Conversations with the Masters of Coaching

Are you a new coach? A seasoned coach? Thinking about hiring a coach? Committed to your own personal growth?

--- this series is for YOU.

Access interviews with twelve of the most distinguished coaches in America and learn:

• · "Best practices" of the "masters"
• · Favorite coaching questions
• · The truth about change and transformation
• · Secrets to success and life balance
• · How you can maximize your relationship with a life coach
• · How to tap into your own inspiration and become more focused
• · What it takes to become more fulfilled

$2,500+ Value. To access each of these coaches individually, you would pay $2,500+ or more. I'm bringing the best to you, for a tiny fraction of this cost, asking them the questions you would be asking. Enjoy this complimentary sample call with Cheryl Richardson! Learn more about Conversations with the Masters of Coaching – Individual Recordings and Bundles available as low as $7.99! Filed under SPECIAL OFFERS | Comment (0)

Inner Peace through Conscious Connections

Conscious Connections: Are you FULLY Connected? Does this sound familiar? Hundreds of items on your "to-do" list. You feel tugged in a dozen directions. The business needs your attention. You want to spend quality time with friends and family. Your body is craving a workout. Paperwork and post-it notes are piling up everywhere. Your mind wants peace of mind. Commitments. Choices. Opportunity. Conflicts in your mind. The recipe for overwhelm is clear. When activity is high, it can be easy to lose connection with what is most important. We may diminish the big and little successes occurring along the way. We may not stop and fully connect with those we love - enough or at all. We may set goals and objectives haphazardly, not owning or connecting to them at the core of our being. We may avoid connecting to the underlying feelings that haven't been expressed. We may lose connection with ourselves. Whether you fit the "busy" description, or are just casually pacing through life - STOPPING and taking the time to "consciously connect" is essential to maximizing fulfillment AND productivity. The more consciously you are connected, the greater sense of aliveness, joy and flow you will naturally experience in your life. Take inventory by evaluating how CONNECTED you are in each of the following areas. What is your next level of connection? 1. Moments of Celebration. Busy people accomplish a lot, and it's easy to get caught up in the "doing" and focus on the "what's not done yet." Sooner or later this can lead to burn-out. Whether you have a long or short list to review, reflect upon your accomplishment points over the past 90 days. Stop and consciously connect to each one. How did it feel to complete the task or project? If you didn't connect with the joy of achievement back then, how does it feel now? Elation? A sense of pride or accomplishment? Joy? Challenge yourself to stop and consciously connect to each celebration opportunity over the weeks to come. FEEL IT!!! Take it in!!! Relish in your successes!! 2. High Energy Vibration Emotions. Throughout the day, there are lots of opportunities to connect with "high energy vibration" emotions. Joy, love and peace are some of my favorites. When those moments come along are you indulging yourself in these wonderful feelings? Or are you quickly moving on? Consciously choose to stop and connect with these opportunities to raise your energy - and feel good. Even 5-10 seconds is enough. The more, the better. Notice a stunning double rainbow as you are driving home (that happened yesterday for me!!) or something beautiful. Connect to the joy of seeing a friend you haven't seen in months. Read a heart-warming email and be affected. What is the feeling? Connect with it. Savor those moments. 