Mini Bites: Healing Ideas to Snack On

From Cape Breton to California: Beauty Redefined

2011-11-20T06:24:00.026-05:00

Sometimes it takes a few years, and several off island encounters, to appreciate the many qualities of our “living” Cape Breton culture. I say living because the spirit of Cape Breton, our collective heritage, is very much in the present tense---and often shows up in unexpected ways. For example, did you know that we have a unique and colorful way of expressing beauty?

Let me explain. Growing up in Glace Bay, my earliest recollection of beauty was defined not by conventional stereotypes, but by which blood-relative you looked like, walked like, or acted like. Yes siree, you might have Aunt Hilda’s crooked smile or your father’s generous nose, but seeing that it was a part of Aunt Hilda or your dad, whom you loved and adored, the reference was viewed as a precious compliment and worth it’s weight in lobster claws!

Best of all, upon hearing the family reference, you felt sensational; basking in a beauty that was not only physical, but one that encompassed a deep sense of kinship, connection, and community. In short, you were beautiful simply because you “belonged” and were part of a collective that would go on for a long time – crooked smiles, big feet, freckles, and all.

Looking back, this unaffected day-to-day practice of Cape Bretoners smiling and verbally acknowledging your place in the community provided the most unabashed feeling of inner and outer beauty that I've ever experienced. After all, equipped with grandmother’s fiery red hair, father’s Port Hood sense of humor, and the family nickname, what else could one possibly need to greet the day, or the world for that matter? Absolutely nothing (hmm, perhaps you feel the same way too).

My Cape Breton heritage has given me the gift of perspective; so when a California group asked me to speak about beauty, it was only natural that I’d relish the chance to share the Cape Breton definition of what was “beaut-e-ful”. That being said, I was very aware that I was in the land of iconic California toned bodies, blond hair, and blue eyes. Would our distinctive concept of beauty appeal to a group who had never set foot in Nova Scotia, let alone experienced the wiles of Cape Breton Island? The safe route would have been to stick to the world-renowned beauty of our landscape, but the leprechaun inside was curious to kick the tires on the concept of beauty as a sense of belonging, so I decided to go for it.

The presentation began, and soon I was facing a sea of transfixed eyes (gasp!). Resisting the urge to look behind me to see what captured their attention; I tried to make sense of the situation. Then like the turn in a good Mabou fiddle tune, it hit me. As I spoke about Cousin Lucy’s hands, grandfather’s dimples, and my sister’s eyes, audience interest started to grow.

By the time our East coast sense of hospitality folded into the mix, you could feel a pulse of energy run through the room as the audience appeared to shift its perspective on beauty. At that moment, I knew for sure that Cape Breton’s definition of beauty as it related to belonging, connection, and kinship had the ability to touch people, deeply, perhaps even on a healing or soul level.

As the session went along, there was a chance to weave in the Cape Bretoners’ profound attachment to the land, the sacred crossing of the Canso Causeway (my grandfather would make us lift our feet when we crossed), the fiddle tunes, step dancing, and all the light-hearted “Ciamar a tha thu?/ How are you? (Pronounced: “kimmer a ha hoo”) that happens in-between.

The presentation ended with a bunch of people (especially young women) excitedly asking for the “Cape Breton beauty” to be explained again and again. Some requested that I write it down or email it to them; one lady filled up and started to cry; and many young women shared that they had never thought about physical beauty in a way that included connectedness, community, and a sense of belonging.

Yes, they had never thought about it. We get to live the feeling every day.

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

For the music lovers, here is an on-line commentary called "Cape Breton Fiddle Music Is It Unique? Yes!" that was featured in Celtic Life magazine.

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©Mildred Lynn McDonald 2011

Are you a beacon … for what you believe?

2011-10-09T20:30:00.013-04:00

Today, I landed on the David Suzuki website and discovered the Declaration of Interdependence, which I signed because I wholeheartedly agreed with the message.

At the end of the pledge, there was a question: “Why are you signing the declaration?” This query, deceptively simple, captured my attention and started the internal ball rolling and churning. (Darn, now I have to think with my heart … said I to myself).

After several minutes of contemplation, these words shimmied into my consciousness: “Nature has gifted us with clean air, clean water, and clean soil. I believe that it is the birthright of future generations (of all species), to have an opportunity to receive the same gift”. After sitting with this nugget for a couple of minutes, I was content.

Yet, on a deeper level, a new question bobbed into my mind: “Am I willing to be a beacon for what I believe?” I’d love to shout a robust “Yes!”, but if truth be told, like most people, I am only willing to pick up the torch to the degree that it fits into my comfort zone. After all, when was the last time that I really stretched myself? Yep, my sense was that I’m operating at only 75% capacity in the beacon arena … definitely well within the comfy-cozy range.

That being said, I know in my heart that I've shifted gears because I’m eager to be a stronger beacon for what I believe, and best of all, I’m open to sharing my skills and abilities with others to do the same ... with some joy, laughter, and fun thrown in to the mix, of course.

So what was my inspiration? Basically, I looked at the David Suzuki Foundation and said to myself “You guys are sincere about creating tools to get your environmental message out and about, I agree with what you are saying, so it is about time that I jumped in a little more to advocate and support you”.

Besides, since I believed in their message, I was having a hard time coming up with logical reasons (excuses) not to become more, shall I say “beacon-ish”. (After all, if I'm not supporting something that I believe in, what am I supporting? Not much).

What can we do together? 5 Simple Steps

1. Understand: The Declaration of Interdependence captures the values of the David Suzuki Foundation. It was presented at the 1992 UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. In their words, it is a “heartfelt affirmation of our intent to preserve the Earth, based on the understanding that we are completely dependent on and interconnected with Nature.” (Source: website).

2. Observe: Watch or read the David Suzuki Foundation Declaration of Interdependence.

3. Action: Sign the pledge if you agree: “We can’t steal from the Future to serve the present. We need to sustain and steward the Earth for our descendants.” (Source: website).

4. Feel Good: If you're like me, after you take a few minutes to read or watch (I did both) David Suzuki’s thought-provoking message, you’ll feel really good and perhaps a little more connected to the 6,585,000,000,000,000,000,000 ton life creating, supporting, and sustaining home that we call Earth.

5. Share: If you feel that friends and family would appreciate learning about the concept of environmental interdependence, please take a few minutes and share the information.

BTW, I’m collecting Earth-centered declarations, manifestos, pledges, and the like. If you come across something that inspires you, please share it with me.

I'll be more than happy to acknowledge your gift and share it with others. Example: Bolivia Enshrines Natural World's Rights with Equal Status for Mother Earth.

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

"We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren, and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can't speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees." - Potalesharo

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Cape Breton Island: A 100% Natural Healing Elixir

2011-09-18T11:28:00.056-04:00

If you’ve heard Allister MacGillivray’s Song for the Mira, you know the phrase “And if you come broken, they’ll see that you mend”. Have you ever thought about what the words really mean? Who is coming broken and what’s being mended? Personally, I’m aware of at least seven people who had spontaneous life altering or “mending” experiences during their visit to Cape Breton, and I’m sure that there are many more.

So what gives? Cape Breton Island is renowned for its friendliness, laughter, and endless hospitality. But under the “drop in for a cup of tea”, welcoming smiles, and plates of squares, there is a powerful heartbeat; a nourishing rhythm that creates a fabulous approach to life that helps people recalibrate, rejuvenate, and revitalize on many levels – mind, body, and spirit.

For example, a friend visited the Island a couple of years ago. He met a branch of his family he didn’t know existed. Attended a wedding and discovered a 9-piece band playing music he loved. Drank some cold beer and ate big chunks of McFadgen’s pound cake. Laughed a lot in kitchens of people he had never met and found his name was no longer Ken but Kenny. He was so impacted that he brought his best friend and his wife back for a visit in the fall to share the “feeling”. He changed his email name from Ken to Kenny. You see what I mean. His outlook and appetite for life were reshaped. He was transformed. That is the kind of mending we all need from time to time.

Did you know that the Journal of Nature recently published a study showing that city dwellers have more brain activity triggering anxiety, fear, and stress than non-city dwellers? My theory is that Cape Breton’s heartbeat is so potent that it actually slows down brain activity and supports a healthy body rhythm, something people are yearning for on a conscious or even subconscious level.

To explore Cape Breton’s healing potential a little more; I spoke with the talented Dr. Glenna Calder (nee Morris, Port Hood) who has been successfully practicing Naturopathic Medicine for the past 10 years. Here is how the conversation unfolded, over a kitchen table of course:

ML: You’ve often told me that Cape Bretoners have a healing power in our openness, spontaneity and our ability to connect and laugh with others. Can you explain?

Dr. C: Visitors to Cape Breton experience, perhaps for the first time since childhood, the ability to exhale and simply be themselves. For most, it is a big shift because for Cape Bretoners who you are and where you are from are valued; not status, money, or day job. Because of this, you quickly forget your routine view of yourself and start to see yourself differently. You look more at what is within – because that’s what’s valued.

Also, the pace allows you to join in – you can effortlessly keep up and join in because it mirrors the rhythm of your natural heartbeat. Take a West Mabou Square Dance, for example. Someone grabs you at the door and boom, you belong. The feet are going, the mind doesn’t get in the way, and all of a sudden you are having a good time – the dancers don’t let you stay in your mind too long – they bring you out. You release. You relax. You heal.

ML: Can you share why immersing yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of Nature support the healing process?

