[Inspiration] Being Called to Change (and the 4 Steps to Get There)

“Be the change you wish to see”
- Mahatma Gandhi

Well, it’s been a few days of very palpable shifts in the world around us…changes that we’re only beginning to process. From the dramatic election we just had here in Canada to the death of Osama bin Laden, I’ve been observing with fascination the wide range of reactions to the unfolding of these events…

In a Facebook discussion today, I watched folks getting increasingly snippy with each other as they argued about the lack of civility in this Canadian election…not pausing for a moment to consider how uncivil they were being to each other. Later in the day I caught myself harshly judging those Americans who were gleefully celebrating bin Laden’s death, but then realized it was a brand of harsh judgment between two factions 10 years ago that started this whole tragic cycle of death and war in the first place.

We all long to see positive change in this world of ours, but I think the question that begs asking is: what are the changes I need to make in myself to reflect the world I long to live in? So, you want the world to be more tolerant…how can you be more tolerant in your own workplaces and family units? You want a richer country…how about cultivating true gratitude for the abundance you already have. You want your voice to be heard…consider who you resist hearing and start listening. The world isn’t going to get better until we, as individuals, start channelling the power of change to grow our most magnificent, connected, and alive selves.

So, my lovelies…figure out what part of YOU is calling for change right now and then let me share with you some easy, practical tips for creating this change in your life starting right here, right now…

4 STEPS TO CHANGE

1. Define It – If you don’t define the change you’re looking for clearly and thoughtfully, you can’t set an intention. Not setting intentions is like traveling without a destination…even though it can be pretty interesting to be tossed around and lost for a bit, you might just end up wandering your whole life away without ever feeling quite fulfilled. So, think and feel what change is most calling to you right now (ie. starting your own business, quitting smoking, finding that life partner or leaving that partner, getting more fit, being of service to the world, reducing stress, or bringing more fun and joy into your life) and define it in measurable terms — “I want to start my own business by September”, “I want to be able to do a 10K run”, etc.

2. Declare It - First declare your change intention to yourself. Write it out, read it out loud, make it your screensaver or post your intention on colourful paper around the house. Make it as tangible and fun as possible, like declaring your intention in a voicemail to yourself or carrying an object in your pocket that reminds you of it or even choosing a theme song you play every morning hat reflects your intention. Then, share your intention with those around you and let them know how they can help keep you accountable to this change.

3. Energize It – Consistently generating the positive feelings you would get from achieving your change in advance of achieving it creates the energy that can’t help but attract the right people and opportunities to help make your intention a reality. So, take a few minutes to visualize what life would be like in achieving this change…just imagine what it would look like, sound like, and especially FEEL like. Write your vision down and then read it and feel it every day until the change is complete. Also, try going through a day acting as if this change has already happened…walk and talk as if you have abundant love in your life, dress as if you already have that promotion, relax your posture and soften your eyes as if you’re already Zen.

4. Take Action! – Let’s face it, change ultimately doesn’t happen without ACTION. So, decide one bite-sized manageable action you could take each day toward your desired change for the next week and officially mark them in your calendar. If you want to experience more joy for example…on Monday you could commit to smiling at every person you come into contact with, Tuesday – steal away to a sunny cafe to have a hot chocolate and read a novel, Wednesday – take 10 minutes to play with the next door neighbour’s dog, Thursday – bubble bath in candlelight, etc. Or if it’s more suitable, you could choose the same empowering action for each day. So, if increasing your tranquility is the change you want, make your daily commitment to meditate for 20 minutes each morning. Repeat forming a weekly action plan until your change has taken hold!

Now go out and get ‘em, Tigers!

