I Dare You To Answer This Single Question...

Dear S,

I'll call you S for privacy's sake. At this point, you don't even know I'm writing this blog to you, but you probably will soon. So that you may identify yourself as being "S", please answer the following questions. If the answer to all of these is "yes", then congratulations, you are most likely "S"!

1) Did you mow your lawn yesterday (May 10, 2015)?
2) Do you like to sail?
3) Do you frequently eat yogurt in the morning?
4) Are you a runner?
5) Are you the youngest of 7?

Hi "S", how are you today? ;) If you are not "S", that's ok, I still have an important question for you too. Keep reading!

"S", I was wondering if you'd consider anonymously having open-hearted discussions with me on this blog? The reason why I ask is because I know that you have the potential to help many, many people simply by sharing what you are going through right now. Without having to reveal any details about your personal life or identity, if you had the courage to openly talk about what you are going through (prompted by questions that I will be asking you), I think that it would help you gain clarity and accountability, and it would certainly inspire others who are experiencing similar challenges right now. You are a brilliant individual and your perspective is important and valid, that's why I'm suggesting this exercise. Feel free to tell me to mind my own business!

Think about it, and if it's something you'd consider, I suggest you create an anonymous email and reply to this post in the comments below. Oh, and if the idea is scaring you to death...good, it's supposed to!;) I'd love to be able to gradually help you along on this journey and offer you some feedback that could also be helpful to others. Win-win-win, right?

I'll start off with a single question, and I encourage / dare anyone to answer it in the comments below (maybe we could have multiple participants?) Here goes: Can you think of a time when you felt the happiest you've ever been? What was it about that time that made you feel so good? Be specific.

Warmly,

Lise
Health Coach / Reiki Master
www.lisevilleneuve.com

Is There A Tug-Of-War Going On Inside You?

I feel like my life is completely different now than it was only a year or two ago. I'm not talking about external circumstances such as where I'm living, what I'm doing with my time, who my friends are...etc. The major change has everything to do with this sense of clarity that I've somehow tapped into, and I'm so very grateful for it. A few years ago, I felt like I was in a constant fog, always filled with self-doubt and unsure of my choices. Now I generally feel empowered, I enjoy my life more than ever and I know without the shadow of a doubt that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be right here, right now.

What gave me this clarity and sense of well-being? In a nutshell, I've become very aware of the duality within me: ego versus heart/spirit. The more I cheer for the heart/spirit team, the more clarity and well-being I experience!

Here are some examples of what that inner-struggle may look like in my brain :)

-Ego says "Do something that will give you validation from society"
-Heart/Spirit says "Do something you love that will allow you to experience joy"

-Ego says "Try and fit in, be like everyone else."
-Heart/Spirit says "Unapologetically celebrate who you are : a beautiful, whole, spiritual Being."

-Ego says "Don't let people walk all over you, defend yourself"
-Heart/Spirit says "Let the people who push your buttons be your greatest teachers"

-Ego says "Get up and do something, be someone, stop wasting time"
-Heart/Spirit says "You are a human being, not a human doing. Stillness is beautiful and necessary"

-Ego says "Fear will protect you from bad experiences."
-Heart/ Spirit says "Your thoughts create your reality. You will get what you focus on."

-Ego says "Ask the experts what you should do to improve your life and become happier."
-Heart / Spirit says "The answers are all right here within you, simply learn to listen."

If we can get our attention away from our compulsive mind and move it into our body, the body will always tell us when we are aligned with the heart/spirit or the ego. If we feel tense, anxious, uncomfortable, we are in ego. If we feel good, peaceful, joyful we are following our heart/spirit. How are you feeling right now? Where do you feel that in your body? Which team are you cheering for? The ego or the heart/spirit? Don't resist whatever you are feeling, just acknowledge it with as much compassion for yourself as you can.

What are some other common ego versus heart/spirit struggles you experience on a daily basis? Care to share?

Warmly,

Lise
Health Coach and Reiki Master
www.lisevilleneuve.com