September, 2004

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"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."

Albert Einstein

Allowing versus Struggling

In the last few weeks, I have been noticing these opposite ends of the creation spectrum. Each of us is creating the life we are living, either consciously or by default. There are times when we allow ourselves to sink into each moment and fully enjoy the process of getting there as much as being there. And there are times when we struggle and strive for every tiny gain.

As I began to watch for examples of people allowing successes to come to them without the struggle, I was surprised and delighted at my findings. Let's look at one success in the life of Mike Strickland, a Seattle-based piano composer. His wife took some of his CDs to a small boutique in the South when they went to Biloxi for a visit. A woman picked one out and took it home, loved it and played it for her husband. He happened to be the executive producer of the televised PGA tournament and decided to use a clip of the music for that year's tournament. Mike was contacted, negotiations made and he was told of the date to watch and listen for his clip on television. When it came, it was a beautiful thing. His song was playing while Ben Hogan was hitting. It looked like the music had been choreographed to the play... there was a pause in the music at the moment the ball had slowed almost to a stop, but then it began and ended again just when the ball rolled into the cup. Mike stood in his living room and shouted, "I'm going to be famous!" They played that shot again and again, and have used his music many more times since then. He was prepared for the opportunity when it came, but it literally just landed in his lap.

We all have stories like this where things just seem to line up in our favor. It is my belief and experience that when we are knee-deep in the struggle and juggling more than our share, we are not connected and don't even have the capacity to see those kinds of possibilities.

Here are five questions to help you clarify where you are in relationship to allowing good things to come easily:

What is your level of clarity about what you want most to create in your life now?

How open are you to having your desires come from unexpected resources?

What do you tell yourself about the cost of success? What are your beliefs around attracting good things?

Can you envision new possibilities opening up from unexpected places or are you attached to your success coming in the way you've thought up to now?

Do you have questions about your own or someone else's worthiness related to success? Do you believe it must be earned or come with a high price tag?

Am I suggesting that we just kick back and wait for the Universe to deliver the goods? No, not at all. Here are the steps to allowing good stuff to come our way, as I see them:

• A desire is born; we relish in the idea and release the desire to the universe
• We prepare ourselves for the realization of that desire by taking the physical steps that will move us closer to it's realization
• We visualize the outcome and our pleasure in the outcome
• We trust that it's coming in perfect time
• We enjoy it and express gratitude when it gets here

This recipe does not call for struggle. Struggle comes about when we have doubts. We doubt our abilities, so we think we have to try harder. We doubt our employees' commitment, so we have to oversee and micromanage every detail. We doubt that any one of our efforts will pay off, so we jump into too many and struggle to keep our heads above water. We doubt that there is a Source of abundance that is working on our behalf, so we think we have to pound it all out in the physical. Everything we have on this planet was created by that Source. Do we really think they used a backhoe to make these mountains?

We are always moving toward the completion of some project or idea. Partway through the process of writing a book, I realized that I'd be spending a lot more time getting there than being there, and made a choice to enjoy each phase of the process as much as possible. When the first books rolled of f the press and I held one in my hand, it was a satisfying feeling to be sure, but if my pleasure had been limited to that moment alone, it would have been greatly diminished. I invite you to join me in looking at all the ways things, people, opportunities come floating easily into our lives as we open to that possibility.

Beginnings and Endings

As summer winds toward fall and we move into September, I'm reminded of the importance of completing those things we might have set aside, half finished. What would you like to complete by the end of this year? How much energy would be freed up to begin something fresh with the finishing of old business. Here are a few ideas:

• cleaning out garages, storage units, and closets and delivering those donations where they can be used
• tidying up the garden and preparing it for winter
• getting caught up on filing all those piles of papers
• following up on commitments made and not yet honored with friends, family or business associates
• mending a relationship or consciously letting it go, so that it doesn't continue to be a drain
• letting go of tasks that keep falling off your to-do list. If you have moved it ahead on your calendar and it keeps not getting done, either let it go or get help in completing it; perhaps hire a professional to help you.

Completion on any level allows us to let go and creates breathing room...space for something new or just space, whichever is more preferable to you.

Opportunities for Coaching:
I currently have openings in my coaching practice. If you or someone you care about is interested in personal and professional development, let's talk. You can reach me at 425-681-8360.

Spotlight on Fellow Service Providers
Shelley Watson is a Mac expert and helps small business professionals get the most from their computers through personal consultations or classes. Check out her web site at www.LearntheMac.com or email her at shelley@imavenconsulting.com

Mike Strickland is a delightful pianist and composer. He and his wife will be travelling across the country next year, conducting house concerts. I had the pleasure of attending one recently and it was delightful. If you would like to hear a sample of Mike's music and possibly host a concert in your home, check out his web site at www.mikestrickland.com

Books
The 11th Element, By Robert Scheinfeld. The concept behind this book is that there is an infinite network that we are all connected to and we access that network by communicating with our own inner selves, which the author refers to as our Inner CEO. Interesting ideas and full of useful tools and resources. I was intrigued by the examples.

A Map For Joy: Lessons from a Life Coach, By Teri Johnson. Sixteen Lessons, numerous anecdotes from clients, quotes, tools and resources to help you design the life you love.

Now available in bookstores, or on Amazon.com.

I recently picked up a 2004 Summer CD Sampler produced by 103.7 the Mountain. The first person who emails or calls to request it will receive it as my gift.

My intention for this newsletter is that it be of value to you. My belief is that each of us is unlimited in what we can be, do or have. Part of my personal mission is to enhance the lives of others...how can I enhance your experience? Let me know where you want to grow and what topics you'd like me to speak to. If you resonate with something covered here or simply want to offer a comment, send me an email: teri@intrepid-communications.com

Radiant Blessings to each of you -

Teri

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