Kara Johnstad - office berlin
Transforming Lives Through the Power of the Human Voice

[Volume 3, Issue 39, Sept 25, 2013]
 
Greetings!  

    

Kara Sutras - Shift From I To We

When change is in the air there is excitement and hesitation. There is both. There is a longing to expand and a pulling back. It takes courage to change, to release the familiar, to embrace the new, to follow your inner voice. It also takes courage to acknowledge the resistance you feel when change walks into the room. Name it. Sit with it. Don't run from it or avoid it. Explore it.

Today, we'll explore what it takes to be fully alive and completely awake, and to be continually taken out of the safety zone. 

 

VoiceYourEssence Podcast
click & listen to podcast
 
ENJOY TODAY'S FEATURE ARTICLE
 
 
 

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT -  

WHY DO WE RESIST CHANGE?

 

  

  

 

 

 

In gratitude and to your continued success.

Stay Gold, Kara

 

The 
Voice Your Essence™ Community
is growing every day and reaches around the globe.
 
                                                                  


     You'll love it! 
 
Today I am baking banana bread - Join me. 
 
Banana bread is good for the voice and puts us in a good mood for the rest of the day. 
I eat it with wild blueberry jam, others like it with chocolate-hazelnut-creme.

 

I eat very low gluten in the moment, so I substitute wheat flower with brown rice, amaranth or spelt flour. It uses honey and applesauce instead of sugar and oil. Make sure to SHARE so it's saved to your personal page.
You'll Love It!

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
(or substitute with gluten free brown rice, amaranth or spelt flour)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs, beaten
3-4 mashed overripe bananas


Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together applesauce and honey. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

ENJOY IT!


       PARIS CONCERT  
SUSANNA BARTILLA  
  
Susanna Bartilla - I LOVE PEGGY LEE
  
 
It's worth a weekend trip to Paris! Meet you this Saturday at the Petit Journal.
 
 Voice Your Essence™ client Susanna Bartilla is delighted to see how her recent album I Love Peggy Lee continues to make it's own way. 
 
This Saturday, Sept 28,  at the Petit Journal in Paris, Susanna will present her finest songs from her latest album I LOVE PEGGY LEE, but also some new features planned for her next project Cosmopolitan Jazz, European songs that have enriched the American Songbook with their English translation.
Susanna Bartilla
 
RENDE-VOUZ � PARIS
Petit Journal Saint Michel 71, bd St Michel, RER Luxembourg ou M�tro Cluny la Sorbonne. 
R�servation au 01 43 26 28 59. Site du Petit Journal
 
 
           www.susannabartilla.com



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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT -
WHY DO WE RESIST CHANGE? 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Nothing is of permanence.
We are in a constant flux of change and expansion.

Change is a given. 

 

Just take out the family photo album and you will see that the years go by faster than we would like at times. And yet, although we know that 30 years ago there was no mp 3 or cell phone, although we know that the world is continuously changing and rearranging itself, and although we know that we have to adjust and stay flexible in order to grow and move forward, we often find ourselves resisting change.

We talk about wanting to make a new album, we talk about spending more time inside the music, we talk about about living the big dream, but when it comes down to really changing something, we pull back. We start it, yet we can't seem to follow through. For many of us, we forget this simple truth.

 

 

"When things are shaky and nothing is working, we might realize that we are on the verge of something. We might realize that this is a very vulnerable and tender place, and that tenderness can go either way. We can shut down and feel resentful or we can touch in on that throbbing quality." Pema Ch�dr�n

 

 

 

 

When Things Fall Apart: Heartfelt Advice for Hard Times


Instead of learning to relax into the tender shaky space that appears when we begin to open our hearts and our lives to the world, we let our lizard brain creep in on us and take over. It is a known fact that fear is a natural reaction when we move closer to truth.

 

Young Man on Rock

 

To be fully alive and completely awake  
is to be continually taken out of the safety zone. 

Watch the birds - how they dare to take wing and travel for miles with only sky around them. We need to make friends with the resistance monsters that love to put us in chains when we are onto something big.


Most of our assumptions have outlived their usefulness. We are basing our lives and business on assumptions from the past and belief systems that no longer are true for us. 

 

It takes courage to change,  
to release the familiar, to embrace the new,
to follow your inner voice. 

It also takes courage to acknowledge the resistance you feel when change walks into the room. Name it. Sit with it. Don't run from it or avoid it. Explore it.


When change is in the air there is excitement and hesitation. There is both. There is a longing to expand and a pulling back. Imagine you are the ocean. You are able to move forward and you are able to pull back. Ebb and tide. And inside you can release a roaring laugh or salty tears.


