April 2013

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom newsletter
 
In this issue:

Reflections: Emergence
Dare to Blossom News
Book Review: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware
Inspiring events

Reflections: Emergence

Here in Cornwall it is unusually cold for this time of year, although we have escaped the covering of snow that most of Britain has received. If you are reading this in a different part of the world the seasons may be different but Easter is still associated with rebirth in many traditions.

Spring is late to arrive here, but still the snowdrops are over, and daffodils nearly so. Buds are breaking on the trees and the white blackthorn blossom has been flowering in the hedgerows for some time.

Every morning a song thrush sings his heart out outside my bedroom window, in spite of the freezing temperatures. All around me nature is emerging from a winter dormant time and is ready to burst into life.

Maybe I am not as resilient as the wild creatures, I have still been feeling loathe to get out and about, feeling the cold amplifying my bodily aches and pains.

Having been focusing, as regular readers will know, on rediscovery as a process, maybe it is time for me to begin to emerge too? I am much more clear on the some of the things I have rediscovered about how my way of working can help people. Going back to basics, I have reconnected with the power and simplicity of life coaching in the broadest sense, to offer support in a person's own rediscovery of their inner power.

Coaching has always, been to me, an active process - once you have rediscovered some aspect - how will you re-integrate that in a new way? How will you use it to move forward in your life?

One dictionary definition of 'to emerge' is:

"to come forth into view or notice, as from concealment or obscurity:  a ship emerging from the fog."  (from www.dictionary.reference.com)

"To come forth into view or notice" - that phrase resonates for me. So often with the Rediscovery Process, whether working on it for myself, or with other people, there are moments of pure illumination. Moments of light when we realise exactly what we need to know or to do. Moments of 'coming home to ourselves' when our ship emerges from the fog (where has been all the time, simply concealed from view).

For you: some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections:

• What is wanting to emerge for you right now? (if you are not sure, simply ask the question and await answers - perhaps using any guidance cards you have such as angel cards or Dare to Blossom cards, or simply noticing things that present themselves to you)
• What can you do for yourself to allow that to happen? Creative activities can illuminate this - for example writing, drawing, allowing yourself to play with paints. Derek Rydall's website holds a wealth of guidance on the 'law of emergence' if you would like to explore further.

Dare to Blossom News

It is a while since I reviewed my services so I hope you will find it useful if I summarise the current offerings here for you - there are several special offers that are only available to subscribers to this newsletter.

Launch of the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Pack
Over the last year I have been using my own Dare to Blossom pack of cards - for myself and with others, to help access our own inner guidance and intuition. Some of you have experienced this at workshops and in coaching sessions. It even works on the phone and Skype (as on person demonstrates in her testimonial below).

I have had many requests from people wishing to buy a pack for themselves, and they are now available. There are fifty cards in the pack, presented in an organza bag, with a leaflet offering suggestions on how to use them. The price is £12 per pack, with postage at cost. UK postage* for small packets is increasing from 2 April, and this will be £3.00 first class or £2.60 second class.

Here are some of the cards with some showing the reverse view with the Dare to Blossom passionflower, (the leaflet is not in the photograph). 



i am working on a webpage so you can buy easily using PayPal, but after a considerable amount of speedy learning by trial and error about PayPal 'buttons' (involving a certain amount of technological frustration on my part!) I discovered that this email newsletter system doesn't accommodate PayPal buttons anyway. So if you are interested in purchasing your own pack, simply email me and we will work out the easiest way for you to order and receive your cards (for example I can send a PayPal invoice direct).

Please read more below on a special offer for you as a loyal newsletter reader.

Special Offer for Newsletter Readers
I still have a few copies of my book Dare to Blossom: Coaching and Creativity  available at the special price of £7.00 (usual cost £8.95), plus £2 p&p*.

For this month only  (April 2013, or until stocks run out) you can buy a pack of Dare to Blossom cards and the book together for £20, including UK postage and packing. Together these will provide you with a valuable resource to focus and gain clarity for yourself, using the exercises in the book and awareness from the cards.
(*please inquire for overseas postage for any products)

Rediscovery Session
If you would like to try out life coaching with a personal guide, a Rediscovery Session with me is a good starting point. It is designed to be a stand-alone session that will really help you identify priorities and actions to move forward. Then you can decide if you would like to embark on a series of life coaching sessions, or continue with occasional refocusing appointments.

Here is how one person describes her recent experience:

"Thank you for my initial Rediscovery Session, Mary. It more than met my expectations—it exceeded them! On the practical side, I was excited to come away with three very useful and creative solutions to what felt like dilemmas or stuck places in my life; I’ve already implemented two of your suggestions and they’re very helpful. On a purely personal level, it was a joy to work with someone so gentle and caring, who set the stage warmly and worked with me so empathetically. I particularly liked your use of several techniques and especially cherish my Dare to Blossom cards, which are currently a daily reminder of our session and my own progress. I won’t hesitate to recommend your sessions to others and look forward to working with you again."

So, if you have not already purchased a set of Dare to Blossom cards, I can offer you a combined offer: a one hour Rediscovery Session and a set of cards (including the postage, a value of £15) for £75, or £65 without the cards. On-going coaching sessions are 45 minutes at a price of £60, with a 10% discount for six or more pre-booked sessions.

