Gaia Community: gaiagirl's Blog

Bliss in the New Era

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 01:09:48 GMT

Wow! What an amazing day! My inspiration level went up tenfold today I think! So many things to be excited about, and to celebrate.

I heard things I have never before heard at an inauguration...things like we are all one-Christians, Muslims, Jews, non believers...; harnessing the power of wind, sun, and soil; bridging the gap between the poor and rich; what if the mightiest word is love? And the best, that elder preacher man "black is no longer in back, brown is still around,
yellow is mellow, red is getting ahead'!! Can you even believe it?

We are at the dawn of a new era. Now we all get to contribute to the change we want to see. What will you do for your part? How will you take part in the global conversation? What will you be inspired to change in your life, and the world around you? How will you be involved in positive change?

60 years ago the world couldn't have imagined a man of African decent to be president. What can we imagine for 60 yrs from this moment?

Endless possibilities. And, it is up to each of us. Please, don't go back to sleep. The need to stay awake and involved is even more important than ever before. This is our time to capture our bliss and make it real. Join in the celebration. Dance in the streets. Then decide what your going to do to make the world a better place, with the support of new president at a pretty amazing moment in history.

Happy Obama Day!

Tags: inaugaration, dawn of a new era, positive change, bliss, inspiration, celebrating change, President Obama

Tips for Staying Inspired in the New Year

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:09:29 GMT

What needs to get done in 2009?

Here is an excellent quote I recently came across: "Comfortable is just boring with good PR!" That made me laugh right out loud, for how true it is.

What have you gotten comfortable with that really bores you silly and just isn't juicing you anymore? Maybe it's your work, or a particular relationship, or the lack of creative expression, or the extra weight you're carrying around.

Ready to do something about it?

I imagine you care deeply about positive self development. You are interested in doing your best and showing up in all you do with integrity and clarity. You work hard at balancing your life and you are loyal in your relationships. These are valuable qualities that are important to foster and nurture. The more we take care of ourselves the better we are able to take care of the world around us.

We are in the midst of interesting times.The world around us is changing fast. Now, more than ever, individuals are seeking creative solutions to "get it all done". And there is a lot to do. It's easy to get a little "lost".

I invite you to consider 2009 as the year of "Getting it Done". Whatever "it" is for you. Step into action with positive change and vision for Living Your Bliss.

What does that look like for you? How will you be certain to make it happen? What do you need to help you on your way?

We are almost complete with the first month of the year. Everywhere individuals are already beginning to lose sight of their New Year resolutions and intentions. If you are one of them, you can gain them back.

Here are some hints:
-Spend some time identifying what is important to you. What do you want to be able to say at the end of the year?
-Identify 3 action steps you can take immediately to set you on the path towards your vision.
-Create the environment that allows you to be in action. Clean up anything that is cluttering up your life-relationships dragging you down, stacks of papers and magazines you haven't looked at in months, items that don't work, etc. Organize, organize, organize!
-Put your goals into your on-line calendar as a reminder so they will pop up in a month, 3 months, and 6 months from now and allow you to evaluate your progress.
-Get support. A Coach, a Mentor, a friend. Someone who can provide genuine feedback and insights and that you can share your fears, concerns and successes with.
-Celebrate often, and play regularly. If it's not fun, why do it??

Let's all Get "It" Done this year. And if you want/need some support in manifesting that, check out my fabulous coaching specials I am currently offering on my Gaia profile page. I haven't offered discounts like this ever before! It's a great opportunity and it is an invitation for you. My hope for 2009 is that all individuals are a living their bliss, and it is my intention to provide a sanctuary for you to do that in. Come inside. Rest. Create. And then, Get "It" Done!

Tags: being comfortable, living bliss, boredom, self development, life balance, getting it done, positive change, tips totay inspired

What are we missing?

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:36:13 GMT

Stop, look, listen...what are you missing?

This just arrived in my inbox, and I feel it is important to share. I do not know the source of this story (if anyone does, please let me know). As we enter into the New year this seems like a good inquiry to start with.

Violinist in the Metro

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.

A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.

In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many other things are we missing?

Tags: Violinist in Metro, noticing, social experiment, music, perceiving beauty, appreciating beauty

From Darkness Comes Light-A New Year Vision

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 19:47:53 GMT

11-07 whitewater draw 052

I've been away for awhile. From blogging, from myself, from my life and my work. Just prior to Thanksgiving a personal crisis of sorts came roaring in, and I entered into a very dark time that took me to my knees, calling out to Spirit for groundedness and help.

These moments are always so profound, even in the midst of excruciating heart and soul pain. We get to make a choice: will we stay in the darkness, or allow for the darkness to inform us and bring us to the light? There were moments when I had no clarity as to which way I would go. In fact I felt extremely lost, despairing, inadequate and alone.

As I flopped around in the darkness I was able to listen to a small, little voice, way back there in my mind, that continuously gave me permission to just be. To not stress about the future and what I will do. To allow myself the grief, the fear, the despair, all of it. To feel it. To be it. To swim in the dark corners of my soul and discover what needs to come to the light.

