Grief Transformation: Letting Go of Our Identities, Part 1

By Andrea Hylen

“To let go of duality, we must first establish our separateness. We must first learn where we end & the other begins. As a general rule, if we’re too rigid, we’re over-boundaried. Imprisoned behind a wall of armor, there is no way for anything to touch us. But if we’re too malleable, we’re boundary-less. We’re just a vessel for the world to fill. People with healthy boundaries tend to live somewhere in between.”~Jeff Brown author of SoulShaping.

Screen Shot 2013-11-22 at 3.44.39 PMFour years after the death of my husband I spent a year letting go of the physical stuff in our 11 room house on 3 acres in Baltimore, Maryland and put the house on the market for sale. A year later, I moved from Maryland to California to spend another year peeling away a layer of “costumes,” that consisted of identities I had hidden behind throughout my lifetime. Identities that I felt gave me value and defined my existence on the planet. Daughter, wife, mother, entrepreneur, home owner, Girl Scout Leader, community organizer and many more. Without those identities, I wondered, “Who am I?”

When I arrived in California, I wrote a letter to family and friends to let them know I would not be available by phone. Email and Facebook check-ins, yes. No phone calls. I was going to take time to listen to my own voice and figure out what I wanted to do with the next part of my life.   I began to examine all of my past actions with a microscope and a telescope. Focusing in on the little, minute details and stepping back and looking at my life from a big picture perspective, too. I spent more time in solitude patiently waiting, noticing and listening. I learned to sit in the discomfort of not knowing the next steps. I re-connected with myself and my feelings and developed compassion for my process with full approval for crying, feeling angry, sad, and increased joy-filled discoveries of happiness. I began to hear my own voice as separate from the voices of my mother, father, children, siblings and friends. I spent less time reassuring people that I still loved them and defined boundaries that created more space to be myself.

I thought it would take me a month to hear my voice. Instead it took ten months until the separation from my dearest friends and family gave me enough spaciousness to distinguish my inner authority, my voice from the voice of others. I began to learn the difference between the messy ego-based fear and the light-filled wisdom of my higher voice. And in the place of silence in between, I could see more of me and I could see more of you.

Screen Shot 2015-01-04 at 7.32.29 AMOne important piece of letting go was to release and grieve. For example, to let myself cry about no longer being a Girl Scout leader. To remember the joy of it, feel the loss of not having that as part of my life and feeling the emptiness without trying to fill it up with anything. Leave it empty and wait for the new to appear.

By letting go and releasing, my step by step soul calling is stronger. The connection to my inner voice is stronger. The need to know all of the answers is lessening. The Self-Love is stronger. I can witness your pain without feeling the need to fix, reassure and change anything in this moment. The witnessing of another without fixing is stronger.

This is the path of living life from inspiration, transforming loss and grief to access the depth of our essence. It is the path to living and experiencing life fully.

 

 Interested in exploring loss and change in a deep 9 month process of writing? Andrea and Beth Terrence are leading a writing program for Transforming Grief: https://cssitemove.com/recovering-voices-healing-grief/

 

315353_10201052497332086_1044127686_nAndrea Hylen believes in the power of our voices to usher in a new world. She is the founder of Heal My Voice, an organization that empowers women and men to heal a story, reclaim personal power and step into greater leadership.  Andrea discovered her unique gifts while parenting three daughters and learning to live life fully after the deaths of her brother, son and husband. In addition to serving as Heal My Voice’s Executive Director, Andrea is an Orgasmic Meditation Teacher and Sexuality Coach.

She is currently living out of a suitcase following her intuition as she collaborates with women and men in organizations and travels around the world speaking, teaching and leading workshops. Her passion is authentically living life and supporting others in doing the same. To connect with Andrea and learn about current projects go to: www.andreahylen.com and www.healmyvoice.org.

 

Are You On Track?

 

By Andrea Hylen

In this series of blogs about intentions, so far, we have picked a few words for the year as a guidepost of focus. We have started making conscious choices with each step we take in the direction of our words and now it is time to create a system to stay on track all year long.

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3. Create a system to see if you are on track

Setting up a weekly or monthly ritual with yourself for regular assessment and a review to check to see if you are in alignment with your intentions.

Are the choices you are making pointing you in the direction you want to go?

