Welcome every visitor to your mind?

Today I had a visitor in my house -- Sadness came to visit me. As a good host I opened the door and our dialog went like this: "Hello Sadness, come on in. Just a few hours ago Happiness was here to visit me. I welcome you the same way that I welcomed Happiness." I stayed with Sadness for a while, noticed the unpleasant emotions that were on my body. I felt a pressure on my chest and great desire to cry.

After a while sharing time with Sadness, I was able to notice that even though Sadness was visiting me, nothing around me was different than when Happiness visited me earlier. The environment was the same, I was wearing the same clothes, the weather was the same. The only thing that was different were my own thoughts and the stories of the drama on my mind when I was accepting the visitor of Sadness. Then, I immediately became aware that by accepting those feelings, the feelings and the emotions were losing their power. Over and over I noticed without judgement, accepted with awareness and let them go. They were passing through like clouds in the sky.

As with any other visitor to my house, it was time to say good-bye. "Good-bye Sadness, even though I do not like the feelings and emotions I have when you visit me, I understand that from time to time you like to visit. I am aware that I can acknowledge your visit, and then say good-bye, until next time."

Without even noticing, Peace was knocking at my door to visit me.

-----Practice this technique several times and it will become part of your daily routine to release the energy created by the different emotions we all experience. I use it with my clients and it really works.

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom 
• http://awarenesswisdom.com/

 Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach 

 Image courtesy of 89studio (FreeDigitalPhotos. net)

HAPPINESS CONSTIPATION?

Yep, you are reading right.... that’s what we will be discussing.... HAPPINESS CONSTIPATION. How many people are suffering from this condition without even being aware.

Dr. Robert Holden, PH.D. in his book Shift Happens! (again, Yep, you are reading right, SHIFT with an F)...well, back to Dr. Holden, in his book he says “If you think something is missing in your life; it is probably more of the real you! This is his theory on the matter: when you look to be complete and happy by doing self improvement, you are buying all the tickets to the concert of misery. Why? --- because this perfect person will never arrive; there will always be something else to improve -- you will never arrive. He expands his theory by explaining how different your life is when you understand the difference between self-improvement vs. self-acceptance. HOW EMPOWERING THAT IS!!! ...wow and wow!

Self-acceptance doesn't mean that you do not want improvement in your life, on the contrary, we all want to be better. The key difference is that when you have self-acceptance in you, the starting point is on the fact that you know your flaws and defects, but you accept them, sometimes even make fun of them (this is the best approach, trust me), and then with that sense of humor, you emerge happy and better.  A teacher recently said “the best comedy show you will find in life is you... There is always material for a script”. Learn to live like this, and you will laugh more every single day.

Don’t wait for happiness and enjoy happiness NOW. You can say "I will be happy in 6 months when I finish my college degree", then "I will be happy in 6 months when I find the perfect job", then you need more time and "I will be happy in 6 months when I find the big house I can afford with the big salary I will have on the perfect job". Then, you go out to read everything you can about happiness, about unhappiness, about sadness and that is when the CONSTIPATION begins. You have so many “in 6 months” and so much information inside of you that you lose track of how important it is to simply accept “what is” and really enjoy that “what is”.

Someone recently said to me “There’s no need to go to Disney World to be happy” --- wow, so true. I know that from experience, because Magic Kingdom, at Walt Disney World, is my next door neighbor. Happiness is an INSIDE job.

Now you understand how happiness is an INSIDE JOB, so let’s get back to the CONSTIPATION condition.

When we feel happy, we are in a very high vibration. Joy is one of the highest vibrations we can access, together with the vibrations of Love, Gratitude and Generosity. But, what it means to have a high vibration? For me it means when the body, mind and heart are aligned with our Being  bringing good and positive energy into our life. The good news is that this state can be cultivated.

If you start living your life by giving to others, you will notice how abundance will start to show up at your door bringing you happiness. Do service to others by doing things that bring more meaning, love and wisdom to your life.Happiness is not something that we pursue and obtain, happiness is a state of being that we need to practice. When we practice optimal living in our life by living our authentic purpose, having goals that inspire us and practicing optimism, then qualities of  self-awareness, self-acceptance and positive energy (required to take positive action) will become part of our daily routine in life and little by little you will notice that you will reach that GOOD VIBRATION in your body that you can call Happiness..... The CONSTIPATION will be improving because you will be able to nurture the state of mind necessary to do the INSIDE JOB.

So today, notice the things that you are doing daily that are giving you the condition of HAPPINESS CONSTIPATION --- notice, notice, notice -- and then nurture those that could bring the GOOD VIBRATION that will give you an authentic life. Trust me, the condition will be improved and your will find joy doing things that you never imagined.

