Emotional Enrichment

Despite having moved home many times before, it remains a “big deal” to me.
With its challenges and hard work (on many levels).

It requires a change of mindset. It involves relearning (places, things and people) and experimentation.  And of course, decluttering and detachment are part and parcel of the process.  Precious possessions may get tossed, damaged and/or broken.
The same counts for any transition or transformation you may encounter in your personal development or growth:

•  Naturally it’s challenging
•  It takes huge effort and hard work
•  Your mindset changes – becoming open, loving and importantly - forgiving
•  Learning – that says it all!
•  Experimenting is important – just because you’re now becoming “enlightened” doesn’t make everything simple and the answers obvious. Continue trying new things and finding new ways.
•  Detachment is vital. You no longer can control the outcome, but merely surrender to it.
•  And of course – declutter. Get rid of what no longer serves you.

I encourage you to make the move to a REAL you.
Take the plunge into some form of self discovery.
Feel the shift both in your life and your circumstances.

And if you’re blessed like I was during our move, you’ll have friends standing by with support, interest and of course… food.

Have a wonderful week!  May it be rich and rewarding.

I spent the weekend hosting a stand at the Every Women’s Expo – and thoroughly enjoyed it.  I was particularly amazed about the variety of things on offer.  Countless times I heard the words “There’s so much here! I didn’t know half these things existed.”
This got me thinking about the privileged lives we live and how fortunate we are with the choices we have.

For example, in my booth alone, I had a choice of goodie baglets. All basically the same, but using different containers. The ladies fiddled through them picking which particular one they liked best. And naturally, everyone likes something different. And that’s perfect!
Therefore - in order for you to make your best choice (in anything), it helps to be looking. If you’re not looking, you most likely won’t find. Looking may merely involve opening your mind and heart. This means you’re consciously making yourself available to opportunity.
So take the challenge to become aware. Become curious and partake in the world around you!

This way you’ll start to create your own luck.

Upcoming Events this week
•  Life Coaching Through Creative Art, Wednesday 2nd July,  6-9pm
•  Nordic Walking (Thursday and Saturday morning)
•  Business to Business Networking Function: 9th July, 6.30-9pm.

I spent the weekend away with some gorgeous ladies – and we had (in our midst) a vegan.

My cooking turn was Saturday night and I had the strenuous task of putting some frozen vegetables in the microwave. I carefully followed the directions on the large box.

But – despite this, once I bit through the carrot on my fork, I jumped up and said, “This is still frozen!”

“No” – said the Vegan, wisely– “It’s all a matter of perspective. I’m thinking of it as RAW FOOD, which suits me perfectly. And I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience!”

Whatever you’re currently experiencing – think about it and consider what would happen if you shifted your perspective slightly.

It’s true that your reality is merely a matter of perspective sometimes.  Your perspective involves how you observe yourself.  And then naturally, how you observe your world.

Shift your perspective. Shift your reality. And you’ll shift how you’re feeling.

How Free Are You?

So often I hear “After all, we’re only human” or “That’s fine, you’re just human.”
You’ve probably said it yourself as a placating remark to console the “human” you’re talking to at the time.

But what are you really saying?
Is this a sense somehow of forgiving others (and yourself!) for being human? (i.e. for being yourself?)
Surely this is not necessary?

Therefore, do these words reflect an underlying belief that Jane’s (for example) behaviour is not really acceptable, but rather understandable because of her “human” status?

In effect, do you permanently judge yourself and others for being merely human?

By “forgiving” Jane and saying “Don’t worry – that’s Ok, You’re only human” – you’re in effect creating a position of Right/Wrong or OK/Not OK to make Jane feel better and more at ease.

But – does she really need permission to feel this?
Does she need to apologise for being who she is?

Being human is to be embraced, not excused.

Jane’s feelings are just that – her feelings. And that’s what makes Jane, Jane.
You can’t validate them or change the situation for her. It’s imperative to let her feel it. Feel it and express it in her words.

Coaching has a technique that we call reframing. But if you’re continually reframing, do your original feelings lose their essence?