 

 

Make a coffee date with yourself, a walk in nature, a bubble bath to slow down and connect with yourself to discover more about who you are and where you are going with your vision for the year.

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As the New year begins and my intentions are new and fresh, I have noticed that I am making choices in slow motion. The choices and the assessment are happening moment by moment. Taking baby steps. I am exercising a new muscle of awareness. It is a practice like meditation or yoga. I ask myself questions throughout the day to assess what is happening in the moment. Even congratulating myself for going to yoga class to stretch my body or arranging a movie date for fun. Yeah me!

 

I know as the year begins to accelerate, there will be peak times where I may not be as conscious in the moment. To stay connected,  I mark it on my calendar as a weekly question, such as:

Are you on track?

Is this the life you want to lead?

Wealth, self-care, visibility…how are you doing?

Post the questions on your calendar or on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror that helps you make adjustments, just like the archer who has drawn back the bow and is ready to release the arrow.

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Then once a month, I make a date with myself. To spend a longer more focused time to slow down , feel the feelings, consciously readjust my arrow, plan the next steps and take inspired action.

 

How do you stay on track with your intentions and goals for the year?

 

What systems do you use for your personal life? your business?

 

Post in the comments. We want to hear your voice!

 

 

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Andrea Hylen believes in the power of a woman’s voice to usher in a new world. She is the founder of Heal My Voice, a Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking, a Writing and Transition Coach and Orgasmic Meditation teacher. Andrea has discovered her unique gifts while parenting three daughters and learning to live life fully after the deaths of her brother, son and husband. She is currently living out of a suitcase following her intuition as she collaborates with women and men in organizations and travels around the world speaking, teaching and leading workshops. Her passion is authentically living life and supporting others in doing the same. To connect with Andrea and learn about current projects go to: www.andreahylen.com and www.healmyvoice.org.

Sacred Sanctuary Writing Space

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A few years ago, I was inspired to create a space for Heal My Voice writers to gather and energetically receive support and consistency for writing. I called it the Sacred Sanctuary Writing Space. Every month, I create 12 audio recordings on the first 12 days of every month with an inspiration and silent time to write.

I cut words and phrases out of magazines and collect them in plastic sandwich bags. Every day, I close my eyes and connect with the energy of the day. Then, I reach in to the bag and pull out a clipping.

I begin the recording with some thoughts about the words and then “open the space” for 25 minutes of silence. At the end of the 25 minutes, I say a few words and end the recording.

It is a tool and a resource for setting up a time and space to write.

 

Here is the recording from July 1, 2014:

 

The phrase is ” The Guide: Home”Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 5.42.38 AM

 

Enjoy!

 

Sacred Sanctuary Writing Space:

July 1, 2014

http://instantteleseminar.com/?eventid=57217512

 

To connect with Andrea and learn about current projects go to: www.andreahylen.com

 IMG_1306Andrea Hylen believes in the power of a woman’s voice to usher in a new world. She is the founder of Heal My Voice, a Writing and Transition Coach, Orgasmic Meditation Teacher and co- author of Conscious Choices: An Evolutionary Woman’s Guide to Life. Andrea has discovered her unique gifts while parenting three daughters and learning to celebrate life after the deaths of her brother, son and husband. She currently lives in Los Angeles following the inspiration to collaborate with women in organizations and to travel around the world speaking and leading workshops. Her passion is connecting women to support each other in the full expression of who they are.

Creating a Writing Space

By Andrea Hylen, Founder and Executive Director of Heal My Voice Screen Shot 2012-08-02 at 6.27.48 AM

When I moved to California in 2010, I was in a huge transition. My husband had died in 2005 after a year long illness. I had been a stay-at-home mom and was homeschooling our youngest daughter. I had been out of the work force for 15 years.

Moving to California gave me a chance to start over. For the first 7 months, my daughter and I lived in youth hostels, extended stay hotels, sublet a room until we agreed on a location and found an apt in Burbank.

I found the “bridge” to the next part of my life through writing to heal. Listening to my own voice and following the inspiration one word after another. The first key to writing was to create a writing routine and space.

Here are some of my tips:

*****

 

Create a writing environment

*Develop a writing habit

1) Writing in the same place

2) Writing at the same time of day

When my daughter and I moved to Burbank, I developed a habit of going to a coffee shop called Priscilla’s. Every morning, I woke up at 5:30am, meditated for 15 minutes, got dressed and walked the 10 minute walk to Priscilla’s. I would write every morning from about 6-9am.