Are you ready to improve your “HAPPINESS CONSTIPATION condition”?

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom 
• http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach
Photo credit: David Castillo Dominici (freedigitalphotos.net)

Do you have the virtue of COURAGE in you?

“In order to Win, you have to Play with Fear” -- Coach Dave Buck

Wikipedia definition of courage:

Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement.

Recently, I was on a study group and the theme of discussion was “Stepping out of your comfort zone”. Initially I thought --- Why do we have to discuss this? Everybody, at least me, love to do things out of the comfort zone. Well, well, well.... how wrong I was. Even the most courageous people in history have experienced FEAR at some stage of their life and FEAR of FAILURE is what keeps us doing things that makes us feel good without taking any risks.

How many times we do not have the confidence to speak up and give our opinions on matters that are important and right for us? Do you stay on a relationship that is not fulfilling and only gives you uncertainty just because it gives you status or financial security? Are you on a job that is so boring that every morning is a punishment for you? Do you feel stuck in life just because taking any risk could make you look foolish if you fail?

Many times what keep us from moving out of our comfort zone is our own addiction to destructive thoughts that we keep repeating to ourselves--- “our inner conversations”. Our core beliefs saying to us “I am a loser” “I am stupid” “I am ugly” “I am old” “I am too young” “I always fail” “I am unlovable” “I am not smart”. Well, you get the picture..... I compare those destructive thoughts to our inner “ants”. Little-tiny things that exist and if you don’t learn how to control them they will bite you and will make your life miserable.

You have to understand that in order to start taking risk and move out of your comfort zone the only thing that you need to do is have the courage to TAKE ACTION. You could start by noticing every sensation you have in your body when you think about making changes in your life. Be aware of the feelings and you will develop the understanding of your FEAR ....that is AWARENESS. Once you are aware of the feeling of fear and the sensations that come with the fear, you have the first battle already under control because every time you confront fear, fear loses its power.

Then you will say to yourself, “What if I try and I fail?” That is the beauty of taking action with awareness of fear... you know that failing is a possibility but you know with the consciousness that comes with awareness that if failure comes knocking at your door it will be an opportunity to learn, improve and try again. By having the courage to let go of those beliefs that are keeping you on your comfort zone, you allow positive energy move you into action. You will know how to STOP PLAYING SAFE. We are all wired to avoid risk but only by stepping out of our comfort zone is where we can enjoy satisfaction, happiness and success. When we live like that, we understand how to adapt to changes while taking chances that are critical to enjoy any type of success.

We live in a very competitive world and if we have the courage to at least try to move out of the world we have always known, a new world full of surprises will be waiting to be discovered. Your courage to confront and face your feelings of fear will provide you the required awareness to move out of your comfort zone, in other words, you will check what is the best course of action and then go ahead and do what needs to be done. You have to stop playing safe because for things to change in your life you are required to take courageous action. It is great to be able to move through uncertainty with the required clarity that will allow smart risk-taking to produce your inspired results when you move toward your desired goals and dreams.

Be BOLD today and take the risk; you will discover beautiful things about yourself and about the world. Say to the “ants” inside of you “I have great potential, I have COURAGE!”.  Just take the risk of the first step, and you will make great discoveries.

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom 
• http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach

Are you ready to RESURRECT YOUR SPIRIT?

"I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again." John 10:17-18

This week we will be celebrating Easter Sunday so we all have the opportunity to meditate on the lessons that we can learn as Christians on the meaning of the miracle of resurrection.

Every resurrection follows a crucifixion experience; a beautiful rebirth follows times of pain and doubt. As we surrender to Spirit, we evolve in love and peace and we are ready to rise to all life has to offer.

When we are experiencing darkness or difficulty, we can believe with certainty that the power and love of Spirit will bring us comfort and direction. ---“When I am facing any challenge, I am never alone. I am always sure that there is value and promise even in the toughest times. During hardship or heartache, I can find a great lesson. In the transition from darkness to light, I gain new understanding about myself and about life. I find the strength and resilience to go on. My heart is open to greater expressions of peace and joy.”---Daily Word

We always have a choice on our decisions. Choosing not to hold a grudge or harbor hard feelings toward anyone. This choice is for your own well-being as well as for the other person. Unforgiveness stored into your heart would be a block to the flow of love. Repeating these words, I FORGIVE, you overcome resistance and open the heart to experience greater peace and joy. As we practice FORGIVENESS, we claim our oneness with the Universe and see the good in all. I view myself and others with compassion and the assurance that we are equally and unconditionally loved. "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you." - Lewis B. Smedes

