International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders » Life Balance

Risk-Taking: The Courage to be Authentic

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:03:58 +0000

What could be riskier than diving out of an airplane or climbing a glacier-covered peak or accelerating a race car into a curve at the Indy 500?

For one person it might be quitting a secure, well-paying job to go back to school. For another, it could be deciding to leave a marriage after 18 years or reporting that the company they work for is endangering the environment or people’s lives.

For me it was quitting a well-paying job to work for myself at something I loved and had a passion for. It certainly wasn’t easy – but, there came a point when I knew I had to take that leap of faith to else continue down the path of drudgery I was feeling.

Though it may not appear so at first glance, psychological risks that summon us to put our personal values and beliefs on the line may ultimately feel more dangerous than those of physical derring-do. Yet these are the challenges that we are asked to face time and again if we are to continue to grow as individuals. Each time we take a risk that contributes to our personal growth or enhances our self-esteem or enriches our lives, we make the choice to stretch ourselves, knowing there are no guarantees and chancing possible failure.

I knew that even if I failed, I would have felt better for trying – I would have continually regretted not at least going after my dream. That alone made it all worth it!

Growth-producing risks generally fall into three categories.

Self-Improvement Risks
These are the risks you take when you want to get ahead, learn something new or make a distant dream a reality. You take on the venture with hopes of enriching your life. Maybe you want to change careers, or take singing lessons, or learn to speak French. On one side of the risk is the person you are and, on the other, the person you want to become.

Commitment Risks
All commitment risks have emotional stakes whether you pledge yourself to a person or a relationship or to a cause, a career, or a value. According to Joseph Ilardo, author of Risk-Taking for Personal Growth, if you avoid making emotional commitments, you all but guarantee that your emotional growth will be stunted.

Self-Disclosure Risks
Communication risks fall into the category of self-disclosure. Anytime you tell someone how you really feel you’re taking the chance of self-disclosure. When you open up to others and reveal who you really are, how you feel and what you want and need, you make yourself vulnerable. It is impossible to be assertive without doing so.

All risks carry with them the possibility of failure. Often significant sacrifices must be made before any real benefits are realized. Routines may have to change; the familiar may have to be released. You may be rejected or humiliated. In the case of commitment to a value, personal safety may be in danger. Consider those who stand up for what they believe in or put their own health and well-being on the line in the name of a cause. Challenging yourself is often the key to personal growth and development.

Are you a risk-taker? Ask yourself the following questions:

• Does every decision involve endless debates with yourself?

• Do you accept less than what you should because you’re afraid to speak up?

• Do you have difficulty making emotional commitments to others?

• Do you make up excuses that stop you from taking advantage of opportunities for self-improvement?

• Does fear of disapproval keep you from doing what you’d really like to do?

A “yes” answer to these questions indicates a reluctance to take risks, which may mean you tend to play it safe and reject change.

Consider this: to fulfill your potential, to discover your real self and live an authentic life, you must take risks. And while security may appear to be the absence of change, the only genuine security lies in taking risks.

This article was written by Patricia Selmo, an ordained Interfaith Minister, 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

10 Things To Do When Your Life Falls Apart

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:40:47 +0000

June 25, 2010 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

In her first book in several years, Daphne Rose Kingma takes us on a path of emotional and spiritual healing with particular attention to the complex and frequently overwhelming circumstances of our lives right now. Whether you’re struggling with money issues, job loss, relationship problems, an unexpected health crisis or all of the above, this book will light your path and heal your heart. Along with giving sound practical advice, THE TEN THINGS will help you see your crisis in a larger context, one in which no matter what you are going through you’ll be able to find a sense of renewal and peace.
Everybody has hard times and this is the book that will carry you through them.

“Anyone going through a dark night of the soul needs to have this book. It will be your closest companion and your most tender angel. Daphne Rose Kingma more than speaks to your soul; she knows how to heal it.” –Marianne Williamson, author of A Return to Love

Join us as we discuss The 10 Things to Do When Your Life Falls Apart with Daphne on:

Friday, June 25, 2010 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

The recording will be available for 48 hours afterward OR you can Join IAWSL for $50 off and receive access to ALL of our teleseminar recordings.

