Write with Spirit

Words to Help us Celebrate a Whole New Decade!

2009-12-31T20:15:00.000-10:00

I am a creator of joyful experiences.
With my heart open I expand my world and express my Greatest Self.
I relax and allow more and more of the wonders of life to be revealed for me and through me. With my choices I celebrate and enjoy this magnificent life.

Happy New Year!

Intermission! Choose Your Next Movie

2009-12-26T19:52:00.000-10:00

"I've been waiting for my dreams

to turn into something

I could believe in

And looking for that magic rainbow

on the horizon

I couldn't see it

Until I gave in to love

and watched all the bitterness burn.

Now I'm coming alive

Body and Soul

and feeling my world start to turn..."

David Cook

I love movies! And I love beauty too so I jumped to see Avatar when it first came out. I was not disappointed. I've got a whole slew of other movies to see over the next few weeks. It's Complicated and Holmes are on my list. But this time of year there is another movie at the top of my viewing list. The "Next Movie of Your Life" is available for New Years viewing and I don't want any of us to miss this golden opportunity.
Please take seriously the following paragraphs. I'm going to walk you through a simple process that could change the quality of your life from this point forward. Whatever you are doing - take a few minutes right now to imagine you are entering "Your Inner Cinema" where the next script for your life is ready for choosing.

Are you ready to have a look? Start here: In "The Current Movie of Your Life!"

Imagine. You are at the Cinema - one of the big ones where at least a dozen films are showing in one building. You are watching a flick. The movie on the screen is the story of your current life. Notice the scene that is playing. You'll probably see events, people and circumstances that you enjoy and love. Likely you'll also see events, people and stuff that you would prefer to do without. You might also recognize that some scenes are replays. You've seen the events many times before and you know where the movie is headed. The picture might be getting old. Or you might have recently stepped into a new theatre and much of what you see on the screen is new and exciting for you.
Look around the theatre too.

Who is sitting beside you?

Who else is there?

What is the mood in the theatre?

What are your dominant feelings as you watch the show?

Now, take a breath.
Intermission!

Imagine. The Universe is calling a brief Intermission. It happens all the time and usually we fail to notice. You are at a point in the movie of your life where you can make a shift. You can make different choices. Or you can reaffirm the choices you are currently making and you can return to the same theater to fully engage your current life with conviction and energy.

The Central Hallway

Imagine the film freezes and everything becomes still. It's as if time has stopped and you have a window of time to reflect upon your choices. Please get up from your seat and walk out into the central hallway of the cinema.

Take a deep relaxing breath once again.

All is well.

Enjoy this pause.

Now look back at the theater you just left and move your gaze up to see the Title of the Current Movie of Your Life lit up on the marquee above the door.

What does it say?

What is the title of the current movie of your life.

Please write it down.

Be open to receive this information in any way it appears for you. If you are more auditory you might "hear" the title rather than see it. Others who are kinesthetic might "sense" or "feel" the movie's title in your body. The title might appear blurry or out of focus at first. Relax and give it some time. Or if you are not sure Make it Up - We do make up the movies of our lives. And we can change the titles too.

A Creators Choice
Imagine. What other films are playing at the cinema right now?

What film would you most like to see?

If you could create the next ideal movie for your life- (you can indeed do that- when you align with Your Higher Self and your design blueprint) -what would it be? Today you get to choose.

You can return to the current movie of your life or you can choose a brand new flick.

Which will it be?

The Next Movie of Your Life

If, today, you decide to enter a new theater take a moment to view/ allow/ create/ record the Title of the Next Movie of Your Life. Make it a great one. Create a title that sings in your heart, curls your toes, and lifts your "Spirit" - Yes- choose that one! Write it down now.

Thank You!

You might want to run toward your new flick. You might feel excited to see what is in front of you. But before you do - please bow or nod with thanks and appreciation to the theater you just left. Give thanks for the adventure of your life so far and when you are ready - step into the Next Movie of Your Life and enjoy the experience fully. Remember. If you don't like what is happening you can always return to the Central Hallway to choose again. We are Creators. Exercise those creative muscles and they grow stronger every day.

This is just a sneak preview for the coming attraction happening this Tuesday December 29th at the Write Your Life for 2010 Global Teleclass. You'll have an opportunity to connect with the Next Highest Design Blueprint for the Four Major Rooms of your Life- and with the blueprint you'll roll into alignment with the greatest health, wealth, work and love that you and your Higher Self are conjuring up for you in the year ahead.

ps. At our Special Event Global Teleclass - Write Your Life for 2010 You Receive a 21 Page PDF Handout packed with information and blank Design Blueprint Worksheets for you to fill in during our Writing Practice. Watch your email over the next few days to download and print your copy prior to our Global Teleclass on Tuesday. You are gonna love it! Special Event: "Write your Life for 2010"

pss. Kona Ohana? The Live Program of Write your Life for 2010 happens tomorrow in Kona! Sunday Dec 27th and next Saturday Jan 2nd. Join me in person, come write your heart out!

