Play, new experiences and learning creates brain plasticity.  What is brain plasticity?  Strange to think that the brain being plastic is a good thing, right?  Plasticity is really about the brain still having the capability of being molded, rewired and improved.  It’s the brains’ ability to accept new stimuli and adapt to create new pathways and connections.  The more we place ourselves in “plastic” or new situations the healthier our brains will be.

Brain plasticity or new experiences is key to brain health, how do we ensure we are having “plastic” moments?

One way to promote brain health is to incorporate more play and movement in our lives.  Playing and movement, even if the action isn’t novel, maintains our neural network and may even add more layering and complexity to the network.  Movement by it’s very nature is fluid and dynamic which is the perfect environment for the brain to connect more neurons and nerve fibers.  It’s said that when we learn something new we are affecting 100 million to 10 billion nerve cells.  Wow!  That’s a major brain workout!

Play means a lot of different things to people.  What does play mean to you?  Some may say play is engaging in activity that is amusing, recreational, fun, moving the body, being silly, experiencing life, letting ourselves go  and being in the moment.

Not long ago I got the idea to  “play” on the playground.  With no kids in sight, no competition, it was too inviting to pass up.  I tried everything: the merry go round, the chin up bar, the monkey bars, slide and some other apparatus, not sure what it’s called.  Aha, something new!  Yes, it’s great to do new things.  However, even the old playground standbys affected my brain and caused it to think and connect differently.  Not to mention the fact I was dynamically moving my body and producing those feel good hormones called endorphins.  Endorphins are chemicals released from the brain in the bloodstream that give us a sense of wellbeing.

Britain also believes playing is good for us.  The UK is one of the first to create an adult playground for people 60 and older.  It’s a big hit and now I know why!

Even choosing an activity you haven’t done in a long time will still benefit your brain and force it to stretch and gain more flexibility.  Better yet if you can do the familiar activity in a new and different way it provides more stimuli for plasticity.

When was the last time you danced, rode a bike, went roller skating, ran through sprinklers, jumped rope, hoola hooped, learned a foreign language, listen to new music, worked a puzzle or played on a playground?

What are you curious about?  What would you like to do that you have never done before?  What sounds fun?

It’s nurturing to our bodies and brains to do new things especially if they involve movement and fun!

A more technical perspective, according to Michael Merzenich in his TED presentation, there are two processes to plasticity of the brain.  One, selective representation, meaning that we pay attention to what is important to us.  This process is behaviorally controlled based upon our values and what we feel we accomplish or receive awards.  The second process is specialization which the brain matches past experiences of behavior and stimuli in a statistical format to retrieve and streamline future behavior and information.

The umbrella that holds these two processes in conjunction is the correlation and temporal context the brain categorizes stimuli and experiential events.  In other words, the brain constantly logs all processes within the confines of timeframes.

Interestingly the body is the conduit wherein the brain receives all stimuli.  Every time the body relays stimuli to the brain it’s wrapped in an experiential shell called “you”.  With every stimuli we reinforce who we are.  When looking at the body mind connection one may say we are what we experience.  Perhaps this is what differentiates us from other people.  Because no experience shared by two different brains are laid down the exact way.  This is due primarily to differences of past experiences and the specialization of the brain.

When we share values and beliefs with others our selective representation and specialization become more closely aligned.  When these two processes are more similar to other people we have a higher chance of experiencing the event in the same manner.  This makes it even more important to know our loved ones’ values and beliefs.  Important conversations to have with people in order to truly understand them.  For a list of values to explore with people close to you, please check out this page on the Heart Path Coach website: 

http://www.heartpathcoach.com/value-exercise.html 

Michael Merzenich states that the most crucial component of maintaining, exercising and building upon the plasticity of the brain is the fundamental stage which he called the “critical period”.  This period is postnatal cognitive development in the early stages when things don’t seem to be happening.  This “setting up” stage is the most important time for the brain.  Soon after this “critical period” of seemingly “not much going on” shifts into refining the machinery of the brain.  The refining continues until we die.  Refining is the combination of selective and specialization that occurs with plasticity and learning.