You probably also enjoy helping others – giving them advice – creating breakthroughs – pushing them to their next level of growth and so forth.
But do you create an equal place for encouragement to express exactly how they feel?  Without apology of embarrassment for being exactly as they are.

I often find myself talking about people – because people interest and fascinate me – but I’m realising “what gives me the right?”  Let the person speak for him/herself!  My message of this person IS distorted. Their own being is their truth and authenticity. I have no right to interfere with that message.

Authenticity is a “buzzword” at the moment – and one I’m buying into. But in order to be authentic, I need to know who I am. And, unfortunately, this doesn’t “just happen” as I’ve been created by beliefs, conditioning, pains, fears, hurts etc. At any time, my behaviour or perceived behaviour is a result of all of this combined! To break it down however, is the beginning of understanding.

Due to the nature of being authentic, on any given day I feel all sorts of feelings. Because I’ve freed them to be expressed. As a human.  For too many years I didn’t do this – my heart was closed. To myself and to others.

A heart ‘closes’ to be safe from hurts – but at the same time it shuts down from real love and true acceptance. As long as you choose to live from a closed heart perspective, it’s hard to accept anyone else as being authentic, real and just free.
Start by allowing yourself to be free.
But know that this comes with feeling. Good, bad and indifferent.  As Benjamin Disraeli says, “Never apologise for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologise for the truth.”

So - let’s remove the excuses for being “merely” human and rather talk about being Completely Human. This doesn’t mean you “forgive” everyone their seeming faults from your perspective on life. But rather that you connect with them at an open heart’s space knowing that everyone is equal and shares all the same emotions.  Albeit in different cycles of life.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”
~e.e. cummings

It then becomes easier to accept others as they really are.

“I often spend time watching trees in the wind. They stand tall and flow with the
wind rustling their leaves, bending their branches. The sun changes the colour of
the leaves, but the tree remains – a tree. Birds come and go, they rest and move on.
The tree remains unaffected.”
** Creating Life Change, Heidi Cornelissen

I’ve asked some people recently if they were happy.

Their reactions surprised me as the tendency is to launch into reasons why the answer is yes and oh-so-many reasons why the answer is no.

All reactions were explanations why they felt as they did. And all these reasons were external.

Deepak Chopra states that inner joy is independent of the situation, circumstances, people, or things. When we experience inner joy, we are happy for no reason.

So – here’s the rephramed question for you, “If you are that tree, in the wind, just standing and being – are you happy?”

If the answer is no – Would you like to go about changing it?

The key to happiness is to stop looking for it. Undertake a journey of returning to self - knowing you already have it.
Within the Whole You. The Real You.

** The first paragraph is an excerpt from my recently-completed E-book, Creating Life Change. It will be available for download off my website later in the week for $7.95.
You’re welcome to register your interest in the book with me, and I’ll let you know when it’s available.
http://www.completelyhuman.com

As I’ve mentioned before living your life fully is all about your experiences.

And, being human, most of your experiences come through relationships (in a variety of formats) and this is where you grow.

Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately) I’ve recently felt the emotions of betrayal, which naturally leads to a mistrust of others.  I’m sure many of you have also experienced this.

But because I believe the world is merely a mirror to me about me, I’ve had to look at where I’m doing this to myself.

Our experiences almost always come back to us, as individuals.

And sure enough I discovered that the relationships and/or circumstances where I was experiencing this were the very circumstances where I wasn’t doing what I actually wanted and wasn’t in full alignment with my ultimate journey. i.e. Self-betrayal.

As always, when you start compromising yourself in any situation and/or relationship is when your inner self will reach out and show you who you’re actually betraying. The Inner You.

Therefore, firstly, it’s imperative to increase your level of awareness to these types of messages all around you.
(for example: Who are you angry at? Who are you disappointed in? Who do you find annoying/stupid etc?)

Then always listen to your inner self. What is the REAL situation?

Lastly, trust your inner guidance and stay on your own unique path.

