"Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years.
People grow old by deserting their ideals.
You are as young as your faith,
as old as your doubt;
as young as your self confidence,
as old as your fear;
as young as your hope,
as old as your despair."
Name of Book: The Power of Inner Choice
Author: Mary E. Allen, MCC
Publisher and Date of Publication: Personhood Press, 2005
1. What did you learn?
One of the topics early on in the book is "The compounding effect of choice." I am familiar with the concept of compounding interest, but this idea gave me the expanded ability to see how the choices I am making today, that may seem insignificant, will have a powerful effect in the future. For example, deciding to take the inviteCHANGE CPC course affects small parts of my life right now. A weekend here and there, a few nights of homework, and coaching calls and I'm doing what I need to do to get the course done. But, what will be the affects of that choice years from now? It could be a thriving coaching practice, a book, or a speaking gig. I don't know. Those are all big changes compared to the time it takes right now to stay on track with the course. I like to think of the choices I make today, to exercise, to eat vegetables, to consciously improve my coaching skills, as little things, yet very smart and important choices that are going to pay big dividends in the future.
Each of the chapters in "The Power of Inner Choice" provide instructions and reasons to apply what I like to call "Life Principles." I have worked a little with most of the principles in the past. But, this book explains each one in detail, why it works, and how to practice and use it. Each of these principles are applicable in my life and I have used the material as a written coach to help me apply the skills. I particularly like the lesson on Spirit vs. Ego. I used Mary Allen's "4 Keys in Recognizing Spirit" to look at my past choices and see where I was following my spirit's guidance and maybe sometimes when I wasn't. This exercise helped me to discover ways that I can recognize my spirit's guidance today and in the future. In all, this book is packed full of usable information that I will refer back to again and again.
2. (a) How will you apply what you learned to your coaching?
Every time I learn a new skill or idea it seems to find its way into my coaching practice. I am constantly trying to revamp and improve upon my already beautiful life. It is hard to believe that it can and does find a way to get better than the best. These new skills and ideas are helpful in my coaching practice because I have a tool box, or list of principles, that can function in anyone's life. The chapter on Embracing Reality was a great one during one of my recent coaching calls. Helping clients to be able to separate what is actually happening with what they 'think' about what is happening is a key skill to finding freedom and power within the situation. Mary Allen's book will serve as a reference for me to many of life's operating principles and the exercises that can help my client's to use and understand them.
(b) How will you apply what you learned to who you are being as a coach?
"The Power of Inner Choice" is all about me and how I show up in the world. It is a complete set of principles and exercises to help me apply the principles. I do not have any of them mastered or even in some cases understood very well. I want to live these principles, and I want to be "in process." I understand that I don't have answers for my clients, but I can, at times, offer up a principle that holds up to the test of time, works for any religion or spiritual belief and can provide fast, real-time results in helping people live more purposeful, fulfilling lives. Being this person feels good, natural, and real. I like being this kind of coach
3. What will you say to your clients or colleagues about this book?
Mary Allen's book, "The Power of Inner Choice" is a complete guide to living. Through the application of the truths in the book you will find a deeper connection to your inner spirit, be more awake to the world around you, and be moving towards the inner peace and harmony that your heart desires.
Filed under Inner Peace Book Reviews | Comment (1)
How would you like to transform your body in just 90 Days?Wouldn't it be nice to KNOW exactly what kind of results you could realize if you followed this program?Body For Life is the only program I've seen consistently deliver dramatic results to people of all ages, shapes and sizes. There are countless "before and after" pictures to prove it. For years, the company has been hosting contests with cash prizes of up to $100,000 (I believe the last contest is actually this Fall, but there is still time to register if you move quickly.)Several years ago (OMG, 9 to be exact!), I was inspired to do the program for the first time after TWO people I knew showed me their "before" and "after" photos. As it turned out, my friend Artemis won her age group in 2000 -- and a check for $25,000! (If you ever think photos are doctored, think again...I know these people personally!)
My personal experience was also rewarding. Fitting into pants previously snug, definition in my arms, abs and legs, 10+ pounds off the scales, and a slew of compliments. I can point to another dozen friends who've experienced great results as well...in part because the program is EASY to follow. For years, I followed the program to stay fit...and it worked like a charm!
