Squeezing the final bits of summer I spent the last week of August on Vancouver Island. Home to family and friends, there were long visits over fresh Sockeye Salmon, and handfuls of fresh blueberries. 

I sailed and swam the ocean, and dipped into the whirlpools of the river, sunning myself on the rocks to warm up after splashing in the frigid glacier fed water. I laughed long and hard, walked the beach, and

ate one-too-many succulent cobs at the corn roast on the beach.

One decision. One. All of the power to change anything in your life at any time resides in one decision. It doesn’t need to be a big decision to have big results.
About this time last year, I decided to make all my decisions from that moment forward from the “right side” of the line. What I am referring to is an imaginary line that divides my emotions into two groups: those that drag me down (⇓), and those that lift me up and support me (⇑). On the (⇓) side of the line emotions like anger, fear, and frustration reside. The (⇑) side of the line is the domain of love, joy, peace, and harmony. Every emotion lands on one side of the line or the other. Neither side is “right” or “wrong”, since emotions “just are”. I look at the contrast of the two sides as being the emotions I want more of (⇑), and those I want less of (⇓).
I recognize I can find myself on the (⇓) side of the line – usually because I am down a quart: tired, hungry, or stressed. When I realize I am there, my only focus is to get myself to the (⇑) side of the line. Rather than making decisions from that lower energy place, or trying to find the solution to a challenge while I’m rolling around in the muck, I focus my energy and thoughts to moving myself to the (⇑) side of the line. If I can’t get to the (⇑) side, I stop talking and doing and remove myself from the situation until I am able to be on the side of harmony and peace. I defer the decision until I am in a solid (⇑) place.
Deciding to make my decisions from this solid place has resulted in better decisions! It was a simple decision, and one that has required some practice to live, but the pay-off is incredible. I am calmer and happier, and I feel much better about myself. I find myself being proactive instead of reactive, more thoughtful, and much more comfortable with tough decisions.
How do I know which side of the line I am on? If it feels good now, and good over time I am on the (⇑) side of the line. If there is any discomfort, I am on the (⇓) side. Simple concept. One decision. Huge impact in my life.
What decisions have you made today? Which side of the line were you on when you made them? It is an interesting perspective…
Until next month, enjoy the sun and the relaxing days of summer!

We woke up last Friday morning to snow–lots of snow. It was coming down so fast and furious I could hardly see the back fence! It is not unusual for our spring precipitation to come in the form of snowfall, after all, we are in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of over 3000 ft. above sea level. But by this time of year, most Calgarians are tired of winter and ready for spring, and 8” of snow is not a welcome sight!

As I looked out my third floor window onto the hill of my backyard, I saw something different. It looked as if the grass was pulling up a blanket of snow. I thought “The grass has hit the snooze alarm on spring! It just needs more nurturing before it is ready to grow.” That perspective not only helped me through the day full of people complaining about the weather (a national past time for Canadians!), it also had a wonderful personal benefit the next morning.

When I woke on Saturday morning at my regular time, I decided to pull the blankets up over my shoulders and nurture myself with another snooze. I woke up 2 hours later feeling fabulous!

And as is common in Calgary, three days later we are basking in 18C (65F) temps, and all that is left of the piles of snow are a few small bits in the shady corner of the backyard. What seemed an insurmountable amount of snow has soaked into the earth to nurture the plants that sprung up overnight.

Perception, it’s worth having another look!

It all puts complaining about the weather in perspective.

I admit, I was getting a little dragged down with the length and severity of this winter, and I am as ready for spring as the next person, but witnessing the devastation of the earthquake and the resulting tsunami last week put an end to my grumbling.

I am so blessed to live in a place where Mother Nature, at her harshest, only provides a mild inconvenience to my day-to-day life. I am grateful for the safety of my home, the health of my family and the choices I have everyday. Families in Japan had most of their choices removed, their homes swept away and members of their families lost.

I honour all who the devastation touched personally by shifting my perspective. I send loving healing energy to them, and a belief in their ability to rise again.

The aftershocks continue, and the ripples are more than physical.

In his 1946 chronicle of his experiences as a concentration camp inmate, ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ Viktor Frankl observed: “Everything can be taken from a man but …the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

We all have the choice.

No amount of rage at the earthquake will bring back their loved ones.

No amount of anger with the tsunami will replace their lost homes.

No amount of frustration with the floods will repair the damage.

No amount of fear regarding the nuclear plants will secure them.

Mother Nature will not respond to rage, anger, frustration or fear by making everything “as it was”.

The earthquake, tsunami and the resulting damage are what I call “An Is”, and the only response to “An Is” in life is “Now What?”

“Now What?”

There is a huge amount of work to be done, and Japan needs the support of the whole world. That support is coming, from countries, organizations and individuals like you and I. What can we do? That is up to each of us to decide. Whatever decision you make, I would ask you to consider giving your support from the right side of the line. Be conscious of your perspective.

By the right side of the line I mean the side that is uplifting and loving, rather than the side of the line of fear and pity.

Japan does not need our sympathy. They need our belief in them.

They do not need our worry, they need our encouragement.

They do not need our tears, they need our strength.