And if you would like a discussion first to decide if working with me is good for you - just contact me to arrange a time for a free telephone or Skype consultation. There is of course no obligation to continue with paid coaching.

Book  Review: The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware

This book has been out for a while, I read the reviews when it was published and recently bought a copy. I have read it slowly and found it inspiring in many ways. Bronnie has interwoven her own story with the lessons from people she cared for in their final days in a way that is readable and thought-provoking. I found her description of dealing with an episode of severe depression moving and enlightening, and the final chapter is a gem. Highly recommended, find out more on her website..

Inspiring Events:

Healing Light Festival
At Heartlands, Pool,Cornwall, 6th and 7th April - full details here.

The Shaman and the Storyteller
London, 21 April - full details here

Thank you for reading. Feel free to forward this link to anyone who may be interested.  Please do leave comments or feedback if you feel inspired. Or email me direct if you prefer your remarks to be private, either way it is so good to know that people to read my monthly musings.

all best wishes

Mary

March 2013

Welcome to the Dare to Blossom newsletter

In this issue:

Reflections: Falling
Update on special offer: Rediscovery Session
Inspiring conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013 "Reaching New Heights"

Falling

Falling, tumbling
Tripping, stumbling

Flying through the air
Landing on hard ground

Just catching myself….
Or the crunch and pain of grazes and bruises?

How close one is to the other,
Near escapes, never known how close..
Until I fall.

Repercussions
Reverberation
Recurring aches

Bringing me up short
Stop and think
Going too fast?
Wrong direction?
Need to rest?

Falling – what is your message?

Falling – this poem describes just some of my thoughts following a recent fall I experienced. I simply tripped on small kerb that I did not see. One moment I was enjoying a lovely sunny morning, happy in my work and my life.

The next, I had landed very heavily, with no broken bones, but bruises and strains and grazes. And a dented pride feeling very silly as two kind men older than me helped me up.

In that split second life changed, just a little in this case. In other times my life has changed dramatically following an event that literally took a ‘split second’.

Sometimes change is planned, sometimes it is wanted – longed for even. Other times change is not planned but anticipated  - with feelings attached. Are these feelings helping you in relation to the change, or hindering you? Sometimes we anticipate a change so strongly that it is a type of grief – ‘pre-grieving’ maybe (thank you Maria for that expression).

Grief – like any other emotion – is not in itself ‘good’ or ‘bad’. And like other emotions it has a purpose and this is to be felt, to be expressed in some way. Perhaps when emotions are seen as ‘bad’ this is because we do not know how to express them? Anger is the example most often used: feeling angry is a flag waved at us, signifying something is not right. Do we use that flag to hit out at the person nearest to us (whether or not they are the cause) – or do we pay attention, look at how that feeling can be used as a warning and as a prompt to change something?

Grieving is often called a process. In my experience it is also different for each of us, and in different circumstances, at different times. Any change can prompt a type of grief for what is lost in order to change and move on. In the grief of losing someone through death, we are accustomed to using rituals. We often talking about 'celebrating someone's life' during a funeral. We use the occasion to see that person anew, to rediscover and remember their achievements, and the things we loved about them.

Perhaps rituals are also valuable in other sorts of change that prompt a feeling of grief? Moving house from a well-loved family home is an example. Maybe a party could be arranged to celebrate that as well as the more usual 'house-warming' party?

I wrote last month about my new focus on ‘rediscovery’ as a term for how coaching works. Sometimes you simply cannot see what is literally 'right under your nose' and need someone or something as a mirror to reflect this for you.  As I write, today, on a cold, quiet, calm Sunday afternoon, as I write – I am rediscovering again for myself how this can work. Knowing that you will be reading this soon adds focus and poignancy to my thinking too.

A thought that arose this morning was that ‘change’ is what everyone has in common. Maybe you feel stuck and want to make some changes?

(And at the same time this is scary and unsettling?)

New career, starting a business, beginning a creative project, new relationship, changing the way you eat, exercise, live?

Maybe you are facing enforced change? Redundancy, illness, family changes –  children leaving home, older parents needing care, the death of loved ones.

All of these can at different times be frightening, exhilarating, challenging. Change often leads to new and better things emerging in life. My experience is that some of my darkest times have in some way been the gateway to a big change. At the time the future has been shrouded in tears and grief, pain and doubt. Later I have been able to see the gifts that were brought by those big changes.

Other experiences of mine have been apparently positive but have involved leaving some people, places or habits behind, making choices and trusting to an unknown future – taking that leap and trusting that the bridge would appear as I landed.

A simple way of describing how coaching can help may be to describe my role as a ‘life change coach’, someone who stands beside you as you take those steps to rediscovery, to access the knowledge that you already have in your heart. To continue to live this process called ‘life’ in the way that only you – a unique and wonderful person – can do.

For You: Reflections in your journal or meditations:

Write about ‘change’ and what it means to you. Perhaps use the flow-writing technique, set a timer for 10 or 20 minutes, put your pen to the paper and write. You may write nonsense, or a shopping list, or ‘I don’t know what to write’. Just keep writing, do not think about the words, or let that internal critic jump in, just write.

When your time is up, stop. You may choose to reflect on the process and how it felt before looking at your words. You may wish not to read them – in some circumstances it can be cathartic to ritually tear up and/or burn the paper to symbolise letting go.

