Energy For Life

How many of you are devoted to releasing old patterns that constrict you? What is working to free yourself? Do you notice how much more life energy you have to fuel your passions, projects, potentials and new paradigms? Please make comments on this blog so we can dialogue and learn from each other.

I am discovering the magic of collaborating with others on important projects. Jim and I have had a private counseling practice for over 35 years. Our community-building focus was usually in the spiritual realms. Now in the business world, we are connecting with others to share ideas, resources, networks and experiences. This synergy brings an exponential compounding effect. In honor of Mental Health Month, I encourage you to uncover what really makes you feel healthy, alive and purposeful, then team up with others to bring your dreams to reality.

For example, Casey Feicht and I are creating a program for Kids and Family Yoga Teacher Training and Coaching. Let me know if you (or others you know) want to share yoga with kids and families and need ongoing coaching to make a real difference in people’s lives and create a successful business. Check it out: www.kidsyogaguide.com.

Another amazing connection has been with my new publisher Books to Believe In. Meeting EJ Thornton, Capri Brock and the rest of the staff and local authors has made such a difference in bringing “Be Your Best Self; Yoga for Families” into the world.

Sharing courage and wisdom illuminates the path of love and fulfillment. The gratitude of “May Magic” fills my heart as I celebrate my birthday on May 1.

My recent amazing synchronicities light up my heart and show me I am on the right and true path for the fulfillment of my soul purpose. How about you? Please share by leaving comments!

-Ruth

I have been reflecting on my life a lot lately. As my daughter, Alyssa, and granddaughter, Hannah, and I finish our book “Be Your Best Self: Yoga for Families,” I realize a new chapter in my life is beginning. I am open to how I can serve you, your family and your community. I will be on a day’s retreat in early March to gain clarity and focus. I know I am being called to a greater arena of influence. I long to amplify passing on my legacy of what I have been learning in my 63 years of life. I invite you to look for the ways that you are passing on your legacy to your family, friends, workplace, community and the world. Here are a few snapshots of my reflections.

Last Sunday I met with Casey Feicht and other teachers of yoga for children and families. I am thrilled we can meet monthly and collaborate with each other on projects to touch our community and beyond through our internet presence. What a ground swell of passing yoga to our next generations! I am honored to be sharing yoga’s ancient wisdom for health, vitality and family closeness.

On Saturday night, Jim and I attended a Be Men event with founder Brett Zachman and facilitator Michelle Fox, with a lively group of divorced and married people. We discovered and discussed our Love Languages (from Gary Chapman’s book). How lovely to look across the room at my beloved Jim and to share some of our “secrets of a soulful relationship” with terrific people longing to love and to be loved. How grateful I am to pass on our legacy!

Last week we had the pleasure of reuniting with our dear friends Regina and Jere, from our 1970’s Greeley days through the 1990’s in Denver. Since they have moved to Arizona, it’s been 15 or more years since we have been together. What a touching heart-filling moment to sit at dinner with our daughter, Alaina, and her family, whom Jere and Regina have known her whole life, having lived with us when she was 7, and here is granddaughter Hannah at almost 7! What a lovely legacy to the next generations that true friendships make time dissolve! See Jim’s blog post about his experience, too.

During my whole adult life, I have been a student and teacher of wellness, yoga and meditation, healthy relationships, peaceful conflict resolution, spiritual practices from many disciplines, human rights and nature conservancy. I hope my progeny and those whom I touch continue on the path of fulfilling the soul’s purpose. This gives my life meaning.

Please write comments here or send me an email about your evolving legacy. What motivates you? What do you pass on to your family? I would love to learn from you!

Be true to yourself.

With warmth and gratitude,

Ruth

As I recover from my hard fall at the end of August, I am integrating some very valuable lessons. I will call this my “recipe for successful healing!” First of all, falling can be viewed as symbolic, as well as literal. My left knee is healing and in fact, I took my first slow walk around the block today with my dog Daphnie, who was with me on my fall. So my obvious lessons involve being present and looking where I am going (as I did today), accepting help and taking really good care of myself.