If you nourish yourself (internally and externally), you’ll magnificently affect the lives of those around you.
And this is where “giving without expectation” really stems from.

What if you slept?
And what if,
In your sleep
You dreamed?
And what if,
In your dream,
You went to heaven
And there plucked
A strange and
beautiful flower?
And what if,
When you awoke,
You had the flower
In your hand?
~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge
What would you do differently in Your Life today, if you really believed your dreams could become reality?

Take that step today. As if.
Have an awesome week!
Upcoming Events:
http://ee.completelyhuman.com.au/workshops/
E-book for sale: “Creating Life Change” – 8 steps to change your life
http://ee.completelyhuman.com.au/resources/e-books/

When last did you have fun?  Just plain, old-fashioned fun?

I attended a hen’s night on Saturday night – and realised we don’t do “fun or silliness” often enough.

Most of the girls let their hair down and didn’t quite realise how the hours flew by!
We landed up dancing and singing to ABBA music.  (We may even have danced down the street… but ssshhh.)

The dictionary definition of “fun” is:
“Something that provides mirth or amusement; enjoyment or playfulness.”

If you could choose something that gives you fun – what would it be?
Can you feel how that feels?
So – how can you implement this into your weekly routine?

I encourage you to find your own unique way of playing and make it a regular part of your life.

Weekly Events at the Completely Human Centre:

Meditation: Mondays from 1pm to 2pm. $10 pp
Journaling: Thursdays from 7pm to 8pm. $15 pp
Book your place, please |

I love seeing the lights go on in clients’ eyes.
Yesterday during our Creative Coaching workshop, a client exclaimed excitedly “PING”.
She’d seen a pattern in her life that she’d been unaware of.
That ‘Ping’ or AHA moment happens when all your understanding faculties are aligned.
It’s easier to understand with only your mind. It’s harder to understand with your heart. Because that’s very often where the hurt lies and it takes courage to go there to make the required belief change.
But once you’ve learned something about yourself (head AND heart) – you’ll have no need to hang on to the old pattern or belief any longer. You’ll be motivated to move forward. You’ll be moved from your internal driver – your new, positive feeling.
I read two books last week that I’d read before. But they made much more sense this time. It was as if I’d missed the entire point the first time round. Yes, I’d understood the principles and could explain them to anyone – but now they resonated loudly and clearly with the inner me. My PING moment.
My heart was finally ready for the necessary inner acknowledgment to change.
Are you having sufficient AHA moments in your life?
Are they motivating you sufficiently to make the necessary changes you desire?
Feel the AHA. Don’t just think you understand it and that’s ok.
Go one level deeper into yourself.
A wonderful opportunity for this comes to Perth in October!
YOUR LIFE TRANSFORMED! 
The Journey is cutting-edge transformation and healing work pioneered by internationally acclaimed, best-selling author, speaker and mind-body-healing expert Brandon Bays. It is recognised worldwide as a uniquely potent tool for awakening and liberating the infinite human potential. The work has helped thousands of people worldwide free themselves from issues like fear, anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, chronic anger and rage, physical illnesses and disease, and those relating to addictions and unhealthy behaviours, sexual abuse, relationship problems and career performance.
Using The Journey methods ordinary people achieve extraordinary results, no matter your age, background, culture or upbringing. The Journey is hailed as a universal teaching, the only one of its kind. It’s practical, user-friendly and down-to-earth - and it gets the deepest of results! Experience this powerful work at The Journey Intensive workshop.
Perth: 10 - 11 Oct 2009
http://www.agoramarketing.com.au/letgodoseminars.html#life
P.S. Don’t forget the weekly meditation and journaling sessions at the Completely Human Centre. (Monday mornings and Thursday evenings)
Email me for further details .

