Women's Wisdom

Worth Repeating - Description of a Growth Period

Some wisdom is timeless. Having recently rediscovered this article and finding it a pleasant reminder, I thought you might enjoy the reminder too. In Spirit, Lauren

Reprinted from October 2007:

Part of my metamorphosis has involved a deepening relationship with my body. Meaning, I've been trying to make sense of all that's been going on with it since this releasing/healing began :D

I often talk about growth periods with my coaching clients, because while our Spirit is timeless and can change instantly, our bodies have to process the change in the physical world.

So my body said "Tell them what metamorphosis is like to a body"... Maybe you would like to know what a growth period, a period of intense change, looks like on a day-to-day basis. (Maybe not :D) Be prepared for the good, the bad, and the...ugly.

My growth period has at times looked like:

* Weird sleep patterns or non-sleep patterns (not conforming to a 'normal' pattern)

* Extreme tiredness during normal afternoon 'lull'

* Headaches (UGH)

* Unusual  body aches

* Congestion, coughing

* Various transitory aches and pains

* Blurred vision

* Unusual food cravings or boredom with food I normally love

* Surges of energy and times of low-energy

* No creative energy. No Yang energy. Inaction.

* Increase in intuitive hits.

* More awareness of energy - mine and others.

* New approaches to old problems, relationship patterns, etc. just come up out of the blue.

* Keen awareness of how old patterns played out and the underlying beliefs.

While a number of these symptoms could be attributed to other things (illness, planetary changes, etc.) and while I am definitely affected by things happening on a global and stellar level (are you?), all these symptoms can coincide with releasing/restructuring of old (childhood) beliefs ...

So what's the best strategy for handling an intense growth period, you ask?

Taking really good care of your body. Physical care of your body. That means getting extra sleep and rest. Drinking lots of water. Physical movement like walking, dancing, yoga, pilates, and sex. Laughter. Lots of laughter - watch a funny movie, hang out with friends that make you laugh, watch the comedy channel. Baths - healing baths like epsom salts help your body release energy. Massages, flowers, beauty - anything that engages the physical senses.

I joke that sometimes a growth period is a 'gross' period. :D Sometimes...

Here's to your growth and evolution!

In Spirit,

Lauren

Reprinted from October 2007:

Part of my metamorphosis has involved a deepening relationship with my body. Meaning, I've been trying to make sense of all that's been going on with it since this releasing/healing began :D

I often talk about growth periods with my coaching clients, because while our Spirit is timeless and can change instantly, our bodies have to process the change in the physical world.

So my body said "Tell them what metamorphosis is like to a body"... Maybe you would like to know what a growth period, a period of intense change, looks like on a day-to-day basis. (Maybe not :D) Be prepared for the good, the bad, and the...ugly.

My growth period has at times looked like:

* Weird sleep patterns or non-sleep patterns (not conforming to a 'normal' pattern)

* Extreme tiredness during normal afternoon 'lull'

* Headaches (UGH)

* Unusual  body aches

* Congestion, coughing

* Various transitory aches and pains

* Blurred vision

* Unusual food cravings or boredom with food I normally love

* Surges of energy and times of low-energy

* No creative energy. No Yang energy. Inaction.

* Increase in intuitive hits.

* More awareness of energy - mine and others.

* New approaches to old problems, relationship patterns, etc. just come up out of the blue.

* Keen awareness of how old patterns played out and the underlying beliefs.

While a number of these symptoms could be attributed to other things (illness, planetary changes, etc.) and while I am definitely affected by things happening on a global and stellar level (are you?), all these symptoms can coincide with releasing/restructuring of old (childhood) beliefs ...

So what's the best strategy for handling an intense growth period, you ask?

Taking really good care of your body. Physical care of your body. That means getting extra sleep and rest. Drinking lots of water. Physical movement like walking, dancing, yoga, pilates, and sex. Laughter. Lots of laughter - watch a funny movie, hang out with friends that make you laugh, watch the comedy channel. Baths - healing baths like epsom salts help your body release energy. Massages, flowers, beauty - anything that engages the physical senses.