The symbolic lessons have been unfolding: falling has brought me to humility, vulnerability and receptivity to being supported. (literally “to my knees”). The seven weeks, thus far, of limited activity have also narrowed my scope of what I can take on and accomplish. I have said “no” to more offers and invitations than I normally would in my “Super Woman” suit. As you may have heard, being in bed with my leg elevated allowed me to finish writing my book! I guess I had to be wrestled down to complete the task at hand! The Universe/God sometimes takes drastic means to get a point across.

I am so grateful for the loving support of family, friends, clients and students, expert healing assistance from amazing professionals and a deepening commitment to self-care. I draw on my inner resources daily through meditating, breathing, energy healing, praying and being receptive to intuition. Yoga continues to be a valuable ally that helps me everyday to be aware, to stretch, to strengthen, to balance and to be calm. Rest, repose, music and reading soothe my soul as well.

So the lessons continue: focus and do what is essential, do not be distracted with the myriad of demands and enticements, and keep stress and fear to a minimum. I really hope and pray I can keep including these recipe ingredients:

1. Be present.

2. Take one small step at a time.

3. Be humble and grateful.

4. Stay focused on the essentials.

May you be blessed with safe travels on your life journey and create your own recipe for success (without falling).

Be well,
Ruth

About a month ago my wife, Ruth fell hard (while running with our dog)—and despite considerable knee swelling and pain, she has responded gracefully. Ruth’s attitude has been “that’s what God gave me for now, so I’ll be with it and use my healing time well.” During the month, she has valued her quiet time and the opportunity to complete her family yoga book. Once again, Ruth has proven a good model for others and for myself about accepting what is and going with the flow.

The season of Fall typically brings with it several major Jewish holidays (sometimes a couple of those begin in late summer), which my family and I observe annually. The most significant of those holidays is Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the most solemn day of the year. These holidays afford an opportunity for strong introspection or self-reflection, as well as a focus on atonement. Diligent attunement requires a “fall” from ego: a humbling, self-effacing process.

My psychological and mystical training, along with my natural mindset and “heart-set,” has given me extensive preparation for not only the intensity of these holidays, but for frequent self-scrutiny throughout each year. However, the grit work of facing the “shadow” side of myself is rarely a pleasant task. Because it is usually uncomfortable and elicits aspects of myself that are challenging to acknowledge, I sometimes resist or avoid the task. Yet, I know that developing or evolving myself and hence being a more loving and serving person does not come by grace alone.

Ultimately, I am always willing to uncover the dark places within me and at least come to terms with my ego. Stripping off all of our veneer is always a (very) gradual process, and over the years I have learned to be patient and gentle with my process–and less ponderous about it.

It is most helpful to remember that the “gold mine” of our true essence lies beyond our personalities and roles, and is attainable through gracefully letting go of these identity-attachments over time. It is also very helpful to seek credible, safe guides along the way.

-Jim

During my busy workday yesterday, I decided to clear my head and take Daphnie dog for a walk around the neighborhood. The abundantly blooming flowers caught my attention. The beautiful sights and smells in my neighbors’ gardens brought me into a state of peace and harmony. Of course, I came back refreshed and enlivened. I notice I have a lot more energy when I become conscious of the simple pleasures that are available every moment! Here is a little mental checklist I use to stay present during the day:

• Do I awake with gratitude in my heart?
• Am I conscious of my breathing and body alignment?
• Do I smell and admire the color of my food before I eat it?
• Am I really listening to people when they speak to me?
• Do I greet people with a smile and warm eyes?
• Can I laugh easily?
• Do I stretch and take breaks to stay refreshed?
• Am I contributing to building a better world with my words and actions?
• Do I go to sleep with gratitude in my heart?

What are some of your simple pleasures? Feel free to leave comments!

Be well. Namaste! May Peace be with you.

-Ruth

Happy Spring! What a time of renewal and rebirth! I hope you are blooming, along with your garden and trees!

Jim and I are so excited to share our couples’ retreat on May 20-22. Register now so you can be sure to save your spot. Peaceful Valley Ranch in Lyons, CO is ideal for privacy, room to roam, delicious meals and picturesque meeting spaces for our seminar. We will begin with Friday dinner and end after lunch on Sunday, with free time on Saturday to explore the area or take a nap!

I was recently reminiscing with a dear friend of over 30 years. Remembering the first time I took 2 or 3 days to retreat, I was way too anxious to settle in. I distracted myself in all sorts of healthy and unhealthy ways. What a rollercoaster of emotions—nervous, agitated, angry, depressed, confused, bored—with my mind jumping around like a wild monkey!

