Raise your hand if you know Shame!

Shame typically comes up when you look inward with a critical eye and evaluate yourself harshly, often for things you have little control over. This negative self-evaluation often has its roots in messages you've received from others, especially during your childhood.

Does this sound familiar?

At this time of my life, 62 and ageing, I am working on my own shadows and templates. This is a process that is painful and scary but if we are not able to explore our shadows, then how will we ever become whole. And authentically walk the rest of our life's journey with grace. As I have said so many times, especially since my beloved died, to live a beautiful life.

One of my big shadows is Shame. A trigger that shows itself when I don't feel confident to speak up and express myself authentically. I feel this in my solar plexus. I begin contracting, I feel small and insignificant. And I feel my confidence decreasing. It may be subtle, but its real. I have always had the tendency of being harsh on myself.

How do I deal with shame?

The first step is to recognise when I feel the shame talking to me. And as I said, I feel a contraction in my solar plexus and there is an energy that flutters in the space between there and my heart. I have been working with the practice of RAIN for a long time, both for myself and with my clients. It helps me work with the shameful feelings as they emerge. Its powerful and I know that when I use this, I feel a shift and a deeper sense of compassion starts emerging.

RAIN: A Practice of Radical Compassion, is shared by Tara Brach. RAIN is the acronym for practicing mindfulness and self-compassion using the following four steps:

1. Recognize what is happening;

2. Allow the experience to be there, just as it is;

3. Investigate with interest and care;

4. Nurture with self-compassion.

You can explore RAIN as a stand-alone meditation or use the steps whenever challenging feelings arise. After the process, I usually reflect in my journal as I receive guidance and inner wisdom. 

Risk (November 2021)

 Taking a Risk is taking a Leap of Faith.  Stepping into the unknown with trust that, no matter what, you are supported.  When I chose this word, my mind said: “Oh no! Not this lesson again.”  There is trepidation and often fear in taking that risk and stepping on the path of authenticity.  I stopped, took a deep breath, and thought about what Risk really means.  

Doreen Virtue, Ph.D shares the wisdom of Aine (pronounced AWN-ya), a powerful Celtic goddess revered in Ireland for helping to grow crops and oversee animals. She is called upon for additional guidance and the courage to take risks.  She asks us to take a leap of faith, saying: “Take a risk, and put your heart’s true desire into action!”

We all know that procrastinating about our dreams, and not showing up, does not take our dreams away, in fact they call us and call us begging us to take that risk and show up.  Indecision, worry, fear and doubt all hold us back from living our dream life and do not serve our greater good. Virtue says: “Do not worry about making the wrong decision. Instead, worry about making no decision at all! Then take time to pray, meditate, investigate, research, go on nature walks… and make your decision.”

**Risk** is asking for Action.  It’s asking for faith and trust in ourselves, knowing that we have the support of life itself to help and guide us through anything.  Once we make a decision, we will be supported, it’s the spiritual law of cause and effect. We have to open the door to see what is on the other side.  And when we set our mind to accomplish something, the intention creates the path for a magical journey.  

🤍Trust that you will be supported.

🤍Trust that your intention is right for you.

🤍Trust your inner wisdom and guidance.

And take that leap of faith and jump ……….. 

Take the risk and allow your dreams to unfold.

Today is the beginning of the 2nd last month of 2021.  What a year it's been.  I am stepping into the unknown and embracing my dream of creating a wisdom legacy that inspires, guides, teaches and serves the world.  I created this dream in my early 30’s and each step on my path, no matter how challenging or painful, has brought me to this moment.  If I don’t take risks and trust life, then I feel like a fraud.  It certainly does not serve my being.  I trust that each step I am taking is in Divine Right Order. 

Take a **Risk **today, set your intention for your dream. And go for it.  

I would love to hear from you and how your magical journey is unfolding, even if it's hard and painful.  One of the most wonderful lessons that I learned from my beloved is “DO IT ANYWAY…..” 

Expressing your anger is part of your healing

This might not feel comfortable, but this is a powerful tool to support yourself.

Expressing your anger is part of your healing. Its part of your recovery from trauma and wounding. Often the perpetrator is you, and this is not easy to see or admit.

But when you give your anger time and space to be expressed and heard, this helps you reclaim your power. When you suppress your anger it claims your power and your sense of self. Not speaking up can have a detrimental impact on your mind and body wellness as well as your sensitive nervous system.

Be empathetic and listen to the feelings of anger within, so that you can empower yourself to express what needs to be expressed in a self honouring way.

Check-in with yourself right now and ask yourself:

• How do I silence my expression?
• What is my anger asking for?

And allow the answers to flow.

When you take the time to listen, you will be surprised by how much you will hear.