My purpose is to explore and express my love of beauty and the beauty of love. Here’s some of what I’ve come up with.

Do you practice what you preach?

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Possibility from the blossoming photography collection

“Possibility” from the Blossoming Photography Collection – click for prints.

No one’s perfect. I’m not. I believe the best way to learn something is to teach it. And even the best teachers need reminders and refresher courses.

So don’t beat yourself up if you don’t practice what you preach.

You’ve seen it – doctors who smoke, writers who don’t write, parents who lie, yoga teachers who don’t practice, chefs who don’t eat well, etc. What about you?

Awareness is the first step.

Take this as an opportunity to reflect on whether it’s your teaching or your practicing that needs re-alignment. It could be that you’ve outgrown a previous belief or way.

As for me, I’ve been so busy teaching others how to ignite their intuition and light up their life that I’ve let go of my sacred morning connection routine of yoga, dancing, and chanting. Instead, I jump right onto the computer and start going through my endless to-do list. Then, I get exhausted and turn on Netflix.

Oops.

I should know better, right?! Well, I’m human. It happens.

So, this past week, I decided to try something different. I stayed in bed a little longer to do some of the guided meditations I’ve offered you here on my site.

Welcome-Meditation-cover-V2Wow! What a difference it’s making to my days. Not only do I get to connect to my team of Divine Helpers and raise my vibration, I’m getting all sorts of celestial gifts, messages, and inspiration.

If you’d like to try a free one, click here. You’ll find more on my blog and can also order a custom one channeled for your needs.

One of the messages I got loud and clear during one of these meditations is that “It doesn’t pay to work TOO hard”.  Yet there’s so much to do to run a business. Being a single entrepreneur can be daunting.

If I don’t practice what I preach though, I won’t be giving my attention and investing my energy in the right tasks. I’ll also burn out, which doesn’t serve anyone.

It’s so easy to keep busy and work too hard on things that don’t lead to where you want to go. Can you relate?

So – enough of that! I need to connect to my Higher Self and Source first thing on a daily basis, even when I’m not doing it for clients!

What’s it going to be for you? Do you still believe in what you’re teaching? If yes, are you practicing it?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below – what has this post inspired you to invest more time and energy in?

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Where Do You Belong?

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IMG_1264Where do you belong?

Here’s my answer.

You belong where your heart and soul are free to express themselves. You belong where you can feel the happiness that lives at your core. 

Does that feel like a good answer to you?

Indulge me as I use these reflections to share more of my summer photos with you.

 

Feel Your Way Home

I’ve come to the conclusion that you belong where it feels good to be you. I’m not talking about instant gratification but where you have access to that inner well of joy and happiness.

To have that access, you need to find what resonates with your Highest Good. That will look completely different for different people. It may be helping orphans in Africa for one, leading a mega corporation for another, writing a book alone in a cabin for a year, or raising 2 children to the best of your love and ability.

Where can your True Self shine so you can live in alignment with your soul?

Let your feelings guide you there. Make your decisions on what feels better, more expansive.

So let me ask you. Do you feel at home in your life right now?

Are you at home in your job? in your relationships? in your house? in your city? with your friends? alone with yourself? 

What can you do to feel more at home where you are right now? What changes do you need to make to feel like you belong in your life?

This may mean a change of perception, acceptance, skills, practice, or circumstances. It also means getting help when it comes moving time so that the transition happens with ease and grace.

Yes, some changes will be physical (location, environment, diet, lifestyle) but others may be emotional, mental, or spiritual.

Try a bit of automatic writing to tap into your guidance. Ask the question in writing to your Higher Self and Guides and just keep writing for 3 pages without pauses, trusting they’ll find a way to speak to you through your own hand.

Resettlement

The theme of “home” has been wafting through my inner space a lot this summer.

One of the thematic units I taught to my ESL students this summer was on resettlement: a post-confederation program whose goal was to move small remote communities to growth centres throughout Newfoundland to have better access to government services. It had a huge impact on life in in this province and is still affecting some communities today.

My photo buddies and I recently went hiking in LaManche, one of the many communities that voted to move.

Some families actually moved their houses- towing them across the water to their new location. But the question that remains in my heart is whether they all succeeded in moving their homes. What kind of help did they receive to feel fully at home in their new circumstances?

