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Life Through a Unique Lens ...

Every now and then, I stumble upon a web site that stops me in my tracks and satiates my soul like a piece of butterscotch pie from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia!

 

Last week, one of these rare opportunities presented itself through the short film work of Nic Askew and Edwin Escobar of the Soul Biographies Project.

The film work is honest, real and courageous. It appeals to me because it is grounded in basic, uplifting human truths; film subjects range from the famous to the unknown; and the messages are artfully communicated through a soulful combination of “films, words, music & images”.

 

Right now, there are several short films on the Soul Biographies Project site, ranging from two to eleven minutes, and available to everyone. Which short film is my favorite? In the Life of Another. 

Oh yes, there is also a handy spot on the Soul Biographies website to sign-up for New Film Alerts.

 

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

WEBSITE: http://www.mildredlynn.com
BLOG: http://mildredlynn.blogspot.com/

Previous Postings: (Please click on green links)

Nov 11: Oh Where, Oh Where Did My Heartbeat Go?
Oct 22: Are You Masking Your Heart's Passion?
Oct 11: Life After the Leap!
Sept 24: Blessed Unrest, Wiser Earth, Paul Hawken
Sept 13: Are You a Stretch & Yawner?
Aug 28: Inner Strength and Personal Power
Aug 18: Shake Your Own Hand First!
Aug 11: Do Affirmations and Quotes Work for You?
Aug 4:   Dr. David Hawkins Interview
July 28: Disappointed: 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again
July 20: Dr. Fred Luskin's Nine Steps to Forgiveness
July 13: Mandela's Eight Lessons in Leadership

Tags: Film Soul Biographies Project Mildred Lynn Mini BItes Human Truth Cour

Oh Where, Oh Where Did My Heartbeat Go?

Your heartbeat. Listen. Can you hear it?  I’m not talking about the physical heart that beats in your chest. I’m talking about your HEARTBEAT, the one that resonates with your being --- body, mind, emotion and spirit.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many people have lost touch with the sound of their heartbeat and have replaced it with the closest one at hand --- society’s “one-size-fits-all” version.

How do I know this? For a couple years I have been joyfully preoccupied with finding, nourishing and following my own heartbeat.  On this journey, I have become astute at identifying what makes me tick and recognizing the peek-a-boo heartbeats of other people.

Where does your heartbeat go? You never loose your heartbeat, you just smother it with mental chatter, put it in a flower pot and forget to water it, wrap it in layers of emotional stuff, or set it on the shelf to collect spiritual lint and fur balls.

The good news is that your heartbeat is built to last. At first your heartbeat may be faint, and then, with a little self-acceptance and TLC, it will start showing up, revealing itself, unannounced.  Treat your heartbeat like a good friend; trust it, respect it and really open yourself to it.  Have faith that you will find your authentic heartbeat, and always remember --- you are not the only one looking; your bold, beautiful heartbeat is looking for you too!

If you are feeling disconnected and would like to reconnect with your authentic heartbeat, please consider adding this simple exercise to your meditation toolbox. 

Heart Beat Visualization:

1. Go to the ocean.  Stand on the shore. Watch the tide flow in and out. Feel the powerful, steady rhythm of the waves.  Smell the fresh air. Quiet your thoughts.  Take a deep breath. What are you experiencing?  You are feeling the Ocean’s heartbeat, and it is magnificent! 

2. Take the gift of this ocean experience with you and refer to it often. It will be one of the best tools you have to find, nourish and support your own heartbeat - the one that provides fulfillment on all levels – mind, body, spirit and emotion.

3. If you don’t have easy access to the ocean, give yourself the gift of an Ocean Sounds CD, close your eyes and gently drift away.

Questions:

1. Do you feel connected to your authentic heartbeat? If not, where did it go?
2. How do you feel when connected to your heartbeat?
3. How do you feel when disconnected from your heartbeat?
4.What are you going to do TODAY to nourish, support and honor your heartbeat?
5. If your heartbeat had a fun-loving, comical name, what would it be?

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

WEBSITE: http://www.mildredlynn.com
BLOG: http://mildredlynn.blogspot.com/

Previous Postings: (Please click on green links)

Oct 22: Are You Masking Your Heart's Passion?
Oct 11: Life After the Leap!
Sept 24: Blessed Unrest, Wiser Earth, Paul Hawken
Sept 13: Are You a Stretch & Yawner?
Aug 28: Inner Strength and Personal Power
Aug 18: Shake Your Own Hand First!
Aug 11: Do Affirmations and Quotes Work for You?
Aug 4:   Dr. David Hawkins Interview
July 28: Disappointed: 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again
July 20: Dr. Fred Luskin's Nine Steps to Forgiveness
July 13: Mandela's Eight Lessons in Leadership

Tags: Heartbeat Listen Mini Bites Mildred Lynn Ocean Exercise Find Your Hear

Are You Masking Your Heart's Passion?