Falling Apart to Come Together in a New Way

2009-12-20T12:56:00.001-10:00

This week I've been listening to people talk. I've tuned in to conversations at the gym where I go for Zumba, the grocery store where I get my veggies and the coffee shop where I drink Earl Grey tea. Here's a bit of what I over heard - just in the last five days.
"This year has been the worst year of my life."

"Everything started falling apart and there was nothing I could do about it."

"I went through so many changes this year it feels like my head is not screwed on the same way. "

"I feel like I've been through a Tsunami."

These statements are not rare ones- at least not this year. I could write pages of examples but I don't think I need to. You are probably saying or hearing some variation of these statements too.

Everywhere people are discussing the Big Changes they are going through.
For a while I thought I knew one person unaffected by major changes this year. I took comfort in thinking that the balance she maintained in her life was possible for all of us. But even she came upon sudden unexpected challenges that moved her to actions she hadn't considered previously.

There is no going backwards.

Our whole species is growing and changing. Outdated systems are falling apart- visible in our outer world and apparent in our individual lives. This is not new news! Yes, we are being challenged to surrender what doesn't work anymore and that can be downright unsettling. This we know!

During times like these it behooves us to look for what is whole and healing amidst apparent turmoil.
Barbara Marx Hubbard calls this time of collective change Humanity Ascending. Not Descending -Ascending! Do we believe that? Will we trust the changes we are going through - RIGHT NOW - are indeed taking us to higher ground not down into the gutter as we, in our deeper fears, imagine.
I remember when the acronym for FEAR was "False Expectations Appearing Real." Neal Donald Walsh offers us a new acronym that invites us into greater responsibility FEAR - "Feeling Excited and Ready." Even and especially when it feels as though everything is falling apart we get choose our attitude and approach don't we?
I often feel my fears are a flip away from excitement. Sometimes I flip back and forth many times in one hour. And sometimes I just flip-flop around and can't seem to get settled anywhere. When life feels most unsettled I turn my attention toward nature for solace. You'll often hear me talk about having a "beach day."

In nature I see the cycle of creation at work. Flowers bud, bloom, decay, turn to seed and fertilize the soil for a next cycle of growth. The lotus pushes its way through mud, travels to the surface of water, rises into the air where finally it blossoms- and then decays again. I've kept roses in a vase long after they blossomed because I find the shedding of their petals beautiful.

Creation is not about making things stay the same.

Life will call our bluff if we attempt to keep our lives static. Especially now - when the speed of creation is moving so quickly.

We need to accept that sometimes things fall apart - so they can come together in a new- and BETTER way.

We don't need to know "HOW" changes will create better experiences for us. But we can do our part to LISTEN DEEPLY AND STAY CONNECTED.

Right now as we complete a year of big changes we have the opportunity to release what isn't working for us. And as we lean into our New Year we can bring along our trust that life is good and wise. The very best is ahead of us.

Let go. Good and More Good is Coming!

The Writers Lounge has a Muse

2009-12-10T05:15:00.001-10:00

The Writers Lounge has a Muse! How do I know? Yesterday she would not leave me alone. She first appeared in the afternoon while I was writing at the beach. Yes, I do that at least once a week- at special spots where the Ocean Muses come to shore. Now the Writers Lounge - a global space created by writers around the world has a Muse too. Will I ever get any rest? Not likely now!

In the evening she had me sitting at the computer creating fourteen days of writing sparks. She wants us to keep writing. In fact she thinks the holiday season is one of the best times to write. Why? Most of us have time away from our ordinary routines. She loves that! She says ordinary life does not have enough fire in it. We ignore her sparks. We are not listening. We cover up our creative embers with chores. Also - many people feel sad or lonely during the holiday season - even when they are spending time with loved ones. There is a collective longing in the air - a desire for connection and belonging. The Muse from the Writers Lounge tells me we long to feel our own Creative Flow. We miss our Selves she says - and she has a cure. Get Creative! Get Writing!

I've just learned that everyone who registers for the Special Event "Write Your Life for 2010" happening December 29th will get a gift from the Muse of the Writers Lounge - Fourteen days of Writing Sparks. I just have to figure out the technical stuff to deliver a Writing Spark each day for fourteen days to our email boxes. I'm working on that right now. I have a feeling the Muse from the Writers Lounge is going to be keeping us all very busy doing what we love- writing.

Tips from John Cleese ~ Create an Oasis!

2009-12-08T21:20:00.008-10:00

I think John Cleese is pretty cool! I just stumbled upon this awesome Video of the actor John Cleese talking about his Creative Process and I loved it. He speaks about creating an Oasis in your life- where your creativity can emerge. Most of us have difficulty doing this. We have trouble tuning out from our daily grind - and that is why I created the Writers Lounge.

But there is something else that makes the Writers Lounge unique. You are not writing alone - and that is one of the most difficult challenges writers, artists and creators face. The solitude, the loneliness, the isolation. At the Writers Lounge you have company. Even though you are writing on your own, you know others are right there beside you writing too. It's comforting and the gathered creative energy adds to your writing flow.