If you choose, you may like to read through and highlight or underline any phrases or words that stand out for you. These might suggest a poem to you, or spark some further writing, or some artwork.

Rediscovery Sessions

During February you will have received two extra emails from me - something I rarely do (and my apologies if you felt I was bombarding you with messages). However, as the special offer they contained is not available through my website yet, I will give some details again here.

A further question that I have been asked is 'How do I decide if a Rediscovery Session is right for me?' The answer is - as for any of my services - at any time you can contact me for a free telephone consultation to discuss your requirements and how I work.

Sometimes it is important simply to hear each other's voices to know if it feels right. One of my clients said to me that she had seen various pieces of publicity, looked at my website, deliberated over what to do etc, and then when she picked up the phone she knew my approach was for her as soon as we spoke.

So, if you are not sure, please do email and ask for an appointment for a chat on the phone or Skype.

Here is a brief version of the special offer details again:

Special offer for newsletter subscribers: a Personal Rediscovery Session

If you choose to try this, you will give yourself the gift of a quiet reflective time with me as your companion, to explore what really matters to you, reconnect with those things that make your heart sing, and arrive at a way forward to continue the process of rediscovery – by yourself or with my support whenever you wish. 

You will leave with a new clarity and focus, a renewed inward connection with yourself and some steps to take to move forward in the direction you want.

Price: £47 per session lasting 45 – 60 minutes by telephone or Skype. After your first trial session there will be further discounts for pre-payment for future Rediscovery Sessions. This is as a thank you for your support.
 
Booking your telephone or Skype session

Please contact me to receive details of the time slots I have available, they will mostly be in the evening (UK time) or on a Saturday morning, but there may be some daytime slots.

It would be helpful if you can supply the following details in your email:          

• Your phone number or Skype address (I can call you free of charge on a landline, but not a mobile)
• Your time zone
• The preferred day of the week for your session

For those in Cornwall

I have three opportunities available to meet in person for your Rediscovery Session. These will be on the morning of Saturday 30 March in Wadebridge, each session will be 45 minutes, and at the same investment of £47.

(Yes, it is Easter Saturday - somewhere between the hot cross buns and the Easter eggs, the children's activities and family outings - somewhere, can you can spare some time for YOU?)

The times available are:

• 9.00 a.m.
• 11.00 a.m.
• 12.00 noon

This picture seemed to convey to me the idea of focused and guided 

rediscovery. We came across this sculpture last May at Trewidden, one of the great Cornish gardens. There is nothing to explain what it signifies, it appears to be made of bronze. I love the way it frames the woodland behind it, suggesting a doorway of sorts, and also looks organic and mysterious. Simply looking through it gives a different perspective.

Inspiring Conference: Euro Coach List Conference 2013 "Reaching New Heights"

The conference is held in November every year and is open to non-members of the 'Euro Coach List', anyone who is interested in coaching in the broadest sense in fact. The call for proposals is currently out, see more here is you would like to give a presentation or run a workshop. Booking will be open soon to attend and you can sign up for news and information on the same page is you wish.

And finally... for fun

....and for a good cause, local police in Falmouth, Cornwall, have raised thousands for an appeal for funds to adapt a home for a severely disabled youngster - enjoy!

February 2013
 
In this issue:

Reflections: Rediscovery
Inspiring Book and links: The Prosperous Heart Julia Cameron
Late Notice of a workshop this Saturday 2 February

Reflections: Rediscovery
 
A definition:
Rediscover: to find something or someone again after losing or forgetting about them for a long time. (Cambridge Dictionary Online)

My reflections recently have been around 'ending the struggle' and not feeling that is necessary to keep on seeking. I recently discovered this poem:
 
To Come Home To Yourself

May all that is unforgiven in you
Be released.
May your fears yield
their deepest tranquilities.
May all that is unlived in you
Blossom into a future
Graced with love.

~ John O’Donohue

As my regular readers will know, I often refer to John's writings, there is such wisdom in his words, and the Celtic Irish heritage of his work chimes with my home here in Cornwall. (See more links for John O'Donohue below)

I feel I have been on a spiritual path for a while now, perhaps you do too, At times it seems I am always seeking. Finding new ideas and teachers, reading new books, listening to online seminars. Longing to find what I am searching for – maybe not knowing what that is.

And at various times I realise I am rediscovering something about myself that I have lost or forgotten about for a long time, and wondering how that could be. Then life goes on, maybe I become disconnected again, caught up in the successes and stresses of daily life. Absorbed in the excitement and drama around me, lost in personal joys and sorrows.

Then something prompts me to look up, and to look within, to see with new eyes, to step back and remember the part of me that is the observer, the eternal one. Aha, I think, here I am again – and my higher self rejoices: “There you are dear one. You had forgotten again and lost touch with yourself, welcome back.”

Many spiritual writers would say that this is the journey of our lives, that we arrive in this world still connected but forget in order to experience again all that being human means, to learn and grow and love and feel.

As a very small child, while ill with quite a serious condition, I had an experience  which I remembered for a long time: hearing a voice at night that spoke to me. Then I forgot, and it was years before I recollected having the experience and only very recently that I remembered one day during meditation what the voice had said to me. Back in the shape of that little girl, afraid of the dark and of being unwell, I heard a powerful yet gentle voice say: “You are safe my child.”

