You are a gift – there is no one else in this world like you. Your life, therefore, will be just as unique. Embracing a life that is true to your heart and soul’s callings can be challenging in a world of expectations, labels, and ingrained social norms. This series is about creating a life that is true to who you are, based on the only story I am qualified to write about: mine.

Are you a Water or Mountain Person?

 

photo of wake

“Flow” from the Connection Collection

Are you a water or mountain person?

If you had your choice, where would you spend your holidays? Where would you live?

For many, the answer is clear, one way or the other.

Either way, your preference can tell you a lot about yourself.  Once you’re aware of this, it can help with your decisions about where to live, holidays, careers, etc.

If you’re a mountain person, for instance, what aspects of the mountains do you prefer?

  • the forests?
  • being on the very peak overlooking the world?
  • the challenge of climbing the rockface?
  • the relaxing gondola ride to the top?
  • being so far from civilization?
  • the fun of family skiing holidays?
  • making your way to the top?
  • looking down to see how far you’ve come?

Why?

If you’re a water person, have you thought about what you like best and why?

  • the crashing waves on the cliffs, shaping grooves into the rock?
  • the peaceful trickle of a stream?
  • walking in the rain?
  • the meditative quality of lily pads growing in a pond?
  • the romantic canoe paddles on the lake?
  • the wilderness camping adventures and week-long portages?
  • the gentle rocking of a boat?
  • the excitement of surfing the big waves?
  • reflections ?

What does this tell you about your Self?

sunset photograph

“Mystery” from the Connection Collection

Being true to ourselves in all our choices comes a lot easier when we’re aware of what moves us.

What is it about mountains or water that helps you connect to your essence? They’ve both got different energies. What you like best can tell you what energies are most nourishing to you.

I’ve traveled to many places in the world.  I’ve lived on 3 continents and across Canada – in the prairies and on islands on both coasts.  No matter where I end up living, I always make sure to spend time by water.

When I was little, I used to go to the next village to feed the ducks.  When I was a teenager, I used to bike to waterfalls in the city and sit there for hours, or bike along the river.  Now, I’m so grateful to have a small river in the backyard that leads right to the ocean half an hour’s walk away.

I need water, all kinds of water, depending on my mood.  It’s also about the only thing I drink.

Even a photograph of water can help soothe my soul. I breathe deeper if I gaze upon a reflected sunset or the wake of a tall ship, like in the photo at the top.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

How Inner Guidance Talks. Are You Listening?

This is an article I wrote for the latest  NL Wellness Expo newsletter.  Mark your calendars St. John’s. I will have a booth there.  Sept. 19-20, 2015
 
"Life by Design" – original and reproductions available.

“Life by Design” – original and reproductions available.

Are you well? Are you happy? Are you living a life of passion and purpose? These questions are all asking the same thing: are you listening to your inner guidance? 

 
This isn’t an easy thing to do, especially in this day and age when our inner and outer worlds have become so noisy. We’ve learned to turn a deaf ear to both our intuition and signals from our bodies. From the time we were born, we’ve been trained to please each other, taking on the conditions of our parents, teachers, and society. We’ve rejected our own emotions and developed a gamut of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
 
When the Body Talks:
 
As Dr. Gabor Maté writes in his book “When the Body Says No – The Hidden Costs of Stress”,
 
What has happened is that we have lost touch with the gut feelings designed to be our warning system… (T)he salient stressors in the lives of most human beings today – at least in the industrialized world – are emotional. Just like laboratory animals unable to escape, people find themselves trapped in lifestyles and emotional patterns inimical to their health. The higher the level of economic development, it seems, the more anesthetized we have become to our emotional realities.”
 
If we ignore the whispers of our emotions and intuition, however, our Higher Selves may feel the need to shout – creating a state of such discord or dis-ease that we finally stop and listen. As Abraham, a group of evolved spiritual teachers channelled through Esther Hicks, explains:
 
“If you were more unwilling to put up with negative emotions, your lives would go a whole lot better for you. You have trained yourselves to be willing to endure misalignment and then you make decisions without clarity…. after a while, you get really tired of feeling bad.”
 
When You Start to Listen:
 
"Exaltation" - reproductions available.

“Exaltation” – reproductions available.

Luckily, there’s a huge shift happening. People are waking up to the costs of living a life that is disconnected to their heart’s callings.  They’re choosing wellness. They’re choosing happiness.  They’re choosing healing, which simply means aligning with their true essence, with Source.

