Embracing the Future with Ancient Wisdom: A Journey into Electroculture with Ray Bacon
In our latest episode of "Consciousness Co-Creates," we delve into the transformative world of Electroculture, featuring Ray Bacon, co-founder of Energetic Growers. Ray shares his profound journey from nutritionist to a visionary farmer, blending ancient techniques with modern science to enhance plant vitality and ecosystem health through the harmonious use of electromagnetic forces.
Our discussion unveils the magical process of electroculture, where electricity and magnetism are not just scientific terms but tools that intertwine with cosmic energies to boost plant growth and connect us more deeply with the earth’s natural rhythms. Ray's work, deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation, explores how these practices can amplify the health and yield of plants while reconnecting us with age-old wisdom that views agriculture as a sacred act.
Listeners will discover how ancient practices like the use of megalithic structures and the subtle energies they harness are not myths but vital knowledge that can lead to more sustainable living practices 🙌
Ray’s insights into the synergy between electromagnetic fields and agricultural practices offer a fresh perspective on how we can revitalise our food systems and environments 💫
Join us as we explore how integrating the esoteric with the empirical can lead not only to agricultural revolution but a deeper, more harmonious connection with the world around us 🌟
Dive into this fascinating conversation and be inspired to look at nature, technology, and ancient wisdom in a new light, where every plant, stone, and human activity can co-create a healthier planet 🌎
This enlightening conversation is not just a lesson in agriculture but a call to action for anyone seeking to make a difference in the way we interact with our environment, emphasising that the future of sustainable living may just lie in the secrets of the past. Join us on this journey of discovery, transformation, and reconnection with the Earth's energies.
To learn more about Ray's work and dive deeper into the world of Electroculture, visit Energetic Growers. You might wish to join the growing community in the Facebook group Link Here
Let's co-create a future where nature and technology exist in harmony! 🌿🌍
Unveiling Tarot's Wisdom 🔮 : A Journey of Strength, Healing & Spiritual Awakening 🌟
Are you ready to unlock the transformative power of Tarot and dive deep into the realms of consciousness? ✨ In the latest episode of *Consciousness Co-Creates*, I have the pleasure of hosting Lisa German, a soulful and experienced Tarot reader and Healer with over 40 years of experience. 🌿
In this illuminating conversation, Lisa takes us on a journey through the mystical landscape of Tarot, sharing her personal experiences and how these cards serve as a bridge to deeper layers of consciousness. Discover the fascinating evolution of Tarot, from ancient times to its modern-day role as a psychological and spiritual tool.
🔮 Key Highlights:
The Fool's Journey: Exploring the symbolism and insights behind this transformative path.
The Strength Card: Understanding the gentle wisdom and inner power it symbolises.
Archetypes & Myths: How Tarot interweaves with ancient symbols, mythology, and modern psychology.
Tarot as a Guide: How these timeless cards can illuminate your path to growth, healing, and purpose.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that not only uncovers the mystical wisdom of Tarot but also offers practical insights on how it can support your journey of spiritual awakening and self-discovery.
📺 Watch the episode here:
Ready to Explore Your Own Journey?
Connect with Lisa for a personal tarot reading that will help illuminate your path and provide guidance for your journey ahead.
🌐 Lisa’s Website: Zoom Tarot Services https://www.zoomtarotservices.uk
📸 Instagram: Lisa German Tarot https://www.instagram.com/lisagermantarot
#TarotJourney #SpiritualAwakening #ConsciousnessCoCreates
Journey Through Labyrinths: A Personal Tale of Design and Discovery 🌿
🔮 Finding My Path to Labyrinths
I remember the first time a labyrinth's mystique captivated me. It was more than just a maze-like path; it was a journey inwards
Ever since my first Labyrinth journey, I have sought them out wherever I go! The designs, the feeling of inner peace, of deepening within, the nature all around, inspired me to design and build my own in woodland at the end of my garden
Teaching with the wonderful Thames Valley Dowsers this summer, at the Global Retreat Centre in Oxfordshire, I shared this fascination. The labyrinth, more than a structure, became a shared story
🌐 The Art of Dowsing: More Than a Technique
Dowsing isn't just about finding water; it's about connecting deeply with the Earth's energies
I use dowsing to find the perfect spot for each labyrinth, creating a sacred space that resonates with its environment
Below is a diagram of what happens with the earth energies, when you work in harmony in selecting the location. Water is drawn to the centre, where a vortex of energy rises up. Another energy vortex is drawn to this from above. Guess what magic can happen when you stand in the centre of the labyrinth (called the goal) with this amazing energy is running through you and collaborating with your inner intention!
🌀 Designing with Heart and Soul
Choosing a design is a personal, intuitive process. It's like the labyrinth speaks to you, revealing its perfect pattern
From Classical to Modern styles, each design has its own energy and story to tell
Recently I have been designing and painting table-top labyrinths that you can use to journey inwards using just your index finger, here’s an example below, as well a a link to a video describing how to create one from scratch:
👥 Building as a Community Experience
There's something magical about building a labyrinth together. It's a dance of collaboration and individual expression
Singing, music making and sharing of food is such a wonderful support for the build itself
Using found object in nature and working what is already in place is my absolute favourite way to build a labyrinth - mowing the lawn or arranging leaves are a couple of simple and beautiful ways to create one!
🚶♀️ A Meditative Walk: More Than Just Steps
Each step in a labyrinth is a step into self-awareness. It's a physical meditation, a journey to the centre of oneself and back
I encourage everyone to walk a labyrinth with an open heart and mind, ready for the insights that unfold
At the workshop with Thames Valley Dowsers, we set an intention for the journey inward and supported it vibrationally with Sound Essences. It was amazing!
🌱 Inviting You on This Path
I invite you to explore the world of labyrinths. Whether it's designing, building, or simply walking, there's a labyrinth waiting for you.
If you're curious or need guidance, I'm here. Let's create and walk this path together!
Consciousness Co-Creates - Embracing Intuition and Science in Healing: A Conversation with Dorothy Watt
Dorothy Watt and Alex Russell-Stoneham
In our latest instalment of the "Consciousness Co-Creates" series, we sit down with Dorothy Watt, a Transformational Homeopath and Holistic Wellness Advocate. We delve into her incredible journey and her unique approach to healing that bridges intuition, science, and holistic wellness.
🌿 Trusting Intuition and Homeopathy:
Dorothy's voyage into the world of homeopathy started with a serendipitous encounter with a homeopathic GP
Traditional medicine couldn't provide a solution to her recurrent sinus infections
Homeopathy offered an alternative path to healing, clearing her sinus issues and making her a firm believer
Her scientific background deepened her appreciation for the observation-based foundation of homeopathy.