Over the years I have come to welcome the opportunity to retreat. My daily meditations and weekly Sabbath are a journey into peaceful connection with my Higher Self/ Universe/God. During a longer or more intentional retreat, I look forward with great anticipation to having an extended date with my spiritual Self, and the Divine. I emerge with a clearer mind, more loving heart and a calmer belly.

Imagine being with yourself and your beloved partner in a quiet, relaxing and beautiful setting, nestled in the Rocky Mountains. Jim and I are happy to facilitate you and your mate on an enlivening and enriching retreat, sharing the “Secrets of a Soulful Marriage” on May 20-22. Through a series of guided practices, you will affirm your strengths and resources as a couple by:

• Practicing making the “hard stuff” easier
• Expanding your ability to give and to receive
• Discovering the greatest gift: unconditional love
• Clarifying your goals and dreams together

Retreats are a glorious trip back to your “spiritual home” where you can refresh and renew your mind, body and spirit. Once you know where “home” is, you can be aware when you leave home and know ways to come back into attunement. Developing a deeper connection with your partner nourishes your relationship and sets up a template to follow after the retreat.

Join us for this special weekend of May 20-22, 2011! Learn more and register today at www.energyforlife.ezregister.com.

Be well!

Ruth

I remember a ceremony I participated in almost 30 years ago: As I deepened into meditation, I was guided to open the communication with my soul and my personality/ego/identity to be devoted friends! What a life-changing experience!

I am aware that I forget this covenant at times, but am committing daily to keep the soulful connection alive and well. I am humbly aware of how challenging the thinning of the ego can be, to make room for the soul to flourish here on Earth. My heart’s longing is to awaken and fulfill my soul purpose here.

As we know, the relationship we have with ourselves colors and directs all other relationships. Here are some “secrets” I have discovered over the decades!

1) to be aware of my own thoughts, feelings, needs, wants, desires, goals; to take responsibility for changing patterns that don’t work; to communicate clearly, respectfully and openly with the other person, as s/he is part of the greater whole (of our spiritual unity).

2) to forgive myself and others for our imperfections, habits, hurts, history, mistakes, ignorance and forgetfulness; to listen with a sacred understanding of the other’s pain or needs. Forgiveness may involve accepting what is, acknowledging the situation with all the feelings and reactions; having compassion, empathy, willingness to apologize and heal, or apologizing for wrongs I have perpetrated.

3) to make decisions to “stop and shift” when I am traveling down a path that is harmful to me or the others. I am willing to change/adjust my conversation, actions, intentions, or desired outcomes to empower the truth in the situation, and to accept feedback for how I am perceived. The protective survival mechanisms are very strong so I have to manage my reactions in order to be present.

4) to take actions that promote solving problems and building the relationship, with respect, kindness, clarity and power. Sometimes withdrawing to get clearer or center myself is helpful before acting or speaking. I use an imaginary energy shield to block out harm and allow positive loving exchanges to occur. “Kiss my monsters” is a reminder phrase I use when faced with a difficult person or circumstance.

As a woman, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, daughter, sister, etc. I treasure my relationships. As a counselor, coach, teacher, speaker, writer, etc. I strive to edify and beautify all I am with, so I can be a truer reflection or mirror of the soul’s light. As we all shine brighter, the world appears more hopeful, safe, and engaging. People are attracted to us and want to know our “secrets” of our soulful life! Please comment below on your secrets.

I look forward to sharing the “Secrets of a Soulful Marriage” at our upcoming Date Night on Thursday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. and at our Spring Retreat May 20-22. Jim and I will celebrate our 41st anniversary this June 7!

With respect,

Ruth

I awakened this morning with the memory of sitting on the front step of our new house when I was four years old. The morning summer sun shone on my face and I was in bliss. My mother came out looking for me and asked me what I was doing. I replied, “I love everyone, even those I never met.” Mom responded, “How sweet” and went inside. I sat there beaming rays of love into each house in my new neighborhood, feeling connected and in love with All.

I strive to blend this childlike innocence with the mature wisdom of my aging years. Love is the great connector, the transmitter, the bond, the healer that supersedes all. Love powers The Universe, giving meaning, purpose and direction to what we are/do/have.

