Tag: resistance

May12

What To Do When Mindfulness Gets Harder, Not Easier

by Cheryl Brewster

None of us is exempt from change.
Some of it’s hard.
Some of it’s easy.
All of it requires awareness because change usually requires a different action.

When faced with that difference we can retreat, regress, resist…. Or we can be observant, compassionate and choose better feeling thoughts that free us from “judgement stuckness.”

As we continue along the Mindfulness Journey we’ll often have those moments when the “old (primal) brain” kicks in… it’s only job is our survival and if there’s even a whiff of danger, it’s worry mechanism steps in to stop (protect) us wherever it can.

I’ve begun to look at this “temporary amnesia” as a chance to reboot my system…. One of those reboots includes writing out my “I Did It!” list for the past week (or day). It always reveals an undercurrent of power and flow that the old, primal brain just doesn’t have the capacity to see. This step is important because the more we grow in mindfulness, the more the old primal brain will kick in… good to know so we can acknowledge that like a child having a tantrum when it gets scared, our brain is sending a signal that we can acknowledge but not become paralyzed by.  In fact science proves this!

Author/neuro-science researcher Mark Robert Waldman reports that the brain rewards itself with the pleasure neurochemical dopamine every time you savor even the smallest success, and that dopamine programs the brain to work harder and accomplish more goals. He says that “business success (and to a large extent, personal success) depends on the act of writing.  Studies show that when you think about a problem or a desire, your language-based centers in your neocortex go too fast for the more ancient parts of your motivational brain to respond to. Writing slows down your thoughts, and brief phrases will stimulate your brain to take action.”

Use your whole brain – slow down, be mindful. Write!

When we add Mindfulness to the writing process we are reminded that as we switch gears from one part of the brain to the other, it really is safe to do so. It becomes “safe” to make change. This is potently true in goal setting, and by celebrating past successes, we are feeding future ones.

Take a minute…

Write out your “I Did It!” list for the past week…. You’ll be delightfully surprised… you’ll be seeing your life from another

perspective that feeds resiliency and present moment awareness. You’ll be building on your personal and business success because you’ll be feeding your brain (let alone your self-esteem).  Email us for your complimentary “I Did It! worksheet if you don’t have one yet! It goes into greater detail of how you can create an “Intuitive Storyboard” of your life that combines writing, vision-boarding, synchronicity and understanding how archetypes can both empower and impede your journey.

Are you in career transition, relationship challenges or some other change? Remember! You have the capacity to handle whatever comes your way. Just because you have a dis-empowering thought doesn’t mean you have to believe it. As Einstein said, we need to remember that the mind is the servant rather than the master and let intuition lead, THEN use the mind to support the process. As you are riding the wave of change, it may feel uncertain, even scary, but with mindfulness, the wave can re-framed. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, we can choose curiosity, creativity to find meaning. The wave is transformed to one that is teaching us mastery, filled with new ideas, inspiration and eventually, yes, even FUN!

I’m here to support you in your Mindfulness/Change Journey with personal and business intuitive consults and coaching as well as on-line and at your facility team training.
Here’s to your “I Did It! Moments!

Cheryl Brewster is a Personal and Business Intuitive, specializing in Mindfulness to reduce stress for peace, meaning and success in life and business. If you’d like to learn more about one on one consultations/coaching or group presentations, please call us at 604-781-4022 or email us. We’d love to hear from you!

Jan14

Your Life Vision – Go For It!

by Cheryl Brewster

Vision… what possibilities can you create, say yes to this year?

“If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
~ Nora Roberts

What is your vision for this year? What plans have you made to incorporate your highest aspirations and goals?
Perhaps you’re clear – and perhaps you’re not.  But this one thing is certain… as per the quote above, if you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.

Oftentimes the most simple concepts are ones we miss because they appear too obvious.  To facilitate clear thinking and developing more ability to “stay present,” the following are helpful:

1. Defrag your mind in nature; the ocean or the forest provide restorative moments so necessary to good health and a clear mind.
2. Are you focused on solutions or problems?
3. Do an inventory… where are you acting/not acting on what you most want?
4. What are 3 small things you can do today to focus and take action on what you DO want?
5. What are you grateful for?

Notice that where you have gratitude in life, things are probably bubbling along nicely. There’s most likely trust,  peace and prosperity in these areas.
Notice where you do not have gratitude, that you get into trouble? Is there peace and prosperity in these areas? Are you trusting yourself?
Our attention will grow whatever we’re focused on, so get good at going into the “unknown” where solutions exist but may not be apparent yet.