I joke that sometimes a growth period is a 'gross' period. :D Sometimes...

Here's to your growth and evolution!

In Spirit,

Lauren

Real Food

What does real food mean to you?

As a society, we've really lost touch with the source of our food. From vegetables and fruits grown out of the country, to buying meat products that look nothing like where they came from, we're no longer connected to the food we eat.

We have the luxury of buying and eating foods that may or may not be in-season in our area. This is a good thing, right? Not necessarily.

In losing our connection to the source of our foods, we've also lost touch with our bodies own rhythms, which, whether we pay attention or not, are tied into Mother Nature.

Recreating that connection with our foods can bring back the discovery of REAL FOOD. Food grown locally, in-season, in honor with nature and what your geographic area has to offer.

I call this Conscious Living. Deliberately living, choosing our way of life - not unconsciously going through the motions. Honoring our bodies' wisdom. Honoring the seasons. Honoring our natural rhythms.

What a novel concept, huh?

For me, that means that as the weather gets cooler, my body automatically switches from wanting salads to wanting soups. It seems to need the warm foods to keep the 'inner furnace' going.

I'm more connected with my food since planting a summer vegetable garden and enjoying the fresh squash, swiss chard, canteloupe, green peppers and tomatoes. I've been growing some of my own vegetables for years, starting with a small patio garden on my apartment balcony in Carlsbad, California.

Now that I'm living on 88 acres in Brenham, Texas, I just love my small chicken flock and collecting the eggs on a daily basis. I swear these free-range eggs taste better!

One of our local farmers, Home Sweet Farm, has created an entire business around providing organic, locally-grown produce to his subscribers. The business is BOOMING!

Want to learn more about REAL FOOD and where you can buy locally?

Check out this article in Mother Earth News, Join the Real Food Revival:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Whole-Foods-and-Cooking/2005-08-01/Join-the-Real-Food-Revival.aspx

Find a local farm in your area:
http://www.localharvest.org/

Or you can start by checking out your local farmer's market and have some fun!

In Joy,

Lauren

Description of a Growth Period

Part of my metamorphosis has involved a deepening relationship with my body. Meaning, I've been trying to make sense of all that's been going on with it since this releasing/healing began :D

I often talk about growth periods with my coaching clients, because while our Spirit is timeless and can change instantly, our bodies have to process the change in the physical world.

So my body said "Tell them what metamorphosis is like to a body"... Maybe you would like to know what a growth period, a period of intense change, looks like on a day-to-day basis. (Maybe not :D) Be prepared for the good, the bad, and the...ugly.

My growth period has at times looked like:

* Weird sleep patterns or non-sleep patterns (being wide-awake until 3am in the morning every night for 2 weeks)

* Extreme tiredness during normal afternoon 'lull'

* Two weeks of persistent headaches (UGH)

* One week of extreme body ache along the spinal column

* Congestion, coughing

* Various transitory aches and pains

* Blurred vision

* Unusual food cravings or boredom with food I normally love

* Surges of energy and times of low-energy

* No creative energy. No Yang energy. Inaction.

* Increase in intuitive hits.

* More awareness of energy - mine and others.

* New approaches to old problems, relationship patterns, etc. just come up out of the blue.

* Keen awareness of how old patterns played out and the underlying beliefs.

While a number of these symptoms could be attributed to other things (illness, planetary changes, etc.) and while I am definintely affected by things happening on a global and stellar level, all these symptoms coincided with the releasing/restructuring of old (childhood) beliefs held in the affected area...

My personal favorite is all the energy coming off my spine and my head. The 'pain' was the belief that I have scoliosis and will always have scoliosis and that it can only be managed and never cured. Since I was diagnosed at age 10, there was a lot of energy stored up in those beliefs/stories. As I also instill the belief and behaviors around being true to myself, I will need a strong backbone (aka spine). Hahaha. (Trust me, this was a not fun releasing)

Coincidence? I think not.

So what's the best strategy for handling an intense growth period, you ask?