For one hour you don't have to think. I guide you in Writing Practices and for that one hour - all you do is write, write, write. It is amazing what happens in just one hour devoted to your own creativity.

If you have not yet signed up for Thursdays Writers Lounge you can still do so here. Writers Lounge
When you register you add a topic to the mix. (The topics that have come in so far are heartful, deep and intriguing. They will indeed get our creative sparks firing!)

Video: I have always enjoyed the humorous side of John Cleese. Here we get a peek into his Creative Process: Enjoy!
ps. OASIS is one of my favorite words. Now you know. Oasis, Oasis, OASIS! I Love that Word. What words do you love?

Firmed up Plans for Writing into the New Year

2009-12-08T10:29:00.000-10:00

Today we firmed up our plans for Three Events to Write Your Life for 2010!
I am more than a little excited about these events since these are Writing Practices that have changed my life - more than once - and I have the privilege of sharing them.

Last night at our Writers Flow Class I guided the group into a preliminary writing practice that helped them see, feel and understand their creative power - or feelings of dis-empowerment - in the four major rooms of their life: Health, Wealth, Work/Play, Love. It was a full night of Writing with Spirit - and there were surprises. That is one of the best experiences - When we get out of the way and observe what appears on the page instead of controlling it.

I'll be doing Two Events in Kona
Sunday Dec 27th at the Aloha Center for Spiritual Living
and
Saturday January 2nd at Unity Church of Kona- Kohala

and I'll be doing a Global Teleclass for Anyone and Everyone Around the World
Tuesday Dec 29th

It will be a busy week for me and I hope you will join me for one, two or all three events.
There is nothing like putting ideas in black and white to get the creative forces of the Universe whirling and swirling into manifestation.

Writing and Dreaming

2009-12-06T11:23:00.002-10:00

I'm preparing for the upcoming "Write Your Life for 2010" workshops by taking myself through a series of new writing practices. I'm loving what is happening. Remember that song:
"I can see clearly now the rain is gone!" That is how I feel today.

And I am loving that my night dreams are dovetailing with my daytime writing practice. On the first day I wrote for my house of LOVE in 2010. That night I had a love dream that revealed my design and confirmed my blueprint. I could see the choices I had made that took me down a less than fulfilling love path. In the dream I made new choices – founded on my new blueprint and could see an entirely different experience for love in my life.

Last night I had a dream where I was stuck in a new building for my work. I was trying to be safe. Instead of hiding from my attackers I ended up in their room. I woke with understanding. Trying to be safe never works. It is the egos path. Real safety comes when I follow my Higher Self - which often asks me to be daring and to take risks. Today I will do the writing practices for my house of WORK for 2010.

Over the next few days I'll "Write my Life for 2010" for both HEALTH AND WEALTH. I can't wait to see the design for the greatest expression of my Higher Self in all of the major houses of my life for the year ahead.

I'm offering two live "Write your Life for 2010!" workshops in Hawaii and I got so excited about this process that I've just added a new Global Teleclass to the schedule. This process is too good not to share.

A Writing Practice For You: Invite Music into Words

2009-12-01T15:19:00.000-10:00

Writers Flow happened again last night. This week our focus was on "Your Unique Style - Finding Your Writing Rhythm" We go about this in a "creative" way - imagine that! Through the course of the class we view pictures and invite them to "write through us". We listen to music and invite the music to form words through us. We use trigger words - randomly chosen - as if anything is ever random - and we let those trigger words write stories as if they are being delivered by waves washing through us.

By the end of the class we end up feeling expanded and stretched outside of our ordinary minds. And we find ourselves wanting to write more.

Really, you have to get out of your own mind to allow pictures or sounds to write through you. The thrill comes as we recognize that we are each unique instruments for the expression of Spirit in life. It dawns on us that there are stories everywhere. Everything has life in it waiting for one of us to bring it alive for others. Performers do that for their audiences. Writers do that for their readers. Lovers do that for their beloved. It is the creator in us that makes it up. And with Writing Practice we realize how creative we really are.

Is this some self-indulgent practice? Hardly! Writing Practice helps us develop our "creators muscles." As they grow strong and limber our capacity to share life in meaningful ways expands also.

A Writing Practice For You: Invite Music into Words

Find a piece of music that you love. Instrumental pieces work best. Close your eyes and listen carefully. Listen deeply. Let the music move through you as you ask it to become words. You might listen to the base notes and find one story. You might listen to the high notes and find another. You might listen from your belly and hear a different story than the one you hear in your toes. One piece of music can take you on many writing adventures. Writing music into words is great training for letting Spirits flow move your words. Enjoy!

How Do Messages from Spirit Come?

2009-11-30T18:00:00.001-10:00

"I believe that you're great, that there's something magnificent about you.

Regardless of what has happened to you in your life, regardless of how young or how old you think you might be, the moment you begin to think properly, this something that is within you, this power within you that's greater than the world, it will begin to emerge. It will take over your life. It will feed you, it will clothe you, it will guide you, protect you, direct you, sustain your very existence. If you let it! Now that is what I know, for sure."

