Relaxation

17 October 2013 My first response on drawing this card out of the pack was...... to take a deep breath in, and then breathe out, and ... well, respond to the suggestion to 'relax'. Despite many years of practicing self-care and using many techniques (which all at heart come back to that one thing - breathing deeply) - I still benefit from that reminder. So often I fall into the trap of the busy-busy mind: "I'll relax when.......". Those 'whens' include any number of things that are never going to be 'done', completed or finished. They will never be done because they are the stuff of life itself: my daily work, at home and out in the world; things I choose to do such as reading, writing to friends, taking photos, writing newsletters such as this.  So why would I want them to be finished I wonder? I can choose not to do some of those things if I want to simplify my life. I can also choose that I will consciously take time to relax. As I sit here now writing to you, I am aware that my shoulders are tense; my hands are cold; I have my legs crossed at the ankle and tucked in an uncomfortable way under my seat; I am peering at the screen when I could easily put the light on. On top of all that I keep glancing at the clock as I have to leave for an appointment with my dentist soon. I can choose to relax instead  - by stretching, standing up, going outside for some fresh air. The colour of this card is another shade of blue - a soft blue/grey. Very soothing and calming, the colour of a winter sea perhaps, or a hazy sky. I choose to breathe that colour in deeply......., and breathe out any stress or pain. At this moment the breathing out colour is a jangling mish-mash of colours, the sort of bombardment that comes at me from all directions sometimes - TV, Internet, etc etc. It feels good to be breathing that back out and taking in the calm soft blue. As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments.  If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and sharing my musings. Until next time, with love, Mary *if you have any difficulty accessing the 'blogspot' service, you can also read here on the Daring to Blossom website, or find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook.

Emerging

10 October 2013 This card has been so interesting, since drawing it last week it has been my companion and I seem  to have been surrounded by examples of 'emerging'. In addition to this, the soft but solid red colour feels grounding and supportive. It reminds me of the Devon sandstone which produces the most  luscious looking dark red soil in the fields and lanes in East Devon. And stunning red cliffs tumbling into  the sea near Exmouth where we will be visiting again soon. That area is the beginning of the 'Jurassic  Coast' that runs along to Lyme Regis where the eroding cliffs cause the emergence of new fossils. Yesterday I drove into and through the thickest fog I think I have ever experienced - on the same road  as when I wrote the piece I shared again with you recently. Then this morning there was a stunning  sunrise. As I was hanging my washing out on the line (these moments come amidst the most mundane  of daily activities), I was witness to a sky full of colour - so bright in the west that for a moment I  could have thought I was looking at the sunset. Then when I turned towards the sun rising in the  east, behind the trees, it was even more brilliant. The re-emergence of the sun each day is such a  miracle, even though I may know the science behind it (or maybe because I know?). What else is the 'Emerging' card showing me?  Recently a strong feeling of wanting to play with  colour has been emerging, maybe painting or getting out my wax art set again, or collage. And  photography is always a joy. This is a picture from the walk around Milngavie Reservoir with   my dear friends Mary, Gretel and Cynthia in August. I took several shots of this wonderful  tree with roots wrapped around a boulder and some magical creature apparently emerging from  the recess within. My final thought prompted by this card was 'connections' - I wonder why? Thinking 'aloud' now as I type this to share with you - another thing that has been emerging for me has been just that - connections. Connections with you, connections with new friends that I meet through shared interests and experiences. Often this is through email or online places - so the meeting is in a virtual world. The depth of connection can still be as strong as any physical meeting. Thank you for playing that important part, adding to the rich tapestry of connections and the emergence of that  in so many ways. As always, please feel free to comment below with your thoughts and comments, or find 'Dare to Blossom Life Coaching' on Facebook. If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and sharing my musings. Until next time, with love, Mary

Communication

3 October 2013 This card has been interesting. So much has been written about communication, including the chapter I wrote myself in Dare to Blossom: Coaching and Creativity. And "communication" is what I do all day in my work: putting over new ideas and concepts to people; helping them plan how best to communicate their own marketing messages about their new businesses; communicating with colleagues. When I drew this card last Thursday though - the first thing that came to mind was communicating with myself, and with my body. I've been going through a period of physical pain - new ones and flare-ups of pains that have been a companion for years. This can be a reminder to slow down and listen to my body, not to over-rule the messages with thoughts of 'must' and 'should'; of duty and responsibility. Yes, of course those are important, I need to fulfill my obligations at work and with my clients; and at home. And, in order to continue doing those things I need also to look after myself. When I first 'created' the Dare to Blossom Rediscovery Cards (or rather, helped them pop into being from out there somewhere) - my feeling was that they could act as a guide and a prompt to anyone who chooses to use them. Working through them slowly, week by week this has proved to be so for me, they have been a guide to communicating with my inner self, with my body indeed. A prompt to listen in a different way to my own inner wisdom and to guidance from elsewhere. As valuable and important as reflection and awareness is, nothing ever changes without action of some sort, even if that action is to stop doing something. Today I will take my own advice, give myself some time within my working day for self-care and for journaling. If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. People are also telling me that their friends and family love receiving them as gifts, perhaps an idea (dare I mention it?!) for Christmas? Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and reading my musings. Please do share any thoughts or comments below Until next time, with love, Mary

Dare to Blossom Newsletter October 2013

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:

• 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.