Many times people in the creative process say they find themselves in a stage where “nothing seems to be happening”.  Some people call this a plateau, slump or block.  Could it be this stage may be a repeat of the brain’s “critical period”?  Could it be this may be the most important stage the creative goes through?  This setting up phase for creativity and more importantly how we describe it, may be most crucial.  How many times have you experienced or heard people express they get their best ideas in the shower, driving the car or in nature?  “Just out of the blue”, seems to be what we hear from people describing their process of stumbling upon a great idea.  Often times it’s when we aren’t “trying” or “working” perhaps even playing that many of our new, innovative and revolutionary thoughts occur.  There may be a link in the brain going through the plasticity process and our ability to be creative!

The next time you find yourself in a phase of “not much happening” you can do several things:  play, learn something new and give your brain a “plastic moment” so it thrives and builds valuable connections.  Last and certainly not least, you may want to shift how you describe or explain the phase of “not much going on”.  Just because we can’t see or don’t understand what is happening does not mean nothing is happening.  Never is there nothing happening.  If you think “nothing is happening” get ready for a fresh idea!

Click here to watch Michael Merzenichs’ Ted presentation.

        

I enjoyed the most amazing experience of community today right here in River City:  Portland Oregon.

Sunday Parkways are events every summer that unite people together walking, biking, rollerblading and other creative means to move the body through town.  The streets are organized, mapped out and blocked off for safe and easy travel.  The map is generally arranged to allow pedestrians and bikers to stop in each of the local parks for rest, relaxation, refreshments and fun.  It’s a party!

   

The camaraderie is palpable and satisfying.  Everyone is cruising through an atmosphere of fun, sun, giving and receiving.  Many vendors give freebies.  There is music, food, treats and information galore.  And as if this wasn’t festive enough, many of the homeowners and neighbors do the same thing on their own “parkway”.  The hosting neighbors often will provide candy, treats, lemonade and water for all.  Some have donation jars and others just give to give.  It’s also nice that water hoses are set up to mist and spray those who are willing to be cooled off.

There are no unhappy Sunday Parkway participants!  

It reminds me what is possible with community!  There are tons of volunteers that help make it possible.  The city of Portland provide police to help manage traffic and keep everyone safe.

It builds faith in mankind.  It allows us to all give our best gifts even if it’s a smile and a grateful heart. 

Perhaps the best thing I witnessed was tons of kids that are growing up thinking this is normal “neighborhood behavior”.

  

For example, I met my neighbors from my block at the “snow cone” stand and got to be part of Abi’s life as she learns to ride a bike!  These moments are priceless!

The following are a few more of my favorite memories:

Generosity of all the volunteers in the heat with smiles and pointing arms of where to go.

Creative misting machines...it was HOT today!

Young entrepreneurs selling lemonade and cookies.

Funky costumes and cool people that help keep Portland weird.  I love those people and aspire to contribute one day.

  

Handing out flyers to wonderful people who are so engaging and curious about raw food and the “Transition Your Nutrition” class I’m leading on Saturday.

Police officers being alert and on duty in their polyester uniforms in the blazing heat.  I know how hot polyester is I used to referee basketball! 

The cutest little girl cutting up the street the smallest tricycle I’ve ever seen!  No one could count the number of revolutions her poor legs would complete today.  

Multiple neighbors playing their favorite albums for the street to hear.  Yes, Portland still has records!  Retro is in.  

This day changed me.  I have a stronger appreciation for People, Portland and Police.  My heart is full of gratitude, sunshine and possibilities of community! 

Community is coming y’all.  Buy your ticket and get on the train.  Build the foundation and rapport before you need it.  Because someone may be needing you first.

The truth is we all need community.  It nourishes our soul to be connected.  We thrive when we offer our gifts and share ourselves with others.

May you be the seed of community and bloom where you are.  May this gift return a hundred fold to allow you to experience the grace of being one.

        

It’s important to get down to our fundamental beliefs about change if we want to see results.  Have you noticed that some people seem to thrive on change while others resist with all their might?  

What is your definition of change?  What do you really believe about change?  What’s your gut reaction to change?  What do you like about change?  What do you not like about change?

We are all constantly changing.   Growth and development is proportionate and intertwined with change.  We change we grow.  We grow we change.

I am a seeker of truth.  I use a combination of spirituality, science, intuition and experience to inform my evolution, growth and heart path.  I have found the importance of being informed and educated on a particular topic of interest based upon science and other people’s experience.  It then gives me a spring board to launch my own experiment or process of learning what is best for me.  However, the most significant and crucial aspect of learning occurs when I have direct experience which validates and informs my intuition and inner knowing.  I invite you to share your own experience of how you consciously change.  Below is one method and process to consciously choose change.  What is your method?

