The
Consciousness Collaborative Update
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Register for Upcoming Classes & Events
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Free Class August 10th 
An Introduction to What's Next?! "What's Next?! was TRANSFORMATIONAL for me!" -Julie Punishill For many of us, unconscious limiting beliefs hold us back from living the life we want. We may have a sense that we want something more, something new; we may even be able to picture it, but getting from here to there feels impossible. During this introductory evening, lead by Joanne Lutz , creator of the What's Next?! Workshop series, you will have an opportunity to discover one of your own limiting beliefs, and begin to know that it is possible to move through the obstacles that block you to live the life you want by using resources that are already within you. Bonus - A couple of past participants will be joining us for this two hour class! From them you may learn, first-hand, how participating in the What's Next?! Workshop series supported their personal journey forward. Are you ready to take your first step toward What's Next?! Free Public Event! August 10th ~ 7-9pm Arlington, MA Register On-Line Note - this class has been re-invented! If you've taken it before, try it again! |
Release Your Inner Athlete
Nov. 11th - 13th
This November join Lisa Andrews as she facilitates an Equilibrium Retreat at the beautiful PGA National Resort and Spa in West Palm Beach, Florida. Each retreat invites participants of all levels to connect with their physical, emotional, and mindful health and vitality. Through vigorous physical practice - designed to bring you into balance, increased breath awareness, clarified goals, and a genuine connection with self, participants experience increased energy and leave with training ideas and tools to use in daily life at home. Lisa's unique program reveals, for each person, the obstacles blocking the path to fully living life and maximizing the athlete within.
As a guide to your inner athlete, Lisa's focused attention to detail sets her apart in the personal training world. And most importantly, she practices what she preaches about life balance. During this retreat, she will provide both support and a model for how to incorporate into each day of work, time for play, meditation, and inward reflection.
Equilibrium Retreats November 11th - 13th PGA National Resort and Spa West Palm Beach, FL Register On-Line and Learn about our advance registration discounts! |
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Most of us are aware of the importance of drinking enough water. Getting our daily requirement of water helps our organs perform their functions, keeps our skin clear and hydrated, and allows physical action in our bodies to flow smoothly. Even with this knowledge, it can still be challenging to drink all the water our bodies deserve daily. In the summer, when we tend to play hard, sweat, and spend prolonged time in the sun, drinking plenty of water is critical. Those who are not drinking enough may experience poor digestion, sluggish thinking, skin breakouts, headaches, bad breath and general fatigue.
To start your day right, set a large glass of water by your bed each night and drink it when you wake up. When the first thing that flows through your body each morning is water, it pulls out toxins left over from the previous day and freshens your system for the day ahead. Keep a bottle of water accessible throughout the day, whether you are on the go or at a desk. Having one close by will remind you to take a sip when thirsty. The first sip will usually let you know how much more water you need. A sip or two may be enough, or you may need a big glass. If you drink most of your daily water before early evening, you most likely will not be thirsty before bed. This is good, because drinking before bed and then waking to use the bathroom disturbs your peaceful night's sleep.
What about quality? Some people like bottled water, while others prefer filtered water. The key is to like the taste of the water you are drinking, and the water should agree with your body. If the taste of plain water is unappealing, experiment to see how you can make it tasty and drinkable. Try adding a few mint leaves, a wedge of lemon, a sprig of parsley, slices of cucumber, a twist of lime or a squeeze of orange to make water more tempting, or to jazz up your routine. Also, drinking tea or juice and eating raw fruits and vegetables contribute to the hydration process. So, splash in the waves, swim in the sun, drink plenty of water and enjoy the summer fun!
-Contributed by
Nathalie Blitz
of Vitamin N
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Recipe
of the
Month
Ginger Drink
Prep Time: 7 mins
Cook Time: 24 hours
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh ginger root
- 2 quarts of water
- juice of 2 limes
- maple syrup or agave nectar to taste
Directions:
1. Thinly peel the fresh ginger, grate and mix with water in a large saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 4 minutes. Cover the pan, turn off the heat and leave for 24 hrs.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve.