Postscript today, 30th September: reflecting again - on losing track of time and on driving into fog - has illuminated for me the importance of pausing and honouring my feelings at any time. And enabled me to see again how that pause, that time to draw breath, can help me soften my own self-judgement and refocus. I hope it does the same for you too, do share your thoughts in a comment below

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

Beauty

26 September 2013 This card has supported me this week, and added depth to last week's 'Generosity'. As well as opening my heart to generosity in thought, word and deed, I have found it helpful to have the reminder to see the beauty around me. Not only am I fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, I can - if I choose to pause and really see - appreciate the beauty in the most mundane, and even 'ugly' things. For example, a creased up piece of paper on my desk has patterns of light and shadow amongst the creases, shades of white and purply-grey. Beauty is all around and within me, if only I have eyes to see. Sometimes it takes the unusual, or the vision of an artist interpreting the world differently to really stop me short and open my eyes. Holidays are wonderful for this, and I will share some photos from my recent visit to the Isle of Wight - I can't think of many words to write about this card, so I hope it is true that 'pictures speak louder than words'. Pink Hydrangeas in Ventor Botanic Gardens Ceramic flower by Frances Doherty, Ventnor Botanic Gardens (click on the photo to visit her website) Before I go, the background colour on the 'Beauty' card is a soft blue. The blue of the sky, or the sea, the blue of many flowers, A calming and soothing colour. An image comes into my head of my late mother in her favourite blue two-piece outfit, the one she wore to weddings and special birthday meals, and which brought out the sparkling blue of her twinkly eyes so beautifully. A special thank you to her for bringing me up to appreciate the beauty all around me. As always, please feel free to comment below, it is wonderful to hear your thoughts. If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and sharing my musings. Until next time, with love, Mary

Generosity

19 September 2013 This card has been my companion for two weeks while I've been away on holiday with my husband. It was a great trip and I managed to totally switch off, not thinking about writing or anything else very much. I just enjoyed being there, seeing new places and taking in all the sights and experiences. Coming home and getting back into the swing of daily life, the first thought that comes to me about 'Generosity' is the phrase: "In thought, word and deed." The definitions I have found reflect my feeling that generosity does not need to have anything to do with money or material things: readiness or liberality in giving freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character. For me these qualities begin with thought, and being generous of thought perhaps has to begin with myself. As with other aspects of self-care and self-respect, if I am not generous and kind in my internal thoughts for and about myself, how can I be ready and liberal in my giving, and free from meanness of mind with others? Generosity of thought also brings to my mind a positive attitude, thinking the best of everyone. I usually do this naturally and have sometimes been told that I am naive, not worldly enough. My experience is that most people respond to being expected to be their best, and if occasionally I am 'taken advantage of' - well, maybe that is someone else's problem not mine, if I have been true to my values. Sometimes I have to be cautious for my own  protection, and at the same time I can still be generous in thought and maybe words even if I have to draw back from actions. The colour of the background for this card is a sunshine yellow/orange, and for me brings a feeling of warmth, comfort, and well-being. This signifies the nature of true generosity, nothing to do with the sometimes cold and empty giving of presents of high monetary value, but rather those gifts that are from the heart. These may be physical items, chosen with care or made especially for the person; they may be a thought or a gesture, a smile or a hug; anything that recognises and celebrates our connection and love for each other. As always, please feel free to comment below or email with your thoughts and comments.  If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and sharing my musings. Until next time, with love, Mary

Faith

5 September 2013 This is one of those little words that is weighed down with associations and layers of meaning, so please can I reiterate that these reflections are my personal thoughts in this particular moment of time. After my experience recently of losing a piece i had written to you, I started this sitting in the garden. I find that is often a good place to think and write, surrounded by plants and flowers, birds singing, the wind in the trees. It is harvest time here and the sound of farm machinery could be heard in the distance, a combine harvester and maybe the grain drier running on the farm here. What does 'Faith' mean today for me? Faith in myself feels most important right now. do I have faith that I can deal with whatever comes my way? Overcome any obstacles? Achieve my goals? Faith that I have set my goals 'right'? Whoops - that is starting to sound less like faith and more like setting myself up for a fall. Who is to say what the 'right' goals are? Beyond standards of legality and manners, are there any right or wrong goals? As I am exploring the 'rediscovery process' I want to re-learn and remember for myself that when I am able to truly come home to myself I know again that I am whole as I am, there is nothing to be 'fixed' - and to experience that not just write the words. I am struggling to find a way of expressing my feeling here - maybe Faith is just Faith. Not faith in - anything in particular. Faith that sustains even in the darkest times. Faith that, whatever is happening, 'This too shall pass.' Faith that, beyond people's choices (and goals if you will), beyond behaviours and attitudes, behind and above all the daily 'busy-ness' of human life - we are all part of something. There are many words for that something, God, the Universe, spirit, source, higher consciousness. Linking to Faith for me, is when I can step away from the part of me that is absorbed in daily worries and irritations, to observe with kindness the way I am doing my best at any time, even when I feel I am failing, and know that there is a place of peace. Peace signified in the background colour of this card, the deep blue of the sky at it's most intense colour on a summer's day or as the sun sets. A blue that is almost purple - and in fact when I go back to the card itself, there it looks less blue as in the photo above and more purple - how interesting! When I can find that place of peace, of stillness within in the midst of life, then I feel I can draw on Faith that all is well to sustain and support me. As always, please feel free to comment below or email me with your thoughts and comments.  If you would like to own a set of cards to explore their power for yourself please visit the dedicated page. Thank you dear friends for visiting with me again this week and sharing my musings. Until next time, with love, Mary