Transformation

As someone who is always reading and studying about growth, expansion and wellness, I must continuously remind myself that information is not transformation. Intellectual understanding of what it takes to grow, expand and emotionally mature does not mean that we have grown, expanded or matured. Part of the growth is having the life experiences that provide us the opportunity to digest and use the information that we have just consumed. Information is stored and accessed in the mind. Transformation, however, involves every dimension of ourselves – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual – changing how we live as a result. Change and transformation is uncomfortable, yes, but all too often we wait until we are pushed to a place where the discomfort of staying the way we are, overtakes the fear and discomfort of the unknown, to change. Dr. Joe Dispenza said, "Most people wait for crisis, trauma, disease or diagnosis. They wait for loss or some tragedy to make up their mind to change, and my message is, why wait? You can learn change in a state of pain and suffering or you can learn change in a state of joy and inspiration." I love this advise, why wait!!!

The shedding of and leaving behind an old form or way of being and embodying an entirely new reality, for many people, has an ominous and overwhelming air about it. Within the course of our lives, we naturally go through many of these changes and transitions but embarking on the journey of spiritual transformation is more of an intentional endeavor. By definition, a spiritual Transformation involves a fundamental change in a person's sacred or spiritual life. Sometimes this transformation is more internal and the way we see and interact with the world around us can be completely transformed and yet on the outside, things may appear the same.

What if we played around with looking at things a little differently? What if, instead of setting out on this daunting, epic journey, we begin to use each day, each conversation, each action, as an opportunity to practice a new way of showing up that is in alignment with our highest, most authentic self? What if we showed ourselves compassion for all our struggles and suffering that we have been through and held space for how we are showing up in each and every day? What if we just allowed that to be enough? We could then set the intention to make room and listen for our inner voice and allow space for it to surface and guide us through the day.

For me, step one might be, getting to know and listen to our inner compass as well as set our Personal Intention Statement. This serves as almost a spiritual road map for every choice and action you are presented with.

In my experience, meditation is a great place to start. I'm not talking about meditating like a monk, sitting for hours on end without a thought or sound. I'm simply talking about taking a few minutes out of each and every day to dedicate to quieting your mind and sitting with yourself. Start to notice the difference between the monkey mind that is always trying to distract you and have you busy yourself and the inner voice that feels calm, still and true. In order for our inner voice to speak to us, we have to make space and listen. As in any relationship, step one for healthy communication. Practice developing or evolving an intimate relationship with yourself.

In my workshops and coaching, I elaborate on and walk you through setting your Personal Intention Statement by tapping into a deeper knowing of your values and what fuels your sense of purpose and fire! Living from a place of intention offers us the opportunity to find meaning in all of the simple interactions and experiences throughout the day. It can support a more mindful lifestyle.

After writing your Personal Intention Statement, one way to get started on the road of transformation is to follow these 3 steps

1. EVALUATE YOUR CURRENT SITUATION AND OUTLINE YOUR INTENTIONS.

2. SET GOALS TO FULFILL THE INTENTIONS YOU OUTLINED.

3. DECLARE YOUR INTENTIONS – OUT LOUD!

So what do we do with the information once we have it? That is the important part. A great way to begin the journey of implementing and embodying the knowledge is to ask yourself a question like “How would this information help me?” or “How can I apply it to my life?” Then you might also ask "What decision would I have made without this information?” One of the most efficient questions to work you closer towards your goal is "What is one small action step I can take today to move me in that direction?"

“When I let go of who I am, I become what I might be.” ~Lau Tzu

Stepping out of our comfort zone and willingly embarking on a voyage of transformation can be intimidating but I promise you that whenever you follow your heart and passions, you are on the road of fulfillment and Joy. There is no promise it will be easy, it almost never is, but it is always rewarding!

I invite you to pause for a moment.....close your eyes......take three slow, deep breaths and ask yourself....

If fear wasn't a part of my decision making, what is one change I would make in my life today that would honor my values and connect me with my authentic self so that I might live a life of love, joy, freedom and fulfillment?