I’m always reflecting on the meaning, energy, and symbolism of my experiences. This unit and field trip to a resettled community was part of what inspired today’s blog.

Happy to Share

Something else that inspired this post was that my housemate and I hosted an Irish student for a week while he was attending a conference. I happily volunteered to play tourist guide for 1.5 days – something I love to do!

If you’re happy with who, what, and where you are, you’ll naturally want to share it.

Here are a few snapshots from our visit along the southern shore of the Avalon peninsula and to the neighbouring fishing village of Petty Harbour, where the fishermen obviously loved to share.

May you feel at home no matter where you are.

Love & light as you make your inner and outer journey to where you truly belong.

P.S. If you need help letting go of what no longer serves you to connect to what does, click here for a free 26-minute guided visualization.

 

 

 

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Where’s your go-to spot?

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view from Fort AmherstMy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies were all depleted.  I was growing increasingly frustrated and irritable. I’d been sitting at the computer without progress for way too long. Can you relate?

 

I had to get out.

So I hopped on my bike and went to my new go-to-spot:  Fort Amherst.

After 30 minutes of healthy peddling along safe and scenic roads, I can be sitting on a cliff staring out at the open ocean. Instant soothing – just add water.

I’ve only been there a few times so far, but it’s become my new go-to-spot. Both the getting there and being there fulfill my needs.

I recognize a pattern. When I was living in a German village at the age of 5, I used to bike to a nearby duck pond to sit and connect. Later in Ottawa, I’d bike to Hogg’s Back Falls to nourish my soul. Now I can bike to the ocean.

Where’s your go-to spot? Please comment below. I’d love to know what easily accessible surroundings call you when your body, mind, and spirit need a quick boost.

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Playing tourist on Bell Island – natural inspiration

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59-Bell Island-Dominique Hurley-_DLH6337

A client asked to postpone her Soul Energy Portrait experience, so I found myself with 2 days wide open last weekend.

I love what I do, so I’ll admit, I tend to overwork.  But after my teaching contract ended, I promised myself to add more summer fun to the mix.

So what did I do?  On Saturday, I checked out the online event listings and treated myself to 2 theatrical performances and lunch out. I love playing tourist in my own city!

If you’re in St. John’s, go see “Fleming” – a great way to tour the Basilica with the Bishop whose vision it was to build it in the late 1800s. Theatre and history make such a great mix. This was so much better than reading panels.

On Sunday, two of my photo buddies and I went to Bell Island.  It’s a 20-30 minute drive from St. John’s and a cheap 20-minute ferry to the island.

Oh how wonderful it was to explore without a plan, hike in such beauty, and learn about the iron-ore mining history that had once turned this 20km island into a booming centre.  The mines closed in 1966 and the population dispersed. But the new hiking trails, museum, and lighthouse café were plenty to keep us happy. Plus we never drove more than 2 minutes without stopping to take pictures. Fun!

Playing tourist is definitely one of the ways  I enjoy  exploring and expressing my love of beauty and the beauty of love.  

Enjoy the results and make a date with your Self or friends to do the same. You don’t have to go far to have a holiday! 

Note: Click on the first image and use the arrows to scroll through bigger images.

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Pearls of Wisdom from a Cycling Philosopher

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Dominique and her bikeMeet Sephira – my bicycle. She’s not only helping me get in better shape, but providing lots of opportunities to reflect on life.
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In this post, I’m sharing some of the pearls of wisdom she’s given me while biking to campus for the last month.
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Sephira is the name she gave me when I first brought her home. According to a name website, “Sephira” means “west wind”. Those with that name are said to:
  • be spiritually intense,
  • bring love and new starts into life,
  • be the creator and promoter of original ideas,
  • be dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded,
  • have a desire to build protected and secure environments
  • be very persuasive in achieving goals and gaining objectives.
  • have a practical approach to life and productivity that makes her one of the most beneficent members of community.

I’d say that’s a great personality for a bike and also a teacher…

That’s right. I believe that everything in life is both a mirror and a teacher.

In the short time we’ve ridden together, I’ve learned so much!

I’m not just talking about biking. I’m talking about life!

