Woman Spiritual Leader – the term sounds very impressive and well, somehow, larger than life. Many women would look at that phrase and say, “that’s not me!” Mother Theresa is a Woman Spiritual Leader, not me. Marianne Williamson is a Woman Spiritual Leader, not me!

But, I would beg to differ. I think that most women are spiritual leaders. Hear me out for a minute. Let’s delve into the individual definitions of each of the words that make up this term. First of all, what is meant by the word “leader”?

A leader is someone with a vision, who sees a direction and pursues it. A leader wants to create change in the world or in the community or even just in their home. A leader sees an opportunity for improvement and takes steps towards achieving that change no matter how small; and people who resonate with that change, follow.

Most spiritual leaders don’t have specialized training in spiritual leadership. They could, but it’s not a requirement.

Many times names like Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher and Indira Ghandi come up as names of Leaders. But a leader doesn’t have to be known all over the world or even in their own country. A leader is known to the people they have influence on. For most of us, that is our family, friends and community, and clients or customers if we have them.

Who do you have influence on? Who do you connect with on a daily or even just monthly basis? What areas of influence to you desire to improve? Your home? Your business? Your client’s lives? Your community?

If you named even one area you have influence on, and a “vision” for how you would like that area to be, you have the makings of a leader!

Next, let’s take a look at the word “Spiritual”. Now we can go a lot of different directions with this one. Some people would think this implies only very religious people. Others would think the opposite, that it is a “New-agey” term implying no religion, but some other metaphysical concept. I would like to propose that it encompasses both of these terms and many things in between.

For this discussion, I am proposing that “spiritual” means – anything that describes the desire for humans to connect to a force greater than themselves.

Do you believe in something larger than yourself? God? Allah?

Your Higher Self? The Force? The Universe?

Do you have a desire to connect with this Source in the manner best suited to you?

Would you like to add more meaning to your business and personal life?

If you answered yes to any of these questions and determined a sphere of influence you have “vision” of improving in some way – or making a difference in some way, then YOU are a SPIRITUAL LEADER!!! And, of course, it goes without saying that if you are a spiritual leader AND a woman, then you are a WOMAN SPIRITUAL LEADER!

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an Interfaith seminarian, certified life coach, spiritual healer, teacher and guide. She is the co-founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders: www.iawsl.com.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following byline: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download-as our GIFT to you-the 5 Secrets to Creating Abundance Through Your Calling. You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of information and tips for supporting you in your calling. Just click here: www.iawsl.com

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A few weeks ago, I wrote an article entitled, “5 Actions for the Woman Spiritual Leader to Ensure Financial Success”.  I will explore action #1 in this article:

Be Crystal Clear About What Your Mission Is.

Just what does this mean to those of us starting out on the spiritual path, those of us in the throes of starting a practice, and those of us who are in jobs or places in life where we know “there is something more”? 

As women, we have assumed many roles in our lifetimes, and likely will have more in the future.  I propose that because we have been good at doing a myriad of “things” and fulfilling those roles to the best of our abilities, our thinking around what it is that we want to do in the world can get muddied.  It’s that “Jill of all trades, master of none” concept that I believe many women wrestle with.

We often have so many interests and have had experience and success in a number of fields that it is easy to fall into the trap of wanting to serve the needs of a broad mix of people. 

As a result we can become “scattered” and “fuzzy” about what it is that we want to do…  our mission.  The end result often is that we fail at getting the message across to the people we want to serve.

Several weeks ago, Patricia Selmo wrote an article entitled, “6 Reasons Why You Should Know Your Life Purpose.“  Identifying your life purpose is a good place to start if you don’t know how that may impact your identifying what your mission in the world is.

(Some spiritual traditions believe that we have only one true purpose, and at the risk of lengthening this article, I will refrain from going deeper with this subject.  That is for another article!)

If you are just starting out, in the planning stages of your service delivery, or are scratching your head as to how to get more clients or build your practice, it is advisable to seek help with drilling down to what your mission will be or is. 

The internet is alive with information.  Coaching programs abound.  The Small Business Administration offers assistance, to name a few.