My adult self wept, with joy and with gratitude for so simple and so profound a message. A message rediscovered at a time in my life when I can begin again to truly believe that my fears may yield their deepest tranquilities, that all that is unlived in me can still blossom into a future graced with love. (With gratitude to John O'Donohue for his words included here)

And I know now how I can use my grand total of sixty years of experience in this life, I know what I was searching for over the last year, as I have shared with you here at various times.

My voice that says “You are safe my child”, now also tells me not to berate myself for “losing or forgetting about my true self for a long time”, but rather to celebrate the journey. From my time being a 'seeker in the surf of the Universe' (and thank you to my dear friend Callie for that phrase, see links below) - I am moving on to finding my fountain within. Or rather, rediscovering my fountain, my connection to universal wisdom.

For you to reflect on in your journal or meditations:

Firstly relax in the way that works for you, using yoga breathing or scanning over your body and feeling each part stretch and let go.

Then feel and go within, inside you where there is a connection to infinity. Ask your heart how it feels, what you need to feel loved and cared for, what you can do now:

• walk
• swim
• sit in the sun
• watch the sea
• play with your children and/or your dog or cat
• read
• listen to music
• potter in the garden
• run
• play a vigorous sport
• meditate
• write

Choose whatever appeals to you in the moment to reconnect and celebrate who you really are  today. Perhaps come back to your journal and write some more.

I will be sharing with you a way you can explore your own rediscovery and the process of coming home to yourself - and remember that truly 'you never left'. Look out for an email with a Special Offer for Newsletter subscribers. This will be for a 'Personal Rediscovery Session' of 45-60 minutes by telephone or Skype.

If you choose to try this, you will give yourself the gift of a quiet reflective time with me as your companion, to explore what really matters to you, reconnect with those things that make your heart sing, and arrive at a way forward to continue the process – by yourself or with my support whenever you wish.

I am developing this process based on all my previous experience in coaching and healing, and would be very grateful for your participation - so the offer will be at a special price for you. The new service is still evolving, at present I see the personal rediscovery sessions as something you might choose to take up at intervals, perhaps three or six months. In between you might identify things to work on in an action-based life coaching format, or you might like to take up email support or subscribe to weekly prompts to keep you focused in your journal reflections.

Please do write and send me any thoughts that my 'thinking aloud' here have prompted: it would be very helpful for me to know if this appeals to you, and if not, why not. And if it does appeal, what type of format would work for you, of those described above (or any others you may like to suggest).

I wrote the piece below a while ago while thinking about developing workshops based on the rediscovery process:

Finding Peace within the Successes and Stresses of Life

Are you tired of feeling out of place in your own life? Weary of feeling you are struggling against the current? Tired of seeking and not finding?

Would you like to recover the peace and serenity of a swan, to rest and preen with self-care, and reflect in the cool water?

• Recognise your inner strength and glory?
• Remember you are a human being not a human doing?
• Feel your right to rest in grace and peace?
• Love the life you live and the work you do? 

And doing this, allowing this, coming home to yourself, then – whenever you are ready and so decide – you will also recover your zing, ignite again your inner spark, release your creative genie, become inspired to go out into the world, regain self-belief and confidence to make changes if you wish.

There are as many ways to find your own peace as there are writers, poets, philosophers and teachers – and none are better than any other, all are right for different people – and your own way is the way for you.

I moved on after writing this and decided it may be useful to more people if I offered a telephone session before developing workshops - and the concept of finding peace is encompassed in Rediscovery. 

So - work in progress for me, and in a few days (or maybe a week or two!) I will be sending you the special offer with details of the Personal Rediscovery Session, so do look out for that if it is resonating with you. 

Inspiring Book and Links: The Prosperous Heart Julia Cameron

I'll start with the links I referred to in Reflections above: 

John O'Donohue: - there are a number of links from the main website, and one I found for the first time today provides recordings of John (who passed away in 2008) reading some of his poems, it is wonderful to hear his voice.

Callie of CreaTEAvity - a great inspiration to me, one of my amazing friends. She is full of energy and ideas. Reading about Callie's latest Prosperity Circle - which started on 28th January, introduced me to a book from one of my favourite authors, which I immediately ordered from Cygnus Books. (And I will be looking out for the next Prosperity Circle)

The book is The Prosperous Heart by Julia Cameron. I can't write a review as I have not yet read the book, however, knowing how much her other writing has helped me (from The Artist's Way onwards), I know it will be another treasure. The subtitle itself Creating a Life of 'Enough' brought me a feeling of 'ahh', release and relief. If you have already read The Prosperous Heart, would you like to write a review to be featured in a future newsletter? It would be wonderful to hear from you, just drop me a line.

Late Notice of a workshop this Saturday 2 February: I am attending this event with the talented and intuitive spiritual artist annie b. The title is: Art from the Heart: Painting your heart's true desire. If you are in Cornwall and able to join us, do contact annie b to ask if there are any spaces left, it would be lovely to share the day with you.

January 2013

Happy New Year!

If this has been forwarded to you by someone else, you can sign up for your own copy every month here. 