The uncertainty of learning something new can make us feel vulnerable. When we change, we are being asked to step outside of our boundaries. We are being asked to expand. The pond has served its purpose and now life wishes us to become something bigger than we thought was possible.


We are testing and questioning our own beliefs and assumptions, and with change, we are also pushing up against the belief systems that others project onto us.


Sometimes we retreat into the old simply because we do not have the strength to convince our whole family, or band, or friends, or fans that we are heading off to another shore. Last week a butterfly whispered into my ear while I was collecting daisies for the kitchen table, " a new direction  takes courage. "


But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.

Alan Cohen

 

Whether you sense that you need to find new material to sing so that you can stretch your voice, or explore a new genre, or you need new musicians on your side to get new ideas, or a new city to boost you to the next level. Your soul is longing for CHANGE.

 

When change is in the air  
the lizard brain kicks in for self-preservation. 
Voice Your Essence Podcast by Kara Johnstad
Click Image & Listen
The lizard brain wants survival 
even if it means staying a lizard. 

At that moment it is a very natural instinct to close off. The lizard brain likes to retreat and go into fear mode. Often when there is a big change all the doubts you ever had, about yourself and life, walk into the room dressed in their finest clothes and begin to sabotage us. They taunt us and make fun of our big dreams and we stay caved in and pull back into the snugly secure place of habitual landscapes and resist everything that feels too exciting or dangerous.


The lizard brain is like the little voice in back the of your head that makes you feel insecure even though you know deep down within that there is a bigger role for you to play in this world. The dew drop comes to a point where she has to merge with others in order to become the ocean. As a single drop she might just evaporate too quickly.

 

 

There are three places we normally land when we go into resistance.

 

FLIGHT- we run away from our truth. We please everyone else and fall into the "helper syndrome," and yet we know we are avoiding change. We keep busy with projects and accommodate others. If you feel happy deep within, then this may be your path to serve. If you feel resentment and anger and bitterness,  then most likely you are avoiding your own truth.

 


FIGHT - we criticize others and blame them for our situation. We see others as wrong and are extremely critical. We call ourselves survivors and yet deep down we know we are kicking and ranting, and we are not happy. We do know what would make make us inspired and excited. We simply do not dare to change.

 


FREEZE- we get stuck. We find ourselves walking in circles. We sit at our desk for hours shifting paper but our creative output is zilch. We do not let anyone in and we close off and close down so that we can feel safe.

 

All of the three options above is how we react to change when we stay unconscious to what is happening. All of them are external and keep the problem that we are trying to solve an arms length away. 

Our creativity is threatened.

Resistance suffocates our dreams
and destroys our confidence.

Our lizard brain is fighting for survival and our heart and consciousness are dedicated to evolution. Smart people understand that resistance is simply testing how much you really want to say what you want.

 

So here are some ideas on how to handle resistance to change.

 


AWARENESS - the first thing to remember is that in the very moment you bring in awareness, resistance starts to dissolve. When you bring in awareness and self-reflection you begin to recognize patterns of resistance. It is only when we are conscious of belief systems and patterns that are keeping us stuck, that we can then help to release the resistance. With awareness, we can override the lizard brain by taking conscious action.

Shocked young lady

 

 

 

It is our choice
whether we stay stuck or not.

It is our choice how we choose
to live our days.

 It is our choice
whether we stay in flight, fight or freeze

or start living from our authentic center.


 

FEAR OR LOVE - are you living from a space of fear or love? Old habits or new ideas? Closing down or opening up? Judging or accepting? Criticizing or appreciating? Protecting or guiding?


Every moment we get to choose.

Every moment we are evolving.


 

 

 

Choose love, and resistance dissolves - choose fear, and we simply take a bit longer before we begin to relax with our true being.


What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.  Abraham Maslow  

 

 

CLARITY - take time to get clear. Getting clear about your intention and why you want to move in a new direction dissolves the fear associated with change. Reconnect with your passion and ask yourself,


How badly do I want to solve this problem?

Why do I want to change?

Why do I want to succeed?


Often when we can see our bigger vision, we are less afraid and it is easier to stay open to life.

 

 

ACCEPTANCE - the first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. (source: Nathaniel Branden) Accept the process of change as just that. It is a step by step shift into a new direction. A new life style. A new way of perceiving. Butterflies have to leave their cocoon in order to fly. Seedlings have to leave their pods in order to become a big tree. The river moves forward. But there will be twists and turns and rocks along the way.


If you consciously choose
to live from an authentic space  
and choose love above fear,  
then you sense that there is no failure per se,  
there is simply growth. 