The following are 10 steps to change your life consciously:  

Find Your Center - Find a quiet place to tap into your heart, gut or inner self that holds your highest potential.  Focus on your breathing.  Feel grounded and supported by this place.

Inquire – What do you love?  What are you curious about?  What are you interested in learning?    What do you want to change in your life?  What do you know is in your best interest to change?  What do you not know?  What do you know currently that will help your process in making the changes you want to make? 

Listen - Ask the above questions again and don’t try to have an answer.  Be with the question and let it go out and listen what comes back.  Listen       Listen        Listen

Be -  How do you need to “be” in order to have and maintain the essence of that which you prefer?  Where are you already being and/or doing the essence that you prefer?  

Inform – What thoughts do you need to think in order to support your process?  What do you need to know in order to take first steps?  What do you need to learn? 

Investigate -  Where can you find the information that will support what you want to do?    Who do you know that is already doing what you want to do?  Who already supports you?  Who else could you champion?

Experience – Visualize how it feels to be the essence of what you want?  How does this affect you?  How does this affect your thinking?  What will you do specifically?  How will you know you have done it?  When will you do it?  

Obstacles – What might get in the way of you being able to incorporate what you prefer in your life?  Would it fall into the category of skill, will or focus?

Strategies -  What can you plan to do in order to counter the obstacles?  What needs to happen first to ensure success?

Follow Up - How will you hold yourself accountable?  When will you check back to this process to find out how you did and what you want to do next?  Do you need a reminder?  Is there someone you will follow up with?

Life is a creative process.  Change is too! Change and life are dynamically related.  Of course as a “life” coach, supporting people through change is a key element that naturally occurs.  It’s so intricately related that one may call me a “change” coach, primarily because coaches help people transition and change things in their lives. 

It’s been my experience both personally and with my clients that if we initiate change in our lives and continue to develop ourselves along our heart path there is less change that sneaks up on us in a chaotic or surprising manner.

Giving voice to how we are making a change is very empowering.  I would like to invite you to share where in your life are you making changes?  Allow me and the other Heart Path Community members to share and hold space for these changes.

What are the areas  you are consciously choosing to change in your life?  Where are you choosing to embrace the changes occurring and co-create your life?

I look forward to hearing from you!  Let this be a forum of support for you to share which will also provide inspiration to others!

        

Food for Feeding Our Sacred Soul

As within so without; as above so below

Nourishment is an inside job

Consciousness

Food for thought 

Manna from Heaven

Compassionate or not

All one in this splendid minute

Abundance mentality

For Everything in it!

Grows the growl in our gut 

Pause in silence to listen 

To the song in our stomach

We trust, we know,

We Follow the vibration 

For our best inspiration

Choosing nutrition

With the best intentions

To feed our sacred connection

And our body will thrive in jubilation!!

by Lou Ann Bennett

        

Changing our attitude can be one of the hardest things to do.  I know from experience how hard it can be.

Change is always happening and most people enjoy change as long as we can control it.  However, when it comes to something we so desperately want or don’t want we end up clinging to every shred of inertia as our power center of equilibrium.

Traits such as steadfastness, persistence and patience when used in an unbalanced manner to control become stubbornness, inflexibility and intolerance.

In my world certain things arise to clue me in on a particular attitude, thought or belief that is not working for me.  This may come as a feedback loop of irritation, negativity, feeling stuck and/or upset.

When we become aware of our attitude we will make a decision.  Whether we make a conscious decision or more subtly ignore the issue, it's still a decision.  It’s never too late to change our mind or attitude.  It’s important to recognize ways you can make a shifts or changes that work for you.  What has been successful in the past?  

Learning the art of changing my attitude has been a long and arduous journey.  The awareness would come and I would decide to dig the trench with determined heels to further stand my ground.  My badge and shield I proudly held was decorated with the iron will of stubbornness, inflexibility and intolerance.   I would justify my will was for the “principle of the matter”.  Before I knew it, off I’d storm, up the hill waving the flag of my ego once again.  Both softly and loudly the bell of consciousness would ring and invite me to answer and each time I would decide to go deeper into my existing attitude.  Each time the situation would play out the drama of darkness.  Of course when we are sane we see how this creates even more negativity.  Everyone has their own lessons to learn through these situations.  Dealing with pride is the lesson I’m most familiar.