🌟 The Power of Dowsing:
Dorothy's journey also led her to dowsing, a practice that seamlessly blends intuition with science
Dowsing helps tap into the field of consciousness, guiding the search for answers
Using a pendulum, she explored remedies uniquely, allowing intuition to play a pivotal role
Dowsing empowers individuals to connect with their innate wisdom and healing potential
🔬 Bridging Science and Holistic Healing:
This conversation underscores that science isn't always ahead. Homeopathy is rooted in scientific observation, focusing on the energetic imprints of substances
Modern medicine often extracts, analyses, and synthesises natural elements, but homeopathy works with the actual substance
Homeopathy acknowledges the unseen energetic imprints in water, offering a different perspective on healing
🌊 Unearthing Deep Layers:
Conversations with clients often bring up unexpected and deeply buried issues
Dorothy explains that our bodies store our health histories, and each layer is essential for the healing process
Psychotherapists and counsellors, who often seek deep healing, might initially experience intensified symptoms
The process of healing can be compared to a dance with consciousness, a unique journey for each individual.
🙏 Conclusion:
Dorothy Watt's journey through homeopathy and dowsing showcases the potent blend of science and intuition in the holistic approach to wellness
Trusting intuition and exploring energetic imprints allows for a more comprehensive understanding of health and healing
This conversation emphasizes the importance of recognising the layers of our experiences in the healing journey, embracing both scientific and intuitive perspectives.
Dorothy Watt is a guiding light in the world of holistic wellness, combining the power of science and intuition to help individuals embark on their healing journey.
Here’s our Consciousness Co-Creates conversation - enjoy!
Here are links to Dorothy’s Website and Facebook Page:
https://dorothywatt.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DorothyWattUK/
#holisticwellness #homeopathy #conscioushealing #intuition #dorothywatt #scienceandwellness #consciousnesscocreates
Co-Creating with Consciousness: The Soulful Artistry of Jenn Clark
Jenn Clark with Alex Russell-Stoneham at Surrey Art Fair
Unlocking the Heart of Creativity
In a world that often romanticises the suffering artist, there exists a refreshing and uplifting perspective on creativity—one that celebrates the profound connection between art and consciousness.
Join me in as the host of a captivating episode of "Consciousness Co-Creates," as we're introduced to the remarkable artist, Jenn Clark. Together, we dive into the depths of creativity, soulful expression, and the art of co-creating with Consciousness!
Jenn Clark introduces herself as an artist who paints with great power, infusing her work with raw emotion and a profound connection to the world around her. Her art, she explains, is a creative process that demands being in tune with one's inner self. As we embark on this artistic journey with her, we learn that embracing vulnerability and authenticity are the cornerstones of her creative process.
Painting with an Unseen Force
Jenn's creative process is a dance with the unseen—an act of channeling the light within her onto the canvas. While her artwork defies conventional brushes, it relies on various unconventional methods to breathe life into her creations.
Her goal is to infuse her work with light and joy, capturing moments that resonate with the human spirit. Every stroke, every choice of utensil is a deliberate exploration until the painting truly comes alive.
The Magic of Connection
In the world of art, vulnerability is a gift, and authenticity is its language. Jenn emphasizes the importance of connecting with viewers who resonate with your work on a personal level.
Art, she asserts, is deeply subjective, and it's the connection between the artist and the viewer that truly matters. She shares the enchanting story of selling a piece of her art to a viewer who felt an unbreakable bond with her creation—a magical moment that encapsulates the power of authenticity and connection in art.
Celebrating Joyful Abundance
Jenn's art radiates with palpable energy, a vibrant celebration of life's beauty and abundance.
She attributes her creative journey to a deep inner calling, one that she could not ignore. Her art is a way of connecting with the world and people around her, and she aims to share the same pulsating energy she experiences as an artist with her viewers.
Beyond the Suffering Artist Trope
Jenn's journey challenges the conventional image of the suffering artist. Her path has been one of self-discovery, embracing her true self, and celebrating the beauty in the world.
She believes that the world is a beautiful place, even in its challenging moments, and her art reflects this belief. Art, she insists, should not be a painful endeavor but a joyful and abundant one.
Mindfulness, Meditation, and Creative Flow
For those beginning their artistic journey, Jenn recommends embracing mindfulness and meditation to connect with the highest state of creativity within themselves.
She encourages aspiring artists to be authentic, vulnerable, and fearless in expressing their unique selves. Procrastination, she suggests, should be left behind, and instead, creative impulses should be embraced without hesitation.
Embracing a “Beautiful Oops!”
Jenn acknowledges that creativity often involves making mistakes, but these mistakes are not failures; they are opportunities for growth and exploration.
She shares her work in progress, "Pathways," which is a testament to embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the process.
Lead from the Heart
In the end, Jenn's message to aspiring artists is clear: lead from the heart, feel with the heart, and create with boundless authenticity.
It's a philosophy that celebrates the connection between art and consciousness, reminding us all that the journey of creation can be a joyful and soulful one.
In Conclusion
Jenn Clark's artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity when it flows from the heart and soul.
Her ability to co-create with consciousness, embracing vulnerability and authenticity, challenges the traditional narratives surrounding artists. In her world, art is a celebration of life's beauty, a joyful journey of self-discovery, and a heartfelt connection with the world.
Now, we invite you to join us in experiencing this enlightening conversation firsthand!
Click the link below to watch "Consciousness Co-Creates - Unlocking Infinite Inspiration: The Soulful Artistry of Jenn Clark." Let this conversation fill your spirit with inspiration and uplift your creative soul.
Find out more about Jenn’s work on her website: https://jennclark.art
Are your hearthspace and heartspace connected?
I am so grateful for having Reiki in my life. This morning I connected, grounded and placed my hands across my heartspace, in the centre of my chest, ready to channel Reiki energy.
Funny, when writing this, I misspelled heartspace as hearthspace, and that is the heart of the home usually, isn't it? The place we would gather round and connect, staring into the flames of the fire, sitting side by side, sharing or storytelling.
How many of us do that nowadays? We have so many other things to 'do', endless tick lists and projects, or streaming content to wade through, whereas sitting by the fire and looking into the flames is a form of 'be'-ing, not 'do'-ing…
What can we learn from this?
Be careful if your mind races with answering this! 'Thinking' about it will lead to lots of rationalising, then ending up justifying the status quo so that we stay stuck in this rut. That is what our mind (and protective parts such as the inner critic, or our busy, productive part) think that is what is needed to keep us safe - to keep us the same.
'Knowing' comes from the heart.
Let's ask this question again, parking the busy mind for a moment: What can we learn from this?
Not much that we don't already know inside. We know that our ways of life, our connections have become a bit transaction-y, with 'likes', emojis and quickfire comments.