Believe in God with childlike faith; for simplicity with intelligence is the sign of the Holy Ones.

-Hazrat Inayat Khan

As spring approaches, I feeling the stirring in my heart to be more authentic about sharing Love. My love for Jim has endured many ups and downs in our four decades of marriage. I cannot describe the intensity of my love for my husband, children, their partners and my granddaughter, Hannah. I never knew I could love a dog as much as I love Daphnie. My love radiates to other family and friends, extending to my community and beyond to the world at large.

When I counsel, coach, teach, train, guide, befriend, or network with people, I know Love is the tonic, the “energy for life” that enriches all my relationships. I continually open my heart to the loving wisdom of my mentors, teachers and guides, as well as teachings through books, CDs, DVDs, online webinars, seminars, etc.

When the grown-up person is made ready, when he has acquired the attributes of the child, then he creates heaven within himself, he understands. The child with his innocence does not understand, but when a person with understanding develops the childlike loving tendency, the purity of heart of the child with the desire to be friendly to all — that is the opening of the heart, and it is by that blessing that he can receive all the privileges of human life…

… truth is simple. The more simple you are and the more you seek for simplicity, the nearer you come to truth.

-Hazrat Inayat Khan

With simple love,

Ruth Sharon

Being sick in bed these past 3 days has been so instructive. I am usually very skilled at fending off sickness, but through a series of experiences, this “bug” bit hard. As I lost energy, ached in my muscles, burned with fever and filled with congestion in my head and chest, I knew I better “check in” with myself. A survey of my inner worlds showed a medley of feelings and “undigested” experiences. A visit to my new acupuncturist, Linda Machol of Harmony Acupuncture, has helped speed my process significantly.

I highly recommend using our symptoms as great teachers or guides to the deeper layers that are hidden from our conscious busy mind. In my case, the first symptom that called my attention was the constriction in my chest. As I explored inside (like a spelunker with a flashlight on my forehead), I attuned to my precious 90-year old mother, who lives in Pennsylvania. The tightness in my heart softened as I cried late one night, feeling the rush of love warming my whole being. How I miss her!! I called her today and we shared our wonderfully caring connection.

As I explore more symptoms, I reveal current and past concerns, issues and decisions. What a relief to take the time to clear out the emotions, congestion and burden on my system. Being alone is a gift. Silence is a great teacher. Breathing is a great friend. Love is the healer of all.

Now after 3 days of resting, reading, writing, praying, listening, meditating and sleeping lots, I am feeling better. Opening my emails now, I learn that my long-lost dear friend, Regina Sara Ryan, is coming to Denver soon for a presentation and workshop on her new book, “Igniting the Inner Life.” What perfect timing!

Life is miraculous and filled with great teachers everywhere. May we be good students!

In Peace,

Ruth

Have you set your intentions for the new year yet? Here are some useful tips to do so:

1. Brainstorm a continuous list of all you want this year—keep the list going for a few days. Include your partner/family/workmates with the areas that concern them.

2. Narrow down to categories (health/fitness, organization at home/work, finances, relationships, being of service, parenting, etc)

3. Put each topic at the top of its own page and describe what this area of life will be like by the end of 2011. Use daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly milestones to keep you on track. Just small steps in the direction of your goals create the “slight edge” of success.

4. Use SMART technique to clarify what you are creating (and be open to something even better!)

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time-frame, by when

4. Speak it into the present tense, describe what you see, hear, feel, smell, taste, have, etc.

I am…..
I see….
I feel….
I know….
I have…..

5. Place your writing where you can review it regularly, e.g. by your bed to review once a week. Monitor your actions that create what you want. What beliefs may get in your way?
Self-talk: you can “eavesdrop” into your thinking to notice what you are telling yourself about your abilities, esteem, worthiness, etc. Are you ready to receive the results you desire? Does the attaining of these goals serve you for your highest good?

6. Read books, counsel with a coach, pray/meditate, join a support or networking group to help strengthen your intentions and fulfillment for 2011.

SIMPLIFY: write your priorities on a 3×5 card; carry everywhere; read 3-5 times a day!!

Become all you can be this year!!

BE WELL!!

Please share your comments below!