Simple Pleasures to Overcome Stress
Wow! It has been quite a ride the last few months energetically, emotionally, and financially for so many people. It is easy to get caught up in the cycles of stress during times of change. So here are a few simple treats to remind yourself that this too shall pass!
Aromatherapy: I’m really into rose and lavendar these days. I was reading a passage from Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach and she talked about using essential oils to scent your sheets and pillows. Inspired, I dug out my essential oils and came up with a combination of rose and lavendar that I love! I’ve been scenting my room and even added a few drops to my pendant (Angel Healing Crystals). I love having the gentle scent of roses and lavendar with me all day long. I also picked up two new soaps from Savannah Moon. Sticking with my rose theme, I opened up the new bar last night. Heaven! See if you can find a scent that really speaks to you and try using it in your car, your home, your shower, and your workplace. You’ll be amazed at how much it helps lift your mood!
Music: I’ve been back on an Enya kick. I just love her music! So inspiring and uplifting. What songs lift your soul? Go back through your CD/I Tunes collection and find an old favorite to listen to. Let the soothing sounds lift your heart and restore your equilibrium! Another idea…a friend of mine turned on a CD of bird sounds and was finally able to relax enough for a much needed nap. Find what calls to you and listen!
Exercise: Stress makes you feel tired which then makes it hard to exercise. I’ve been forcing myself to get on the ellyptical and to take my daily walk, even though I’ve been so tired that all I want to do is nap! I also did a Tai Chi routine this morning. Ahh… Amazing how tai chi, yoga, and regular exercise can restore my energy! Adrenaline is produced when we are under stress and the two ways to remove it are exercise and slow, deep breathing. Try them both today and see how you feel!
Food: I’m not usually into cooking but lately I’ve been finding myself drawn to making some new dishes and some favorite old ones (probably the mystery I’m reading about a caterer!). I pulled out a favorite book called Kitchen Pharmacy: A Book of Healing Remedies for Everyone by Rose Elliot and Carlo De Paoli which tells the healing benefits of different types of foods with recipes. I tried out a recipe for Celery, Carrot and Apple salad (carrots, apples, celery, and fresh mint with a lemon/honey dressing). It was so refreshing! See if any particular food is calling to you and treat yourself! You deserve it!
Fun: What do you love to do? I love art/craft shows. I went to the Yankee Peddler festival last week and I’m going to Ohio Mart at Stan Hywet Hall in Akron, Ohio this weekend. I love looking at the amazing wood carvings, pottery, and other crafts. Eating all the delicious food is fun too! Find something that you really enjoy and do it! You’ll be glad you did!
Have a blissful day everyone!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern. She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation. Readings are available by phone or email. Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes. Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey! www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
Be Well! Take care of the Emotional YOU
Ever feel like a victim to your emotions? You aren’t alone! Feelings are something we all experience (no matter how we sometimes try to ignore them!)
One of my biggest passions is learning to master self-care and to teach others how to do the same thing. Over the years, I’ve become very adept at caring for my needs energetically, physically, and mentally. Recently, I’ve realized I wasn’t as adept at providing the same care for my emotional self.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, I’m a big fan of nervous system settling. Learning how to bring the body to a state of calm and restore balance is an amazing technique for feeling more peaceful and safe. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with how to provide the same type of “settling” for my emotional self. Below are some simple steps to restore a sense of well-being, even when times are tough.
STEP ONE: IDENTIFY WHAT YOU ARE FEELING
What are you feeling? Sometimes we expend tremendous energy trying not to answer that question. Why? Because we don’t know what to do about the situation that is causing the emotional upset. For this step, don’t jump to how to make it better. Just identify what exactly you are feeling in that moment.
A great way to do this is to take a few minutes to breathe deeply. As you breathe deeply, ask yourself how you are feeling. Sometimes when I do this activity, I will see myself very angry, sometimes sad, or sometimes frustrated. I let myself “listen” to this part of me so that I allow this emotion to be expressed. Again, this isn’t the time to try and “fix” anything. It is simply an opportunity to be present for you and allow yourself to fully feel whatever is there. I find it helpful to write out what I’m hearing onto a piece of paper. The physical act of writing seems to help release the emotion more easily, especially if you destroy the paper when you are done. Our emotions aren’t always rational, but they do need to have an outlet. Writing them on a paper that will be destroyed provides a safe place for them to be expressed.