 

Pearls of Wisdom

 

As you read these philosophical tidbits, I invite you to reflect on how they apply to your life.
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1. Better be safe than sorry
When I bought my bike, Harold at Earle Industries told me “now you have a car!”. I’d bought so many extras: headlight, 2 tail lights, reflectors, helmet, mirror, etc. I may have added weight to the bike, but I also have much greater peace of mind.  Drivers here just aren’t used to seeing bikes on the road, and so by helping them see me, I help myself.
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2. Even if the road is rough, don’t give up.
The steepest uphill climb on my journey is the long driveway where I live. I’m pushing so hard at such an angle that I get to the top panting. That’s just the warm-up.
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3. Be ready. Invest in the tools you need for the job.
It may be summer, but during my first weeks of teaching it felt like 2°C (35 °F) in the morning with highs of 11°C (52 °F). I prefer it cool, but like to be comfortable. So that meant equipping myself with the right gear – gloves, ear protector for under my helmet, etc. It was worth the investment. I hate wind in my ears. I also appreciate my new matching padded bike pants and long-sleeved high-collared sport shirt that protects me from cold and sunburns. And those saddle bags are perfect to carry my school books, wardrobe, and groceries – they’re sparing my neck and shoulders after decades of heavy backpacks.  Plus we’ve got a great gravel trail on the old railway bed. My old 10 speed road bike just wouldn’t cut it here. I’m so glad I got a hybrid with hydraulic brakes and a front shock to spare my carpal tunnel from a bumpy ride.
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4. Plan ahead.
There’s no way I can bike to school in my teaching clothes. I have to give myself a sponge bath when I get there. So before classes started, I brought enough clothing for 1.5 weeks to give it time to de-wrinkle hanging on the clothes tree in my office. It’s a good system.
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5. There’s a time for everything.
I’ve got 24 gears on this bike. I use ALL of them! I just couldn’t stay in the same gear for the variety of terrain on my journey. And when the bike works, but I don’t, it’s OK to get off and walk.
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6. From one opportunity comes many hidden benefits:
One reason I bought my bike was to get in shape -legs, cardio, etc. I didn’t expect that the sorest part of my body after my first few rides would be my thumbs from changing gears so much on the hills of St. John’s. I’m improving my hand-strength and manual dexterity too. Bonus!  To add to that, my arms get quite the workout, both pushing the bike up 2 steep hills and keeping myself from flying over the handlebars on the one roller-coaster dip down 18th St.
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7. Some rules are smart to follow.
There’s a reason St. John’s doesn’t have a cyclist-friendly reputation. First, there are so few bikes on the road that drivers aren’t used to them. Second, cyclists don’t always follow the rules of the road and lose the respect of drivers. On my first day, when I used my hand signals to indicate a turn, a driver slowed beside me, rolled his window down, and thanked me for signalling. I’m not sure why, but that brought tears to my eyes – maybe because I’d heard of drinks being thrown at cyclists. I appreciated the kindness. If you want to share the road, show respect.  It’ll be returned. I’m also grateful for the many cars that have stopped to let me to turn left in traffic.
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8, Balance is bliss.
St. John’s is hilly! You got that. I live in the Waterford valley at sea level, and campus is on the other side of a big hill. Although there’s plenty of walking and peddling uphill, there’s also coasting and braking downhill, no matter which direction I’m coming from. It only takes me 30-40 minutes to get to my destination, but it’s a workout both ways. I’m happy with this balance. I’d hate for it to be all uphill one way and all downhill the other. It’s fun to know though, that if I’m working hard on one stretch of my journey to work, I’ll be coasting there on my way home.
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9. What may be easy one day can be hard the next. Go with your flow. 
I may be able to make it 3/4 up a long steep hill before walking the rest one day, but only 1/2 the next. That’s OK. My energy or physical stamina aren’t the same every day. Not surprisingly, I’ve noticed that hill is easier on Mondays, once I’ve given my body a break.
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10. When there’s a strong headwind, you may need to walk even on the flat stretches.
Newfoundland is infamous for its winds.  It wasn’t unusual to have 70km/hr (44 miles/hr) gusts in the forecast my first weeks of school.  External circumstances out of our control can turn what was once easy into a challenge. Don’t quit; just do what you need to do move forward the best way you can.
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11. There’s nothing so refreshing as a paradigm shift.
I had a choice. I knew it’d be raining and cold the next morning. It may have been July, but we were still getting frost warnings at night. I could have dreaded my bike ride or even backed out, but instead, I looked forward to it. I saw it as an adventure. What a feat! I geared up with my rain pants, Gortex, gloves, hiking boots and headed out. It was actually the happiest I’d been biking to work to that point. I may have looked soaked, but I was dry and just so proud of myself.  Sephira handled herself great too in the rain! Fun!
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12. Be flexible and adaptable. Sometimes you need to let go of plans.
I’d made it my goal to bike to campus every day during my 5-week contract. I was committed. But there are times you’ve just got to be flexible.  With a storm watch, heavy rainfall warning, and risks of flash floods, heavy fog, and winds up to 100km/hr, I reluctantly yet gratefully accepted my housemate’s offer to drive me. Cycling that day wouldn’t have been nice to myself or drivers.
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13. There’s a whole world to discover just off the beaten path:
I’m no stranger to Cashin Ave., a long wide hilly road on my trajectory. But on the first Friday of classes, I wandered just one block off my familiar path to discover Ropewalk Lane, a commercial street with several malls, a big grocery store, and most importantly, a delicious and affordable Filipino restaurant. I’d usually avoid such a street, but it’s great to know it’s there when I need it.