In this issue:

Reflections: Finding solid ground (before leaping)
A New Year's Gift
Inspiring Reading
Inspiring Listening

Reflections: Finding solid ground (before leaping)

For this New Year message I had lots of ideas: in the past I have written about doing a new year review; about looking forward with a vision board for your hopes and plans for the year ahead; about endings and new beginnings. All useful and interesting exercises.

This year I wasn't sure. As I wrote last month, I felt in that place of 'not knowing' again. How to be true to myself and still write something that will have resonance for you? A big variety of people read this newsletter, from close family and friends, through people I know quite well, to those of you I have never met or spoken to - how to offer something to all of you?

All those doubts start to creep in. As I sit here now, writing for you, the internal critic voice is piping up: "Who do you think you are, why would anyone want to read about your experiences, surely people want useful exercises and not your thoughts?"

So I turn to another voice, less shrill and piercing, the quiet still voice that says: "This isn't about you, this is about sharing truly and authentically from the heart. If people find those words speak to them they will connect.. If not, those people will find what they need elsewhere. If you listen to the doubting voice you won't have helped anyone."

This whole year, 2012, has for me been a time of finding my quiet still voice, of listening and learning to trust, of "finding solid ground" within myself thus knowing that when I leap there will be equally solid ground where ever I land.

So, I have returned to some meditation and writing I did a few days ago during which I received this message:

"Be safe in your soul, stand firm and true, not swayed by the outside world."

Years ago, at a health and well-being conference, I attended a workshop run by some people who worked with troubled children, We were introduced to cards with pictures of animals that they used to encourage the young people to talk about themselves, their worries and concerns.

To demonstrate, we were encouraged to choose one that felt significant (the cards were face up so the pictures were visible). I chose a koala bear, clinging to the trunk of a blue gum tree with one arm, eating leaves with the other hand. At the time my life and work were quite unsettled and I felt the picture represented security: the koala could hold on and be safe even when the tree was swaying in strong winds, and no harm could reach him high in the branches.

This image continued to be useful to me for some time. Eventually however I went through a very distressing and turbulent time, and I tried to return for comfort to the image of the koala safe in his tree. But I found myself seeing the eucalyptus forest on fire, the blue gum trees burning fiercely and the koala having no means of escape. I couldn't face up to this thought and for many years tried to put it out of my mind and use other methods of supporting myself.

Over this Christmas period I have spent some time reading, meditating and writing, and through this process I have been given another image. This time it is not just a picture in my mind, useful though that was for a long time. This time it feels true, a reality, solid.

Reading Anam Cara by John O'Donohue: on page 181 in my copy, he writes:

"Frequently people need to belong to an external system because they are afraid to belong to their own lives. If your soul is awakened then you realise that this is the house of your real belonging. Your longing is safe there. Belonging is related to longing. If you hyphenate belonging it yields a lovely axiom for spiritual growth: Be-your-longing."

There is much more in Anam Cara about this. (See John's website for details of his books and more about his life and work). After I had read and contemplated that chapter I wrote this message to myself:

"Be safe in your soul, stand firm and true, not swayed by the outside world. Like the koala, but your tree is spiritual so is not affected by bush fires or any other physical circumstances. Your tree is the solid Tree of Life. All healing emanates from here, from the Tree of Life, with roots in Mother Earth and branches in the blue, blue, immortal Heavens. The Tree of Life provides a home for all souls wherever they are in the cycles of the Universe."

These words, though they came through  my pen, feel as if they are written for me, not by me. And as a gift to share with you.

I know that as this new year starts I am on the cusp of new ventures in my coaching and healing work. I feel I have been taking time over the last twelve months to develop a strong and true foundation from which to take that leap into the unknown, "Jump and the bridge will appear."

Now I see that my 'belonging' is internal, not reliant on other people or external circumstances. Now I know that by being-my-longing I can carry my strong and true core of solid ground with me wherever I land next.

This is not to say that I will be isolated or cut off from others, just that I can support and be supported; practise sensitive detachment, love unconditionally. And that is what I intend to do - to develop my new services for personal development and spiritual awakening to offer to you. At this moment, on 31st December 2012, I do not know what form this work will take. If you choose to keep reading these monthly missives I will treasure your company along the way to find out 'what happens next'.

In the meantime, the offer of a free telephone (or Skype) consultation to explore how a coaching session works is always open to you, just contact me to arrange a time.

For the year ahead, my wish for you is for you to truly experience what has always been the case, that you are "safe in your soul".

A New Year's Gift 
The first two people to email me with their postal address will receive a gift of a personally dedicated copy of Dare to Blossom: Coaching and Creativity. I have also extended the special offer on a limited number of copies, visit the Daring to Blossom site for details of how to order.

Blog note: the two free copies have now been snapped up - the special offer (£7.00 and free p&p, instead oof £8.95 plus p&p) is still open using the link above.
Inspiring Reading 
I love this familiar and always inspiring piece. (Note: if the word 'God' is not comfortable for you, simply substitute one that is, 'source', .'nature', or 'the universe' perhaps)

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves:
‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people around you don’t feel insecure.

We are all meant to shine as children do.
We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone.
And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically releases others.
 
 

Variously attributed to Nelson Mandela's inaugural speech, and Marianne Williamson ("Return to Love")

Inspiring Listening
A musical link to the latest single from the Military Wives Choir, Stronger Together, an amazing example of what can be achieved by 'ordinary' people.
 