During the walk, the ideas would begin to flow. I would wave a Good morning to the barista while I opened my computer and took out a notebook and pen. The article or blog or chapter would be pouring through me by the time my fingers touched the keyboard.

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3) Playing music

Every morning I would play the same song. During that time it was Jason Mraz’s “Make it Mine”. The sound of the song would stimulate ideas and structure for my words.

4) Setting a boundary: Create a boundary with time. In the coffee shop, I wore headphones even without listening to something. I let people know that I was writing. Other ideas around setting a boundary are to talk with people you live with and let them know you are writing during a specific time. Put a sign on the door.  Set a timer and write for that amount of time. Make your writing time a priority.

5) Basic security needs:  Take care of your basic needs before starting to write. Food, beverage, temperature of the room. Clean or messy space. Whatever helps you to feel physically comfortable and nourished.


6) Supplies: What do you need? Computer, pens, pencils, internet, dictionary, phone, materials for researching. Headphones.

7) Clear all distractions: Phone call you need to make, errands to run, do a brain dump. Make a list and keep it on the table next to you so you can write down things you will do later. The coffee shop worked for me because of the boundaries and the time of day. No distractions from things in my apartment.

8) Senses: What do you need to relax into writing? Think of all five senses, Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, touch. Candles, flower essences, a blanket, lighting, color. Set up a space that works for you.

9) Timing: Allow for a writing flow and take breaks.

10) Creativity inspirations– Observing the environment around you, inside and out. Taking a class, exercising, reading books. Writing prompts. Walking to the coffee shop and the people who came in stimulated me creatively.

 Now, find your space and start writing!

To connect with Andrea and learn about current projects go to: www.andreahylen.com

 IMG_1306Andrea Hylen believes in the power of a woman’s voice to usher in a new world. She is the founder of Heal My Voice, a Writing and Transition Coach, Orgasmic Meditation Teacher and co- author of Conscious Choices: An Evolutionary Woman’s Guide to Life. Andrea has discovered her unique gifts while parenting three daughters and learning to celebrate life after the deaths of her brother, son and husband. She currently lives in Los Angeles following the inspiration to collaborate with women in organizations and to travel around the world speaking and leading workshops. Her passion is connecting women to support each other in the full expression of who they are.

 

Journaling For Health And Well-Being

By Beth Terrence

Heal My Voice Author and Board Member

Member-JournalingJournaling or reflective writing is a practice that has been around for a long time.  Whether someone is a “writer” or not, really matters little when it comes to personal writing.  Journaling is simply a way to express and explore our life experiences and ourselves on a deeper level through the written word or even through art or imagery, too.  It doesn’t have to be for anyone but ourselves.  And, it is an exciting time as we are now seeing the scientific evidence supporting the benefit of this simple practice for our overall health and well-being.

University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker has done extensive research on the benefits of journaling.  He has found that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes.  Other research has indicated that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.  Pennebaker believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thereby reducing the impact of stressors on your physical health.  He recommends writing for 20 minutes per day.

Additionally, the benefits go way beyond your physical health.  Scientific evidence has discovered that the act of writing actually accesses your left brain, which is the analytical and rational part.  When you begin writing, your left brain becomes engaged freeing your right brain to create, intuit and feel.  So, in a sense, writing takes you out of your head and into your heart.  This allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you.  The act of writing is helping you to access your creativity on a deeper level.

Journaling helps you to:

  • Clarify your thoughts and feelings.
  • Know yourself better.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Be healthier.
  • Solve problems more effectively.
  • Resolve disagreements with others
  • Practice good self-care
  • Access your creativity
  • Release and Express Held Memories & Emotions
  • Set Intentions

You may be saying to yourself, “But, I’m not a writer, so how can journaling work for me?”  There are many ways to explore journaling and many types of practices.  Writing offers an opportunity to explore who you are, what are your likes and dislikes, and your strengths and weaknesses.  It is a vehicle to find your voice and explore ways you can flow more easily with life.