STEP TWO: PROVIDE COMFORT
When you were a child, what did your parents do when you were upset? Hopefully, they comforted you by hugging you or spending some time listening. You can provide this comfort to yourself, now that you are an adult. I do this by imagining the upset part of me as a child. I pull the child on my lap and hug her. I say and do the things I would do to comfort my son, if he was upset or afraid. This always helps me to feel relaxed and loved. This activity is simply about providing comfort and the space to express what is experienced, not a time to judge or try to fix. An additional benefit to this activity is that it empowers my wise, compassionate adult self, so everyone is happy!
STEP THREE: LEAN ON SPIRIT
As an adult, we are no longer able to lean so heavily on our parents for care and nurturing. For me, I’ve found it helpful to lean on Spirit. You can use whatever religious or spiritual reference works for you…or you can simply imagine your highest self providing the support. I use a simple meditation technique to evoke this feeling. I imagine myself sitting in a peaceful spot in the woods. I lean against a big strong oak tree and put my feet in a gentle stream in front of me. I feel the gentle breeze, hear the birds singing, smell the fresh scents of the forest and feel the soft moss under my hands. Once I am relaxed, I let myself imagine being wrapped in loving arms and feeling Divine love surrounding and supporting me. I release whatever is troubling me to Spirit, knowing I will receive the help and inspiration I need at just the right time.
STEP FOUR: ADDRESS THE UNDERLYING PROBLEM
Our emotions are simply a warning system. They provide us with awareness when our thoughts are creating a feeling of unease or disharmony. Sometimes, simply listening to our emotional self will calm things down and no further action will be needed. Other times though, there is an underlying fear that needs to be addressed. Ask yourself, if this were my child, what would I do or suggest to help them feel safe? If you find that you don’t know how to ease the fear, then consider asking for some help. There are many wonderful books, counselors, coaches, and healers available to give you additional insight and wisdom on how to improve the situation that is making you feel powerless. There is no shame in taking good care of yourself…and sometimes taking care of yourself means acknowledging when you need some outside input. A fresh perspective can make all the difference.
STEP FIVE: USE ENERGETIC TOOLS TO SOOTHE
There are many amazing tools that can help support you in taking care of your emotional self. One of the tools that really made a difference for me is a Blue Agate pendant designed by Intuitive/Artist Deanne Angel (Angel Healing Crystals). This pendant was intuitively designed and selected for my needs. I absolutely love it! It has a deeply calming and soothing effect on my whole system. It seems to work on an energetic level to help me overcome my fears and feel more emotionally balanced. Another tool I find helpful is flower essences. I tried a new flower essence for emotional sensitive people recently called Pink Yarrow. You can find that essence and others for a variety of emotional and physical concerns at http://www.featherhawk.com/. Aromatherapy is another favorite tool of mine. I’ve been using a roll on from Young Living (Jennifer Hagele #989297 is the distributor I use) called Tranquil which I find very helpful. I also love the LavenMint spray from Savannah Moon.
I hope you find these steps helpful! If you find you need some spiritual insight and practical input to support you with this process, I’m here to help!
Blessings to you and yours!
Nancy
Nancy Nicholas is an Intuitive Life Coach who works with clients who are feeling powerless because of a relationship, health situation, job, family matter, or other concern. She offers Empowerment Readings which combine Divine guidance with practical coaching tips to help her clients make the necessary changes to move into a better situation. Readings are available by phone or email. Economic Recession Rates are $15/15 minutes. Visit my website to learn more and to get your free Divine Purpose Survey! www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
Questions? Nancy can be reached by email at Nancy@EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
New! Divinely You Reading
The Divinely You Reading
Divinely You Reading
A new product by Intuitive Life Coach, Nancy Nicholas
www.EmpoweringLightworkers.com
Do you know who you really are? When you think of yourself do you see the beauty of your spirit? Do you claim your power? Do you see your unique gifts? Too often our fears and insecurities blind us to our true essence, trapping us in a warped self-image.
Using her gifts as an empathic medium, Intuitive Life Coach, Nancy Nicholas, provides a Divinely inspired image of your true self. Be empowered to nurture yourself, grow your gifts and live your Divine purpose by uncovering the most wonderful person in your world…YOU!
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- Divinely Inspired message from Intuitive Life Coach, Nancy Nicholas, describing your true essence
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- Messages will be mailed in a beautiful Animal Spirit Totem Greeting Card created by Ted Andrews (author of Animal-Speak) which will also be intuitively chosen with you in mind
Special Holiday pricing~$15 (if purchased on or before 12/31/2008), regular price $18
**Please note: For arrival by Christmas, please purchase before 12/14/2008.
Visit the website to view a reading and customer response and to order The Divinely You Reading for yourself or as a gift: The Divinely You Reading
LOOKING FOR ANOTHER UNIQUE GIFT IDEA?