Taking really good care of your body. Physical care of your body. That means getting extra sleep and rest. Drinking lots of water. Physical movement like walking, dancing, yoga, pilates, and sex. Laughter. Lots of laughter - watch a funny movie, hang out with friends that make you laugh, watch the comedy channel. Baths - healing baths like epsom salts help your body release energy. Massages, flowers, beauty - anything that engages the physical senses.

I joke that sometimes a growth period is a 'gross' period. :D Sometimes...

Hope this was helpful -

In Spirit,

Lauren

ANNOUNCING: Body Knowledge System™: A System for Living-Do it Your Way ®

Announcing! Body Knowledge System ™ 12-week TeleClass Series with Stephanie Wood Starts Sept. 12th! Stephanie Wood has always believed that our bodies are a source of both joy and great information. Most of us think of intelligence as coming through our mind—our thinking process. Few people have been taught how to interpret the communication our body is constantly delivering. Stephanie has spent her life discovering how our bodies communicate valuable clues for decision-making and discerning life choices. Stephanie’s understanding has evolved into the Body Knowledge System™ which she teaches to people around the world via TeleClasses (telephone conferencing.) Stephanie says, “The more we understand about the vibrational aspect of the Law of Attraction, the easier it becomes to interpret the vibrational signals our body is sending us. Our body gives us clues about unhealthy beliefs held in our subconscious mind which manifest in a variety of ways, such as: chronic pain or health challenges that remain unresolved fatigue and lack enthusiasm for life eating, exercising or resting becomes strenuous feeling stuck “paralyzed” in some area of our lives.” Body Knowledge System™ empowers you with tools to interpret the vibrations your body uses to communicate with you. Body Knowledge System™ will enable you to recognize the feedback your body is giving you so that you can make the best possible choices in all areas of your life. This 12-week course is foundational not only for those of you who have health challenges but also for those with weight loss or mobility issues...and work transitions! Meet Stephanie Wood To speak with Stephanie, call: 908.654.8459 Office hours: 9am-5pm ET Join Stephanie on her FREE introductory TeleClass: Resist Exercising? Want to Know Why? 12 Weeks for only $379 Value? Incalculable... Visit the Law of Attraction Training Center Register before Sept 10th for this unique 12-week TeleClass Series: Body Knowledge System™: A System for Living-Do it Your Way®

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Just Add Water

You know I love sharing with you - especially when it means looking at things from outside the box! I love to wake us up; make us more conscious in our choices, our daily living.

With that said, consider this:

At home, the average American uses 80-100 gallons of water a day:

  >> Flushing the toilet: 5 gallans per flush
  >> Brusthing teeth with water running: 2 gallons
  >> Running the dishwater: 12 gallons
  >> Taking a 5 minute shower: 25 gallons

CounterPoint: The average African *family* uses a total of 5 gallons of water a day

Surprised?! I was! :D

Water is life...When a community gains access to clean water, its child mortality drops by half.

From: World Vision Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, World Resources Insitute

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

>> Be Conscious of how you use water. Don't run the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Use water-saving shower heads and use gray water (shower, dishwather) for watering your lawn and garden. When I lived in California during the 7 year drought, I became very aware of when and how much water I was using. We're so fortunate to have ample clean water in America. What an opportunity to express gratitude!

>> Help provide a well for a community. Visit www.worldvisiongifts.org to purchase a share of a traditional or deep well. World Vision's water projects around the world have given 10 million people access to clean water and improved sanitation. You can be a part of the solution!

>> Learn more about water and poverty. "Water Wise", teacher's guides adn materials are available at www.worldvisionresources.com Or find education information online at www.watermatters.worldvision.org.nz

More little-known information for you to think about:

Major Uses for Fresh Water:

North America:
>> Domestic Use: 13.3 percent
>> Agriculture: 38.7 percent
>> Industry: 48.0 percent

Africa:
>>Industry: 7.3 percent
>> Domestic Use: 8.6 percent
>> Agriculture: 84.1 percent

From: World Vision Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Can you feel your mind expanding? Your consciousness awakening? Good!

Now go enjoy your day and be grateful for that glass of water you're drinking!