Known primarily for books on relationships (Coming Apart), Kingma’s latest is a lifeline for those in the isolating depths of personal tragedy. Its purpose is to hold, to heal, and to listen, and it comes from a very real place: a friend of the author’s in the midst of physical and financial hardships asked for a list of 10 practices to survive his crisis. With chapters dedicated to the necessity of tears, the freedom of letting go, and the fulfillment found in simple living, these techniques are all about practicality.

Register Now

Play and Its Importance to The Woman Spiritual Leader

admin — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:45:08 +0000

With the kick-off to the Memorial Day Weekend a few days away, I am prompted to write about the importance of remembering all of the Mothers, Fathers, Sisters, Brothers, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends who, for whatever reason, died in service to the USA and its freedoms. And to their families and friends who endured the loss and grief. Bless them all!

However, while I am in deference to the reason for the holiday, I will suggest Memorial Day is the “official start” of the summer season. Of kicking back, of somnolent days, of frolicking in the surf or a favorite swimming hole, lake, back-yard pool, lawn sprinkler or fire hydrant (do cities turn those on anymore?), a game of stick ball, or whatever the latest neighborhood game is.
Of long lines of traffic snaking to resorts with the kids or pets in joyous anticipation; their enthusiasm spilling over into the car, and the driver, if they’re like me, usually frustrated with ‘how long it’s going to take us to get there’.

The summer season, for most people, evokes memories of childhood play. The freedom that accompanied the end of the school year was what many of us anticipated as we counted down to the last day of school. That was our time to let loose and PLAY!

Now that I am a seasoned adult, it takes effort (even the word speaks of work) for me to play. Playing just isn’t as ‘natural’ as it was before I ‘grew up’ and assumed the responsibilities of the adult world.

What’s with this picture? If we are creative beings in the “likeness of our Creator”, isn’t joyous freedom our inheritance? If that be the case, why is play difficult for many of us women who are bent on achieving the goals we have established for ourselves?

I don’t have to remind you of the ton of responsibilities, real and imagined, you deal with in your life. However, “the more I do, the more it seems there is to do” often keeps us in the mindset of “I have to keep up the pace”. And before we know it, another year has flashed by (including the summer), and we have forgotten how to play.

I had an opportunity to play recently on a sailing adventure with seven friends in the British Virgin Islands. Each day was filled with swimming, snorkeling, sailing, dropping anchor or picking up a mooring on a different island. Although this was relaxing, and most would consider this ‘big time’ play, it was not until the last afternoon that I captured the essence of what play means to me.

The sailboat carried a small inflatable rubber dingy, as most do. It is used to navigate to and from the shore for dinner, reprovisioning, etc. and for tying up to great snorkeling sites.

Two of my friends said, “Let’s go snorkeling over by the rock” which required us to get in the dingy and tie up to the moorings there. Due to my 5 foot 10 ½ inch, amply endowed body, I was reluctant to go in the dingy due to the fear that I would not be able to climb back in with its very high freeboard once I was in the water. I agreed to go, but to stay in the dingy… after all it was our last time to frolic.

And frolic I did. Of course, when we motored over to the site, I could not stay out of the water, enticed by what I would experience under the surface. I didn’t have a care as to how I would get back in… my friends could always tow me back to the sailboat, if necessary!

After memorable experiences being with and among a large variety of tropical fish, one of my friends, who happens to be the swim coach of the Masters Team I swim with, decided she would climb in the dingy. We had a make-shift ladder which we hung over the side. As she placed her foot on one of the rungs, the ladder went under the boat, she fell backwards into the water, and we ‘lost it’.

Gales of laughter ensued, and we could not get control of ourselves to get her in the dingy. My ‘M.O.’ was to help her in so that I could get in as well. Somehow with my holding the ladder in place for her (I, in the water), she was able to get half-way in. Again, uncontrollable laughter and abandon seized us. At that point I didn’t care whether or not I got in the dingy… I was having such easy, unplanned, unbounded FUN!

With a gentle push from me, she landed in the dingy. Now it was my turn. I was able to negotiate my right foot somehow to the top rung of the ladder, and flung myself across the width of the dingy; howling with laughter with every clumsy move. Our laughter can still be heard in my memory.

I give you this story because I think it speaks to the essence of play… unplanned, spontaneous, and being in the moment. Yes, I know that it helped that I was in an environment and away from my responsibilities that was conducive to having this wonderful experience, and I believe that we can create these moments in our daily lives.