No coincidence that the Winter Solstice occurred during this weird, wild and somehow wonderful time. I attended a small and intimate Solstice gathering called "Dancing Into Our Darkness". This powerful ceremony allowed me to put into physical motion all that I had been feeling and grieving, and brought in a whole new level of understanding for myself. The heaviness began to lift and the light truly began to re-enter. I began to recognize my contribution to the crisis that had come into my life, and found a new level of commitment towards healing and recovery. For myself, my relationships, and my work. I am looking forward to the promise of the New Year and realize that this painful, heart wrenching time really has been an amazing gift that will inform my journey in a positive, expansive, wider perspective, and glorious way.

A few days before Christmas I found myself asking: How would I live if I knew I only had 6 months to do so? The words fearless and boldly came right up for me. As the New Year approached, I decided my theme for 2009 would be A Year of Bold and Fearless Living!! This is my lesson from the dark time I have just passed through, and it is the light that will guide my way in the days to come.

What will your theme for 2009 be? How will you step into that vision and make 2009 your best year yet? If you are interested, I have some personal journal questions that, through reflection and review, might help you discover the answer . Email me and I will be happy to zip them to you.

May we all have a New Year that is fulfilling, prosperous, adventurous, playful, evolutionary, revolutionary, satisfying, soul nurturing, heart opening, and healthy. And of course, may we all be bold and fearless as we go about our days, our lives, our work, our love and our relationships. Happy 2009!!!

Tags: New Year, Solstice, personal darkness, personal crisis, theme for 2009, soul searching, heartache, ceremony, healing, recovery

Adding Value to the Lives of Others

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:25:10 GMT

Value Has Beauty

Lately I have been pondering, and sitting with, the question of "How can I add value to your life?". Your being the collective your; all those around me, all those I touch, have contact with, and intersect with in various ways.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when we naturally take stock of all the things we have to be joyfully grateful for, it's a bit of an interesting twist. As I list my mountains of abundance that I am so thankful for, I also get to consider all the ways that I might be able to positively impact another's life.

How can I add value to your life? Depending on who I ask will certainly influence the answer. Actually, it is not even imperative that I really ask the other person, it is a question I can ask of myself about another person. "How can I add value to so&so's life?".

It occurs to me, that unless those I am asking really know who I am, they may not be aware of how I may add value to their life. If, for instance, the person I asked did not know that I am a Life Coach, they wouldn't know that I might support them in gaining clarity or in creating balance in their lives. If they know I am a Life Coach, they may not understand that my focus is on Whole Health and Wellness, and that my passion is in helping others to gain a sense of complete healthiness in all aspects of their life. If they are needing respite and renewal, and didn't know I facilitate custom designed retreats for individuals and groups, they wouldn't know I could help them step out of their usual lives and into a safe place of stillness where their authentic voice could really be heard. Likewise, if one was unaware of my community building experience, or organizational skills, networking prowess, or love for collaborative ventures, how would they know to ask?

As we consider the possibility of adding value to lives of others, in ways that they will be thankful for, while we count our own blessings, it seems important that we let others know who we are!!

But first, we must ask ourselves...how do I value myself? In what ways can I add value to my own life? What aspects of myself do I believe adds value to the lives of others? Believing in ourselves and trusting that we have something of value to contribute to the world at large, and knowing what that is, is as important as wanting to make a positive impact.

Sometimes we are not always able to connect to our intrinsic value and positive contribution to the world. Hopefully, this is when our friends and loved ones take notice, and ask us how they can add value to our lives! And then, we get to count our blessings and have give thanks and the circle continues.

Today, I am grateful for many, many things, and I ask: how can I add value to your life?

Tags: giving thanks, counting blessings, adding value, gratitude, having positive impact, being positive influence, custom retreats, community building, collaborative ventures

seeking sustainable community development mentors

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:15:02 GMT

sustainable susan

My dear friend Susan, and fellow GAIA friend as well, is seeking mentors in her sustainable community development studies. I know there are lots of you out there that might be able to help her out, so I offered to spread the word a bit. She's a very amazing, passionate and intelligent womyn...if you chose to mentor her I am positive you would receive many benefits as well. One of the characteristics of Whole Health, as I see it, is environment, meaning the physical environment we find ourselves in most often. Sustainable community is the most viable way to create a healthy environment from this perspective, that I can see. Susan's studies, and future work that will be born from that, is important and valuable.

This is her "seeking mentors" statement.

I am an environmental studies student in the distance learning program of Prescott College looking for course mentors. My area of focus is sustainable community development, and community organizing. I specifically need mentors for courses based on ecology, environmental ethics, eco-psychology, eco-economics, and sustainability. Also of interest is anyone with a background in community development, assessing the needs of a community in regards to sustainability, and environmental policy making.

    Basically, the program I am in involves designing my own coursework with a mentor and is a very experiential based learning model.   A mentor would be required to meet with me via phone or in person at least once per week for 3 or 4 months per course, would evaluate the work I do, and help in advising me throughout my course with feedback and support.