How would it feel for a person who has shared something personal or significant, to have the other person speak, alongside them, looking into the flames? That sense of sitting by your side feels like that person is with you. Imagine responding to a post or message back with a voice message, where you record it imagining that you are sitting by that person's side, looking into the flames and expressing all that arises from within.
How would that person feel, even if they are in a different time zone?
You would be connected, on a deeper, more significant level. This is where humanity is heading and evolving towards (had another lovely typo - evloving!), a deeper connection and oneness. Some of us might be kicking and screaming about it, inflamed and wanting to go back to the way things always have been (divided, hierarchical, fear-based, controlling, blame and judgement filled) but those of us on the path with eyes and heart wide open feel the loving embrace of oneness. Let's lead from the heart and journey onwards and upwards, taking time to gather around the hearthspace, connect and just 'be', wherever we are.
Unlocking the Magic: Embrace Intentional Business Design for Your Soulpreneurial Venture!
Unleash Your Business's Hidden Magic with Intentional Business Design
Did you know that your business holds a captivating energy field, waiting to be ignited by the power of intention and vibrational support? If you are a visionary Soulpreneur or a Heart-Based business owner, get ready for a remarkable opportunity that will elevate your business to extraordinary heights! Welcome to the awe-inspiring world of Intentional Business Design.
Awakening Alignment and Purpose
Picture a future where every aspect of your business flows effortlessly in harmony. With Intentional Business Design, we take your dreams and weave them into every thread of your venture. Experience the profound alignment between your aspirations and the path your business is destined to tread.
Empowering Vibrational Support
Just as a beautiful symphony is created by harmonious notes, your business can flourish when infused with the power of Sound Essences. These magical essences resonate with your intentions, propelling your business towards its true potential. Watch in amazement as your business blossoms and thrives like never before!
Unlocking Balance and Harmony
Every key aspect of your business plays a vital role in its success. From nurturing your Human Resources to refining your Products/Services, from crafting compelling Marketing strategies to mastering Sales/Finance, and from delighting Clients/Customers to streamlining Business Systems—we cover it all. Embrace a holistic approach that leaves no stone unturned, creating a harmonious and thriving business ecosystem.
Your Personal Journey of Transformation
At the heart of Intentional Business Design is you—the visionary behind the venture. Along this journey, you'll receive personalised attention and guidance. Capture the magic of transformation with your Business Energy Reading Report—a testament to the shifts and insights unfolding within your business. Your very own Business Journal becomes a treasure trove of "Aha" moments and key observations, celebrating your progress.
An Irresistible Invitation
This is your moment to embark on a transformative adventure! Unleash the hidden magic within your soulpreneurial venture through Intentional Business Design. Take the first step towards unlocking your business's limitless potential.
Claim Your Complimentary Session
Ready to experience the enchantment firsthand? As a gift to you, I offer a complimentary 15-minute Business Energy session. This glimpse into the boundless possibilities will leave you inspired and ready to dive deeper into the world of Intentional Business Design.
Ignite the Spark Within
Join me for an immersive two-hour Intentional Business Design Session, where we will unlock the mysteries of your business and illuminate the path to greatness. Whether we connect online or in person, this experience promises to awaken the spark within your business.
Embrace the Journey Together
Let's embark on this empowering journey of growth and success. Embrace the power of intention and vibrational support to make your dreams a reality. Book now to take the first step towards a flourishing future.
Getting Certainty in an Uncertain World
In the midst of life's swirling uncertainties, it can be easy to lose sight of the anchor that brings peace and stability to our souls. As we traverse the meandering paths of existence, we often find ourselves seeking certainty amidst the ever-changing tides. In such moments, a holistic approach can serve as a guiding light, illuminating the way to finding the unwavering sense of certainty we yearn for. Today, I invite you on a transformative journey, where we will explore how a holistic coach can help you discover certainty in an uncertain world.
Embrace the Present Moment:
The heart of finding certainty lies in embracing the present moment. Our minds often wander into the realms of the past or the future, sowing seeds of doubt and apprehension. A holistic coach encourages you to cultivate mindfulness and awareness, allowing you to anchor yourself in the present. By learning to focus on what is unfolding right now, you unlock the power to face challenges with grace and to savour life's beautiful moments.
Cultivate Inner Resilience:
Certainty doesn't necessarily mean a life devoid of challenges; rather, it is the strength to face them with resilience. A holistic coach will work with you to build a solid foundation of inner strength, helping you tap into your innate resilience. Through a combination of mindful practices, positive affirmations, and nurturing self-care, you can rise above adversity, transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth.
1.) Connect with Your Intuition:
In the midst of chaos, we often overlook the wisdom that resides within us. The path to certainty is paved by reconnecting with your intuition. A holistic coach can guide you to access your inner wisdom and strengthen your intuitive abilities. By listening to your heart's whispers and trusting your instincts, you will gain clarity in decision-making and align yourself with the right path.
2.) Embrace Change as a Constant:
In an uncertain world, change is the only constant. A holistic coach fosters a mindset that embraces change with open arms. Rather than fearing the unknown, you learn to dance with change, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and transformation. By developing this mindset, you'll find certainty not in a predictable world but within yourself - in your ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change.
3.) Nurture Your Mind, Body, and Spirit:
True certainty emerges when we harmonise our mind, body, and spirit. A holistic coach encourages you to prioritise self-care and well-being. Through practices like meditation, yoga, healthy eating, and creative expression, you will fortify your connection with yourself and the world around you. Nurturing these aspects of your being creates a sense of equilibrium that empowers you to navigate life's uncertainties with unwavering grace.
Conclusion:
As we conclude our journey, remember that the world will always present challenges and uncertainties. Yet, the key to finding certainty lies within you. Embrace the present, nurture your inner resilience, and trust your intuition. Embrace change as a catalyst for growth and prioritise the care of your mind, body, and spirit. With the guidance of a holistic coach, you can embark on a transformative journey towards certainty, embracing life's uncertainties with courage, wisdom, and unwavering grace. As you walk this path, you will discover the true essence of certainty - a beacon of light that illuminates your way, regardless of the storms that may come your way.
Next Steps:
Are you ready to embrace certainty in an uncertain world and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth? If you're seeking guidance, support, and empowerment, take the next step towards a more fulfilling life by partnering with a holistic coach. Through personalised coaching sessions and transformative practices, you'll uncover the tools and wisdom within you to navigate life's uncertainties with grace and resilience.
Don't let doubt hold you back from experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes with embracing uncertainty. Take action now and invest in yourself - your well-being, your dreams, and your aspirations. Reach out to a holistic coach today and begin your journey towards a life of certainty and inner harmony.