Dr. C: Our five senses tell us what responses we need to have depending on what is occurring around us. Modern day stress like traffic, missing a deadline, or having an argument trigger the “fight or flight” response, sending adrenaline soaring through the body and causing many physical reactions that aren't without consequences. Calming sounds such as the waves on Ingonish Beach, birds tweeting, or fiddle music with a steady beat relax us because the brain tells the nervous system that there is no reason to be on guard; all is well.

ML: You mentioned that Cape Breton offers a foundation for an “excellent Naturopathic protocol”, what do you mean by that?

Dr. C: First, let me share that Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary care that tackles the root causes of illness, and fosters health by using natural therapies such as: botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and life style counseling. It supports your body’s own innate healing ability using an integrated approach to disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. The basis of a naturopathic protocol is to nourish and heal the body. Anything that relaxes the mind, body and spirit will improve your health. This is because it promotes an anabolic state, which is life enhancing rather than life draining; or put another way, it shifts your body into a state of rebuilding and balance.

ML: Anything that you would like to add?

Dr. C: The next time you make a decision, listen to how your body reacts. Take a deep breath, connect with nature, and tap into to your innate Cape Breton heartbeat. Then ask yourself “Is this choice life enhancing or life draining?” Works like a charm.

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
*Cape Breton Island: A 100% Natural Healing Elixir was originally published in the Jul/Aug 2011 edition of The Rising Tide Magazine. I'll post a link to the publication, when the on-line version is available :)

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Thank you Ray Anderson, you made me green … inside and out.

2011-08-14T20:46:00.045-04:00

On August 8th, 2011 one of the cornerstones of my eco-learning triangle, Ray Anderson, passed away. How do I feel? It is a mixture. Pensive and sad for the loss of a great man; grateful and appreciative for the opportunity to observe a life marinated in honesty, courage, and integrity; and on a very human level, uneasy about the loss of a real-life cornerstone. Yes, it always felt safer knowing that the eco-business perspective of Ray Anderson was out there. It also reminded me of my journey:

A little while ago, I experienced a pressing “SoulNudge” to learn as much as I could about the Earth and our beautiful, yet polluted eco-system. My first thoughts were “Oh no, not again”, since my last soul nudge catapulted me out of the socially acceptable high tech sector and into the intangible world of life coaching and alternative medicine. Yes siree, the idea of another supersonic rocket ride into the unknown was daunting, and to be honest … scary.

Then I stumbled upon a video called Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken; shortly after, the work of Ray Anderson, as illustrated in his book Confessions of a Radical Industrialist, captured my interest, and with the rediscovery of David Suzuki, my eco-learning triangle was complete.

On another level, I had no idea of how these three world-class visionaries would change my life from the inside out. Upon reflection, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook also played a role because they provided an open window to a welcoming sense of eco-community … a most treasured resource when charting unfamiliar and unsettling territory.

One year later and centuries wiser, this is what I have learned:

1. “There” is “here”: Let your heart be your guide because your heart understands the natural balance and the ebb flow of things. As annotated by David Suzuki, if you want to learn about Nature, go and live in Nature. Respecting the sentiment, I followed its concourse and found that the hypothesis to be honest and true.

2. Be open. As shared with you, I was hit with the passion, but not the resources. I fretted about being inadequate, whilst in reality; my very inadequacy is my greatest strength. For example, I’m able, at present, to look at the Earth and eco-system with humble “beginner’s eyes”. No eco-affiliation, organization, or corporation owns me, so I dare to be honest and speak my truth.

3. Be magnanimous: The center of the Universe is not exclusively “human”. Every plant and animal has an equal right to be here and an equal claim to fulfill their life purpose and thrive. We have an opportunity to adjust our human manifesto in a healthy, sustainable, and inclusive way. Let’s do it.

As you may discern, I am still learning ... and that in itself is a gift. Maybe this time next year, I’ll have the more “wisdoms” or learnings to add to the list. In the meantime, I will search for one of the stories in Ray Anderson’s writings; the one about the WW2 veteran, the island, the food supply, and the reindeer (or was it caribou or moose?). It matters not, what does matter is the profound message of a tipping point for eco-sustainability in the story.

Thank you for stepping up to the plate for the Earth, for responsible, environmentally sustainable enterprise, and for your fellow human beings. Mr. Ray Anderson, R.I.P.

Read more about Ray Anderson’s legacy:

1. A True Radical, A Great Man (The Huffington Post)

2. Paul Hawken Pays Tribute to green-biz visionary Ray Anderson (GRIST)

3. Foundation Mourns green business hero and former board member (The David Suzuki Foundation)

4. Ray Anderson, Green Building Pioneer Dead, at 77 (Tree Hugger)

5. Get to Know Ray (Interface Global).

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*Update: The reindeer story mentioned above is referenced in Sarah Laskow's article "How Reindeer Inspired a Sustainable Business Revolution", GOOD, August 12, 2011.

Cape Breton Island: What’s Your Father’s Name?

2011-07-25T15:46:00.042-04:00

If you spend a little time on Cape Breton Island, chances are that you’ll encounter someone in your daily travels (perhaps even you!) being asked the familiar question: “What’s your father’s name?” Yes, it’s quite common. But, have you ever observed that with this gentle inquiry, the asker and everyone around them holds their breath in earnest anticipation; as if the answer carries the weight of a treasure chest filled with tartan and gold?

For the people of Cape Breton, this age-old interchange is precious. It is a community affirming currency that stretches from heartbeat to heartbeat and across the island from tip to stern. Plus, for those making the inquiry (and those listening in), there is always a chance, albeit a small one, that you might be related—a second or third cousin, Mary Agnes’ eldest daughter returned from the mainland, or a new friend, to be embraced and welcomed into the clan.

When I left the island and travelled a little, I realized that not everyone was as interested in this precious familial information as I was; just like all homes didn’t have a piano in the living room, a nice pot of tea (often boiled) sitting on the stove, or pork pies, oatcakes, and butterscotch pie.

So I began to ask myself what makes this simple phrase “What’s your father’s name?” so integral to our Cape Breton culture. Where did it come from? Yes, I understood what it meant in a literal sense, but there seemed to be a deeper meaning. Something elusive that whispered to my Cape Breton and Outer Hebridean sensibilities … with gusto!

Over time, I discovered an on-line genealogy site called My Heritage. Oh, what fun I had inserting photos, connecting family members, and discovering unknown Cape Breton memorabilia. Vividly, I remember reviewing each day’s activity with pride as I anticipated the joy that my relatives would feel as they too perused the treasure chest of community, inclusiveness, and belonging.

Then one day, I had the good fortune to stumble upon an article by Bill Lawson, a well-known Scottish scholar who has been immersed in Family and Social History in the Outer Hebrides for over 40 years. In the blink of an eye, the answer to “What’s you father’s name?” became crystal clear. The pivot point, at least in my opinion, was nestled into the Hebrides Gaelic expression “Co leis thu?” or to translate, “To whom do you belong?”

Bursting with excitement, I emailed Bill Lawson and received his reply within hours. He confirmed that although the old idiom shows signs of washing out with the tide, “Co leis thu?” is still “commonly used on the islands to put people in their place in the community. It is the sign of a society based community rather than a person based one”. Mystery solved.

On a personal note, you’ll be pleased to know that although I no longer live in Cape Breton, the legacy of “Co leis thu?” and “What’s your father’s name?” still shines within me, sometimes with humorous consequences.

For example, in business meetings, I often catch myself asking new (and unsuspecting) attendees a form of “What’s your father’s name?” called “Where are your people from?” This question is frequently met with cross-eyed, perplexed stares until someone explains “Oh, she’s from the East coast, Cape Breton Island, they always ask that.” At which point I give a friendly nod, and proceed with my self-appointed duty to find out where each person in the room is from, and in doing so, fulfill my innate desire to nurture a sense of belonging and build community … even if it is only for a few hours!

When I’m on a roll, it doesn’t end there. If the Cape Breton familial connection is missing, I’ll simply move on to “Have you visited Cape Breton?” If that yields silence, I’ll resort to my trump card “Have you heard of The Rankin Family, Rita MacNeil or the Barra MacNeils”? Luckily, one of these well-loved Cape Breton icons saves the day and I get a “yes”. To which we all heave a collective sigh of relief and get on with whatever we are actually there to do.

In a time when so many are thirsty for a sense of belonging, acceptance, and community, the people of Cape Breton naturally step forward by offering one and all a deceptively simple question: “What’s your father’s name?” Come to think of it, it really is more a gift than a question. Wouldn’t you agree?

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
PS - Planning to visit Cape Breton Island? Check out the Celtic Colours International Festival, Oct 7-15, 2011

*What's Your Father's Name? was originally published in the May/June 2011 edition of The Rising Tide Magazine. I'll post a link to the publication, when the on-line version is available :)

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The Day I Woke Up: The Truth About Factory Farms

2011-07-01T20:10:00.055-04:00

I recently watched a 2.5 minute video showing undercover footage of the mistreatment of farm animals inside of one of the USA’s largest pork producers. (Yes, I am talking about factory farming and it is much worse than you may expect). The graphic images shook me up and I wondered “How can this be true? Don’t we have laws for this?” The video speaks for itself, so if you choose to watch it (not recommended for children) you will have an opportunity to formulate your own opinion according to your conscience, just as I did.

First, let me share that I have no problem with choosing to eat healthy animal products, just as I have no problem with choosing not to eat animal products. We live in a beautiful and free country where everyone has an opportunity to nourish their body with food as they see fit, in accordance with their beliefs, culture, and conscience.