A big AHA MOMENT for me on RESURRECTING MY SPIRIT has been understanding that "I Am Here On This Earth For My Own Soul's Evolution - Not To Take Care or Responsibility Of the Evolution of others". (Let go and release control) I will let YOU take care of yourself and that will mean that I may have to set personal boundaries so that I am not pulled away from tending to my needs. From now on I permit myself to love others without taking responsibility for their happiness or pain, and that does not mean that I don't love the other person nor make me a selfish person. Every person is responsible for their own happiness and growth on this planet because they see life from their own perspective and not from my own perspective. By doing that, I will allow others to enjoy or suffer their own experiences, making them free to grow at their own pace. ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS and GRATITUDE are the feelings I choose for my heart. We can't spend the rest of our life dwelling on the past and what could've been. It's time to move on. When we are stuck in the past, blaming others of our unhappiness, we choose to stay with the unhappy/victim self -- that's not the path I choose FOR ME! I could not allow FEAR and GUILT control my life anymore. The other face of FEAR is LOVE...

I forgive myself first and then I am able to forgive others, which prepares the way for a new beginning--a RESURRECTION OF MY HEART--- that leaves me both, peaceful and joyful. As I always say, this is a work in progress because many times we find that the thought is easier than the action. But little steps on my goal will take me closer to the finish line.... YES and YES!

What are the choices you will take to RESURRECT YOUR SPIRIT? Remember to practice the three (3) most important things that will allow you to evolve and bring the light of joy into your life:  ACCEPTANCE, FORGIVENESS and GRATITUDE.

Happy RESURRECTION OF SPIRIT !!!

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom 
• http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach

Make the most out of Life -- SURRENDER -- Let it BE..

It is time to be BACK !!!!

During the past 4 weeks I have been on a self imposed RETREAT and I can tell you "It has been amazingly empowering". I have been doing several half days of "silent meditation" (totally silent-- very hard for me...LOL), many practices of mindfulness, including mindful walking meditation, mindful eating and of course my regular daily meditations. My husband and I have been taking trips (last weekend to the Florida Strawberry Festival -- even strawberry pizza?...wow!) and we are planning a few more soon. It has been LIBERATING...

I have been going to group coaching to improve the way I confront the challenges in my life. The people I have met have given me lessons that I never acquired in any of my college education courses. Even the class that I am taking at my coaching school has been sent as a MIRACLE class for me-- Inner Freedom. My coach and my classmates have given me not only understanding, but priceless experiences that have allowed me to visualize positive outcomes FOR ME!!!! Also, I have put out my INTENTION to receive anything that the Universe could provide me --- the seminars and courses, the books, the people, friends and the words that will expand my mind to be responsible for my own growth and happiness. At the same time I have learned not to allow my thoughts rob me of the peace that is my birthright. Many surprises have been received every single day...

I'm very aware that this is a work in progress, and there is much more to learn, and I am very excited to receive my life as it is because I know that every experience (joy or pain) is not a bump in the road, but a mountain of experience and a great opportunity to grow. Many times we could not see the lesson on the experience, but by giving our pain to a higher power and understanding that the control is not in our hands (SURRENDER), we will find the lesson on that experience at the appropriate time --- and that is usually not our position to decide. The answer or the lesson could come tomorrow, it could come next week, it could come in 2 years or maybe it will never come, and I'm okay with that because I SURRENDER and I trust that everything will be what I need in my life to grow. As someone recently told me, "The Universe will never send you something that you are not ready to receive". That was an AHA MOMENT for me..... wow and wow!

The thing that I have learned is that, by allowing SURRENDER into my life, I also have the power to take actions that will bring well-being to my life. Those actions taken are exactly that ---- Actions, and not reactions to the events. Many of them are painful, but you know in your heart that it is exactly what SURRENDER really means--- not knowing the outcome, but trusting that the Universe will work for the required outcome, even if we do not like it. I will enjoy every moment of my life because that's all I have to enjoy--- my PRESENT MOMENT. I do not gain anything by complaining about yesterday, I do not gain anything by trying to control my tomorrow, but I get peace and joy by appreciating what I have NOW. I am working on my "Let it BE"... are you willing to try as well?

So I will start again to post on the AwarenessWisdom Page with my DESIRE and INTENTION to touch at least the life of one person each day ---- that is my purpose in life and I am EMPOWERED to at least do my best every day--- that's good enough for me--- "Always do your best", lesson from Don Miguel Ruiz, THE FOUR AGREEMENTS...

and SO IT IS.....