Remember, the power to transform your life lies within you, and with the support of a holistic coach, you'll discover the strength and clarity to thrive amidst the ever-changing currents of life. Take that first step towards certainty and create a brighter, more empowered future. Your journey awaits, and the time to embrace certainty is now.
Healing a Historic Home Unexpectedly
Recently I visited a rather special historic house, open to the public. The gardens are absolutely superb. The house itself is stunningly beautiful. When I went upstairs into a bedroom, it struck me how much sadness was in the room.
The energy felt dense and pulling, the emotion of sadness was super strong.
I asked permission to consciously connect with the energy of the house, then went on to enquire as to what the cause of this sadness and heavy energy could be.
On looking around visually, there were pictures of the grown daughter of the family in the bedroom. It was listed on the plan of the house as belonging to her.
It became apparent that there was a spirit in the room, unaware that they were still there, unable to move on from processing their sadness.
It was not the daughter, though, it was somebody else.
On connecting more closely with the spirit, I expressed recognition of their sadness. This awareness seemed to make the spirit feel supported. I sent them much love. I then went on to ask permission for the spirit to be guided to light. This was granted.
The energy in the room felt much lighter and brighter as a result. The sadness, the spirit had been feeling and holding was recognised and respected. The spirit felt seen and understood, and was able to move to the light with grace.
When I went round the rest of the house, it became apparent who the spirit was.
The only son of the family had died age 21 in tragic circumstances. The parents struggled enormously and ended up divorcing, in an era when this was simply not done.
The energy in the room from the spirit was a feminine one. It was the mother. I surmised that she had taken to sleeping in this room when her daughter had grown up, in a separate location to the husband.
What a sad story, for someone to love so deeply, that when they lose that person they love that much, it destroys their own marriage as well.
At least now her spirit is able to rest in peace. I felt very honoured and grateful to be able to be of service.
Healing a home in an unusual way
Recently a client asked for support in their home as appliances and even the boiler had stopped working. It was getting so common for things to break down it was more than coincidence. It was also becoming rather expensive, as well as disruptive!
After asking for permission to remotely check in on the home, I connected with it and felt that the home itself was out of kilter with the people living there. They are such a lovely family and both parents are involved in the healing arts.
It turned out that the original builder of the home was an angry person and their energy went into the bricks and mortar as the house was being built. This vibration was no longer able to harmonise with the more elevated vibrations of the occupants, so some house healing was required…
So there are many different approaches one can take to help heal or harmonise a home so that the vibration is aligned with the people who live there. Dowsing to find the ideal technique (after having identified the cause of the disharmony) is my favourite way to identify what’s needed. I have singing bowls and also Sound Essences and the intuitive owner was also being told Sound was the way forward.
So, where do you start with healing a home once you have identified the right healing modality? It felt right to connect with the home’s assemblage point - this is the ‘soul seed’ of the home, the conception point of where in time/space the house materialised into the field of consciousness. It is a small seed, like a tiny kidney bean. In my experience, it is in 3-dimensional space in a key area of the home, in mid air, around the height of a person’s heartspace. You can identify its location using dowsing rods or your own intuition. I found it (again, always asking permission first!), connected with it and then held a singing bowl and played it for the amount of time that felt right.
For anyone who has tried playing a singing bowl, it is noticeable how the singing bowl almost seems to play itself, once it has got going. Same with a gong during a sound bath experience.
Following the singing bowl healing, I used Sound Essences. I dowsed using my pendulum to identify which Sound Essences from the 1st through to 5th Dimensional healing would be beneficial. The Spirit of Place in the home also invited the owners to join in the Sound Essence treatment as a way of deepening the newly harmonised connection.
This healing process went very smoothly, felt very harmonious and the energy was beautifully elevated. Happy home, happy homeowners!
How to prepare for an interview, new project, big meeting or presentation with confidence
As a holistic coach, I have helped many clients achieve their goals and improve their lives using a range of powerful techniques. One super helpful and accessible technique is the Circle of Excellence, a tool from the field of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) that can be used to boost confidence, increase motivation, and achieve a state of peak performance.
At its core, the Circle of Excellence is a visualisation exercise that helps you tap into your inner resources and access positive emotions that you can then use to enhance your performance in any area of life. The exercise involves creating a mental image of a golden circle on the ground and stepping into it, imagining yourself surrounded by a bubble of positive energy and confidence.
Here's how it works:
Identify your desired state: The first step in the Circle of Excellence technique is to identify the emotional or mental state that you want to achieve. This could be a feeling of confidence, calmness, creativity, or any other state that you want to cultivate.
Recall a time when you felt that way: The next step is to think of a specific time when you felt the desired state. This could be a memory from the past or a hypothetical scenario in the future.
Create a mental image of the circle: Visualise a circle on the ground in front of you. The circle should be large enough for you to step into and should be surrounded by a bubble of positive energy and confidence.
Step into the circle: Imagine yourself stepping into the circle and feeling the positive energy and confidence surrounding you. You may want to say a phrase or mantra to yourself, such as "I am confident and capable" or "I am calm and focused."
Amplify the feeling: Once you are inside the circle, take a few moments to amplify the feeling of positivity and confidence. You may want to imagine the circle growing brighter and more powerful, or feel the positive energy flowing through your body.
Repeat as needed: You can repeat the Circle of Excellence exercise as often as you like, using it to cultivate different positive states and emotions.
So, how does the Circle of Excellence help?
By stepping into the circle and visualising positive emotions and energy, you are effectively reprogramming your subconscious mind to associate those feelings with a specific mental image. This means that you can call upon those positive emotions and energy whenever you need them, whether it's to boost your confidence before a big presentation, stay focused during a difficult conversation, or feel more creative when working on a project.
The Circle of Excellence is a powerful tool that can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you're looking to boost your confidence, increase your motivation, or achieve a state of peak performance, this technique can help you tap into your inner resources and access the positive emotions and energy that you need to succeed.
If you're interested in learning more about the Circle of Excellence or other NLP techniques, consider reaching out - I can guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals 🎯
Are you feeling so stressed you are wondering if it might make you ill?
Are you then worrying that by worrying about your stress levels, you are making things even worse? Do you feel overwhelmed but simply don’t have time or resources to deal with it?
Or do you not even have the time to worry about yourself?
Are you juggling endlessly as well as spinning so many plates that just one thing might tip you over the edge?
Are you being all things to all people, except yourself?
Do you care and nurture others, but are too tired to do this for yourself? But you know it’s needed, right?! How do you even get there when you’re running on empty or just coping?
I have been there, such a giver, never a taker. Always on hand and known to sort stuff out, being a dedicated mum/sister/friend/colleague/daughter/wife…
I have learned the significance of putting yourself on the back burner while everyone has their piece of you. You find that you are at or beyond breaking point. It takes time to come back from that if you push yourself too far...