Thank you for reading. If you would like to read past issues you can do so by visiting the Newsletter page at Dare to Blossom. Feel free to leave any comments or feedback here. It is always so good to know that people do read and enjoy.

all best wishes

Mary

 

 

December 2012

In this issue:

Reflections: Not knowing
Tribute and Guest Article: Susan Jeffers
Inspiring events
Daring to Blossom News

Reflections: Not knowing
 
Sitting to write to you this month I find myself lost, I truly do not know what to write. I had various ideas, and a guest article - but the permission to use that may not arrive in time to send this out to you tonight.

So I am sitting with my feeling of 'not knowing' and asking myself "What else do I feel?"

I feel tired.
My back aches due to a slip and fall last week.
I feel cold.

Noticing these things I can do some things to alleviate them: make sure I rest over the weekend; change my posture to help my back; turn the heating up.

I ask again: "What else do I feel?"

I feel satisfied that I have had a productive week.
I feel anticipation for the Christmas celebrations approaching, knowing I can choose to be absorbed in that in a way I choose.

Hmmm - that 'not knowing' is still creeping in there somehow.
What else?

I feel - grateful.

Grateful for:
- my family, near and far, scattered around the world
- my friends, every single one of you - those who I have occasional contact with, and those with whom I have regular and deeply thoughtful correspondence. Those I have just met, and those I have known for years
- the natural environment all around me here in Cornwall
- my employment which enables me to do the work I love
- my private coaching and creativity clients who allow me to experiment and grow in ways that help more people
- all the authors whose work inspires me in so many ways
- .......and many, many more 'reasons to be happy'.

I have now arrived at a different place in a few moments of reflection: from emptiness and 'not knowing', to allowing gratitude to flow in and fill me with warmth and thankfulness.

That is the feeling I would like to enter this Christmas season with, a feeling of gratitude that does not require gifts of any kind, rather the recognition that the present of most value of all is the ability to be thankful, and as I wrote last month - to just be, just be in the moment, in the present.

For you: some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections:

• Explore how you are really feelling right now, perhaps starting with 'not knowing'
• Write your own gratitude list
• Choose how you want to be at this time of year.

Tribute and Guest Article: Susan Jeffers

Many people will know the work of Susan Jeffers, author of the classic Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. This and her other books have been an inspiration and support to me over many years. It was with sadness that I read recently that she had died. Her work continues however through her books and team of people around the world offering workshops. Virtually every week I mention her name to someone.

So when I read the article below in the latest newsletter it seemed perfect for a guest slot at this time of year. As I mentioned earlier, I was not sure that the permission to quote would come through in time, but I received a reply from Mark, the CEO, at what must have been first thing in the morning at the offices of Susan Jeffers LLC in the USA.  It is with great pleasure and gratitude to Susan that I can share this with you:

BECOMING AN "INSTANT ANGEL"
by Susan Jeffers, Ph.D.

I definitely believe in "Instant Angels". What is an Instant Angel? As I describe in Life is Huge!, I was once saved by a tow-truck driver who happened to come around the bend in the road just as my car was about to be pushed over a cliff by flood waters in Big Sur, California. An Instant Angel, indeed!
His appearing on the scene just when I needed him could have been a mere coincidence...but I choose to believe that it was something more...that it had something to do with what I love to call the "Grand Design" - the Grand Plan for our lives that our mortal minds cannot see. And, while I never learned his name, (he was too busy cursing at me for bypassing the flood barrier in my eagerness to get to a workshop at Esalen Institute!), I often send my Instant Angel thanks in the form of Light and Love for being there when I needed him.
As the Holiday season approaches, I propose that in addition to our focusing on the decorative Angels that appear in our storefront windows, we put our attention on the real life Angels, seen or unseen, who make (or who have made) our lives a little easier, who protect us from harm, who are the embodiment of Love.
I then propose that we thank them in any way that we can...a phone call, a letter, a gift, or just sending them thoughts of Light and Love.
I further propose that from this moment on we all embrace the role of Instant Angels and, on impulse - or with great forethought - we step in to do things for others who need our help. I believe that we can ALL be "used" by that same Grand Design to serve as Instant Angels for others.
An example I like to give is this: I was standing in a pharmacy I rarely go into when I overheard an elderly women telling the pharmacist that she needed her prescription filled but she didn't have her wallet with her. She explained that she needed the medicine very badly to ease her pain and she would bring the money in later, but the pharmacist wouldn't fill her prescription without payment.
Without hesitation, I heard this voice from within myself saying, "I'll pay for your prescription." And I instantly pulled my credit card out of my handbag and handed it to the pharmacist. The elderly woman turned around and looked at me in amazement and exclaimed, "Are you an Angel? I just know that God sent you to me."
I answered, "I never thought of myself as an Angel, but maybe God did send me to you. After all, how come I showed up here just when you needed me?" And I thought to myself, "Why did I show up at just the right time...and in a place I seldom come?" Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not. Who really knows? I do know that as I left the pharmacy I was engulfed with an inner feeling of joy and gratitude for having been there when someone needed me.
That was the moment I came to the realization that...
ALL OF US can become Instant Angels as we step in to offer the gift of ourselves to others who need our help.
This requires that, consciously or unconsciously, we pay attention to the world around us. When we do, it's as though the Light of a Higher Power, whatever that may mean for you, comes shining right through us. And as many of you have already discovered, the feeling is Divine.
The beauty of it all is that being an Instant Angel is not just a Holiday kind of thing...it's a year-round kind of thing. This means that the Divine feeling of the Light of a Higher Power coming through us can embrace us every day of the year...How blessed we are!!!