Intuitive Life Coaching Gift Certificates are now available online! Gift certificates can be purchased for $15, $30, or $60 and are good for any of the products, clubs or readings offered by Nancy Nicholas. Gift certificates can be delivered electronically or printed and mailed.
MY GIFT TO YOU…
Purchase gift certificates for $30 or more on or before 12/31/2008 and receive a free 10 minute Life Coaching Reading by phone!
Visit the website to purchase: GIFT CERTIFICATES
About Intuitive Life Coach, Nancy Nicholas…
Nancy Nicholas is the owner of Empowering Lightworkers, Crossroads Coaching, and Sanctuary at the Crossroads. She is a certified Life/Career/Spiritual Coach, an Empathic Medium, a Reiki Master, and an Intuitive Healer. She uses her intuitive gifts to provide Divine guidance from your Angels and Spirit Guides combined with practical coaching strategies to empower you to live your life purpose. She offers Life Coaching Readings, Intuitive Coaching Clubs, Intuitive Coaching products, and gift certificates. She can be reached by phone (330) 416-6184 or by email, Nancy@EmpoweringLightworkers.com.
How Roots Become Branches: Tips for Exploring the Gifts of Who You Have Been
Below is an article I had published in the Journey Magazine this year. Included is an activity to help you integrate who you have been into who you are today. I hope you find it helpful! 
Nancy
How Roots Become Branches
by Nancy Nicholas
“Only another breath will I breathe in this still air, only another loving look cast backward, and then I shall stand among you, a seafarer among seafarers. And you, vast sea, sleepless mother, who alone are peace and freedom to the river and the stream, only another winding will this stream make, only another murmur in this glade, and then shall I come to you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean.”
Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
I was shown a vision as I began writing this article. It was of a huge oak tree with thick, deep roots reaching into the lakes that surrounded it. Each of these lakes represented a period of my life and contained a piece of myself. Thinking of this vision, I realize that coming to terms with the past and discovering how to connect the many lakes of my life is not only about having access to the beautiful memories and the love for those times and people, but also for finding the thread that connects the lakes together…connects me to all the people I have been on my life path. It is the continuity that I found myself seeking, rather than the peaks and valleys that always seem to stand out most strongly.
So what is this continuity in my own life? What are the things I’ve loved in every period? What are the common experiences that repeat throughout the very different times of my life?
I realized that as much as the peaks and valleys seem to stand out in my mind’s eye, they are actually only a small portion of my life. They are the land portages between the lakes, not the lakes themselves. In truth, the majority of my life has been filled with everyday things, a quiet predictability, moments of simplicity and steadiness. Ordinary days filled with both clouds and sunshine make up the lakes of my life. Like a thread that runs through a tapestry to help it stay together, those simple, ordinary things are the threads weaving the pattern of my life and bringing it to a place of wholeness, instead of swatches of cloth forever separated and severed. Who would have guessed it was something so inconsequential that is truly the most important aspect of the life I have lived?
And just as the “portages” of my experiences stand out most clearly, so do those aspects of myself that were born during those often difficult transitions. The challenges of each experience called forth a different aspect of me, a part often exiled once the crisis had passed. As I look at the experiences, I take time to honor and embrace those parts of me that developed to handle that which was seemed beyond my ability to cope. I recognize that the pain of the portage became associated with these aspects of my psyche and as a result, they were pushed away.
Yet, now as I embrace this understanding of my roots, I realize that each of these parts of me is essential to the whole. Just as the foundation is rooted in simplicity, so too are my branches rooted in the “trunk” of the core aspects that are me. Letting go of the pain of transition, and embracing the joy of ordinary moments and gentle personal truths, I see how my tree is grown full and bountiful.
For those of you who are also looking to integrate your past into your present and future and discover the fullness of the tree of your life, I encourage you to try the activity below.
Exploring Your Roots
- Use a timeline to chart your life from birth to now. Divide the timeline into sections for each of the periods of your life. Look for places where you moved or had some major change in life (either internally or externally) as you make the divisions.
- Draw a series of circles, one for each of the periods of your life, and label it by your age during each section. Leave space between to draw in the “portages” where you traveled from one period to the next. In each circle, write the key facts from that period in your life. Where did you live? What was significant about that time period for you? Can you describe yourself in a word or two during those years?