How do we get out of the snare of our thinking?  How can we make a shift to a new beginning?

The following are steps that have been successful for me and my clients in creating opportunities to shift and move forward.  I encourage you to read through this list and find what resonates with you.  Keep it in your hip pocket for that time when the still small voice of consciousness rings the bell of your awareness inviting you to answer and choose a different thought, belief or attitude.

1.)  What do you need physically to make a shift?  Pay attention to your body and see if there is something you are neglecting to provide yourself that could help you make a shift.  More sleep, proper nutrition, more water, quiet time, nature, to write, to talk, take a shower?  Many times these simple things help reset our minds and emotions and are just the ticket for the first step to begin the shift.

2.)  What are you thinking?  We can change our minds!  Craft and create one thought that makes you feel good and refer back to this thought throughout the day.  Watching the thoughts that come into your mind is mindfulness.  Most of the time our thinking causes our particular belief, perspective or attitude.  We can choose our thoughts!  Just by choosing to construct one thought to replace the other not so helpful thoughts is the beginning of changing your mind, perspective and attitude.

3.)  What are you grateful for?  What in your life are you grateful and thankful for?  Focus on these things.  Make a list and count your blessings.  You will see how they continue to grow as soon as you become conscious of just one.

4.)  What are you noticing?  We have the power and ingenuity to see things differently based upon our focus.  If you are in a negative frame of mind consider how things would look if you shifted how you are telling the story or describing the events.  Practice being Pollyanna.  If you can’t see anything positive about your situation put yourself in Pollyanna’s shoes and explain how she would see your world.  Go with it, even if it’s only make belief and pretend.  Perhaps there is someone else in your life other than Pollyanna that inspires you to be positive.  Choose this person and describe your situation based upon how they would see the situation.  It will help to shift your perspective.

6.)  Give to your friends, family and/or community.  The old adage is true, “it is more blessed to give than to receive!”  The best way to forget our own drama and pain is to stop thinking about it and yourself and start thinking of others.  It will break the cycle and allow you to feel better about yourself.  This may be the most helpful and hardest step to do.  Like most things, the hardest step has the biggest rewards!

One of the most satisfying emotions for human beings is a sense of fulfillment.  When we contribute to something beyond ourselves we get a sense of fulfillment.  This is crucial for our development and it also allows us to shift our attitudes, thoughts and beliefs.

You will make the shift to change your attitude when the price of the pain becomes to high.  These steps will help with the ability to make the shift sooner.  Happiness comes to those who are not bound by their own limitations of thoughts, attitudes and beliefs.  I guarantee these different steps will work to allow you the space to change your attitude.  You may want to do all of the above steps to make the shift completely.  

May you be empowered to listen and hear the bell that rings to raise your awareness.  May your conscious choice be for your highest good and the good of all!

Remember it’s a journey that starts with one small step.  What are some things that are helpful for you to make the transition and change your attitude?

        

Are you wanting to incorporate more veggies, fruit and healthier choices for you and your family's nutrition.  This is for you and everyone who has asked me to write and share these recipes to make it easy.  Thanks for the inspiration! 

 

Benefits of eating a raw vegan diet are many.  Personally I have lost weight; better digestion, sleep, teeth, hair, nails and skin; wake up refreshed; better hormone balance; more clarity; more tolerance; no more joint pain; more energy; more vitality.  

 

Most people who make changes in their diet by eliminating meat, dairy, wheat, corn or soy feel better immediately because they are removing allergens or toxins that are hard for their bodies to process.  Many people didn't even know they were allergic or could not process certain foods as well until they removed them from their diet.  There is so much information on the benefits of eliminating these select foods from your diet but for time and space I'll write a separate blog about that later.

 

Choosing more veggies and or going raw doesn't have to be difficult! Usually people try to make it harder than it really is because raw foodist try to mimic and make food that reminds them of their “SAD” or standard american diet:  such as mexican food, italian pasta, sushi and pizza to name a few.  We do this for comfort and to please others especially kids.

Here is an adaptation on the old KISS acronym mainly because I don’t think people are stupid.  KIS’M with Raw Food:  Keeping it Simple Meals.

