love Got to do With it?: Loving and welcoming ALL of you- your quirks, flaws, gifts and passions is key to enjoying and creating your life. This month’s Spa Session and Journal explores the art of self-love, the light that fuels your life.

September 5th
Express Yourself!: Marketers may want your conformity, but the world needs the real deal you! This month’s Spa Session and Journal explore how expressing yourself creates the well-being you desire. Be prepared to do something outrageous at least once this month!

October 3rd
Spa For Your Body: This month’s Spa Session and Journal gives you a chance to connect, communicate with, and honor your beloved body.

November 7th
Gratitude Makes the World Go Round: This month’s Spa Session and Journal is a very rich, meditation in gratitude. Each and every moment brings plenty for which to be thankful.

December 5th
Being a Beacon: This month’s Spa Session and Journal is a centering meditation that is pure peace and love. End the year honoring and loving you. There is no greater gift to the world!

Spa A la Cart: $40 a session
Mani/Pedi for your Soul: $95 per quarter (January, February, March)
Full Spa Treatment: 12 Sessions $295 ($25 per month!)

Spa Options

A la Carte $40.00 USD Mani/Pedi $95.00 USD Full Spa Treatment $295.00 USD

Ana Lewis, founder of Women on the Verge, and I are up to BIG mischief!

We know that life is better when we live each day like it is a spa for our soul.

We also imagine a world where more and more people live in this wonder-filled zone too!

To help spark this spa revolution, we are co-hosting a Spa for Your Soul Series. (Join us for a free Intro on Tuesday, November 1st)

Most importantly, we are walking our talk. We are waking up each day for the next week with three questions in mind:

1. “What if I lived today like it is a spa for my soul?”

2. “What does it feel like?”

3. “What will I do?”

We share our quick thoughts with with you here. Listen, and join us each day-feel free to share YOUR thoughts with us in the comments below!

Day 4, Spa for Your Soul

Day 3, Spa for Your Soul

Day 2, Spa for Your Soul

Day 1 Spa for Your Soul

 

WOW!  2011 has been such a transformative year!

Are you ready for a Spa for Your Soul?

Wrap up 2011 and prepare for 2012  while feeling good and centered in your relationships, health, and work!

Because NOW is the perfect time to live every moment in your

Soul Mojo Zone

Did you know that you have your very own divinely inspired zone?

I call this zone your Soul Mojo Zone.

Think about it. No two people get  ”in the zone” in the exact same way, and no two zones look alike. YET, we might agree on what being in the flow looks and feels like.

Here are a few of my favorite cues.

• You are creatively immersed in something that you lose track of time.
• You are clear and empowered to take action even though you may not be able to explain why.
• You are centered, harmonious, and open- even in the midst of a proverbial storm.
• You give and receive love, attention, and support with equal generosity and joy.

Most of us have experienced moments when we are in The Zone, but, are you satisfied with the amount of time you spend there?

This year-end Spa for Your Soul Series will help you live in your Soul Mojo Zone throughout the holidays, and begin creating what you want to experience in 2012.

Here is how we will do this together. You will receive:

• A personalized Life Vision & Soul Mojo Assessment. Gain powerful insights into your health, relationships, work, income, and spirituality by completing this powerful questionnaire. Reconnect immediately to what truly matters to you and what it feels like to be in and out of your Soul Mojo Zone.
• A  Soul Mojo Zone tele-retreat. In this group call, learn what your Soul Mojo is, why it is vital that you give yourself permission to live in your Mojo Zone,  how to spend more and more in the Soul Mojo flow, AND connect with others who are committed to being centered, creative and empowered in their life too! This call will be recorded
• A Mini Spa for Your Soul. Give yourself and your soul a mid-holiday season lift. Receive new tips for staying centered, clear and empowered, including a 20 minute guided visualization recording to Meet Your Higher Self. This quality recording is a client favorite that allows you to take a “spa” break any day!

 

Inclusive in this Spa for Your Soul series:
FREE Introduction to Your Soul Mojo Zone
November 1 5:30 – 6pm PST

Your Soul Mojo Zone Tele-Retreat
Nov 5 – 9:00 -11:00 am PST

Spa for Your Soul
Dec 3 – 9:00 – 9:45 am PST

Living in the Soul Mojo Zone

Members $125.00 Non-Members $150.00



I am VERY excited to host this series in collaboration with Women on the Verge!