Your mission should not only be clear to you, but to the people you serve or will serve in the future.  Your people will be the ones benefitting from your mission… all that it is that you deliver, and how it will transform them. 

That sounds like a “tall order”… ‘transform’ them… but isn’t that what happens whenever we engage in an exchange of some kind?  It could be as simple as that latte that you make or stop for in the morning that seems to help you wake up, or that you take pleasure in… ‘transformation’; or as complex as the changes that take place in the life of your client and those around him or her as a result of your work together… ‘transformation’.

Transformation, ideally, is at the core of your mission.  How is it that what you do, or want to do, will transform the lives of the people you serve, or want to serve?

My suggestion would be to take some time apart with a notebook, and envision what some of the transformations of the clients you serve, or hope to serve, may look like.  You may be amazed at how this exercise will assist you in getting clarity around your mission!
Love and Blessings,

Ruth

Ruth Reiner is an ordained minister in the interfaith tradition, certified spiritual counselor and certified life coach; registered nurse.  She is a successful entrepreneur, and has helped others launch their visions.  Her expertise is borne of the transformations that have occurred in the lives of the people she has served.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, PUBLICATION, OR ON YOUR WEB-SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leaving the entire article intact, do not alter it in any way, and include the following: “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS” was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download – as a gift to you- THE 5 SECRETS TO CREATING ABUNDANCE THROUGH YOUR CALLING.
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Do you have way too much email in your inbox? Are the bills piling up on the kitchen counter? Do you need to take your kids to soccer practice and piano lessons? Do you need to cook dinner, clean the house and mow the lawn? Oh, and yes, while of these things need to happen, do you also still need to do your work, your ministry in this world?

As women spiritual leaders we have many responsibilities and many hats that we wear. If we are not careful, we may not do any of these roles well. How can you make sure that you get done what must get done and still stay sane?

Well, first of all, it’s extremely important to know your values and your mission or purpose.
The first thing you should be sure to get clear on is your Mission statement – this is what will drive your actions in your spiritual business. Mission statements often contain the following:

•    Purpose of your ministry or business
•    Who you serve – your customers, target market, etc.
•    What you offer them – your products and services and the transformation they bring to the people you serve

The next thing you need to get clear on is your values. These are the things that are the most important to you in life. They could be things like Beauty, Family, Accomplishment, etc. These are what will drive your actions in your personal life. Hopefully, the mission and values are congruent and don’t contradict one another. If they do, then one is not authentically representing who you are.

Next, whenever an action item, invitation, request or decision comes your way, you will now analyze it against your Mission and your values. If it doesn’t fit in with these, that is, if it isn’t a definite “YES”!! in your mind and congruent with your values and your purpose, then it needs to be a “NO!”. And you should do just that – “Say, no!”

Also, go through any commitments you currently have and clear out the ones that don’t match your Mission or Values. This will leave room for the things that are truly important for you and what you are here to do to actually get done. And, now they will not only get done, but they will get done well, because you have room for them.

At the end of each day, jot down your accomplishments. Make special note where you might have been led astray and taken on things that are not in alignment with your mission or values. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Just note that these are things you will need to let go of.

Make this a daily habit, and I guarantee that within one month you will be much clearer and focused on the things that are important to you and your life’s work.

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an Interfaith seminarian, certified life coach, spiritual healer, teacher and guide. She is the co-founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders: www.iawsl.com.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following byline: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download-as our GIFT to you-the 5 Secrets to Creating Abundance Through Your Calling. You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of information and tips for supporting you in your calling. Just click here: www.iawsl.com

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Is it really important to know your life purpose? After all, plenty of people go through life never knowing theirs and yet they seem to be content. After all, once you’ve gotten the good job, spouse and 2.5 children, what else is there? Plenty!!

1. Inner Peace – when you know your purpose, a sense of calm surrounds you. You don’t have to worry about what you should focus on

2. Clear Direction – When you know your purpose decision-making becomes easy – if something comes your way that is not in alignment with your purpose, you can easily turn it down; if it does align, say YES!!

3. Financial Success – by having a clear purpose that you are passionate about (because if it’s your Divine Purpose, you WILL be passionate about it), you can easily make money doing it. Why? Because you have the passion that can carry you through the rough times. Someone who is doing something they aren’t passionate about, will give up much more easily.

