Work Easy 4 Life Balance

I am sitting in a lounge area in the Hilton Resort and Spa in Whistler, the fireplace warms me and a young man plays the baby grand piano.  I am here as a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at a conference.  My hotel is paid for, dinner is paid for and this could just be another night of killing time and working. Or it could be a time of joy and working, it depends how we look at it.  Work doesn’t need to be hard; it can be very enjoyable if we are present to the precious moments in our life.

I love listening to live music. Although the young man is clearly playing for himself and fully enjoying his practice, his energy and love of music fills the air and washes over me.

There are many reasons why we may not be present to the joy of life.

Rushing: I could have just rushed on by to my hotel room like so many other people. I had just driven three hours to Whistler and was tired from the trip.  Instead I took a moment to stop and sit down in the chair and listen.

Mind Chatter: I could have been absorbed and worried about delivering my keynote speech; how will I do?  Will I be good?  God I hope my mind doesn’t go blank, that would be really bad!  Many of us have lots of mind chatter that keeps us from noticing the beauty that is right in front of us.

Technology: Computers and smart phones are great to keep us connected to others. At the same time we can get so wrapped up in responding to everyone that has communicated with us electronically that we miss being present to the current moment.

It is a choice to be present to the beauty that surrounds us and the people who are with us.  We need to consciously choose to see what is here right in this moment.

As I sit and listen to the music transform the little lounge into a pleasurable heaven for the two of us, I think how grateful I am to have this opportunity to be here in this beautiful hotel.  I think of how gorgeous the drive up to Whistler was, the deciduous trees turning color, the clouds hanging against the mountain tops when it stopped raining.  It was a spectacular fall day and rather than practicing my speech I drove carefully and manoeuvred each twist in the Sea to Sky highway. It is so lovely to have the ability to choose to be present to what is appearing in the moment, rather than having my mind take over with everything that needs to be done.

Being present is the first step to gratitude in the moment.  The next step is to stop, even for a few moments and really take it in. Close your eyes take a deep breath and notice what you feel in your body.  This is the true magic of life.  Thank you; young man for your love and enjoyment of the piano and creating an opportunity for joy to enter my life.

February 2, recognized as Ground Hog Day in North America has links to the Pagan celebration of Imbolc or Oimelc, later Christianized as Candlemas.

Read more about the origins and traditions of Candlemas  and Blessed Imbolc

Traditionally it is a time to celebrate returning light, new beginnings, the birthing of that which has been gestating through the dark of winter.

 What are you birthing in your consciousness? What intentions have you set for yourself in the beginning of the year? How ready are you to take action? 

Rather than be trapped by repeating old patterns, over and over like Bill Murray’s character in the movie “Groundhog Day”, now is the time to commit to new ways of being to get different and better results.

 1. What will bring your life back into balance? Are you feeling like its all work, no joy? What does your heart need to bring more passion, fun and aliveness into your life?  Even doing small things, like taking more walks in the forest or singing to lift your spirits,  will balance your heart energy and  maintain aliveness.

2. Have a clear mental image of how you want to be seen by others and more importantly how you want to see yourself.  Clearly describe the kind of person you are in your highest potential. Decide on activities which will reinforce this new image.  Commit to checking in with yourself on a daily basis to track your progress.  Make note of your accomplishments and what you appreciate about yourself.

3. Recognize the challenge of making change for what it is.  There are parts of your brain and your internal wiring that resist change and want to maintain the status quo.  They kick up all kinds of fuss and can make it really uncomfortable. When you feel this way, know you are making progress and find a way to get past the terror of changing.  This is where coaching and removing past conditioning can be a real support in breaking out of old patterns.

 4. When you’ve made a breakthrough and accomplished your goal, celebrate! Treat yourself to a favorite activity. Do something you really enjoy (see #1)

 Last week for example I had an intensely busy schedule and was feeling energetically stretched, plus I  committed to calling people who seemed interested in a workshop I was co-delivering. Making ‘sales’ calls is not one of my favorite activities, in fact I felt shear terror at the prospect.  I knew I needed to keep my energy up so went for a walk early in the morning. I called my colleague Jacque and we did some emotional hot button removal techniques on my triggered emotions. Then I made the calls and got some positive responses and more registrations for Saturday’s workshop.  After making the calls I took time to consciously enjoy dinner with my husband.  Then on Sunday I took a day off.  It was a little cold for motorcycling so we went for a lovely hike in a beautiful seaside park.  At one point while near the water’s edge I noticed dolphins surfacing nearby, they actually came closer and it felt like they were acknowledging my presence. What a healing gift from nature for stepping way out of my comfort zones and keeping my energy up through a busy week.

En- Joy Your Self! 

Lynne