Belief Makers
Welcome to Belief Makers, the world's most active blog and online community focused on the Option philosophy and becoming happier.
Belief Makers offers a wide range of ideas, insights and perspectives that we hope you will find interesting, inspiring, enjoyable and challenging.
We welcome your insights, questions, suggestions, assertions and musings.
Belief Makers offers a wide range of ideas, insights and perspectives that we hope you will find interesting, inspiring, enjoyable and challenging.
We welcome your insights, questions, suggestions, assertions and musings.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Crying Games
posted by Jeannene Christie
A few months ago I did an outreach with an 8 year old boy on the autism spectrum (I'll call him Adam). One of his favorite games was to watch his volunteers and his Mom pretend to cry (and sometimes die). He was highly repetitious with this and his team wanted to know what to do with it. He didn't play these games with me but I have come across this interest a number of times. The following are my notes and suggestions on the subject. Even if you are not running a relationship based program I am curious to know how your beliefs about crying and dying show up in your day to day life.
There is a number of possible reasons why Adam wants to play these games. One main reason might simply be the exciting energy created around crying and pretending to die. When people cry, they let go and look funny and are full of emotion. This is exciting to watch. Most people probably react with extreme surprise and discomfort when asked to pretend to die! Once they get over their initial discomfort, they might then pretend to die with great gusto. All very motivating to a curious mind indeed.
My suggestion is to go ahead and continue doing what Adam wants you to do as this is an open door for interaction. He is exploring these topics and there is nothing bad or inappropriate about them. As you found out, Adam doesn't like you to change his favorite game by 'pulling back' or trying to make it 'positive'. Continuing to do this may turn it into a button push. There is no one 'right' thing to do. You can try out different things and see what happens.
Check in about how you feel about crying and dying. What are your beliefs about these topics? Quite interesting I bet an everyone has different beliefs and emotional reactions. Adam is probably really curious about all this. Remember, as facilitators, you are 'selling' beliefs to him. What are some empowering beliefs about crying and dying? Perhaps there might be some opportunities to get Adam talking about his ideas around these topics before selling him yours! His my be enlightening!
The following are some beliefs that I have about crying that I find useful:
Crying is wonderful! I am so happy I am able to cry when I want to cry. Crying is a way to communicate emotions, wants, and needs. Some people cry to get what they want. It is not easy to understand what a person wants when he or she cries. It can be helpful to encourage people to use words to get what they want instead of crying. Sometimes people just want to cry. It feels good to express myself through laughing, crying, jumping, etc. as a way to let my feelings out. Crying can be very cleansing and I usually feel better after I cry. People cry when they are sad, frustrated, angry, lonely, afraid, and when they are happy. I don't know how a person feels even when I see that they are crying.
With all these beliefs I've stated: IT IS EASY FOR ME TO BE COMFORTABLE (and even excited) about crying. This is the key.
Another point: culturally, there is already so much energy around crying and dying, you don't have to use major enthusiasm around it for Adam to be into it. Use SUPER, MEGA TONS of EXCITEMENT around things that Adam has a challenge doing such as participating in new interactive games and activities (and even slight variations of the crying / dying games).
It is not that the crying game is negative and other more typical games are positive. Everything that goes on in the playroom is an amazing learning opportunity.
Build interactions FROM his motivation of crying (versus trying to go away from it or change the game). In other words, use wherever he is to go towards what you want for him.
Make an emotion / action dice. Use a square tissue box and put a picture of someone crying on one of the sides and put pictures of people doing other actions (e.g. laughing, clapping, jumping, etc.) on the others sides. Throw the dice and do the actions together.
Take turns following each others directions. When Adam asks you to cry, do it. If he keeps asking, keep doing it and after a few times say something like: "Ok Adam, now it is your turn. I want you to....(e.g. jump, give me high five, laugh, etc.). Really encourage him strongly: "Go on Adam, I know you can do it!" CHEER HIM ON BIG TIME WHEN HE DOES.
Play a game called: Sometimes when I cry, I like to....(sing, cuddle, jump, etc.). Remember not to assume that crying means sadness.
Help Adam learn how to be a great friend to someone who is crying. After a few times of Adam asking you to cry and following his request, ask Adam to get you a tissue, a drink of water, or ask for a cuddle. If he does come to give you a cuddle, you could then say something like: "Wow, thank you Adam! You are such a nice friend. I'm going to give you a ride or a a squeeze. THIS is the time to PUMP UP YOUR ENERGY!!! You have helped to expand his repertoire of activities without moving away from the very thing he enjoys but by going into it.
There is a number of possible reasons why Adam wants to play these games. One main reason might simply be the exciting energy created around crying and pretending to die. When people cry, they let go and look funny and are full of emotion. This is exciting to watch. Most people probably react with extreme surprise and discomfort when asked to pretend to die! Once they get over their initial discomfort, they might then pretend to die with great gusto. All very motivating to a curious mind indeed.
My suggestion is to go ahead and continue doing what Adam wants you to do as this is an open door for interaction. He is exploring these topics and there is nothing bad or inappropriate about them. As you found out, Adam doesn't like you to change his favorite game by 'pulling back' or trying to make it 'positive'. Continuing to do this may turn it into a button push. There is no one 'right' thing to do. You can try out different things and see what happens.
Check in about how you feel about crying and dying. What are your beliefs about these topics? Quite interesting I bet an everyone has different beliefs and emotional reactions. Adam is probably really curious about all this. Remember, as facilitators, you are 'selling' beliefs to him. What are some empowering beliefs about crying and dying? Perhaps there might be some opportunities to get Adam talking about his ideas around these topics before selling him yours! His my be enlightening!
The following are some beliefs that I have about crying that I find useful:
Crying is wonderful! I am so happy I am able to cry when I want to cry. Crying is a way to communicate emotions, wants, and needs. Some people cry to get what they want. It is not easy to understand what a person wants when he or she cries. It can be helpful to encourage people to use words to get what they want instead of crying. Sometimes people just want to cry. It feels good to express myself through laughing, crying, jumping, etc. as a way to let my feelings out. Crying can be very cleansing and I usually feel better after I cry. People cry when they are sad, frustrated, angry, lonely, afraid, and when they are happy. I don't know how a person feels even when I see that they are crying.
With all these beliefs I've stated: IT IS EASY FOR ME TO BE COMFORTABLE (and even excited) about crying. This is the key.
Another point: culturally, there is already so much energy around crying and dying, you don't have to use major enthusiasm around it for Adam to be into it. Use SUPER, MEGA TONS of EXCITEMENT around things that Adam has a challenge doing such as participating in new interactive games and activities (and even slight variations of the crying / dying games).
It is not that the crying game is negative and other more typical games are positive. Everything that goes on in the playroom is an amazing learning opportunity.
Build interactions FROM his motivation of crying (versus trying to go away from it or change the game). In other words, use wherever he is to go towards what you want for him.