 
How do you do that? Your emotions will act as your guidance system as you ask and listen. How can you truly be your Self in the world? What are your governing values? What are your passions? What’s your perfect fit in terms of diet, fitness, creativity, work, hobbies, lifestyle, etc.?
 
This is the time to create your Life by Design – a life that is as unique as you are. It’s not selfish. To be who you truly are, in all your love and beauty, is the Greatest Gift to all. As Marianne Williamson shares,
 
“Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. The revolution that will save the world is ultimately a personal one.”  
 
Hearing Aids for Your Transformational Journey: 
 
Transforming your inner and outer realities isn’t easy. It takes courage to let go of beliefs, patterns and choices that no longer serve you.
 
There are many empowering tools available to help you connect to your true essence on this transformational journey. It’s not necessarily the choice of tools that matters, but your intention. In selecting tools that resonate with you, you’re creating the necessary expectation of healing that opens yourself up to their benefits.
 
It’s important to remember though, that alignment with your Higher Self is a moment-by-moment process – one that takes time, patience and unconditional love.   You deserve it!

Download a free print and “Top Ten Tips to Empower Your Space”. Sign-up to my monthly newsletter.

What are your favourite hearing aids?  

Please share in the comments below.

 

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Life by Design: When Symbolism Speaks

birch tree layers photoI thrive on the power of symbolism.  It’s how my intuition speaks to me.

My job as an active listener is to first spot those symbols. Then I can interpret them as they relate to the questions I’ve asked the Universe.

Some symbols, like the butterfly, are universal in nature – common for people of various ages and cultures.

Others, however, are quite unique to our life experiences. That’s why we’re the best ones to truly know what a symbol means to us. Learning to trust that is very empowering.

Heres’ an example. A trail of breadcrumbs will mean something quite different to someone who grew up with the horrific fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel than to someone who used to spend every Sunday with their beloved grandmother taming the ducks with them.

When I do an intuitive reading, I basically take you on a recorded 30+ minute guided visual journey through a mini-movie filled with symbols that your Guides give me. Because the story and symbols are unique to you, it’s your job to interpret them, using my worksheets. This is fulfilling transformative work if you’re willing to do it.

What Symbols Speak to You?

It’s also helpful to add the power of symbolism to your home and work environments.

Take a look around. What are your walls saying to you? Does your art support you in this chapter of your life? Does it inspire you? Does it keep you stuck?

If you’re experiencing a time of transformation, for example, what would help you?

How about the birch tree above?  Does it remind you to accept the natural cycles of life? Does it invite you to let go of what no longer serves you? Does it encourage generosity and  non-attachment?

Or would you resonate more with a colourful butterfly  – celebrating freedom and beauty after its challenging stage as a chrysalis?

Explore the power of symbols in my new online shop. Which paintings speak to you right now, in this chapter of your life? As you look through the galleries of images, pay attention to your feelings and your energy levels?

 

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Life By Design: Appreciating the Treasures in Your Backyard

lady's slippers

Canada celebrated its 148th birthday yesterday. I’ll admit, I’m glad I was born in Canada. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in 5 of its provinces from coast to coast. This is one amazing country! It’s so diverse – in its culture and geography.

This isn’t only true of Canada, of course. This entire planet is a treasure trove, filled with blessings for those with the eyes and heart to see. 

I’ve had the chance to live in 4 other countries on 2 other continents and my travels keep teaching me this.

By connecting to my environment and truly appreciating where I am (literally and figuratively), life gets even better.

Sure, there are many other places I’d like to visit in my life and things I’d like to do or learn. But I was reminded yesterday that I don’t need to travel far to have my heart and soul filled with the love of beauty and the beauty of love. 

For example, here are some photos I took yesterday in the paths that link to my friends’ backyard. I joined 3 of my friends, the Awe Project team, for a day of good company, good food, and a forest filled with rare exotic flowers. These Cypripedium Acaule, AKA Pink Lady’s Slipper, are a member of the orchid family and on the endangered list. Look no further than the backyard for the rare and exotic!

Truly, I am blessed to be living on the island of Newfoundland, on the very east coast of Canada.

What treasures are in your backyard?

What is one thing you appreciate about where you live? Please share below.

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Life by Design: Meditation Your Way

"Teachings" from the Connection Collection - available on canvas and paper.

“Teachings” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “meditation”?  How does your body react?  Some of you may be feeling instantly more peaceful, but I’m sure others may be feeling guilty, fearful, or turned off in some other way.

