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

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
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When contemplating the topic for my article this week, I had difficulty tapping into the source of my creativity.  Then I heard the words of one of my business mentors, echoing in my ears… “I want you to rest and take a bubble bath as your assignment this week.”  “Yea, right”, I responded in my thoughts… “Not with what I have to do!”

How often, as women and spiritual leaders do we run out of gas?  A common reaction when we feel overwhelmed with responsibilities is to “gear up”; to do whatever it takes to complete what we have to accomplish.

As we have experienced, what usually happens is the “springs pop out”, the project is done to less than our standards, and we often wind up pulling our hair out!!  We all know there is a better way.  Perhaps simple, yet not easy to follow, if we are entrenched in the automatic, often unconscious patterns that we employ to deal with demands.

Every spiritual tradition of which I am aware is replete with stories around rest and retreat.  The Jews honor the Sabbath, the peoples of the indigenous religions engage in vision quests and other rituals which facilitate their “coming apart” from their day-to-day responsibilities.  Muslims and the sages of the ‘Eastern’ spiritual traditions, too, had their times of retreat.

“Come unto me all you who are weary and of heavy burden, and I will give you rest”…

What an irresistible invitation!!!  Come, weary ones, heavy with the responsibilities of serving a congregation, of ministering to the people who come to you for guidance and healing, of juggling the demands of running a home and nurturing a family, and I will give you rest…

How can we respond to the invitation to rest?

1.    Practicing awareness of our energy levels.  What are your individual warning signals that you may be getting low on ‘fuel’?

2.    Practicing saying ‘no’ more than you say ‘yes’.  So often our ‘yes’ responses to a request are automatic.  Once we regularly employ examining what we have been asked to do in light of what we’ve already committed to, it will become clear that a ‘no’ isn’t a bad word.

3.    Observing our thoughts.  Are they accelerating?  Are they into the future with ‘all that you have to do’?  If so, it’s a good sign that you are already approaching ‘circuit overload’.

4.    Take 10 minutes to sit with a notebook and identify a number of places (a quiet place in your home or yard), people (a trusted friend, your toddler), things (music, art, a pet, inspirational writings) that give you a sense of rest; of being ‘apart’, and commit to engaging with those when you feel yourself getting to that state of ‘overwhelment’.

5.    Identify a support system, flesh it out, and commit to calling on it when you experience your stress levels rising.

6.    Practice being in the present moment… moment to moment.

7.    How about your bed for a good night’s sleep?

This article was written by Ruth Reiner, Interfaith Minister, Spiritual Counselor, Coach and Co-founder of www.IAWSL.com

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.

What is the Winter Solstice?

Technically this is the longest night of the year – in the Northern hemisphere, this is usually around December 21st – 22nd. The world around us is dark and cold. In modern times, ignoring the rhythms of the earth, we rise while it is still dark and continue our activities – taking the kids to school, going to work, running errands – until well past the setting of the sun. With all of our artificial light, we forget how dark our surroundings are at this time.

Can you imagine a time before electricity, before scientists had explained to us that this phenomenon is simply caused by the tilt of the earth as it rotates around the sun? And that this darkness is just the result of the earth being tilted to its maximum position of 23° 26′ away from the sun…it is likely people could easily become fearful. The trees and shrubs, would freeze and dry up, often they would be buried under a layer of snow or frost. There was no guarantee that the sun would come back. People would watch as each day the sun would rise to a lower and lower point in the sky. In northern elevations, they might not see it for weeks or months at a time!

Oh, but then! They would notice that this cycle would reverse itself…can you imagine the joy and hope that entered people’s hearts at that time! The sun was returning! The world would not remain a cold, dark wasteland forevermore. This was certainly reason for celebration! And even those seemingly dead gardens would eventually spring back to life…there had been life lying dormant there all along!