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14. Choose peace
I made the mistake of biking at rush hour once. It frazzled my nerves and I’m sure drivers’ nerves too. So I’ve chosen to bike between 6-6:30am to avoid traffic. I then have lots of time at school to let my hair dry after I get rid of that helmet imprint,set up the classroom, and correct essays. It’s more relaxing that way. Plus, I’m an early bird by nature.  And luckily I finished classes before rush hour.
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15. Don’t compare yourself to others.
Many wouldn’t think that my goal to bike to work every day this summer was a big deal. So what!? … an hour of biking a day. But for me, it is! I used to bike all the time, but that was in Ottawa or the flat prairies. It’s hilly here! I also used to walk 1-2 hours a day to work or school for most of my life. I’d choose my housing location to ensure it. Since moving to my current home 2 years ago, however, I’ve been much more sedentary. It’s too far to walk to campus in the summer, and the rest of the year I work from home. So biking to work this summer was a big deal for me. My goals are mine. It doesn’t matter what others think.
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16. Be grateful for breaks, even forced ones.
I can be very goal oriented, forgetting to enjoy the journey. If I could, I’d bike without stopping until I got to where I’m going. I’m finding myself thankful though when the light turns red at the top of a hill. It forces me to stop and take a breather or a sip of water.  I can feel my heart pounding, and it’s a nice break. Be grateful for your stop signs.
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17. Be fully present.
Even if drivers mean well, they’re often oblivious. I’m so glad for my mirror. But still, there was this one time when I was just standing still beside a car – slightly behind the front seats –  at a red light. The driver decided to make room for cars in the next lane (very polite of her) so she squeezed me against the curb and didn’t hear me shout. Be aware of your environment. Make eye contact. Learn from your lessons. I sure have.
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18. Have vision but pay attention to the road right in front of you too.
It’s thrilling to pick up speed going downhill, but you need to do 2 things.  First look ahead to make sure cars aren’t about to cut you off from upcoming side roads and intersections. But also look right in front of you. It’s amazing what you’ll find: potholes, nails, broken glass, toothbrushes, banana peels, and more large machinery bolts than you can imagine…
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19. Balance work and play.
It was the bliss of my leisurely bike rides on an island resort in San Diego that inspired me to buy a bike. Biking to campus on city streets, however, feels like work – or at least a workout. It’s a whole different feeling when I take Sephira for a ride on the Trailway or up to Cape Amhearst to sit by the lighthouse and contemplate the open seas. I need more of that.  Our relationship isn’t only functional; it’s meant to be uplifting and fun!
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20. Solitude is precious, but sometimes, it’s more fun with friends. 
I love my solo bikerides. But I’ve enjoyed sharing the adventure too. My friend Leslie and I have plans to explore different trails this summer. She’s got a rack for the back of her car, and I foresee a few seaside cycles this August. Yay!
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21. A smile changes everything.
Biking is not only about sharing the road with cars, but sharing the trails with pedestrian. What a difference it makes to smile and say hello, or use my pretty sounding copper bell instead of shouting that I’m coming up behind someone.
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22. Trust in God, but tie your camel.
I may invite Archangel Michael to ride with me and guard my bike when I’m shopping, but I also have 2 locks to keep it safe. One’s a U-lock for the frame and the other’s a cable lock for the wheels. It’s just best not tempt those who, for their own reasons, choose to take others’ belongings as their part-time job. That’s why I was relieved to find out I could lock Sephira in my office while on campus. More peace of mind.
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23. There are no coincidences.
You know me. I’m all about signs and symbolism. Everything has meaning. So I couldn’t help but laugh when the wind blew an empty chip bag from up high to right under my wheels when biking to school one day. I’m both a health food nut and a chipaholic, so the message was clear. Sephira’s helping me make up for my chip cravings.
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24. Don’t believe everything they say.
Just because they say there’s 0% chance of rain, it doesn’t mean you won’t get soaked. Surprise showers, heavy fog or mist – they’re all refreshing reminders that it’s good to be prepared. There’s no use blaming anyone for anything.  It’s healthier to take responsibility or to simply enjoy the surprises.
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25. Don’t get stuck in a rut.
After 4 weeks, my bike rides are much less exciting. I’m not collecting philosophical gems like I used to. Instead, I think of what I’ll eat when I get home. Biking to work has become routine. It’s just something I do – that’s gotta get done. The honeymoon stage is over …  How can I add variety or mindfulness back in my ride for my last few days of work? How can I avoid the rut of routine? I don’t want to take Sephira or this opportunity for granted. That’s my responsibility. My choice. We both deserve it.
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26. Acknowledge your successes.
This is the last week of my teaching contract. I skipped a day because of severe weather, but made it up when I joined my class for a whale watching trip on the weekend (photos below). I’m thrilled with my results. No wasted time waiting for the bus. No nauseous bus rides. Freedom. Better health. More fresh air. It’s all good! Thank you Sephira for a great ride! I’m so glad I invested to bring you into my life. We’re worth it.
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Enjoy being alive – no matter the weather or your fitness level. Happy August!
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Join me on a Voyage of Connection – A Guided Visualization