The benefits are countless, however, so finding a style that is right for you is definitely worth it:

  • healthier body, mind, and spirit
  • stress reduction
  • increased happiness
  • calmer mind
  • mood stabilizing
  • pain control
  • improved learning
  • creativity
  • and more

Meditation Styles

The trick to meditation is finding the style for you.  There are many religious and non-denominational types of meditation out there to explore.  Here’s a great post describing  23 Types of Meditation.

"Namaste" from the Connection Collection - available on canvas and paper.

“Namaste” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper.

 

It doesn’t have to be traditional or organized though. Some people turn washing the dishes into a meditation – I’m not there yet…  I do, however, love contemplative meditation in nature, walking meditation, and the meditative states that I achieve through painting and nature photography.

Like with yoga, this means trying a few styles out before finding the perfect fit. Then all you need to do is practice, practice, practice.

Keep reading for my bonus meditation.

Learning to Meditate

There are also many ways to learn to meditate.

These vary from intensive training retreats, weekly classes, video & audio sessions, and open community gatherings. Look online to see what’s available in your area or ideal travel destination.

Here’s something you might like.  Deepak Chopra & Oprah Winfrey are about to start one of their popular 21-Day meditation experiences, this one focusing on gratitude. You get access to an online recording every day, starting July 13th.  Click here to sign-up.

 

My Exploration into Meditation

Vipassana

I once did a 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreat – they’re free (donations welcome), they’re all over the world, and provided exactly what I needed during a transition time in my life.

It was amazing! Well, that’s not entirely true. Day 2 and 3 were sheer hell as I experienced the workings of my mind in a way that made it clear that it was all in my mind: fear, anxiety, judgment, taking everything personally, etc. After the full realization that my experience had nothing to do with my environment or the other meditators, I felt pure, blissful freedom. Well worth it!

"Kwan-Yin" from the Connection Collection - available on canvas and paper

“Kwan-Yin” from the Connection Collection – available on canvas and paper

I continued the practice, one hour in the morning and one hour at night, for more than a year until my angels told me it was no longer serving me.

Creative Visualization

One of my favourite kinds of sit-down meditations is a guided one that opens up my inner vision and helps me connect to my body, mind, and spirit. These can be for healing, relaxation, getting in touch with inner guidance, etc.

Would you like to try one?

I asked my Higher Council for one that would help you let go of whatever no longer serves you, manifest what does, and connect to your team of Divine helpers.

The recording is 26 minutes and you can download it. Click here to sign-up

I channel one of these as an opening meditation whenever I do an Soul Energy Portrait Experience. It’s co-created with my client’s team of Divine Helpers and can serve them for years to come.

Painting Meditation

"Divine Union" - original and reproductions available

“Divine Union” – original and reproductions available

Yes, creativity can be a meditation, if you let go of the “how-to”s and especially the “how-not-to”s.  When I made dots on “The Law of Vibration” for 16 hours, contemplating how we’re all energy sending energy into the world, I was definitely in a meditative space.

Painting is my teacher – in self-awareness, in letting go, in unconditional love, and now in deeper universal truths through guided visualizations.

My finished paintings and photography can then act as portals to the universal energy flow and meditative states for those willing to enter.

Your Turn

What kind of meditation works for you?

How has meditation helped you?

Please share in the comments below.

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Life by Design: Walking, Walking, Keep on Walking

forest path photograph

“One Step At A Time” from the Treedom Collection. Now available as a print on canvas or paper.

I love walking! It’s been such a huge blessing in my life – physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and socially. 

Walking in the city connects me to humanity, to the pulse of a culture, to history, and to architecture (like in Vienna last year).

Walking in nature, my favourite, connects me to Source, to Mother Earth, to my Higher Self and to my intuition.

While walking, I can think things through and let things go. I can reach meditative, contemplative, or appreciative states much more easily than at home.

I also get great ideas when I’m walking. It’s the best time to rehearse speeches, repeat affirmations, work out lessons, receive guidance, or just breathe.

Where do you like to walk? Do you prefer walking alone or with friends?  What does walking help you with? Please share in the comments below.

The Walking Monk

Earlier this week, I participated in a series of events with Bhaktimarga Swami, the Walking Monk.  So far, he’s walked across Canada 3 times, either starting or ending here in St. John’s. He’s currently getting ready for a walk across the United States.  He does this to raise spiritual awareness – his own and that of others along the way.

photo of the walking monk

On Monday, he shared his “Tales from Trails” – stories about his insightful and often breathtaking adventures, including interesting encounters with grizzly bears and fellow humans.  Listening to him, I couldn’t help but acknowledge how much walking contributed to my own spiritual growth over the years.