    Why be a mentor? If you are passionate about your area of expertise and enjoy sharing knowledge, this is an ideal situation for you. If you are involved in community projects that are connected to my coursework, I can help you as part of my study contract. This is an opportunity for you to serve your local and intellectual communities. Mentors are also considered adjunct faculty to Prescott College, and are paid an honorarium for their time.

    Mentor requirements: Teaching experience and knowledge of academic resources in the course subject area. A graduate degree is helpful, or some depth of expertise in your field. You have a small amount of time to commit to up to 4 months of once per week meetings. You know how to apply knowledge to action and real life situations.

    If you are interested in being a mentor, please contact me. For more information about the mentor program, or if you are interested in becoming a mentor in general for Prescott College, go to www.prescott.edu, click on “current students”, then click on the ADP link (adult degree program) and you will find links about both mentoring and the program.

    If you don't have the requirements, but do have knowledge to share, I am also interviewing people with backgrounds in environmental studies, community organizing, sustainability and sustainable development. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

I wish Susan the best of luck in her studies and future. She continuously inspires me with her passion and insights. She's a great friend to have.

Tags: sustainability community development, mentors, ecology, environmental ethics, eco-psychology, eco-economics, passion, inspiration

Get Out and Vote!!

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:04:37 GMT

The big day is quickly approaching. Unless

Your voice counts!!

you are dead, or simply not paying any attention what so ever, you are aware of the energy building as we approach this monumental time. Since I don't watch any TV, or pay much mind to main stream news, I'm not caught up in the hype factor. For me the energy has more to do with the big questions we are facing as a nation, what's really going to happen (vs what they are hyping us up for), and what will be the result of what happens? My belief is that this is the most important election I will possibly see in my life time.

Living a life of Whole Health incorporates our contribution to the community around us, and places a positive value on the sense of purpose gathered from that contribution. Acting on our given right to vote is a powerful way to contribute to the health of the world around us. I hope each of you will be taking the time to place your vote this coming Tues, Nov 4th and thereby making your contribution, a contribution I might add, that does matter. Get informed. Learn about the propositions and political candidates in your area and know that you are making a difference.

In the meantime here is a poem I recently came across in the We'Moon calender, by Diane Bergstrom, that really speaks to me right now.

Remind Me
Darkness always births the light.There is no insanity without surfacing reason, Apathy can give way to conviction and action.

Remind me.
There is no suppression with eventual uprising. Public silence unleashes individual voices. Where there is death there must be life.

Remind me.
Where there is waste, growth will be forged. Narcissistic leaders incense empowered communities. Censorship spurs collective voices.

Remind me.
Senseless occupations cause people to question. Unjustified spending arouses investigations. The pendulum always swings.

Remind me.
Hopelessness, despair, intolerance and fear can debilitate. belief, anger, purpose, education, and faith can facilitate. What can I do?

Remind me.

Tags: voting, election day, get out and vote, community contribution, political candidates, getting informed, whole health

FLowing Like A River

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:27:52 GMT

river flow

Recently I spent a very wonderful day on The San Pedro River with a dear friend of mine. We haven't hung out together in a long time, for various reasons to detailed to go into here, and it was so wonderful to reconnect. A perfect desert fall day-not to hot, with clear skies and a soft breeze-gave us a perfect backdrop. And, of course, it is always sweet on the river.

We bushwhacked through some weeds, after walking along an old railroad track for awhile, to find ourselves at a delicious bend in the river. The water was still burbling along clean and clear and there was a grand sand bar just inviting us to sink in, to rest our hearts here, in this spot together. We did. Pulling out snacks, taking off shoes and socks, we began the process of rediscovering a magic that is only ours together.

Six hours later we said goodbye. Our conversation, and the meeting of our hearts, had flowed like the river we sat next to-meandering, gentle, and singing a soft little tune of nourishment to our souls. The leaves in the cottonwood that shaded our little picnic fluttered in the breeze, and there was such a sense of peace that it was very hard to leave.

As I drove away from our meeting spot, leaving a trail of dust behind me, a sense of bittersweet rolled over me. I realized I live in a world where it is not acceptable to share a deep heart connection with someone who is not your "partner", or whatever you want to label that role of your primary intimate, and that in some peoples eyes our beautiful experience together on the banks of the river, on a gorgeous desert day, was "wrong". This leaves me with a heavy heart.

Being a womyn of integrity and responsibility, I know with a fierce pride and deep understanding, that I have the ability to honor necessary boundaries, and I will, as I always have in this case. But I struggle against the yearning to be authentic and honest with my desire to know this person more. He struggles with the same, which is why we haven't seen each other in a long time. It just got to hard to not be in our truth, to be imprisoned by the rules of our culture.

In my culture, in the world I want to create with those that I love, we would be encouraged and supported in our connection, and it would be honored and celebrated, not feared and condemned. Not everyone is there however, although there is quite a movement afoot to change this. This stark reality washes over me like the dust on the road behind me, leaving a dry taste in my mouth and an ache in my heart.

river art

We made a commitment to no longer let our truth have us hide from one another, and to be authentic in our expressions with one another "out there in the world". The truth is though, that due to the rules of society and the circumstances of what is, the fullness and depth of our connection will never be realized. This is not to say that our relationship will not be deep and meaningful, for it already is. It is just to acknowledge that our hearts will be restricted, unless we are able to navigate new levels of understanding and acceptance in the world around us.