- Michael Beckwith

I slept deep last night. One of those soul-satisfying sleeps where I know my cells are being replenished. This morning while I was drifting between sleep and waking I had an image on my mind. It was the leftover fragment from a dream I couldn't quite catch but it became words that lingered when I opened my eyes-
"I am catching fireflies on my plate."

Huh? What is that all about? I haven't a clue what that phrase means but I like it -and I've been mulling it over all day. I've visited with friends, attended a community potluck at the beach, watched the sunset over the ocean, shopped for groceries, fed my cat and still this one phrase keeps replaying in my mind.
I suppose I could have put the whole idea of "catching fireflies on my plate" right out of my mind but I didn't want to. I felt energized and enthused when I thought about it. In fact I felt delighted and touched with the mystery of it all.
Sometimes that is how messages from Spirit come. Strange phrases, dream fragments, feelings that light us up inside and signal something unusual, otherworldly, profound has arrived. The question is whether we are listening and once receiving these messages - will we cancel them out because they make no sense to our ordinary minds?
Our creative worlds often appear mysterious and strange. Artists know their best projects are often born when they stumble down paths not taken before. Many outlines of my workshops were first jotted down on scraps of paper while I was traveling in a car. Mystics know that creation happens beyond the left-brain - when we are "out of our minds."

I love being connected to the mystic, creative, mysterious realms of Spirit. My life is richer and more exotic for it. When I'm not - well, let's just say - I get restless, uncomfortable and my life feels flat instead of bold and vibrant.

So I will continue to catch fireflies on my plate - even if I do not - right in this minute - understand what that means. And I will continue to notice when I feel "lit up inside". - mmm - isn't that what happens to fireflies?

I ask questions - about my work, about my love life, about my financial flow and about the best way to care for my physical body. I know when I ask the answers come. And I also know the most expanded answers to my questions happen when I am in my creative zone.
And so I do creative practices. I take on creative projects that stretch me. I write. I dance. I do things differently. I change things up - in ways that light me up. (mmm- I'm beginning to detect a theme) I make new choices. I create.

Living a creative life connects us to Spirit's design for our lives. Some might call the creators life crazy but I wouldn't want to live any other way.

Thanks Giving Day and My Perfectionist Flew Out the Window ~ What a Relief!

2009-11-25T21:20:00.001-10:00

Tomorrow I am turning the computer off and instead of staring into the screen I'll be looking out at the deep blue ocean. We are packing snacks, taking lots of drinking water and a friend and I are leaving early in the morning for the beach. It's a Thanksgiving tradition here in Hawaii and this time of year beach time is something I treasure.

I've been on a huge learning curve over the last few weeks and it's not over yet. I have been revamping our Creators Choice website to make it easy for you to find the New Write with Spirit Schedule of Global Teleclasses along with more cool stuff to support the creator in all of us.

I've been learning the inside "stuffing" of website building and I've had my share of "mystic aches." Links are broken, pages have dissappeared and the perfectionist in me flew out the window hours ago. Still - if you want an imperfect peek at the imperfectly created Write with Spirit side of Creators Choice you can hop over there and visit. I'll be adding more soon. Well maybe not so soon. I'm going to take some time off to appreciate the wonderful, incomplete, unfinished nature of this perfect life.

We never get it done, and so we have a number of choices. Here are a few of them:
Worry, fret and get upset about the "imperfection" we see
or
Enjoy the journey exactly as it is today.
Is that possible?
The ego says NO!
The Spirit says Yes!

Sending Gratitude
Thanks for Being YOU!

Write with Feeling ~ Flat or Alive

2009-11-24T11:24:00.001-10:00

Good writing in inclusive. It takes us on a journey. It welcomes the whole experience of living and gives it words. Whether you are journal writing for personal growth, or writing for a specific project notice if your feelings are involved.

When you write are you aware of your feelings?
Do you allow your feelings to write through you?
Do you shy away from some feelings and embrace others?

Last night was Class Three in our Writers Flow series where we focus on writing with feelings and that is exactly what we did. There was laughter. There were tears. There were moments when we all dropped into the deepest and most tender places in our hearts while listening to a vignette written from a wide open feeling heart. And there were times we were taken on an adventure - through descriptions that called us in to our own feelings. Sharing hearts. What can be better than that?

When you feel flat your writing will feel flat also.
When you feel alive your writing will be alive also.

Do You Remember? Making it All Up ~ The Power of Imagination

2009-11-23T16:25:00.000-10:00

"I learned about the sacred art of self decoration with the monarch butterflies perched atop my head, lightning bugs as my night jewelry, and emerald-green frogs as bracelets."

- Clarissa Pinkola Estés
(Women Who Run with the Wolves)

I chose my most sparkling earrings today. Not for any special occasion but because I felt like dressing up. Now, believe me, here in Hawaii we are casual. Men go to work in Aloha shirts and women wear sundresses, or pareaus all year round. And really, I'm only going down the road to write this newsletter at Starbucks. But so what? I like my sparkling earrings. I feel good when I wear them. So I declared today "Sparkling Earring Day" and that was that.