- Draw lines in between the lakes and write a short sentence describing the move from one lake to the next. What stands out in your mind as you think of the change from one period to the other? What part of your psyche helped you get through this transition? How did you feel about the change?
- Below each circle, make a list of what experiences stand out in your memory. Remember to include, simple moments as well as the bigger events. What were the bulk of your days during that period like?
- Take a look at your lakes. Let yourself imagine that you are living in each of those periods again. Write a letter from your younger self to who you are now, telling about what you love in yourself and in your world during that time. Focus only on the positive for this activity. Let this be a narrative about all that was good for you during that period of your life.
- Read the letters you wrote and imagine yourself embracing your younger self and all the joyous moments from those periods. Let the love fill your roots and flow up to your branches. Recognize what an amazing human being you are and have always been.
I hope this article inspired you to revisit your roots and to pull the joy and love from the lakes of your life into the whole of you. May the tree of your life be filled with deep, strong roots and abundant branches!
Nancy Nicholas is a Life/Career/Spiritual Coach who is also a Medium and Intuitive Healer. She offers a unique approach that provides Divine Guidance from your Guides and Angels with practical coaching strategies and techniques to help you understand your life and relationships from a spiritual perspective. For free gifts, products, or to schedule a life coaching reading, visit her websites: www.empoweringlightworkers.com and www.crossroadscoachingonline.com
Exploring Nature~Within and Without
“Everyone needs a wise friend. Someone who knows how to say just the right thing. At just the right moment. Here a hundred year old Cottonwood tree shares its simple wisdom about life, about living in harmony with ourselves and with nature.”
Ilan Shamir, Advice from a Tree
I recently returned home from a trip to one of my favorite natural places, Hocking Hills State Park. During one of the brief, but powerful, thunderstorms, we browsed at a local gift store called Misty Ridge. My husband, knowing I have a bit of a tree fetish, noticed a poster entitled “Advice from a Tree.” I was, of course, intrigued and soon found myself immersed in all the Advice from Nature products available at the store. With considerable self-restraint, I only purchased four items (Advice from a Tree, Advice from a Moose, Advice from a Hummingbird and The Gift of a Tree), but easily could have walked away with much more. This morning, I visited the website of the creator (http://www.yourowntruenature.com). What a beautiful concept! He’s combined environmental caretaking with empowerment, resulting in a variety of inspiring products.
I also found myself thinking about the title of his website, “Your Own True Nature.” Along with greatly envying his selection of such an ideal domain name, I also started pondering this concept. Do I know my own “true nature?” Do you?
Certainly, we are all a combination of traits, but I wonder if we each also have a core trait, a core quality that shines forth through all that we do. Do you see this trait in yourself? Can you see it in others?
Maybe another way to look at it is to think about how you would like to affect those around you. What trait do you enjoy evoking in others? Excitement? Joy? Peace? Inspiration? Happiness? Compassion? Laughter?
I think my choice would be empowerment. I so passionately believe that each of us deserve to experience the wonder of who we are. We deserve to experience life enjoying no one else’s company as much as we enjoy our own. We deserve to be recognized for our unique gifts, for the simplicity of our inner selves, for the beauty of our own story. I wish this for myself and I wish it for you.
How about you? What do you believe in? What gift do you wish to share with the world?
Something to ponder…
Enjoy the Your True Nature website and if you get a chance to visit Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, you’ll love it!
Nancy Nicholas
Intuitive Life Coach
“Nurture Your Roots, Grow Your Gifts, Inspire the World!”
http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com
Visit for a FREE Divine Purpose Survey!
What If…Tips to Overcome Your Fears
I’m sure you’ve all been hearing the news lately. The talk of rising gas and food prices is making even those in stable financial situations feel jittery. Many of the clients I’ve worked with are struggling to make ends meet and worried about what is going to happen if their business doesn’t pick up. “What if” is a common thought for many people these days.
Since I am the Queen of “What if,” I’ve had to develop some effective coping techniques. After all, getting my sympathetic nervous system over-aroused which floods my body with stress hormones doesn’t lead to very effective problem solving! Here are a few tips to help you if you are feeling the strain:
1. Ask yourself if your worrisome thought is true: I love the method that Byron Katie recommends in her books. She says to ask yourself the following questions:
Is it true?
Can I absolutely know that it’s true?
How do I react when I think this thought?
Who or what would I be without the thought?
Then, turn the thought around, and find three genuine examples of how each turnaround is as true as or truer than the original statement.
This process can help you get a clearer picture of your true situation, so that you aren’t reacting to “what ifs” but are dealing with what is actually happening in the moment.