This blog is about sharing some of my favorite simple and fast meals that taste great and are good for us!

My first disclaimer is it's easier and quicker to have a few staples on hand like raw hummus and/or other nut cheezes for to spread on veggies and crackers.  My second disclaimer is that raw crackers are always great and quick add on to any meal that will make it more nutritious, savory, crunchy and satisfying.

That being said I’ll also give you alternatives if you do not have raw spreads and crackers on hand to throw food together that might look surprisingly simple but in your mouth will be very satisfying.

The following is my base to start all my dressing recipes that are not only raw but quick, easy and nutritious as well.  These usually last about 1 week in the refrigerator and take less than 10 minutes to prepare.

Base dressing:

1 lemon or 2 limes juiced OR 1/4 c apple cider vinegar

1 garlic clove pressed OR 1 inch of ginger pressed

salt and cayenne to taste

Additions to change the taste:

1 to 2 T almond butter, pumpkin seed butter or tahini

1 to 2 T honey or to taste

The following is my recipe for raw hummus.  This recipe will last in the refrigerator for about 4 days.  Quick message about soaking nuts:  almost all nuts and seeds have an enzyme on them that discourages animals including us to eat them.  When we soak them they become more digestible and more nutritious and sweeter.  So be sure to soak all nuts excepts brazil, macadamia, pistachios and pine nuts before you eat them.

Prep:  Night before soak 1 cup of raw almonds

Lou’s Raw Hummus:

1  Zucchini medium to large

1 c soaked almonds (overnight or about 6 to 8 hours)

1/4 c tahini (sesame seed butter)

1 clove garlic

1 lemon juiced

1 t Himalayan or celtic salt or dulse flakes (seaweed adds minerals)

2 t paprika

1 T cumin

1/4 t cayenne pepper

2 T olive oil

Process all ingredients until smooth

My favorite nut cheeze recipe which also last in the refrigerator for about 4 days.

Lou’s Brazil Nut Cheeze

1 c Brazil nuts (no need to soak these nuts)

1 lemon juiced

1 - 2 cloves of garlic

1/2 t salt

bunch of cilantro

1/2 jalapeno seeded

Add as little water as need for consistency 

Process all ingredients until smooth.

KISM ~  Keep It Simple Meals:  1 serving size each

Choose one or no more than two of the following:

1/4 avocado

3 - 4 moroccan oil cured black olives

1 T hummus or nut cheeze or handful of nuts or seeds

1 to 2 raw crackers

Choose as many of the following as you want:

cherry and/or sliced tomatoes

sliced cucumbers

sliced red bell pepper

sprouts:  alfalfa, clover, sunflower seeds are our favorites

celery sticks

carrot sticks or shredded

purple cabbage shredded 

jicama sliced or shredded - sweet and crunchy

romaine, chard, spinach or collard leaves

Or your favorite veggie

Choose one of the following for dessert:

Handful of raisins or other dried fruit

2 dates stuffed with almonds or almond butter

Raw coconut shredded with handful of raisins tastes like a cookie!  Yum!  Great on the go or hiking food!

Additional Ideas:

Use leaves as taco’s or wraps by spreading hummus, cheeze or avocado and place veggies inside.

Cut up veggies will keep a day or two in refrigerator or cut as you eat picnic style.

Mix and match for different flavors you’ll be surprised how it changes the tastes.

Making a wrap? sprinkle a little dressing on top to give extra flavor as well.  A handy salad!

It’s best to eat fresh fruit first because it processes so much quicker than fats or proteins.  This helps with the digestive process.

What are your favorite quick veggie combinations to keep it simple?

Check out my website for additional testimonials on the benefits of going raw!

        

Empathy at first glance, like quantum particles, may seem too small to be significant in evolution.

Newtonian science and our society often focus upon the tangible realm of evolution. Quantum physics understands the smaller, less noticeable and more subtle aspects can impact situations far more.   

Newtonian science would hold as language, tools, and technology expand society evolves. However, there have been ancient civilizations that evolved in this manner to the brink of destruction and even extinction. It’s hard to know all the dynamic events that impacted some of the most noted and intriguing disappearances of civilizations such as Egypt, Rome, Anasazi and Aztec, Atlantis and Mu. 