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Are you feeling disconnected?

Join me on this voyage of connection.

It’s another guided visualization meditation I channeled live during a group session.

This time, you’ll be transported in a bubble of light into magical worlds.

You’ll connect to Guides and receive messages and tools for your journey to your Highest Good.

It’s a lot faster than some of my other co-created meditations. There’s more movement and less pauses for you to explore the space on your own. It asks you to immediately trust what comes up for you and just play along.  May it be whatever you need it to be.

Your discovery journey will be different every time you listen.

Guided visualizations are more than just a focused time to tap into Guidance.

Depending on the theme, a guided visualization can help you activate the natural healing properties of the Life Force dancing within you.

This is one of those.

So find a comfortable spot, close your eyes, and enjoy the journey. Do not use while driving.

(best enjoyed with headphones)

P.S.. If you’d like to listen to / download another one, sign-up by clicking here. You’ll receive the access link in your email inbox and my ezine every 2 weeks.

P.P.S You can also order a custom channeled meditation co-created with your Team of Divine Helpers. My introductory prices end September 1st, so act fast. Click here to learn more.

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Playing with the Fairies

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Queen Anne's Lace in my backyardMy heart filled with joy as I stood in my backyard earlier this month and looked at the expanse of Queen Anne’s Lace along the river. What a blessing it is to live next to a fairy playground!

I’m sure they’re in there. I haven’t seen them, but I can sense their presence – inviting me to play, dance, sing, and cherish Mother Earth in all her beauty.

Children here in Newfoundland were taught to fear fairies who would turn babies into changelings. Folks carried hard tack bread in their pockets for protection.  But this was just another way to keep children from wandering too far at night.

I see fairies as keepers of the land. They connect us to our earthly roots and teach us the wisdom of nature. They’re healers – a big part of why we feel so much better after spending time in nature.

I’ve been more aware of fairy energy these days than usual. Maybe because it’s finally summer here.