Make an emotion / action dice. Use a square tissue box and put a picture of someone crying on one of the sides and put pictures of people doing other actions (e.g. laughing, clapping, jumping, etc.) on the others sides. Throw the dice and do the actions together.
Take turns following each others directions. When Adam asks you to cry, do it. If he keeps asking, keep doing it and after a few times say something like: "Ok Adam, now it is your turn. I want you to....(e.g. jump, give me high five, laugh, etc.). Really encourage him strongly: "Go on Adam, I know you can do it!" CHEER HIM ON BIG TIME WHEN HE DOES.
Play a game called: Sometimes when I cry, I like to....(sing, cuddle, jump, etc.). Remember not to assume that crying means sadness.
Help Adam learn how to be a great friend to someone who is crying. After a few times of Adam asking you to cry and following his request, ask Adam to get you a tissue, a drink of water, or ask for a cuddle. If he does come to give you a cuddle, you could then say something like: "Wow, thank you Adam! You are such a nice friend. I'm going to give you a ride or a a squeeze. THIS is the time to PUMP UP YOUR ENERGY!!! You have helped to expand his repertoire of activities without moving away from the very thing he enjoys but by going into it.
Make characters pretend to cry and then ask them to use their words. Get silly and playful with it (e.g. "I have no idea what you want little duckie...please use your words.") Have a little dialogue with the characters about why they are crying and sell some empowering beliefs.
When Adam is ready, have a conversation about crying / dying. Talk about a time when you cried (what were you communicating?). Emphasize with passion what you learned from the situation.
Labels: autism, beliefs, crying, dying, emotions, games, jeannene christie
Monday, March 1, 2010
Life Around the House: Jeannene's Top 4 TIPS : )
posted by Jeannene Christie
My travel adventures continue and I'm loving it...next stop Costa Rica! I will be Son-Rising with another amazing family in beautiful and different surroundings. Experiencing new things and being spontaneous, I feel totally alive, present and fully engaged in life. I wish this feeling for everyone!
Through out my travels, I have seen a lot of different home environments and parenting styles and have learned so much from my experiences with kids and families (including previously being a foster parent myself). I am very grateful to all the families who welcome me into their lives and for my growth. Whether you have typically developing children, children with special needs or know someone who does, I hope you find the following tips helpful to promote more harmony in the home.
Tips for Life Around the House:
1. Set up your home for ease and safety --this is just as important outside the playroom as it is inside the playroom.
a) De-clutter! The more things you have around your house, the more there is for your child to get into and make a mess with, which means more boundary setting and tidying.
b) Create safe and simple play areas (less is more) with toys that are easy for your child to enjoy with minimal supervision so that you can get done the things you need to do. For example, set up a cozy reading corner in one part of the kitchen with a bean bag and a special collection of books that you bring out just while making dinner.
c) Remember that YOU run your home (not the kids...or the dog!) That said, you are in charge of setting your boundaries (wants and not wants) as well as honoring your children's boundaries. It is beneficial for all people (yes, even kids with special needs) to know that others have different boundaries than they do. Being able to state our own boundaries and deal with others boundaries is an important and necessary part of life! Boundaries give children an opportunity to practice deciding to be happy even when they do not get what they want.
Pick your battles (if you can't follow through, don't set the boundary or find a way that you can follow through). When you decide to set a boundary, do so in a loving and firm way. When your child is in the act of doing something you would prefer he or she not do, tell him or her WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE him or her to do instead, in other words, offer an alternative when you can. For example, if you child is climbing onto the counter while you are cooking dinner you could say: "If you want to climb, you can climb on the couch cushions and pretend they are a big, tall mountain." Or you can say "This is not an option right now but you can read or play Lego".
2. Set aside time for YOURSELF. Parenting is a very full time job! And like any job you can let it take over your whole life if you don't set boundaries. To prevent stress and to model to your children your own enjoyment of life, prioritize giving yourself breaks to do what you like. Set up a plan with your spouse (or a neighbor or friend) so that you each get time to do your own hobby or have a cup of tea or a bath to relax and unwind. This is very reasonable and doable, you just have to make it happen...your kids won't do it for you. You may need to put a lock the door to your office or bedroom so that you have a space for uninterrupted time in your own playroom : )
3. Use FIRST, THEN statements (e.g. "First put on your jacket, then we can go outside"), give warning and choices. Set it up so that a more preferred activity comes after a less preferred activity, for example, "In two minutes, it will be time for a bath, then it will be snack time!" Follow up your direction with a choice: "It's time for a bath! Do you want bubbles or foam?" Or, "Do you want me to chase you to the bath or do you want a ride?"
4. Make gratitude and celebration a central part of your lives...not just regarding your child, but regarding yourself, your spouse and life. Make it a game to see who can celebrate the most!
Labels: boundaries, harmony, home, jeannene christie, kids, tips
Monday, February 1, 2010
My Vipassana Experience
posted by Jeannene Christie
It's February 1st already! I've been doing so many wonderful things this past month. I've been so present and fully engaged, time is flying by. Even though I am doing so much (traveling, taking classes and working), I don't feel busy, hectic or stressed. This is BIG for me! I attribute this change to huge evolution in my own body awareness.
One of the things I did before I started traveling was a 10 day Vipassana meditation. It was kinda like meditation boot camp...not for everyone but it was a good way to learn how to mediate in a condensed time period. Each day we sat and were guided how to meditate for about 9 hours and there was no communication between meditators. The first day felt like forever. It was quite an adjustment to not have any way to distract myself.
The whole experience was challenging to say the least. Many times I questioned whether the course was good for me or not because it was difficult to feel benefits. A number of times, I thought about leaving (I would tell myself: I could be doing so many more important things at home).
I am very happy I stayed for the entire 10 days. It was a big accomplishment; a huge act of self-love to prioritize spending that time with myself to learn such an important tool for life.
One of my biggest challenges during the course was the pain I felt in my body from sitting so much. The main things to learn from a course in Vipassana is awareness (of breath and body sensation) and being equanimous (neutral, not attatched). I had plenty of opportunities to practice being equanimous with my physical discomfort and my need to move in order to get more comfortable. It was amazing that my body trained me how to sit properly...the key is listening to how I feel!
One of my favorite times during the course was how much I felt when I focused my awareness on all the different parts of my body, part by part. I felt positively overwhelmed with awe and wonder of how amazing my body is and how much I could feel. I felt my skin, bones, blood, and such life-force, energy. I was fully and truly meeting myself...my beauty, my power, my love. I sobbed with pleasure, joy, and in celebration for myself and life as well as with sorrow for all the times I have neglected my body. Doing this kind of meditation is like doing a body dialogue.