3. Unexpressed Feelings or Words. If you've gone through a stressful period of time, there may be underlying emotions that haven't been fully expressed, YET. Big moves, job transitions, family illnesses or death, relationship break-ups, expanding your business or publishing a book are some examples. It may not have felt appropriate to burst out into tears while supporting other family members during a crisis, or it may. Maybe you've needed to remain calm and centered during the business transition. Or maybe there is something that hasn't been cleared up in a relationship. When emotions and feelings build up inside of you, the best way to "reconnect" with yourself and others is by EXPRESSING those feelings or words. Feel your feelings. Speak your truth. This is not about taking frustrations out on another person or in OVER indulging in heavy emotions. The purpose is simply to "express" yourself -- and release the blocked energy so you can be FULLY available and connected again. You may choose to curl up on the couch with a box of Kleenex and a "tear-jerker" movie to get the waterworks started. Maybe a friend would offer up their shoulder to cry on. Maybe a punching bag at the gym would provide a nice release. Maybe a simple phone call to share your thoughts and feelings is all that is needed. Fighting emotions and feelings doesn't work. Let them flow. You'll notice that the feelings dissipate when they are expressed. 4. Goals and Visions. What are your goals and visions for 2010? How connected are you to each of them? Take a few minutes to consciously connect, imagining yourself realizing the goal or vision. What are the feelings associated with this vision? Find those feelings inside of you now. To strengthen your connection to your visions, you may articulate them to others, expand upon them in writing or gather visual pictures that represent your desired goals. Take the vision from your head into your heart. The more connected you are to your visions, the more easily they come into your life. 5. Relationships. Who do you love? And, who loves you? Take a few minutes to consciously connect to the depth of love you feel for your partner, children, friends, family, customers, clients or a business partner. When you're in conversations with others, are you FULLY connected and present? Are you connected mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? Physically? The more consciously you choose to connect with others, the more they get to experience YOU...and the more you'll receive in return. The deeper the connection, the more fulfilling it is -- and the easier those relationships flow. 6. The Present Moment. The moment IS all there is. How deeply are you connected to this moment, right now? Engage your senses. Connect with your body. Connect with your environment. Connect with others. Let go of thoughts of the past or future. Put ALL of your ATTENTION here in the NOW. Connecting to the present moment is a gateway to accessing your true power. The more you cultivate THIS connection, the more you WILL experience your life flowing. Connect FULLY to this moment. NOW. 7. Your Magnificence. Who are you when you are shining in your essence? What is your true identity? What qualities describe you? Do you consider yourself wise, confidant, sensual, radiant, powerful, fabulous, free, loving, kind, generous, resourceful or creative? Or ??? When is the last time you consciously connected to these qualities to every cell of your being. What beliefs shape you? Connect to who you are. Take a few minutes and imagine each quality being installed throughout your entire being. How does it FEEL to own each quality? How will you LIVE when you are fully connected to your magnificence? Final Words: Connection is something you must FEEL from the inside out. It's not about reading words on a page, and connecting mentally. And, it's not about connecting INSIDE of yourself off in a corner. True connection happens as we relate and interact with people and the world. Inside and out. You must FEEL the connection. Deepen all of your connections...and enjoy the ride! Soulful CHALLENGE: Consciously connect to something related to each of the "connection opportunities" described above. Then, CHOOSE ONE that you'll consciously work on deepening over the week to come. This is a practice you may just want to take on throughout the year.