4. Marketing sense – when you need to market yourself to the world, it becomes very clear to you who you are marketing to and what exactly you are providing. You no longer have to be everything to everyone. There are some people who just aren’t meant to be your customers and that’s OK!!!

5. Happiness – When you are doing what you were put here to do, you are HAPPY!!! Yes, times might get hard and people can treat you unkindly, but you will be happy because you are doing what you were designed to do – it just flows!

6. Eliminate living from Fear – When you live a purpose-driven life, you are no longer living your life from a position of fear – for example, doing things because you “should” or because of what others will think of you or because of some dire consequence you believe will happen if you don’t. You will be living in a proactive manner guided by the direction of your purpose; not reactively out of fear. This is an incredibly powerful way to live.

Once you know your purpose and why you are here, you can set about making changes in your life to adjust to this new knowledge. Slowly you will eliminate things that don’t align with your purpose and draw things to you that do. You will clearly be able to determine if opportunities are right for you or not and you will have a sense of joy and fulfillment that can only come from living purposefully. And, you will easily be able to make money because you will be able to clearly define what you do and whom you do it for – an essential for good marketing. You will be able to do all these things and be happy! What more could anyone ask for – so what are you waiting for? Find that purpose and start living it – the world needs you and whatever it is you were uniquely designed to do!

Patricia

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, PUBLICATION, OR ON YOUR WEB-SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leaving the entire article intact, do not alter it in any way, and include the following: “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS” was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download – as a gift to you- THE 5 SECRETS TO CREATING ABUNDANCE THROUGH YOUR CALLING.
You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of tips and information for supporting you in your mission or quest.

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This is a beautiful article from a wonderful friend about the importance of nurturing yourself…

It’s in the quiet that we hear the answers. It’s in the moment of silence that we feel the knowing.

Are you able to sit down, quiet your mind and listen to your truth?

Today I turned off the stereo, ignored the phone. I sat down to find the stillness. A project needing to be finished, grabbed my attention. Another excuse not to silence my mind. Yet, the lack of outside noise did allow me to focus, to concentrate, to make serious progress toward the completion of a task at hand.

But, the truth is, I need to find time to listen to the quiet. I know I do. What about you?

Apparently, the Universe will find a way to get you to listen, even when you say you will, but don’t. In my life it always shows up the same way. I usually have to end up in the hospital, attached to tubes, plugs, machines…none of which are connected to my computer or my iPhone. I have no choice but to stay still. I even have to ask for a nurse or someone to help me go to the bathroom. Wow! Can you believe I’d manifest all of this to make room for quiet in my life?

This past week, I found a lump under my arm. It was 3:50 in the morning on February 3rd. I looked at the clock, and said out loud, “Are you kidding me?” My life shifted in an instant. In the stillness of the early morning, I stood, alone, in my kitchen and knew why this was happening. It was time for me to slow down and reflect.
What is most important to me? What is my soul’s purpose? What really matters? What am I doing with my life?

I’ve been hearing whispers for months, but keep choosing to ignore them. I tell myself, “I’ll start painting and writing as soon as I finish this next project, the next event, the next, the next, the next.” But, I haven’t.

My heart has been telling me to focus on my writing, my art, enjoy my time with my husband and kids, but I refuse to listen. I’m afraid to give up everything I’ve been creating and the business I’ve been building. I don’t want to look like I’m quitting. I find work harder, push more, in hopes that the more time I put in, the faster I’ll reach the finish line. And, then, I will have time for my writing, my art, my family.

I’m not trusting myself and my inner knowing of what is right for me. I’m letting other people’s whispers influence me, when I know, with all my heart and soul, their way is right for them, but not my authentic way. I honor their space, but must trust my intuition and my journey.

I love talking makeup, hair, and style. It’s what I’ve done for 25 years. But I know, none of it matters in the long run. It’s not just about the makeup, it never has been. It’s always been about so much more. Of course, there is a time and place for lip gloss, hairspray and shoes. But, they are not what make a beautiful life.