4. Add the lime juice and maple syrup or agave. Stir until dissolved. Serve chiled.
-Contributed by
Nathalie Blitz
of Vitamin N
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Recently, a client shared a story with me of the mighty prince and the young peasant boy. You may have heard it before...if not, you may wish to read it.
The story reminded me that I've often thought about creating a workshop titled, "The Power of Vulnerability." I wonder who would be brave enough to sign up...including me, if I weren't facilitating it? We hold such myths about power: "knowledge is power," a man on Wall Street wears a "power suit," our world is powered by electricity, which can be lethal; and yet, what touches you most deeply? What memories do you hold most dear? For the month of July, I participated in Michael Neill's " Creating the Impossible" program. One support aspect of the program was a forum for participants to post their goals, challenges, and successes. Of all the folks on the forum, I was consistently attracted to this one woman, who is a coach in the Midwest. Each time she shared with the group, you could feel her presence, openness, and trust. There was no shield of protection (power suit), she didn't always have the answers (knowledge is power), and while I perceive her as a dynamo, she shared herself with gentle directness. For me, she illustrated the power of vulnerability beautifully. I felt supported by her and she elicited in me a desire to extend support to her. I believe we often get caught in power struggle rather than standing in the power of our own vulnerability. The power of vulnerability knows: no matter what happens, we are not defined by anything or anyone outside of us, we simply are. And each time we stand in that space of being, knowing that we are worthy of love and connection, we share ourselves openly and invite others to do the same. The power of that invitation...the power of that beingness is a power born of love. As corny as it sounds, when we truly love ourselves, we don't feel the desire to have power over another person or a situation. When we truly love ourselves (and this is a moment to moment proposition), we don't beat ourselves up for what we're not or what we think we are (which is usually a learned label that has nothing to do with you). So, for today, I invite you to take a few moments and be in love with you. Appreciate all of who you are so that it fills you from the tips of your toes to the roots of your hair. And bring that feeling with you, out into the world, and see what happens when you stand in your power. That's what the boy in the story did and he could not be conquered. Just before publishing, I found this fabulous TED video of Brene Brown talking about the "Power of Vulnerability." It's absolutely worth the 20 minutes to watch it. With the power of love,
Joanne Lutz Third Option Coaching Founder of The Consciousness Collaborative www.TheCCsite.com ~ www.WhatsNextWorkshop.com Joanne@TheCCsite.com ~ ph. 617-827-0803 |
Relaxation and Exercise  "Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Summer is often a time for serious play, time off and deep relaxation. Many of us use the summertime to rebuild our reserves for the rest of the busy year. In our work-crazed society we can lose sight of the benefits of slowing down and taking time to rest. Now that summer is in full swing, it's time to enjoy the restorative powers of reconnecting to your body through movement and relaxation.
Summer is a unique time of year when we can do both our relaxation and our movement out in nature. Take a nap in a hammock and enjoy the smell of freshly cut grass. Go to the park and meditate or read under a favorite tree. One of the greatest places to rest in the summertime is by the water. There is something magical and restorative in water, and we naturally crave to be near it, by it or in it. Heading to the water, whether it is the beach, a lake, or a kiddie pool, can be relaxing and rejuvenating.
Just as much as the body loves to relax, the body loves to move. Even though our body is most healthy when it is getting appropriate physical activity, we often feel dread and boredom when we hear the word "exercise." Think for a moment of what type of movement you would consider fun, as opposed to torturous. Perhaps you loathe the idea of a gym, but miss taking dance classes. Maybe you secretly want to try yoga or rollerblading. You could play touch football with your kids, walk with a neighbor in the mornings or go for a swim. The summer offers so many choices - it's simply up to you to choose which style of movement excites you. Your heart will thank you, your soul will be gratified, your limbs will be more fluid and you'll sleep better at night.
Whether you are relaxing, exercising, or both, notice that being outside in nature has a profound way of quieting the mind and reconnecting us to ourselves. Often this relaxation and peace of mind are what our bodies crave the most. So while summer is with us, strap on your sandals and enjoy to the fullest the rich elements of sun, wind and water and the nourishment that they bring. -Contributed by Nathalie Blitz of Vitamin N |
Fitness Support:
Plan of Action
Ready for your Plan of Action? If you've been following this thread, you've removed obstacles blocking your fitness objectives and clarified your goals . This month, I invite you to jump off the hamster wheel of "I should" and map out a plan for achieving the result you desire. Several factors contribute to creating a successful Plan of Action. I'll include each component here for a real-life illustration.