How can you connect even more fully, right now?

Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace: 10 ½ Keys to Living Fully Fulfilled – KEY #10: Practice the Art of Fulfillment

There are many components to the Art of Fulfillment … • Creating magic moments • Noticing life's simple pleasures - the little things and the grand • Being grateful • Living your values and purpose • Focusing on what's already great • Growing your connections - to self, to spirit, and to others The Art of Fulfillment is about cultivating more happiness, more peace, more joy, more meaning, more purpose - aaaaahhhhhhh, MORE life fulfillment!!! This key is SIMPLE. Focus on creating fulfillment - and YOU WILL attract it.

What is one "magic moment" you can create THIS WEEK? What are you GRATEFUL for? You CAN find fulfillment in looking at a flower or going to the grocery store - if you choose it. Schedule a "FULFILLMENT seeking week". All week long focus on everything and anything that's fulfilling to you. Discover new ones and search out others. The greater your intention to be fulfilled, the more ways you'll find to create it. Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace Quote: Chinese Proverb

"Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are."

-- Chinese Proverb

Filed under Inner Peace Quotes | Comment (0)

Inner Peace: Weed-Eaters, Chainsaws & Tree Shredders

Perhaps you're anticipating a brilliant article about how to find inner peace when the harsh vibrations of weed-eaters, chainsaws and tree shredders invade your neighborhood...and your eardrums. Well, America's Inner Peace Coach cries "Uncle" in a sigh of defeat. I am humbled. Helpless in my human reaction. In the face of THIS "inner peace culprit," I got whooped!!! Maybe you can relate... I live in a condo complex here in Southern California. Every week, without fail, the lawn maintenance team comes with their trusty weed-eaters and grass grooming devices. Each Thursday, I find myself mildly annoyed by the revving up and down of this "helpful" invention. But, it's typically only a FEW hours each week, so I hadn't given it TOO much attention. But, being as passionate about inner peace as I am, and more importantly, committed to reducing suffering where ever possible...I decided to buy noise-canceling headphones as a Christmas present to myself. I THOUGHT this would help. And, it did...a little. But, a big "Inner Peace Test" was coming my way. For some reason, our Homeowners Association thinks it's a good idea to trim trees. Why purposely scalp a perfectly beautiful tree? Seems silly. Not to mention... NOISY!!! So, I geared up for Day 1... And, they began. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrr! Rrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrr! Rrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I reached for my new noise canceling headphones, with a competitive smirk on my face. Sadly, you can STILL hear chainsaws through noise-canceling headphones!!! But, it wasn't --  AS bad. Annoying, but not annoying enough to write about. On the third day, my schedule was FULL of coaching appointments. The noise was SO distracting, I reached for an ear plug for my outside ear. It too, helped, just a teeny bit. The unsettling noise continued...starting and stopping and starting and stopping. Nothing regular when it comes to chainsaws or weed-eaters!! Arrrrghhh! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrr! Rrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrr! Rrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Of course, everything life dishes out is an opportunity, right? The previous week, my coach had challenged me to push the edges of my ability to be "calm" and "peaceful" by trying to find calm in otherwise non-peaceful situations -- like watching a movie with a lot of violence. During this ear-piercing day, I remembered the assignment -- and knew THIS was my opportunity.  I consciously started focusing on "finding calm" and "inner peace." Could I become ONE with the noise? Could I find a way to ACCEPT it? Could I connect to my own inner peace WITH chainsaws revving? Well, I tried. I really did. And, as long as the "hum" continued I could connect...and embrace it. Though, only for a split second. Of course, there is nothing regular about trimming trees!! Arrrrrgggghhhh! Then it got WORSE. How could that be possible?  %$%??&*%$??@#@!!!!! After chopping down the poor trees, they put the branches into an evil "tree shredding machine." These things should be illegal. Or, at least require some kind of muffler. WAY more ear-piercing than the little 'ol weed-eater I'd grown "accustomed" to. I'm certain all the workers for this company are hearing-impaired. At least I had a wall or window between the noise and me. And, occasionally an earplug or headphones. Lordy!! The symphony began. Chainsaw. Rrrrrrrrr! Shredder. RRRRRRR! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Rrrrrrrrr! What? NOT another chainsaw? Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! RRRRRRRRRRR! Rrrrr! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Rrrrrrr! RRRRRRRRRRRRR! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Rrrrrrr! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz! RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! This is when I knew I'd been defeated. TOO much start and stop for this inner peace coach. TOO loud for my poor little eardrums to handle. TOO much! So...the evening began as any normal human being would do after being tortured by the invasive chaos all day. I vented to my husband John. AND, had a glass of wine. I felt into my agony. I felt into my victim-hood. I complained about how my ears were hurting. Even though the experience was over,  it sure felt good to EXPRESS the frustration! Then, my husband suggested we meditate. So we did. And, my inner peace quotient rebuilds again. (My ears are STILL recovering though!) This experience reminds me what everyday inner peace is all about.  It's NOT about being "at peace" 24/7 -- it's more about embracing ALL aspects of OUR humanity. Hello frustration! Hello annoyance! Hello victimhood!  Hello humility!  When we don't make these experiences wrong...then, we are truly free. And, as far as embracing weed-eaters, chainsaws and tree shredders, I'm still working on embracing these realities of life. In fact, I think it's best to just AVOID these evils - if you can.  In the meantime, you'll see me working with noise-canceling headphones, ear plugs, and insisting on storm windows in our next home. God bless those who rev up these machines. How do you handle these kinds of experiences? I'd love to hear from you. Filed under Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Moments | Comment (0)

Inner Peace: 10 ½ Keys to Living Fully Fulfilled – Key #9 – Set a Purposeful Goal, then go ACHIEVE it!