“How much longer will you go on letting your energy sleep?
How much longer are you going to stay oblivious of the
immensity of yourself?”
- Bhagwan Stree Rajneesh

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Soul Coaching Program has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

How to Lose Weight During the Holidays | Nov 28 or Nov 29

THE OPTIMIZING HEALTH WORKSHOP: How to Lose Weight During the Holidays
with NICOLE BRANDON

***Don’t miss Nicole in her exclusive Toronto engagement***

Nicole Brandon is a master fitness instructor, renowned author, speaker, nutritionist, and dear friend of Horizon Arts Camp. Based out of Los Angeles, she has presented this world favorite workshop to packed houses time and time again. Who doesn’t want to learn “How To Lose Weight During The Holidays”? This informative, fun, fast paced, exciting, riveting, energetic and wildly groundbreaking workshop will leave you armed with the information, ammunition and tools to survive the Holidays In Style. Click here to download a workshop flyer.

TWO DAYS ONLY!!

Monday November 28, 2011: 7pm – 10pm
Location: Artscape Wychwood Barns
Theatre Direct Studio, 601 Christie Street

Tuesday November 29, 2011: 9:30am – 12:30pm
Location: Love To Dance Studio
252 Eglinton Avenue East, 2nd Floor
Cost: $65 in advance or $85 at the door (spacing permitting)

Please arrive ten minutes before the workshop begins. Remember to bring your yoga mat and dress comfortably!

For more information about Nicole’s work visit: www.nicolebrandonworldwide.com

All proceeds from the workshop will go to Horizon Arts Camp’s Scholarship Program.

To register, please visit: http://www.horizonartscamp.org/nicolebrandon

ESSENTIAL OILS: Discover the Fragrant Healing Secrets of Nature’s Pharmacy | Dec 3

Essential oils are powerful medicine that can enhance well-being of the body, mind, and spirit!

Join us for this fun, practical, hands-on workshop to discover the fragrant healing secrets of nature’s pharmacy. You will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to use essential oils safely and effectively to improve your health, elevate your well-being and enhance flavours in your kitchen – just in time for the holidays!

Here are just some of the benefits essential oils can provide:

relieve stress and fatigue • shift obsessive thoughts • prevent cancer and repair DNA • improve memory & school grades reduce inflammation • boost your immunce system • kill mold & fungus • help acne, rashes, cellulite • increase energy & alertness • balance hormones & mood • resolve emotional issues • alleviate swelling & pain • flavour drinks & foods

We will sample some oils to demonstrate their medicinal value and their tastiness. Our speaker, Sophia Zoe, will demonstrate how oils can help you cope with daily stressors, how they bring your systems into balance and what effect this has on your functioning. She will show you how you can choose your required oils intuitively, and will also tell you why she avoids all the oils available in stores!

You will fall in love with essential oils!

About Sophia Zoe
Sophia Zoe is a Toronto-based Energy Therapist. She uses various healing methods based on balancing and restoring flow to the body’s energy systems. After a course of treatment, clients most often say they didn’t know they could be so happy. The effects are usually so positive that all areas of a client’s life improve.

Sophia has been immersed in the world of alternative health care since the age of 15, but it wasn’t until after attaining her degrees in Music and Drama that she began an intensive study of energy healing. Soon after, a local Chinese herbalist was referring his patients to her. Sophia prefers the healing systems of BEAM Therapy, EFT, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Aromatherapy and Guided Imagery to heal emotional wounds, lift blockages and help people feel better in every way. What she discovered is that a short-cut to healing is using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

Sophia Zoe is passionate about natural health care and loves to share what she knows. She hand-makes  aromatherapy sprays using the finest quality organic essential oils of plants and flowers.

For those interested, there will be a limited supply of the following sprays for sale at the end of the workshop at a special PFW price. The sprays are $12 each or four for $40. Cash only please.

Lavender Mist, to relax, refresh and cleanse.
Citrus Spirit, to uplift, release and detoxify.
Cinnamon Spice, nostalgic, warming, comforting.
Bugs Away! A safe, effective natural insect repellent.

For more about Sophia & to sign up for her newsletter and receive an instant download of her free e-book, Energy Healing For Absolute Beginners, please go to: www.SophiaZoe.com

Essential Oils Workshop
Date: Saturday December 3, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm-4:00pm
Location: St. Paul’s Bloor Street
Address: 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto
Registration: Early-Bird by Nov 19 22: $15 | Regular Pre-Payment $20 | Cash at the door: $25

Introduction to Belly Dancing! | Jan 14 (New Date)

Belly Dance! More Than Just Jiggling!