In Spirit,

Lauren

Pasta and Chocolate Cake

A couple of weeks ago, we started off our belief busting journey on a  light note by looking into the world of tomatoes. Now you know they come in many colors, including ones you probably didn't know about. Your world has expanded, just a little :)

Last week, we dove into some juicy beliefs about how other people affect us.

This week, let's look at a hard-core, widely-held belief (or two). Are you up for it? If you are, keep reading. If not, then save it for later or hit the delete key.  (I promise not to be offended) :D

Fact or fiction? Pasta makes you fat.

I could just have easily written Chocolate Cake makes you fat.

Are these true statements? Maybe you believe they're true for you. But are they universally true for everyone - like say, gravity?

What do you believe about food?

We certainly have plenty of people, advertisements, magazines, and commercials telling us what to believe about food. And then there's the 'experts' - the health professionals, Recommended Daily Allowances and Food Pyramid, all telling us what's best for our body. Notice how their recommendations change over the years.

Pasta makes you fat. Fact of Fiction?

I bet you know someone or know OF someone who can eat all they want and stay the same weight. (If you're lucky, maybe that person is YOU). And I bet you also know someone or know OF someone who even with diet and exercise, just can't get to their desired weight. Wouldn't these two examples seem to indicate there is more to our relationship with food than the 2 beliefs above?

A friend of mine believes pasta will make her fat. Her underlying belief is that pasta has a lot of carbohydrates and carbs make her put on weight. And so it is. (I couldn't live life fully without pasta!)

"Argue for your limitations and they are yours." - Richard Bach, author

Ready for a challenging question? (If not, stop reading now)

To whom do you give your power when it comes to your health?

Does your intuition, guidance, wisdom come first and take top priority? Or do you turn your power over to a diet program, a health guru, a fitness institute or someone else? How is that working for you? :D

I believe our bodies have an intelligent wisdom that knows what we need and when. We've just been trained from an early age... to ignore it!

When was the last time you asked your body before a meal, what it would most like to eat that would make it feel, good, healthy and digest well? If you've never asked - then you're at the start of an exciting adventure - or maybe experiment would be a better word :) 

If you have asked, but it's been awhile, I invite you to restart the experiment and ask your body what it wants.

Now, I'm not suggesting that your food intake consist entirely of chocolate cake or pasta. Moderation is best - ask your body.  But I am suggesting that what we believe about food and health affects us.

Consider these empowering beliefs:

   My body metabolizes everything I eat.

   My body can handle any mistakes in my eating.

   My body knows what it wants and needs and communicates it to me. And I listen.

And consider taking your power back. You know I'll support you! 

Please share the 'results' of your experiment and your health adventure with me. I'd like to know...

   In Spirit,

    Lauren Lee

P.S. - If you're just starting out on befriending your body and would like support as you get to know your body and it's wisdom, then you might like my dear friend and colleague - Stephanie Wood's - Body Knowledge Program. It starts April 11th and you can read more information here  I found it invaluable in getting to know my body and accessing the wisdom within.

P.P.S. - Have an 'everyday belief' that you would like me to investigate? Then send me an email with the belief, and you might just see it in a future Women's Wisdom (I'm happy to acknowledge your contribution too)

Are You Feeling OUT Of SYNC?

"Restoring a sense of rhythm to our lives is crucial to discovering Wholeness."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach, author of Simple Abundance

Are you IN SYNC with your body's rhythm?

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing color, the geese are flying south, the horses are growing fuzzy coats - all signs of winter approaching. What signs is your body showing of winter approaching?

Now based on my question, you may have a couple of possible reactions:

1) What? What do you mean "what winter signs is my body showing?"

-or-

2) I have no idea!

-or-

3) Now that I think about it, my body has been showing...

-or-

4) My body is showing...

-or-

5) None of the above (there's always a 'rebel' in the group :D)

Several years ago, I noticed that my body 'automatically' switched into fall/winter mode. The weather gets cooler and in one day, my body makes the switch. How do I know?

During the hot Texas summers, my body thrives on, loves, and even craves salads. Light, healthy, living foods. So I eat alot of salads. But come fall/winter, all of a sudden my body wants warm foods, like soups and breads and stews. And it doesn't want salads anymore. Interesting, huh?