What I do have a problem with is the ongoing abuse of factory farm animals being covered up, and then spun to the public as pristine, wholesome, healthy, and safe. If a household pet was treated like these animals, the owner would be charged.

Do you know that factory farms now consume 80% of antibiotics in the USA? This means that the fallout of this practice is being ingested into your body everyday. Think about this the next time you prepare a meal for your little ones – or yourself. In case you’re wondering, the antibiotics are used to "make livestock grow faster and keep them alive in cramped, filthy conditions.” (Source: How the Meat Industry Turned Abuse into a Business Model by Tom Philpott, June 2011).

So what to do? Faced with this question, I decided to use Google and educate myself on this issue. Here is what I came up with as a starting point - perhaps you will find it useful:

1. Ask yourself “Where did this meat/pork/ poultry on my plate really come from?” Better yet, ask this question to your grocery store manager. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer that is in alignment with your personal beliefs, culture, and conscience consider taking your business elsewhere.

2. Support your local farmers and farmer’s markets. There are plenty of small farms that are doing an excellent job raising beef/ pork/ poultry/dairy. They respect the farm animals and are happy to take you on a tour of their operation. Remember that food producers that have nothing to hide welcome a chance to educate and interact with their valued customers.

3. There are many on-line groups rising-up to tackle the issue of unethical factory farms. Simply search “factory farms” on Google because there is sure to be a group that fits your lifestyle, conscience, and perspective. These groups often have educational articles, resources, practical next steps, and Facebook/Twitter options. Mercy For Animals is a good place to start; then perhaps Sustainable Table or Choose Veg. In Canada, check out the Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals (CCFA).

4. Contact your local MPs and demand that time and attention be directed to this issue. Please don’t assume (as I did) that the Canadian anti-cruelty laws protect farm animals from suffering. As stated by the CCFA, “sadly Canada’s anti-cruelty laws do not protect farm animals from suffering caused by factory farming systems provided they are considered industry practice. The tragedy is that standard industry practices are responsible for some of the worst animal cruelty imaginable.”

Know in your heart that your voice counts, so please stand up and use it. For inspiration, here is a ancient story called The Hummingbird and the Fire:

"The world was burning and all the animals were running from the fire in terror. Then, a lion turned around and noticed a hummingbird dipping it’s beak into the water and flying over the burning embers again and again. The lion laughed and shouted at the hummingbird: “You are so little, what are you doing?” The hummingbird simply answered: “What I can.” With that the lion paused, turned around, and began to help the hummingbird; soon the other animals joined in. Eventually the fire was put out and the natural balance of the Earth was restored." - Author Unknown

Here is my question to you: Do you have the courage to be that hummingbird, if not for yourself, then for your children? I do. Join me today. Look forward to hearing from you!

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Brulé Music to the Rescue!

2011-05-31T19:31:00.035-04:00

I don’t know about you, but I have recently discovered that listening to music is one of the best ways to “shift” Life Force Energy and bring yourself into a good life space – quickly.

It all started one day with an ordinary visit to YouTube where I stumbled upon a contemporary Native American group called Brulé and AIRO, and a music video called The Spirit of the Bear (also known as Buffalo Moon).

As I listened intently to the rhythmic composition and watched the thoughtful, well-paced video, it occurred to me that the very “energy” of this music had the surprising effect of uplifting and grounding me at the same time. Yes siree, by the end of the song I was I totally energized, centered, and spellbound.

Next, I decided to listen to Stomp Dance by Brulé. I was entranced by the pulsating energy and chant-like cadence of the music. Once again, I was energized and centered, but this time, I felt a strength building through the core of my being.

Who was this musical group and where did they come from?

As it turns out, the genesis of Brule’s story, via founder Paul LeRoche, is as intriguing as the music. You see, Paul LeRoche was raised by adoptive parents in Minnesota, believing for most of his life, that he was of French Canadian descent. In 1993, after the death of both adoptive parents, he discovered that he was adopted at birth from the Lower Sioux Brule Reservation. (If you would like to hear more about his life changing experience, watch the KSTP Minnesota interview). Since then, Paul LeRoche has turned his powerful feelings into humanitarian causes through music, with his group Brulé promoting peace and harmony, whilst winning many awards.

So, I said to myself, now I understand why this music has such a big impact on me – it is the heart and soul music of someone who has had the courage to embrace a huge shift to reclaim and honor self, and with an open-heart, share that self with others. In this case, through beautiful, soul connecting music.

Now, each morning, I find the time to listen to both The Spirit of the Bear and Stomp Dance, because just as nutritious, organic food nourishes my body, these two songs invigorate and boost my Life Force Energy, putting me in a good place to greet the day, no matter my starting point. Thank you Brulé!

Question: If you could chose a song to boost your energy each morning, what would it be?

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

ML

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Have you been ‘Greenwashed’ by your Personal Care Products?

2011-04-12T20:13:00.030-04:00

Recently, I’ve noticed that there is a resurgence of tips, ideas, and recipes for making your own personal care products. This is an idea that I’ve fantasized about now and then, although if truth be known, the closest I’ve come to living the dream is whipping up a batch of uber-healthy (and tasty) hair conditioner from common kitchen ingredients.

Although the project was a success, I didn’t pursue it any further. Why? The main reason is that there were already several stores in my community offering “green” personal care products for men, women and children; bursting at the seams with “natural” and “organic” ingredients … or so the product labels boasted.

Then one night, as I watched CBC’s investigative reporting show Marketplace, my sense of security about environmentally-friendly products marketed as “natural” or “organic” evaporated like a bucket of steam. Yes siree, I had been greenwashed (gasp!).

In case you are wondering, greenwashing is a word often used to describe the deceptive use of green words and images in order to promote a misleading perception that a company's products are environmentally friendly. In my case, after watching Marketplace, it became crystal clear that many companies were taking great liberties in marketing products as “natural” or “organic” for four reasons:

First, the personal care industry worth about $6 billion dollars; Second, in only a few years, the number of so called “green products” increased almost 75%; Third, consumers are often willing to pay a premium (about 25%-65% more) for green products; Fourth, the terms “natural” and “organic” are vague and not regulated properly in Canada.

So what to do? Obviously regulatory agencies need to catch-up on “greenwashing” and companies touting personal care products as “organic” and “natural” that are neither green nor organic need to stop. In the meantime, consumers need to make informed purchasing decisions by accessing credible, practical, timely information. Fortunately, we live at a time when all the information that we could possibly desire (and more!) about greenwashing, labels, ingredients, and ethical product marketing is available at the click of a mouse.

Here are some suggestions (I’m using them myself):

1. Watch Marketplace’s Lousy Labels episode (22-min) and The Story of Cosmetics (8-min) by Annie Leonard

2. Check out Green Beaver’s list of Ingredients to Avoid

3. Support companies that are genuine and truly “green” on Twitter and Facebook

4. Use your cell phone browser to do a little on-the-spot investigating when you spot ingredients you don’t know

5. Read David Suzuki’s Survey of Toxic Ingredients in our Cosmetics

6. Check out Adria Vasil’s Ecoholic website and blog

7. Add your voice by contacting regulatory groups, such as The Competition Bureau in Canada

8. Consider making some of your own personal care products using on-line recipes (hey, I’m not kidding … it might be fun!)

9. Buy a small magnifying glass to read ingredient labels in stores - yes siree, they are often small

It would be a wonderful world indeed if stakeholders such as government, companies, and consumers came together quickly to solve this sticky bit of green labeling miscommunication (and unsavory, opportunistic business behavior). Since in reality this situation might meander like a winding country road, what we really need is a big social media nudge to help move things along … something like signing the petition for The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics or David Suzuki’s Take Action for Smarter Regulation of Chemicals in Cosmetics petition (Update: This petition is in hiatus until after the Canadian federal election).

As a point of reference, in fall 2010, Prime Minister Harper overturned a CRTC decision on Internet bandwidth caps because of an on-line petition that 40,000 people signed. There are other examples. We can change things too.

Let’s use our collective voices to ensure that what we read (and pay for!) on a green label accurately reflects the integrity of the product 100%. Together we can separate the truly green products from the green counterfeits; in essence helping ourselves by restoring ethical and safe practices by separating the gold nuggets from the Fool’s Gold.

Enjoy the day!

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A Pinch of “Salt” and a Whale of a Journey Begins

2011-03-15T06:16:00.046-04:00

This is a story about Salt. Not table salt, like you might suspect, but “Salt”, the Humpback whale that I adopted from the good people at Ocean Alliance last year, as part of their adopt-a-whale program.

For those of you who might wonder what possessed me to adopt-a-whale, the answer is simple. I found a Yahoo news story that highlighted the alarmingly high levels of heavy metals in Sperm whales and decided to learn more and then perhaps, take action.

And so, innocently enough, it began. What I quickly (and uncomfortably) discovered is that unraveling environmental issues is a little like installing new fixtures in an old bathroom. The shiny new taps might look “fresh”, but they also draw attention to everything else in the bathroom that looks shabby and outdated. In my case, it became abundantly clear that I had a lot of catching up (and waking up!) to do.

My first step was inspired by a comment made by David Suzuki that simply stated that if you want to learn more about Nature, then go live in Nature (this is not a direct quote, but the intent of the message resonates with me – and it is one of my guiding principles).

In lieu of gills and fins, I decided to use the Internet to research and learn more. One of the best spots that I found was Dr. Roger Payne’s Ocean Alliance Organization website because the information is researched-based (yes!) and balanced (yes!), which appeals to both the humanist and scientist in me. After a while, I gravitated to the “get involved” area, where I found the opportunity to adopt-a-whale for $25 … and presto, with a credit card and couple of clicks, I was an adopter.