There is only so much energy cake to go round, you know deep down what you need to do, it is just about getting started on, and sticking to, what you feel in your heart is the right thing.
I can help. Having walked this path and come out the other side, I know what works and how to make effective and long lasting positive changes and live a fulfilled life and be aligned with your true purpose, free from stress and overwhelm. I can help you feel those emotions and live in a heartfelt way, rather than filing emotions away for later as you just don’t have time, space or energy to process them. They do tend to come back round later!
Imagine having someone with their hand at your back, sharing your challenges and concerns and supporting you, walking with you every step of the way in getting to where you really want to be. Helping you learn the best way for how to soothe yourself, your frazzled nerves, de-stress and decompress. Helping you reconnect with how to find some peace, reclaim the balance your life so dearly needs and truly deserves.
I have developed Whole Person coaching, called “Intentional Life Design” to meet you where you are now, take time to understand this holistically and chart a natural, beneficial, life affirming path towards that vision you have of yourself before daily life gets in the way!
We will transform:
Imposter syndrome into inner knowing and confidence
Unhealthy boundaries into re-established, healthy boundaries
Unhealthy habits into energising practices
Drama triangle into Empathy triangle
Fear of the unknown into a clear, light filled feeling of possibility
Procrastination into motivation
Difficult people/situations into harmony and wisdom
Grieving for your lost sense of self into reclaiming and stepping into your true, most powerful self
You will find yourself coming back to feeling a Whole Person, where your life is in balance and harmony, your priorities are in alignment with your values and you can create the space for your inner creativity and light to shine brightly.
Where you have time to breathe!
It is time to take a step into the right direction for you, that is life supporting and allows you to cherish yourself again!
Now’s the right time to have a complimentary introductory call to explore this vision of you that you would love to be living, but need the right support, in the right way and at the right moment to make that hope and dream come true. When you and I team up, we can make it possible for you to live a fulfilled life by (re)connecting with and leading from your heart 💖
Help me help you to reclaim your passion for you, to be your own best friend and rekindle your fire in your heart for becoming your own true self again.
Forget “Spotify Wrapped”, what’s the soundtrack to your life?
Today I was listening to a song “Making Plans for Nigel” (Nouvelle Vague’s version) and I started thinking about a wonderful new connection and friend I made 18 months ago, called Nigel.
When scanning back through time and remembering the initial meeting, having reached out online after reading one of his inspiring posts, I reconnected with how I knew he was a kindred spirit and we just “got” each other instantly.
The journey we had both been on had so many similarities and twists and turns. It inspired and elevated us both and whenever we speak, there is a sense of flow, expansiveness and inspiration.
I am so glad to have met my friend Nigel. Listening to this song, it reminded me that he is someone I want to speak with again, very soon!
This musical moment which filled my heart, got me thinking about what is the soundtrack to my life.
What kind of songs might represent the innocence of my childhood, the challenges I faced with my parents’ divorce and then with an abusive stepfather… the life saving escape to boarding school by the seaside, the camaraderie of friends, initial moments of Self awareness, followed by college life, #MeToo moments, a chronic illness, discovering and expressing my creativity, connecting with and exploring my spiritual awakening, healing and ultimately Self discovery.
It’s been a real journey! Wouldn’t change it for the world.
In case you haven’t heard of “The Hero’s Journey” by Joseph Campbell, I would recommend reading up on it.
Star Wars’ Luke Skywalker is the most celebrated version of the Hero’s Journey. Think of what he goes through, from the day to day of his life on Tatooine, with his Aunt and Uncle, then the unexpected message from Princess Leia, meeting a mentor and guide in Obi Wan Kenobi, then the camaraderie with Han Solo and Chewbacca, onto discovering his path as a Jedi Master.
Was it easy as a path? Once he was on it, could he turn back? What did he learn along the way, what did he unlearn? How did the film music reflect all of that?
We are all on a Hero’s Journey of our own. What would you choose for your soundtrack?
What do these songs mean to you and how did they help you along on your own hero’s journey?
Hope you have fun exploring this!
PS This is your Life’s Soundtrack, it will always be a work in progress
PPS It will contain some tracks that feel odd to you now, even a little awkward or uncomfortable but that’s OK.
It’s life and life can at times be messy. Embrace and integrate rather than shun or avoid. This is a playlist for the true you, in all your kaleidoscope of experiences and meaningful moments 🤗
Here’s the link to my work in progress playlist on Spotify in case you’re interested.
All tracks have meant something at some point, including one I sung to my Nana on her deathbed in 2018, another one planned for our wedding dance in 2019. None are in exact chronological order:
How to make a key decision in three simple steps 🎯
Making a key decision can be a challenge
What is your strategy for making a decision?
Do you spend time going from a “Yes” to a ‘No'“, then a “Not Sure” and then quit?
Or do you go straight in, feet first, then find you regret such a short time spent on evaluating pros, cons and implications?
Maybe you get stuck in your head, overthinking things, weighing up all the options, until confusion and fatigue sets in, then inertia followed by self-doubt?
If you struggle to make an important decision, you are in good company! A lot of us feel more comfortable when we have more certainty, yet a decision calls for change and it can be hard to have absolute clarity on how the final outcome will be.
What if there was a way to get access to an inner sense of ‘Knowing’, coupled with a good amount of “Gut Instinct”, as well as “Mental Clarity”? Would you be up for trying to access this?!
It is a simple approach, which can be done in a few moments. The key ingredients are a curious mind, an open heart and a willingness to try it out…
Step 1 - Clear your mind chatter
Get centred and calm your busy mind - this takes just 30 seconds, using the ‘Gamut Technique”. Here is a link to download /view how to do this Gamut Technique . See below for a picture of the Gamut Point
Once you have done the Gamut technique, do an internal check in:
You are likely to notice fewer thoughts, even having an empty mind, for once!
Your left and right brain hemispheres will be aligned and in balance, allowing your rational thinking side and creative ideas side to feel harmonised
It is said that by doing the Gamut technique, it is the equivalent to having meditated for 30+ minutes
In general day-to-day life, simply tapping the Gamut Point is very useful for whenever feeling anxious or in a panic/phobic state. Here is a short video to help: Simple Tapping Technique to Help Ease Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Gamut Point - EFT Tapping
Step 2 - Become Heart Centred
Turn your awareness to your heart centre - the place in the middle of your chest where your heart chakra resides. Allow your attention to focus on your heart centre and feel the gentle pulsing feeling of loving awareness flow through you.