As you head into the this month and the rest of the year, what do you want to grow?
They key to effectiveness is dropping self discovery and self development.

A big part of Visioning is taking time out to breathe and do a quick inventory; it allows us to course correct and get excited about our emerging vision again. Personal effectiveness can only grow as we evaluate and course correct.  The key is kindness and compassion – they are relevant task masters by reducing resistance – the obstacle to true growth and change.

How can you incorporate kindness and compassion as practical strategy in moving forward? Part of why we don’t go after what we want is because we shut ourselves down… we may see our dreams and goals as too impossible. Kindness doesn’t do that… it allows, invites and shows a different way. It makes peace with the willingness to be in the wilderness of the unknown, where your intuition resides, waiting for you to call on it.

Cheryl Brewster is a Business Intuitive and Transformational Coach, assisting clients in digging deeper to live truly authentic, effective lives.  To stay current with upcoming Visioning events and to be receive daily inspiring quotes; there are two places to sign up on her website…. or to explore an intuitive session or coaching program, contact here.

Oct21

Entrepreneurs – Is your Vision too big or too small?

by Cheryl Brewster

http://blogtalk.vo.llnwd.net/o23/show/5/546/show_5546967.mp3

Hello fellow entrepreneurs!
Intuition plays such a key role in identifying the vision for  business and choice points along the way, including course correcting when needed.  Begin with the end in mind is the big picture vision. However we must also be willing to embrace the small vision too: those less glamorous, boring, mundane tasks that challenge our patience and follow-through.

Keeping the intuitive process clean and clear to support our vision includes:

1. Inspired, authentic action
In the coaching world, the standard question is… are you taking massive action?
The key to effectiveness is to ensure that this massive action is in alignment with our values and vision, which requires attention and time. As a Conscious Changemaker / entrepreneur, you know when you are creating that space or not. You also know that doubt or resistance to taking massive action is removed when you re-align yourself with your values and your vision.

2. Use your Imagination to be in the “feeling state” of your Vision.  
The dictionary describes vision as: vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation: visions of wealth and glory….
The more room / time we make for imagination, the more creativity / innovation are transformed into measurable results for ongoing prosperity.

3. Trust the intuitive impulse within you… be willing to do things differently
We’ve all gone through this as entrepreneurs… you’re under a deadline and need to get things done… you might be getting a little tense… your mind tells you to keep at it…your heart tells you to get up, stretch and go for a short walk.  The inner conflict begins. These are perfect opportunities to stretch your intuitive muscles… a mind in conflict with itself reveals opportunities for growth. Take a step back and remember the big picture… intuition does not communicate with a sense of desperation… the ego mind on the other hand, will. It does not like change! Be willing to mix things up a bit, be willing to go for a short walk, even a one minute walk… and in that time, refocus on your vision… remember… that “vivid, imaginative conception or anticipation of wealth and glory.”  Let that wealth and glory be here now, in the wealth of positive thoughts and the glory of feeling more at peace, and in alignment with action that comes from that inspired, authentic place within you.

Prosperity is a state of mind… your intuition is constantly guiding you to this state… it’s big! Let the mundane details be immersed in vision too… it propels you forward, from a place of gratitude, possibility and inspiration… Intuition and Vision… inspired, authentic action in the details!

Here’s some “sage wisdom” to take with you:

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”  Patanjali

All man’s well-being depends upon two things: One is the right choice of aim, the other lies in the finding of the actions that lead to that end. – Aristotle

Cheryl Brewster is a Professional Intuitive specializing in coaching/mentoring Conscious Changemakers; business people and individuals committed to living the bigger vision of their lives and business.  www.TheIntuitiveLife.com

 

 

 

 

Oct10

Prosperity Thinking and Gratitude

by Cheryl Brewster

I’m so grateful for the guiding principles that have inspired my life. Introduced by Steven Covey in his popular book,  The Seven Habits of Highly Effective people, the following simple phrase is one of the most powerful intuitive tools I’ve used:

“Begin with the end in Mind.”

Take a moment and a couple of deep breaths to reflect on this concept, and perhaps you, like me, will notice the following.