That is the chronological recap of events; what I didn’t share was the overwhelming sense of connection, warmth, and delight that I felt when I first received a photo of Salt the whale, Salt’s family tree, and the update on Salt’s ocean travels. As I looked at a photo of Salt’s dorsal fins (whales are often identified by their dorsal fins) the deal was sealed and I knew that I was captivated by my 35-plus ton (equal to the weight of about 500 people) adoptee…hook, line and sinker.

Since then I’ve continued to educate myself on ocean issues (which can be overwhelming) and gather resources to share with others…plus, do a lot of thinking and observing. You see, the Sperm whale is at the top of the ocean food chain, just like the Human is at the top of the land food chain. If the Sperm whale is full of heavy metals, then there is a high probability that we, as humans, might be in the same predicament. To discern this, I’m going to invest in Hair Element Analysis via Rocky Mountain Analytical Lab in Calgary to see what heavy metals (if any) I am carrying in my body … and of course, I’ll post the results, if useful to myself and others.

1. Want to learn more about our oceans and whales? Check out the Ocean Alliance newsletter (well-written, courageous and informative).

2. For your kids: Once Upon A Tide, an award winning, 10-minute video project of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School.

3. YouTube Song Inspiration: The Last of the Great Whales written by Andy Barnes and sung by The Dubliners.

4. Check out the New York Times article "Whales Grandeur and Grace, Up Close" by Yudhijit Bhattacharjee. If you are in San Fransciso before May 7th, 2011, you can also see Bryant Austin's exhibit called "In the Eye of the Whale" at the Electric Works Gallery.

Mildred Lynn

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*Photo credit/permission: Ocean Alliance Organization (thank you)

International Year of the Forests – “Celebrating Forests for People”

2011-02-19T19:43:00.046-05:00

I don’t remember when my kinship with trees came to be; perhaps it blossomed when I heard the popular analogy that trees are “like the lungs of the planet”. Or perhaps, my respect and gratitude for trees developed slowly during the three years that I spent in Nature, nestled in the Gatineau Hills, Quebec. Either way, today I am an advocate for the Rights of the Forests and I suspect that I will be for the rest of my life.

That being said, you can imagine my delight when I discovered that the United Nations Environment Program has designated 2011 as the “International Year of the Forests”, with a mandate to bring sustainable forestry to a higher plain, in every sense of the word.

In honor of the International Year of the Forests, a beautiful short film called “Of Forests and Men” was created by Yan Aurthus Bertrand and presented at the Ninth Session of United Nations Forum on Forests in New York in Jan/Feb 2011. This afternoon, with a nice cup of tea in-hand, I watched the 7-minute film and encourage you to take a few minutes and watch it too.

For those of you blessed with children in your lives (parents, grandparents, and teachers), please check out the “Love Trees: Kids Tree Planting + Environmental Learning”. This website features $15 tree certificates and the sweet idea of providing an opportunity for children to “Make a Wish for the Planet” … and just wait until you read what the children – our collective children – have posted.

If you are looking for a spring learning activity to share with your children, why not scout out the trees and plants in your backyard? This idea came to me as I looked out the window at a majestic fur tree sitting on the front lawn. There are lots of good tree reference books, and of course, a Google search, complete with colorful tree images, is always a handy resource.

Oh yes, for those of you with a holistic healing bent and are familiar with the Bach Flower Essences, please check out Daniel Tigner’s “Canadian Forest Tree Essences” website. You might also enjoy his book “Canadian Forest Tree Essences – Vibrational Healing Through Natural Resonance of Trees”. I read this book a couple of years ago; learned a lot, and enjoyed it immensely. You can also sign up for his blog and a newsletter.

Quote: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now." Chinese Proverb
What am I Reading? The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard
YouTube Song Inspiration: Get Together by the Young Bloods

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
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Blog Topic Directory 2010 (I hope that you like reading them ;)

Healing the Earth – Where Do I Fit In?

2010-12-03T07:26:00.027-05:00

It took me a long time to figure out where I fit into the vast healing the Earth arena. Yes siree, I have coaching skills, marketing skills, business skills, and science skills galore … but every time I set out to find my group I felt unmotivated and uninspired to make the leap that takes me beyond the “sign me up for a newsletter” click of the mouse to the magical world of active engagement. Perhaps the timing was off, or perhaps I had to go through an inner journey before finding a space where I could feel at home, contribute, and enjoy a little nourishment myself.

Looking back, the scenario went something like this: I’d find an environmental topic that intrigued me, begin a Google search, smile as I scrolled down the page, and then, one-by-one, become deflated because the energy of the group was too technical (I got lost in the weeds), too business-oriented ( I was looking for more than dollars and cents), too overwhelming (scary, there no hope for us—gasp!), or too commercialized (lots of green washing).

Was I being fussy? The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it because I am an easy going person by nature. Finally, after months of looking, I found “the group for me” (November 2010 blog: Awakening the Dreamer).

Now that I’ve had some time to reflect (and laugh) at the process, here are 5 Tips that may help you, or someone that you know along the happy trial:

1. Give yourself time – my expectations were measured in days; now I realize that finding the right environmental group fit can take weeks or months (or longer if you are unclear about what you are looking for).

2. Don’t be shy--ask other people. I loved to interview environmental advocates, activists, elders--and learned a lot this way.

3. Read plenty of books (eBooks), and on-line articles, blogs, etc. I discovered that many, if not all the environmental or green authors had blogs, wrote articles, plus had a presentation or two posted on YouTube.

4. Laugh at yourself – lighten up; I fell into the trap of feeling pressure. It was a challenge for me to learn more about the impact of non-healthy practices on the Earth and not act immediately. It seemed that my “call to action” went directly to my heart, so naturally, I wanted to dive right in--the only problem was that my head didn’t agree—and I needed both heart and head in-sync to move forward in a balanced, healthy, sustainable way.

5. The magical “ah” moment for me was the decision to hire a coach who understood environmental and green issues. So after a quick peek at the WiserEarth website, I found Megan Joseph (bio) of California, who has a private practice coaching activists and other social change artisans.

Why did I hire a coach? First, I learned to value the coaching skill set by becoming a professional Integrative Coach at The Ford Institute for Integrative Coaching (San Diego). Second, I always find it so much more fulfilling to walk down a new path with someone. Yes, you can do it by yourself, but as the saying goes, two heads (and hearts) are better than one. Third, when shifting from one mode to another, it really helps to have someone to whom you are accountable because we are all human—so unless you have a structure in place, day-to-day distractions are plentiful.

I hope that you find these tips useful. I’ll be more than happy to share the second half of my very human journey to help to heal the Earth … plus the people, ideas, groups, laughter, and resources that show up along the way.

• What am I Reading? The Ecology of Commerce Revised Edition by Paul Hawken

• YouTube Song Inspiration: I can see clearly now the rain is gone with Jonny Nash lyrics

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Awakening the Dreamer ... in me

2010-11-12T20:42:00.064-05:00

Last month, on the spur of the moment, I decided to take in a workshop called Awakening the Dreamer offered by the Pachamama Alliance in Ottawa, Ontario. What were my expectations? I was open to learning more about healing the Earth … and to be honest, I really didn’t have a second agenda, just an impish curiosity to see where this experience would take me.

About half-an-hour into the lecture, I was feeling at home with the course material. “Yes”, I thought to myself, “this very well done”. A couple of hours later, I was so engrossed that I put my name forward for the Awakening the Dreamer Facilitator Training in January 2011. Since then, I've been meeting new people, exploring Earth-friendly resources, and scouting for nifty spots to offer the workshop in 2011 in my geographic footprint--California, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.

The program appeals to me because it fits seamlessly into my lifestyle, connects the with "big picture" (at least for me), is lovingly pro-active, and most importantly, offers websites, groups, and resources that I can easily tap into without having to spend hours sifting through a Google search ... yes, I have done that – plenty of times.

At the end of the day, what comes to mind is a timely insight from Janet Goodfellow, a member of the steering committee for Transition Perth. From her perspective, we are all pioneers and leaders in the environmental arena. No one person or group has the definitive solution, and the real momentum is at the grassroots level. After being inspired into action by the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, I am inclined to believe her.

If you’ve had an Earth-healing “ah” moment like I did, please let me know. I’m actively searching for a like-minded community, so I’d love to hear from you. Here are a couple of songs that I feel capture the spirit of Awakening the Dreamer: Bruce Cockburn's iconic If a Tree Falls and Lynn Miles uplifting Something Beautiful.

Look forward to hearing from you ... enjoy the day!

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Is Your Word Golden?

2010-06-26T16:37:00.021-04:00

When I was a little girl, my grandfather shot a video of me. Years later, as I watched it on an old-fashioned projector screen, I observed myself as a buoyant four-year old with strawberry blond curls twirling around the room. At one point, this little ball of energy stopped, looked directly into the camera, and beamed a mega smile of pure honesty, truth and delight. Wow, she was fearless … and so alive and vibrant that one could almost see electrons twinkling in her aura!

To this day, the integrity of the child in the video disarms and challenges me to be honest with myself and true to my word. Does this concept seem odd to you? Can you remember a time when you could be so unabashedly honest and open with yourself and the world? Was it when you were a child? Or was it today … perhaps yesterday? Do you ever wonder how it would feel to be that honest and true again?

