October 2013
In this issue:
Reflections: Losing track of time
Reflections 2: Driving into Fog
Inspiring conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013
Reflections: Losing track of time
How interesting! Sitting down early this morning before getting ready to go out for my day's work I wrote in my journal before opening the laptop. I've been trying to get back into the habit of doing this, otherwise I find myself drawn into emails and 'busyness' without pausing first to reflect on yesterday and look forward to what today may bring.
So, opening my journal, I wrote the date - 30/9/13 - and then I realised that I had not given a moment's thought to the fact that I usually send out this newsletter on the last day of every month. For a second I almost began to berate myself for this - then stopped and thought again. Firstly it wouldn't matter if this was a few days late, or even if i didn't write at all this month. after all, I have been thinking about this week's Rediscovery Card in preparation for sharing my reflections with you.
Secondly - why had I lost track of time? There have been lots of interesting and exciting things going on, I'd been away for the weekend with my husband and had a great time. Yesterday I spent the afternoon planting out tiny seedlings that will provide us with nourishing vegetables and salad during the winter. And my daily work has been busy, facilitating groups of people who want to become self-employed or start their own business learning about how best to do this and coaching them one to one (not to mention the associated paperwork and coordination with colleagues).
I give thanks for my full days and fulfilling life. If at times it all seems a little (or a lot!) overwhelming - that is part of having that abundance and by pausing and reflecting like this I can see and appreciate that, and also take any actions I need to reduce any pressure.
..................................
Earlier this month - when I was thinking about writing for this October issue - this piece from June 21012 came to mind so I will share it again here for you.
Reflections 2: Driving into Fog (June 21012)
Over the last week the area where I live in North Cornwall has been swathed in a thick fog, especially on the coast. Driving in it is an eery experience. It is quite frightening: when coming up behind a vehicle and I realise I can hardly see it is there, even if they have their fog lights on. Can the people behind me see my lights?
I take special care and look out for signs to show me where side roads are coming in to the road I am travelling on in case a car pulls out (though I should always be doing that, I think to myself). The usually familiar landmarks have disappeared, even though it is daylight I feel literally disorientated.
Sometimes I feel life is like this. I think I have things planned and 'know' what will happen to a reasonable certainty. Often this is not the case (as John Lennon said "Life is what happens while you are making other plans.") but as long as things only vary a certain amount I can cope with that.
At other times life can change in an instant: an accident, news of the death of a friend or relative, diagnosis of an illness, a job loss. Some of these things, such as the job loss, may be known in advance - but the day actually comes when you no longer get up and go to a familiar place of work - then the feeling of disorientation can set in.
The change may be one that is seen as positive: attaining a big goal such as graduating from university, finishing writing a book, even perhaps (though I have yet to experience this one!) winning a large sum of money on a lottery.
How can we deal with the feeling of having the foundations of our lives rocked? Literally in the case of people living in an earthquake zone, and - not joking this time - what that is like is unimaginable for me. People around the world, including my own family in New Zealand, are somehow carrying on with that knowledge every day.
Some people have a strong faith to support them: in their God however they name that entity, in the Universe, in the strength and goodness of human nature. People often say that a disaster brings out the best in people and also makes them reassess their true values. Some people seem to remain centred in any circumstances, maybe because they have a solid and supportive sense of who they are and what is true for them.
For you: some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections:
Inspiring conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013
If you are interested in coaching in any form or any environment this may be of interest to you. This year will be my fourth visit, and my third to the lovely location at Eastwood Park. The title of the conference this year is "Reaching New Heights" If you're curious there are audio interviews with all the speakers that you may enjoy even if you are unable to go along. The topics range from The Inner Alchemist to Doing Business with Blue Chips. Something for everyone, and in my experience, the real highlights are often in the conversations in between, especially if you choose the residential option. Perhaps I'll see you there?
Thank you for reading. Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested.
all best wishes
Mary
In this issue:
Reflections: Losing track of time
Reflections 2: Driving into Fog
Inspiring conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013
Reflections: Losing track of time
How interesting! Sitting down early this morning before getting ready to go out for my day's work I wrote in my journal before opening the laptop. I've been trying to get back into the habit of doing this, otherwise I find myself drawn into emails and 'busyness' without pausing first to reflect on yesterday and look forward to what today may bring.