It’s widely accepted that many of these ancient societies had advanced technology and still seemed to fall and/or disappear. It’s hard enough not to repeat history even when we know the story. It’s harder still if we don’t know what happened.

Technology without connection doesn’t compute. Without a connection of heart it becomes mechanistic and devoid of life. Worse yet, a lack of connection and compassion for others may sow the seeds of our own demise. War, scarcity, poverty, injustice and overuse of resources all have their roots in a lack of empathy.

The word empathy means the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Synonyms for empathy include affinity, communion, compassion and soul. Further defining soul gives us: breath of life, heart and essence.

To evolve is to come forth or develop gradually into being. A few synonyms are advance, emerge and excogitate. Excogitate means to contemplate, conceive and invent. Therefore, several definitions of empathetically evolve could be invent essence; conceive heart, contemplate breath of life.

Is it possible to “conceive” or “invent” our own evolution? If we could, how would we? If we knew our “being” we could unfold it and emerge. A butterfly coming out of it’s cocoon is the image that comes to mind. Does the caterpillar know it’s a butterfly when it’s a chrysalis?

The thermodynamic law of conservation in physics tells us energy is not ever created or destroyed it is merely transformed.  Intriguing alchemy! Spirit is the only elemental force that is eternal. All else in our evolutionary process will pass away and return back to the earth. The place that holds our energetic signature, our heart, soul or spirit will survive.

It takes awareness to see how all things are dynamically related and interconnected. One unique way to visualize our connectivity is to use mirrors. Because what we perceive comes from our own data and past experiences, when we see something in someone else we have experienced it ourselves on some level, in some way.

If we do not see the correlation then it is probably something we have denied or do not want to see because it’s too painful or we have yet to forgive ourselves.

Shifting our perspective to use our external world as mirrors for our own alchemical process of refinement is another method for developing empathy. When we accept that people reflect what is going on within us we see opportunities to let go, grow and evolve in ways without this unique perspective we would ordinarily miss.

Here is an exercise to give have the experience first hand: 

When something happens that you notice in your world with regard to a person or group of people focus on that particular piece of awareness. Look at it fully. Describe what is going on, this will be based upon your perception. Some clients find it helpful to journal what they are seeing. How does noticing this make you feel? Connect with what is going on inside you and your reaction to the person or situation. What do you notice? How in your life do you relate to what you perceive?

It takes willingness to stop blaming and take responsibility for how our brain is interpreting the event and/or experience. How we are interpreting the situation is a direct feedback loop for our disposition, attitude and life lesson for our evolution.

If you can not find the key to the connection, ask yourself how you could forgive this situation or person. Life is not linear. When we are able to forgive others we also forgive ourselves and vise versa.

Mirrors and empathy also occur in the other direction as well.  What you experience is also having an affect on others. For example, it’s not uncommon to see how we are linked energetically and emotionally while witnessing what happens with babies when one baby starts to cry. Soon there after multiple babies are also crying.

While I do not condone scientific studies against the will of  animals and/or humans. This particular study is worth mentioning because it shows animals and humans have special wiring in the brain called mirror neurons to provide the connection for empathy.

Jeremy Rifkin shares the following information in his presentation to the RSA which you can watch in full on the community page of this website. In 1990 in Parma Italy an experiment was conducted that used a Macaw monkey connected to an MRI brain scanning machine. The scientist wanted to see how the neurons would light up as the monkey learned to open a peanut. A technician came into the observation room and saw the peanuts and decided to eat one. The monkey was not moving only watching the human open the peanut but the MRI wired to the monkey’s neurons lit up.  Surprised, at first the scientist thought the machine was broken. Scientists continued to do experiments on animals to find that all humans, monkeys chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, dogs and others animals all have mirror neurons.

Therefore, no matter what others, including animals are doing when we observe them our mirror neurons automatically fire in the same way as if we were experiencing it ourselves. This is our empathetic connection not just with fellow humans but with many animals and they with us as well.

Think of a place where everyone takes responsibility for how they are interpreting their experience. There would be no blaming others and no aggression or war.

I’m reminded of the lesson of “turn the other cheek.” There are many religions that share this teaching of nonviolence. This is a teaching of the correlation of empathy and seeing the world as one.

When we see the world as a mirror we become one with the universe. Every experience shows us more of who we are and aspects of ourselves we didn’t noticing before. Every person is a reflection of us in some way. We truly are one.