In the realm of following your heart's passion, I've noticed that when people do not feel safe to be themselves, they start to wear a mask. As you can imagine, wearing a mask is tiring; and wearing a mask when you are grappling with your heart's passion is positively exhausting! 

Tags: Masks Heart's Passion Authentic Self Mildred Lynn Mini Bites Trust T

Life after the Leap!

What happens after you follow your heart and take a magic carpet ride into the unknown? For many, this is when a special brand of post-leap endurance and stamina kick in.

 

Why do we need endurance and stamina? We need it because right after a heart-centered leap of faith, there is often a transition stage or gestation period where new life patterns form and old life patterns dissolve.  The tricky part is that for a while, they are both happening at the same time (gasp!).

 

The good news is that endurance and stamina are excellent gestation energy stabilizers for those highly vulnerable moments when initial post-leap elation evaporates and the unsettling “Oh my, what have I done?” self-speak begins.

Life after the Leap Scenarios

 

Here are four common scenarios that I’ve observed in the area of post-leap endurance and stamina:

 

Scenario 1: Boom & Bust - 25% of people hit the ground running after taking a leap of faith and then slowly lose momentum;

 

Scenario 2: Seesaw - 10% of people freeze after their leap of faith and falter;, often taking one step forward and then taking one or two steps back;

 

Scenario 3: Get Me Out of Here! – 20% of people have a wide-eyed stare ("What have I done?"), panic, and then quickly attempt to scramble back up the cliff;

 

Scenario 4: Built-to-Last - 45% of people put extra gas in the mind-body-spirit energy tank before their leap of faith, pace themselves, and are well-positioned to embrace the next step of the self-discovery process.

 

Like any new personal growth opportunity we tackle in life, the more often you follow your heart, trust the Universe and leap off the cliff, the better you become at preparing, leaping and dealing with the aftermath.  On a very encouraging note, the percentage of people manifesting the Built-to-Last scenario often increases from 45% to 70% by the second mind-body-spirit leap of faith.

 

Life after the Leap Question:

 

If you are considering making a big life change, ask yourself "Do I have enough gas in my tank to sustain you post-leap of faith?" If the answer is a resounding yes, then you most likely a) have already experienced one or more of the first three post-jump scenarios cited above; b) are devoting time and attention to the your well-being; 3) love leaping into the unknown because were a kangaroo in your last life (… just kidding!).

 

The mind-body-spirit life expanding experience of taking a leap of faith doesn’t end when your toes touch the ground and you exhale in delight.  Planting your toes on the ground simply sets you up for the transition or gestation energy stage--a place where familiar energetic structures are revamped, emotions run tender, and beliefs percolate to the surface to be challenged and reset.

 

To help you navigate the Life After the Leap stage successfully, invest in life supporting structures such as honest, compassionate self-talk, surround yourself with inspiring people and books, connect with nature’s grounding heartbeat, and consider engaging the services of a trained professional such a life coach or similar facsimile.

 

Give yourself the beautiful gift of finding out what you really need to go the extra mile toward a spectacular post-leap of faith experience – complete with all the trimmings!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
WEBSITE: http://www.mildredlynn.com
BLOG: http://mildredlynn.blogspot.com/

Previous Postings: (Please click on green links)

Sept 24: Blessed Unrest, Wiser Earth, Paul Hawken
Sept 13: Are You a Stretch & Yawner?
Aug 28: Inner Strength and Personal Power
Aug 18: Shake Your Own Hand First!
Aug 11: Do Affirmations and Quotes Work for You?
Aug 4:   Dr. David Hawkins Interview
July 28: Disappointed: 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again
July 20: Dr. Fred Luskin's Nine Steps to Forgiveness
July 13: Mandela's Eight Lessons in Leadership

 

Tags: Endurance Stamina Life After The Leap Mildred Lynn Mini Bites Transiti

Paul Hawken, Blessed Unrest, and Wiser Earth

Hello there!  About this time last year, I was exploring social networking and looking for inspiring thought leaders, groups, and websites in the environmental arena.  Much to my delight, I came across a six-minute video on YouTube called Paul Hawken, Blessed Unrest, and Wiser Earth.

After enjoying the video, I was off to the bookstore to fetch a copy of Paul Hawken’s book Blessed Unrest, How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming.

In his book, Paul Hawken, who is described as an “environmental entrepreneur, journalist and author”, artfully shares how the environmental and social justice movements have quickly come together to make up over one million active organizations across the globe. The book is uplifting, compelling, well-written, and I’d highly recommend it.

If you would like to take the timely topic area one step further, there is a great social networking website called Wiser Earth.  It is definitely worth a peek.

