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Thwart the Monkey MindLately I've been conducting a lot of workshops on How to Make Your Vision Come to Life. Some folks not only don't have a clue how to get a life, they don't even know what they want to do. They don't know either the WHAT or the HOW, which often stems from the way they've been feeding their minds for a lifetime. One of the first assignments in my Emory class "Get the Life You Love" is that everyone is to write down at least 100 of their own strengths. This simple task seems formidable to a lot of people at first, and for good reason. We've spent our entire lives (most of us) with a checklist of the many ways we're inferior, unworthy, successful only because of dumb luck, or other skillful means of self-sabotage (often instilled, I regret to say, by organized religion). These nasty jibes from the monkey mind serve no purpose other than keeping us down and apart from our true inner light, the universal intelligence or spirit that enriches us all—if we but know how to access it. I usually tell the class that I first received this assignment when I was 24 years old from my wonderful boss at Dale Carnegie Institute of Atlanta, Stan McQuain, whose mission was to help others grow into lives that were happy, healthy and whole. The assignment stumped me. At that age I was so mired in self-hatred I believe I could only come up with twenty strengths, even after thinking about it for a long time. Stronger Than We ThinkHere's what Robbie, a very bright, loving and well-loved wife and mother in her mid-fifties had to say about the exercise: "You will be pleased to know that I finished my list of 100 personal strengths! I am so proud of myself. A few weeks ago I could never have come up with 25, much less 100. It felt so good. There are days when I feel like I lose momentum, but other days I'm really feeling upbeat and encouraged." As class unfolded, so did Robbie. During our session on Treasure Maps (a collage of the things we want to manifest in our lives), she placed a small picture of a chef in the very center, which corresponded to her career "bagua" area based on Feng Shui, the study of energy movement. Later that evening she logged onto email and there, unsolicited, was a roster of several culinary schools in New York. Since she'd already put the chef on her map, when another cue (look this way!) appeared in front of her face she paid attention instead of deleting it, and decided to inquire. Follow the SignsIt dawned on her that during her sister's recent illness she'd experienced great pleasure in preparing holistic foods to serve her. Somehow the little chef's picture triggered something that helped her realize she could hold that vision, follow it, and change her life. That's exactly what happened over the next six months. She and her husband, a businessman who travels just as much as he's in the Atlanta area, sublet a New York apartment that perfectly accommodated her two beloved dogs, and she entered culinary school for holistic cuisine. At school's finish she served an internship at a Florida resort during the worst months of winter, and now she's embarking upon her next life as a holistic chef! In a summary as class ended she stated, "I had been searching for a new direction in my life for about two years. Then in March of this year I decided to take Get the Life You Love and my life changed. My participation in the class activities, especially creating a treasure map, set into motion a series of synchronistic and serendipitous events. I have actually changed my attitude from feeling at times hopeless that I would ever find my authentic life, to feeling optimistic that indeed I will find a purposeful and fulfilling life. My self-esteem has improved greatly. I feel lighter. "As a result of these events I am about to move temporarily to New York City for what I believe will be one of the most exciting adventures of my life, as I study and train for a new career. I have found my direction, and I believe my life is going to change in ways I have not yet imagined. I am open to whatever the Universe has planned for me. I am so grateful for the work I did in class that started me on my way." If you're currently seeking a new path, please contact me at 404-294-9333 or pdcom@mindspring.com. Coaching may be one solution for you. |
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Cool Mind CandyAhh, spring! Let your mind wander and your heart soar as Ray Bethell, Multiple Kite World Champion World Record Holder demonstrates his intricate technique in a three-kite air ballet to "Flower Duet" by Leo Delibes. He didn't let the monkey mind dissuade him from this stunning feat. Watch video
Join My Celebration!Writer's Digest recently notified me that my book BACK TO THE GARDEN: Getting from Shadow to Joy was chosen as an Honorable Mention in the Inspirational category of the 14th Annual Writer's Digest Self-Published Book Awards, so I'm offering an internet special! Visit www.PatriceDickey.com and the book is yours for only $14.95 plus shipping and tax where applicable. The cover letter said, "Competition was particularly fierce this year so (the) accomplishment is truly impressive."—I'll toast that! Here's what Judge #39 said about BACK TO THE GARDEN. "This really is a delightful book, full of pithy, wise, fun, real, honest, short selections, each to the point and with a message one can carry away to ponder. Written by a woman who has obviously Been There, the book shares, directs, reflects wisdom and understanding at every possible turn—and quite painlessly. The writing is witty, accessible, easy and enjoyable to read, chatty or conversational, on universal subjects, what we will all encounter as we lead full lives. Dickey offers effective ideas, new fresh perspectives, techniques or tools to deal with these everyday problems or situations... The subject titles are fresh and catchy; and the interior design and cover are attractive. I like this book." I'm also honored to mention that the book has previously won Inspirational, Spiritual, Aging, Death&Dying, and 1st Place Nonfiction awards from the IPPYs 2006, Best Books 2006 (two categories) and Atlanta Writers Club, respectively. |
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If you find this Ezine refreshing, please pass it along to your friends and colleagues. Much appreciated! Your Guide to the Life You Love™ Patrice Dickey is a coach, motivational speaker and author of the internationally award-winning book Back to the Garden: Getting from Shadow to Joy. Learn more at www.artofchange.org. If you'd like to submit some Cool Mind Candy for consideration, please email me at pdcom@mindspring.com Thanks! 7/22/07 Copyright © Patrice Dickey 2007. All rights reserved. PERMISSION TO REPRINT: You may reprint any items from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph: Reprinted from "Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM)" a complimentary Ezine featuring tools & tips, perspective shifts to help enrich your life, expand your horizons and experience Your Personal Definition of success—always including cool mind candy with that hopeful flavor. To subscribe, please visit www.artofchange.org and, if you like, download the Ebook "101 Simple Ways to Kick the Depression Habit and Get Happier Without Prozac." PRIVACY STATEMENT: Your Guide to the Life You Love(TM) will never distribute your address to anyone—honest! ***
Patrice Dickey
Phone: 404-294-9333 |