After learning how to do this exercise in body awareness my body felt so limber and relaxed. It felt like I had a massage each day. Over the 10 days, I did not have any muscle aches or joint pains that I have been having since I got Lyme Disease three years ago. I was doing yoga (union) all day and it felt so good--challenging but good! I slept very well and had interesting dreams too.
As I thought it would be, the Vipasanna was a life-changing adventure. I have incorporated meditation into my life and am breathing deeper and living life even more fully than before. I have an increased capacity for being with people, having more fun, freedom, change, and growth. I stay in touch with myself and my body so there is no need for stress.
One of the things I did before I started traveling was a 10 day Vipassana meditation. It was kinda like meditation boot camp...not for everyone but it was a good way to learn how to mediate in a condensed time period. Each day we sat and were guided how to meditate for about 9 hours and there was no communication between meditators. The first day felt like forever. It was quite an adjustment to not have any way to distract myself.
The whole experience was challenging to say the least. Many times I questioned whether the course was good for me or not because it was difficult to feel benefits. A number of times, I thought about leaving (I would tell myself: I could be doing so many more important things at home).
I am very happy I stayed for the entire 10 days. It was a big accomplishment; a huge act of self-love to prioritize spending that time with myself to learn such an important tool for life.
One of my biggest challenges during the course was the pain I felt in my body from sitting so much. The main things to learn from a course in Vipassana is awareness (of breath and body sensation) and being equanimous (neutral, not attatched). I had plenty of opportunities to practice being equanimous with my physical discomfort and my need to move in order to get more comfortable. It was amazing that my body trained me how to sit properly...the key is listening to how I feel!
One of my favorite times during the course was how much I felt when I focused my awareness on all the different parts of my body, part by part. I felt positively overwhelmed with awe and wonder of how amazing my body is and how much I could feel. I felt my skin, bones, blood, and such life-force, energy. I was fully and truly meeting myself...my beauty, my power, my love. I sobbed with pleasure, joy, and in celebration for myself and life as well as with sorrow for all the times I have neglected my body. Doing this kind of meditation is like doing a body dialogue.
After learning how to do this exercise in body awareness my body felt so limber and relaxed. It felt like I had a massage each day. Over the 10 days, I did not have any muscle aches or joint pains that I have been having since I got Lyme Disease three years ago. I was doing yoga (union) all day and it felt so good--challenging but good! I slept very well and had interesting dreams too.
As I thought it would be, the Vipasanna was a life-changing adventure. I have incorporated meditation into my life and am breathing deeper and living life even more fully than before. I have an increased capacity for being with people, having more fun, freedom, change, and growth. I stay in touch with myself and my body so there is no need for stress.
Labels: body awareness, jeannene christie, meditation
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome 2010
posted by Jeannene Christie
Happy New Year! Ahhh... the first day an exceptional year. I can feel it, this year will be extra especially great. I bet you can feel it too, right?I am writing this on December 26 and setting it to post on my usual first of the month because on the 1st, I won't be writing. In fact, I won't be speaking or reading either. I will be five days in to ten days of meditation. I am doing a course in Vipassana, which means to see things as they really are.
It has been interesting to see the various reactions I get after telling people what I will be doing over the holidays. Many people wouldn't want to do it. One person said it would be harmful and another person worried that I wouldn't be allowed to stop if I wanted to. On the other hand, it is highly recommended by some friends.
It has been interesting to see the various reactions I get after telling people what I will be doing over the holidays. Many people wouldn't want to do it. One person said it would be harmful and another person worried that I wouldn't be allowed to stop if I wanted to. On the other hand, it is highly recommended by some friends.
I'm excited for this new experience. However, I'm not sure if it will help me to see things as they really are though because so far it seems that there is "no way" that things really are. I see things as I am. Perhaps, to a greater extent, I will see things as they really are because I will be able to more clearly see how I am.
I imagine that being in silence and meditation for 10 days will be a life-changing, inward journey. I intend to gain clarity, depth and sensitivity in perception and to nurture my perspective and priorities of well-being, peace, calm and ease no matter what is going on around me.I'm not one for chit-chat and am looking forward to not speaking. I already know from my Son-Rise playroom experiences how profoundly important, revealing and connection-building SILENCE between two people is. I crave it and suspect that being silent amongst others will help me connect more fully with myself.
Stay tuned for my sharing on February 1st and have a wonderful month!
Labels: happy new year, intention, jeannene christie, meditation, silence
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
CranioSacral Therapy
posted by Jeannene Christie
I just completed a CranioSacral Therapy (CST) course through the Upledger Institute. It was a fabulous class and I learned a lot. This type of therapy is congruent with the Son-Rise Program and is helpful for people who have autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, headaches, neck and back pain, tension and many other conditions. Many people, including myself, use it for preventative and well-care as it is very relaxing.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle touch approach (about the weight of a nickel) used to facilitate the bodies natural healing capabilities and propensity towards wellness.There are many rhythms in the body. Blood circulation and breathing are two of the most commonly known, easy to feel and see. Although more subtle, cerebral spinal fluid flows through us is a rhythmic manner of about 6-12 cycles per minute in adults and with some training and practice one can feel this rhythm as well.
One of the major things I like about CranioSacral therapy and why I see it as so congruent with Son-Rise and the Option philosophy is the importance placed on the attitude, or intent of the therapist. The therapist takes a neutral, non-directive standpoint of listening and following the body rather than indulging in thoughts of trying to fix it. The body takes care of itself -- the therapist doesn't know what healing means to each specific person. The therapist is present with the person's process and offers a helping hand. Very often, being held within this attitudinal space, the body welcomes the assistance and then guides the therapist to do what is most helpful.
With a neutral intent and gentle touch the therapist's hands blend with the client's body and therefore do not activate the natural defense mechanism. CranioSacral therapy releases membranes restrictions and suture compressions in the craniosacral system due to everyday stresses and strains as well as from more serious traumas (e.g. car accidents, falls, birth complications etc.). These releases consequently help cerebral spinal fluid flow more smoothly.
John Upledger, the person who developed CranioSacral therapy, believes "somewhere inside you is the answer to every question that can be asked about you"(p. 117). He calls this part the Inner Physician and uses CST to access one's inner wisdom.It has been found that people with autism tend to have tight dura maters (the membrane around the brain). In Upledger's work providing CranioSacral treatments to this population, he found that they became less self injurious and improved social behavior. After these children had felt the special touch, they sought out the therapist and lined up to receive more. One little boy I read about lay still for two hours while receiving his treatment.
There are simple techniques in CranioSacral therapy that can be learned by caregivers and parents to use on a daily basis to improve the health and well-being of their children.