When winter rushes in, it may be a time to regenerate and heal, when you feel the urge to move on, it may be the time to plant seeds for a new beginning. We are here to learn and grow.

Next time when you feel the wall caving in or fear coming up right before you are about to embark on a new project, simply accept the challenge and use your imagination and intelligence, and you will find a way to deal with it and solve it.

  


CHOOSE YOUR CROWD WISELY - if you feel stuck and constantly in a certain pattern that is keeping you from living your full potential, then be smart and get "assistance to zap away the resistance." Whether it is a close friend or a coach, you need supporters that encourage you while you are creating new mindsets and going for your dreams. It is normal that the lizard brain appears when change is in the air.


Life is showering her abundance on you every day.  
When you turn your back to all the offerings  
you are turning your back on life. 

If resistance persists - go get a big bucket of cold water and pour it on your head. Wake up and take the bull by its horns. We need healthy strong creatives out there making a difference in the world. Your voice counts. Don't get fooled by Mr. Lizard. You are much further along than you believe. 

 

In gratitude and to your continued success.

Kara 

Voice Your Essence Podcast by Kara Johnstad
CLICK IMAGE & LISTE
 
 
 
P.S. Share with us your experience, and feel free to join the Voice Your Essence™ Community over on Facebook: www.facebook.com/voiceyouressence. I'm really excited to hear what you have to say.
Thank you, as always, for tuning in, reading and contributing.

 

  

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE?
Please do! Just be sure to include this complete blurb with it.
 
TRANSFORMATIONAL SINGER- SONGWRITER AND COACH, KARA JOHNSTAD, IS PASSIONATE ABOUT TRANSFORMING THE WORLD THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HUMAN VOICE: She works one on one with clients to open their voices, write powerful songs and anthems, create CDs and a lifestyle that allows them the freedom to create and live as independent artists. Kara's vision for 2014 is to get her songs into films and documentaries that are in alignment with her vision of global mind global heart.  www.karajohnstad.com  
 
cologne-workshop



 

  

OCTOBER 26 + 27, 2013
Cologne, Germany 
 
 

THE ENERGY BEHIND EMOTIONS
flipping fear into personal power

 Learn more about the Cologne Workshop



A (r)evolutionary performance workshop 
which delivers clear and instant results.  
  • Developed for singers that want to sing SOLO
    and stop holding back. 
  • Learn how to win your audience
    from the minute you walk onto stage. 
  • Whether you are a choir member wanting to take the big  solo in church or an semi-professional singer auditioning for THE VOICE OF GERMANY, you will discover a method that connects you to your authentic power and gets you the applause you deserve.  
click image & learn more

  

2 FULL DAYS OF  

  • NEW MIND SETS   
  • POWERFUL VOICE TECHNIQUE
    that works!
       
  • SINGING FRONT AND CENTER  
    in a safe and supportive environment.
           
  • AND THE JOY OF TRANSFORMING FEAR AND INSECURITY INTO A MOVING PERFORMANCE: 

  

 

        WORKSHOP 
THE ENERGY BEHIND EMOTIONS 
flipping fear into personal power

 

OCTOBER 26 + 27, 2013  
Saturday & Sunday in Cologne, Germany


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"Singing is the final act of healing and forgiveness"



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Kara Johnstad is creative visionary, transformational catalyst and a powerfuvoice in the time and age of transition.
 
She is an acclaimed singer/songwriter with more than 100 songs written - all of which she has produced and published under her own indie label, creator of the Voice Your Essence™ Artist Development Program and founder of the 
Voice Your Essence™ Community.
 

  

Leading change agents, healers, personal development speakers and others recognize her as being a unique source of powerful truth and wisdom. As a top voice expert she has helped thousands with her "break-through" voice techniques and shares with us the secrets behind this powerful instrument and the role the human voice plays in fine tuning our mind-body-spirit systems.

Kara connects each and every week with subscribers from around the world via her 
Voice Your Essence™ eZine 

  

If you liked today's issue, you'll also enjoy listening to Kara's soulful music as part of your daily ritual of reconnecting to source or jump onto the next level and experience personally the power of your true authentic voice with Kara Johnstad's 
Voice Your Essence™ Programs
.
 
Images of Kara by Joerg Grosse-Geldermann  
Image: "Susanna Bartilla by courtesy of Susanna Bartilla
Image: "Young Man On Rock Cliff End Of Way" by khunaspix / freedigitalphotos.net 
Image: "Shocked Young Female" by imagerymajestic / freedigitalphotos.net
Image: "Young lady singing with Mic" by imagerymajestic / www.freedigitalphotos.net 
All other images by Kara Johnstad 
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