I read an interesting book last week called “The Naked Entrepreneur” by Troy Hazard and Maria Elita.
The main idea of the book is about you getting ‘naked’ to yourself and your world before creating any form of success (this means getting real & honest with yourself).  Often this real honesty involves both strength and vulnerability – but that’s another story!
Maria lists 5 “Naked Laws” that I thought to share with you:

1.  The Law of Claim: Claim your own life. Take personal responsibility and embrace it. Lose the “story” you’ve created for survival. Rather live within your personal truth.
2.  The Law of Surrender: Controlling a situation comes from fear. Trying to control others and your life means you’re living in fear. Discover what that fear is really about. Release it and surrender to the knowledge that the Universe is abundant and provides for your every need. (You’ll be surprised how true this is!)
3.  The Law of Illusion: You may have a list of things that define you (your relationships; your careers; any achievements; your children etc). These are temporary tools and blessings – but rather let YOU define YOU. Who are YOU?
4.  The Law of Intuition: Use your natural instinct and ability to feel and sense the situations in your life – rather then overusing logic and reason. This does however require you to go quiet to hear its prompting. Are you really listening? And hearing?
5.  The Law of Synchronicity: Allow your life’s experiences to have ease and flow – be open to synchronistic opportunities and follow them when they present themselves. And they will! There are no coincidences; but merely synchronicities as the universe communicates with you and guides you.
Take note of these laws and apply them in your everyday life.
You’ll feel the inner change happen.

Tomorrow is officially the start of Spring.  This means new beginnings and new growth.

It’s also a time when people make mini-resolutions such as starting to exercise (to fit into bathers again).

Are you ready to come out of hibernation? Are ready to make full use of the long, warm days that Summer offers us?

Mahatma Gandhi said, “Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.”

Imagine each day being just that. A perfectly new day. And a wonderful new opportunity. For anything.

It’s not necessary to wait for a new season for recreation – you can recreate yourself and your life everyday!

Due to a variety of reason, I’ve not been getting much sleep recently and find myself waking up “feeling cheated” out of sleep. And this naturally sets the tone for the day.

So, with Gandhi I’m resolving to let every day “die” upon rest and to wake up reborn with a great expectation of what the new day has to offer.
Mindset and attitude are good first starting points.

This recreation and rejuvenation opportunity in Spring is merely a bonus.
What changes can you make to put the “Spring” back in your step?

I’ve just returned from ten days holidaying in Queensland.

Just before flying home we explored the wetlands in Moreton bay. We enjoyed a walk to a bird hide. We stopped at the hide, to look for – yes – birds.  But there wasn’t much activity outside the hide and my eyes fell down onto the seemingly deserted muddy, marshy ground.

A quick action caught my eye and I said “There’s something there!”

I stopped and looked. As if out of nowhere hundreds of marsh crabs appeared sporting their red pincers.

I couldn’t believe how many there suddenly seemed to be!  Scrabbling everywhere.

“It’s funny how you don’t see anything until you actually stop and look.” I remarked.

Bearing this in mind, for the rest of our walk we actually heard the water seeping into the mud; we saw thousands of crabs scuttling and fish emerging from the dark waters and also heard the gentle throat cries of kingfishers.

It was merely a matter of being both still and quiet - to hear and see what was right in front of us.

How richer our lives are by fully experiencing all our moments.

What are you missing everyday perhaps because of your urgency and hurrying around?

I’ve recently had a number of health-related issues in my close proximity and hence raised into my awareness:

•  My own ill health this past week that I’m struggling to shake off and recover from
•  A former colleague suddenly passed away unexpectedly in hospital on Saturday morning
•  A friend who had major surgery six weeks ago still keeps returning to hospital with complications
•  I watched an older Heath Ledger movie this weekend where he looked so young with a bright future ahead of him!

Life is very fragile it seems. And yet we take it for granted.  Our bodies are not the machines we treat them as.  And somehow we don’t think it will happen to us – or that it doesn’t really matter right now.

I’d never have thought I was still stuck in this mistreatment rut, as I’d recently made a decision to take Sundays off and stay at home. (Wow!) What I realised this past week however, was that this day “off” merely gave me an excuse to catch up on work that I hadn’t finished and allow me to prepare for the week ahead.

We live in an age where we pride ourselves on the fact that we can get so much done very efficiently, multi-task and always seem to be on the go.. go.. go.
But what is being sacrificed at the same time?