The word solstice derives from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still)…the moment when the sun stands still…culturally, this event has been seen through the years as the time when the ebbing of the sun stops and it begins to return. Concepts of the birth or rebirth of sun gods have been common in many cultures through the years:

• In Greek mythology, the gods and goddesses met on the winter and summer solstice, and Hades was permitted on Mount Olympus.
• The Hopi Indians, also known as “The Peaceful Ones,” hold a ritual on December 21, the shortest day of the year, to ceremonially bring the sun back from its long winter sleep.
• In many pagan and earth-based traditions, this holiday is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the “newborn” sun.
• In modern cultures gatherings at this time of year are filled with evergreens, bright lights, large bonfires, feasts, spending time with loved ones, and dancing and singing.

As women spiritual leaders this can be an opportune time to STOP the busy-ness, STOP the “doing” and follow the rhythm of the earth. Much like the winter garden lies dormant, we too should take time to sit quietly and go within. This dark, cold, quiet time of year is perfect not only for hibernating bears, but also for our hibernating souls. We need the withdrawal and rest from the hub-bub of daily living to recharge and regenerate – to bring our own light and life back into the world.

Take time this week to have a daily check-in with yourself:

1. STOP – take 10-15 minutes and find a quiet place to sit – no radio, music, television, kids, phone, etc.
2. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathe and imagine it flowing through you as you breath in and out.
3. Imagine a small flame in the center of your chest. As you breathe in, the flame expands. As you breathe out, the flame flushes out anything negative in your thoughts or feelings.
4. Sit in silence for a few more minutes. Remind yourself that there is NOTHING for you to do right NOW.
5. When you feel complete, slowly open your eyes. Continue with your day remembering the calm darkness that envelopes you and the warmth of your light within that fuels you.

It is so important that we, as women take the time to recharge, hibernate or go within and stay in that calm darkness, knowing that our light is always there – we only need to allow its gentle flame to regenerate and recharge in the silence of our own winter. And when we honor that cycle of death and rebirth, we will be even more prepared to perform our ministry in the world – whatever it might be.

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.

Today, the first Sunday in Advent, we celebrate with our Christian friends who look toward the “coming” of the birth of Jesus.  Although largely symbolic considering that Jesus has been born, there are those within Christianity who anticipate the second advent, or coming of Jesus.
Each Sunday preceding Christmas is marked with the lighting of an “advent” candle; four in all, usually contained within a wreath or other shapes of evergreens.  Advent is considered to be the start of the liturgical year in Western Christianity.  The celebration is alive with tradition, from the colors of the candles and the banners within the churches and raiment worn by clergy and other spiritual leaders, to the hymns and in songs sung by choirs and congregations alike.  The air is expectant, and the congregants eagerly look forward to the culmination of the festivities in the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas morning.

For those of us women who are spiritual leaders in our respective religious communities; for those of us who have solo or partnership practices as spiritual counselors, energy and other holistic healers; and for those of us who are feeling the flames of longing to birth our own entities, “advent” could be pregnant with enormous meaning.  In order to “birth” whatever it is in each of us, I offer the following:

1.    Each Sunday of this “advent” season, or other day of your choosing, commit to spending time cultivating your spiritual roots.  Whether it be in prayer, meditation, chanting, yoga, singing, drumming, dancing, being in nature, studying in your tradition, or writing… the very idea that you have committed to and have actually created an outlet and time for it, will alter your mindset and your attitude.

2.     Each Sunday of this “advent” season, or other day of your choosing, commit to spending time contemplating your goals in anticipation of 2010.   In order to be effective and successful women spiritual leaders, we need the direction that is contained within the framework of goal setting.  For those of us who depend upon the guidance that comes from our spiritual practice, being aware of our goals keeps us alert to the opportunities that may appear at any time and place.