Contemplate the question that you need to make a decision on, in a neutral, almost objective observer way, whilst being connected and aware of your heart centre
When you feel this pulsing feeling, almost a glowing sense of loving awareness, you will be connected with your “Knowing” sense, as in “I know this to be true” or “I know this deep down is the correct path forward”
If you do not feel any gentle pulsing or warmth in your heart centre, there is no need for concern, you can trust that you will have the opportunity to develop this over time. One way of trying to feel this gentle pulsing of loving awareness is:
Imagining you smiling inside, in your heart space
If you have a child, imaging the love you feel for them and smiling at them from this centre of your chest
If you do not have children, if you have a pet, or a very dear friend or relative, or someone who inspires you, try thinking of them, smiling inside
The formation of a “knowing” sense, about this decision that has been emerging as the right one, could now come forward into your awareness
Step 3 - Check in with your subconscious
Have you heard of the Sway Technique? It is a very simple and a very effective tool for checking in with our mind/body on if they are aligned with our decisions and plans.
Make an “OK” sign (index finger and thumb pressed together with your non-writing hand, so left hand for people who write with their right hand)
Point your index finger of your writing hand, hooking it through the “OK” sign circle (thumb and index finger pressed together) and apply a light pressure outwards, where the thumb and finger meet, as if you are trying to break the seal open
Ask your body to show you the answer for “Yes”, then you try and pull the “OK” sign thumb and index finger apart. They should hold firm and true and it should not be possible to break the circle open
Ask your body to show you the answer for “No”, then you try and pull the “OK” sign thumb and index finger apart. They should break apart and the index finger should be able to come out of the “OK” sign circle
This is a gauge for you to use, to determine a “Yes” or “No” answer to a question. As with any technique, it is to be used responsibly and ethically for your own private purposes and not asking about other people, without their permission!
Ask if your conscious mind agrees with this decision, using the Sway technique to get a “Yes” or “No” answer
Ask if your subconscious mind agrees with this decision, using the Sway technique to get a “Yes” or “No” answer
Ask if your energy field agrees with this decision, using the Sway technique to get a “Yes” or “No” answer
Hopefully all three areas will give a “Yes” answer. If any of them are “No'“, speak to the area directly, with kindness and openness. It can go something like this:
I understand you are not currently in agreement with this decision, would you be open to supporting me, if I can reassure you that this is for our highest good? If we act with integrity, being of service and creating an opportunity for growth, it would be great to have you on board. I would love for us to be a team working together towards this!
If you still get a “No”, you can go within, taking a deep breath and ask with a gentle tone that you are curious to hear what the concerns are. “Please let me know with my inner voice what’s up. Thank you 🙏”
Take the concerns, if there are any, on board. It might be your gut instinct calling out an issue that is not yet seen, but it is FELT. Trust in that felt sense, it is super powerful. The neurons in your gut are more than the neurons in a dog’s brain, so there is a real intelligence there!
Bonus Tip
So sometimes, our rational brain really wants to feel satisfied that we have been rigorous in our analysis. It might feel happy if we create a list or Pros and Cons, so it can assess which is the longest list. Also, some of the items could be scored or weighted. It can be a helpful way of ratifying on paper what our “Knowing” sense and our “Gut Insinct” sense are telling us.
Please reach out if you want facilitated support on decision making, there are so many helpful techniques in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to help with making key decisions in our lives! Here’s a link for booking a 45 minute complimentary call: Click Here to Book a Complimentary Call
Are you ready to make a change to become more fulfilled?
My friend has recently left this big company. Over the last 18 months he has had a sad experience of shutting down a once vibrant, friendly and fun office. He has gone from once having a spring in his step going to work to struggling to get out of bed. Finding any motivation was tough. He felt grumpy and it increasingly affected his mood. Feeling frustrated, he felt his life force dulled.
Thankfully, he also has always managed to find a way to have a positive outlook, despite the circumstances around him. He dreamt of a better way of being, recognising his innate skills and gifts he could share with his industry. He and a business partner talked about combining their skills to offer something special to the world.
Today I was catching up with a dear Italian friend. We used to work together in a global company during a challenging time of integration, shutting down offices and digital transformation. We found light in each other, despite the atmosphere and pressure at work, we recognised our similar values of being kind, wanting to help others, caring about quality and loving being with people. When you meet a similar soul on your path, you feel that you resonate with each other and it’s as if you have never been apart when you reconnect!
My friend has recently left this big company. Over the last 18 months he has had a sad experience of shutting down a once vibrant, friendly and fun office. He has gone from once having a spring in his step going to work to struggling to get out of bed. Finding any motivation was tough. He felt grumpy and it increasingly affected his mood. Feeling frustrated, he felt his life force dulled.
Thankfully, he also has always managed to find a way to have a positive outlook, despite the circumstances around him. He dreamt of a better way of being, recognising his innate skills and gifts he could share with his industry. He and a business partner talked about combining their skills to offer something special to the world.
With some renewed energy and when his contract ended in December last year, he started to make contact with people he knows, who he has a natural connection with. He shared the positive vision for what he can offer. Here’s what he found happened:
He has been open hearted, with postivity and hopefulness when communicating
He always receives a sincere and helpful response, whether or not there is a business opportunity
He has faith, as well as trust in his own abilities
He contacts people when they came into his awareness
He has trusted his intuition and gut instinct all along
He is sowing seeds of possibility with each interaction, with no attachment to the outcome
He does not push or pressurise for results, he allows things to unfurl naturally, with attention and calm focus
He has enjoyed every connection he has made
He feels full of gratitude for each opportunity that has arisen (which means that there is no space for fear or anxiety)
He makes time to walk with his wife 3 times a week in a beautiful place for an hour and a half, no interruptions and experiences connection, peace and tranquility
He has had offers coming to him in a meaningful way
He is an inspiration to those around him, who feel stuck in their unhappy position at their current company. Sure they have regular pay check, but have to deal with frustration, politics, helplessness and malaise
He prepared for this move, by saving while he could and being sensible about outgoings
“We talked about his vision for his business, and how to put it into a vision board. He will smile inside each time he looks at it ”
We agreed that a key ingredient of success is being '“in action'“, having a momentum and connecting with people you know. The being “in action” keeps your confidence up and growing, whilst sharing with others in your circle creates ideas sharing and connections that go wider than you believe possible. Procrastination trying to make things perfect is the opposite to this way of being. If you catch yourself in this mode, well done! It will keep you stuck. Sure it will also keep you safe as starting a new career or making a big change is an unknown. Would you rather be stuck, frustrated, depressed and safe, or free, purposeful, energised with a bit of risk?! A leap of faith does take courage, for sure. Having people around you to support you makes a huge difference.
“Being “in action”, sharing news about your new venture and keeping in touch with your connections are the secret sauce for serendipity and success.”
