| This Month's Quote |
"Everything is so dangerous that nothing is really very frightening."
Gertrude Stein |
| The Wisdom of the Body |
Mark your calendar now for Saturday, October 11. Jan Motley, CHTP, and I will be teaching The Wisdom of the Body at Soul of Yoga. This is a class that will give you a new understanding and appreciation of your wonderful body!
Tuition $95
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| Self-Discovery Sessions with Judy |
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Treat Yourself to a Personal Expressive Arts Self-Discovery Session! Call 760.436.8848 to learn more.
Click here for information about the power of expressive arts! |
| Help Yourself! |
All my newsletters are archived on my website on the Newsletters page. Here you'll find all my past creativity newsletters as well as my monthly marketing tips on topics like writing your elevator speech, creating a marketing plan and free and low-cost ways to market your business. | |
| Greetings!
Many of us are experiencing a lot of fear these days. It comes in many forms-news broadcasts, stock market reports, that "reduced" sign atop the realty sign on the house next door and in layoff notices. There seems to be so much fear in the air that it's absolutely palpable. Fear makes us feel smaller, less competent and less in control. It can sap our creative juices just when we need them the most.
Using our creativity is essential to overcoming our fears so we can forward in our lives. Let's look at a few creative ways to alleviate anxiety and worry.
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Before we get started, here are a couple of things to remember about this topic.
1. As any Marketing 101 textbook will tell you, the main reason people are likely to buy a product is--you guessed it--fear! If advertisers can capitalize on and magnify your fears, you will be more likely to buy their products, watch their television shows, etc. So remember the next time something in the media triggers you, you are likely being manipulated. It sounds diabolical, but it's true.
2. Worry is a form of prayer. By focusing on what you fear, you are giving it energy, and this is the last thing you want to do.
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Five Creative Ways to Deal with Fear
 Recognize and Reframe Your Thoughts
This takes some practice, but it's the very best way to change your thinking. Take mini-breaks in your day to get quiet and notice what you're feeling. If it's a negative emotion, identify the thought behind it. Write it down, and then reframe the thought into a more positive one. Create an affirmation using your new positive thought. Example: If you are feeling fear around your finances, you may be thinking, "I won't have enough money to pay my bills." Affirm "I have all that I need, today and always." Your subconscious mind will respond to your thoughts-so make them about what you want rather than what you don't want!
Stop to Play
When we're feeling fearful-especially when it comes to finances-our natural tendency is to work harder and longer. By taking time out to play-forcing yourself if necessary-you'll actually be more productive and creative than if you'd stayed chained to your computer. This has always been a hard one for me, especially now that I have my own business and a home office. Calling friends to do lunch or take a walk has really made a difference. I even took myself out to a movie last week and felt completely renewed afterward! What does your inner child want to do this week?
Create Little Rituals
Ritual is a big missing component in our society-missing but important. Little rituals can give us a gentle structure that will us to move more smoothly throughout our days with serenity and sanity. Maybe it's early morning journaling, quiet coffee by yourself on the patio, lighting candles to celebrate the end of the day, treating yourself to a bouquet of flowers on a regular basis or a special bedtime ritual of writing down what went well in your day. What little rituals could you create that would nourish you and those close to you?
Do Something with Your Hands
Most of us live very cerebral lives. Balance this with something that requires you to use your hands-and I'm not talking about keyboarding on the computer! Handicrafts engage both sides of your brain and help you access your intuitive, creative side. Knitting and crocheting have even been called forms of meditation. There is something sublimely soothing about creating with your hands.
 Look for the Magic
Yes, it's a scary world out there, but it's a magical one too. Notice the small things-the way your terrier cocks his head or the little girl who spins to watch her pink skirt fly. As I typed that last sentence, I gazed out my window and saw a perfectly formed spider web, a Halloween delight-immediate proof positive that magic is everywhere! We just need to look!
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Wishing you a special and creative October!
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About Excoveries
Excoveries is a word I coined when I was looking for a name for my creativity consulting and marketing business. It's a combination of the words explore and discover, which is exactly the way I think of the creative process.
I teach classes on creativity and personal growth including The Artist's Way, and I also work with individuals who are looking for ways to re-discover their natural creativity. For a complete list of classes, please visit my website.
In addition to my creativity classes, I send out a monthly marketing tips newsletter designed especially for individuals and small businesses. If you'd like to be on that list, please email me or sign up on my website. You'll find all my past newsletters archived there.
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