Humor Can Save Us!

Starting a new business is a challenge in so many ways. The ups, the downs, the new things to learn, particularly the technical stuff, the sometimes delicate interpersonal communications, the need to be "out there" promoting the business, products and services, and still taking the time to relax and play. Laughter seems to help release tension, doesn't matter if the joke is about myself, current circumstances, or hearing something funny on the radio... it just feels good to have a laugh. When I was a therapist I studied some styles of therapy that encouraged "release" through laughter and sobbing. They both seem to help me personally, though laughing hard feels so much lighter during the process. It gets back to the body, being fully present, and taking care of ourselves. Peace, Peace, Peace.

The Body Never Lies

For a week I was really doubting myself and experiencing higher anxiety than usual, all around business stuff. Wednesday morning went to yoga class, no more than got there, put my tense body flat on the mat, closed my eyes - and got it! I was in a business relationship that wasn't working and I needed to end it. It wasn't that "they" were wrong and I was right, it was just not a good fit. Since the relationship was only a week old with no contract at that point, it was easy to say what I needed with no bad energy coming from either party. The other party was in the same place, I suspect. What a huge relief! My anxiety immediately deflated and I have slept well two nights in a row. When will I ever get it? When my anxiety is off the map, something is not working and I have to fix it. Back on track now, moving forward on the path of my heart.

Anyone have any of their own insights that helped you find peace?

Nancy

Good Advice

Yesterday was one of those days that "everything" went wrong technically while I was trying to get out an announcement of two upcoming trunk shows. First, I somehow deleted 30 names off my personal mailing list. Darn...that was work to get that back together, fortunately, I had printed out the list the day before. Just before hitting the SEND button, I made a modification to the signature with the link to my website by capitalizing the first letter of each word, thought it looked better... Finally, after copying it from my other computer, without my awareness, it changed the line formatting squishing it all into one paragraph only to be observed on my blind copy. As soon as the email went out almost simultaneously I received an email back from one of the artists that the link wouldn't work... Wringing my hands, I sent her an email thanking her but not sure what to do. She shot back an email with just one word - "Breathe". I did and felt much better. Thank you Ruth!

Please share what you do to take care of yourself.

Nancy

Walk the Talk

My radio is off this morning after about a half hour of bad news. It gets unhealthy for me to listen to that too much. Skimmed the newspaper without reading the headline stories about the dangerous economic situation. Moved right into the food section...

Starting a new business is both challenging and exciting at the same time. Something came up yesterday that could have rocked my boat and very honestly it did, but it just rocked, it didn't take on any water... Anyway, my challenge is to stay positive, and think of a new challenge as an opportunity for creative problem solving rather than to view it as serious obstacle. I don't have to go into crisis mode. I've always thought of myself as a creative problem solver and here is yet another opportunity to approach things with complete attention and an open mind. I decided that I will need to find people to work with me that also believe in creative solutions and don't have a dark view. For some time I've been working on visualizing what I want in my life and that will continue to be my motto today and tomorrow and so on. Just take a deep breath and trust that I will know what to do next.

Time to do a little yoga and meditation with my lovely friend Kwan Yin, the lady Buddha.

Invitation

“Gemini (May 21-June 20) Locate an oasis during any troubled moments. While you cannot ignore hard, cruel facts, you can refuse to let them spoil your day.” Star Signs The Oregonian, Monday, October 6, 2008

Don’t know much about astrology but this horoscope seems like a good place to begin the CQS blog. Listening to NPR news about banks being taken over in Europe and the current financial instability in this country and around the world... I won’t go into all my thoughts and concerns about that as it just goes the opposite direction of creating a “quiet space”. So what do we do when the world around us seems to be chaotic and we want to have a good day with positive thoughts and vibrations within and around us?

I’m having a cup of tea, just turned off the radio, and taking some long, deep breaths. Looking out the window seeing the sun breaking through the dark clouds, things are looking better already.

There are so many ways we can take care of ourselves when it “seems” that things aren’t going so well. Sometimes just changing the thought makes all the difference. I’m thinking about what I want to do today to make my heart sing and my new business move forward. I’m thinking about what I’m grateful for ...thinking about doing some yoga, thinking about a walk in the park..

This blog is an opportunity to share ideas about finding personal sanctuary in our everyday lives. What do you do to create a peaceful nurturing spaces for yourself? Please share your ideas on this blog. The blog as been set up to allow others to publish their thoughts, however I reserve the right to edit material that is not appropriate.



* Photo from http://baisri.files.wordpress.com