One Step At A Time

I made this quick video for you while hiking up Saddle Mountain the other day.  I'm training to climb Mt. Hood with the American Lung Association's "Reach The Summit" program this summer, so I'm always looking for new places to hike and explore.  We ended up in waist deep powder at the top of this hike, and like many other challenging times in my life, I was reminded of the Edmund Hillary quote, "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves."

Have you been there before?  On a climb, in a relationship, or even a work situation where you find yourself at your edge and unable to see the path forward?  It's amazing how quickly the blinders kick in when our fear and self-doubt take over... stopping us dead in our tracks with a strong pull toward home.

This TURNING POINT is the place we'll be exploring together during our retreat in Joshua Tree next month.  In choosing to consciously engage in the adventure of our life, this previously frustrating impasse, OPENS WIDE into limitless possibilities, becoming yet another gate of learning to move through along the way... one step at a time.

Join us in experiencing this transformational process as we climb and stretch together amid spring blooms in a gorgeous desert playground.  Curious to learn more about what this adventure could offer you?  Please call or email me today!  

A wise elder asks...

Spending time with Gram 

I'm on the road this week in Wisconsin, visiting family and friends, celebrating both the new buds of spring and the deep roots that make all of those blooms possible.  During a special visit with my Grandmother today she point blank asked me (as only 93 year-olds can do) "Tell me what it is that you actually do out there on those retreats." 

After a reflective pause, I realized there was no other way to answer this question than to speak from the heart and trust that the wise woman within her would understand.  I shared stories about cheering first-time climbers up 100 foot rock faces, and basking in their joyful shine as they recount their hero's journey on the wall.  About sharing gorgeous, love-inspired meals - savoring each bite with AWAKENED SENSES and deep appreciation.  About the magic that takes place in our fireside workshops as we courageously explore what it is that makes us COME ALIVE.  And about seeking, stretching and sharing belly-laughter in one of the most spectacular playgrounds on earth. She listened intently, and as I let the stories and love flow out of me, her eyes sparkled back with a soulful understanding. 

As we parted ways later that evening, she reminded me to "keep up the great work."  I used to experience this kind of comment as a disinterested, obligatory "pat on the head" but realized tonight that it was so much more.  We are BLOOMING this spring, sharing our radiant light and love with the world as a result of the deep roots that have nourished and supported us along the way.  It is up to us to continue the great work as we grow upward into fuller expressions of ourselves and our families.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be alive today; to be able to create and play in such a wild and wonderful way.  I know this kind of experience is unique to this time and place on our planet and I feel more inspired than ever to make full use of this PRECIOUS GIFT. 

Will you join me?  We still have a few spots available for our Opening to Possibilities retreat April 8th-10th in Joshua Tree, CA and I would be honored to share this beautiful experience with you.  There will be adventure... there will be laughter... and there will be magic.  Please call or email me today to learn more!

Opening to Possibilities

Yesterday I took the opportunity to connect with 2 people who are really making a difference in my life.  They were both asking me tough questions and lovingly holding for clear, definitive answers.  Although this can feel uncomfortable and scary at times, choosing to see it as simply UNFAMILIAR and engage with them anyway, is CHANGING MY LIFE. 

In those moments, they are able to see beyond all of the old ideas and limits I put on and around myself, and instead see the wisdom, strength and possibility inside of me.  And by focusing their attention on this bright, radiant light instead of buying into the stories or excuses I might try to offer up, they truly assist me.  In holding for me from that place of higher awareness, and demonstrating their love and respect for me by not joining me in the muck of it, they offer me a POWERFUL GIFT. 

When we connect with the collective strength and wisdom of a loving community, we tap into an infinite source that seems to work magic in our lives.  In addition to the laughter and joy I experience when we share our stories of misadventure and learning, I also feel inspired and uplifted by the overwhelming flood of support and love coming my way.  They remind me of the possibilities available to me in any area of my life, when I’m willing to jump in and EMBRACE THE ADVENTURE. 

What are you OPENING TO in your life today?  Are you showing up in service to others by choosing to relate to their ‘magnificence instead of their limitations’?  Are you open to relationships where you’re receiving this kind of unconditional love and support?

If you’re curious to learn more about how our experiential retreat weekends could support you integrating this kind of approach toward the adventure of your life, 

please visit our website or call or email me today!