I have never seen my friend so happy, fulfilled and unburdened. Sure, things sometimes don’t always go to plan, or 100% of the time work out the way he hopes. Instead of taking it personally, he learns from it, finds the growth medicine and moves on.
I am so grateful to hear his story. His story is my story. I hope it can become your story too…
How to get into a '"Flow" state and feel in harmony with your surroundings
Have you ever felt in a state of “Flow"? You know it when it happens. You feel in tune, things are easy to achieve and relaxing to do, you feel open, receptive and aligned. Sometimes this experience is fleeting, just for a few moments or hours. Sometimes it can be experienced for a full day, or longer. It can take practice to get into a sustained state of flow, but life is so much easier to live so let’s look at three helpful options to help get into your “Flow” state...
Aesthetic Desk Layout with nature, space and comfort, which support a state of “Flow'“
Timer to Timeless:
Flow is a sense of an internal and external alignment with self and the universe. There is an intuitive, connected state and we feel in touch with the rhythm that the earth breathes. Remembering that Flow is not in a rushed state, in a hurry or on a ticking clock’s timeline. There is a timeless quality to it.
Imagine how we walk down the street, especially city dwellers. There is a real, accelerated pace to each step, as if the world is a super-fast conveyer belt and we have to keep up with the constant swirl of deadlines, stuff happening and it is running away, minute by minute, like an egg timer.
What if we are a forest dweller? How do the trees move? Imagine the earth breathing. What would the pace of walking be if we are in harmony with that? We might get a sense of a more ‘processional’ pace, as if walking up the aisle of the church. There is no hurry, deadline or clock ticking in the forest. There is a sense of respect and honouring nature with the processional pace. People who have meditated in a ‘tree temple’ or tried ‘forest bathing’ know this.
Nature is soothing, proven helpful for mental wellbeing and runs to a rhythm, it is not subject to timers, alarms, deadlines, yet things get done all the same. How can we be more like nature and run to our own natural rhythm? Would we get the right things done in the right way and at the right moment perhaps, rather than in a rush, under pressure and feeling stressed?
Look at your desk where you work
Is there a stack of papers to sort through?
Are there lots of to-do lists and post it notes?
Is it aesthetically attractive?
Is there anything personal like a photo, or anything that makes you feel uplifted?
Is there a living plant on your desk to help bring nature in?
Imagine a flow of energy (called Prana or Chi), like a small stream, were to flow around your desk in a clockwise direction, starting from your left side, across to your right. Would it be a natural, curved line or is it jagged to get around sharp objects or clutter?
What would you feel if your desk was clear and open, with a few simple objects that feel supportive and positive?
If you sat at your desk in a connected, open and relaxed state, with no agenda, breathing in a conscious way, what would be the first thing that you did? Would you trust your intuition to allow you to start working on the most harmonious and helpful first task? (Helpful hint - email is not it!)
Look at your inner self, with a loving gaze
How are you feeling, really, when you take a moment to stop, breathe and focus inward? Even taking this one step is a blessing, as you are giving yourself time to align with your true self
Is your mind full of clutter, in terms of thoughts, self talk, endless to do lists and chores? Is all of the stuff that you are thinking about having to do really necessary? Will it even matter in 5 year’s time?
Have a look at your ‘Wheel of Life” which is an open invitation to expand into your most aligned self. Here is a link for one that is aligned with Feng Shui principles, so that you can assess your outer surroundings to support your inner alignment and direction forwards https://www.alexrussell-stoneham.com/resources
Reflect on the area that stands out as the most under-represented in your life
What are 5 -10 different options for helping expand this area of your life so you feel more fully alive and aligned with self
What might be holding you back from achieving this? Is there anything you could do to navigate around obstacles, or see, recognise and nurture that inner part of you that says “you can’t do this, you’re not good enough?” Remember the inner critical voice you hear is a part of you that has a positive intention, it wants to protect you and keep you safe from being hurt. By going inside and meeting it where it’s at, you might be able to recognise its concerns and reassure it that you are aware of this and you want to always be safe as you step outside of that comfort zone and into the growth zone
Acknowledge all the amazing steps you have taken so far to get here, recognise the challenges you have overcome, love the person you have become! It can be a lifelong journey to fully embrace loving your own self unconditionally, reintegrated the hurt and wounded parts and the parts that get triggered by external events or people’s actions. By putting your hand on your heartspace (in the centre of your chest) and feeling self love for who you REALLY are, it can be very healing and centering.
Trust that you KNOW the right thing to do, when to do it and how to. It is allowing that felt sense of intuition and gut instinct that allows you to truly KNOW. If you THINK you need to do something, recognise that is your mind THINKING, not your heart KNOWING. Which one do you listen to? Which one is more connected to you being in a state of “Flow”? I believe you KNOW which one it is!
Do you feel stuck in some way? A Holistic Coach may be able to help
Do you feel stuck in some way?
It might be a job you are doing to pay the bills but it gives you very little joy, or your heart's not in it.
It could be you feel like you're on a treadmill of never ending tasks and chores that feels relentless. Isn't there more to life than this?
You might feel like you are missing something but you can't quite put your finger on what it is.
You may be feeling low level fatigue, you may be experiencing stress or anxiety. You may be unconsciously heading towards burnout. The thing about burnout is, we only realise we have got there when it is too late. There are warning signs along the way but we don't always listen. We just don't have the time, we have got too much to "do".
Whatever is going on in your life, you know something has to change. Do you know there is something more to life, it just feels that tiny bit out of your grasp. If only you could be who you really are, fully aligned mind, body, emotions and soul level - full tilt aligned to your SOUL PURPOSE.
What a fantastic experience that would be and so much fun. Imagine having fun every day, feeling inspired, uplifted, energised, purposeful, clear and knowing.
The conscious mind thinks you need to start a good new habit, such as getting up earlier, doing that gym routine, eating healthier, meditating - all those good things. Thing is, unless our unconscious mind, our energy field and our body have bought into the same positive intention, it might start well for a few days or even a few weeks, but it's not going to stick.
Imagine having an easy way to align all aspects of you to your life enhancing goals. Imagine really truly knowing and being connected with who you really are, your true authentic self.
A holistic coach can help with this, working on all levels of your being, so that you are fully aligned. By connecting with all levels of your conscious mind, unconscious, energy field and body, it can become possible to understand where any subtle resistance resides that might impede achieving that important goal, or becoming the best version of you. It is about integrating those four aspects and becoming fully purposeful and unstoppable.
Emerge from your Chrysalis, it’s transformation time!
Have you ever been through a significant change in life and you have emerged a brighter, lighter yet stronger person, even though it was a difficult process at the time? Maybe you are currently going through a challenging time of change, disruption or unforeseen events. How do you think you would look back on this, with the perspective of looking back, a year from now?