When we can forgive others as we forgive ourselves and vise versa we will heal ourselves and the world. We will have found the keys to the kingdom and it will be heaven on earth. We will conceive one heart, invent the essence of one spirit and contemplate one breath together. We will be truly inspired. It will be amazing grace!

This is the journey to empathetically evolve on our heart path!

Click here to view Jeremy Rifkin's Empathic Civilization

        

To integrate is to unite, combine, form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole. 

Intention is purpose, attitude or concepts as directed with attention toward a specific outcome.  It boils down to our desire and focus for what we want.

In short, we are combining intentional integration to focus purposeful attention toward the solidarity of self, society and spirit.

Solidarity of Self:  At first glance some may think focusing on the self is by definition selfish.  However, maturity and self mastery are directly proportionate to empathy.  As self awareness grows empathy toward others also increases.

In school one of my favorite classes was Psychomotor Learning.  My professor led a riveting discussion on the definition of learned behavior.  The true test of something that has been learned is whether or not the skill or behavior can be repeated over and over.  

Self integration is gathering all life "learned" lessons and incorporating them into everyday living. We become a master of our life.  We grow and mature to know ourselves.  We become “ok” in our skin.  We live with truth in an authentic and accepting manner.  This step is crucial in relating and accepting others with empathy because we know and understand through our own experience.

Solidarity of Society - As empathy for others increases we are able to integrate with society at large.  Who is society?  Society is our community.  Society is all people and all living things throughout the world. It takes letting go and dissolving walls that separate and form mental illusions of “us” versus “them.”  “They” are us and we are “them.”  We are all connected.  Choosing to integrate with society and accept our oneness takes courage, love and mostly intention.  

I invite you to consider the following exercise the next time you are in a populated area.  It starts with people watching.  This is nothing new we all have enjoyed the process of watching people.  However, the intent is to see each person as our family.  See them as your grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, brother, sister.  The next step is to beam them love as if they truly are your family.  They will respond to the awareness held and the love sent.  Most people will smile.  The reactions of people will be phenomenal! This will change your life and theirs!    

Solidarity of Spirit - The natural progression of integrating with society brings us closer to Spirit.  As we recognize our oneness with others we automatically create a shift in consciousness that opens the door to Spirit on a universal level.  Grace magnifies and the whole world is effected.

All life is intelligent and full of Spirit. As we recognize the Spirit within life we connect to the essence within all of us that is one. When we see the life within something we become the witness of Spirit.  Becoming the witness is our “true self” or higher self that is connected to Spirit.  Once we connect to Spirit we are able to see our connection to all things.

Join me for a quick trip to the quantum world as we explore this relationship through physics.  We are made up of the same life giving force as all living things.  In fact, all things are energy.  Everything that we see in our world came from living matter.  Matter is energy that has slowed down so much so it takes on physical form.  

It’s easier to see life in things that are currently alive.  However, even things that we consider dead were once living and still carry their life force signature.  For example, the wooden chair we sit on was once a live oak tree.  Even plastic as far removed from life as it seems was once a live dinosaur caught in a tar pit that decomposed to create oil which when refined produces petroleum which eventually those carbon chains further refine to plastic.  Everything we see comes from life at some point in the cycle.  Everything is made up of the same life force “stuff” just different components of the same elements.  We are all one with all things!

Consider this exercise,  first choose something to focus upon.  For example, some people will choose a tree, flower, bird, puppy, child or person.  Concentrate on the life force within your choice.  The next step is to connect to the essence of this energy and recognize the same life force within you.  Continue focusing until it brings a heighten sense of awareness of Spirit.  This is your link to being one with the universe.  

These three categories of self, society and spirit are not linear but dynamic and interdependent.  It’s like a wheel.  It matters not where you get on for it continues to turn round and round.  One area leads to another area which leads to the other.  Round and round it goes.  It does not matter if your focus is integrating with society first because that will inform your relationship with self and Spirit.  Nor does it matter if your focus is a spiritual connection and integration.  At some point spirituality impacts your relationship with yourself and the larger society.

Intentionally integrating begins the evolutionary process.  We become masters of empathy toward ourselves, others and the world.  Solidarity of self, society and Spirit is our heart path!

Please click here to join the Heart Path Community!