While fulfillment isn't ALL about achievement, it plays a vital role that cannot be ignored. As human beings we have an innate need to be useful, to achieve, to create, to be challenged and to contribute. AND, we NEED meaningful goals. Work and career is a natural place to fulfill this need, especially if there are always new goals to keep us challenged. When this structure is taken away (i.e. husband supports a non-working wife with no children), the people I interviewed reported "feeling a void" - and were searching for ways to create that sense of "purposeful achievement". Over time the need to "purposefully achieve" overpowered the sense of fulfillment which came from time freedom. How do you get your need to "purposefully achieve" met on an on-going basis? Set yourself up to enjoy the pleasures of achieving. What achievements give you the highest level of satisfaction? Set a goal, achieve it, and thoroughly enjoy that level of satisfaction in knowing YOU DID IT! Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace Tips

As part of my new Everyday Inner Peace focus, I've created a series of 26 Inner Peace Tips. They are short, practical and absolutely free. Each one giving you a simple strategy to boost your "inner peace" on specific topics. You'll receive ONE tip every TWO weeks. And, who doesn't need a little extra inner peace during these times? Sneak preview of first few tips: *How can a busy person calm themselves quickly? *How do you stay balanced with a busy life? *How to stay calm in a financial crisis? To sign up for these, simply CLICK HERE. Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices | Comment (0)

Inner Peace with Mark Victor Hansen – How to Ask for Anything You Want

I’m so excited to bring Mark Victor Hansen to our Conversations with the Masters Series next week! If you haven’t registered for this yet, please do so here: www.lifecoachmary.com/markvictorhansen.htm . You won’t want to miss this no-cost call, full of New Year’s inspiration! Here’s an article Mark wrote that shares how to attain inner peace and tons of success! How To Ask for Anything You Want by Mark Victor Hansen One of life's fundamental truths states: Ask and you shall receive. Isn't that simple? Of course it is. The world responds to those who ask. Most people in this world, however, find themselves in settled lives, never really achieving or receiving what they hold in their dreams . . . because they just never ask. There are many good reasons to ask, and the rewards are substantial. If you're not moving closer to what you really want, you probably aren't doing enough asking. Reasons Why We Don't Ask So, why do people stumble when they have an opportunity to ask? Five reasons, really: 1. Ignorance: Many of us don't know what to ask for. Either we don't know what is available to us because we have never been exposed to it, or we are so out of touch with ourselves that we no longer are able to perceive our real needs and wants. And, in many cases, we don't know who to ask, when to ask, or even HOW to ask. 2. Limiting and Inaccurate Beliefs: Since our childhood, we've been programmed by our parents and through schooling, religious training and even the media to STOP asking ("for heaven's sake")! 3. Fear: Having learned all about rejection, embarrassment, vulnerability and hurt in our childhood and early adult years, we find it easier to settle for less than deal with the fear that's resulted from these experiences. 4. Low Self-Esteem: Most of us feel unworthy or inadequate to create the kind of life we want. As a result, we don't believe our needs and wants are worth pursuing. 5. Pride: Many of us are convinced we need to do everything for ourselves or we'll look foolish or lose respect among our family and peers. Take Control! The truth is, when you take control of your life by asking for what you want and need, you can accomplish anything your heart desires. No doubt, you know of people who seem to walk into any situation and relationship expecting success. They achieve success again and again because they've learned - and acted on - one simple truth: You will reach your goals only with the help of others. What are common characteristics shared between people who've mastered the art of asking? * They know what they want. They are clear about their vision, purpose and goals (See article "The Scientific Process Behind Making Wishes Come True." * They believe that what they're asking for is very possible. * They are passionate about what they are requesting. * They act even when they're afraid or feel fear. * They learn from experience so that they become better "askers" every time they ask. * They are persistent. If at first they don't receive, they ask, ask, ask until they do. You can turn your life around, regardless of the obstacles you currently face: Get clear - get passionate-take a giant step past that fear. And if at first you don't succeed, take this minor setback as a signal to you . . . to ask again! Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace: 10 ½ Keys to Living Fully Fulfilled – Key #8 – Surround Yourself with Beauty