A chrysalis is a wonderful metaphor for the process of change. We go into the change with a set of beliefs, values, knowledge and perhaps wisdom. The change itself can affect us on an emotional, mental, physical, energetic and spiritual level. Imagine what a caterpillar’s world view is on going into its chrysalis. Endless eat, sleep, repeat as if on a treadmill. It is cocooned in a beautiful, safe space and the mystery of transformation begins. Is it conscious of the changes happening, what does the caterpillar in the chrysalis feel or experience? Are we aware of all the shifts internally when we go through a period of change?
“Embracing transformational change keeps us relevant, open to serendipity and consciously connected”
When the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, it has wet wings. When we go through a transformational change, we are the same. We know we could have the potential to fly, we have acquired new skills and knowledge thanks to the change, we just aren’t fully ready to fly yet.
This is the key, vulnerable moment in transformation, where we have hope, motivation and may be embarking on something new, such as setting up a new business after leaving corporate. At this time, anything - a chance comment, an event that doesn’t go as expected, a quizzical look, can contribute to us feeling deflated or wounded. We have wet wings and haven’t yet stepped out to fly.
Here are some tips for how to emerge from your chrysalis of change:
Developing an unshakeable belief - You are here, doing this for a reason, your path has led you here, feel grounded, connected with your values and repeat a positive mantra like “Yes, we’ve got this!”
Find a way to smile inside when you think about your new path and keep your eyes open for opportunities which can lead to serendipity
Surrounding yourself with positive mindset friends and family who are there for you
Learn from your upsets and mistakes - call them “Growth Medicine”!
Find a skilled coach to act as your cheerleader for when you have wobbles (these are natural!) or need to find your commitment and focus to keep on the path
You will become your beautiful butterfly self and create lift off!
How to Calm a Busy Mind
We know when our mind has been getting overly busy, the mental chatter speeds up and feels incessant. Running through endless lists of stuff, moments between meetings or visiting a rest room are spent scrolling on phone, replying to messages, catching up on things. On waking up the mind kicks in and starts rattling through what’s ahead, as well as the previous day’s events and experiences. Going to bed, the mind can keep us wakeful, even when we feel tired.
Watching TV or scrolling helps to numb the mind into a passive receptor of ‘stuff’, but it is like putting on a temporary eye mask, the moment the mask is off when you switch off the screen, eyes are wide open, mind picks up just where it left off. It starts to build and make us feel weary, clogged up, like a big twisty knot of spaghetti of thoughts in our mind.
How do we take a break from this and still the mind, the thoughts, the inner dialogue running away with itself?
Start the day with stillness. On waking, sit up in bed, or sit in a quiet place where you can take a few breaths and start to feel centred. Look out of the window if you have a view of nature with trees or birds, watching and breathing gently, with awareness. Feel yourself on your sitting bones, connected to Mother Earth. Feel a sense of grounded peace. Feel the space in your mind feel open, calm and clear.
A minute at the start of your day spent in this gentle, peaceful place will set you up as you mean to go on. Feeling centred, calm, connected and quietly confident.
Tips for creating a calmer mind
01 : Wake up 10 minutes earlier to create a quiet time just for you
02 : Sit and breathe, looking at nature for a few minutes. Feel an inner smile arise
03 : Walking in nature helps clear the mind and this allows inspiration to flow in. Take a small notebook and pen!
04 : Consciously connect with Mother Earth each day, when sitting, contemplating. Try going barefoot on the grass!
05 : Try “Box Breathing” to feel centred and calm - breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, repeat for 1-2 minutes
Are you heading for Burnout? Are you surviving, not thriving?
Heading for a burnout…
We have all been in this place, where everyday life takes hold, it can even feel like a stranglehold. There is just so much stuff to get through, so many responsibilities and a never-ending To Do list. Getting stuck in this place can lead us down the path of stress, overwhelm and ultimately burnout.
We feel so busy, in a constant mode of ‘Doing’, we forget how to just ‘Be’.
Recently, after a burnout from overwork and being overcommitted, life forced me to take stock, step right back and evaluate how far I had stepped into this mode of ‘Doing’ on an endless Rinse, Repeat cycle. I had got so used to it, it felt normal to work 14 hours a day, there was so much work to do and it became the new normal.
When my body, mind and spirit shouted in unison ‘STOP!!!’ I felt empty, numb in a state of shock and so drained. I started to realise how much I had allowed work, which I loved, to seep into all aspects of my personal life, to the point where there weren’t any boundaries between the two. My life was completely blended. Thankfully, I had help - a loving family, access to an amazing counsellor and wonderful friends.
Burnout Symptoms
The recovery path has been a profound one, a burnout is an easy word to say, quite a big pit to end up in, where nerves feel frazzled, the mind can’t seem to focus on much, the feelings and emotions feel invisible and hard to reach and the most minor thing that doesn’t go right can lead to a meltdown of epic proportions. Fragility, anxiety and low mood to the point of depression become normal as the slow climb back to self begins. I have learned a huge amount and have been humbled.
Superwoman is not a good listener
I now know I can no longer act in full ‘SuperWoman’ mode. It can feel good, be impressive and can suit high achievers, but SuperWoman doesn’t listen to the quiet inner voice that may have a question over the unsustainable pace of life.
Processing Stress
I have learned that stress, or any emotional response, needs to go in, be felt, processed and released out. I was unwittingly letting stress in but not allowing any time at all to process it. BIG lesson there!
Reconnecting with your emotions
When we are in ‘Being’ mode, when an emotional response does arise, we can allow ourselves to connect with it. This means noticing it, feeling where it is experienced in your body, talking or writing about how it feels and allowing time to pass, gently, free from judgement. Taking a breath, deeply allows us to pause and feel present, connected with what we are feeling in the moment and recognising the experience then noticing it subside. If we practice this, emotions can become familiar, recognised and can be processed healthily, even if they feel uncomfortable. Emotions need oxygen, to be seen in the light of day and to be recognised, witnessed and allowed to process through, then out.
Be Kind to Yourself
You are recovering from a burnout. You absolutely don’t need any pressure to speed it up! Make your morning rituals a non-negotiable. Self care wasn’t even possible previously, no time. Now I can’t start the day without my ‘Morning Pages’ journal (Julia Cameron - The Artist’s Way), my morning hot lemon drink, bath with Epsom salts and essential oils and my connect with my inner self and Mother Earth. Taking care of yourself can take many forms. You will know what works for you. Write down any ‘little wins’ to mark moments that are positive. The incremental build of these moments and positive experiences are what helps you to recover.
Ask for Help
Support can come in many forms. Allowing vulnerability in is key to allowing help and support to find you.
Book a complimentary Discovery Call with Alex Russell-Stoneham to learn more about Intentional Life Design Click Here