After thinking about the video awhile, it occurred to me that I needed to ask myself a one big question: “Do I truly value myself and honor my word?” Happily, and with a big sigh of relief, I decided that yes, finally, I do indeed value myself and my word … in fact, next to my beloved Cape Breton accent; my word is my most valuable treasure on Earth.

I’d like to share with you five things that I’ve learned, complete with bumps and scrapes, on the journey of valuing myself and keeping my word golden:

1. When I value myself, I also value what comes out of my mouth.

2. When I keep my word, it feels good, balanced, and strong. I feel unafraid, and most of all, connected to the real me … you know, the one that dances freely like a four-year old; the one without a mask.

3. When I honor my truth, other people, either consciously or unconsciously, start to mimic the same behavior; and when we both honor our truth, our interactions become more genuine and meaningful. Let's face it, there is little in life more satisfying than an open and honest conversation … top that off with a nice cup of tea and homemade butterscotch pie and we are good to go!

4. At first it took courage (and often a deep breath!) to speak my truth. Then, little by little, honoring and valuing my word became second nature, like a reflex. And best of all, after a while, it became 100% innate.

5. Sometimes in life, it can be much easier to muffle or devalue your truth by saying what you feel others want you to say. When this happened to me, I simply asked: “If I am not speaking my truth, then what am I speaking?” This question was often all I needed to wake-up, step-up to the plate, and get back on track again! Value yourself. Value your truth. Keep Your Word Golden.

Look foward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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What Say Ye?

2010-05-10T14:42:00.027-04:00

I was at a nifty women's networking event last week and had a grand conversation with a gifted, professional, intuitive entrepreneur (now that's a mouthful!). As we chatted about this and that, our conversation moved toward why many mainstream business people treat us with a measure of uneasiness once they hear that we are working in the realm of "energy".

As our conversation progressed, we both nodded knowingly at the thoughts of encountering the "glassy-eye-stare" and the uncomfortable feeling that accompanies the "pregnant pause" during simple business networking introductions.

For days I was intrigued by the prospect of standing tall and bravely articulating my energy and intuitive service offering in a mainstream business networking setting. The feeling was empowering and liberating (like butterflies in the stomach). Before long, I felt that I might be on to something so I decided to get feedback from other intuitives and energy workers.

Guess what? The upside was that everyone seemed to know, or have their own spin, on exactly what I was talking about ... and yet, the disheartening part was that no one really had a definitive answer on "How To" handle such a situation. So alas, the glassy-eyed-stare and pregnant pause dilemma remained a mystery (at least to me).

I did glean three real life approaches from energy and intuitive practitioners that I'd like to share with you. You are more than welcome to add your experience to the list:

- Active: Engage a coach to help craft a 30-second sound byte to help communicate the intuitive/energy counseling service offering more clearly.
- Passive: Remain inactive and trust that whomever is suppose to receive your message will receive it.
- Probing: Ask a number of questions to help the listener engage in the conversation.

Hmm, if you are an intuitive or energy practitioner who attends mainstream business and networking events, how do you stand tall and confidently (openly) present your "energy-oriented" service offering?

This question is intriguing and timely, so I'm really interested in what you have to say ;)

Love to hear from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Life Through a Unique Lens

2008-12-15T17:21:00.022-05:00

Every now and then, I stumble upon a web site that stops me in my tracks and satiates my soul like a rich piece of butterscotch pie from Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia!

Last week, one of these rare opportunities presented itself through the short film work of Nic Askew and Edwin Escobar of the Soul Biographies Project.

The film work is honest, real and courageous. It appeals to me because it is grounded in basic, uplifting human truths; film subjects range from the famous to the unknown; and the messages are artfully communicated through a soulful combination of “films, words, music & images”.

Right now, there are several short films on the Soul Biographies Project site, ranging from two to eleven minutes, and available to everyone. Which short film is my favorite? In the Life of Another.

Oh yes, there is also a handy spot on the Soul Biographies website to sign-up for New Film Alerts.

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
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Where did my Heartbeat go?

2008-11-11T07:40:00.016-05:00

Your heartbeat. Listen. Can you hear it? I’m not talking about the physical heart that beats in your chest. I’m talking about your HEARTBEAT, the one that resonates with your being --- body, mind, emotion and spirit.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many people have lost touch with the sound of their heartbeat and have replaced it with the closest one at hand --- society’s “one-size-fits-all” version.

How do I know this? For a couple years I have been joyfully preoccupied with finding, nourishing and following my own heartbeat. On this journey, I have become astute at identifying what makes me tick and recognizing the peek-a-boo heartbeats of other people.

Where does your heartbeat go? You never loose your heartbeat, you just smother it with mental chatter, put it in a flower pot and forget to water it, wrap it in layers of emotional stuff, or set it on the shelf to collect spiritual lint and fur balls.

The good news is that your heartbeat is built to last. At first your heartbeat may be faint, and then, with a little self-acceptance and TLC, it will start showing up, revealing itself, unannounced. Treat your heartbeat like a good friend; trust it, respect it and really open yourself to it. Have faith that you will find your authentic heartbeat, and always remember --- you are not the only one looking; your bold, beautiful heartbeat is looking for you too!

If you are feeling disconnected and would like to reconnect with your authentic heartbeat, please consider adding this simple exercise to your meditation toolbox.

Heart Beat Visualization:

1. Go to the ocean. Stand on the shore. Watch the tide flow in and out. Feel the powerful, steady rhythm of the waves. Smell the fresh air. Quiet your thoughts. Take a deep breath. What are you experiencing? You are feeling the Ocean’s heartbeat, and it is magnificent!

2. Take the gift of this ocean experience with you and refer to it often. It will be one of the best tools you have to find, nourish and support your own heartbeat - the one that provides fulfillment on all levels – mind, body, spirit and emotion.

3. If you don’t have easy access to the ocean, give yourself the gift of an Ocean Sounds CD, close your eyes and gently drift away.

Key Questions:

1. Do you feel connected to your authentic heartbeat? If not, where did it go?
2. How do you feel when connected to your heartbeat?
3. How do you feel when disconnected from your heartbeat?
4.What are you going to do TODAY to nourish, support and honor your heartbeat?
5. If your heartbeat had a fun-loving, comical name, what would it be?

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Are you Masking your Heart's Passion? - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-10-22T14:13:00.012-04:00

In the realm of following your heart’s passion, I’ve noticed that when people do not feel safe to be themselves, they start to wear a mask. As you can imagine, wearing a mask is tiring; and wearing a mask when you are grappling with your heart’s passion is positively exhausting!

So, why do some people choose to hide or mask their true self and deny their heart’s passion--especially, when showing up 100% as yourself and expressing your heart’s passion is the most direct path to happiness, inner peace and joy? I’ve observed five reasons, perhaps there are more:

Ouch!

About 25% of people choose not to express their heart’s passion because they feel that pursuing their dream is uncomfortable for them, for others, or both. This is where inner strength and a gallant spirit come in handy. The good news is that as with many things in life, discomfort often fades away with repeated exposure. So, if you find yourself in this category, small steps in the direction of your heart’s passion might just give you that extra boost of courage to show up in your life mask-free.

If not now … when?
For about 45% of people, the reason not to express a heart’s passion may be related to timing. This group wears a mask to hide an aspect of themselves that they do not wish to reveal to anyone, at least not yet. From my experience, I’ve found that “waiting for the right time” may be an excuse to procrastinate. If you are in this group, your sentences will be peppered with the words “I’ll do this when …” On an optimistic note, there are many ways to incorporate an aspect of your authentic self or heart’s dream into your life TODAY. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing; and it is never too late in life to show up 100% as you.

Oops, curve ball …
About 15% of people wear a mask because their heart’s passion is not a convenient “fit” into a life that they have created and are heavily invested. For example, a mainstream professional discovers that he has a burning passion for pantomime, not as a hobby, but as a life’s vocation—and just after investing time and money into an education, lifestyle, and setting up an office. (Gasp!). Making a quick left turn when your life and identity is structured for a well-planned sashay to the right can be very unsettling, especially when you discover your heart’s passion is out-of-the-ordinary or unexpected. In this scenario, TRUST is essential.

Another option, please …
About 10% of people wear a mask to hide their authentic self because they don’t understand or “get” their heart’s passion. They may even feel quite invaded, as if their heart’s passion has chosen them, sometimes against their will. In essence, they are tryng to talk themselves out of who they really are, so as you can imagine, the self-talk on this journey can be quite funny.
After looking deeper, I’ve found that this scenario often shows up when a person’s heart’s passion is perceived as not being valued by society. On an up note, once a person is able to discern their own value system and turn the volume up on their inner voice, the once de-valued heart’s passion becomes more attractive, and sometimes simply irresistible!

What if …
About 5% of people get caught up in an endless cycle of thinking things over; just like a feedback loop. They live in their head and don’t pause long enough to connect with their heart. If you find yourself plagued with “what ifs”, followed by a generous helping of more “what ifs”, one of the best ways to center and connect with your authentic heartbeat is through physical activity.

Finally, if you are tired of wearing a mask to hide your authentic self or squishing down your heart’s passion, please ask yourself this question: “If I do not feel safe to show up as myself, who am I showing up as?”

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
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Life after the Leap! - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-10-11T12:47:00.013-04:00

What happens after you follow your heart and take a magic carpet ride into the unknown? For many, this is when a special brand of post-leap endurance and stamina kick in.

Why do we need endurance and stamina? We need it because right after a heart-centered leap of faith, there is often a transition stage or gestation period where new life patterns form and old life patterns dissolve. The tricky part is that for a while, they are both happening at the same time (gasp!).