Let's say you've always had the goal of running a 5K race. Let's make it a reality!
Action: First, find a 5K race held before October 15th, 10 weeks provides enough time to train and a deadline. Then, sign up immediately. This committed action supports forward movement.
Resources: Perhaps you are unsure of how much time to devote to reaching your objective or maybe you dislike the gym you belong to (sounds like an obstacle). Determine what additional help you need, and allow yourself to receive the support. I know it can be challenging to accept that we need help, yet it's part of our humanity. People frequently need support to reach their fitness goals. Asking for help is a mark of your commitment to yourself and your body. Be willing to request the resources you need; the very act of asking could make all the difference in your success.
Time: Ask yourself, "Do I need to adjust my work schedule or reprioritize my daily 'to-do' list in support of my goal?" You may notice you have two strength training workouts scheduled per week and still need to fit in your jogging time. Consider going into work an hour early so you may leave at 5pm sharp instead of your usual 6:30pm. As a bonus, you may discover you are more productive during that early hour when no one is around, leaving you with energy to hit the gym before heading home.
Organizing: Taking into consideration the time you have created to achieve your goal, sketch out a map. Your initial map might look like this:
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Mondays & Thursdays
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Tuesdays and Saturdays
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6pm-7pm Jog/Walk/Stretch
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6pm-7pm Strength Training
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Once you've determined your schedule, honor these set days/times as if you were attending a required work meeting or a parent/teacher conference - something you wouldn't dream of missing. Remember, tending to your own physical and emotional well-being exudes positive energy to those around you, including your spouse, children, work, and friends. The center of your world changes when you make the commitment to take care of yourself - and that changes everything.
Zoom In: Now, break your map down week-by-week into specific, simple, and straight forward actions. Design your weekly progress to give your body the time needed to train and integrate the new exercise. A sensible plan allows time for body recovery while preventing injuries and creating long-term success. Get into the nitty-gritty of it. Have a new action step to check off your detailed map weekly, giving you a clear direction of how to move forward (like the zoom feature of your GPS).
My First 5K: I have always found running hard for me and my body, so a 5K run was not a goal that came to me independently. When living in Bermuda, friends signed up to run in a 5K and they wanted me to join them. Every social gathering I got the question! Soon I found myself committing to this foolish task, but needed a plan. I grilled my friends for training tips, as they were experienced runners who had many 5K notches in their belts. I discovered, ultimately, that they supported me best when I asked to train with them. To ask felt like eating a piece of humble pie, but tasting their graciousness was divine. This help was the key to my success for sure. They already had a proven plan of action; I simply adjusted it to serve me best and ran with it, literally...
If you would like a sample map to get you moving in the right direction, email me. I will gladly send you a detailed example of a 5K training program that you may use as a model for your personal Plan of Action.
-Contributed by Lisa Andrews of Equilibrium Retreats |
Meditating with SpongeBob  | |
Image borrowed from "Free Extras" on the web.