Do you remember when every day was a major event? Do you remember when there was always something to celebrate? Something to dress up for- a tea party with the Queen, a stuffed animal's birthday - or dress down for - a mud fight with the guys next door, a tree fort to destroy - as the case may be. I remember those early days when the dress code was something I made up for myself.

Have you seen the little girls at the grocery store wearing their princess crowns, lace dresses and magic wands in their hands. What about the little boys in their Spiderman costumes and Superman capes with masks on their eyes and super-sonic weapons at their sides. Do you remember when life was an adventure and you could dress for a variety of parts?

I remember making things up when I was a child. I had a secret language with my best friend and a whole group of shared invisible friends that stayed with us for a number of summers.

Once I created a library in our cottage storage shed. Yes, really. Even back when my daily reading consisted of Archie comic books and Nancy Drew mystery novels I loved books. Thanks to my mother I had my first library card when I was five years old.

I knew about libraries. I had been to the big building with the high ceiling where there was a deliciously quiet hush. I wanted a place like that to call my own. So I made it up. Sometimes my two younger brothers would indulge me by "playing library" with me. But mostly I checked books in and out for myself. I got to use a rubber stamp.

There are some things I have always loved - good books, pens and markers, romantic movies, fine pottery, beaded purses, Buddhas - and some things I have grown to love - sparkling earrings to name just one.

I remember once I went on a "simplicity kick." I decided that it would be better for me to have empty shelves and counters. I got rid of many of my beloved items. I liked it for a few days and then I realized it wasn't me. I came back to myself and allowed my natural creative clutter to surround me.

I remember listening to a tape by Clarissa Pinkola Estes author of Women Who Run with Wolves.and feeling relief as she spoke: "Find out what you love and surround yourself with it."

The important thing is to know - really know - what we love. We twist ourselves into knots when we deny our hearts natural wisdom. Our hearts know what we love, what matters to us, what fills us up with purpose, what makes an ordinary day become extraordinary.

What do you remember loving when you were a child? There are clues there that guide us into creative alignment as adults. We had imagination back then. Let's recapture it!

Check out this video on The Power of Imagination

Our First Free Writers Lounge

2009-11-19T13:46:00.002-10:00

I just got off the phone after our first online Writers Lounge. It was a concentrated hour of writing from topic to topic. During calls like this I am itching to write too. But here is what I've learned over the years. Once I get going I don't want to stop. I would forget to change topics. I would lose myself in my own writing and nobody would be there to facilitate the process.

So instead, I feel into the group energy. I sense what topic would next add to the collective creative fires and increase the flow for everyone involved. And I get excited as I imagine each person taking time out of their day or evening to call in from around the world.

Here are some valuable lessons harvested on the call. I am so appreciative of all who joined me at the first Writers Lounge and thank you to those who shared their nuggets of wisdom for everyone to benefit from.

We block ourselves with "over -thinking".
With practice we can get out of our own way.
It's good to recognize when our "inner critic" or "judger" appears on the scene.
Writing is Healing.
Moods can shift depending upon the topic helping us to make choices that are most meaningful for us.

We are doing it again!
The next FREE Writers Lounge is scheduled for Thursday December 10th.
Register here and send your topics to prepare the creative fires.

All are welcome!

Lovers are Students of Love

2009-11-17T20:28:00.000-10:00

"The Grand essentials of happiness are:
something to do, something to love, and something to hope for."

Allan K. Chalmers

"Him that I love, I wish to be free -- even from me."

Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I've been swept away by love. I've fallen flat on my face for love. I've moved across the country for love and I've stayed put for love also. I am a student of love. Why you might ask? Why study something so obvious? Why study something that should come naturally? Why learn about something that doesn't pay well? (Well maybe it does - but that is a different article)

First - because I am a woman and nothing matters more in the depths of a woman's heart than love.

Second - because I've wept in the name of love, raged in the name of love, lost hope in the name of love, withered in the name of love and suffered confusion and despair more than once in the name of love. Obviously there are some lessons here!

Third -because love has surprised me, uplifted me, delighted me, taken me on adventures, and brought me to the deepest places in my heart and these are all experiences I want more of.

Just when we think we understand love there is more to discover, and a multitude of ways to demonstrate it.

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated by fighting for a relationship

I remember when I was married and we were going through a rocky time. We were arguing a lot - about silly things and neither of us could stop. Our counselor at the time told me this: Make sure you are fighting FOR the relationship, not AGAINST it. I've never forgotten that.

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated by taking time out

Recently something needed to be said in an important relationship. I wanted to blurt it out immediately but I stopped myself. I knew the words would not be clear and the possibility for misunderstanding was huge. I mulled it over for a few days, wrote down my thoughts, sifted and sorted and finally found words I was comfortable with. I shared and came away feeling victorious, connected and full with love for both of us.