From my heart to yours,

Susan Jeffers

Copyright © 2012 Susan Jeffers, Ph.D. All rights reserved.
(Important: To use all or any part of this article, go to admin@susanjeffers.com for permission.)

Inspiring events: 10 week course with Mira Love

If you are in the West Cornwall area, you may be interested in this course with Mira, I was drawn to it, even before I saw that she has used the Anais Nin quotation that inspired my business name!

Mira says:

"My aim is to inspire and support you as a woman to break free from your limiting belief patterns and deep conditioning that has kept you suppressed and to reclaim your power.

Take this opportunity to give yourself time to embrace and enjoy the journey for a life-changing experience if you are looking for
Self-Worth    Confidence
A sense of Well-being    Energy and Enthusiasm
Clarity and Focus    Your Life Purpose
Self-Esteem    Abundance    Happiness

"There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful that the risk it took to blossom"  Anais Nin

Tuesdays 2.00pm - 4.00pm for 10 weeks
from 22nd January to 26th March 2013
The Natural Health Centre, Penzance
Investment - £125.00

Contact mira@miralove.co.uk

Daring to Blossom News

Coming to end of my first year of expanding 'Dare to Blossom' outwards into 'Daring to Blossom', I am reviewing before deciding what to offer next year. Thank you to those of you who have attended workshops and given me such valuable (and valued) feedback. I have been told that the word 'daring' has at the same time a gentler and a more active feel. For me the change gets past the 'hardness' of the challenge of 'dare to blossom!', and when people ask me (as they have quite often!) - 'well, have you dared?', I can answer, yes, I am daring. It is a work in progress, a life-long practice like any other such as yoga or meditation (and, for me, daring to blossom uses both those practices, for others it may be dancing, drama, surfing or sailing).

Once I have reviewed I will be deciding on new activities for 2013. At this moment I am in the 'not knowing' stage of this - so this will be a time of discovering for me. Thank you as always  for reading and being my support and inspiration. I am grateful to every one of you, whether you read every newsletter or just the occasional one.Please do leave any comments or feedback if you feel inspired!

very best wishes

Mary

November 2012
 
In this issue:

Reflections: Being, being in peace

Inspiring links and events

Reflections: Being, being in peace
Today I am reflecting on a whole year as well as the last month. On 20th October a small group gathered for the last of the 2012 Daring to Blossom workshops, this time on the topic of "A Time for Reflection and Renewal". It was a glorious autumn day and we were able to spend a good part of the time either walking around the gardens at Pine Lodge or sitting outside on the terrace.

During my preparations the day before I worried about doing things right, providing what people wanted - and I awoke on the morning of the workshop in the middle of a confused dream about getting lost in a dark and muddy and rather threatening landscape. My dear friend Anna sent me a message of support with the following question from Dain Heer's work: "What energy, space and consciousness can I be to have total clarity and ease in all of this?" 

I focused simply on 'what can I be?' and found this thought very helpful throughout the day. Interestingly, there was a discussion about what can appear to be a dilemma. How can we reconcile the concept of being in the moment, being in the flow, with goal-setting and achievement and making plans for the future? My view has evolved over the years that there is a place for both these approaches, and the 'being' is facilitated by deep reflection on what I want to achieve, and why, before starting out on any planning or action.

During the workshop we all chose a 'Daring to Blossom' card (the prompt cards I've had printed that give just one word to focus on for meditation or writing). My card that day was 'Peace', which felt so much both a reflection of the experience we had all just shared, and of my aspirations. To be in peace, to live in peace, to bring a feeling of peace to others.

Following this, I came across this passage on page 207 of The Storm before the Calm, book 1 of Neale Donald Walsch's new series 'Conversations with Humanity':

"So coming from "being" does not mean the abandonment of "doing". It means our doing is sponsored by a different source. When action is an expression of "being", it becomes a powerful demonstration of who we are. When an action is undertaken for "actions's sake", it rarely achieves anything lasting. When action emerges as the natural expression of what one is being, such action impacts and changes the world."

Both these writers have helped me see and link into how I have been feeling, and the theme I started 2012 with "Seeing You, Being You", still feels relevant here. In fact, on reflection, I feel perhaps reversing the words is helpful: when I am truly being me, I can really see myself, and I am unafraid to share that true self with others. And to distill it even more: "Being" is the core; choosing how I choose to be in any moment impacts on me, and on those around me. Impacts without me "doing" anything.