On Tuesday morning, a group of us joined him for a walk around Quidi Vidi lake and through the village. Would you believe I had my hat and gloves? We are getting a few nice summer days here and there, but it’s still near freezing at times too. Still, I’d rather it be on the cool side than too hot.

That evening, we gathered again for an evening of universal truth, kirtan singing, and dancing.  I love these Sanskrit (an ancient Indic language) call and response chants – I usually sing & dance to 3 of them on my mini-trampoline in the morning to start the day off on the right foot.

The Work-At-Home Walking Challenge

For the past several decades, I always chose to live within 30-60 minutes walk from where I worked or studied. When I could, I’d make sure that nature trails or parks were on that route. Being a destination walker who dislikes crowded buses and has never owned a car, I had no problems walking 1-2 hours a day in every kind of weather to get to work, but things are different now.

As an artist and entrepreneur working from home, I’ve had to push myself out the door and even borrow the neighbours’ dogs for motivation. I know how important walks are for me, but I rarely made the time this past year.

Listening to the Walking Monk this week has reminded me of how much walking is essential to my well-being.

St. John’s not only has an amazing network of nature trails within the city (including one a few blocks away that leads to our biggest park), but is surrounded by the famous East Coast Trail that follows the coast of this gorgeous island.

It’s time to hit the trails. After a year as a happy hermit, I am committing  to walking more.

Did you find this inspiring? Please share it.

Life by Design: Stop and Smell the Flowers

tulipsDid your brain just jump in and say “that shoulda been ‘stop and smell the roses’ instead of ‘stop and smell the flowers’ “?

Well, this post is all about letting go of those shouldas, wouldas and couldas...

Plus, it just didn’t feel right to use “roses” in the title when sharing photos I took at the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa last week.

I was there to reconnect with family and to force myself away from the computer.  I needed to get out of overdrive.

Focus is good. Driving oneself to burnout, however, isn’t.

The road signs were clear.  I was heading that way. It was time for a change of course before it was too late.

I’m sharing my story here in the hopes that it inspires you to take care of yourself as you create your Life by Design. There’s no use killing ourselves in the process.

The Mind and Body in Overdrive

When I bought my plane ticket to Ottawa, I knew it was a good thing.

The thought of slowing down before my e-commerce website was up and running, though, also had me in a bit of a panic. Earning a sustainable income as a full-time artist depends on it. But the thought of being forced to slow down for reasons out of my control appealed even less. I wasn’t interested in making myself sick.

I had been pushing myself too hard for too long.

As a full-time student in Marie Forleo’s B-School, I was learning and implementing so much.  It’s an intensive, exciting, and soulful business program!  Although one of Marie’s slogans is “there’s no behind in B-School”, I created all sorts of self-imposed pressures and deadlines. I made that worse with fears of failure and over-exaggerated concerns about the consequences.

I’m happy with the website I’m still building.  My e-shop is also coming along, but it’s not quite ready yet.

Working through my technophobic tendencies had me stretching my comfort zones daily.  I’ve had to push through fear, panic, overwhelm, perfectionism and impatience to get where I’m at.  

IMG_9051I’ve been learning as much about my beloved shadow side as I have about my gifts, technology and business. These are worthwhile exercises, but they can take their toll.

My months of 12-16 hour days in front of the computer had not only put my brain into overdrive, but my body also.  If you haven’t heard, they’re linked…

I’d wake up with subtle energy and sometimes physical tremors from the constant anxiety.  My dreams were filled with to-do lists and related fears.

Yup! I was stressed!

My body was talking to me.  I didn’t want to wait until it was screaming to listen.

It was time to stop and smell the flowers.

I grabbed Dr. Gabor Maté’s book “When the Body Says No – The Costs of Hidden Stress” off the shelf and headed to Ottawa. The book was given to me last summer, but I hadn’t made time to read it.

“What has happened is that we have lost touch with the gut feelings designed to be our warning system. The body mounts a stress response, but the mind is unaware of the threat. … (T)he salient stressors in the lives of most human beings today – at least in the industrialized world – are emotional. Just like laboratory animals unable to escape, people find themselves trapped in lifestyles and emotional patterns inimical to their health. The higher the level of economic development, it seems, the more anesthetized we have become to our emotional realities. We no longer sense what is happening in our bodies and cannot therefore act in self-preserving ways. The physiology of stress eats away at our bodies not because it has outlived its usefulness, but because we may no longer have the competence to recognize its signals.”