Previous Belly Dance is not required!

Belly Dance offers many health benefits for women, such as increased flexibility, grace, fluidity, and awareness of muscles. On the spiritual side, it is a sacred feminine art that allows women to become more in touch with their bodies, and bond with women as a community.

Join Chemagne and other Positive Fabulous Women and feel the spirit of dance, sensuality and movement! In this fun workshop you will learn basic moves in belly dance as well as a short routine.

Be prepared to unleash your inner Goddess and discover your groove!

Refreshments will be served at the end of the Belly Dance session.

Please make sure to bring water and a small towel as we will definitely be sweating it out!!

For more about Chemagne and her dance studio, please visit: www.chemagnedance.com

Introduction to Belly Dancing!
Date: Saturday Jan 14, 2012
Time: 2:00 pm – 3:30pm
Location: Chemagne Dance Studio, 899 Bloor St. West @ Bloor/Ossington
Price: Early Bird by Dec 27: $15 | Regular Pre-Payment $20 | Cash at the door (space permiting): $25

6-Week Introductory To Belly Dance | Starting Sept 12

Ever wanted to learn to dance, get fit, and be sensual at the same time?

Here’s a great opportunity for those who are very new to the Belly Dance world.

6 Week Introductory To Belly Dance – New Students To Belly Dance

Beginners – Absolutely no previous dance experience required

This class is designed for everyone, including those with no previous bellydance training. In this class students will be introduced to the fundamentals of bellydance movement and technique.

Students will learn posture and alignment, muscle awareness, hip work, isolation of upper-body movements, and balance awareness. Specific techniques include hip circles, figure eights, undulations, hand gestures, arm placement, and traveling steps.

Each class will conclude with a fun choreography or set of dance combinations, putting into action what we learned that session.

Great foundational course before moving on to Level 1

Please note this is a 6-week session with no drop in rates.

BONUS: Course fee includes a FREE CD ($20 value), Fact Sheet & $10 off the next purchase of a class card

6 Weeks Introductory To Belly Dance
Mondays: 7:15 – 8:15pm | Sept. 12 – Oct. 24
Thursdays:  7:15 – 8:15pm | Sept. 15 – Oct. 20

Location: Chemagne Dance Studio
Address: 899 Bloor St. West at Bloor @ Ossington.
Course Fee: $150.00 +HST
To register, please CLICK HERE

 

Starting Over: Reinventing Your Life With Passion | Sept 14

Presented by…

 

 

 

When one major thing changes in our life, it usually comes with a change in many other areas which can create a loss of security, certainty and the bottom feels like it’s falling out.

Will you go back to your old patterns and create the same results or will you use this opportunity to reach out and grow? Find out what you need to overcome in order to get the courage to start your new path…without the fear and ‘what if’s?’

Learn to identify your patterns, chart a new course and get the expert tools and courage to start over in any aspect of your life. Take the Passion Test and discover your true life’s purpose™ and direction.

Please note that this workshop is part of the Investing in You™ series of dynamic and transformational workshops to help you live and love more fully. You can choose to attend invidual sessions or the whole series. You can visit courageousliving.com/about/events/investing-in-you for complete details.

Investing In You Workshop #8
Starting Over: Reinventing Your Life with Passion
Date: Wednesday September 14, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 10:00 pm
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Lakeshore
Address: 1926 Lakeshore Blvd. W. Toronto, ON
Map: Click HERE
Cost: Early-bird by Sept 1: $55; Regular Rate: $65

Register Today! https://courageousliving.com/about/events/investing-in-you

Finding (and Keeping!) Your Fabulous | Sept 15

Do you want more out of life? Do you feel stuck or frustrated in some way?
Are you READY for solutions and positive change?
Have you heard this all before?!…

Yes, you’ve probably read personal growth books and/or listened to motivational speakers. And as inspiring and wonderful as they all are, why haven’t our lives miraculously changed by now?