This is a tall order, and it is an item that is constantly on my agenda in various ways in my life. I believe the universe is really calling upon us at this time to seriously evaluate how we are in relationship with one another, what roles and boxes we find ourselves in that just don't fit anymore, what the rules of intimacy and connection are, and how we can evolve to a higher level of love.

For myself, I just know that I want to love with out restriction, without anyone telling me who I can love and how much. I want to celebrate those I love loving others, without us getting caught in the traps of jealousy, ownership and possession. I want to experience intimacy and connection in authentic ways, without being bound by rules of what is supposedly appropriate. I want to hug those I love long and hard, and often. And I want to follow my hearts yearnings for exploration without having to hold back.

I want to walk on the river with a dear friend hand in hand and know it is absolutely and completely OK. And when we say goodbye for the moment, I want to leave awash with joy and celebration, not bittersweet sadness.

Tags: San Pedro river, love, intimacy, connection, heart restrictions, friendship, boundaries, nature, peace, rules of culture

Live with Passion and Joy

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:30:08 GMT

living with joy

I recently became inspired to consider what core fundamentals were operating in my life these days, and if they were appropriate for these times we currently find ourselves living in. I discovered that I needed to adjust my thinking in some areas to accommodate for the changes and to make way for continued success in my life and business. I realized that I had indeed been sucked into the fear of "things to come" and that this completely took me out of the present moment, and my ability to enjoy each moment for the wonderous gifts they are.

While there are a lot of things out there to be concerned about, and it is important to stay informed, we do not need to let any of it determine how we show up each day, nor do we need to let any of it ruin our individual bliss. We can lose material possessions, jobs and bank rolls, but we don't have to lose our spirit, our passion, our compassion, our connections with others or our spiritual path.

Knowing the core fundamentals that keep us inspired, hopeful, on track and present to each moment are touchstones to which we can return.

Take a moment to jot down 3-4 items, small catch phrases or affirmations, that provide a foundation for you. You may find, as I did, that you will re-access certain ideas or ways of being so that you can navigate more easily-this is the idea! Allow for these fundamental elements to flow forth from your authentic center-there are no should's or have to's here, only a desire to be more connected to the essence of your "Living Bliss", whatever that is for you.

Here are my 4 core fundamentals that I am currently working with:

* Live with passion and joy
* Trust the process
* Be authentic
* Put yourself out there

What are some of your core fundamentals that can keep you happy and a float these days? I would love to hear what's working for you.

In addition, check out the "Harvesting Hope" teleclass coming up this week...it's a place to go to ignite hope and possibilities in these challenging times.

Tags: living with joy, core fundamentals, inspiration, touchstones, passion, spsiritual path, living in the moment, being present

Life's Lessons

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 01:24:36 GMT

Beth retreats in the midst of adversity

This is my friend Beth, who has been dealing with enormous adversity, which is completely out of her control, for over a year now. She has consistently maintained a positive attitude, utilizing humor and self growth as a way to get through it all. She is a continual source of inspiration to me.

The adversity of life is one of the richest area for deep learning and positive growth. Of course, how we deal with that adversity is the biggest cause and effect to what we get out of it all.

There are several possibilities for how we can respond. Denial, acceptance, anger, or curiosity are all options and will lead us in a certain direction.

Sometimes just sitting down and having a good cry before we do anything is what we need the most! I use this one often as it seems to be the release valve that I need to get to the more real stuff, to the bottom of what is really going on.

Tip #1-Feel the feelings, then deal with the dealings!

Once the emotion is released, it then becomes easier to think things through and decide what's next. Ask yourself, what is the opportunity here for me? How can this adversity help me to grow, to move me forward, to make me stronger?

Taking it to a deeper level, what is your soul asking of you? How can you utilize this challenge in your life to motivate a necessary transformation in your life?

Tip #2-Take responsibility for all that is yours and do what needs to be done to move on. Learn from your lessons so you don't have to do it again!

Resistance is futile. When we deny the truth of what is really going on we are only harming ourselves. Chaos and challenges are a perfect indicator that it is time to get still and listen to what is asking to be called forth. Is the chaos caused by your resistance to change, accept, embrace, and be real? Or even to just listen to your souls calling?

Adversity, challenges, chaos, change...all of these are the sign posts for transformation, growth and self development. So, go ahead, take a deep breath, be still, feel your feelings and open yourself up to all it has to show you!

Tags: adversity, dealing with life's lessons, positve growth, self growth, feeling feelings, opportunities for growth, transformation, change, chaos, personal challenges

Harvesting Hope

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:46:45 GMT

Harvesting Hope

I hope this finds everyone well and in good spirits. There is an event coming up that I want to share with you, and invite you to join. It is a special event for me in that it is born out of my own life experiences and I share it with you in hopes that you may have an easier journey if you find yourself in troubling times.