Luckily, I have trained myself through my intuitive and spiritual practices to be aware of what is happening in my body. I also knew of the emotional connection to dis-ease. It still took time, however, to take action on those signals.  That’s so common in our go-go-go society.

Stop and Smell the Flowers

With Ottawa in full bloom, it was hard to ignore the call to stop and smell the flowers.

When I left Newfoundland, the trees were barely budding.  Nature was slowly coming out of its necessary hibernation.

By lifting myself away from my computer and changing the scene, I was surprised to see a world in full and luscious bloom.

I got my nose out of my own little story to be with loved ones, to help, to re-connect, and to re-create.

When I returned to Newfoundland 11 days later, nature had undergone the effects of divine timing – progressing at its own natural rate. Little tufts of green had started appearing on the trees.

Trees are such great teachers – they don’t stress with self-imposed expectations and judgements. They don’t hang on to stuff from the past or worries about the future. They have no shouldas, wouldas, or couldas – no comparisons with the speed of seasons in other parts of the world. There’s just perfection in being what is.

I’m back at work full-time now, but I’ll take these body, mind, and spirit lessons to heart, so that I that I may better explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love. After all, that’s what being an artist is all about for me.

Your Turn

Is it time for you to stop and smell the roses? How about the tulips, or lilacs?

What are your favourite ways to decompress? Feel free to join the discussion below.

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Life By Design: Embrace Your Weirdness

Harbour-Grace-Crow-Dominique-HurleyI’m weird. The truth is, we all are.  Some of us just don’t let that weird wonderful self out to play very much.  

Alas, society has been good at training it out of us.

I remember my Discourse Analysis professor in the early 90s saying that everyone could be diagnosed with a mental disorder if secretly observed for a period of time.

Funny the things from school that stick, eh?  That stuck.  I found it strangely comforting.

Freedom To Be

Rainbow-Mist-3Ever since returning to Canada last July, I have repeatedly found myself feeling grateful to be living where I am. My friends and Guides helped me manifest the perfect housemate in a beautiful home.  It’s been such a blessing!

I’ve had several sets of housemates in the last 5 years. In most of those situations, I hadn’t felt safe or comfortable enough to fully be myself. Fear, “consideration”, divergent lifestyles and philosophies – I just kept myself quiet and small.  Like many times in my life, I chose to walk on eggshells.

Can you relate? It’s no fun!

It feels so good to be weird again!  

  • I love singing, no matter if my housemate is in earshot. Luckily, she likes it too.
  • When I write, I’m constantly reading out loud in a variety of accents and levels of dramatic flair.  It makes it more fun.
  • Making strange sound effects is one of the healthier ways I have of coping with technological overwhelm (common during this website building phase).
  • I can go days without saying much of anything, intensely focused on my projects.
  • and the list goes on.

Let the Weirdness Blossom

During my walks this week, I’ve observed little spring flowers pushing their way out from under the remaining snow and packed down grasses.  Thank goodness they made it through! They add such colour to the world.

It’s the same with us.

There is such freedom in being who we are.  It takes courage. It takes heart. It takes pushing through both real and perceived barriers to fully bloom. It takes being in the right environment.  

Is your environment conducive?

Loving the Weird

More than that.

Being authentically who we are is the only way to truly feel loved.

If people love us because of the masks we wear, than it’s not us that they’re loving.

It’s only when we are seen for who we truly are, in all our weirdness, that we can feel seen, accepted, and loved.  

Sure, not everyone will love you, or even like you.  That’s OK.  Find those who will.

It’s so important to seek the nourishing environments in which you can grow fully into who and what you are – to blossom in all your weirdness.

There is absolutely no one on this planet like you.  You are unique. You are the weird wonderful you!

It’s time to unwrap the gift.

You are the Gift.

Hibiscus-Hawaii-Dominique-Hurley

How do you express your weird wonderful you?  

Join the discussion and comment below.

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Life by Design: Self-Love

This episode of Life by Design is told as a series of stories – not to show how far I’ve come or how far I still have to go, but as fodder for your own reflections, understanding, acceptance, and self-love.