This year, I knew it was coming, so I've been keeping an eye out for it. You know the cycle of learning: 1st you become aware of your behavior; then you only notice it afterwards, then you notice in the middle of the behavior and finally you notice before. I've been watching for the switchover and last week, it happened.

I'm amused at my behavior: looking up heavy, old-style European bread recipes on the Internet; gathering stew ingredients, realizing I need a new crock-pot for slow-cooking, and wanting to stock my pantry with lots of soups.

Another body sign of the impending winter is my body's desire to 'hibernate'. Well, not literally. (Although I love the idea). My body is less interested in moving; it's rhythm is slowing down.

During warmer months, I'm outside all the time, constantly active, being physical. Come cooler weather, my body just wants to stay inside and be cozy. And this is true for alot of you which is why we typically put on 5-7 pounds during the winter months.

My question to you is "Have you noticed these changes in your body?" If so, do you honor them, embrace them and give your body what it wants? If you're not honoring the changes, would you be willing to?

If you haven't noticed winter changes in your body, I invite you to pay attention for the next week and notice what your body is telling you. Consider it a deepening of your relationship with your body.

I've developed some strategies for staying fit during winter months; and I have to tell you, it's still a work in progress. If you have winter fitness strategies that work for you, I'd love to hear about them!

So far, my winter fitness strategies include:

* weight lifting to keep strength and tone, (I enjoy this, believe it or not!)

* exercise videos, like TaeBo, that get my heart pumping and get my body all warmed up on the inside and outside (see www.CollageVideo.com for a huge collection of exercise videos),

* taking advantage of sunny, warm daylight hours

* walking/hiking with my dogs and my fiancee

* dancing to my favorite tunes

* yoga or Pliates (that'll get your fire burning :D)

You might also consider these strategies:

* walking in the mall

* joining a fitness club and enjoying the facilities including hot tubs & massage

* taking up roller-blading, roller skating or bowling (indoor facilities available)

* swimming (health clubs and aquatic centers often have heated, indoor pools)

* amping up your regular household activities

 

Bottom line: Get Conscious about the changes in your body. Notice its rhythms, its cravings, its desires - it is trying to tell you something!

It may be hard to hear what it's saying at first over the rumble of the holidays which encourage us to *speed up*and your busy life; but keep listening! If you need inspiration, look outside to Mother Nature -

Seeing you embracing your body!

In Spirit,

Lauren
~*~*~*~

Lauren Lee is a Spiritual Teacher, Master Spiritual Life Coach, Certified Prosperity Guide and author. Her passion is empowering women to awaken their spiritual gifts and their Divine life mission. She specializes in supporting women who have had a career in corporate America (where there is not much room for soul) and found the courage to leave it. Creating a strong, synergistic partnership with her clients, Lauren helps her clients find their voice, their courage, their inner fire and their unshakable core so they can build their successful, passionate, purposeful life (and profitable business).

** I am accepting only 2 new individual coaching clients for the rest of 2006**
If you've been considering working with me, but have been hesitating, now's your chance! Experience harmonious holidays, and be ready to head into the new year with a clear vision of what you want, a plan of inspired actions, and ready to manifest your soul's dreams!

One of the benefits of having me as your coach is that I work with a small number of individual clients at a time (less than 10), so as my client, you get my attention on a daily basis. I am continually holding your vision, thinking about you, and how I can best support you. I am available to you and consider myself 'on retainer' to you even between our regularly scheduled coaching sessions. Please contact me if you are interested in applying for one of these -2-desirable openings.

What if you don't want to be Famous?

These days there is so much information on the Internet about how to get famous, get known now, be remarkable, find your niche, etc. And there's alot of GREAT information.

But what if you don't WANT to be famous? When I think of famous, I think of high-profile movie star or an appearance on Oprah. What if you don't want that kind of visibility and attention?

Maybe not wanting to be famous is a form of self-sabotage. Or maybe it's a result of being sensitive to judgment, attention and criticism. Or maybe it's just crazy.

Let's take a closer look...