So, opening my journal, I wrote the date - 30/9/13 - and then I realised that I had not given a moment's thought to the fact that I usually send out this newsletter on the last day of every month. For a second I almost began to berate myself for this - then stopped and thought again. Firstly it wouldn't matter if this was a few days late, or even if i didn't write at all this month. after all, I have been thinking about this week's Rediscovery Card in preparation for sharing my reflections with you.
Secondly - why had I lost track of time? There have been lots of interesting and exciting things going on, I'd been away for the weekend with my husband and had a great time. Yesterday I spent the afternoon planting out tiny seedlings that will provide us with nourishing vegetables and salad during the winter. And my daily work has been busy, facilitating groups of people who want to become self-employed or start their own business learning about how best to do this and coaching them one to one (not to mention the associated paperwork and coordination with colleagues).
I give thanks for my full days and fulfilling life. If at times it all seems a little (or a lot!) overwhelming - that is part of having that abundance and by pausing and reflecting like this I can see and appreciate that, and also take any actions I need to reduce any pressure.
..................................
Earlier this month - when I was thinking about writing for this October issue - this piece from June 21012 came to mind so I will share it again here for you.
Reflections 2: Driving into Fog (June 21012)
Over the last week the area where I live in North Cornwall has been swathed in a thick fog, especially on the coast. Driving in it is an eery experience. It is quite frightening: when coming up behind a vehicle and I realise I can hardly see it is there, even if they have their fog lights on. Can the people behind me see my lights?
I take special care and look out for signs to show me where side roads are coming in to the road I am travelling on in case a car pulls out (though I should always be doing that, I think to myself). The usually familiar landmarks have disappeared, even though it is daylight I feel literally disorientated.
Sometimes I feel life is like this. I think I have things planned and 'know' what will happen to a reasonable certainty. Often this is not the case (as John Lennon said "Life is what happens while you are making other plans.") but as long as things only vary a certain amount I can cope with that.
At other times life can change in an instant: an accident, news of the death of a friend or relative, diagnosis of an illness, a job loss. Some of these things, such as the job loss, may be known in advance - but the day actually comes when you no longer get up and go to a familiar place of work - then the feeling of disorientation can set in.
The change may be one that is seen as positive: attaining a big goal such as graduating from university, finishing writing a book, even perhaps (though I have yet to experience this one!) winning a large sum of money on a lottery.
How can we deal with the feeling of having the foundations of our lives rocked? Literally in the case of people living in an earthquake zone, and - not joking this time - what that is like is unimaginable for me. People around the world, including my own family in New Zealand, are somehow carrying on with that knowledge every day.
Some people have a strong faith to support them: in their God however they name that entity, in the Universe, in the strength and goodness of human nature. People often say that a disaster brings out the best in people and also makes them reassess their true values. Some people seem to remain centred in any circumstances, maybe because they have a solid and supportive sense of who they are and what is true for them.
For you: some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections:
- At those times in life that are like 'driving into fog', what is your rock, your solid core on which you depend?
- Make a list of those things that are truly important to you. This list may look very similar to a list of your values, these are the things that will survive no matter what happens, that will carry you through.
- Consider if you want to strengthen those values or bring more of those important things into your life right now. Maybe spend more time with friends, visit your family, spend time outdoors in nature.
- Visualise or meditate on strengthening your roots, see yourself as grounded in the earth we all share, enjoying the air around you, gaining sustenance from fresh water and good food.
Inspiring conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013
If you are interested in coaching in any form or any environment this may be of interest to you. This year will be my fourth visit, and my third to the lovely location at Eastwood Park. The title of the conference this year is "Reaching New Heights" If you're curious there are audio interviews with all the speakers that you may enjoy even if you are unable to go along. The topics range from The Inner Alchemist to Doing Business with Blue Chips. Something for everyone, and in my experience, the real highlights are often in the conversations in between, especially if you choose the residential option. Perhaps I'll see you there?
Thank you for reading. Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested.
all best wishes
Mary