Whatever support you may be giving –monetary or time, physical or energetic, choose your attitude. Japan has enough suffering, send your support with hope.

Every time I look toward the west, I send a loving prayer of healing energy – to the families of Japan and to the earth, and then I give profound gratitude for the blessings I often take for granted. I’m making a renewed promise to appreciate the good that is, daily.

Namaste,

Suze

Today is deep winter; snowy, cold and windy. The desire to hibernate is strong. I’ve been thinking about the things I used to love to do that somehow in the busy-ness of day to day living have dropped off my radar. A friend was visiting last week, and the teapot was used daily. I’d forgotten just how comforting and nurturing a cup of warm tea is on a cold day. My friend has gone home, but my daily teatime is firmly reinstated!

As I sip my tea I’ve been thinking of other small pleasures that have slipped through my days, like sand through my fingers. A weekend breakfast out with a friend, reading in a darkened room under the light of a single lamp, going to the movies in a theatre and long phone conversations in the evenings, crunchy walks in the snow and swimming  – all rejuvenating and lovely habits I had let fall to the wayside. And all revisited this week! All remembered with the sipping of tea. All taken down from the shelf, brushed off like snow from my windshield, and looked at with new eyes.

There is a flutter within me, an appreciation and excitement as I reconnect with these old friends. I don’t remember why I stopped doing these things that bring me joy. I’m in the discovery of reconnecting with winter treasures that had been buried in the bright light of summer, simple pleasures that I had neglected to bring back into my days when the longer evenings came. These winter habits bring much more joy than hibernating.

This week, revisit some nurturing and restorative habits that you’ve let go. They truly are the best Valentine’s gifts you can give yourself!

A New Year full of promise and potential is here – a clean, clear calendar is hung on the wall holding the space for 365 days of living.

Have you’ve made some New Year’s Resolutions, or are you feeling you “should”? Yesterday’s news said 80% of us will be unsuccessful in following through on our well intentioned goals. It is probably easier to just forget the whole thing. Except that doesn’t really work. Despite your best efforts to ignore the whole “Resolution Thing”, questions rise from your sub-conscious. What should I do? How can I change? Why can’t I? And then we beat ourselves up with answers like “I’m lazy, I procrastinate, I’ll never, I always, Nothing’s going to change…” STOP!

I see 5 main reasons your previous resolutions may not have become realized dreams – and I have a couple of proven ways you can turn that around for 2011:

1. Asking crazy-making questions (How come? Why not? Will it ever?)      Let go of the questions that don’t have a positive answer. Focus on your accomplishments of 2010, list them– regardless of the size or the significance you think they have. Do this with a friend. Recognizing others’ achievements is easy. Focus on the “done” and the “moving toward”. Write it all down!

2. Planning from a place of lack or deficiency (I need more…) Focusing on your accomplishments to date raises your energy, and puts your plan on a track you’ve already begun with the successes you’ve already created. (I’ve decided to increase…. In my life)

3. Focusing on what you haven’t done (Why haven’t I? Why don’t I?) It doesn’t matter why you didn’t. Excuses, rationalizations and blaming yourself all lower your energy. (What one achievable step will I take today in the direction of my dream? Do it, celebrate it, reinforce your resolution, and repeat again tomorrow!)

4. Needing to know “how” (How will I do that?) With your past accomplishments did you know how the whole thing would end up before you began? You are wired to learn and grow. Begin.

5. Focusing on the “do” (What should I do? I don’t know what to do…) Focus instead on the BE. How do you want to feel? How would you like to BE. And then do whatever you need to do to create that feeling of Being.

Here’s to a fulfilling 2011. May all the empty boxes on your calendar hold the space for the days ahead be filled with joy, peace and love in your life. This Year IS going to BE different!

What am I giving myself for Christmas?

When my life gets “busy”, I often let the daily activities slip that support me physically, emotionally and spiritually. I know when I begin my day with exercise and nourishment for my body, reading and writing for my mind, and quiet contemplative time for my spirit, my day just “goes better”, I’m happy and accomplishing. When my world gets busy, I put off those supportive activities to “another time” – and those days are often non-productive, sluggish or challenging.

This time of year tends to be ripe for the “slipping away” of supportive practices. So this morning I decided to celebrate the 40 days of the Christmas season by giving gifts to myself. I’ve determined ways to support me in this sometimes stressful, and always activity-filled time.

Every year I make certain there is a gift for everyone on my list, and I’ve learned over the years it isn’t the big fancy expensive gifts that are the ones that are treasured and appreciated. It is the thoughtful caring gifts that really matter.

Giving to yourself is not selfish. The more I love myself, the more love I have to share. The more inner peace I create, the more peace I have to share. The more joy I have within, the more spills out into the world.

I’ve decided from today until January 4^th, to give myself first. Three thoughtful, daily, caring gifts: one each for my body, my mind and my spirit. Gifts I give to myself because I care for me.

For my body: 8 hours or more of sleep. The gift of naps!

For my mind: I created a list of 40 small (3 – 10 min) tasks that have been on my mind – the ones that every time I think “I need to take care of that” have been draining my energy. I gift myself the completion of one/day. The gift of peace of mind!