Life is not always easy, and when those moments arrive that turn our world upside down having resources available and skills already in place to help get us through can be our only saving grace.

"Harvesting Hope", a special tele-class event (meaning anyone, anywhere can attend!), is my offering to you during the Fall Harvest season. If you're finding yourself in need of a little boost, or if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by changes happening, consider joining me on Wed, Oct 15th, for "Harvesting Hope".

What do you do when it seems nothing is going right, and your world is crumbling down around you?

How do you hold on to all that you know is true with out tumbling into despair?

This one hour program will explore the many possibilities in choosing hopefulness and trust, vs fear and depression, and will provide concrete steps to staying strong in the midst of turmoil, chaos or sudden change.

Learn valuable tips for maintaining balance, staying healthy and positive, and how not to let the big stuff bring you all the way down.

Great for those in the midst of transition, suffering a new loss, or challenged by the curve balls life is throwing them.

Oct 15th, 2008
10AM-PST

Go here for more information
Hope to see you there!!

Tags: harvesting hope, despair and depression, dealing with transition, dealing with loss, staying healthy and balanced, a teleclass event, life transitions

Relationship Dancing

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:28:42 GMT

Loving This Dance

Relationships. You can't live with them, and you can't live without them! Whether it is a lover, a friend, a parent, a sibling, or a co-worker, relationships often challenge us in the practices of compassion, patience and non-judgement.

I've been thinking a lot about what I call the "Dance of Relationships" this past week, and I've been dancing hard! How about you? Would you consider your relationship dances something along the line of the sultry and seductive salsa, or more like a two step that has you tripping over your own feet, or perhaps a sweet waltz?

Within the realm of Whole Health, relationships are a primary category of consideration. They are often where we get stretched and pulled the most, where we bump up against our deepest issues, and where the mirrors get held up for us to be able to look honestly at ourselves. They can be frustrating, infuriating, challenging and maddening. They can also be beautiful, profound, hopeful and wonderfully loving. Either way we have the opportunity to learn great lessons and grow ourselves exponentially.

There are times when I have fantasies of being a hermit in a cabin in the woods somewhere, with no need to interact or engage with others. This is usually when I am feeling pain, anger, or sadness due to a relationship issue with a loved one. Other times I experience my complete connection with others in a way that finds it hard for me to even remember that I have ever felt pain, and completely willing to open up my heart in vulnerable ways.

The truth is, relationships can't exist in a vacuum. We need one another to grow, develop, evolve, remember, and feel. We need one another to tap into that incredible source that feeds all relationships-love, and the desire to love and be loved in return. Even relationships such as with co-workers, or less intimate acquaintances, rely on this element to survive. Love is fed by respect, trust, honesty, truthfulness, caring, compassion and patience.

Take a look at the relationships surrounding you. Are they feeding you? Are they helping you to grow and evolve? Do they validate the beauty that is all of you? Are they supporting your dreams and believing in you? Are they working in collaboration with you, or creating resistance and sucking your energy?

The Dance of Relationships is not an easy one. But when we put our attention to the caring of them, have a clear vision of what we want from them, and are willing to put a little work into them, the rewards can be amazing.

Perhaps it is time to do some inventory of how the relationships in your life either support or sabotage your desire for Whole Health and Happiness. The Fall season, typically known for harvesting, abundance,and letting go, offers an inspiring metaphor. Choose the tune you want to dance to, and get dancin' with a few good dance partners. Those that can't hear your tune? Let them go....

Tags: relationships, the dance of relationships, open heart, love, intimacy, connection

One Of Those Days

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:51:30 GMT

light after the storm

This morning I was all ready for a great day of work, and was diligently working on a newsletter that I provide on a weekly basis for my coaching clients. Somewhere along the line I managed to leave the page I was on, and when I returned, all my hard work was gone.

Ya know the straw that broke the camels back?? This was one of those moments. I lost all my work, and then...., I lost it. I kicked and screamed and let the fury of the moment course through my body. Good thing a neighbor was running a very loud weed-wacker, otherwise neighbors would have been very worried about what was going inside my house!

Somehow, this little techno snafu sent me into emotional oblivion. Were my stars not lined up correctly, or is Mar's in retrograde? Maybe menopausal hormones are to blame. Whatever the case, it was quite a visit to the emotional realms of a day gone seriously wrong.

Later in the day, after tears that wouldn't stop and a heart that couldn't be soothed, I had to pull it together for a client's visit. I took a few moments to clear away the negative, heavy energy that swirled around me, knowing that no matter what was going on for me, it was important to be totally present for my client. Luckily, it was a client I love working with-a young womyn who is strongly stepping into her power. Her journey is a gift to witness. During the session we laughed a lot as she excitedly shared with me all of the past weeks wins.

Sometimes life is like that. We get the juice we need to carry on in the most unexpected places. Celebrating her wins helped me to reconnect to the joy of life and realize that things could be a lot worse than losing a bunch of words. Maybe they weren't the right words that my clients needed to receive. Maybe whatever does come out next will be the real healing balm, or point of inspiration, that they really do need. I don't know. I just know that somehow I was beginning to feel better.