The good news is that endurance and stamina are excellent gestation energy stabilizers for those highly vulnerable moments when initial post-leap elation evaporates and the unsettling “Oh my, what have I done?” self-speak begins. Here are four common scenarios that I’ve observed in the area of post-leap endurance and stamina:

Scenario 1: Boom & Bust - 25% of people hit the ground running after taking a leap of faith and then slowly lose momentum;

Scenario 2: Seesaw - 10% of people freeze after their leap of faith and falter;, often taking one step forward and then taking one or two steps back;

Scenario 3: Get Me Out of Here! – 20% of people have a wide-eyed stare ("What have I done?"), panic, and then quickly attempt to scramble back up the cliff;

Scenario 4: Built-to-Last - 45% of people put extra gas in the mind-body-spirit energy tank before their leap of faith, pace themselves, and are well-positioned to embrace the next step of the self-discovery process.

Like any new personal growth opportunity we tackle in life, the more often you follow your heart, trust the Universe and leap off the cliff, the better you become at preparing, leaping and dealing with the aftermath. On a very encouraging note, the percentage of people manifesting the Built-to-Last scenario often increases from 45% to 70% by the second mind-body-spirit leap of faith.

Ask yourself this ...

If you are considering making a big life change, ask yourself "Do I have enough gas in my tank to sustain you post-leap of faith?" If the answer is a resounding yes, then you most likely a) have already experienced one or more of the first three post-jump scenarios cited above; b) are devoting time and attention to the your well-being; 3) love leaping into the unknown because were a kangaroo in your last life (… just kidding!).

The mind-body-spirit life expanding experience of taking a leap of faith doesn’t end when your toes touch the ground and you exhale in delight. Planting your toes on the ground simply sets you up for the transition or gestation energy stage--a place where familiar energetic structures are revamped, emotions run tender, and beliefs percolate to the surface to be challenged and reset.

To help you navigate the Life After the Leap stage successfully, invest in life supporting structures such as honest, compassionate self-talk, surround yourself with inspiring people and books, connect with nature’s grounding heartbeat, and consider engaging the services of a trained professional such a life coach or similar facsimile.

Give yourself the beautiful gift of finding out what you really need to go the extra mile toward a spectacular post-leap of faith experience – complete with all the trimmings. Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Blessed Unrest, Wiser Earth, Paul Hawken - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-09-24T14:47:00.011-04:00

Hello there! About this time last year, I was exploring social networking and looking for inspiring thought leaders, groups, and websites in the environmental arena. Much to my delight, I came across a six-minute video on YouTube called Paul Hawken, Blessed Unrest, and Wiser Earth.

After enjoying the video, I was off to the bookstore to fetch a copy of Paul Hawken’s book Blessed Unrest, How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming. In his book, Paul Hawken, who is described as an “environmental entrepreneur, journalist and author”, artfully shares how the environmental and social justice movements have quickly come together to make up over one million active organizations across the globe. The book is uplifting, compelling, well-written, and I’d highly recommend it. If you would like to take the timely topic area one step further, there is a great social networking website called Wiser Earth. It is definitely worth a peek. Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Are you a Stretcher or a Yawner? - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-09-13T10:55:00.012-04:00

I once read a story about an elementary class where children were asked to draw a picture of themselves; and another elementary class where Indigenous children were asked to draw a picture of themselves.

The first group of children drew their body, larger-than-life, front and center with a scattered tree, sun or house in the background; the Indigenous children drew their body to scale with Nature, complete with sky, trees, grass, birds, and mountains.

Why did this simple story catch my attention? Because it speaks to what I've observed about people as they strive to define--and redefine--their relationship with the Earth. Here are four Self-to-Earth scenarios that are showing up from coast-to-coast. Just for fun, why not see which one resonates with you:

Me, Myself and I

The first category is populated with people who view themselves as front and center beings and look out at the Earth with big, oversized eyes. They perceive that they are at the center of Mother Earth's canvas. This group reminds me of a mind set in the Middle Ages where people were convinced, and society supported the belief, that the Sun rotated around the Earth.

Asleep at the Wheel

The second group is made up of people who are asleep at the Let's Look at the Big Picture wheel. Busying themselves, day after day, with deadlines, to-do lists and other activities, this group is often too distracted or exhausted to engage their mind, let alone tackle deeper philosophical questions relating to their perception of Self, and how they fit into their natural environment.

Stretch & Yawners

The third group is made up of reams of people waking up, shaking their head, taking notice, motivated to act -- yet hesitating because they are unsure about what questions to ask or actions take as they begin to explore this area. ("What would people think?", "What would I think?" Gasp!)

I find this group exciting because it is full of potential. The interesting part is that their views and actions are often up and down, and impacted by the ebb and flow of popular opinion. The good news is that with a little time, attention and self-education, the Stretch & Yawner group can quickly move into a motivated to shift, change, act stage. Then again, they may become discouraged, overwhelmed or distracted and move into the Asleep at the Wheel group.

Talk Walkers

The fourth group is an awake, connected collaboration of ordinary people, teachers, advocates and activists (of all ages, size and description) striving to set a optimistic example, while at the same time, respecting where others are situated along the happy trail. In short, they are spiritually connected, mindful beings with Earth knowledge and wisdom to share, for your consideration. These are our thought leaders and catalysts for change. I like to call them "The Balancers". Hmm, what group are you in ... and is this where you would like to be?

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Inner Strength & Personal Power - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-08-28T19:24:00.016-04:00

Every now and then, life throws a family/ health/ career curve ball that challenges us from the top of our head to the tips of our toes. In an interview with Jen Gouthro (Toronto), I have some observations about cultivating inner strength and personal power that I'd love to share with you ... with a dash of humor, of course!

Q: Mildred Lynn… as a mentor and life coach, have you found that inner strength and personal power are common stumbling blocks?

Yes, I’ve certainly seen this happen with almost everyone, so much so that it appears to be a natural part of waking up to life. During the life coaching process, after all the excuses, stories, explanations, hesitations, hiccups and resistance dissolves, many clients realize that they are feeling empty or disappointed in some area of their lives because they’ve given away, compromised or neglected their personal power. This is often a delicious “ah-ha!” moment that has the potential to awaken a renewed appetite for life.

Enter inner strength. It’s a magical ingredient that helps people sustain their new taste for life because awareness coupled with motivation means change; change means shift; shift means pattern; and pattern often means entrenched. Needless to say, the business of un-entrenching is not for the faint of heart and often requires lots of inner strength … and T.L.C.

This is where some people stumble, others flounder and a few run for the hills! I am always intrigued by these three scenarios because, like a light bulb that is switched on, once the connection between inner strength and personal power is made, it is just a matter of time before a person stands up, dusts off and begins again.

Q: What is the connection between inner strength and personal power? Aren’t they the same thing?

Inner strength is about “being”, while personal power is about “doing”. For example, I’m always inspired by the two large marble lions, “Patience” and “Fortitude” at the New York Public Library. They are magnificent! Looking up at them, you can almost feel the inner strength of their being; while at the same time, you can imagine that these mighty lions are able to quickly spring into action from a dynamic place of power. For me, the two lions model the inner strength/personal power equation: the magical place where the “being-ness” of inner strength sustains the “doing-ness” of personal power. In turn, the “doing-ness” of personal power sustains the “being-ness” of inner strength.

Q: What sorts of experiences tend to wake people up to the importance of personal power?

This is a great question, and one that revealed an answer that I didn’t expect. Often we hear stories about ordinary people, who upon experiencing a life-altering curve ball, stop in their tracks, take heart, and then press the re-set button in their lives. Although these stories are inspiring, I have found that what really moves people from inspiration to action is observing an everyday peer or contemporary take up the personal power baton. Why is this? Perhaps because it prompts the inner dialogue: “Hey… if Fred, who I eat lunch with everyday, can do this, I can do this too.” In addition, observing Fred wake up and greet each day from his place of personal power provides the repetitive nudge needed to help shift old patterns and build up new ones. So, take a look around at the people in your life and ask yourself, “Is anyone I know standing in their power?” If yes, invite them for coffee and follow their lead!

Q: Was there one particular experience that required you to summon your inner strength?

No, my personal inner strength experience unfolded step-by-step, like a set of Lego blocks. There was a lot of building, dismantling and rebuilding. So much so, that over time, the goal became irrelevant and the learning of how to work with my inner strength process became the focus – and a source of play, fulfillment and delight!

I do remember making a choice early on that helped me leap through the rough patches – at that time, I said to myself “no matter what happens I trust that my higher self will never let me down. I choose my higher self.” In retrospect, that moment was very freeing and liberating for me because it became a pivot point of personal inner strength … and the core of a healthy, self-nourishing belief system.

Q: Where do self-love and self-acceptance fit in?

It’s all about perspective. For example, I read a story about a class of Grade 6 children. The class included white children and children of Native American heritage. They were all invited to draw a picture of themselves. Most of the white children drew a wonderfully large picture of “self”. Most of the Native children drew a picture of “self” that included nature … in proportion and to scale. I found this a fascinating piece of learning because it inspired a new way for me to observe self-love and self-acceptance.

This was my discovery: self-love and self-acceptance are directly impacted by how a person chooses to define the boundaries of their being. For example, if a person’s innate sense of self includes nature, others and the world at large, then their self-love and self-acceptance tends to be expansive and inclusive. In short, “me/them” duality goes away; self-love and self-acceptance thrives. Conversely, if a person’s innate sense of self-love and self-acceptance does not include nature, others and the world at large, their self-love and self-acceptance is often restricted and exclusive.