Here are some ways you can explore writing and journaling:

  • Stream Of Consciousness ~ Just put the pen on the paper and let whatever words come to mind flow onto the page
  • List Writing (e.g. Make a list of Feelings, Choices, Losses, Things You Enjoy, Topics for Writing, Triggers, Self-Care Toolbox, Favorites, etc.)
  • Gratitude – Make a list of everything you are grateful for – this can be a powerful daily practice
  • Affirmations & Intentions – For the day, month, year or as you feel to
  • Prayers/Blessings Write for yourself, family, friends, the world…
  • Meditations – Pick a topic like peace, love, happiness, etc.
  • Poetry – Explore haiku or free verse.  Write a poem or read a poem and write what it means to you.
  • Just For Today I will… – Write 
  • Letter Writing (e.g. To Self, Family, Friends, Higher Power, Past/Future)
  • Holistic Exploration – Do A Check-In or Self-Care Review For Body, Mind, Emotion & Spirit
  • Morning Pages – Do three handwritten stream of consciousness pages first thing every morning (from The Artist’s Way)
  • Or, try Dr. Pennebaker’s Basic Writing Assignment:

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Here are some books on journaling and writing to explore, too!

I hope you’ll take some time to explore journaling for health and well-being.  If you don’t have a journal, you may wish to browse around for a journal that feels meaningful to you.  Or, just pick up a composition book or blank sketchbook and you are ready to go.  If you want to, you can decorate it and use the words or images to inspire your writing.  Maybe you want to make one journal dedicated to self-care or gratitude practice.  Be creative, explore and enjoy!

If you have any journaling practices or tools that you’d like to share, feel free to drop us a note in the comments below.  We love to hear from you – YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

 

bethbro

Beth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer.  She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years.  This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life.  Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible.  Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.

Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions.  Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal.  Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer.  Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace.  Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013.  Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.

Beth is available for Integrative Transformational Healing Sessions & Programs by Phone/Skype or in person in Annapolis, MD.  She offers a variety of classes, workshops and trainings on Holistic Healing, Transformation, Writing and Creativity in the MD/DC/VA area and virtually.  Beth also writes regularly on her own blog, The Heart Of Awakening: Searching For A New Paradigm, an online resource for transformation and healing. To learn more about Beth’s Integrative Transformational Healing Services, visit http://www.bethterrence.com.

Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer:

20% Off All Sessions By Phone/Skype Or In Person In Annapolis, MD Summer is a the perfect time to relax, reflect and renew.  We’ve passed the Solstice so the days are beginning to get shorter once again but the Fire energy of summer is still very strong through July 22nd.  The intensity of this Yang energy can take a toll on our system – it is still very expansive but a part of us is beginning to pull within. With the outward energy of summer, increased social activities and extreme heat and humidity, our systems can more easily move out of balance.  It may not be uncommon to experience fatigue, headaches, and intense waves of emotions during this time.  I invite you to come for a healing session to support your overall balance and ease of well-being.  Take A Break ~ Relax, Reflect & Renew! Integrative Healing Sessions may include Shamanic Healing, Bach Flower Remedies, Zero Balancing, Body/Energy Therapies, Meditation, Holistic Self-Care and other holistic resources to support transformation and healing on all levels – body, mind, emotion and spirit. Learn more about Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer and Integrative Transformational Healing Services in July’s Discover The Healer Within E-News

Where To Connect With Beth:

Website: www.bethterrence.com

Blog: http://theheartofawakening.wordpress.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bethterrence

Twitter: @BethTerrence

Contact: beth@bethterrence.com

     

30 Quotes To Inspire & Ignite Your Writing

YourVoiceMatters2

By Beth Terrence

Heal My Voice Author and Board Member

One of the tools that has helped me to develop as a writer and to support others in getting their words flowing is to have a toolbox of various writing prompts.  A writing prompt simply consists of an idea, word, image, phrase or set of instructions to help you jumpstart your writing.  You may want to use a prompt on the days when you just can’t seem to get the words flowing or you may wish to work with writing prompts as a part of your regular writing practice.

One of my favorite type of writing prompts are quotes.  When looking for inspiration, I look for a quote on a specific topic or theme, such as love, peace or leadership or I may gather as many quotes as I can on that topic and put them all together on one sheet.  Later, I cut them up and put them in my idea box, post them around or save them in a ziploc baggie for future use.  Sometimes when looking for a prompt for the Heal My Voice Chrysalis House weekly writing circle, I will bring a bag of quotes; participants will pick one randomly and then explore what inspiration comes from the quote for their writing that day.