Reference:
Your Inner Physician and You: CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release
by John E. Upledger, 1997
Labels: autism, craniosacral therapy, jeannene christie
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Team Building Fun
posted by Jeannene Christie
Over the years I have participated in many Son-Rise Program team meetings. I have also been involved in other types of group activities and classes that have focused on Improv and TEAM BUILDING. I love these events. I make them outrageous, enthralling, dynamic, delightful and often the highlights of my week. A unique time to laugh, bond, feel inspired, be creative and celebrate. I am excited to share some ideas and suggestions for your team meetings and for team building in general. These are a sure way to PUMP up the MOTIVATION of each team member and deepen the bond and commitment of your group.
Game and Activity Ideas for your TEAM:
Energy Ball: Stand in a circle. One person starts off by 'holding' an imaginary ball of energy. Allow this person time to hold onto this ball of energy as it moves and takes shape into something that the person then acts out. For example, the energy ball might transform into a bicycle that the person begins to ride around the room on. This person then 'throws' the ball of energy to someone else in the circle.You can easily use this type of creativity in the playroom by transforming an ordinary item that your child wants (e.g. food, puzzle pieces, balls etc.) into something a little unusual. Can you imagine how your child would respond if all the sudden the piece of banana that you are bringing to him turned into a bicycle that you then proceeded to give him a ride on?
Wizard: This is a fun one to do while in your playroom with your child or your team. Take turns being the wizard and the demonstrators of the wizards magic! The wizard calls out ridiculous instructions (e.g. "I command you to be ice cream with a cherry on top" or "I turn you into the head of a monkey and the body of a whale" etc.). I've never laughed so hard then when playing this game! Be outrageous. At the Son-Rise Start Up we were playing this game and I remember Bryn instructing people to be dogs. One Son-Rise dad, Patch, was the craziest and most real-life like spastic happy Labrador dog I've ever seen a human be! Wow, even the simplest of instructions can be made into a wonderfully hilarious life-long memory.A great and simple way to play wizard with your child is to use eye power. Every time your child looks at you turn into something magical!
Wind in the Willows: The group stands in a close circle (no gaps!) with one person in the middle. The person in the middle of the circle, crosses arms over chest, with eyes closed or open, he or she falls in any direction while maintaining a straight body and trusting the spotters to catch him / her. Afterward you can talk about how it felt for each person to trust. Did they believe they would be caught? Were they relaxed and comfortable as they fell?
Don't Stop Moving: Ask someone in your team to make a Team Grooving CD with your teams favorite songs. A mix of genre's and tempos works very well. The idea of this activity is to play the CD and to simply keep moving. Move in whatever way the music inspires you to move and express your emotions through movement. This is a great way to inspire your team members to use their bodies more and in more dynamic ways in the playroom.Silent Communication: On slips of paper, write down some instructions related to the room that you will be holding your meeting in (e.g. "Smell the flower", "Get a glass of water and drink it" "Jump on the trampoline and sing"). One person silently communicates the instruction that is written using his or her head only (use eyes to 'point' to things, nodding yes and shaking head for no are allowed, but do not talk. Some people may want to sit on their hands as a reminder to not use them). Another person tries to figure out the instruction and do it by paying close attention to the communicators head gestures and by asking lots of questions / trial and error.
This is an amazing game and can really help people become more comfortable (even ecstatic) trying things out / experimenting when faced with a non-verbal request! And you will quickly figure out that just as in the playroom, it works best when we are very responsive to the communicators cues and when we are in doubt just try anything out.
PLAY: One of the most fun times I've ever had was playing with and watching my other Child Facilitator friends play in the Son-Rise Unit 3 playroom. I HIGHLY recommend this as a team bonding activity. Pair up members of your Son-Rise team and have each pair go in your playroom for 15 minutes while everyone else watches them. The only rule is: HAVE FUN!!! It is so awesome to see each person's personality come out. When we did this, there was the "teacher", the "controller" and the "dangerous ones" just to name a few.
If you are not a Son-Rise parent or are not involved in a Son-Rise Program, no worries, YOU STILL BELONG! Find a way to try out these fun activities with family members, friends, or coworkers. And for all you Son-Rise parents, I know you have many other responsibilities as it is already so DELEGATE. Elect one person from your team to lead a team building game.
I have other types of ideas for team building for my next post. Please let me know if these are helpful and what it was like to try them. Thanks and Happy September.
Labels: bonding, creativity, fun activities, jeannene christie, team building
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Quite Simply....THANK YOU
posted by Jeannene Christie
It's been so wonderful and amazing to come back to the Berkshires after 7 months to visit my friends. The way we all connect so instantly, it's like I've haven't been gone. I am so grateful for the loving, happy, authentic, and fabulously fun family I have created for myself!
I remember being in a class at the Option Institute and Bears was teaching. The subject of gratitude came up. Bears asked the class how gratitude has changed their lives. I answered the question but my answer came out muttled and without umph and passion. I explored why I was speaking that way and realized it was because I didn't believe I could capture and express how grateful I am for gratitude! My feelings seemed too big for words and I was judging my simple response (and consequently lived up to my belief)--which went something like: "Gratitude....ah....um.... it's good". Now I see this response as so cute and so me! And I am constantly changing. SIMPLE IS GOOD!
I've changed my attitude from depressed and self-critical to happy, empowerd, present and loving by being and expressing gratitude moment to moment.
I would like to share some of this beautiful life changing gratitude with you and a poem I recently wrote.
Thank you Susan for opening your home and bringing us all together--what a warm and touching welcome. Thank you Rita for being so open and honest with me. Through the lessons we offer each other, we can see that we really are the same at our core, even though we seem so different. Thank you Paula for your passion, for believing in me and sharing your dreams and yourself with me. Thank you Katrina for encouraging me to be myself. Thank you Camila for loving me so deeply for no reason. Thank you Burr for living your song. Thank you for coming B-ruce it simply wouldn't be the same without you there. Thank you Tim and Athena for your ways in this world--you show me anything is possible.
Thank you Kim for your delight in life, your child-like joy in all that you do. I love singing randomly and playing guitar with you. Thank you Mark for your smile and hugs--so heartwarming. Thank you Iris for being an excited friend always eager to listen. Thank you Julie for being a never ending friend, always supportive, teaching and inspiring me to connect. Thank you Brandi, Becky, and Paula for singing your heart song--you inspire me. Thank you David for your constant eye contact, smiles, words, laughter and crashing into the mat with me....how much fun we had. Thank you brownies for returning Kim's keys! I am so so so blessed!
CONNECTION...
a sparkle of magic
between friends
seeing myself in you
our similarities are true
learning from and
honoring differences
they make this world
more fun
sharing joy
uniting as one
we click
and I can
with anyone
a choice,
my intention
I hear your call:
connection is
love--
the best
teacher of
all
I remember being in a class at the Option Institute and Bears was teaching. The subject of gratitude came up. Bears asked the class how gratitude has changed their lives. I answered the question but my answer came out muttled and without umph and passion. I explored why I was speaking that way and realized it was because I didn't believe I could capture and express how grateful I am for gratitude! My feelings seemed too big for words and I was judging my simple response (and consequently lived up to my belief)--which went something like: "Gratitude....ah....um.... it's good". Now I see this response as so cute and so me! And I am constantly changing. SIMPLE IS GOOD!