Dominique Hurley-DLH_1036One Step At A Time:

I was heading up to my room last week, when I passed by my housemate sitting at her computer.  As my foot landed on the first step, I heard my inner critic make a comment about the way she was typing. As I moved onto the next step, I was beating myself up for being judgmental. My inner grumbles obviously had nothing to do with her. After all, nothing has meaning but the meaning you give it – and today, I can’t even remember what nonsensical meaning that was. By the time I reached the third step, I noticed how hard I was being on myself, and invited a moment of silence to simply breathe.  By the time I got to my room, I was fully conscious of the fact that I mustn’t be feeling loved if I could project that lack of love onto the world outside me. Indeed, I have come to accept that the world, or rather my perception of it, is simply a mirror of my internal state.

So I sat down, gave myself a hug, smiled, and talked to myself lovingly. I also remembered that I am unconditionally loved by Source and even by certain human beings.  🙂 I also chose to change the station, from that fear-based ego-centered inner critical voice that obviously isn’t me (but a combination of negative voices internalized throughout my life) to that of the one who was able to observe all that was happening in a calm and loving way – the Higher Self, or conscience if you prefer. I was able to transform my inner reality from a harsh non-loving one to a loving one – for self first and then others.  I’d say from beginning to end, all that happened within the space of a minute.

Loving Takes Practice:

I wish I was always that fast at switching gears.  More so, I wish I could live in a constant state of self-love, which would naturally become unconditional love for others.  I’m not there yet, and that’s OK.  With decades of conscious practice, it comes much more naturally than it used to.

Dominique Hurley-DLH_1089Denial:

There was a time when I actually denied the fact that I lacked self-love.  I remember being on the Inner Voyage Caribbean cruise in 2000 – an amazing spiritual workshop cruise with many of the leaders of the time.  When I wasn’t attending workshops or socializing, I was doing my photography homework for a correspondence courses with the New York Institute of Photography. Bliss!  Investing in this experience may not have been the most financially wise decision I’ve made in my life (according to some in my environment), but I was so glad I had listened to my Guidance.  I needed it.  I had just experienced the most stressful year of my life – one that had tested my ability to stay strong for another and function in the world despite the fears and pressures around a situation that was completely out of my control.  Once the crisis was over, I needed a break.  I needed an intensive dose of love and beauty to fill my soul and strengthen my inner resources.  It worked.

One evening, somewhere between Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, I was consulting an intuitive healer about my eczema, a skin problem that I’ve had to varying degrees since infancy. At one point, she told me that I had serious self-love issues.  I reacted, saying that I was probably the most self-loving person I knew. I defended by giving examples, such as following Guidance, and coming on this cruise.  I put up quite the self-righteous fuss – I denied it.  I chuckle now as I write this.

cruiseship deckListen Up!:

Three years later, my Guides felt it necessary to speak up – literally.   I was at a silent retreat in Nova Scotia after my ex-husband and I lovingly decided to part ways. This was one of three retreats I had planned that summer before moving to Calgary to do my Masters.  It was an informal retreat that had no schedule except for a daily meeting with a spiritual adviser and a set dinner time.

One early morning, I woke up upon hearing another resident leaving the house.  My inner critic immediately started beating myself up for not being the first one to shower, eat, and get out of the house for an early morning walk by the ocean. I know! Seriously!  It’s not much fun in that head of mine at times… can you relate? (Note: I found out last week that this is normal for those with the “Achiever” theme – see last book in previous post).

Anyhow, I was really going at it when I heard a voice, loud and clear in the room (one of three times I can remember in my life when my Guidance came through audibly). I can’t remember the exact words, but it was something like “You’re perfect as you are”.  The tears welled up, and I fell into a deep  sleep for another few hours, probably waking up last in the center.

NSPerfectionism:

It had become clear that the intuitive healer on board the Inner Voyage cruise was right – I had serious self-love issues! For one, I was a perfectionist.

“At its root, perfectionism isn’t really about a deep love of being meticulous. It’s about fear. Fear of making a mistake. Fear of disappointing others. Fear of failure. Fear of success.”    ~ Michael Law

Indeed, I was so focused on the potential judgement of others and on wanting their approval that my ego reveled in its role as my worst critic. I was only beginning to realize that “I” was the other voice – the one that could say to the ego “yes, dear, I hear you, but I choose otherwise – I choose love”.

Sure, I excelled at many things and my reputation for doing great work grew, but at what cost?