I’ve been gone too long….headed in the wrong direction. Or, maybe, the right direction, wrong road. It’s time for me to get back to what’s real. It’s time for me to get back to the core, to my authenticity. The woman who cries when she’s scared, the woman who knows she’s meant to paint and write, the woman who adores her children and is watching them grow up too quickly. The woman, who dearly loves and appreciates having a wonderful friend for more than 24 years and has been blessed to be able to call him “my husband” for 20 of those years.

I realized that I needed to listen to what I know I am meant to do. I see the potential in others, with or without makeup. I inspire others to follow their dreams, in high heels or sneakers. There is so much talk today about authenticity, personal branding, and personal style. I’ve created an entire business which helps women see their real beauty, so that they can reach their dreams. But, in the midst of creating what I knew I could, a business about image and style, I set my dreams on the bookcase next to my desk.

Dozens of books on writing, art, creativity, inspiration, beauty and style stacked just inches away from me everyday. Thirty plus, years of journals, filled with writings, musings, sketches, quotes, images I want to paint. It seems like it would be easier to do what you’re comfortable doing. Just stick to what you know and all will be okay. Not so! In fact, it’s harder, and more difficult not follow your heart.

The Universe wants to get my attention. Tomorrow, I will head to the hospital at 5:30 in the morning. I know that no matter what happens, I will do what I must. I will do only what matters. I will listen to my heart. I am done pushing. I AM WRITING. And, I’m letting go of the outcome. I’m letting go of whether it will be good, or whether it will matter, or whether it will make me money.

Clarity. Reality. Authenticity.

This is my new direction. We can create whatever we want or need in this lifetime. It’s up to us to make up our mind to listen and follow the whispers of intuition guiding us forth.

Living a beautiful life means taking care of yourself. Being true to what you believe. Living a beautiful life means trusting yourself and listening to your body. Living a beautiful life means following your heart.

Have you been setting a part of you on a shelf? What are you rescheduling, setting aside, deferring, or putting on the back burner?

I will do whatever I need to do to bring congruency into my life. I know I will march forth into the fear of the unknown, the uncertain, and embrace every moment, every smile, every whisper, every tear, every hug. And every little bit of laughter.

I hope you’ll do the same.

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Hollywood Makeup Artist, Writer, and Style Consultant, Tamara Gold publishes publishes
the “Red Lipstick Report” e-zine. Style for Real Women. Real Life. Real Beauty.
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I couldn’t resist posting this link about Ricochet – a dog who was allowed to “follow her bliss” and is now helping to earn money for the disabled.

What an inspiring reminder to us all to go within and determine what it is we are truly called to do!

Patricia

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New Years is a wonderful time! It’s almost magical. This is the time of year when we all have a chance to regroup and start fresh. The slate can be cleared and you can start again. As women spiritual leaders it is so important for us to take stock of our lives, our ministries, or callings and revamp them as needed.

Frankly, the first day of the Gregorian calendar isn’t necessarily the only time to do this – there are various markers throughout the year when we can re-evaluate our lives such as our birthday or any of the other religious/ethnic new year markings. However, January 1 is certainly an obvious time to do it.

Another obvious thing about this time of year is New Year resolutions. I think we’ve all come to realize that New Year resolutions can be somewhat tricky. The perspective on this annual tradition can range from downright brutal – “New Years resolutions don’t work!” all the way to those dedicated few who still make them every year – ” I will lose 40 pounds this year.”

When they don’t work, it is usually because the goal that has been chosen is so lofty, we can’t really succeed at it – at least not without a framework, a plan and support systems. When these things are in place, it certainly is possible to succeed – most people, however, don’t do this. They make their lofty goal, go after it full-throttle and then lose steam somewhere around February 1st. By March, they can’t even remember what it was they had resolved themselves to. Women especially tend to get sidetracked and sucked into the caregiver role at the first opportunity and then any goal we’ve set for ourselves falls by the wayside.

A much better way to get a fresh start that lasts the whole year and can have a profound effect on your life and your spiritual growth is to create a theme for the year. I have been doing this for about ten years now and the changes it has wrought in my life are downright remarkable!