I've changed my attitude from depressed and self-critical to happy, empowerd, present and loving by being and expressing gratitude moment to moment.
I would like to share some of this beautiful life changing gratitude with you and a poem I recently wrote.
Thank you Susan for opening your home and bringing us all together--what a warm and touching welcome. Thank you Rita for being so open and honest with me. Through the lessons we offer each other, we can see that we really are the same at our core, even though we seem so different. Thank you Paula for your passion, for believing in me and sharing your dreams and yourself with me. Thank you Katrina for encouraging me to be myself. Thank you Camila for loving me so deeply for no reason. Thank you Burr for living your song. Thank you for coming B-ruce it simply wouldn't be the same without you there. Thank you Tim and Athena for your ways in this world--you show me anything is possible.
Thank you Kim for your delight in life, your child-like joy in all that you do. I love singing randomly and playing guitar with you. Thank you Mark for your smile and hugs--so heartwarming. Thank you Iris for being an excited friend always eager to listen. Thank you Julie for being a never ending friend, always supportive, teaching and inspiring me to connect. Thank you Brandi, Becky, and Paula for singing your heart song--you inspire me. Thank you David for your constant eye contact, smiles, words, laughter and crashing into the mat with me....how much fun we had. Thank you brownies for returning Kim's keys! I am so so so blessed!
CONNECTION...
a sparkle of magic
between friends
seeing myself in you
our similarities are true
learning from and
honoring differences
they make this world
more fun
sharing joy
uniting as one
we click
and I can
with anyone
a choice,
my intention
I hear your call:
connection is
love--
the best
teacher of
all
Labels: all blogs, jeannene christie
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Is There a Dog in Your Dreams?
posted by Jeannene Christie
Is there a dog in your dreams? This is what a not-quite 4 year old with autism asked me today, out of the blue. What an interesting question! I had already been wanting to write about dreams in this blog. I wonder if he read my mind
: )
I've been coming everyday to this blog to read other posts (sometimes re-reading). I find it very inspirational and encouraging (its like getting a big hug from my Option friends) to read the words of people who think like me but in different flavors.
The other day I realized I'm in such a place of happiness that I don't want anything other than what I have exactly in this moment. This is not a usual feeling for me. I've always had goals, things I wanted to change about myself or about my life. Nothing against goals or wanting change. I'm just really happy to be exactly as I am....to the point that if nothing EVER changed, I would be perfectly content...wow! Now that is happy!
This happy place has been the perfect place for dreaming. It feels like I am jumping and playing on big, white puffy clouds.
I haven't actually been dreaming of dogs lately. When I was younger, I used to think that one day I would live on a farm with people with autism or in a forest with horses (yes, I know I am a rare bird). This dream has changed...slightly. Now, I dream about living in an intentional community with Son-Rise parents and other Option-friendly folks. It would be a place that all the autistic kids would be accepted and cherished. We would all support each other, grow our food and use alternative forms of energy. Sounds wonderful, right?
I like conscious dreaming. It is a full-being experience, as if I already have whatever I am dreaming about. Wayne Dyer says: "We attract what we are, not what we want". So, I've become an intentional community for myself. How funky cool, I love it.
As a child, I used to dream that when I got home from summer camp, my family would all get along and be happy together. That dream didn't so much come true then. But as grown ups all moved out, we get along quite nicely.
I used to dream that I would have a family or close friends I could share openly and honestly with, talk about concepts that interested me that were important to my life. This dream has most definitely come true with my Option family.
For a long time, I dreamed I would write books for children! And I am...how cool. I am entering a story I wrote about autism into a contest to be published.
I still on a daily basis dream of playing the guitar and singing (campfire style)...it is not a question of if I will, it is simply a matter of when I want to do it, I do it.
What are your current dreams (for yourself, your child, your family)? What were your childhood dreams? Have any come true or do you still dream about them? Are you, on a daily basis, doing things that you dream about doing?
Happy Canada day everyone and keep on dreaming
: )
I've been coming everyday to this blog to read other posts (sometimes re-reading). I find it very inspirational and encouraging (its like getting a big hug from my Option friends) to read the words of people who think like me but in different flavors.
The other day I realized I'm in such a place of happiness that I don't want anything other than what I have exactly in this moment. This is not a usual feeling for me. I've always had goals, things I wanted to change about myself or about my life. Nothing against goals or wanting change. I'm just really happy to be exactly as I am....to the point that if nothing EVER changed, I would be perfectly content...wow! Now that is happy!
This happy place has been the perfect place for dreaming. It feels like I am jumping and playing on big, white puffy clouds.
I haven't actually been dreaming of dogs lately. When I was younger, I used to think that one day I would live on a farm with people with autism or in a forest with horses (yes, I know I am a rare bird). This dream has changed...slightly. Now, I dream about living in an intentional community with Son-Rise parents and other Option-friendly folks. It would be a place that all the autistic kids would be accepted and cherished. We would all support each other, grow our food and use alternative forms of energy. Sounds wonderful, right?
I like conscious dreaming. It is a full-being experience, as if I already have whatever I am dreaming about. Wayne Dyer says: "We attract what we are, not what we want". So, I've become an intentional community for myself. How funky cool, I love it.
As a child, I used to dream that when I got home from summer camp, my family would all get along and be happy together. That dream didn't so much come true then. But as grown ups all moved out, we get along quite nicely.
I used to dream that I would have a family or close friends I could share openly and honestly with, talk about concepts that interested me that were important to my life. This dream has most definitely come true with my Option family.
For a long time, I dreamed I would write books for children! And I am...how cool. I am entering a story I wrote about autism into a contest to be published.
I still on a daily basis dream of playing the guitar and singing (campfire style)...it is not a question of if I will, it is simply a matter of when I want to do it, I do it.
What are your current dreams (for yourself, your child, your family)? What were your childhood dreams? Have any come true or do you still dream about them? Are you, on a daily basis, doing things that you dream about doing?
Happy Canada day everyone and keep on dreaming
Labels: all blogs, jeannene christie, philosophy
Monday, June 1, 2009
My Vote For More Peace and Harmony
posted by Jeannene Christie
Every aspect of our lives is, in a sense, a vote for the kind of world we want to live in --Frances Moore Lappe.
My brother Tim and I have been having some interesting conversations lately. Tim is a philosopher of ethics...not surprisingly our discussions have lead me to lots of great questions! We've been talking mostly about doing what we should or ought to do versus living from our wants...is this a question of morality? Now I am wondering, what is the goal of morality? Hmmmm, this brings me to another question, which is the one I want to discuss most:
What is the most effective way to stimulate change so that everyone lives in peace and harmony?