In this fun & inspiring workshop you, will discover your own ‘Fabulous Meter’ and understand how your subconscious mind is contributing to the truths, beliefs and perceptions that may or may not be serving you. Through stories and interaction you will share in the laughing, the learning, the A-HA moments, and the incredible feminine connectedness of the group. Lasting change starts here, and you are sure to leave with new clarity!

Jenifer Merifield has a keen, natural ability to understand, empathize, motivate and inspire others to actually make positive life changes. She teaches what she has learned from real life experience…  making mistakes, messing up, and finally getting it right! She believes that part of her purpose is to share her knowledge to help women see their own passions and purpose, and live their BEST lives!

More About Jenifer Merifield
Jenifer is a down-to-earth, charismatic & passionate facilitator, writer, coach and keynote speaker. Her experience and wisdom will inspire and guide you, her humour will put you at ease and her heartfelt dedication to the success of your own personal growth will change your life for the better.

Having faced difficult challenges as a child and into her 20′s, Jenifer, now 40, beat the odds by overcoming her fears and insecurities to create successes in all areas of her life. She doesn’t preach blindly, she speaks from experience and gives solutions that work. Whether finances, relationships, self esteem, family, career or lack of passion, Jenifer helps women emerge from their “stuckness” to find their FABULOUS!

Jenifer is certified in Marketing, Coaching, Level 1 Reiki, Hypnosis, and NLP. She is a 4 time business owner in the fields of Marketing, Promotion, Empowerment, Speaking, Mentoring and Coaching. She is the founder and former Sr. Editor for Girls Can Do Anything Online Magazine; Canada’s first and only Real Girl empowerment media for youth with no inappropriate advertising, airbrushing or criteria for models’ body-type or race. Jenifer has been awarded one of MOMpreneur’s Top 50 Women of the Year in 2010, Stiletto Woman’s Top 50 Women on the Web in 2009, and has been nominated for the YWCA’s Women of Distinction Award for 2 years in a row. Currently a well referred Success Coach and speaker, she is also the mother of 17 year old teenage twin girls, and proud to still be sane!

For more About Jenifer, please visit http://jenifermerifield.com/

Finding Your Fabulous
Date: Thursday Sept 15, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm-9:30 pm
Location: St. Paul’s Bloor Street Church
Address: 227 Bloor Street East, Toronto @ Church
Tickets: Early-Bird until Sept 4: $20 | Regular Rate: $25 | Cash at the door: $30

[Inspiration] Stress to Serenity: 5 Simple Tools

By Kimberly Carroll

”I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.
- Jennifer Yane

Ahhhh…the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer!  For many, summer can be a wonderful balm to bring you to life and soothe all that ails you. However, if you’re dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety in your life right now, then frolicking summer and all her participants can feel like they are mocking you with their easy joy and carefree spirit. ; )

Whether it’s still the after-effects of the recession or just the continual amping up of our work week productivity, so many people have been coming to me lately feeling so generally stressed and anxious. These frenetic qualities can be very insidious in the way they take up permanent residence not only in your life, but in your body. So much so that you find yourself not even being able to relax during “down” time or even…gasp…vacations!  Well, in my 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp we work with a lot of tools for moving out of a place of anxiety. I want to share a few of the simple and easy ones for you to try out right here and now to help rescue the rest of your summer from the clutches of stress…

1. Reality Check – Anxiety is usually only present if you’re not. If you’re feeling anxious it means your mind is stuck in the past or future where it’s building big scary scenarios (that presentation you’re going to blow, the inadequacies you must have that drove your ex away, etc.) So, today whenever you find yourself feeling stress or anxiety, I want you to stop for a moment and ask yourself: “Am I in grave danger right NOW?“  Then, I want you to ask: “What is so right now?” and take a moment to sink into the truth and experience of this very moment. For the most part you’ll find that you’re actually in a relatively safe place surrounded by potentially soothing or inspiring people/things. This little check-in reminds you that you’re not really in any mortal danger even though your mind has just tricked your body into feeling that you are, and done consistently will start relaxing your fight or flight response.  (Caveat: If you actually are in mortal danger, you have my permission to feel a whack-load of stress and RUN!)