Begin with the End in Mind:

  • Immediately connects you to Prosperity; that bigger picture of inspiration and possibility that is always available when you direct your focus to it.
  • Activates the flow of intelligence that dynamically transforms difficulty into “I can do it!” inspired action
  • Reveals solutions  or new directions not accesible by the logical mind
  • Brings clarity and reveals limiting beliefs that you can drop with more ease
  • Connects you to your body wisdom and visual mind’s eye, where you “just know” or “see the optimal thing to do”

As a Conscious Changemaker  building your personal prosperity from the inside out, consider these 10 Tips:

  1. Identify a current challenge in your life and focus on “the End in in Mind”; notice the ideas that “pop” into your awareness
  2. Use an intuitive journal…. write down the ideas, “knowings,” images and inspirations that appear
  3. Jot down the synchronicities that occur; how are they related to your End in Mind reflection?
  4. Use visualization to go deeper; use imagination; let the scene play out, like watching a movie.
  5. Notice that over time, positive thought and feeling really do transform fear, so this becomes a Good Habit!
  6. Use the phrase as a mantra to bring focus. It will override doubt and the gravitational pull of staying stuck
  7. Use it as a practice  to generate more personal power
  8. You will forget from time to time.  The ABC’s of Intuition will help you to remember… Aware, Breathe, Connect to the End in Mind to get back on track
  9. Practice, practice, practice!
  10. Include kindness, compassion – they accelerate the process of awakening authentic power

While intuition lies beyond the logical, rational mind, thoughts and feelings are ENERGY…. when we master our focus and feelings, we become masters of this energy…. we begin to direct it more consciously; we keep our vision on the End in Mind so that despite challenges, we take small, consistent steps forward. Those small steps comprise the big leaps possible only by being AWARE of where we are focused or distracted, so we can kindly and compassionately course correct.

We can’t underestimate the power of imagination in activating our intuition…. Einstein recalled how, at the age of 16, he imagined chasing after a beam of light and how this experiment  played a memorable role in his development of special relativity.

The Intuitive Life is comprised of benefits that begin with the End in Mind. They are many…. what are they for you? Do you, like me….

  • feel more empowered and reminded that you have personal freedom and choice?
  • remember that no matter what happens, you are tapped into optimum solution at all times?
  • build your  “commitment muscles” that over time, automatically relax those “resistance muscles”?
  • consciously, deliberately choose more fun and joy as you  awaken into your true nature?
  • feel more inspired and grateful for the abundance and prosperity that is already here?

Begin with the End in Mind truly is Prosperity Thinking and Gratitude. From that place in my heart to yours; Happy Thanksgiving!

About Intuitive Development:  As a renowned personal and business intuitive, Cheryl Brewster coaches individuals and entrepreneurs in bringing more joy and satisfaction to life and business.  See TheIntuitiveLife.com for more information on mentor programs, teleseminars and events. 

 

 

Aug06

What is Intuition?

by Cheryl Brewster

This youtube video defines intuition as your inner knowing without the use of conscious reasoning…. when you have a “gut sense or just know”  important information.  Intuition is the “zest to life… what calls you to hidden delights in life (prosperity) that you may be overlooking or resisting in some way.

Important questions to ask yourself:

  • What is intuition to you?
  • Remember the last time you had a valid intuition?
  • What were you doing at the time?
  • How did you “know” this was a valid intuition?

Your own experience is the best intuitive training…. the question is, are you taking the time for it? Especially when it comes to prosperity in your life or your business?

Consider the Research
Michael Ray, PhD. has taught Personal Creativity in Business as a course in Stanford’s MBA program and shares five truths about intuition, that many business people find difficult to accept at first.  Dr. Ray believes that as people begin to apply these truths, they begin to develop their intuition in spectacular ways-in business and in life:

1. Intuition must be developed.
Each of us has intuition within us, but we must accept the responsibility for our individual style of intuition and its development.

2. Intuition and reason are complements.
It is the combination of reason, experience, information and intuition that is so powerful.

3. Intuition is unemotional.
It is paying attention clearly to the most appropriate alternative that comes from the creative Essence.

4. Intuition requires action.
Follow-through is key to successful use of intuition in business. It requires timely hard work.

5. Intuition is mistake free.
There will always be “rational” reasons to support intuitive leaps. Beyond this we must have absolute faith that the intuitive part of us does not make mistakes.

Those who accept using intuition in business do so in many ways; decision making, creative planning, product development, stress management, team building, communication, and many others. As people begin to see business as a place for Conscious Change which includes awareness of human, personal development, they begin to see advanced intuition as critical to both personal and business growth. They begin to use intuition to discover and take action on the unlimited innovative ideas that affect their personal and professional lives.

It all begins with Awareness and the Choice to develop Intuition further; to differentiate it from the voice of fear or the inner critic.  Consider the impact this could have in your personal and professional life!