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"If you can sit, there is no need for meditations . . . But can you sit? There is the crux of the whole problem. Can you sit? Can you just sit doing nothing? If that is possible -- just sit, do nothing -- everything settles by itself, everything simply flows by itself. You are not needed to do anything. But the problem is -- can you sit?" - Osho, Yoga, Vol 3 Many days when I saunter home from work, my kids are engrossed in SpongeBob cartoons, drinking in the constant motion of the lead character, a sea sponge; his pal Patrick, a Starfish in swimtrunks; and their multiple friends and misadventures. I do tend to laugh when I watch with them, but find I'm usually exhausted by episode's end. Each is 10-15 minutes long, but the camera "shots" tend to flicker from one to the other so quickly that my whole body is in a hyper state. With this type of input all around us, it's no wonder many of us find it so difficult to meditate. Sit quietly with no input? How? How do we slow down the mind that's running like crazy? And when we do slow it down, what do we do with the remaining thoughts? They're not always flattering, and they're not always easy to be with. So, what to do? As we're all individuals, what will work for me might not work well for you, so my main suggestion is to try different methods until you find ones that support you. But in broad, general categories, a few things that might help are as follows: 1) Begin by honoring your practice and "setting the table." You might find that meditating in the same physical location every day helps to quickly remind your being of your intention. Tenzin Rinpoche recommends the Tibetan Bon tradition of the Nine Purification Breaths as a way to quickly clear the space for your practice. Or, the 4-4-8 breathing practice, or simply several deep breaths, letting go completely on the outbreath, might work for you. Whatever the technique, allow yourself time to drop in to you. 2) Connect to the heart of you. I like to put on soft music that touches me-it helps me to let go of all the voices and criticisms and connect to the pure, clear, natural core of me. You might find that connecting to a moment in your life when everything was perfect, and fully feeling it through your being, supports you. Whatever gets you to the heart space can you help you let go of the many voices that come up during the remainder of the meditation. 3) Active meditations. Osho has a series of active mediations that can get the energy in your body moving and cleared so that there's space for meditation to begin. I particularly connect with the Dynamic and Kundalini meditations. May you find laughter with the Spongebob's of your life and also space for peace on your journey! Join me for the next monthly meditation! -Contributed by Jamie Thurber |
Meeting What's Next?!
"I am so glad I listened to
my instincts about doing this program a second time!
I really feel like I put everything I had into it and I got more than I could have ever imagined out of it."
- Valerie Tyler
(WNW Spring 2009 & 2011)
If what you want is truly possible...what would you choose for yourself? For many, this question presents a challenge. Fear blocks the path of even contemplating what we might want.
And even when we can visualize our intentions, we all get pulled off course occasionally. This workshop is designed to support your ability to connect with your essential self and the unique gifts that manifest from that core, to live the life you want. The essential self is the only part of you who can take conscious steps to your personal What's Next?! Through this program, creator and facilitator, Joanne Lutz, offers a process to come back to your essence again and again to meet whatever may be next for you.
If you...
- are interested in making profound and tangible change
- want to access the courage to live the life you want, and;
- wish to make decisions from your best self again and again, supported by that undeniable power already inside you
...discover the What's Next?! Workshop series.
Being all of who we are truly requires time, tools, practice, and choice. Through playful exercises, one to one small group coaching, lively discussions and active meditations, you will get to practice...practice...practice...trusting yourself to choose, in every moment, What's Next?! From this place, that which is not only possible, but your right and purpose will emerge.
What's Next?! Workshop Beginning September 23rd & 24th (see full schedule) Facilitated by Joanne Lutz Register On-Line Today! Sign up before August 5th and save $240.00 on your tuition Read what past participants say about their experience. |
Meditation of the Month
Antidote for Rejection
This mindfulness exercise is inspired by Michael Neill, from his audio presentation, Effortless Success. If you haven't listened to this recording before, it's absolutely worth the time.
Fear of rejection halts us from being all of who we are like little else. When you are presented with a situation that you fear may result in rejection, whether you are interviewing for a job, preparing for a blind date, trying to obtain services from your child's school, or simply walking into a situation where you feel you don't fit in, try this.
Bring to mind someone who loves you. Actually, it may be a pet, a spiritual or universal energy, your bowling buddies or your quilting guild. Regardless, in the presence of this being you know you are accepted for who you truly are. You can feel yourself belonging. Neill would refer to it as your "tribe."
For a few moments, allow yourself to experience the sensations of how you feel when you are in the presence of your tribe. Notice what you see, hear, smell and feel...really allow yourself to be immersed in that feeling. And when you've got it, brush your hands down your chest and off your lap (like a ski slope), discarding any negative thoughts or feelings that may attempt to intrude, and sealing in the love.
Know that, no matter what may come in the moments, meeting, or day ahead, you have a place in the world. So, whatever may come your way, your value is not at stake. And more than that, your survival is not at stake, because you have a place in the world already.
Facing the world from this solid ground of safety shifts the balance of power. What matters most cannot be taken from you. It's very much in alignment with the power of love sentiments expressed in this month's "Myth of Power" article. The beauty of this power is always within you.
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