About 3 years ago, I backed off my normal routine when doctors suggested it would be "better" if we were trying to get pregnant. Walking at the beach and yoga twice a week became the new exercise program. Even with our "pretty good" eating regime, the "compounding effect of choice" of less rigorous exercise began revealing itself with extra pounds and unwanted added "softness." You know what I mean, right?
It was time for another round of Body For Life.
So, I got myself psyched up. I picked up a copy of Body for Life for Women, The Body for Life Journal (to document my workouts and food intake) and loaded up on healthy protein bars and protein powder. Most importantly, I envisioned myself visiting the YMCA six days a week, as I adjusted my food choices...quantity, quality and frequency.
Fortunately, my husband was also ready to up the ante in the fitness department, so he joined me. (Doing the program with a partner or friend helps keep the focus strong.)
Today, I'm on Day 33 of the Body for Life program, and already I'm noticing things toning up (though the real results don't start kicking in until the last 4 weeks of the program). A couple of my favorite colleagues also decided to join in the transformation. Both Eva Gregory and Colleen McGunnigle have begun their own 90 Day journeys, and we're cheering each other on via Twitter and Facebook.
The 90 Day Program
The 90 Day Program consists of cardio and weight workouts, eating 5 meals a day, and drinking a gallon of water daily. You even get one FREE DAY each week. The book outlines the program in detail, and is an EASY read.
This go round I've used the guidelines of Body for Life for Women, which calls for a little more cardio and has room for more treats (they call Mini Chills). To keep me on track, I've created stickers, and put them at the bottom of each Body for Life Success Journal page to track my Veggie, Calcium and Water intake (Lordy, I sure am visiting the bathroom A LOT, but it's KEY to the transformation. Gulp. Gulp. Gulp.)
I created another sticker (secondary use for Avery labels) to track my Smart Proteins, Smart Carbs and Smart Fats. It's keeping me honest and on track. Plus, who doesn't like to get lots of checkmarks?
Would you like to shed some unwanted "softness," tone up those muscles and transform your body in just 90 Days, I invite you to join me, Eva and Colleen. We're here to cheer you on and share our favorite tips. Need more inspiration? Visit BodyForLife.comand see all the "before and after" photos. This program works!
If you're feeling "ready" to transform your body, have questions about working the program or just want some encouragement to "go for it" -- visit my blog and leave a comment: http://lifecoachmary.com/blog.
It was about 3:45 am in Hawaii, when I received a phone call in our hotel room.
In my semi-conscious state, a friend shared the news: "The World Trade Center had been attacked by an airplane and it is all over the news."
My first thought, "Doesn't this only happen in the movies? This can't be real."
I hadn't yet turned on the light. I resisted the urge to turn on the television.
For one, my two roommates and I were all crewing a Tony Robbins' Life Mastery program in Hawaii and we had to get up in a couple hours. We were already working on a less than optimal sleep regime. Secondly, my two roommates were sleeping soundly and they BOTH lived in New York. No doubt they would be in hysterics.
I could spare them the news for a couple hours...
I put my head on the pillow and closed my eyes. But, I couldn't get back to sleep.
A few minutes later, we received another phone call. Michelle's husband John called. His cousin worked in the World Trade Center, but fortunately had chosen to golf that morning and was spared. He urged us to turn on the television. We did.
In disbelief, we witnessed the second tower being hit.
About 30 minutes later we decided to get some sleep. We needed to be at our best.
1500 participants from 80 different countries, many from the New York and Boston areas (50 of whom had family members impacted directly), were attending Tony Robbins' 10 Day Life Mastery University program. It happened to be "Emotional Mastery Day." How appropriate.
I kept appreciating we were so many miles from the travesty, safe on the Big Island of Hawaii.
Then a wave of emotion came over me as I remembered my "just-ex-boyfriend" Domie Quintana was in New York. Was he okay?
I felt a dance within my being..."caught up in my personal emotions" while simultaneously wanting to be strong, especially because of my support role within the event.
(It was several hours later when I learned Domie was fine...and had filmed the second tower being hit on his own camera. Lordy!)
At 9am Hawaii time, the event began in a rather surreal and somber way.
I've never admired Tony Robbins' more as a leader.
Here's what he said in those first five minutes.