Fairy Tea Party

Just a few weeks ago, during Summer Solstice, a group of us gathered in Bauline to celebrate the occasion with a Fairy Tea Party.  

My new friend Maggie Power hosted it and longtime friend and collaborator Regina Wright led our fire ceremony.

We ate, danced, sang, laughed, and drummed.

It felt sooooo good to reconnect with Regina’s Destiny Drum. Of all my painted drums, I resonate most with the voice of this fire horse.

We then blew our concerns, troubles, prayers, and wishes into magic bubbles that we released into the Universe.  Oh how I love bubbles!

And with reverence, we infused our thanks and wishes for Mother Earth into a beautifully crafted prayer stick that we added to the fire.

As Regina guided us in a musical fairy meditation, my visions came streaming in. I knew they held messages for the group and was welcomed to share a mini- Divine Storytelling Time to support them on their journey. The fairies had an unmistakable hand in that!

The whole afternoon was magical. It was playful. We radiated with joy.

I need to play more. Believe it or not, I’m way too serious!

What about you?

When was the last time you let your inner child out to play?

Trust me, it’s such a happy healthy thing to do.

Ask your heart: “How can I reconnect to that childlike joy today?”

Invite the fairies to relieve you of your troubles and to tickle your fancy so that you too can laugh and play.

EnJOY!

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On the Trail to Paradise

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IMG_0715When was the last time you went somewhere you’ve never been before?

I just love that moment when I pass the threshold from the known to the unknown. 

It’s both exciting and scary; it awakens my childlike wonder, curiosity, sense of adventure, as well as the little voices of fear and doubt that tag along for the ride.

That’s how I felt when I took my bike for a solo ride on the T’Railway from my house to the town of Paradise.  I’d walked it plenty of times through the neighbouring Bowring Park and a little past that, but not much.

When my familiar path ended,  I stopped. I had no idea where to go. The trail ended on a busy street. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe the trail didn’t go all the way to Paradise. Maybe this was a bad idea. Maybe I should go back or wait to do it with someone who’s been here before…

I took a deep breath, asked for Guidance and waited.

I soon spotted a couple of cyclists across the busy street. As they turned a corner, my eyes spotted a pathway sign hidden in the trees. My courage returned!

Yay! Smooth sailing from here! Well, not quite… Bumpy gravelly riding, but hey! That’s why I bought a hybrid.

Without the high winds and cold from the week before, it was perfect – and so much flatter than my roller-coaster ride to campus!

After about 15 km (~9.5 miles) I reached Octagon Pond. Friendly strollers told me I was still far from the ocean, so I decided that was enough.

My way back was much faster. I hadn’t realized there’d been a slight incline most of the way.

I love how you see different things when you’re heading in the opposite direction.

This time, I spotted Berg’s Famous Ice Cream when the trail crossed a major intersection. I treated myself to a double scoop of mint-chocolate & cherry cheese cake on a cone. Bonus!

3.5 hours later, I was back home. I was proud and happy I’d answered that call to get out of the studio and explore the world around me.

What about you?

When was the last time you played tourist in your own town?

Do you ever walk or drive not knowing where you’re going – listening for an inner “Left” or “Right” at every intersection?

Is there an activity you’ve always wanted to try “some day”?  

What adventure calls you?

Listen. Stretch. Grow. And have fun with it. 

Then tell what this post inspired you to do in the comments below. I’d love to know.

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Oh Ego, You’re So Silly…

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intuition quoteWhat does decision-making look like when intuition / Spirit takes the lead? Listen in.

It sure gets quicker with practice.

The more aware you are of what’s happening inside and out, the easier and clearer it all becomes.

I couldn’t help but smile the other day when my Observer Self recorded this conversation between ego and inner knowing.

It all happened so fast – faster than you can read this.

It started when I received an email from Memorial University of Newfoundland asking me to commit to teaching in their intensive English Language Summer School program for a 6th year in a row.

Here’s how it played out.