Coming from an Option lifestyle, I am all about living from my wants versus doing what I should do. 'Shoulds' are based on judgments which create resistance and separation versus unity. Living according to my wants is liberating and a loving way to choose my actions.
Has my self-awareness and emotional freedom replaced my use for morality or have they become my own internalized sense of morality? Would this work on a societal level?
My brother pointed out that living in a society focused on materialism and consumption, we are taught to simply satisfy our desires (particularly material desires: e.g. drink coke and be happy, buy a new car and be free and cool, etc.) without thinking much about why we want what we want or about the consequences of fulfilling our desires.
Perhaps people need to buy, buy, buy, until THEY realize that buying things will not make them happy?
Does happiness matter when it comes to morality? People are driven towards feeling good and away from feeling bad. Therefore, talking about happiness is an effective way of creating a more peaceful world. I am not referring to stimulus-dependent happiness. I am talking about that which is underneath the happy feelings (our beliefs) related to drinking coke or driving a new car. Happiness is our natural state of allowance, freedom and love which is in each moment available to us for free....so how best to relay this message?
To be the most effective inspiration for peace and harmony, I am reminded to be the change I want to see in the world (Mahatma Gandhi). When living by example, 'shoulds' are redundant--actions speak louder than words. I am not saying we shouldn't should people, that would be silly! I am questioning the effectiveness of shoulds...do they transfer into change? Is it long lasting change?
I feel a greater sense of conviction behind my actions of looking within, making my own changes, and sharing these changes with others as a way to create more love in this world.
Thank you for reading!
My brother Tim and I have been having some interesting conversations lately. Tim is a philosopher of ethics...not surprisingly our discussions have lead me to lots of great questions! We've been talking mostly about doing what we should or ought to do versus living from our wants...is this a question of morality? Now I am wondering, what is the goal of morality? Hmmmm, this brings me to another question, which is the one I want to discuss most:
What is the most effective way to stimulate change so that everyone lives in peace and harmony?
Coming from an Option lifestyle, I am all about living from my wants versus doing what I should do. 'Shoulds' are based on judgments which create resistance and separation versus unity. Living according to my wants is liberating and a loving way to choose my actions.
Has my self-awareness and emotional freedom replaced my use for morality or have they become my own internalized sense of morality? Would this work on a societal level?
My brother pointed out that living in a society focused on materialism and consumption, we are taught to simply satisfy our desires (particularly material desires: e.g. drink coke and be happy, buy a new car and be free and cool, etc.) without thinking much about why we want what we want or about the consequences of fulfilling our desires.
Perhaps people need to buy, buy, buy, until THEY realize that buying things will not make them happy?
Does happiness matter when it comes to morality? People are driven towards feeling good and away from feeling bad. Therefore, talking about happiness is an effective way of creating a more peaceful world. I am not referring to stimulus-dependent happiness. I am talking about that which is underneath the happy feelings (our beliefs) related to drinking coke or driving a new car. Happiness is our natural state of allowance, freedom and love which is in each moment available to us for free....so how best to relay this message?
To be the most effective inspiration for peace and harmony, I am reminded to be the change I want to see in the world (Mahatma Gandhi). When living by example, 'shoulds' are redundant--actions speak louder than words. I am not saying we shouldn't should people, that would be silly! I am questioning the effectiveness of shoulds...do they transfer into change? Is it long lasting change?
I feel a greater sense of conviction behind my actions of looking within, making my own changes, and sharing these changes with others as a way to create more love in this world.
Thank you for reading!
Labels: all blogs, jeannene christie, philosophy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Son-Rising the World!
posted by Jeannene Christie
Wow! What an incredible month I've had, I feel amazing! I have been doing lots of Outreaches. I am so grateful for the experiences I've had and so proud of myself for really going for it, giving and using ALL of myself...what a dream I am living!
One of the things I have been doing during Outreaches that I feel so amazing about is coaching family members. For example, I had a group of 7 foster siblings and their parents all listening to suggestions about how to help the youngest in the family (who has autism) around the house and during 1:1 playtime. What a magical time this was for me to share my knowledge and be an inspiration.
When I'm coaching, I use all my experience and knowledge regarding autism (e.g. Psychology degree, workshops, being a foster parent, and my learnings from parents) and from a Son-Rise perspective, I help families with questions about the playroom as well about things that that come up with their children in the house and in the community.
Some coaching tips for your Son-Rise Program:
Think about how much of what we say and do in the playroom is positive and celebratory...it's well over the majority, perhaps about 90% of the time we are talking it is to celebrate, right? Well, it's no wonder then why the playroom is such a powerful place. The Playroom is like our garden and we are growing "flowers" with the warmth and nourishment of our positive and celebratory words. Are you celebrating yourself, your life, your volunteers as much as you do your special child? If not, why not?
One specific way I like to celebrate volunteers and family members after I observe them in the playroom is to:
1. Point out at least three specific, amazingly, wonderful and effective things the person did and before telling them why I think it was amazing, I celebrate them and ask them why they did it (just as I would with something less effective). This technique is so powerful because, well for starters, who doesn't like talking about the great things they do! And secondly, doing this so hugely grows the behavior that we want to see more of! Thirdly, focusing on the positive is such a beautiful way to connect and possibly shift the energy of feedback sessions. I find that people open up more, are more positive about change, excited and motivated to learn when I focus on what they are doing tremendously...sound familiar? (its what we do with our kids, let's do it for each other too). Exploring things to change can be just as FUN too, it's all about our attitude!
2. Encourage your volunteers to direct their learning (again, as we do with our kids). For example, ask your volunteer to pick a time that they felt amazing and awesome in the room and a time that they felt most uncomfortable and then explore BOTH these moments using Stimulus Belief Response. I find writing each example down on a chart with columns works well.
3. Get comfortable with other people's discomfort!
4. Allow space and time for a person's discomfort. Feel honored and celebrate the person for sharing their feelings with you (especially about discomfort because of the judgments that people may have about being uncomfortable). What a wonderful feeling it is to be accepted at all times, even when we are uncomfortable.
I will be doing a live/webcam Q & A on the Facebook group All Inclusive Son-Rise Program Network Cats on Monday May 4th at 10 am PST ...hope you can all make it!
One of the things I have been doing during Outreaches that I feel so amazing about is coaching family members. For example, I had a group of 7 foster siblings and their parents all listening to suggestions about how to help the youngest in the family (who has autism) around the house and during 1:1 playtime. What a magical time this was for me to share my knowledge and be an inspiration.
When I'm coaching, I use all my experience and knowledge regarding autism (e.g. Psychology degree, workshops, being a foster parent, and my learnings from parents) and from a Son-Rise perspective, I help families with questions about the playroom as well about things that that come up with their children in the house and in the community.