May we be free of suffering, may we know the joy of our own true nature, may we be happy, may we be at peace and may we all support each other on our journeys.

All the love,

Pamela

Full Moon in Aquarius August 1st 2:23pm EST

I am so excited to share with you, this months Full and New Moon insight from Tammy of Body Plant Sky!!!

"This month we have two full moons!

The month of August starts out with a bang as the Aquarius Moon enters the first full moon of the month, with the Leo Sun, on August 1st at 2:23pm EST.

The fiery Leo season always ramps up our energy as it falls in the height of the summer. The Leo in us is always a reminder to be living our best lives, as the Aquarius moon is about remembering your part in relationship to everyone else. In an Aquarius full moon it is about examining our thoughts and feelings, can we use this time to check in and examine our emotional being in a more objective way? How can we improve our ways of being?

Jupiter and Mars trines in earth signs, making our endurance high to tolerate things, we have more strength in our capabilities.

Pluto sextiles with dreamy Neptune long term, both in retrograde, asking us to soften, take care, not be so serious, emotions may be readily available with this influence."

I always like to take time with the Full Moons to journal about the treasures I am grateful for that I have already received and also, those that I feel yet have not yet come to fruition yet. Remember, just because we can not see, feel, taste or touch our dreams, does not mean they are not already in the works! What is one thing you are grateful for today?

All the love,

Pamela

The Layers of Connection and Intimacy

Connection and intimacy are two of the most supportive experiences to foster growth and expansion. Some of us find it easy to open up and build meaningful relationships while others have a harder time putting themselves out there. When we feel safe and seen by another, it allows us the space to explore sides of ourselves, that without the external prompts, we may never have the opportunity to explore.

No matter your comfort level with chemistry and connection, when we begin to slip into deep intimacy, it can be equally scary as it is rewarding. Vulnerability, in itself, is a journey of self-love and expansion that has the ability to discover a new layer of authenticity within us.

Brene Brown says,

"Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.......When we drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives."

While developing and having an intimate relationship with yourself is essential to your health and happiness, the bonds you form throughout your life are vital to your well-being and survival. Whether romantic, familial, communal, or friendly, social support can help you through tricky times, bring you joy, and increase your longevity.

When your sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are in balance, your body will be prepared for renewal and healing. One way to help find this balance is through social connection to others. Intimacy and connection with others have the ability to help regulate your breath and experience sensations of thinking, reflecting, and feeling, which can allow your nervous system play a significant role in all aspects of your well-being.

IIN describes, The Science of Co-Regulation:

"Have you ever noticed that your mood is impacted by the cues of someone around you? This is a result of a nervous system mechanism called co-regulation. Co-regulation is a mutual process where two people can utilize their relationship to either calm or stimulate each other.

In a parent-child relationship, coregulation encourages the child to eventually develop the ability to self-regulate and build resiliency. For example, a caregiver can consciously use their body, breath, and voice to anchor the child’s sense of safety, prompting the nervous system to lower the heart rate and shut down defense systems.

In romantic partners, research shows partners’ cortisol levels and negative moods are linked, demonstrating the power of nervous system regulation between highly connected individuals.

While psychology tends to focus on individuals, understanding coregulation can explain how social connectedness has wide-ranging mental and physical health implications."

Relationships and intimacy with others are fascinating topics and experiences. Having the bravery to open ourselves up to, not only another person, but to ourselves as well, can be rewarding on so many levels! Remember, being brave isn't about not being afraid. It's being afraid and doing it anyways!

Do you care to join me in a practice of brave vulnerability? Open up and tell someone this week, how you are truly feeling. Allow the discomfort to flow through your body and realize that it is just a temporary feeling, and it will pass, usually faster than we think. I have found that the resistance to the assumed discomfort is typically far worse that the experience of the actual moment I was putting off. The more we push ourselves to do things we are afraid of, the more we expand and grow. I look forward to hearing your stories of bravery!!!

All the love,

Pamela