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom 
• http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach

                      

Pamper Yourself

“The way you treat yourself, sets the standard for others.” -- Sonya Friedman

The holidays are here and many of us try to just survive in the craziness of the days. Even though we love the time we spend shopping, eating, and sharing time with our family and friends, everything could become a task more than a celebration.

Now is the best moment to stop and decide how you can be more PRESENT in the festivities so you can appreciate the value of those experiences at the same time that you accomplish everything that is required to do. One of the best things that I highly recommend is to make time for you, or what you can call “Me Time”.

Men and women alike, everyone can use a little stress reduction and visiting a Spa will definitely help you look and feel better. A Spa is a place to calm the mind, relax the body and enjoy life. Many spas offer beauty treatments for you nails, hair and skin care, including facials, peels and microdermabrasions. They also offer massage therapy, aromatherapy and scrubs that promote good health. Some even offer yoga classes that can easily be integrated with the treatments available. Many Spas offer seminars on healthy eating habits that will promote a healthy lifestyle. The International Spa Association (ISPA) best description on a spa is “places devoted to enhancing well-being through a variety of professional services that encourages the renewal of mind, body and spirit.”

If your body is recovering from illness, if it is sore from a stressful workout, or even feeling the stress from a busy lifestyle, a spa treatment will make you feel more relaxed. Many of the treatments, specially massage therapy, will help you relieve a variety of health conditions, including sleep disorders, depression, migraines, high blood pressure, and even cancer-related fatigue. It can also improve circulation, joint flexibility and promote healing after injury or surgery.

In addition to the physical benefits offered, massage therapy will also treat your spirit by applying pressure to energy points in the body. Two of the most popular spa treatments in massage therapy are Acupressure Massage and Ayurvedic Massage. Both of them are designed to heal the body by creating a balance between mind, body and spirit --- What a great combination!

Many Spas offer meditation, yoga and self-discovery retreats. On these retreats you will learn how to meditate and enjoy mindfulness while you integrate movements and exercises that will bring contentment, open your heart and create mental and emotional peace.

There are alternatives for every person and for every budget, of course. So today, my recommendation is to think of your “Me Time” and call your nearest Spa location, check the services they provide and make an appointment to “Pamper Yourself”. That’s one of the best ways for you to feel empowered to face the holidays with BALANCE and GRATITUDE. You will feel inner peace and will perform better not only mentally, but physically and spiritually as well. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
  
By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom
http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach

Beliefs - Reality or Illusion?

                                                    Photo courtesy of: TORRES GROUPE

A 'limiting belief' is defined as an invented idea that we believe is true.

Do you think that your are capable of changing your life? Well...I can assure you that transformational change is possible at anytime for everyone including you. All the ideas about who you are and what you think you can do or what you cannot do ---things like your childhood, your education, your job, your social life, your past, are part of who you are, but are not the things that define you as a human being. Many times we feel stuck with our way of thinking, the same old patterns of reacting to our external world but we are not aware that change should begin with a big intention and desire from our heart. 

Recently, I was reading an article from Marion Franklin where she quoted a story of an Unknown Author and the end of the story really caught my attention:

"There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: it is YOU. YOU are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization, and your success. You are the only person who can help yourself.    

        Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change, when your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that you are the only one responsible for your life. The most important relationship you can have is the one you have with yourself.”
------ Author Unknown

Many of our limiting beliefs are the barrier to our growth on all aspects of our lives. We create “invisible walls” around us that sometimes are worst than the walls constructed at jails to prevent people to escape. The sad thing is that many of us live our life thinking that those “invisible walls” are there to protect us from the world, when in reality what they are doing is preventing us to enjoy the world to the fullest. An example of this is how young kids can develop false associations very early on that help them to create self-limiting beliefs. You can notice how many people spend the first fifty years of their life getting over the first five. Those self-limiting beliefs take control of your power, which is there, but you cannot see it.

I believe that everyone has the ability to create amazing things in their own lives and in this world. But before we are able to create, we need to understand that all those beliefs that are holding us back are only an illusion that we have created. Once we understand that, the possibilities are endless.

You can read many “self-improvement books” looking for a way to make changes in your life and become a better person. That’s great, but those changes will not flourish in your life until you understand that any positive change is not on the pages of that book, but within you. You have the power in yourself to fulfill all your desires, but not until you have the courage to break all those “invisible walls” that are keeping you trapped inside your own perfect human being.

Today have the courage and make the commitment to question your beliefs and discover which ones are serving you to grow and which one are holding you back on your growth. You will be amazed to notice that many of those beliefs are not a reality, but just an illusion.
Be brave and start today!

• By:  Evelyn Torres for AwarenessWisdom

http://awarenesswisdom.com/

Evelyn Torres is a Transformational Life Coach