What are your obligations and commitments that keep you so busy?  Do these actually resonate with your core values – or are they merely obligatory?

How does your body feel about your current lifestyle?  Are you listening to it?

Have a great week, being perfectly you!
http://www.completelyhuman.com

For information on our exciting series presented by Dr Charmaine Saunders on relationships, dreams, parenting and happiness please visit:
http://www.agoramarketing.com.au/letgodoseminars.html#dr

I had a client at our Creative workshop this past week whose one canvas was of a river. She’d realised she preferred to go with the flow of life rather than make things continually hard for herself.
It was beautiful to watch her relax into an easier frame of mind instead of the constant battle she’d obviously been creating for herself in her life.
Are you perhaps doing the same?
Clues of this in your life may include:
•  Often using the words “I should; I have to or I must”
•  Constantly chasing down to-do lists; rewriting these and adding more to them
•  Unwittingly comparing yourself to others successes and/or failures
•  Feeling afraid of failure (you may not even be aware of this!)
•  Over-zealousness in trying too much “just in case”
A river by nature flows without hindrance. It flows over low rocks – and around larger obstacles. It appears easy if you look at it – but the river has merely continued its course or simply carved a new one when required.
So - Where are you still banging your head against the proverbial wall?
What is feeling too hard for you right now?
Give a thought as to the possibility of this being the time for something to end and something new to take its place. Go with the flow instead of fighting against the tide.
Have a great week, being perfectly you!
In this spirit of changing course, we’ve revisited our Life Coaching through Creative Art workshops – we’ve combined the 8 series workshops into a powerful One Day workshop. This means it’s a jam-packed day with self exploration through creativity.  You’ll feel personal shifts and leave at the end of the day with some changes already taken place.
More details are available on the website at
http://ee.completelyhuman.com.au/workshops/creative-coaching-intensive/
Next date is 29th November 2009, from 10am to 4pm at $195pp.
Book soon to avoid disappointment.

I saw a peacock today!
Yes – I’m quite excited. I haven’t seen one for many years.
What really makes me proud is that I was on my way to an appointment. Fearing I’d be late, my foot got heavier and my speedometer increased and I felt myself becoming anxious.
Luckily, because I already have a ticket on my desk at home, I pulled back and decided to keep within the speed limit.
And that’s when I saw it!
Of course being the analytical air sign that I am, I looked up the meaning of a peacock. And this is what I found:
“In general, the Peacock is …. a possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics, and is a symbol of integrity and the beauty that can be achieved when we endeavor to better ourselves and better our lives.”
That’s what Completely Human endeavors to do – no wonder I got so excited.
Have a spectacular week – I trust you find your own personal peacocks this week.
Remember to Be Perfectly You.
**
PS. If you haven’t yet had a chance to look at my E-book, visit it here:
http://ee.completelyhuman.com.au/resources/e-books/
It’s all about change. Creating it. And surviving it.

I received a “catch up” email from a friend recently listing the many challenges she’d faced over the past year (and there have been many)!. She expressed the hope that 2010 would be better and easier.

This led me to the following challenge for you:
It’s said that if you aren’t continually moving forward and/or learning, you’ll stagnate – but in reality this means you move backwards as the rest of the world continues to move forward alongside then ahead of you.

Start to reflect on 2009 (it’s not too early!) and instead of finding the challenges, hardships and pressures, define ONE thing that you learnt about YOU this past year.
Acknowledge it. Name it and Own it.
I encourage you to go a little deeper than “I’m a survivor”, for example - to what it is about you that makes you survive?
(What are you scared of? Committed to? Running away from or towards? etc..)

How can you use this new understanding you’ve gained?
That’s already your first gift to take into the New Year with you.

Have a great week being perfectly YOU.

*****************************************************************************
If you haven’t yet had a chance to look at my E-book, take a look at it here:
http://ee.completelyhuman.com.au/resources/e-books/
It’s all about change. Creating it. And surviving it.
*****************************************************************************