So much wisdom on this video.
Regardless of what happens in life...it is up to each of us to assign "meaning." That can be either positive or negative, empowering or debilitating. Neither is more "right," but some paths allows us to be of greater service to the world (and to ourselves).
And...what's most important is the actions we take as a result of the "meaning" we give something.
I also remember Tony sharing that if we want to acknowledge all the travesties in the world, we must also be willing to acknowledge all the goodness in the world. At any given moment there are 216,000 of babies being born each day. There are millions of people in love and making love, people laughing and people offering acts of kindness. Are we willing to take in ALL the world is offering?
It was beautiful to see 1500 people processing a wide array of emotions through exercises. Imagine having your own personal coach with you all day on 9/11. Plus 1500 people open to creating empowering lives.
Here's another snippet of how 9/11 impacted a few people at the event, and a glimpse of the transformations that occurred.
Most heart-wrenching was the woman who spoke with her fiance calling from the 101st Floor of the second World Trade Center tower at 8:56 am. (She later aided in raising millions for the 685 Cantor Fitzgerald families who lost their loved one that day.)
Later on, Tony supported two men -- one Muslim and one Jewish -- through a trans-formative process. (They went on together to bring Muslims and Jews together by speaking at mosques and synagogues.)
As the day continued, the energy and vibrancy of "Life Mastery" returned. Music, smiles and breakthroughs galore. By mid-afternoon the weight of the morning's news was largely in the past.
But, the rest of the world was deeply focused elsewhere.
As a volunteer crew member, my job required I spend time in the "green room" behind Tony's stage. A live feed of Tony "on stage" and the main room allowed us to see what was happening from behind the big black curtain.
Because of the tragedies of 9/11, security brought in a second television to stream "news" into the green room.
I'll never forget...
Standing in the green room, looking at both monitors simultaneously.
One screen replaying the airplanes crashing into the towers, smoke everywhere and heart-wrenching accounts of the chaos on the ground. Emotions filled my being. Tears coming to my eyes again and again. The visual images... horrifying.
Yet, all around me I could hear the vibrancy of life. It was all just on the other side of the big black curtain. 1500+ people acknowledging life, exploring their souls and embracing new empowering visions for themselves and the world. I could feel my own authentic joy, as I too, was a part of this extraordinary experience.
There there I was...living in the heart of the paradox. Witnessing devastation. Witnessing joy. All while witnessing the ever present inner peace within my being. How surreal.
And such is life.
At any given moment we can focus on tragedy. Or we can focus on life.
Either is on the other side of the big black curtain.
And...regardless of what we choose, underneath it all... is an all pervasive sense of inner peace. Never forget it's there.
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1/2 cucumber
1/2 red pepper
1/2 lemon
1/4 avocado
1 celery stick
1 carrot
Handful of parsley
Handful of cilantroChop coarsely, and toss in your blender. Then add about 1 cup of liquid (either water or apple juice). I also add an optional 1 teaspoon of lemon flavored fish oil (for Omega 3's). Occasionally I throw in a few dried cranberries. Lately, I'm tossing in 1 scoops of Jay Robb's Vanilla Protein Powder (from Egg Whites).NOTES: The apple and lemon hide any of the "green" flavor. I do find it plenty sweet with simply water. So, if you're watching your sugar intake, go with water only. The sugar from the apple, carrot and red bell pepper is plenty! My preference is organic whenever possible. And lately...Farmer's Market! If you run out of a particular vegetable, it still works. Mix and match the vegetables suits your taste, but remember the greens are what brings the BEST nutrition. I've also added tomatoes, arugula, cabbage, and mixed green salad. I also tried wheat grass a couple times, but WHEW... be careful, it'll give you a jolt like caffeine if there is too much!Would love to hear your comments about making "Veggie Smoothies" and learn what other ingredients you enjoy.
Filed under Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies, Inner Peace Videos | Comments (5)
The Power of Inner Choice: 12 Weeks to Living a Life YOU Love
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Everyday Inner Peace is about maximizing YOUR inner peace. Whatever is interfering with your inner peace is temporary, unnecessary suffering. Here you’ll find tips, strategies and inspiration to return to relaxed bliss … in minutes. Everything is better in life with an abundance of "inner peace."