I propose that we each make this Memorial Day week-end the start of a season filled with more moments of play. Our culture certainly gives us ‘permission’ via the summer season to do that.

Love and Blessings,

Ruth

Ruth Reiner is an ordained minister in the Interfaith tradition, Spiritual Counselor, Certified Coach, Nurse, and successful entrepreneur. She has two adult daughters with families/four grandchildren.

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.

Jennifer Louden – On Self Care

admin — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:05:06 +0000

Join us as we interview Jennifer and discuss what
self-care for the Woman Spiritual Leader means.

May 14, 2010 2 PM Eastern/1 PM Central/12 PM Mountain/11 AM Pacific

Jennifer Louden is the best-selling author of The Woman’s Comfort Book, The Couple’s Comfort Book, The Pregnant Woman’s Comfort Book, The Woman’s Retreat Book, and Comfort Secrets for Busy Women. She is both a personal coach and social commentator, who has taken the concept of “comfort” and self-care, and made these essential concepts irresistible and essential to women around the world. Jennifer is a cultural visionary, harnessing her extraordinary ability to recognize women’s comfort as both a fundamental need and an innate desire.

As women’s roles and voices have evolved, so has Jennifer’s mission, transforming from a well-read self-help author to a cultural leader and life guide, inspiring women to develop their own recipe for emotional, physical, spiritual and work-life balance. With Jennifer’s prompting, women are encouraged to find their personal truths, to explore and unearth their purposes in life, purposes that resonate most authentically with their innate wisdom, creating the truest comfort of all.

Register Now

How Women Spiritual Leaders Can Eliminate Overwhelm and Accomplish Your Purpose

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:13:25 +0000

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.

Quiet Your Mind

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 20:05:22 +0000

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.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR ON YOUR WEBSITE? Please do and be sure to include
the complete little bio below.

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.
Information, Inspiration, How-To Videos and Spotlight Interviews with Industry Experts
to keep you feeling and looking your best…in all areas of your life and your business.
If you want to create your own authentic personal style in your life, creative endeavor
or business, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription
to The Red Lipstick Report at www.TamaraGold.com

WANT TO SEE MORE?
Check out Tamara’s blog- Live Your Beautiful Life – at TamaraGold.com/blog
Follow Tamara Gold on Twitter
Follow The Red Lipstick Report on Twitter
Become a Red Lipstick Report Fan on Facebook

Rest and Its Importance to Women Spiritual Leaders… Are You Getting Your Z’s?

admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:27:29 +0000

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

Winter Solstice – A Time For Going Within and Rebirth

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:01:05 +0000

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:

STOP – take 10-15 minutes and find a quiet place to sit – no radio, music, television, kids, phone, etc.
Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Focus on your breathe and imagine it flowing through you as you breath in and out.
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.
Sit in silence for a few more minutes. Remind yourself that there is NOTHING for you to do right NOW.
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.

4 Ways For Women Spiritual Leaders To Experience An Advent In Your Life And In Your Practice

admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:11:34 +0000

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.

How Women Spiritual Leaders Can Survive the Holiday Season Beginning With Thanksgiving

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:49:04 +0000

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.

Name
Email

Name
Email

International Association of Women Spiritual Leaders » Life Balance

Risk-Taking: The Courage to be Authentic

10 Things To Do When Your Life Falls Apart

Friday, June 25, 2010 11 AM Eastern/10 AM Central/9 AM Mountain/8 AM Pacific

Register Now

Play and Its Importance to The Woman Spiritual Leader

Jennifer Louden – On Self Care

Join us as we interview Jennifer and discuss what self-care for the Woman Spiritual Leader means.

Register Now

How Women Spiritual Leaders Can Eliminate Overwhelm and Accomplish Your Purpose

Quiet Your Mind

Rest and Its Importance to Women Spiritual Leaders… Are You Getting Your Z’s?

Winter Solstice – A Time For Going Within and Rebirth

4 Ways For Women Spiritual Leaders To Experience An Advent In Your Life And In Your Practice

How Women Spiritual Leaders Can Survive the Holiday Season Beginning With Thanksgiving

Join us as we interview Jennifer and discuss what
self-care for the Woman Spiritual Leader means.