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated by allowing the other to "be right"

Who cares really? If he or she needs be an authority on something let them. Especially let them be an authority on their own thoughts and feelings. Let them be right about their own life - even if you think you know better for them!

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated with silence

More than once I have held my tongue. Sometimes I know ahead of time that "talking about something" will only lead to a debate. And debate - while it might be intellectually satisfying like a game of chess - lives in the head - while love lives in the heart.

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated by telling the truth

The more connected I am to my own feelings the more I'm able to do this one. Sometimes I try to jump ahead to say things I don't know yet and that only muddles up communication. "I don't know what to say right now. I'm feeling confused. I need some time to sort my feelings out before I speak." Sometimes statements like these can be our most authentic truths.

Sometimes Love is best demonstrated in our choice to reveal and share ourselves.

I wanted to be invisible many times. As a little girl I was one of the smallest girls in my classroom. You'd think I could have just tucked myself behind my desk and hidden out. My bright red hair made that impossible. It seemed I had a neon "OPEN" sign on my head that was permanently on. Sometimes I did not want to be open. Later in life I learned I had choice. I could decide where and who to reveal and share with.

I've learned as much from wild and difficult demonstrations of love as I have from beautiful ones. My friends have taught me. And my not so-friendly friends too. My lovers have taught me. The ones who stayed and the ones who left. My family has taught me. Nature. Animals. Books, Movies, Music, Art and Poetry. Writing. Clients. My readers. I've absorbed some of the lessons and some of them I resist. Regardless - love keeps teaching me and I am Love's student.

Snorkel Man

2009-11-17T20:25:00.000-10:00

"The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter."
Mark Twain

My iPod broke last month and walking on the treadmill hasn't been the same since. When I arrived at the gym this morning I found I had no socks. No iPod, no socks and an extra long to-do list for the day. I was beginning to feel grumpy. I decided to put off my workout until this afternoon and instead made my way over to Starbucks to write this article.

When I stepped out of the car I realized my laptop was still waiting for me at home. I had forgotten to grab it when I hurried out the door and headed to town. Grrr - now my grumpiness was taking hold.

Heading back toward my house I hit road construction and delayed traffic. I decided to use my time "wisely" to tackle an errand and found myself on hold with the phone company- again. Minor grumpiness became major frustration and down right annoyance!

And then a funny image popped into my mind. Last week I was driving through town with a friend and we were stopped at a crosswalk in the heart of town. There crossing the street was a man wearing full snorkel gear. We looked at each other, shook our heads and laughed. Only in Kona we agreed. This is one wacky town.

Just recalling this event brought a smile to my face. Actually I found myself laughing out loud and my grumpy mood dissipated quickly replaced with one amusing memory.

Here is the interesting thing. Just prior to the snorkel man memory surfacing something important had been happening. Here is what was going on in my mind. I was having a conversation with myself that went something like this:

"I don't like feeling frustrated for long. This frustration is sticking around longer than I want it to. I wonder what I might do to shift my own mood right now?"

And Bingo - Snorkel man appeared in my mind.

Wonder is a great skill to develop. The act of wondering opens us to worlds beyond this world. And let's not forget that humor is a great way to shift any negative mood. When it happens spontaneously - like it did for me today- it feels like a tickle from the angels. If you are ticklish like I am you know you can only resist laughter for so long before it wells up and cannot be stopped.

Sure I could return to my grumpiness if I wanted to but why would I? It feels far better to laugh, to enjoy life, and to appreciate the work I've done training my mind to seek out positive thoughts when uncomfortable feelings rise in me.

I've been deliberately steering my mind - like a small child - in the direction of happy thoughts for some time now. Because I have a bit of a "wild child" inside of me - this has been no quick or easy task. It took years to convince her that it was really okay to be happy. She thought her world would disintegrate if she didn't monitor every detail for danger or darkness.

Spiritual practice doesn't guarantee that there will be no down moments. What it does do is strengthen our ability to shift our own moods and to take delight in the small and great blessings of life.

Jazzed Up and Winding Down

2009-11-16T22:35:00.003-10:00

Everyone just left. The house is quiet now and yet I'm jazzed up. It will take me some time to wind down before I can sleep. Tonight was our third class in the Live Write with Spirit Program here in Kona. Our focus was on Finding Your Writers Voice. And boy - a bunch of characters showed up. Even the cat made an entrance at an opportune moment to share her voice with the cast of inner characters who arrived this evening. No - this is not some supernatural, paranormal, channeled event. Just ordinary people stepping outside of who they think they are to become more of who they have always been.

We have so much to say - each and everyone of us. Oodles and mountains and oceans of wisdom, wondering, tenderness, sorrow, confusion, clarity, revelation, insight, passion, grief and, and, and... to express. Start writing and we might not ever stop. It's too much fun - too healing - so very delicious and yummy to write. Especially writing together in a group. Quiet takes over the room as each person turns toward their journal, lifts their pen and fills empty white space with meaning that comes from - where? Does it matter where it comes from? It comes - when we allow it. When we get out of the way, the rivers of creativity flow and we get to feel their ever- changing currents take over.