 

Ego: “But we told the world we were a full-time artist this year.” (defensive)

Heart: “That’s right. And we were. We are. We’ll now be a part-time teacher too.” (loving)

Ego: “But what will they think? We’ll look like a failure.” (scared)

Heart: “There’s no need to fear what others think. That’s none of our business. There’s only a need to follow our Path, no matter where Spirit leads. This is exactly what we’re teaching with our Ignite Your Intuition Formula. (loving)

Ego: “But this job is so intensive, we’ll have no time for our art. We need to focus on marketing to find clients. We can’t drop all the hard work and dedication we’ve put into it.” (belligerent)

Heart: “We’ll still have some afternoons and weekends when we’re not correcting essays. Plus, we’ve already done the hard work and put it out there. I know we’ll be shown ways to keep it up with ease and grace all while doing a great job teaching. Let the Universe take care of finding clients for 5 weeks. You’ve already got a waiting list for Co-Creative Soul Energy Portraits. More will come. We’ll be O.K.” (loving)

Ego: “But I could make that salary in a few days if I got more clients”. (argumentative)

Heart: “This isn’t really about money. We need to be there. Trust that.” (loving)

Ego: “But why?” (doubtful)

Heart: “Don’t you remember the Facebook message we got this morning from a student from 2 years ago wanting to meet because he was back in Newfoundland for a visit? Do you think that’s a coincidence? It’s the first message from a student we receive in almost a year. Don’t you remember the difference you made in his life? Can’t you remember how he shone once you helped him change his mind about quitting?” (loving)

Ego: “Yeah…” (hesitant)

Heart: “When Dominique prays “Make me an instrument of thy Peace”, who says that’s always going to be as an artist? Our life purpose is to explore and express our love of beauty and the beauty of love. That comes in many ways.

Ego: “Yes, but…” (stubborn)

Heart: “Has Dominique ever regretted a decision that was intuitively guided and supported by such a strong sign?” (loving)

Ego: “No…. but I’m just trying to protect her.” (pouting)

Heart: “I know, m’luv. You’re just doing your job. Thanks for sharing. But we’re saying “yes” to this full-heartedly and embracing the mystery of where it leads. The sign was clear. This is the Path. Plus, it’ll be fun to get out of the studio more during the summer and witness another group of students blossom. We can bike those hills to work and get into shape too. That was one of our goals! Isn’t this exciting?!” (still loving)

Decision made and I stand 100% behind it. That’s the only way to go!

Don’t worry – I’ll still make time to be of service to you too – through my artwork for sale, intuitive services, and blog.

 

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When a 2D Community Becomes 3D

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DLH_6831I’m not big on crowds. Never have been.

I may have organized city-wide festivals and love being on stage, but entering a room of 600 strangers isn’t something I look forward to.

If you’re an introvert or empath, you can relate.

That’s why I was so surprised last month in San Diego when I experienced the power of a 2D community becoming a 3D one.

It’s all because of Facebook.

I’m one of those who joined social media really late in the game. I wanted to participate in my online course discussion groups.

At first, that was overwhelming too.

My B-School group had over 2000 students in it! It took me a while to accept that I couldn’t read everything or help everyone. I had to trust that I’d see what I was meant to see and let go of the rest.

The support and help I received when I had a question was amazing! I truly learned the value of a 2D online community during that course.

So when I joined Lisa Sasevich‘s Speak to Sell online course for big-hearted entrepreneurs this year, I brought that collaborative spirit to its Facebook group.  The exchange was rich.

It really helped me get more out of the course. I didn’t have to figure it all out on my own.

We also had group calls with Lisa, and I managed to get my questions answered on many of them.

So when I got to her bootcamp in San Diego, things were a lot different than the huge workshops I attended before the age of social media.

I can’t tell you how many people came up to me and hugged me or said things like:

“Oh Dominique, I was so hoping I’d meet you here”.

“Thank you for asking that question on the call. I was having the same problem!”

“You’re the one from Newfoundland! I loved my visit there …”

“I love your art! I’m so glad we’re getting to connect in person.”

I wasn’t a stranger surrounded by strangers.  Names and thumbnails were now real live people I’d shared with online. We could skip the small talk and connect at a deeper level.

My willingness to stretch my comfort zones by joining social media (and learn not to get swallowed up by it) led to a truly heart-warming real-life community experience.

For that I am grateful!

Oh – and it also helped me find 3 great roommates to share the expenses with. Now we’re friends and in our own little mastermind group!

What’s your favourite 2D online Group? Name 1 benefit of being a part of it in the comments below. I’d love examples and stories.

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