Choosing a theme for the year is very personal and should involve thought and candid reflection. I like to spend the week before New Years reviewing the last year and any issues I encountered. What worked? What didn’t? What areas of my life feel like they need healing? Here are some possible choices that I have either used in the past or have considered using:

Be Happy

Let go and let God

Choose Joy

Be the Gift

Trust

Say “Yes!”

Just say “No”

As you can see the possibilities are endless! And after while you can actually have a lot of fun coming up with them. I have noticed that every time that I have done this, within the first week of the year I am presented with a test of my theme. For example, if you choose “Let go and let God” – I guarantee that there will be something, someone or some idea that you will have to let go of.

So forewarned is fore-armed – put some thought into which theme will benefit our soul the most – you will not be disappointed!

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an Interfaith seminarian, certified life coach, energy healer and entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders: www.iawsl.com, and is a practicing life coach, spiritual guide and healer helping people to live the life of their dreams: www.theblissfulsoul.com.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You may, as long as you commit to leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, and include the following byline: The International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions. We invite you to download—as our GIFT to you—the 5 Secrets to Creating Abundance Through Your Calling. You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of information and tips for supporting you in your calling.

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How are you going to make it through what is considered to be one of the top stress filled times of the year?  How many times have you thought about how the “holidays” used to be?  Do you long for a simpler way of celebrating what scholars tell us was one of the most phenomenal events in history, the birth of Jesus?  Please join me, women who are spiritual and leaders, as we look at trust and how it may relate to maximizing your Christmas experience.

I woke one morning recently with these same questions on my mind.  As I spent time in contemplation, I was prompted to go again to the beautiful passage from the first chapter of the gospel of Luke.  You may recall it recounts the interaction between the angel, Gabriel, and the woman from Nazareth, the virgin, Mary.

Gabriel announces to Mary that she will birth the baby Jesus.  When Mary responds, with what I imagine would have been absolute alarm, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man”? Gabriel assures her, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee…”

What trust!  Whether or not we subscribe to the story of the virgin birth, is not the issue.  What is the issue, I think, is the way Mary conducts herself with obvious trust through the pregnancy and birth.

First, she runs to tell her cousin, Elizabeth, who herself is pregnant with who will be “John the Baptist”.  I imagine the two of them embracing, and Mary speaks what has become known as the “Magnificat” or “Song of Mary” which is sung in Christian churches, usually around Christmas.  It begins, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Savior…”  What trust!

Mary stays with Elizabeth for three months and then returns to her home where she remains until she and her husband, Joseph, set out from Nazareth in Galilee into the province of Judea to Bethlehem to register for taxes.  At this time, Mary is “great with child”.  The rudimentary means of travel had to be a physical and emotional ordeal of enormous proportions for any woman about to give birth.  What trust!

The story unfolds, now all too familiar, where door upon door of the inns and hostels were closed when Joseph inquired about lodging.  I would have been “high anxiety” at that point, but, again, we are reminded of Mary’s trust.

When finally, the couple is given access to a simple manger, Mary births the baby Jesus in the final act of trusting.  “My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior…”

When we, as women spiritual leaders, experienced our first inkling of our “calling”, or “awakening”, by and large, we ventured forth in trust that we would be led in every aspect of our lives.  Perhaps we didn’t have a “Gabriel” experience, or an “epiphany”, but somehow the feeling of trust in God, Spirit, Allah, our Guides, or our True Self was exactly what we needed to show us the way.

For those of us who need to rekindle that trust, I suggest that it is the way to maximize our Christmas experience.  When we are stressed or nostalgic this holiday season, I suggest we turn to our Source for the guidance and the wisdom that we know is readily available, and then… trust .

This article was written by Reverend Ruth Reiner, interfaith minister, spiritual counselor, coach, nurse, former wife, mother, and grandmother.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE, PUBLICATION, OR ON YOUR WEB-SITE?  You may, as long as you commit to leaving the entire article intact, do not alter it in any way, and include the following: “THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS” was founded to support spiritual women in living abundantly while serving their unique missions.  We invite you to download – as a gift to you- THE 5 SECRETS TO CREATING ABUDANCE THROUGH YOUR CALLING.
You will also be registered to receive our weekly newsletter full of tips and information for supporting you in your mission or quest.

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