Some coaching tips for your Son-Rise Program:
Think about how much of what we say and do in the playroom is positive and celebratory...it's well over the majority, perhaps about 90% of the time we are talking it is to celebrate, right? Well, it's no wonder then why the playroom is such a powerful place. The Playroom is like our garden and we are growing "flowers" with the warmth and nourishment of our positive and celebratory words. Are you celebrating yourself, your life, your volunteers as much as you do your special child? If not, why not?
One specific way I like to celebrate volunteers and family members after I observe them in the playroom is to:
1. Point out at least three specific, amazingly, wonderful and effective things the person did and before telling them why I think it was amazing, I celebrate them and ask them why they did it (just as I would with something less effective). This technique is so powerful because, well for starters, who doesn't like talking about the great things they do! And secondly, doing this so hugely grows the behavior that we want to see more of! Thirdly, focusing on the positive is such a beautiful way to connect and possibly shift the energy of feedback sessions. I find that people open up more, are more positive about change, excited and motivated to learn when I focus on what they are doing tremendously...sound familiar? (its what we do with our kids, let's do it for each other too). Exploring things to change can be just as FUN too, it's all about our attitude!
2. Encourage your volunteers to direct their learning (again, as we do with our kids). For example, ask your volunteer to pick a time that they felt amazing and awesome in the room and a time that they felt most uncomfortable and then explore BOTH these moments using Stimulus Belief Response. I find writing each example down on a chart with columns works well.
3. Get comfortable with other people's discomfort!
4. Allow space and time for a person's discomfort. Feel honored and celebrate the person for sharing their feelings with you (especially about discomfort because of the judgments that people may have about being uncomfortable). What a wonderful feeling it is to be accepted at all times, even when we are uncomfortable.
I will be doing a live/webcam Q & A on the Facebook group All Inclusive Son-Rise Program Network Cats on Monday May 4th at 10 am PST ...hope you can all make it!
Labels: all blogs, autism, jeannene christie, son-rise
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
"Stepping Out ....of your Comfort Zone"
posted by Jeannene Christie
Hi All!
I am excited to be posting again. I'm thrilled to be a part of this blog and have been enjoying reading the posts and comments. Through this blog, I feel a great sense of community between us. We are family by choice because we share such awareness and a desire to explore ourselves and look at life and our experiences from all sorts of angles! Yee haa, what fun! A big thank you to Iris for creating this and for everyone's thought provoking posts.
I want to write and explore about the phrase "stepping out of your comfort zone". What does this mean to you?
This phrase implies that we have an area or space that we are comfortable operating from and that we can, by choice, actively move OUT of this space. Does doing so necessarily mean we move into a place of DIScomfort? Must it be uncomfortable to step out of our comfort zone? If so, why do we set it up this way?
First of all, why would a person want to step out of his or her comfort zone anyway?
I think it has a lot to do with: MOTIVATION! In many ways through out child facilitator training, I stepped out of my comfort zone because I was highly motivated to do so! My "comfort" zone in actuality wasn't all that comfortable! It was familiar but also restricting. I wanted more room for myself and I was greatly inspired to help and learn from people with autism.
A big part of my CF training was uncovering the many layers of my judgment that being uncomfortable is bad. I continue to come to deeper levels of understanding as I explore the topic of discomfort further. During training, especially in the beginning, I didn't feel that it was OK to be uncomfortable. Not wanting to do the unmentionable and get uncomfortable in the playroom, I avoided doing things that I got uncomfortable about and during feedback, I often thought "I should be over this issue by now" and so I was not very forthcoming.
Because our culture puts such an emphasis on judging discomfort (how many of us were told: "Don't cry, you'll be fine" or "Stop crying you big baby!"), I think it is very important for people to be given space and permission to be uncomfortable. I just realize now how much I wanted to feel safe feeling whatever I felt versus being asked why. Being asked why got me intellectualizing which further blocked my feelings that were already blocked because I was judging them. I simply wanted a safe place to feel uncomfortable.
When I experienced this space and acceptance (from myself and therefore felt it from the teachers) training was so much easier. When someone shares a discomfort with me, I feel honored, I celebrate them, and take time to embrace their feelings!
Going back to the question: Must it be uncomfortable to step out of our comfort zone?"
I'm deciding no, it doesn't have to be and it isn't even meant to be. Nature and young children don't seem to operate from the "no pain, no gain" paradigm. I don't think a tiny plant struggles with discomfort as it emerges from the dirt, or a baby gets uncomfortable as it learns to sit up or crawl.
The experience of discomfort is resistance to the ease of our natural unfolding and growing. Like trying to pull apart the petals of a flower or trying to hold them shut. Discomfort is a sign that says "Let go". When I get uncomfortable, I am most likely pushing myself, or "shoulding" myself rather than acting from a place of genuine and inspired wanting.
I see that stepping out of my comfort zone is more accurately simply stepping into a new stage of myself or into a new way of experiencing the world which doesn't necessarily involve discomfort. For so long my "comfort" zone was all about struggling because that what was most familiar to me. Now I've eagerly stepped out of struggle and into ease without effort and from this place of ease I will continue to grow my comfort zone rather than step out of it!
Thank you!
I am excited to be posting again. I'm thrilled to be a part of this blog and have been enjoying reading the posts and comments. Through this blog, I feel a great sense of community between us. We are family by choice because we share such awareness and a desire to explore ourselves and look at life and our experiences from all sorts of angles! Yee haa, what fun! A big thank you to Iris for creating this and for everyone's thought provoking posts.
I want to write and explore about the phrase "stepping out of your comfort zone". What does this mean to you?
This phrase implies that we have an area or space that we are comfortable operating from and that we can, by choice, actively move OUT of this space. Does doing so necessarily mean we move into a place of DIScomfort? Must it be uncomfortable to step out of our comfort zone? If so, why do we set it up this way?
First of all, why would a person want to step out of his or her comfort zone anyway?
I think it has a lot to do with: MOTIVATION! In many ways through out child facilitator training, I stepped out of my comfort zone because I was highly motivated to do so! My "comfort" zone in actuality wasn't all that comfortable! It was familiar but also restricting. I wanted more room for myself and I was greatly inspired to help and learn from people with autism.
A big part of my CF training was uncovering the many layers of my judgment that being uncomfortable is bad. I continue to come to deeper levels of understanding as I explore the topic of discomfort further. During training, especially in the beginning, I didn't feel that it was OK to be uncomfortable. Not wanting to do the unmentionable and get uncomfortable in the playroom, I avoided doing things that I got uncomfortable about and during feedback, I often thought "I should be over this issue by now" and so I was not very forthcoming.
Because our culture puts such an emphasis on judging discomfort (how many of us were told: "Don't cry, you'll be fine" or "Stop crying you big baby!"), I think it is very important for people to be given space and permission to be uncomfortable. I just realize now how much I wanted to feel safe feeling whatever I felt versus being asked why. Being asked why got me intellectualizing which further blocked my feelings that were already blocked because I was judging them. I simply wanted a safe place to feel uncomfortable.