Is it that you don't want success? Or is it that you want success on your terms?  I seriously doubt you want to be mediocre. Maybe what you really want is to make a difference. So is there a distinction between wanting your work to be known, but not necessarily YOU?

Let's take a real-life example. I'm passionate about Animal Rescue and specifically about addressing the pet overpopulation problem. It is unacceptable to me that we put 4-5 million cats, dogs, puppies and kittens to death every year in this country's animal shelters. On average, over 75% of the animals going into shelters - die. The only answer is Spaying and Neutering our pets, addressing the problem at the root . I want every pet to have a wonderful, forever home. EVERY PET!  This is WORK  I'm passionate about and work that I want to be FAMOUS and KNOWN - NOW.

In the name of this WORK, I would do alot to get it out there in public - taking the attention, being more visible, and being the advocate. I wouldn't do it it to promote myself; but I would do it to promote the WORK.  Note the distinction?

When you think about being famous or getting known now, what part of you responds? Does your ego jump up and say "Yes, that would be great!". Or does your mind jump in with some form of criticism or negativity? Does your heart expand or shrink? Do you get a knot in your stomach? All of these responses are valuable input and insight and clues as to what's important to you.

Maybe "getting famous" or "getting known" triggers some beliefs about what you will have to give up. Do you believe that to be successful, famous and known that you will have to give up your privacy and your sanctuary? Do you believe you will have a ton of obligations, responsiblities and commitments? Maybe you believe you will lose your free time and open space. Or that your calendar will be booked from dawn to dusk. Are these your beliefs about being famous? Or getting known? Or success? if so, then no wonder you don't want it! :D

My past experience with being known and being the expert (from corporate America) was that I was in  high demand. That part was OK. What was not OK was having people think I was the only one who could help them and not having the option to say NO. I was not in control of my own schedule. That leads to overwhelm and burnout.

So it is crazy to not want to be famous? Is it crazy to not want a media kit and press releases so you don't get asked to be on TV or radio? Does it make a difference if you promote your work vs. your Self?

Hmmm... This is a great opportunity to look at your beliefs around success, being known, and being famous. If they work for you and empower you - great! If they don't and are getting in the way of what you want then it's time to transform your beliefs. (See Resources section below)

Here's to your Success - whatever that looks like for you!

In Spirit,

Lauren

===============

RESOURCES:

If you're looking for great information on getting famous, getting known, picking your niche, or being remarkable, check out these resources:

Get Known Now - Suzanne Falter-Barns - www.getknownnow.com

Extreme Niche Marketing - Barbara Casey - http://www.extremeniches.com/

Article "Steps to Finding Your Ideal Business Niche" - http://www.newradiance.com/NicheMarketing.htm

Being Remarkable - Kendall Summerhawk - www.kendallsummerhawk.com

Make a Big Splash Selling Your Books on Amazon.com

1. Do you have a new book coming out?
2. Or too much inventory of a previous book?
Learn the "Amazon bestseller formula."
Click Here for Info

If you're ready to transform your beliefs, consider these resources:

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) - Master EFT Practitioner Ann Ross - http://www.newperspectivescoaching.co.uk/aboutus.html

Spiritual Life Coaching - Certified Master Lauren Lee - www.womensu.com
!NEW! BeliefBusters - starting August - Bust those Beliefs for Good!

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Your donation affirms my purpose, my mission and my calling to make a difference and to leave the world a better place. It inspires me to reach more women and remind them who they TRULY ARE!

Thank you for visiting, thank you for reading, thank you for the glorious Spirit that you are!

In Gratitude,

Lauren

====================

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You Are Beautiful

"I want to tell you how beautiful you are
in such a true and unforgettable way
that you will never doubt it again."
- Real Women Project - www.realwomenproject.com

If you could see your Self, at your core - your Essence - that pure light; if you could
see your Self as the perfect expression of love that you are; if you could know, in your bones,
that you are Spirit - how would it feel?

The next time you look in the mirror, look into your own eyes and see your Self - truly see
your Self. You are beautiful and uniquely You. Savor it and share it with the world.

In Spirit,

Lauren Lee
Master Spiritual Life Coach and Women'sU CEO
www.womensu.com