3.    Each Sunday of this “advent” season, or other day of your choosing, commit to spending time evaluating where you spend your energies.  Are you, like most, spending time on the 80% of your activities that produce 20% of the results?  Or have you, like other successful women spiritual leaders, cultivated the art of identifying which 20% of your activities produce the 80% of results?  It is not difficult to achieve…  it takes the willingness to look at the big picture and to seek help in learning the tools…

4.    Lastly…  each Sunday of this “advent” season, or other day of your choosing, commit to spending time “weeding out”; letting go of what is no longer working in your life and/or in your practice.  As women, and as spiritual leaders, we each know what that means in our own lives.  As natural born intuitives,  we know what needs to be examined in light of its usefulness and contribution to our lives and/or our practices.  As women, and as spiritual leaders, we often feel that in letting go of that part of our practice/business that is no longer effective, or that relationship/s that is draining us of energy, we may inadvertently hurt people by our decisions to “let go”.  And… it is likely that people may be hurt by our decision to “let go”.  And therein lies the meaning, for me, of “advent”.  When we “let go”, it allows for whatever it is to be born… in us, and, if they so choose, the people who may be affected by our “letting go”.

May each and every one of us as women spiritual leaders experience this time of advent… expectancy… as a time of dedication to our spiritual paths, to identifying and to committing to goal setting, of evaluating our lives and practices for the “80-20” concept, and to intuiting/examining our lives and practices for what needs to be “let go”.

This article was written by Rev. Ruth Reiner, an ordained Inter Faith minister, spiritual counselor, coach, nurse, former wife, mother, grandmother and entrepreneur.

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.

WOMEN SPIRITUAL LEADERS, do you often feel like the many armed Hindu Goddesses, especially this time of the year?  Can you identify with…

Durga, the fierce multi-armed warrior/mother/protector goddess who rides on a tiger or a lion?

Sati, the ancient loving wife goddess?

Umar, the ancient mountain goddess?

Parvati, the loving wife/mother goddess?

And, of course, Kali, the usually naked, blood thirsty and wild haired goddess?

The point being, there exist many aspects of us, as women with many roles… so much so that we can easily relate to the “multi armed” aspect of these goddesses.  As spiritual women who need help and support and often are in need of information to effectively run our ministries, our practices, and our personal lives, we often feel like the many armed goddess, especially in this busy holiday season soon upon us.  Multi-tasking and keeping “all the balls in the air” is something that just comes naturally to us… or does it?

Is there a place within you that longs for the peace, meaning, and true celebration that this season is meant to engender?  Let’s have a look into the life of a modern, “reformed”, multi-armed goddess, our woman spiritual leader:

•    She is committed to her mission that she was inspired to support, so she carves out the time each day to “go apart”, to be present, to listen to guidance, and to study in the tradition to which she is committed
•    She is organized and in control of her life
•    She has support, emotionally and physically, in order to run her practice
•    She asks for, and plans for, help as soon as she realizes she needs it
•    She takes care of herself first because, in doing so, she can best take care of those she serves
•    She allows time during the day for laughter, fun, and breaks, even if they are brief, so that she may be effective in her work
•    She works at doing her best to stay “neutral” in environments with people who usually have great needs and often throw off negativity
•    She surrounds herself with people who are loving and supportive in order that she may minister to those who need her

• She makes decisions quickly after she has gleaned all of the information she needs
• She has the business systems and team, if necessary, that support a religious community, or a holistic or spiritual practice in place, and she has control over it/them and has a semblance of knowledge as to its health
• She prioritizes regarding her practice, and has the knowledge and the willingness to make it profitable and self sustaining
• She has few worries regarding her personal life and her finances
• She experiences abundance and prosperity through the use of spiritual and business principles
• She is aware of her thoughts and feelings, and is an effective leader

O.K., now that we have a picture of our “ideal”, it is easy to see where we need to amend our lives and the way we do business.  Well, what does this have to do with the holiday season, kicking off with the American tradition, Thanksgiving?

If we would simply adapt perhaps just one or two of the actions above, it may just make this holiday season a little easier to navigate.  In starting with the first, being committed to your mission and why you chose to serve as you do, the decisions you need to make regarding how you celebrate Thanksgiving may be easier.

I challenge you, as we consider what we are grateful for, to look seriously at the list above, and promise to put into practice at least two of the principles.  I guarantee that, if you do, you will be less like the multi armed goddess and more like the women spiritual leader who is thankful that she made the commitment to her calling.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

This article was written by Rev. Ruth Reiner, an ordained Inter Faith minister, spiritual counselor, coach, nurse, former wife, mother, grandmother and entrepreneur.

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.