Writing with Spirit makes us more relaxed people. It is good for us.

You have probably heard this expression: The best way for us to know love, is to feel love flowing through us to the world

I think the same is true of creativity. The best way to know what it is to be a creator is to feel creativity flowing through us onto paper - or napkins - or walls - or wherever you happen to take notes.

As a teacher I had a great night. I watched a group of individuals getting "write" with themselves. Now that is a satisfying feeling. I'm getting tired now. Good night!

Writers are Marked as They Leave Their Mark

2009-11-15T15:09:00.003-10:00

It seems the more I write the more there is to write.
I begin an article and ideas for four more appear.
I write a letter to one person and think of ten more I'd like to write also.

I could feel overwhelmed and stop writing at all.
But I love writing and so I plow forward tackling one writing project after another.

Funny thing - the more writing there is to do the more efficient I become.

Once my creative fires are lit they keep me hopping.
Each time I write I walk through a wall of fire.
Sometimes I get singed and the heat leaves red marks on my skin.
This is part of my profession and I wear the indentations on my fingers
and the burn in my eyes just like the freckles on my face.
Long time companions.
Something invisible to me until someone else points them out.

Writers are marked - as they leave their mark.
And yet, often the don't notice.
They are too busy doing what they love - writing.

Writing that Lifts me Up

2009-11-13T14:43:00.005-10:00

Every so often I take a look at the Astrology column in the local alternative paper. Rob Brezny writes with a twist that lifts me up. I don't often read ordinary astrological columns but his I read. Instead of making blanket statements he throws my life back into my hands. He asks me to take part. Even if you are not a Cancerian like I am you might find benefit from his words this week.(My first thoughts are in italics)

This will be a smooth, easy and graceful week for you.

Now who doesn't want to hear that! I'm off to a good start and I want to hear more.

-if, that is, you get yourself out of the way and allow the universe to do it's job.

Oh boy, here it is again. How many times have I said it myself - get out of the way! The Universe knows best. If only I could remember to do that when it doesn't look so good out there and I'm attempting to take control.

Can you do that?

I'm working on it!

It doesn't mean you should be passive or blank.

You mean I can't just go to the beach for the week?

On the contrary in order for the cosmos to perform it's magic, you should be on the lookout for what captivates your imagination and be primed to jump when life says "jump!"

What captivates my imagination? mmm - a good love story, romance going well, a good kiss - It's clear that I am a woman - Love captivates me most.

Be both relaxed and alert,

got it-

receptive and excitable,

I can do that!

surrendered to the truth and in intimate contact with our primal power.

Intimate contact - that sounds good to me!

Then the song will sing itself.

I'm listening!

The dream will interpret itself.

I'm dreaming!

The beauty will reveal itself.

I'm wearing one of my favorite summer dresses today - one I haven't worn in years. I pulled it out of my storage room and slipped it on this morning. I have no reason to wear a beautiful dress today except because it feels good wearing it.
There is something "smooth, easy and graceful" about doing some small act that feels good like choosing a dress that is pleasing to me or noticing writing that lifts me up and sharing it here .

A Writing Practice Tip : Find a simple piece of writing that lifts you up. It might be a paragraph in a novel, a section of a newspaper article, or a magazine clip. Write it down and add your first thoughts as you write. Interact. Commune. Connect with words you like and let them trigger your own.

Why Do You Write?

2009-11-10T10:20:00.003-10:00

Last night in our Live Write with Spirit class I handed out the following list. I asked everyone to consider why they write. It helps to know. In fact setting your intention for writing with a specific purpose in mind harnesses the creative forces of the universe on your behalf. Often we are wishy-washy. We want to write to educate and we end up writing to soothe ourselves. Both are important and valuable - yet require different attention from us.

Musicians don't appear on stage to perform without hours of previous practice. Dancers learn their choreography in the studio before they dance for the public. Singers do scales. Athletes stretch. Writers need to light their Creative Fires and maintain their Creative Flow too. Writers need to write - often, regularly, for all kinds of reasons.

I Write to Free Your Creativity ~ You want to live a creative life and writing is one way to do that.
I Write for Wholeness ~ You want to develop, deepen and expand your connection with your Higher Self.
I Write for Guidance ~ You want to receive guidance from your Higher Self.
I Write for Insight and Understanding ~ You want to broaden your perspective and see through the eyes of Spirit
I Write for Personal Growth~ You want to experience more personal balance, alignment, and calm. You want to know your authentic feelings and needs better. You want to learn and grow
I Write to Heal~ You know writing offers you a path through confusion to clarity, through sadness, depression and fear into hope, appreciation and forgiveness.
I Write for Relief! ~ You want to step outside of your small mind, find comfort, soothe yourself.
I Write for Joy ~ You write because it's fun and you love doing it! You reach for to experience the joy of "Dancing with the Universe.
I Write to Deliver a Message ~ You have something to say and you want to teach, share, educate.
I Write to Entertain ~ You want your words to provide delight, humor, intrigue, drama or fun for others
I Write to Inspire ~ You want your words to help others to wake up to their own Magnificence.
I Write to Connect, Move, Touch ~ You want to touch hearts, provide comfort, romance, ease, and hope.