The unrealistic expectations I placed on myself became expectations I placed on others.  I was strictly goal oriented and not only forgot to enjoy the journey, but sometimes made that journey unpleasant for others.  Although I could be very loving and nurturing in roles of leadership, I wasn’t a good team player.  My expectations of peers made it impossible to be fully present and loving.

“There is no disappointment or anger in Real Love”
Dr. Greg Baer

HalifaxTuning Into the Body for Signals:

This became very clear to me when I was doing my Masters of Education in Calgary. Although my focus was English as a Second Language, I filled my roster of optional courses with offerings from the Spirituality and Leadership branch of the department. I even conducted an action research study during one of my internships that helped me become conscious of every moment I went from love to fear in the classroom – an extension of the Vipassana meditation training I had taken the summer before. While part of me was teaching the class, another part was keeping track of feelings of expansion and contraction within my body. I would take mental or written notes and then journal about it afterward.

I came to realize that I was great at doing teaching (putting together a fun, success-oriented class for students), but that every time someone asked a question (especially a grammar question), my insides would tighten.  I was afraid that I wouldn’t know the answer. More importantly, I was afraid that this distraction would take me off schedule and that they wouldn’t have the chance to experience that aha moment of learning that I had planned after presenting them with a challenge. Sure, part of it was about the fear of losing control, but mostly, it was the fear that they would leave before the moment of truly understanding and learning (which would indicate failure on my part).

There is simply no room for love when fear takes over.

Perception:

I learned a lot during those 2 years.  The greatest confirmation of that was when I received the results from my final paper / presentation on the being vs. doing of teaching: “A Lesson in Being: One Teacher’s Spiritual Journey in the MEd TESL Program”.  Three professors sat on the jury that would decide whether or not I would receive my Masters of Education.  One wrote that my work was exemplary of what all Masters students should strive for, and that if a grade could have been given, I would have received an A+. The next professor gave me great feedback and was very pleased.  The third professor, however, wrote that he had nearly failed me – something to do with self-absorption (so the equivalent of a D). The exact same paper received marks from one end of the spectrum to the other. Perfect! I smiled as I recognized that the Universe was smiling with me – I had successfully learned that others’ judgments had nothing to do with me, but with their own perceptions and criteria for success. Although passing was important for my career, the most important factor was my own journey through the whole experience and knowing that I was now not only a better teacher, but a more loving being – inside out.

Halifax 2What is Self-Love?

I have grown a lot in my practice of unconditional love through the work of Dr. Greg Baer (www.RealLove.com).  He teaches that the only way we can be unconditionally loved by others is to be seen and accepted for who we truly are – not for our masks. This is why it’s so important to be authentic with others.  It would seem natural to say, therefore, that the only way we can truly love ourselves is by seeing and accepting the truth of who we are – of being honest with ourselves – in all our vulnerability.  I’m not denying my self-love issues anymore (obviously, if you’ve been following my blog!) … Carl Jung said:

“The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.”

When we realize, however, that we aren’t the ego – we aren’t that inner critical voice, but rather that loving observer beyond that – it’s not so terrifying at all.  As written in the Course of Miracles, “The ego is your belief. The ego is a confusion in identification”.

“You will identify with with what you think
will make you safe.
Whatever it may be,
you will believe that it is one with you.
Your safety lies in truth,
and not in lies.
Love is your safety.
Fear does not exist.
Identify with love, and you are safe.
Identify with love, and you are home.
Identify with love, and find your Self.”

This channeled text also advises:

“Seek not outside yourself.
The search implies you are not whole within.”

**

The Journey to Self-Love Continues:

My ego has been very vocal lately.  I’ve come out of my hermit mode to join a community of thousands in B-School on a challenging, yet rewarding journey.  My determination to live a life of passion and purpose is strong.  So are my fears.  Luckily, every day offers me opportunities to grow in love – with myself and others.

Divine Union-Dominique Hurley

In the Worlds of Charlie Chaplin:

“When I started loving myself”
– A poem by Charlie Chaplin written on his 70th birthday on April 16, 1959 –


When I started loving myself
I understood that I’m always and at any given opportunity
in the right place at the right time.
And I understood that all that happens is right –
from then on I could be calm.
Today I know: It’s called TRUST.

When I started to love myself I understood how much it can offend somebody
When I tried to force my desires on this person,
even though I knew the time is not right and the person was not ready for it,
and even though this person was me.
Today I know: It’s called LETTING GO

When I started loving myself
I could recognize that emotional pain and grief
are just warnings for me to not live against my own truth.
Today I know: It’s called AUTHENTICALLY BEING.