In the midst of her session a huge thunderstorm came roaring through, bringing torrents of rain, loud thunder and cracks of lightening. Talk about shifting and cleansing the energy !! The funny thing? I was writing about the healing virtues of nature when I initially "lost" it all earlier in the day!! Just goes to show you that even coaches are human and sometimes reach the end of their ropes. I'm grateful that I am able to experience my feelings, feel them and eventually release them. What a journey it is, eh?

It's raining again and somehow I am ready to re-tackle that project that sent me over the edge this morning. I think I will go stand in the rain first and let it completely wash away all my sorrows of this day just to make sure!!

Tags: emotional storms, losing it, feelings, mar's in retrograde, empowerment, the joys of clients, celebrating wins, thunderstorms

The Pursuit of Happiness

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:41:56 GMT

P8250006

The other morning I was pondering happiness-what defines it, do we create it or does it just happen?, and the pursuit of it. I decided to check out of what most might consider the primo pursuit-my work, my "job", that which brings me money-and spend some time outdoors, where I tend to gain, if not happiness, at least a sense of grounding and connection to a higher source.

It was a beautiful day, and the normally dry hills behind my house were lush with verdant green life from the abundance of monsoon rains we have gotten this year. The whole high desert seemed to be smiling with happiness. Ocotillo are fat, fresh green leaves shading the normally visible sharp thorns. Prickly Pear is hosting plump fruit ready for harvesting. A plethora of vines crawl across the gravel trail way and several varieties of grasses were swaying in the breeze. Wildflowers dot the landscape with contrasting colors of purple, yellow, pink and white.

The critters were quite prolific as well. Crickets and cicada's of extraordinary color combinations were everywhere, all seeking the next plant to nibble on to satisfy their momentary pursuit of happiness. An unidentified, and rather fat, snake slithered away as I approached a wash, still moist from yesterdays rain. A Horny Toad basked in the sunlight, oblivious to my presence. As a sat under a tree hummingbirds danced above me.

passing grounds

Not everyone who passes through here is able to relish in the natural beauty, for they are on a different pursuit of happiness. I live 3 miles from the Mexico border, and these hills are the passing grounds of UDA's -otherwise known as Undocumented Aliens, as if they were from Mars or something. One area is strewn with clothes, backpacks, toothbrushes, deodorant sticks, kids shoes and various other personal items-left behind to presumably lighten their load, or perhaps the Coyote's require they not carry anything for the next leg of their journey. These journey's they embark on are dangerous, physically challenging, and often life threatening. All in the pursuit of a new happiness. Each time I come upon one of these area's my heart fills with compassion for the people who pass through here and I feel immensely grateful for the abundant life I live, where I am able to freely pursue that which I choose to determine my happiness.

Tailings pile

As I sat under the tree, I looked out upon the tailing remains of copper mining in this area. This huge mountain in and of itself obscenely exemplifies how one man's pursuit can severely impact the lives of others. The miners received little pay for their hard work, while the mining company made away with a pretty bundle, leaving the earth raped and destroyed. I wondered how my own pursuits might effect others.

As the day got warmer, and the afternoon thunderheads began to build I wandered slowly back home (and to my work). As I pondered serious questions about my own happiness at this time in my life, it occurred to me how vast is the definition of happiness, and that we all set about our pursuits in a kaleidoscope of possibilities. My happiness might raise someone else's eyebrows, while someone else's pursuits raise compassion and wonder in me, as the many critters, plant beings, and humans that pass through this landscape do.

What brings you happiness? How do you pursue it? Are you living a life of Whole Health by understanding what brings you happiness and actively pursuing it? What happens when you don't? These questions are excellent for long walks in the hills-feel free to leave your computer now and get out there to find out for yourself!

Tags: pursuit of happiness, undocumented aliens, life force, mining, wildflowers, desert monsoons, walking in nature, Mexico border

Tips for Getting Back On Track

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:28:29 GMT

Gettin' those ducks in a row!

Sometimes it takes longer to get grounded and back on track than expected. After 5 weeks on the road, I was fully ready to be back home, and excited about getting back to the work I love. I anticipated jumping right back into everything with ease and flow. HA! Consequently, it's taken me awhile to get all those little ducks in a row-probably because they are to busy playing in all the rain puddles around here!

Getting off track is easy. Getting back on track can be challenging. It includes a process of re-commitment and desire.

First we need to remember why we are committed in the first place. This re-connects us to our original vision and helps fuel the fires of change.

Next, set some goals. Make them simple. What is one small step you can take that will push you forward?

Start slowly. Don't try to do to much to fast. You will only get overwhelmed, frustrated or discouraged. That's not a Winning Game.

Have fun! After all, this is your commitment, you feel passionate about it, it means something to you! Find ways to keep yourself joyfully engaged in the process and you are bound to have success.

Put it on paper. Better yet, tell someone else (like a coach, your friend, or a co-worker). Writing it down, and putting it out there helps the universe to respond in a way that supports your efforts.