For my spirit: a conscious, real communication with someone outside of my usual daily circle.  The gift of connection that raises both of our spirits.

I’d love to hear about the thoughtful, caring gifts you will give to your body, your mind, and your spirit this season. I know my gifts will set me up for a healthy, productive and focused end to 2010. What gifts will you give yourself?

What do you most want in your life? How will you gift it to yourself? (Click Comments- bottom right)

Another lesson from the little ones this month. Phrases like “Out of the mouths of babes” and “Wise beyond her years” have been ringing in my ears.

It was a sunny, warm fall afternoon when I picked up my 22 month old niece, Lyla. As soon as I arrived she began talking about the ducks and the fountain. I steered her away from focusing on the park since I had a mile long list of “things to get done”, and I’d planned an afternoon of doing errands.

We have a much loved ritual of driving about – Lyla says “Dance!”, and that is my cue to start the tunes. We sing and laugh and talk about the world going by. Not this day.

I said “Let’s go to the post office and shopping, would you like that?”

Her response? “No – I like sun”.

I pulled over to the side of the road, turned around and replied “That is the wisest thing anyone has said to me today!” She smiled knowingly, waiting for me to shift my perspective on how our afternoon would look. I changed direction and headed for the garden. We had an incredible afternoon playing in the dirt, picking apples and carrots, enjoying the sun. She’s been talking about it ever since – and so have I!

The post office and shopping? Moved to the evening.

A change of perspective – she knew the wisest way to spend the afternoon.

And I’m aware of the significance of the message on her t-shirt. SMILE!

I’m listening to the little ones!

My dear friend has welcomed me into her family and their summer cabin for many years, and I am truly grateful for the quiet time offered in that sanctuary on the shores of Lake Okanagan. We were way out, swimming in the warm twilight on a Sunday evening, quiet after the exodus of the weekend campers, floating on our backs watching the geese practice their formations in preparation for their fall migration. The silence was broken by the sound of their boat driven by her 20 something sons, with her 13 year old grand-daughter being towed behind. She had just learned to water ski on Friday, and in typical teenaged abandon had decided two days later it was time to expand her repertoire by learning to ski on one ski. We listened as her uncles coached her from the boat. Starting and stopping. Revving and relaxing. Trying this, trying that. Encouraging and incrementally succeeding.

Sound travels well on a silent lake, and we were enjoying the kids’ banter back and forth. One of the guys encouraged his niece with a “That’s OK, single ski is difficult” From her position floating in the water at the end of the tow rope she shouted back…”It’s not difficult, it’s just a new experience!”

I began to laugh so hard I had difficulty explaining to my bewildered friend what I found so funny.  How many times had I heard my friend say those exact words to her children and grandchildren. How often she had said them to me! She hadn’t recognized those words as her own wisdom, passed along and integrated into the everyday life experiences of her family. She didn’t realize her grand-daughter had quoted her word for word with the same phrase she had frequently encouraged those she loved to frame challenges in a new way.

It’s Not Difficult – it is just a New Experience – a great philosophy from a wise woman whom I’m blessed to call friend.

With all of the new experiences September has to offer, I encourage you to try on this perspective…it works for water-skiing, it works for life!

The abundance of summer is everywhere! I revel in the splashes of colour with flowers in full bloom to be enjoyed, rows of market fresh offerings to be wandered, quieter times for sitting on the deck in the evenings. Ah yes – there are the signs of the changing of season – I notice some yellow in the trees, and the apples in my yard are red instead of green. The mornings are crisper, the evenings shorter.

Where do you focus?

The results in your life are directly connected to the perceptions you hold. Are you basking in the late summer sun, or worried about the cooler days?

I’ve just returned from a lake holiday in the sunny Okanogan. Boating, swimming, visiting friends – and did I mention swimming? Hours spent in the cool and clear waters staring at the sky, floating with the mergansers and ducks. Watching the Canada Geese begin their flight path formation training – up and down the lake they go – practicing for their upcoming journey south. The valley is rich with agriculture, and Okanogan fruit, for those who are not from western Canada, is amazing.

Peaches – organically grown in an orchard where you can feel the love of the third generation who now tends the trees he planted with his grandfather. Juice squirting as I bit into the 4^th peach of the day (my mother wondered if I’d spent the day in the bathroom!). Perception and focus! I love the feel of the energy of the peach exploding in my mouth. The philosophical voice of a dear friend who died more than a quarter century ago surfaces in my awareness. His words a beacon for my choices, Stan encouraged me with “Life – live it in the style of eating ripe watermelon – savoured over the sink with the juice running down your elbows!”

Perception and focus!

I’ll be on my deck every warm and sunny day ‘til the snow flies. We all know it will. Change is inevitable and in Canada we are blessed with the daily reminder of change. So I’ll notice the leaves turning while I savour the abundance of fresh fruit and veggies and flowers and bask in the sun!

How will you focus your thoughts?

Interested in learning to switch your perceptions quickly to a positive and supportive place? Join us for Flip Your Switch from Inner Critic to Inner Coach- Friday August 27th in Calgary.