Number 1-8 ~ Here are a variety of ways to sharpen writing skills, to awaken the embers of creativity, to get the creative juices flowing. We create an experiential writers sanctuary for these ongoing writing practice at Writers Fire and Writers Flow classes.

Number 9-12 ~ These desires rise when you have a specific project, book, screenplay, article, to write. This requires structure, discipline, focus, stamina and follow through skills. This is what Writers Choice classes are all about.

The next time you sit down to write consider your intention before you begin.
Do you seek inner guidance?
Do you want to free your Self-Expression?
Do you want to hone your writing skills?
Do you want to give words to a message that wants to be born through you?

When you write with a destination in mind you are more likely to get where you are going. Just don't forget to include regular writing practice in your schedule. Writers do need to write.

Appreciation - Let's start here

2009-11-09T07:04:00.000-10:00

Let's start with appreciation and end there too. I have come across nothing more transformative than the simple shift from condemnation to appreciation. Thank you World. Thank you Life. Thank you Spirit for this magnificent adventure in this amazingly diverse physical world. Words barely touch the wonder of it all - and yet we writers reach to describe with words. Thank you for words. They help us celebrate the rich experiences of our lives.

Writers Lounge ~ Free Global Teleclass

2009-11-08T21:36:00.000-10:00

Writers Lounge ~ Free Global Teleclass
Many of you will be joining me at the Writers Lounge - coming up on November 19th. We'll gather in a telelcass over the phone with people around the globe for an hour of guided writing practices. It's free and it's for you. Register Here
http://writersloungenovember.eventbrite.com/

A Topic to Consider: Giving and Receiving Feedback

2009-11-08T21:31:00.002-10:00

There is a point in the writing process where it is good to share our words. For some this is a huge hurdle to get past. Fear of rejection, ridicule and criticism can strangle our courage. We might be tempted to withold or keep silent when our writing needs to breathe in the presence of others.

My intention with this blog is to create a place of spaciousness for kind and gentle interaction with others who are Writing with Spirit. I'll post topics like this one and welcome your comments. We'll explore and share our adventures as we Write with Spirit

The first topic is this one: Giving and Receiving Feedback.

What kind of feedback helps?
What kind of feedback hurts?
How do you share feedback when you like what you hear?
How do you share feedback when you don't like what you hear?
Do you have memories of receiving feedack that helped?
Do you have memories of receiving feedback that hurt?
What else would you like to share?

Consider all of the above questions and respond to any or all of them. Write about it here. Share your thoughts and feelings by commenting on this post.

Writers Flow in Kona ~ Schedule of Classes

2009-11-08T21:17:00.002-10:00

Writers Flow ~ Live Group in Kona
For those of you in Kona tomorrow night marks the beginning of Writers Flow.
You are invited to come to one or come to them all. Here is a description and schedule of classes.
Inside each of us rests a sleeping writer. Sometimes that writer stirs from slumber and makes marks on a page. With a sincere invitation and kind encouragement the writer within wakes up and speaks. There is much to say, much to digest, much to express, know and assimilate. The writer helps with all of this. This series of classes well help you move from the drowsy "I don't know what to write" state - beyond the "I don't know how" state – into the "look out the words are pouring onto the page" experience that comes when you get connected to our writers flow.

Class One: November 9: Free Your Creative Flow ~ (Get out of your own way)

Class Two: November 16: Liberate your Inner Voice ~ (Who's talking?)

Class Three: November 23: Feel and Write ~ (The Energy of Feelings in Writing)

Class Four: November 30: Explore your Unique Style ~ (Finding Rhythm)

Class Five: December 7: Write with Guidance ~ (Invoke Your Higher Self to Lead the Way)

Class Six: December 14: Freedom and Heart Writing ~ (Your Writing Pulse)

Write On!

It Begins with One Small Ember

2009-11-07T12:54:00.003-10:00

The embers of creativity are stirring. You want to write. You love to write. You want to pick up your pen and feel the flow of Spirit into your heart and out through your hand. You want the exhilaration that comes when you hit a hot spot - when the flames of creativity rise and you no longer control the pen. You love it when words appear on the page and they take you on a ride. The Writers Fire has been lit.

This is what happened last Monday night when a group gathered in person for "Writers Fire." Embers became flames. The room was hot.

Next week we move into "Writers Flow." We'll be doing that for six weeks.

And on Thursday, November 19th I'll be holding the first Global "Writers Lounge." People from around the world will gather to write together for an hour. I'll be guiding writing practices to help you catch your own waves of creativity for your writers flow. Want to join me? It's free and you can call in from the comfort of your own home, couch or chair. Learn more here.
http://writersloungenovember.eventbrite.com/

Check back often for current events and for Write with Spirit tips, tricks and practices. This blog is for you if you love to write, have a writing project wanting to be born, or just want to get your creative juices flowing.