For you: some suggestions for your journal or meditation reflections:

• How do you choose to be today? Perhaps start by stopping, taking a few deep breaths, and tuning into what is really happening for you and your body right now.
• Are you tense, and sitting awkwardly? Can you choose to be more comfortable? Are you thinking negative thoughts? Can you choose to change those thoughts? Are you smiling? Or are you frowning or down-at-the-mouth? (It is well-proven that simply smiling can make you feel better).
• For today: choose a word, either at random from a book or dictionary, or one that comes to mind, and - if it feels positive to you - look at how you can "be" more of that quality in your life today.
• An extension of this is to do some flow-writing around the word. Take a blank page in your journal or notebook, check the time (perhaps even set an alarm) and write for ten minutes without stopping. No reviewing or editing, no self-censorship by that internal critic, no thinking, just let the words flow onto the page and follow where they take you.
• When your time is up, read through and highlight words or phrases that stand out. Use these for personal insights - sometimes you will have written something you didn't know you were thinking or feeling. You can use parts to polish into a more formal piece of writing or a poem if you wish.

I mentioned at the beginning of this piece that I am reflecting on a whole year. Next Saturday is my sixtieth birthday, and last year I resolved to make it a special year. I feel it has certainly been that and I will be continuing with more in-depth personal reflection on that, some of which I will share with you I'm sure.

And the next year will be another new beginning (as is each new day), I feel a lightness and joy and resolve to continue feeling connected to that - I will remember to be "Sixty going on six" and allow myself plenty of time to play - and just be.

New ideas are opening up for taking Daring to Blossom to another level all together. My heart-felt thanks to all of you who have been my companions through this year - at the workshops, as coaching clients, in my daily work, and through emails, text messages and phone conversations.

Keep reading these newsletters for what happens next...............!

Inspiring links and events

Healing with the Masters Series
There is a literal host of amazing video and audio material on this website, plus the opportunity to join live web casts too. Some is available at no charge and you can choose to subscribe for more. Every time I have dipped in there has been a nugget of joyful wisdom awaiting me.

Daring to Blossom talks
As well as the workshops I have been invited by various groups to talk at regular meetings this year. Thank you for those invitations, they have been much appreciated and have helped me in daring to blossom in a new way.

The talks this year have been tailored for each group (so you won't get a standard 'one size fits all' presentation), and they have been interactive - giving those present a chance to learn a new tool or technique, practise it and take ideas away for future use. There is a charge for my time that is negotiable depending on the location, duration and size of group, please do contact me if you would like to know more and book a date for your group in 2013.

Thank you for reading. Feel free to forward this to anyone who may be interested. If you would like to read past issues up to October 2011 you can do so by visiting the Newsletter page at Dare to Blossom. Issues since then are posted here on my blog please do leave any comments or feedback -  if you feel inspired! And if you don't want to miss my monthly postings you can sign up by using the 'Join this site' button at the top right of your screen.

Sent to you with very best wishes

Mary

October 2012.
In this issue:

Reflections: Pruning
Inspiring links and events

Reflections: Pruning

Recently I've been doing some pruning to tidy up our garden for the autumn. As I worked I cleared areas that had become overgrown and was amazed at how much had been hidden gradually without me realising it.

For example we have a beautiful stone wall at either side of our gate across the drive. this had been completely covered by ivy and other greenery. Not only was I exposing a beautiful structure, I was also pruning back the bushes and plants so that they might grow more strongly next spring.

The dictonary defines 'to prune' as:

to cut off branches from a tree, bush or plant, especially so that it will grow better in future

to reduce something by removing things which are not necessary

I reflected on where aspects of my life might benefit from pruning. Would some things I am trying to do benefit and grow better if I remove unnecessary activities? Can I reduce the overload I often feel by removing some things? Would I reveal some hidden treasures, in my life or in myself, if I pruned back and simplified?

You: may find it illuminating to reflect in your journal or meditations on how you could prune parts of your daily activity so that your life will grow better in future.

Inspiring links and events

Daring to Blossom Workshop Saturday 20 October 2012:

A Time for Reflection and Renewal

I am delighted to say that this workshop on 20 October is definitely going ahead, and there are still some places left, so do get in touch soon if you would like to be there too.

This workshop will be an opportunity for you to take a day out from your busy life to review and reflect and choose, if you so wish, some actions that will move you on towards being more of the person you already truly are. Another step on your life's journey of personal growth and spiritual awakening.

We will share meditations, activities, talk and laughter. We will take the opportunity to spend time outdoors in the wonderful Pine Lodge Gardens - whatever the weather! (Bring appropriate shoes, coats etc)
 

Just one price: £25 per person: Your booking fee includes free entry to the Pine Lodge Gardens, plus light refreshments during the day. Bring a packed lunch or visit the cafe in the gardens. There will be a chance to buy a copy of Dare to Blossom: Coaching and Creativity, at a special workshop attendee discount (£6 instead of £8.95).

Places are limited so book now if you already know this is for you. Please do email me if you would like more information, or to arrange a chat on the phone.

Other Events

The Euro Coach List Conference 2012
A conference open to non-members as well as members of the Euro Coach List, there is an inspiring line-up of speakers and workshops, held in the peaceful country surroundings of Eastwood Park. See here for more details and to book.The early Bird discount ends on 15 October. I'll be there again and it would be wonderful to see you and have time for a chat over coffee or dinner or while strolling in the beautiful grounds.

There is also a Facebook page where you can ask questions and share experiences.

Inspiring Links

Fractal Universe - we are all connected
Never Give Up

Thank you for reading, if you would like to leave any comments please do if you feel inspired. Please do forward this to anyone who may be interested. 

Thank you

Mary