If you find this topic insightful and intriguing, consider developing your intuition further as it relates to prosperity in the services offered by Cheryl Brewster of The Intuitive Life both local and online:

1. A clairvoyant reading to determine where you’re at and the possibilities at play
2. Private coaching through an Intuitive Mentor Program
3. Group Teleseminars focusing on Intuition and Prosperity
4. Intuitive Self-Study Prospecting Program

What is intuition to you? Make it count!

Jun13

Yes! Bust the procrastination habit with intuition!

by Cheryl Brewster

Are you feeling a tad overwhelmed? Or maybe a lot?!

I can SO relate and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this…. procrastination like overwhelm is a form of resistance that can easily become a habit. Unconscious, unhealthy habits will catch up with us.

The cool thing about growing your intuition, is that it’s an incredible diagnostic tool.  It will:

  • Let you know what you need to become more aware of
  • Help you identify strategies to become more effective
  • Never indulge in blame or self-recrimination
  • Offer immediate solutions
  • Help you remember your passion, so you have the energy to tackle procrastination and other bad habits

“Letting it….” That’s the key… what if we’re actually sitting on “easy,” but refusing to see our lives that way? Hmmm…. that could put a whole new twist on why we procrastinate!  Intuition needs to become a discipline of listening. And then one of action… I call that the willingness to Take Your Stand, to commit to a deeper level of the meaning of life; the willingness to do things differently.

We can all fall into the procrastination pit from time to time, but when too much procrastination shows up, it’s a red alert telling you that something is not in alignment and needs to be addressed immediately. Procrastination keeps you from enjoying true prosperity in life so it’s important to stay on top of it. Here’s a list of the top reasons why we procrastinate and what we can do about them:

1. Not having a clear objective
2. Resisting things you find unpleasant
3. Big projects that seem too daunting to start
4. An inability to make decisions
5. An Inability to prioritize
6. A fear of failure
7. Distractions
8. Vague goals
9. Trying to do too much

To get back into alignment as quickly as possible,
1. Think of your Intuition as your Inner CEO, the one with all the answers, whose expertise is guiding you to success. Take a moment to get centred, clear your mental screen, breathe, and ask it about the problem. Notice what you get. Be willing to let go of what’s no longer effective and ask for the solution or guidance to help you change your game plan

2. If there is chronic procrastination in a certain area, ask your Inner CEO for more details – this can surface internal conflicts you were not aware of, so you can course correct

3. Intuitive discernment can be a bit tricky because we may be listening to our fears rather than our internal CEO… how can you tell the difference? The bottom line is practice, practice, practice and the willingness to risk and make mistakes along the way. A general rule of thumb is that even in the midst of uncertainty, the voice of intuition will have specific solutions, it will have a sense of calm or lightness, and you will feel empowered rather than disempowered. The voice of fear will have scarcity attached to it, have heavy or harsh tone, and will leave you feeling scattered or ineffective rather than capable and hopeful.

4. Ask yourself if you will continue to allow procrastination to be more important than the your purpose, passion, goal or objective

5. Know what your distractions are and minimize them; set a timer where you will do NOTHING else but your task.

6. Be specific; Most procrastinators have a hard time defining quantities. We think everything needs to be done NOW. Define one goal; what are you going to do, when, and for how long?

7. To combat fear of failure…. mix it up, try different things: Some goals you can agree to do really “badly”; let go of perfection and needing to get it all done NOW

8. Keep your energy field clean and clear by focusing on “Your Stand” – that present tense, positive mindset that keeps you in the NOW. Meditate on it, visualize and use your clearing techniques; this helps to reduce fuzzy thinking and puts your Intuitive or Higher Self back in the driver’s seat.

9. Make your vision bigger than any obstacles that come up by knowing what inspires you and creating the time and space for it.

This is a big topic; the bottom line is to be kind, gentle yet firm with yourself; intuitive development is a process – it takes times, consistency and commitment. Like any other muscle, your intuitive muscle is made stronger through resistance. Stay positive and motivated by continually expanding your positive, high frequency energy field by visualizing and enjoying the fruits of your labour as if they are here NOW. That is you taking your stand for both prosperity and advanced intuition. And that, is what helps to bust the procrastination habit!

This blog is an excerpt from the “Self-Study Intuitive Prospecting Program.”

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Cheryl Brewster is a personal and business intuitive who employs intuitive readings and mentoring programs to assist entrepreneurs in taking their business and personal lives to the next level.