Suggestion: Just for fun, grab a piece of paper and draw a picture of yourself. Once complete, explore how well you fit into your world. Is it a comfortable, relaxed fit or do you feel like you are walking around in a pair of tight, pinchy shoes? This is an excellent starting point to explore the concepts of self-love and self-acceptance. Enjoy!

Q: Carolyn Myss talks about “invisible acts of power”, those kind and generous acts given without an expectation of reward. How can someone be powerful when no one knows?

Your question reminds me of a poem attributed to Mother Theresa called Anyway. The last three verses go like this: “The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; it is never between you and them anyway.” Three verses of a simple poem capture the essence and beauty of real personal power.

Q: There is a fine line between confidence and conceit. How do we walk that line without falling on our face?

First of all, what is the fun in life without falling on your face? I do it all the time – and would highly recommend it, sprinkled with laughter of course! Confidence… let me see… it is anchored in the heart, inclusive and taps into the trust and respect you have for your higher self or the Creative source. On the other hand, conceit is based on the illusion of a “me/them” duality … and to feed its hungry appetite, you need to constantly compare and measure yourself to everything and everyone (gasp!)

How to walk the fine line? The next time you are playing with these two concepts, notice if your thoughts and feelings are coming from a place of warmth, trust, quiet knowing, expansiveness and connection (this is the vibe of confidence). Alternatively, if you find yourself mentally comparing, keeping score, judging, feeling territorial or just plain smug, you might just be in the arena of conceit. Time to let go and lighten up because you just might be taking yourself (and life!) a little too seriously.

Q: Is it possible to be self-critical and personally powerful at the same time?

I don’t feel that self-criticism and being personally powerful go hand-in-hand. This is because self-criticism is not a life-supporting energy vibration. On the other hand, self-monitoring is a life-supporting energy. For example, one of the first things I invite clients to do is shift their inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-monitoring. It seems subtle, yet makes a huge difference in the area of nourishing your personal power.

Another great tip is to learn how to stand back and observe yourself from the vantage point of saying “that’s interesting.” (This is similar to counting 1001, 1002, 1003, etc.) The third tip is to learn to laugh at yourself – a lot.

It is extraordinarily easy to fall into a trap of self-criticism because we live in a time where we’re bombarded with messages that we are never enough. If we are not careful, we can start to measure ourselves by standards that are not even relevant to our lives. Here are two questions from the heart: “So what?” and “Who cares?” Try them out the next time you catch yourself eroding your personal power by being self-critical; you might be surprised by where you land.

Q: Let’s say I want to go left and my friends and family prefer I go right. How will inner strength help me when I know I’m potentially hurting the ones I love?

This is the pivotal question that holds people back from following their heart’s passion. For example, I recently spoke with a COO of a high tech firm who secretly yearns to be a massage therapist. She holds back because she’s paralyzed by the fear of letting people down, letting go of her identity, rewards and validation, disappointing family members and friends. The net-net is that for each minute of every day, she lives with angst and gut-wrenching stomach knots because she knows that she’s moving against the stream – her internal stream, that is - the one that is connected directly to her heart and spirit.

This is what life experience has taught me: if you have a heart-centered passion that is in alignment with your highest purpose, it does not go away. The first step is to make peace with it. If you choose to fight with yourself, it is a losing battle. Embrace your heart’s passion.

The second thing that I’ve learned is that there is always a way to incorporate your heart’s passion into your life. It does not have to be all or nothing… although it could be. You need to get a handle on how much your fear is coloring your perspective, and then look for opportunities to blossom using your heart as your compass.

The third lesson I’ve learned is that if people love you, they genuinely want you to be happy. That’s it. Sometimes it takes them a while to get used to the “new you”, but eventually, they will notice how happy, healthy and alive you are – and want some of that happiness for themselves!

Lastly, it is up to each person to choose what they make things mean. If you follow your heart’s passion and your loved one chooses to make it mean something hurtful, it is important to know that it is really about them and not about you.

In the final analysis, depriving yourself of the gift of your heart’s passion because you may or may not hurt someone is really an excuse to stay plopped right where you are; it is choosing to deny that you came into the Earth plane to experience the joy of being alive!

Q: Marianne Williamson wrote, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” Why are many of us so resistant to the idea of being powerful? How do we get past it?

Hmm… if we acknowledged that we are powerful beings pulsating with boundless, vibrant life force energy, what would that mean? It would mean that we would have to be 100% accountable and responsible for the gift of life on the Earth plane. To do this, we would have to wake up and be alert.

I feel that the “wake-up” portion of the equation is where most people tend to de-rail and disconnect from their personal power. The comical part is that when you think about it, waking-up is as natural to us as breathing. We do it every morning, the sun does it every morning, and the Earth does it every morning. In the course of a year, we wake-up at least 365 times, so I’d say that we are pretty good at waking up! How can we take this daily wake-up process and apply it to all areas of our lives?

My guidance is to keep a three-day list of people and things that nourish you and a three-day list of people and things that drain you. As you start to identify the people and things that drain your life force energy, observe your feelings. The goal is to gradually increase the nourishing list and decrease the draining list. As you progress, something magical happens. You wake-up one day and realize that you are becoming empowered by your choices.

Just imagine - if you decided to take a small step to improve one aspect of your life each day, at the end of 365 days, you would be at least 365 steps ahead of where you were when you started. Very powerful wake-up medicine indeed!

Q: Do you have a personal mantra that helps you to stay in your power?

My personal mantra is “next time I’m coming back as a Shih Tzu!” Just kidding, although I do find the Shih Tzu a bundle of joyous, playful energy!

The personal mantra that keeps me centered and in my personal power is actually a question: “Is this choice in alignment with my highest purpose?” I find that it covers just about everything. How do I get the answer? I quiet myself, take a couple of deep breaths and listen for the wisdom whispers of my inner voice. I know when I am listening to my inner voice because it always is accompanied by a feeling of warmth, inner peace and serenity … and sometimes humor!

Jen Gouthro M.Ed. is an educator, Reiki master and newspaper columnist. She has been teaching and practicing Reiki in the Toronto area for several years and is working towards completing her certification in Co-Active Coaching™.

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Self-care: Shake your own Hand First - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-08-18T11:18:00.011-04:00

Heartbeats, rhythms and vibrations have always fascinated me. Recently, the idea of self-to-self Tender Loving Care has captured my attention. Why? Because as people navigate through personal growth, it is often the TLC part of the self care equation that causes discomfort, angst and sometimes guilt.

Why is this? Perhaps it is left over life fabric from earlier years, an ingrained belief that links self care with selfishness, or simply a habit.

The net-net is that that these perceptions, although very real to the person experiencing them, act like a big dab of Crazy Glue keeping you stuck in life patterns that limit, numb, or agitate your authentic heartbeat.

Three Common Scenarios

There are many reasons for choosing not to invest in self care; here are three popular ones:

"I don't have time" - About 40% of the people that I work with perceive themselves as already scheduled to the maximum, so finding the time to invest in self care is akin to squeezing water out of a rock.

"It's selfish" - I hear this comment about 50% of the time. When a person shares this with me, it is usually accompanied with a meek voice and a shy look. Often, they are looking for someone to say "It's OK. You are not a selfish person. Go and have some fun!".

"I don't deserve it" - 10% of the people that I see in my coaching practice carry this belief with them. It is often a sign of something deeper.

If you find yourself in one (or more) of these categories, you might want to consider a great exercise called Shake-Your-Own-Hand-First! It comes in handy whenever you are tempted to put self care at the bottom of your To Do List.

Shake-Your-Own-Hand-First...

Picture this. You are in a room full of people. There are hundreds of hands just waiting to be clasped, and the line is endless. But wait; before you extend your reach, your hand presents itself. You clasp your hand securely and feel a sense of calm, clarity, and connection with yourself and the Universe. From this place of self-to-self alignment, you are able to decide which hands to shake and when; knowing full well that if you don't shake someone's hand, the Universe will provide another hand for them to shake, if it is in their highest interest. All of a sudden, you relax, take a deep breath, and start enjoying you and your life!

Shake-Your-Own-Hand-First means flipping "I don't have time" to "I have all the time that I need"; "I am selfish" to "I invest in self care so I can be the best for myself and others"; and "I don't deserve it" to "I am equally worthy."

If you are ready to live your most fulfilling, vibrant life possible--take a deep breath, step forward, and Shake-Your-Own-Hand First. You are worth it 100%!

Enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Do Affirmations & Quotes Work for you? - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-08-11T15:20:00.018-04:00

As you can imagine, helping people navigate life change lends itself to lots of curious ponderings, one being the growing popularity of personal affirmations and inspiring quotes. For example, did you know that a Google search for personal affirmations and inspirational quotes reveals 2.5 and 1.6 million search results respectively?

On an intriguing note, I’m now receiving affirmations or ah moment nuggets from clients, from coast-to-coast, on a weekly basis. What do these heart-centered pearls of wisdom have in common? From my experience, they are high quality, focused, genuine and express the sender’s life point so accurately and sincerely, that it almost it takes my breath away!