2. Be practical: Are you truly short on cash? Then come up with a two part plan to get yourself in a better situation.
Part One: Reduce your expenses by taking a hard look at exactly where your money is going and then deciding what is essential and what you can live without for right now. Some areas where you might be able to cut back are: cable TV, eating out, beauty salon, cell phone extras (internet, texting), entertainment expenses, or groceries. If you look carefully, you’ll probably be able to find one or two areas where you can “trim the fat.”
Part Two: Increase your income. Look around for a part-time job or if you are self-employed explore options for offering your services at more affordable prices by creating products or group options. Your clients are also feeling the strain of rising costs, so find a way to offer them your valuable service at a less expensive rate, while still meeting your own financial obligations.
3. Count your blessings: Keep a running log of all the things that you do have. Don’t forget to include your health. Remember, keeping self-care on the top of your list is essential for dealing with challenging times. After all, when you don’t feel well, you really aren’t able to handle problems effectively. If you need some help with this, check out my 4 Week to a Self-Care Lifestyle Workbook now available at my websites (Cost: $14.50): http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Coaching_Products.html
4. Manage Stress: When you find yourself obsessing over your worries, use the SOS for Stress Meditation to help yourself return to a state of peace. By turning your attention back to your body, you will calm your thoughts so that you can deal with things more effectively. The simplified version of this meditation is four steps: STOP whatever you are doing or thinking about, BREATHE in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, out for a count of 6 through the mouth, and hold for 4, RELAX your muscles beginning at your feet and moving up to the top of your head, and LET GO with each exhale all of your fears while imagining your guardian angels clearing your whole system of stress. To purchase the download audio version (MP3) of this meditation along with two reference guides for this technique, visit this link: http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/Coaching_Products.html
5. Have Faith: Have faith, not only in a higher power, but also in yourself. You have the tools you need to take care of yourself. You will be your own best friend and make sure your needs are met. You can do it! I find the following affirmation helpful with this: “I have absolute faith in myself and I have absolute faith in God. I am safe and all is well.”
Hang in there! Things will get better (and are probably much better than you think!). If you need some one on one coaching help, send me an email or call for a free consultation to learn more about how my coaching services can support you: Nancy@crossroadscoachingonline.com or (330) 416-6184 or join me for this month’s group coaching call on 5/21/2008 (no technological expertise necessary…you just need a phone!). The cost is $15 or free for members of the Empowering Lightworkers e-club. To register, send me an email.
Have a great day!
Getting Started with Internet Marketing
I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately from small business owners who are struggling to build a client base. This isn’t easy for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for those in holistic fields. Below are a few tips to help you get started using the internet as a marketing tool:
Purchase a domain and create a website
I used a program called Website Tonight through Godaddy.com to create my websites. The program is inexpensive (about $5/month for a five page site), includes hosting, and doesn’t require any Html experience. You can also purchase a domain name (name for your website) through Godaddy and get a starter page for free. To learn more, visit http://www.godaddy.com.
List Your Business For Free
Most of the major search engines offer yellow pages, map services, and free local listings. Getting your business listed on these directories will help it get listed higher on a search. Most of these listings include a lot of information about your business and services. (FYI…When you join my Empowering Lightworkers e-club you can get a free gift “Five Free Ways to Be Found On An Internet Search” which includes the links for this tip. Visit http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com/eClub.html to learn more).
Social Networking
Another good way to get your website found is to participate in social networking with your target market. Yahoo and Google both offer a variety of groups you can join for free. About.com provides opportunities to discuss topics through forums. There are lots of other professional and social networking websites you can join, many of which will allow you to create a detailed profile for free. Facebook and Beliefnet are two examples of sites that offer this option. Try doing a search on your subject of interest and see what types of groups come up.
Google Adwords
This approach isn’t free, but I have found it to be effective. You can set the limit for the amount you are comfortable spending. You also can monitor your ad(s) to see how effective your ad and keywords are and adjust accordingly. To learn more, check out this link: https://adwords.google.com/select/Login?sourceid=awo&subid=us-en-et-bizsol-0-finderB-all&medium=link&hl=en_US .
Give me a call if you’d like some coaching support with this or consider joining the e-club where you can network with other Lightworkers and share about your business with the yahoo groups audience.
Take care!
Nancy
Nancy@empoweringlightworkers.com
(330) 416-6184
http://www.empoweringlightworkers.com
http://www.crossroadscoachingonline.com
http://www.sanctuaryatcrossroads.com