“If your teeth are clenched and your fists are clenched, your lifespan is probably clenched.”
- Terry Guillemets

2. Mind Dump – If you wake up or go to bed feeling stressed, this is a great daily practice to do first thing in the morning or last thing at night (or both!). Grab a journal or have some loose paper handy and simply start writing whatever thoughts are whirling around your head…good, bad, or ugly.  Go for about 5 minutes of uninterrupted pen-never-leaving-the-paper writing — no censoring, no pausing and thinking before you write, and remember that it doesn’t have to be well-written or even that legible. Think of it as pouring all the stuff that’s clogging up your brain onto the paper. Not only will this help to neutralize your mind for the day or sleep ahead, it will sometimes even help you to discover some deeper, less obvious underlying anxieties you weren’t aware of or even solve a dilemma for you. You can also draw/doodle, colour, or paint instead of write.

3. Laughter – When I was little and in tears over some fleeting upset, my Grampa would look at me and say, “Oh! I see a smile… Here it comes… There it is!!”  As much as I tried to resist that damn smile, it never failed to come…along with full-blown giggles and a complete shift out of my momentary tragedy. So, today I want you to try some laughter to break you out of the clutches of anxiety, blow off some stress, and raise your vibration. Ask your mate or a friend to tickle you, watch one of the funniest scenes from one of your favourite comedies on youtube, tell somebody a joke that never fails to make you smile (even if you’re a terrible joke teller — that can be even more amusing!), or even try faking a great big ole’ belly laugh! That’s right – slap your knee, force some snorts, roll around on the floor… It may start off feeling way fake (and silly as hell), but after rolling around on the ground for a bit, you can bet you’ll be experiencing the real deal in no time at all.  Oh, stop rolling your eyes and just give it a try already, ole’ Stuffy Pants!

“Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you”
- John De Paola

4. Say “No” – Philanthropic tycoon Warren Buffet says: “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say “no” to almost everything.” So, start practicing the one little word that might have kept you out of this stressful mess to begin with!  Today I challenge you to say “no” once more than you regularly would during the day. Your “no” may be anything from not answering the ringing phone when you don’t feel up to talking to telling your boss who asks you to work overtime for the umpteenth time that you have something else scheduled (yeah, your sanity!)  Even if you disappoint someone with your “no”, let yourself sit with that, but then savour the idea that you just said YES to yourself for a change.  Remember, you will eventually not be able to say yes to anyone if you burn through everything you’ve got without a chance for rejuvenation.

5. Shake It Off - Close yourself off alone in a room, put on a powerful or frenetic piece of music (I love using Prodigy’s “Breathe”, for example) and start moving as if you’re shaking all these feelings of stress and anxiety right out of your body. Stomp it out of your feet, shake it out of your head, wring it out your hands, pull it out of your center — just start shaking those stuck sensations of heaviness, panic, fogginess, or frenzy loose. Allow your body to shake and vibrate from inside and out. Get wild and SHAKE FREE of this feeling that you’ve been feeling trapped in. See it leaving you and dissolving. When the song is over, let yourself drop to floor and savour your breath flowing freely and softly through the energetic space you’ve cleared in your body.

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
- Chinese Proverb

I wish to all of us an August of love, freedom, and serenity…let’s not let this beautiful season go by without fully tasting it, breathing it, and loving it!

Kimberly Carroll is a certified Soul Coach and a television host/producer.  She is one of the authors of the award-winning anthology “Soul Whispers” and her popular 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp has been transforming lives from the inside out.  Through her coaching, speaking engagements, and workshops, Kimberly lovingly guides women and men in a wild journey to ignite their body, mind, heart, and spirit!  Her next 6-Week Body/Mind/Spirit Bootcamp starts Sept.13  in Toronto and Sept. 14  for the Online/Tele-Program. For about Kimberly, please visit www.soulcoaching.org

Eco Goddess | Sept 17

A mini retreat designed to help women to embrace a greener lifestyle, more balanced lifestyle, by unleashing the eco goddess within – presented by Fit Your Style, Shop Socials & DivaGirl Inc.