Have a way to evaluate your progress. Know where you want to be in a certain amount of time, know what success looks and feels like, and keep track of it!

Reward yourself. You deserve it. You're working hard. Make it worthwhile and celebrate your "wins".

As I get back in the flow of my life and work, it feels good to know that I can re-align to my commitments and jump back into what's important to me, despite a slow start.
If you need a little jump start and support getting back on track yourself, check out the "1-2-3, Let's Get Healthy" program. It just might help your ducks come out of those puddles and line up in a neat little row!

Tags: goals, getting back on track, commitment, desire, ducks in a row

The Wonder Of It All

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:42:36 GMT

The Swarm

The other day I was sitting on my deck, enjoying a favorite magazine and yummy breakfast, when I found myself gazing into a tree in our yard. Something looked oddly different about it. There appeared to be some sort of growth that had occurred on the trunk among the branches. Then I realized it was moving!! The "growth" was actually a swarm of bees who had landed there for a rest and some shade.

They fascinated me. Where did they come from? Where are they going? Were they killer bee's, or just friendly honey bee's? They all seemed pretty happy just buzzin' around and hanging out. (I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about them though as killer bee's are pretty popular in my area. We even have The Killer Bee Guy guy in town who specializes in removing their hives and then makes these awesome, award winning honey products.)

I thought about the journey they are on, as I was also reflecting on my recent Summer travels. With my loving partner, we traveled from AZ to ME and back again. Along the way we saw some very beautiful landscape, lots of same-city-USA, freaky car art in the middle of the desert, huge wind farms, a goat sitting on top of a VW bug, amazing people, various kinds of weather, and many things that boggled our minds.

We often marvel at the distance that a bee, or a migrating bird travels. What do they see when they do? Are they able to stop and explore with a sense of adventure, or are they narrowly focused and determined? Personally, I was pretty amazed by the degree of our travel, by how many miles can be covered in one day, and the variety of landscapes that can be seen. I think it is pretty incredible that we have the technology to get ourselves from point A to B in a relatively short time, traveling thru many time zones and different environments. (Of course, I wish our technology would improve to be more environmentally friendly!)

I think it is equally fascinating that a bee, or a whole swarm of them, can do the same.

Tags: bees, killer bee's, summer travels, reflections, landscape, environment

Preparation

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:05:11 GMT

making lists, checkin' em twice!

This week I am getting ready to leave for vacation. I'm packing my bags, getting my ducks all in a row, defining my intentions and emotionally preparing for a month on the road.

Preparation is an important part of any journey, whether it is an actual physical journey, or a journey of the heart. How we prepare for something sets the tone for how the experience will be for us.

Sometimes it's OK not to prepare, to just be spontaneous and on the fly. But even that requires a certain level of preparation to be open to the flow of the experience.

How do you prepare for journey's? Are you methodical or chaotic? Are you a list maker, or can you keep it all in your head? Do you ask for help, or try to do it all yourself?

Noticing how we engage in certain situations provides clues for how we might best show up in other circumstances. The area of preparation is ripe with possible insights.

Take a moment to consider how you might prepare for your next journey; whether it is traveling home to see the folks, embarking on a new exercise lifestyle, embracing the brilliance of your soul, building your business or learning how to slow down. What are the essentials you need to pack? Is there a new way to prepare that will support you better in arriving at your destination?

Me? I'm a list maker. And I lay out all my clothes on the bed, seeing how many I can mix and match to create numerous outfits with the least amount of clothing. I've learned over the years that I tend to wear the same favorite things the whole trip, so there is no need to bring my whole wardrobe. Books on the other hand.....well, let's just say I always bring a few!

"Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things - air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky - all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it." - Cesare Pavese

"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware." - Martin Buber

"Not all those who wander are lost." - J. R. R. Tolkien

Tags: travel, preparation, preparing to travel, making lists, destinations, journeys

Summer Time Bliss

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:46:10 GMT

the bliss of summer monsoons

I live in SE Arizona, where the Summer time is beginning to heat up with hot intensity. I swear my friends faces are starting to pucker up and everything is on a desperate search for moisture. A couple days ago clouds started to move in, big puffy white ones that tease us with ideas of monsoon rains. We look to the horizon in anticipation and wait patiently in the meantime, our trusty water bottle always close by for continual hydration.

Metaphors fascinate me, and I love using metaphors to help my clients gain new perspectives. So, naturally, I think about how this time is a metaphor for my own life right now.

Having just introduced and launched my 100 Day Challenge, things are certainly heating up with intensity in that area. I've had lots of response to the initial announcement and I'm excited about helping others get started on their path to Whole Health. (you can learn more about that at: http://tinyurl.com/4263jz)

The desperate search for moisture is not so much about desperation, but more about yearning. The moisture is the goodness that feeds me, allowing my life's garden to grow. I yearn for the moisture in the form of positive community, real intimacy, sense of purpose and Whole Health for myself. That yearning has me looking towards the horizon as I thrive to fully realize all those elements in my life.

The clouds starting to move in represent all the possibilities starting to come towards me. The are soft and gentle, no need to be afraid of them, and they are full of potential, ready to burst open in a refreshing storm of positive energy.