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
WEBSITE: http://www.mildredlynn.com
BLOG: http://mildredlynn.blogspot.com/

Previous Postings: (Please click on green links)
Sept 13: Are You a Stretch & Yawner?
Aug 28: Inner Strength and Personal Power
Aug 18: Shake Your Own Hand First!
Aug 11: Do Affirmations and Quotes Work for You?
Aug 4:   Dr. David Hawkins Interview
July 28: Disappointed: 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again
July 20: Dr. Fred Luskin's Nine Steps to Forgiveness
July 13: Mandela's Eight Lessons in Leadership

 

Tags: Paul Hawken Wiser Earth Blessed Unrest Environment Social Justice Mil

Are You a Stretch & Yawner?

I once read a story about an elementary class where children were asked to draw a picture of themselves; and another elementary class where Indigenous children were asked to draw a picture of themselves.

The first group of children drew their body, larger-than-life, front and center with a scattered tree, sun or house in the background; the Indigenous children drew their body to scale with Nature, complete with sky, trees, grass, birds, and mountains.  

 

Why did this simple story catch my attention? Because it speaks to what I've observed about people as they strive to define--and redefine--their relationship with the Earth.  Here are four Self-to-Earth scenarios that are showing up from coast-to-coast. Just for fun, why not see which one resonates with you:

Me, Myself and I
 
The first category is populated with people who view themselves as front and center beings and look out at the Earth with big, oversized eyes.  They perceive that they are at the center of Mother Earth's canvas. This group reminds me of a mind set in the Middle Ages where people were convinced, and society supported the belief, that the Sun rotated around the Earth.
 
Asleep at the Wheel
 
The second group is made up of people who are asleep at the Let's Look at the Big Picture wheel.  Busying themselves, day after day, with deadlines, to-do lists and other activities, this group is often too distracted or exhausted to engage their mind, let alone tackle deeper philosophical questions relating to their perception of Self, and how they fit into their natural environment.  
 
Stretch & Yawners
 
The third group is made up of reams of people waking up, shaking their head, taking notice, motivated to act -- yet hesitating because they are unsure about what questions to ask or actions take as they begin to explore this area. ("What would people think?", "What would I think?" Gasp!)

 

I find this group exciting because it is full of potential. The interesting part is that their views and actions are often up and down, and impacted by the ebb and flow of popular opinion. The good news is that with a little time, attention and self-education, the Stretch & Yawner group can quickly move into a motivated to shift, change, act stage. Then again, they may become discouraged, overwhelmed or distracted and move into the Asleep at the Wheel group.
 
Talk Walkers
 
The fourth group is an awake, connected collaboration of ordinary people, teachers, advocates and activists (of all ages, size and description) striving to set a optimistic example, while at the same time, respecting where others are situated along the happy trail.  In short, they are spiritually connected, mindful beings with Earth knowledge and wisdom to share, for your consideration. These are our thought leaders and catalysts for change. I like to call them "The Balancers". 

 

Question: Hmm, what group are you in ... and is this where you would like to be?

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
WEBSITE: http://www.mildredlynn.com
BLOG: http://mildredlynn.blogspot.com/

Previous Postings: (Please click on green links)
Aug 28: Inner Strength and Personal Power
Aug 18: Shake Your Own Hand First!
Aug 11: Do Affirmations and Quotes Work for You?
Aug 4:   Dr. David Hawkins Interview
July 28: Disappointed: 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again
July 20: Dr. Fred Luskin's Nine Steps to Forgiveness
July 13: Mandela's Eight Lessons in Leadership

Tags: Mini BItes Ideas To Snack On Mildred Lynn Earth Perception Stretch Ya

Personal Power: Interview

Every now and then, life throws a family/ health/ career curve ball that challenges us from the top of our head to the tips of our toes. In my interview with Jen Gouthro (below), I have some observations about cultivating inner strength and personal power that I'd love to share with you ... with a dash of humor, of course! 

Q: Mildred Lynn… as a mentor and life coach, have you found that inner strength and personal power are common stumbling blocks for clients? 

Yes, I’ve certainly seen this happen with almost everyone, so much so that it appears to be a natural part of waking up to life.  During the life coaching process, after all the excuses, stories, explanations, hesitations, hiccups and resistance dissolves, many clients realize that they are feeling empty or disappointed in some area of their lives because they’ve given away, compromised or neglected their personal power.  This is often a delicious “ah-ha!” moment that has the potential to awaken a renewed appetite for life.

Enter inner strength.  It’s a magical ingredient that helps people sustain their new taste for life because awareness coupled with motivation means change; change means shift; shift means pattern; and pattern often means entrenched.  Needless to say, the business of un-entrenching is not for the faint of heart and often requires lots of inner strength … and T.L.C.

This is where some people stumble, others flounder and a few run for the hills!  I am always intrigued by these three scenarios because, like a light bulb that is switched on, once the connection between inner strength and personal power is made, it is just a matter of time before a person stands up, dusts off and begins again.