Join us for an afternoon at the prestigious Verity Club, to unwind and become more aware of easy ways to live a more conscious lifestyle through inspiring presenters, eco-friendly vendors and enjoy the opportunity to mingle with 50+ fabulous women at this refreshing, exclusive, women’s only retreat. Visit us on Facebook!

ABOUT THE ECO GODDESS EXPERIENCE:

• Listen to Guest Presenters who will share their tips for fashion, fitness, and wellbeing, the eco-fabulous way. Topics include:
• “Finding your Inner Goddess-“ Fit Your Style (Jennifer Ettinger)
• The Eco Fashionista-“ Shop Socials (Tamika Auwai)
• “Living a Divalicious Lifestyle-“ DivaGirl (Laura Furtado)
• Shop the Eco Goddess mini market featuring 6 eco-friendly vendors
• Opportunity to experience an organic body wrap while you workshop with Fit Your Style
• Salad bar lunch and “green” snack sampling
• Attend an exclusive event at an elite, women’s only, venue in Toronto, Verity Club

NOTES:

• Dress code: Comfortable and chic
• Policies: Females only. Limited tickets available at the door.
• Ticket rate includes healthy, light lunch and swag bag filled with eco-goodies
• ONLY 50 TICKETS AVAILABLE. $45 door tickets (if applicable).

Date: Sept 17, 2011
Time: 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Location: Verity Club
Address: 111d Queen Street East, Toronto
Tickets: $35

Purchase Tickets now at http://ecogoddess.eventbrite.com/

Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense | Aug 10

How do you make sure not to get attacked?
How do you recognize a potential aggressor?
How does a person overcome stronger and aggressive attackers?

Real life self-defense is about stopping an attack by disabling your attacker using simple and effective techniques. Attending a Women’s self-defense workshop periodically is a good way of staying sharp, gaining confidence and feeling fabulous!

The paradox of women’s self-defense is that the more prepared you are, the less likely you are to need it. When you can recognize and respond effectively to potentially dangerous situations, you are more confident in your every day activities – and therefore less likely to become a target of crime.

Ali Siadatan; creator of the Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense program at Wu Xing martial arts studios will lead this 2-hour fun & interactive workshop where he will explore 7 common self-defense situations to equip you with practical solutions and arm you with knowledge so you can have peace of mind.

History
In 1701 a Buddhist nun by the name of Ng Mui created a system of Kung Fu in China. Watching a snake and crane fight inspired her. As the snake attacked with direct, straight attacks, the crane responded with evasive movements. The style of self-defense that she created is very effective and today it has become the most practiced style of Kung Fu in the world.

Wu Xing martial arts studios in downtown Toronto has adopted the fighting principles of Ng Mui’s Kung Fu to meet the needs of modern urban women.

Attackers look for easy prey. We will look at body language and how to project the “posture of confidence”.

• You will learn to read the body language of a potential attacker.
• You will learn techniques that turn the strength of the attacker against him.
• You will learn the location of pressure points and vulnerable areas in the body.

“After the workshop, I felt equipped with essential knowledge and simple techniques that may ultimately save me from dangerous situations in the future. I believe I owe it to myself to know how to defend myself in circumstances when I’m not the one in control. I have been in many situations when these techniques could’ve come handy. I urge young teens and adults alike to be in charge of what really matters, your safety and well-being.” – Donna Santos (PFW member)

Urban Warrior Women’s Self-Defense
Date: Wednesday August 10, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 9:30
Location: Wu Xing Martial Arts Studios
Address: 374 Dupont Street 2nd Floor (walking distance to Dupont subway), Toronto, ON
Map: Click HERE
Cost: Early-bird by July 31: $15 pp; Regular Rate: $20 pp; Cash at the door: $25 pp

Summer Girlfriend Special ==> Buy One & get the Second for Half-price!

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