When I experienced this space and acceptance (from myself and therefore felt it from the teachers) training was so much easier. When someone shares a discomfort with me, I feel honored, I celebrate them, and take time to embrace their feelings!
Going back to the question: Must it be uncomfortable to step out of our comfort zone?"
I'm deciding no, it doesn't have to be and it isn't even meant to be. Nature and young children don't seem to operate from the "no pain, no gain" paradigm. I don't think a tiny plant struggles with discomfort as it emerges from the dirt, or a baby gets uncomfortable as it learns to sit up or crawl.
The experience of discomfort is resistance to the ease of our natural unfolding and growing. Like trying to pull apart the petals of a flower or trying to hold them shut. Discomfort is a sign that says "Let go". When I get uncomfortable, I am most likely pushing myself, or "shoulding" myself rather than acting from a place of genuine and inspired wanting.
I see that stepping out of my comfort zone is more accurately simply stepping into a new stage of myself or into a new way of experiencing the world which doesn't necessarily involve discomfort. For so long my "comfort" zone was all about struggling because that what was most familiar to me. Now I've eagerly stepped out of struggle and into ease without effort and from this place of ease I will continue to grow my comfort zone rather than step out of it!
Thank you!
Labels: all blogs, jeannene christie, philosophy
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A GPS for Life
posted by Jeannene Christie
Hello and happy March to everyone! For those readers who do not already know me, my name is Jeannene. I am a Son-Rise Child Facilitator. I trained and worked at the Option Institute from August 2006 until October 2008. This past December I moved back home to Canada. I am now starting out my own business providing Son-Rise Outreaches to families world wide! Today is the first day that my website http://www.loveplaylearn.com goes live. Please take a look and pass it along to other people.
As I mentioned above, I recently moved home to Canada. However, I am living in a different place than where I grew up. This move has brought up many interesting things to share. Most significantly, being in a new place has given me lots of opportunities to see how dramatically I have changed over the years. It is clear that I am not only living in a new place, I am living from a new place.
Being new to the city of Calgary, I have been using a GPS while driving to help me navigate. It occurred to me that the past several years of my personal growth have been about tuning into my own internal GPS! If you’ve ever used a GPS you will hopefully appreciate the similarities. You can probably recall the GPS voice: “In 500 meters, turn right on ..... ” How wonderful and simple it is to navigate this way!
More and more everyday, I am living from my own brilliant sense of knowing from my true self. I hear myself louder and clearer. With greater ease, I define where I want to go. Then, either I create a path or one is illuminated for me and I let go and flow with deeper love.
Tips for tuning into and using your own Internal GPS:
1. Set Intentions!
If you think about it, setting an intention is like typing in an address on a GPS, it will stop at nothing to get you there! Figuring out where you want to go in life may be different than figuring out where the closest restaurant is, this is true. Option Process Dialogues are helpful for discovering what you want your life to be about.
2. Listen and Explore without Judgment.
Listen to what? Listen to what is going on within yourself, your thoughts, your feelings, and your body. We are all born with our own personal Internal GPS, yet most people have not been taught how to use it.
Your inner voice may sound a lot different from the one on a real GPS (the one I use has a lady voice with a crisp, British accent). Perhaps, inside your head, there are many voices talking at once, sometimes in foreign languages or maybe your inner voice is very quiet. Be fascinated, be curious! Dialoguing with an intention of self-love has been a major key and blessing in my process of getting in touch with my inner knowing.
Yoga, meditation and bodywork help me hear the more quiet and subtle yet out-of -this-world powerful voice of my body. I am learning so many lessons from listening to my body. I am much kinder to myself when I am in touch with my body. For example, while doing yoga, I do what naturally feels good, a gentle stretching, without pushing or straining. This is drastically different than how I previously operated in the world. I am now moment by moment applying this lesson of living from a place of natural ease to all areas of my life.
3. Know that you can not go wrong.
Like a real GPS, we also have a recalculating function. Once you’ve set an intention and take actions toward living this intention, no matter which way in life you turn, you will eventually find your way there. Sometimes we take the long route to get where we are going so that we can have beneficial experiences that we didn’t even know we wanted.
Comments encouraged! Do you agree that the body has a voice? What does yours say?
As I mentioned above, I recently moved home to Canada. However, I am living in a different place than where I grew up. This move has brought up many interesting things to share. Most significantly, being in a new place has given me lots of opportunities to see how dramatically I have changed over the years. It is clear that I am not only living in a new place, I am living from a new place.
Being new to the city of Calgary, I have been using a GPS while driving to help me navigate. It occurred to me that the past several years of my personal growth have been about tuning into my own internal GPS! If you’ve ever used a GPS you will hopefully appreciate the similarities. You can probably recall the GPS voice: “In 500 meters, turn right on ..... ” How wonderful and simple it is to navigate this way!
More and more everyday, I am living from my own brilliant sense of knowing from my true self. I hear myself louder and clearer. With greater ease, I define where I want to go. Then, either I create a path or one is illuminated for me and I let go and flow with deeper love.
Tips for tuning into and using your own Internal GPS:
1. Set Intentions!
If you think about it, setting an intention is like typing in an address on a GPS, it will stop at nothing to get you there! Figuring out where you want to go in life may be different than figuring out where the closest restaurant is, this is true. Option Process Dialogues are helpful for discovering what you want your life to be about.
2. Listen and Explore without Judgment.
Listen to what? Listen to what is going on within yourself, your thoughts, your feelings, and your body. We are all born with our own personal Internal GPS, yet most people have not been taught how to use it.
Your inner voice may sound a lot different from the one on a real GPS (the one I use has a lady voice with a crisp, British accent). Perhaps, inside your head, there are many voices talking at once, sometimes in foreign languages or maybe your inner voice is very quiet. Be fascinated, be curious! Dialoguing with an intention of self-love has been a major key and blessing in my process of getting in touch with my inner knowing.
Yoga, meditation and bodywork help me hear the more quiet and subtle yet out-of -this-world powerful voice of my body. I am learning so many lessons from listening to my body. I am much kinder to myself when I am in touch with my body. For example, while doing yoga, I do what naturally feels good, a gentle stretching, without pushing or straining. This is drastically different than how I previously operated in the world. I am now moment by moment applying this lesson of living from a place of natural ease to all areas of my life.
3. Know that you can not go wrong.
Like a real GPS, we also have a recalculating function. Once you’ve set an intention and take actions toward living this intention, no matter which way in life you turn, you will eventually find your way there. Sometimes we take the long route to get where we are going so that we can have beneficial experiences that we didn’t even know we wanted.
Comments encouraged! Do you agree that the body has a voice? What does yours say?
Labels: all blogs, jeannene christie, philosophy
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