Q: What is the connection between inner strength and personal power?  Aren’t they the same thing?

Inner strength is about “being”, while personal power is about “doing”. For example, I’m always inspired by the two large marble lions, “Patience” and “Fortitude” at the New York Public Library.  They are magnificent!  Looking up at them, you can almost feel the inner strength of their being; while at the same time, you can imagine that these mighty lions are able to quickly spring into action from a dynamic place of power. For me, the two lions model the inner strength/personal power equation: the magical place where the “being-ness” of inner strength sustains the “doing-ness” of personal power.  In turn, the “doing-ness” of personal power sustains the “being-ness” of inner strength.

Q: What sorts of experiences tend to wake people up to the importance of personal power?

This is a great question, and one that revealed an answer that I didn’t expect.  Often we hear stories about ordinary people, who upon experiencing a life-altering curve ball, stop in their tracks, take heart, and then press the re-set button in their lives. Although these stories are inspiring, I have found that what really moves people from inspiration to action is observing an everyday peer or contemporary take up the personal power baton. Why is this?  Perhaps because it prompts the inner dialogue: “Hey… if Fred, who I eat lunch with everyday, can do this, I can do this too.” In addition, observing Fred wake up and greet each day from his place of personal power provides the repetitive nudge needed to help shift old patterns and build up new ones. So, take a look around at the people in your life and ask yourself, “Is anyone I know standing in their power?” If yes, invite them for coffee and follow their lead!

Q: Was there one particular experience that required you to summon your inner strength?

No, my personal inner strength experience unfolded step-by-step, like a set of Lego blocks. There was a lot of building, dismantling and rebuilding. So much so, that over time, the goal became irrelevant and the learning of how to work with my inner strength process became the focus – and a source of play, fulfillment and delight!

I do remember making a choice early on that helped me leap through the rough patches – at that time, I said to myself “no matter what happens I trust that my higher self will never let me down. I choose my higher self.” In retrospect, that moment was very freeing and liberating for me because it became a pivot point of personal inner strength … and the core of a healthy, self-nourishing belief system.  

Q: Where do self-love and self-acceptance fit in?

It’s all about perspective. For example, I read a story about a class of Grade 6 children. The class included white children and children of Native American heritage. They were all invited to draw a picture of themselves. Most of the white children drew a wonderfully large picture of “self”.  Most of the Native children drew a picture of “self” that included nature … in proportion and to scale. I found this a fascinating piece of learning because it inspired a new way for me to observe self-love and self-acceptance.

This was my discovery: self-love and self-acceptance are directly impacted by how a person chooses to define the boundaries of their being. For example, if a person’s innate sense of self includes nature, others and the world at large, then their self-love and self-acceptance tends to be expansive and inclusive.  In short, “me/them” duality goes away; self-love and self-acceptance thrives.  Conversely, if a person’s innate sense of self-love and self-acceptance does not include nature, others and the world at large, their self-love and self-acceptance is often restricted and exclusive.

Suggestion: Just for fun, grab a piece of paper and draw a picture of yourself. Once complete, explore how well you fit into your world.  Is it a comfortable, relaxed fit or do you feel like you are walking around in a pair of tight, pinchy shoes?  This is an excellent starting point to explore the concepts of self-love and self-acceptance. Enjoy!

Your question reminds me of a poem attributed to Mother Theresa called Anyway. The last three verses go like this: “The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it is never between you and them anyway.”  Three verses of a simple poem capture the essence and beauty of real personal power.

Q: There is a fine line between confidence and conceit.  How do we walk that line without falling on our face?

First of all, what is the fun in life without falling on your face? I do it all the time – and would highly recommend it, sprinkled with laughter of course! Confidence… let me see… it is anchored in the heart, inclusive and taps into the trust and respect you have for your higher self or the Creative source.  On the other hand, conceit is based on the illusion of a “me/them” duality … and to feed its hungry appetite, you need to constantly compare and measure yourself to everything and everyone (gasp!)

How to walk the fine line? The next time you are playing with these two concepts, notice if your thoughts and feelings are coming from a place of warmth, trust, quiet knowing, expansiveness and connection (this is the vibe of confidence). Alternatively, if you find yourself mentally comparing, keeping score, judging, feeling territorial or just plain smug, you might just be in the arena of conceit. Time to let go and lighten up because you just might be taking yourself (and life!) a little too seriously.

Q: Is it possible to be self-critical and personally powerful at the same time?

I don’t feel that self-criticism and being personally powerful go hand-in-hand. This is because self-criticism is not a life-supporting energy vibration. On the other hand, self-monitoring is a life-supporting energy.  For example, one of the first things I invite clients to do is shift their inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-monitoring. It seems subtle, yet makes a huge difference in the area of nourishing your personal power.

Another great tip is to learn how to stand back