I have found that as a writer, it’s essential to have a variety of tools in your toolbox.  I find quotes to be a great tool for getting my ideas and words flowing.  And, one of my favorite things to do is read quotes by other writers to help me gain insight into the art of writing and the experience of being a writer.  Here are 30 quotes by writers to inspire and ignite your writing:

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ~ Maya Angelou

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”  ~ Ernest Hemingway

“And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” ~ Sylvia Plath

“You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” ~ Madeleine L’Engle

“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  ~ Stephen King

“Substitute ‘damn’ every time you’re inclined to write ‘very;’ your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.” ~ Mark Twain

“You never have to change anything you got up in the middle of the night to write.” ~ Saul Bellow

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” ~ Anais Nin

“You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” ~ Ray Bradbury

“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” ~ Louis L’Amour

“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” ~ Anne Frank

“A word after a word after a word is power.” ~ Margaret Atwood

“Writing is like sex. First you do it for love, then you do it for your friends, and then you do it for money.” ~ Virginia Wolf

“Tears are words that need to be written.” ~ Paulo Coehlo

“Write the kind of story you would like to read. People will give you all sorts of advice about writing, but if you are not writing something you like, no one else will like it either.” ~  Meg Cabot

“The role of a writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.” ~ Anais Nin

“The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” ~ Albert Camus

“I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions.” ~ James A. Michener

“Write what should not be forgotten.” ~ Isabel Allende

“I’ve got the key to my castle in the air, but whether I can unlock the door remains to be seen.” ~ Louisa May Alcott

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” ~ Emily Dickinson

“Breathe-in experience, breathe-out poetry.” ~ Muriel Rukeyser

“Instructions for living a life:
pay attention
be astonished
tell about it” ~ Mary Oliver

“Revision is not going back and fussing around, but going forward into the highly complex and satisfying process of creation” ~ Mary Sarton

“Writing is an extreme privilege but it’s also a gift. It’s a gift to yourself and it’s a gift of giving a story to someone.” ~ Amy Tan

“If you’re going to write a good book, you have to make mistakes and you have to not be so cautious all the time.” ~ Zadie Smith

It’s better to write about things you feel than about things you know about. ~ L. P. Hartley

My aim is to put down what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way I can tell it. ~ Ernest Hemingway

“The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story.” ~ Ursula K. Le Guin

I hope you’ll take some time to explore working with quotes as a writing prompt.  And, if you have any favorite quotes by writers that you would like to share, please drop us a note in the comments below.

Happy Writing!

bethbro

 

Beth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer.  She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years.  This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life.  Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible.  Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.

Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions.  Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal.  Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer.  Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace.  Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013.  Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.

Beth is available for Integrative Transformational Healing Sessions & Programs by Phone/Skype or in person in Annapolis, MD.  She offers a variety of classes, workshops and trainings on Holistic Healing, Transformation, Writing and Creativity in the MD/DC/VA area and virtually.  Beth also writes regularly on her own blog, The Heart Of Awakening: Searching For A New Paradigm, an online resource for transformation and healing. To learn more about Beth’s Integrative Transformational Healing Services, visit http://www.bethterrence.com.

Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer:

20% Off All Sessions By Phone/Skype Or In Person In Annapolis, MD

Summer is a the perfect time to relax, reflect and renew.  We’ve passed the Solstice so the days are beginning to get shorter once again but the Fire energy of summer is still very strong through July 22nd.  The intensity of this Yang energy can take a toll on our system – it is still very expansive but a part of us is beginning to pull within. With the outward energy of summer, increased social activities and extreme heat and humidity, our systems can more easily move out of balance.  It may not be uncommon to experience fatigue, headaches, and intense waves of emotions during this time.  I invite you to come for a healing session to support your overall balance and ease of well-being.  Take A Break ~ Relax, Reflect & Renew!

Integrative Healing Sessions may include Shamanic Healing, Bach Flower Remedies, Zero Balancing, Body/Energy Therapies, Meditation, Holistic Self-Care and other holistic resources to support transformation and healing on all levels – body, mind, emotion and spirit.