The water bottle is a metaphor for how I take care of and keep myself hydrated to remain healthy, juicy and alive. It is my container of bliss, which gets me through those dry spells that are filled with challenges attempting to melt me.

Soon, the monsoons will be here. When that happens you can find me dancing in the streets, welcoming the sweet rains of possibility and drinking in the bliss of summer.

Tags: summer, monsoons, metaphors, hydration, 100 Day Challenge, dancing

Taking on a 100 Day Challenge

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:58:18 GMT

Challenge Yourself to Win!

I've taken on a 100 Day Challenge!! Well, what exactly is that you ask??

In a challenge one is encouraged to take on an action that you do everyday and is fun, creative and challenging, in a way that rocks your world and adds value to the lives of others.

If you were to start a 100 Day Challenge what would it be? What could totally rock your world, and add value to the lives of others? Would it be doing a kind, anonymous gesture everyday, or making one cold call a day to build your business?? Maybe it is remembering to say "I love you" to your partner everyday. How about 100 days of Play? Got something you have been wanting to do forever, and haven't had the support, motivation, or drive to accomplish it?

For my challenge, it is my vision and desire to coach 100 new people in the next 100 days with a special "1-2-3, Let's Get Healthy!" session! Is that ambitious or what?

Read all about it at:http://tinyurl.com/4263jz

For this challenge to be successful I will need some help!
Here's what you can do:

take advantage of a session for yourself
refer me to your friends and family
refer me to groups or organizations who would benefit

How will this add value to the lives of others?

You will receive a personalized, 50 minute action packed "1-2-3 Let's Get Healthy!" coaching session, that will get you on track to making healthy choices for a happier life.

Targeting a specific area in your life (Career, relationships, financial, physical) that needs to get healthier, we will work together to discover concrete steps you can take to shift what currently is not working.

With guidance and support you will create an action plan for manifesting health and wellness.

You will leave inspired and excited, with a renewed sense of next steps for your whole health program.

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/4263jz

Anyone, from anywhere, can take advantage of this opportunity to participate in my 100 Day Challenge. All you need is a phone, the time and the desire. Just email me, or call me to schedule your "1-2-3, Let's Get Healthy!" special session.

Let's have fun together. Join me in creating a 100 Day Challenge for yourself! Email me with this challenge and if enough of you take it on, we will have a once a week group call to share ideas, wins, and blocks within our big challenge. Lots of resources, feedback and support will be available here as well. There will be no charge to you, other than your long distance charges to call the tele conference line. What a great way to start the summer!!

What do you want to be able to say you have accomplished in 100 days? ??

Thank you for referring me to others and for supporting my Challenge.
Let the games begin!!

Caoch Margie can be reached at 520-432-5936 or gaiagirlmargie@yahoo.com

Tags: challenge, whole health, let's get healthy, adding value, fun, healthy choices, accomplishment

Healthy Bliss

http://gaiagirlmargie.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:57:18 GMT

lucia

I've been thinking a lot about health these days. What constitutes health, the idea of Whole Health, what health means to me, how health shows up in various aspects of our lives.

I realize after many years of feeling like crap a good majority of the time, that health is a very personal journey. It's not just something we can read about, say "oh yaa, I want one of those", and go out and buy it. We need to be in relationship with it, commit to it, marry it and be in love with it.

Some people are fortunate to be born with a healthy constitution. For most of us though, it is something we need to pay attention to. On top of all the personal challenges we may face, we live in a culture that seems to give conflicting messages about health. While over the edge skinny models depict a sad image of beauty, obesity is at an all time high. Anti-depressants are a multi-million dollar industry with one in ten adults using them, and the rates of child usage tripling since 1996. There is an air of Spiritual bankruptcy as people everywhere flounder with values, sense of purpose and loss of faith. The amount of information is overwhelming making it hard to decipher truth from myth.

So, how does one discover their personal health bliss?

The first step is choosing to change your relationship to your health, and recognizing it as a whole system. It is not just about weight, or exercise. It also includes attitude, beliefs, nutrition, and ideas of self image. Ya know, the old mind, body, soul connection.

Second, get committed! How important is feeling good to you?? What are you willing to do to feel better? It might mean letting go of some things in your life. Are you really ready for that?

Next, fall in love with yourself as a healthy person!! Imagine what that feels like! Fall in love with feeling good!! Take a look inside yourself. Do you like what you see? If not, what will you have to do to fall in love with yourself, and the idea of being healthy, enough so that you will get married to it, till death do you part?

Health is mostly a frame of mind. It's who you are, not what you do. However, what you do is extremely important on the path to being blissfully healthy.

And sometimes things are out of our control. Today's blog is in honor of my dear friend Lucia, who is rallying against Stage 4 Ovarian cancer. A child of Chernobyl this is not her first confrontation with the Big C. Even so, she is the model of life, as she dances though each day with such incredible spirit and optimism. She is an example for us all in how very important attitude is in discovering, and living our health bliss.

Tags: whole health, healthy bliss, commitment, personal challenge, cancer, steps to health