When I started loving myself
I stopped longing for another life
and could see that everything around me was a request to grow.
Today I know: It’s called MATURITY.

When I started loving myself
I stopped depriving myself of my free time
and stopped sketching further magnificent projects for the future.
Today I only do what’s fun and joy for me,
what I love and what makes my heart laugh,
in my own way and in my tempo.
Today I know: it’s called HONESTY.

When I started loving myself
I escaped from all what wasn’t healthy for me,
from dishes, people, things, situations
and from everything pulling me down and away from myself.
In the beginning I called it the “healthy egoism”,
but today I know: it’s called SELF-LOVE.

When I started loving myself
I stopped wanting to be always right
thus I’ve been less wrong.
Today I’ve recognized: it’s called HUMBLENESS.

When I started loving myself
I refused to live further in the past
and worry about my future.
Now I live only at this moment where EVERYTHING takes place,
like this I live every day and I call it CONSCIOUSNESS.

When I started loving myself
I recognized, that my thinking
can make me miserable and sick.
When I requested for my heart forces,
my mind got an important partner.
Today I call this connection HEART WISDOM.

We do not need to fear further discussions,
conflicts and problems with ourselves and others
since even stars sometimes bang on each other
and create new worlds.
Today I know: THIS IS LIFE!

 ***

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Life by Design: Learning is Winning

On a Wing and a Prayer-Dominique HurleyI’ve long been a big fan of that quote. It rings of Truth to me. What happened this week proves it yet again.

As you know, I signed up for Marie Forleo’s B-School on February 18th. Since then, I have been completely devoted to preparing for its March 9th official start by working through Marie’s preparation materials and list of recommended books.  I’ve already learned so much – about entrepreneurship, life, and myself. With the studio still out of order (water pipes and ceiling were replaced) I brought my yoga mat and mini-trampoline to my bedroom and spent the WHOLE week listening, doing the work, exercising, and growing in so many ways. I’ve also been very active in the Facebook Mastermind group – learning from others, sharing, etc.  Needless to say, my attention and intention were totally focused – and the energy is flowing big time!

On Friday, I was chosen one of Kris Carr’s Lucky 3 Winners. I don’t know how many people actually qualified, but she’s got over 4,300 people in her B-School Mastermind Group.  To qualify, you had to register for Marie Forleo’s B-School through her affiliate link.  This automatically gives you access to her 2 follow-up business training courses and work-life balance webinar after graduation. Then, you needed to promote the opportunity on Facebook.  That was easy – I was so excited about it all.  I was already sold on all B-School had to offer – now I would get to go deeper into the whole process with the internationally renown Kris Carr, a New York Times and #1 Amazon best-selling author, wellness activist and cancer thriver – the Sexy Crazy Wellness Revolution coach. Well, I’ve won!  Once I graduate from Marie Forleo’s B-School and complete Kris Carr’s Spotlight Crash Course and Mastery program, her team will review all of my work (website, social media, video, etc.) and give me one-on-one coaching via Skype.  Wow!  I’m the kind of learner who needs that kind of specific feedback, as I’m a bit of a technophobe and easily get – rewind…. got –  overwhelmed by creating an online business.  So Yay!

Learning is Winning:

I was a winner even before getting that great news. With every prep task and every book, my knowledge and mindset expanded.  I feel so much more confident and equipped than I did a week ago.  I’m standing taller, thinking bigger, seeing clearer, and feeling better than I did when I started. My body, mind, and soul are rejoicing from the devotion to my path.  My fears are dissipating, the possibilities are multiplying, and the signs are affirming.  Now I’d say that pretty well describes a winner, wouldn’t you?

Phoenix-Dominique Hurley

Where is Your Attention/ Intention?

Now I’m not saying that you need to drop everything and obsessively dive into something the way I do.  That’s great for me and everything has aligned so that I can do that at this time in my life. I’ve been working on my career as an artist since 1989 though…

What I am saying is that it is true that where your attention and intention go, the energy flows.

What kind of energy is flowing your way these days? From what I’ve read, heard, and lived, that’s a reflection of your past intentions / attention.

Where is your attention now?  Are you on course towards your life vision? Is it time to adjust your focus? Is it time to create new intentions?

There’s great power in learning more about your professional field, personal interests, your Self, etc.  There are also many ways to learn – life, mentorship, courses, etc.  What’s right for you?  Where would you like energy to flow?

Your thoughts and reflections are welcome – feel free to comment below.

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