This is the simplest and easiest key to fulfillment AND it clearly contributes to joy and happiness. Surrounding yourself with beauty means creating an environment that is appealing, supportive, nurturing, pleasant and delightful to YOU. Your environment is one of the most powerful influences on your energy, your mood, your creativity - and your fulfillment. Your home and work environments are two obvious places to start. Pictures of friends & family, fresh flowers, plants, art and meaningful knick-knacks are simple ways to personalize and brighten your environment. Secondly, spend time in nature and enjoy life's natural beauty - the ocean, mountains or even a local lake or park will stimulate your senses and alleviate your stresses. PEOPLE make up the third component in your "beautiful" environment. I'm not talking about physical beauty; I'm talking about supportive, nurturing, energizing relationships that contribute to your overall fulfillment. Get yourself some fresh flowers for your desk, visit nature at least once a week, and spend time with the people who love you most - and notice the impact of "beauty" on your life. Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)

Inner Peace New Year Practice: A 365 Day Goal

A 365 Day Goal. What? A 365 day goal? Yes. A 365 day goal is a year long commitment you make to yourself as a resolution with an ongoing commitment. Every year we set a variety of goals. Some can be achieved in a week, month, or quarter. Some goals take several years to realize. There is another category of goals that can only be achieved through consistent daily (or nearly daily) action. Working out, flossing teeth, meditating or reading books are examples of worthy "daily habits" or "daily rituals" or "365 day goals." The 365 day goal may also be something you decide to give up, much like many Catholics do during lent. Examples could be giving up swearing, alcohol, candy or a favorite unhealthy food. The result of your 365 day goal should deliver a positive effect in your life by its exclusion or inclusion -- and by your year-long commitment. These 365 day type of goals are important for TWO reasons. First, we get the positive "compounding effect" of a simple discipline repeated over the course of a year. Secondly, we get to experience "discipline" for the sake of discipline. Cultivating will-power brings a sense of control and power, while it also tames the ego. Many spiritual practices encourage a simple discipline practice for this reason. It forces you to make deliberate and conscious choices throughout the year about that single discipline. And, the compounding effect delivers more value than otherwise random follow through. So, it's a double win. Want some examples of 365 Day Goals to get your creative juices flowing? • Meditate Daily (a true 365 day goal -- no exceptions) • No Chocolate or Candy • No TV (or 2 hours per week max...and really hold yourself to it) • Average 5 workouts per week • Floss Daily • Say "I love you" to spouse or loved one • No swearing • Read 30 Books (I did that one year...and found myself reading 10 books in December!) • No alcohol (one friend did this...and loved how he felt, so never started again) • Save $_____per month (no matter what) • Write down 25 Appreciations each day • No French Fries or Fried Food • No pasta / No breads / No Ice Cream / No cheese / No dairy / No red meat … or ? • Vitamins Daily • Walk dog daily (somebody furry will love this one) • Make bed daily • Wash dishes daily • No fast food • Yoga or stretching daily • An act of kindness daily (you can always visit Denny's a midnight to find people to be kind too) • No complaining • No gossiping • Write in journal daily • Express "appreciation" to spouse daily • Hug at least one person daily • No soda (I know some of you NEED to do this one) • No coffee (replace with Green Tea) • Read 10 pages of a good book daily • Writing daily (great for writers!) • Calling a loved one daily • Visualizing a goal daily • Sending yourself unconditional love • Purposefully feeling JOY daily You may also quantify your goal differently, to be more achievable, such as committing to working out four or five days a week (on average) for an entire year. The goal ought to stretch you, but still be doable. Don't feel that you must do ALL or ANY of these...the point is to commit to ONE for a whole year -- one that is perfect for YOU. Focusing on too many 365 day goals is counterproductive. Find something that resonates for you...and commit, really commit!! What would be the impact 365 days from now if you...? Some goals become permanent, and others are just a one year commitment. Anything that I start to notice as a pattern in my life, that doesn't serve me, I like to nip because I don't like being controlled by something outside of me. One year, Tony Robbins committed to working out EVERY day...and found himself on the exercise bike at 2am on some days. While he got in great shape that year...he also got the power of discipline. And, a great story to share. Have fun with this. Feel free to share with me your commitment for the year, and maybe you'll inspire other readers by your 365 day goal. Email me mary@lifecoachmary.com. Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Practices, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (0)