Learn more about Beth’s Take A Break Summer Special Offer and Integrative Transformational Healing Services in July’s Discover The Healer Within E-News

Where To Connect With Beth:

Website: www.bethterrence.com

Blog: http://theheartofawakening.wordpress.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bethterrence

Twitter: @BethTerrence

Contact: beth@bethterrence.com

 

Writing as a Daily Practice

By Kathleen Nelson Troyer

Heal My Voice Author and Board Member

 

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I have been wanting to establish a daily writing practice for myself for a long time.  A few weeks ago I decided that it was time to listen to and act on this desire. I set a goal for myself to write for a minimum of 15 minutes every day without any judgment or editing.

I haven’t missed a day yet.  I find myself looking forward to my writing time every day.  Most days, I take some time to meditate before I start writing. I find that it helps me to be grounded, connected, and present before writing. Sometimes the writing topic gets decided during the meditation.

I’m feeling good about this new daily writing practice.  There are days when I sit down and the words flow freely and before I know it an hour has passed. And there are days where it feels challenging to complete 15 minutes.  This writing is for my eyes only, so I don’t feel the need to edit myself.  In fact, the less I edit myself, the more freely the writing seems to flow.  Almost every day has had some form of automatic writing. The wisdom that has come through has felt playful, expansive and surprisingly nourishing.  It is like my soul is speaking to me through my writing. How cool is that??

Since I can write about anything, I am finding myself writing about all sorts of things. Some days I write questions for myself, take a few breaths and then write the answers to the questions.  One day I wrote an outline for the book I am writing this year.  And several days I have added items to my to-do list after the writing period was done. Most days, my soul reminds me that I am guided, guarded and protected at all times.  That is always a welcome reminder…:)

I am a big believer in doing something every day that brings you closer to your desires, goals and dreams.  Developing this daily practice of writing supports my goals and helps me to stay connected to my inner wisdom, which by the way is one of my core desired feelings.

I want to invite you to join me in developing a daily practice for yourself.  It may be writing or it may be something else that you desire, but haven’t carved out the time and made the comittment to yourself.  There is something magical about being so committed to something that you carve out time every day for it.

How often do you write?  Do you write daily?  Do you have any rituals that you do to establish a writing space for yourself? Any tips for aspiring writers?

Please feel free to share any questions, answers or thoughts in the comments section below.

Here’s to developing a daily practice of your own!

Kat

 

kathleen_0006Kathleen Nelson Troyer is the founder of Gently Moving Forward and CEO of Jigsaw Staffing Solutions Inc.  She works with organizations and individuals as a human resources consultant, trainer, career coach and mentor.  She is passionate about facilitating aligned connections between people and organizations. Kat coaches her clients to become more congruent in their work and personal lives.

Kat has been studying human potential, psychology and transformation for the past 25 years.  She holds master level certifications in coaching, NLP, and Ericksonian Hypnosis. She has an expansive toolkit of holographic, mindset, and healing modalities. Kat believes in the power of forgiveness, love and gratitude to create massive positive shifts in our lives.

She leads intensive individual and group retreats and facilitates family and systemic constellations.  Kat lives in a seaside cottage with a magical garden about 25 miles south of San Francisco near Half Moon Bay, California with her fabulous husband John, their dog and three cats.

Kat has participated as an author in three Heal My Voice book circles:  Empowered Voices, Harmonic Voices and Voices of Feminine Leadership.  She wrote the blessing for Voices of Love.  Her experience with Heal My Voice has helped her to step into greater leadership in her business and her life.  So much so that she joined our board.

 

Kat’s upcoming events:

Join Kat for her 4 week tele-class Gently Moving Forward from Clutter to Clarity this coming September.  Tell her that Heal My Voice sent you and receive a free extra coaching session to support you during the program.

Journey Into Being Retreat November 2nd through 5th.

Join Kat and and Empowered Voices Author Coach Elizabeth Love in the Outer Banks of North Carolina as we retreat, vision and align with our ability to powerfully move forward and claim the life we desire. We will explore the natural beauty of Crystal Coast and call on our higher selves to bring aligned clarity into our lives.  Expect deep connection, laughter and profound growth, in a loving and safe environment. Space is filling up quickly. Reserve your spot now! It is going to be amazing!

http://gentlymovingforward.net/journey-into-being-retreat/

 

Gently Moving Forward around the web

Website:  www.gentlymovingforward.net

Facebook: Like the Gently Moving Forward Page for daily inspiration.

Twitter: @dailykat

Contact: kat@gentlymovingforward.net