The Next Level

I think I am going to the next level of something, but I don't know what. I'm 8 days into eating without distraction thanks to Geneen Roth's book 'Women Food and God.' I do so appreciate her studying the work of Byron Katie and Eckhart Tolle and writing my book for me..he he. I am also on day two of meditating (3 min - 5 min). These are such accomplishments for me because I have been aware of the benefits of both for many years and wasn't willing to pay any heed to the advice. It is said that you will only change your behavior when you learn something that convinces you to change or you because you are in so much pain that you are compelled to change. So nice to have these changes be because of the former, rather than the later!

The nugget of information that tipped my scales on the meditation practice was one line from the book 'Conversations with the Dalai Lama' by Paul Eckman, a scientist who has studied human emotion and facial expressions. It stated that the reason meditation is so helpful is because focusing on something involuntary, like the breath, serves to expand the space between perceived stimuli and emotional reactions. Now here is a concept I can understand, SPACE! The value and the serenity of more physical space has been improving my life for almost ten years now and it is time to take this to the next level.

When the Problem Is the Solution…

I spoke yesterday with a dear friend to catch up. She moved easily into her usual topic “what to do in life”, “how she can earn some money doing what she loves” and "finding her creative outlet.” This is a common urge from the creative soul, singing it’s song. The song is especially loud for a woman who has been intensely satisfied with the variety, excitement and connection of family life when her children were young (yes, this was me as well).

The education I have been getting in my coaching class (really Strategic Intervention) has changed how I view the entire, familiar process that my friend goes through during our conversations. Because she knows what I have been up to, I shared my thoughts with her and gave her an example from my own life of what is called the Crazy Eight. A pattern of swinging back and forth from one emotional extreme to another. In her case, it was the extreme of energetic excitement, hope and exploring possibilities on one side and the fear of physical limitations, monetary limitations and an general negativity, which easily lead to self berating on the other side.

What was so delightful about the whole thing was the simplicity and directness of her eventual honesty (aided by the fact that she was on some pain meds due to an injury!). She said, “Basically, I am just very content…... thanks for helping me see that.” With her defenses down she also said, “I am happy with my jobbie”, “I am not a career woman”, “I am a dabbler.” We were then able to discuss how this whole Crazy Eight pattern prevents her from facing the deeper issues of self that have given her an underlying sense of neglect and a strong desire to find and fit into a community.

So what lies beneath the "clutterbug?"

When I began labelling myself it was like putting my clutter into a box. It was easier to carry, but it wasn't organized. I encourage anyone who would like to open their boxes and face what's inside with a caring, compassionate and wholly experienced human being to do so. For more information you can email me directly at hartstein@comcast.net.

Ciao for Now!

Chris on TV

Well, being comfortable on camera is added to my list of things that take practice! Glad the experience is over and wondering if I'd ever do it again? Time will tell...
The most fun were the facebook comments of friends. Things like "you were great." Reminds me of the quote: "The truth should never get in the way of a good story!" That's really my lead in to today's post. I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy (half-truth) and I'd forgotten how easy it is to get "in" to do this (another half-truth).

What I was trying to communicate in the very short TV segment was that the intimidation that we all feel about doing something different and something which we are a little uncomfortable about is the primary factor stopping us from moving forward. If I had had more time I could have talked about the resistance to change and how we can flow with that!

In order to permanently enjoy something we do not currently enjoy, or think we will enjoy, we need to change either our perception or our procedure or both. I teach the procedure of RAFTing (Read, Act, File, Toss) to all my clients, but what about adopting the perception that staying organized is a key to personal peace! How about that being organized will save you time and sanity! This has been my experience in addition to all the other benefits that go along with living your values.

In this new year, my focus will be on the truth. It is a very personal thing to find one's truth, but the moment by moment decisions of maintaining an organized environment are a training ground for the clarity that is necessary in reaching for this elusive concept.

Best to All