        

Life is about change.  Coaching supports people through life and the inevitable changes that occur.  Because life and change are dynamically integrated; everyone benefits from coaching!

Life coaching is a bridge for people to get to their ideal destination quicker, with confidence and support. 

Coaching works best for those who want to change something in their life and/or embrace change already in process. Whether you are someone who wants support to move forward, overcome challenges or obstacles, embrace new ideas to create new behaviors, increase personal power, manifest dreams or you know what you want but want to get there quicker and more efficiently; coaching is for you! 

Life coaches have the ability to remaining neutral, unbiased with no agenda.  This allows coaches to be completely present, to active listen, ask deep penetrating questions and hold space for others to hear their own internal wisdom. 

Coaches provide the client space to be heard on multiple levels to gain a new and fresh perspective.  The ability to raise awareness to see things differently allows freedom of more and better choices to give people what they desire.

Life Coaching is not counseling.  Counseling often dwell upon the past to reflect on emotions and the “why” behind the problem.  Coaching is focused on moving forward.   

Coaches tend to be people who lead by example.  Not to say coaches are perfect because life is still a journey and process.  However, coaches have used the skills and tools they are sharing with their clients and know they work from a personal stand point. 

The added benefit regarding coaching I’ve witnessed in most of my clients is the ability to transfer the knowledge and skills of coaching to their personal, home and professional life. Once a client has been through the coaching experience they see a remarkable improvement in their communication and interpersonal skills.  They become better partners, parents, teachers and leaders! 

Life Coaching has many benefits and great outcomes.  The most magical being what you aren’t expecting!  You will know when you experience it for yourself!

Leave a comment or question about coaching here.  I look forward to hearing from you!

For limited time Heart Path Coach is offering a free coaching consultation to see how coaching will benefit your life.  Please click here to sign up!

        

We are creating all the time.  Are we conscious of what we are creating?  We bring things into reality by the accumulation of thoughts, decisions and actions.  The key is to notice what we are thinking, deciding and doing in order to consciously create what we prefer. 

Creating initiates or establishes a particular thing.  Our patterns of thought start the wheels in motion that roll reality into form which we call our life. 

Awareness is the most important ingredient for conscious creation.  Empowerment is the freedom to authorize. When we choose what we wish to think and do as opposed to react to old stories, behaviors and thinking we become empowered to create on purpose.  For example, when we catch ourselves in old patterns of reacting we can stop and rethink how we want to respond and therefore create new possibilities. As we connect to our true self and live in a place of  awareness and being present we have the ability to consciously create our reality, journey or heart path.

Likewise, we are supported along our heart path to learn and experience life with our connection to the Universe, Spirit and loved ones.  When we are creative we are empowered by the sheer magnitude of grace and life force energy that cooperates to produce something in our world.  I realize this may be ethereal, so lets focus on the practical application of how. 

How do you consciously create and bring something into being?  First, become aware of a pattern you would like to change or something you want to create.  Second, get clear what the essence is that you want to create.  Third, pay attention and set your intention on this essence.

For a free coaching article click the following:  
3 Steps to Be the Essence You Want to Create

Once you are focused on the essence of what you prefer.  Relax into a quiet space and allow the essence to fill your being.  You can create or bring something into being by bringing it into your being.   

For example, several clients wanting to create peace have different approaches.  One focused on saying the sanskrit word shanti over and over until an energetic shift occurs in them and their environment to a state of peace.   Another client recalls a specific peaceful experience such as being in nature or the ocean.  Meditation, prayer and visualization are other methods to shift our vibration and energy in order to be the essence.

If you choose to connect with something from the past to give you the memory of peace, be sure to bring that feeling into the present moment and focus on your surroundings right where you are.  Pick out all the things that also resonate peace and notice these things.  Be grateful for peace in the moment and breathe this feeling into your heart and body.

Notice what you notice.  What senses are activated?  For example some clients feel one or all of the following:  thoughts slow, sense of calm, heart opens, breathing deepens, spiritual connection, sense of well being and appreciation.

What are you experiencing right now in the moment?  How alive do you feel?

By raising your awareness and being present you will consciously create the essence you prefer.  It takes practice, patience and perseverance to choose the thoughts, decisions and actions that are congruent with what you want.  Empowerment is the reward for those who take the responsibility to consciously create their heart path.