I am enjoying how much #occupywallstreet is beginning to grow some serious roots.

I must confess that my initial response to #occupywallstreet was a cynical, “Yeah, yeah. that’s nice. Good luck, have fun.” I didn’t take the group seriously at all. Yet, I see so many committed people, young and old, who are risking their comfort, speaking up, and taking action to create the world they envision.  Just like real life, there isn’t an unified goal or agenda, just a desire for a better way.

Image via pweiskel08

I am definitely sitting up and taking notice. There really is something magical beginning to emerge.  Are you paying attention?  If you thought this was the usual short-lived demonstration, think again.

I know that many of you can feel some sort of hopeful movement developing, but don’t feel the urge to join in the demonstrations in your city.

Is demonstrating in the streets or watching from the sidelines your only options?!

Heck no!

Consider #occupy________ (insert your neighborhood here), not in protest against anything, but in the spirit of divine occupation, and presence with life.

Think about it, isn’t it time to #occupylife?

Best of all, there is nothing to organize; there isn’t a single bit of extra work to do.

#occupylife or #occupy______ (your neighborhood) i s completely an ongoing organic process. A way of life.

Start by talking to your neighbors any chance you get. Ask them how they are doing. Better yet, ask them what they envision for the neighborhood, for their own life.

Instead of launching into what you’re doing, reflect what you hear them saying (one way that the #occupywallstreet group makes sure that everyone can hear what is being said at the general assembly is by repeating what speaker says in a call and response type format). All you have to do is say, “I hear you.”

Get outside. Walk, run, ride your bike, or public transportation. See people, talk to them.Yes, get uncomfortable, risk your comfort zone. Connect, open your heart, and keep connecting.

Even if you can’t see how you have time, there are always moments when you are with other people. Talk to them! Whether at the grocery store, pumping gas, picking your kids up at school, say hi! Ask people, “what is going well in your life today?”

Yes, my friends, there is a compelling movement that is emerging.

There is room and time for everyone, #occupylife!

Here are a few of my favorite #occupywallstreet links

Deepak Chopra’s Meditation at #occupywallstreet

Matt Stoller: #OccupyWallStreet Is a Church of Dissent, Not a Protest

Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth. ~Pema Chödrön

I have read this quote hundreds of times.

When I read this quote this morning, I thought to myself,

“I want to live in the zone where fear is a natural reaction to moving away from the truth.”

As I said this, I smiled.  It dawned on me that this desire of mine is more and more a reality for me and others.

Take a moment and consider your own life today.

Can you see how stress is simply a natural reaction to being away from your truest nature?

Are you noticing how it is increasingly hard to fake it?

Maybe you are surprising yourself with things that you’re saying, doing, or considering.

Wow. Isn’t it a great and joyous day when you love the truth in you more than a less than authentic sense of  belonging!

I am inspired daily as people lovingly step away from the crowd, and into their heart and true self.

I like this evolutionary thread.  This thread guides each of us to that place where claiming our Self enables us to have each other.

My hole heart trusts and opens up in this spot.

Let me know if you’re experiencing  (or want to experience) fear as a clue that you’re stepping away from yourself too.

Connecting with others who are on a similar journey makes the trip that much more enjoyable, yes?

Meanwhile, share any and all part of your vision here!

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.

Photo by Brendan Lally, Flickr Creative Commons

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, 1952

Wishing you much joy, peace, and compassion,

Judy

I am participating in #Trust30, an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself.   Prompt #11:

Imitation is Suicide. Insist on yourself; never imitate. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down in which areas of your life you have to overcome these suicidal tendencies of imitation, and how you can transform them into a newborn you – one that doesn’t hide its uniqueness, but thrives on it. There is a “divine idea which each of us represents” – which is yours?  (Author: Fabian Kruse)

image via zero to infinity

The energies of the Alchemist and Explorer run in my veins. I experience and express the divine through possibilities. I live in the zone of transforming what is into what can be. This is my highest quest. I inspire, guide, teach and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people so that they can do the same in their own life.

Heck yes, I have tried on other people’s perspectives. Sure, I have lost my way by pretending that I don’t have my own answers, plenty of times. But isn’t life always a process of  coming home?

I am home with life, the experiment, and stay in dialog with my soul; I ask, listen, and notice-