Here are three examples. The first is from a client considering a career change, the second is from a world-class worrier, and the third is from a busy professional, scurrying from one task to another:

“A ship in harbor is safe—but that is not what ships are built for”- John Shedd
“My life has been filled with terrible misfortune; most of which never happened” - Montaigne
“Most things which are urgent are not important, and most things which are important are not urgent” - Dwight Eisenhower

Personal affirmations and inspiring quotes work for many people because they are concise, poignant encapsulations of positive energy expressed in ideas, hopes, and dreams. Upon reflection, I noticed that the personal affirmations and inspiring quotes that I was attracted to also captured my life challenge exactly – and more importantly, served to bolster my resolve to make positive change in my life. Here are three of my favorites:

“Forget not that the Earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair” – Kahlil Gabran
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde
“A little rebellion now and then, is a good thing” – Thomas Jefferson (Hmm, I still like this one!).

Best of all, personal affirmations and inspiring quotes can be powerful catalysts to help you move forward along the happy trail. As mentioned earlier, these nuggets of wisdom, experience and perspective are plentiful, varied and readily available via a simple Google search. Interested in exploring further?

Here are four tips, for your consideration:

Look - Be on the lookout for personal affirmations and inspiring quotes that capture your attention. Then ask: “Why am I so attracted to this personal affirmation or inspiring quote, and what wisdom does this have to offer me?”

Collect - Start a signature collection. A laptop is a great place to store personal affirmations and inspiring quotes. Plus, for the creative types, you can always make up your own.

Track – The quotes and affirmations that attract you today may or may not attract you next year. This is because you may have other challenges and opportunities on your plate. This being so, tracking your year-to-year affirmation and quote appeal is an excellent way to honor where you’ve been, how you’ve grown, and to celebrate what you’ve learned along the happy trail.

Share – People love to share personal affirmations and inspiring quotes. At first, I suspected that this tendency was simply an act of kindness and generosity. After observing many, many people (including myself), I now know that the sharing stage is an important part of a heart-centered inner growth process akin to putting a stake in the ground and saying: “Yes, I have walked this talk … and if I can do it, you can do it too.”
Opportunity to Share:

Do you have a personal affirmation or inspiring quote that has made a big impact on your life? If yes, please share it with me. I’d love to include it with a collection of personal affirmations and inspiring quotes that I’m putting together for a complimentary teleclass … plus, I’ll also have the collection available for everyone to enjoy on my website. When you submit your quote, please be sure to acknowledge the author. Thanks a million!

Look forward to hearing from you .. and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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An Interview with Dr. David Hawkins - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-08-04T13:26:00.018-04:00

If you are looking for a great read in the area of consciousness studies, check out the summer issue of the Unified Health Journal: A Clinician's Forum. Matt Laughlin (Editor-in-Chief) does an excellent job interviewing Dr. David Hawkins, author of one of my favorite books, Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior.

If you are not familiar with Dr. David Hawkins’ international reach, leadership, and groundbreaking research on levels of consciousness, he will be a wonderful discovery for you!

Here is a link to the 7-page interview: Consciousness and Medicine: An Interview with David R. Hawkins, MD, PhD.

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Disappointed? 5 Insightful Ways to Rise Again - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-07-28T16:13:00.015-04:00

Unless you are a bona fide Zen Master, everyone experiences disappointment and regret along the happy trail. We know this innately, and because our culture is peppered with expressions like "don't cry over split milk", "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade", and the tried and true, "this too will pass."

Did you know that how you choose to deal with a personal disappointment can nourish or drain your precious Life Force energy, and ultimately impact the quality of your life? Here are five scenarios that I've noticed in my Life Coaching practice that might help you (or someone you know).

Scenario 1: Play It Again, Sam

About 35% of people try to gain clarity about a disappointing situation by getting lost in an endless cycle of what if (what if I did this, what if I said that). It is like walking into a wall over and over again!

If you are in this category, the good news is that this life-draining, repetitive energy can be shifted. I've found that the most effective self-speak is as follows: "I did the best that I could with the information at hand, so when there is more information, I'll plug it in. Until then, I'll relax and let it go."

Scenario 2: Busy as a Bee

About 15% of people try to outrun disappointment by distracting themselves with a frenzy of shopping, eating, and other social activities - in fact, anything goes as long as it resonates with "busy, busy, busy".

If you are in this category, the good news is that this life-draining, distracting energy can often be shifted by reconnecting with Nature, breathing deeply, calming and centering yourself, plus cultivating patience and perspective.

Scenario 3: I Am an Island

Then, there are about 15% of people who decide that they "never, ever want to be disappointed again" and create a protective barrier around themselves. This approach is akin to "numbing out". I say this because although the illusion of the protective barrier may keep out disappointment, it also keeps out all the good and magical things in life too, setting the stage for disconnection, cynicism and bitterness.

If you are in this category, the good news is that this life-draining, protective energy can be shifted by tapping into personal courage, sprinkled with a sense of maturity and responsibility. In essence, the antidote is choosing to be true to yourself, which means taking down the walls, centering your core, standing tall and allowing the natural ebb and flow of life to move through you as you navigate the situation.

Scenario 4: Who Me?

I've found that about 20% of people try to deflect the blame of a disappointment to others; in these cases, anyone will do because the focus is not discernment, honesty and resolution, but on creating lots of smoke and mirrors around the event.

If you are in this category, the good news is that this life-draining, deflective energy can be shifted by becoming aware of the automatic response to create a distraction and asking down-to-earth, character-building questions such as: "How does blaming others for my disappointment serve me?"

Scenario 5: Don't Worry, Be Happy

Interestingly enough, I've observed that about 20% of people in a disappointing situation simply acknowledge that they don't have all the answers right now, and trust that they will come in. Being in-sync with this requires a steady heart, trust in yourself and in the Universe. I share this with you because although I hear many people talking about trusting self and the Universe, I have noticed that this is not always the case when an unsettling event manifests in their lives. (As you may have guessed, unless a person is living their talk, they often shift into Scenario 1, 2, 3 or 4).

Emotional Rescue

Many people try to be stoic, hide, or deny their feelings of disappointment. Perhaps they view this as being strong. As a point for consideration, I have found that suppressing disappointment hurts the person on many levels. There is a wise adage that says "If you don't cry; your body cries"; meaning that your suppressed feelings of disappointment will always show up somewhere else, often in the form of a stress or illness in your body.

From what I've observed, the best path forward is to honestly admit to yourself that you are disappointed by a turn of events and letting the feelings that go along with this disappointment express themselves. Sometimes this means being sad, or pausing to reflect, or crying or simply being silent. The good thing about this emotional cleansing is that once the feelings of disappointment have been expressed in a healthy way, the reckoning is over. It is almost as if there is a quota of half-a-cup of tears available for each disappointment, and once those tears are spent, the energy clears.

On the upside, with a little inspiration, time and attention, most people can successfully break a life-draining pattern of dealing with disappointment and replace it with a healthy, vibrant, life-supporting one. The net-net being a positive, empowering impact on the quality of your life. So, why not give it a whirl, you are 100% worth it!

Look forward to hearing from you ... enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn

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Dr. Fred Luskin's 9 Steps to Forgiveness

2008-07-20T21:02:00.017-04:00

Dr. Fred Luskin is director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Projects. In his book Forgive for Good, he explores the research-based connection between forgiveness and your health.

If you are feeling hurt or disappointed about something or someone in your life, please check out his Nine Steps to Forgiveness:

1. Know exactly how you feel about what happened and be able to articulate what about the situation is not OK. Then, tell a trusted couple of people about your experience.

2. Make a commitment to yourself to do what you have to do to feel better. Forgiveness is for you and not for anyone else.

3. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation with the person that hurt you, or condoning of their action. What you are after is to find peace. Forgiveness can be defined as the “peace and understanding that come from blaming that which has hurt you less, taking the life experience less personally, and changing your grievance story.”

4. Get the right perspective on what is happening. Recognize that your primary distress is coming from the hurt feelings, thoughts and physical upset you are suffering now, not what offended you or hurt you two minutes – or ten years – ago. Forgiveness helps to heal those hurt feelings.

5. At the moment you feel upset practice a simple stress management technique to soothe your body’s flight or fight response.

6. Give up expecting things from other people, or your life, that they do not choose to give you. Recognize the “unenforceable rules” you have for your health or how you or other people must behave. Remind yourself that you can hope for health, love, peace and prosperity and work hard to get them.

7. Put your energy into looking for another way to get your positive goals met than through the experience that has hurt you. Instead of mentally replaying your hurt seek out new ways to get what you want.

8. Remember that a life well lived is your best revenge. Instead of focusing on your wounded feelings, and thereby giving the person who caused you pain power over you, learn to look for the love, beauty and kindness around you. Forgiveness is about personal power.

9. Amend your grievance story to remind you of the heroic choice to forgive.

The practice of forgiveness has been shown to reduce anger, hurt depression and stress and leads to greater feelings of hope, peace, compassion and self confidence. Practicing forgiveness leads to healthy relationships as well as physical health. It also influences our attitude which opens the heart to kindness, beauty, and love.

Look forward to hearing from you ... and enjoy the day !

Mildred Lynn
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Mandela: His 8 Lessons in Leadership - Mildred Lynn McDonald

2008-07-17T16:45:00.012-04:00

A a little while ago, I read an excellent article in TIME magazine about Nelson Mandela called Mandela: His 8 Lessons in Leadership by Richard Stengel. I'm now forwarding it to friends, family, and colleagues in Canada and the USA.

Why? It struck a chord. By nudging me out of the day-to-day box, I was encouraged to dream a little bigger; by talking about perspective and magnanimity, I revisited the importance of tactics and pragmatism; and finally, by sharing insights on courage and humility, I started to reflect on the basic things in life, like being a good human being. Here's a handy resource, check here to go to a website that has collected about 30 Neslon Mandela quotations.

Look forward to hearing from you ... enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn
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