Spiritual Book about Women's Spirituality, Adventures of a Mainstream Metaphysical Mom, Soulutions, Birth Mix Patterns

My observation at this moment is that leading by positive example (or walking your positive talk) translates to not only seeking happiness, but spreading happiness effortlessly. The delicate difference of seeking which translates to searching, and spreading means "found" and those people don't feel pressure to be a role model, but live their "peace." They serve themselves but also past themselves which "spreads" to in-the-moment" rejoicing (important) and accomplishing future goals (leading and then, again, rejoicing in the moments of accomplishment).

Gratitude is a very important piece of the puzzle. For instance, there is an interesting saying "being your own boss." What you find when you own your own business is that you are less your own boss, but one that has gratitude for those who help you experience freedom in relation to owning your own company (the people that ship your products, put your literature together, produce quality products for you...). As you "lead" and remind people regularly your appreciation for them, you are leading with happiness. Accomplishing your goals, spreading happiness, and respect. On a much higher level, you are benefiting from people that appreciate that you appreciate them.

Additionally, allowing spirits to be human, is a key to celebrating our imperfections (pearls of perfection). Strange? Celebrating flaws? The beauty in leading is allowing others to learn and expand. When ideas are executed in unexpected ways (some are called mistakes), the choice to view these as life lessons and growth tools, puts leading at a much higher level. Then we rejoice in the experience. This means that we are able to make more sound decisions as leaders as well. For instance, new learning, may mean that you move a person to another area (inside of a company/organization or out) to optimize his/her expansion.

With these ideas, leading can become a soul experience for all involved.

She writes back... "...My question, (more) though, pertains more to the transition when one is moving from an outmoded way of being to a more aligned way of being. That period of living in the gap, so to speak, can be difficult and full of �I don�t know what to do� type sentiments from the ego. There is a point at which I live in the energy of this uncertainty but after a while that becomes impractical and I really begin to wonder what I can do. And after �doing� several things where the outcomes were not, shall we say, successful, well, then I naturally think twice or more about executing the next actions. Eventually I end up in a stuck place of no action. Not a good thing because energy then simply contracts more and more."

My response... The dreaded transition space. The one where we are in a hurry to get to a place that we are unaware of. That hurry up and wait space? This is a difficult spot and my book "Adventures of a Mainstream Metaphysical Mom" may have some answers to your questions. My second book, "'Soul'utions" takes you to the next level of soul searching and goal setting. You can purchase these at amazon.com. Sometimes we perceive being stuck when our higher selves are just giving us some breathing space for the next level. It's like eating a multiple course meal. When you gobble the wine, pasta, meat, vegetable on one big platter you become too full and, even, sick! But when you drink the digestive wine and experience the wine aroma and the way it feels in your mouth, eat the pasta next and experience the pasta, give yourself a couple of breathes, eat the meat (or main course) and experience the main course, more breathing, eat the vegetable and experience the vegetable, even more breathing. Some might say, one and a half hours to eat? Way too long for a meal. Others would say, what a wonderful experience.

Week of August 15, 2005
Today, there is no tomorrow.

August 15th is my birthday. I am detached from the daily pace of life today. Today, I am not interested in what tomorrow brings. My tolerance level is low for intensity, disrespect, out-of-control demands and artificial responsibilities. What would I be doing right now if I chose to no longer work a job or respond to invented, chaotic, negative realities? I�d be planning my next vacation. Even better, I�d be planning my next vacation while I�m on my current vacation. I would not be forced into the daily grind of doing life. I would simply decide from week to week, what new class I should take to expand my consciousness? What new area of the world should I explore? How many Yoga classes should I take this week? What time should I schedule my massage? What area of the mountains should I walk? What caf� should I have a cup of cocoa and treat at with my husband (and, maybe, children if they are on their best behavior)? What new flowers should I plant in my garden? Which book should I write in today? Which should I read? What charity should I donate some time to today? You see? I have many important things to do today. None of which include invented chaotic, negative, realities--intensity, disrespect, out-of-control demands and artificial responsibilities.

Week of August 29, 2005

But now... my children expanding to adulthood

My freshman in high school just left for her first football game. She hussles home from volleyball practice, phones ringing, girls buzzing... Where should we meet? What are you going to wear? Then the dreaded phone call... a young man (who is "only her friend"). For all these years my kids have been home safe with my husband and me on the week-ends, but now... It can be pretty easy to balance myself when I am in (what I perceive is) complete control of where my family goes and what they do, but now... I had one of the many "talks" with my high schooler... if you get stuck in a situation that you (intuitively) know is headed in a bad direction LISTEN, LEAVE THE SCENE AND CALL ME IMMEDIATELY... Don't let others pressure you into doing things you aren't comfortable doing... there is no such thing as safe sex at your age so don't consider it... putting your mouth on other peoples private parts is sex (no matter what politicians say)... Here's my cell phone! "But, mom it will make my pockets bulge and I don't want to carry a purse." In a panic I said to her girlfriend, "Keep her close. Watch out for her. Don't leave her." I get the, "I promise." I will never stop being her mother, but now is her time to expand past her family with the (first) light at the end of the tunnel being adulthood.

Week of September 5, 2005

In the shadow of tragedy, I celebrate this very moment

I write this following hurricane Katrina. Hurricanes have created havoc in the south eastern United States for the past couple of years. Katrina has resulted in numerous deaths and loss of (uninsured) property which will deem many homeless (possibly for the rest of their lives). I've asked myself, what do I do with this information? What does it mean to me as I sit with a solid roof over my head, food on my table and kids in thriving schools? At this very moment, I am celebrating: how safe, secure and healthy I feel; what a happy person I am and how I can pass this onto other people because my cup is so full of gratitude; how safe, secure, happy and healthy each member of my family is. I have more to ponder, but this I know in the moment.

Week of September 12, 2005

Pushing myself into the harvest season

Boy oh boy, do I have a tough time transitioning into the next season cycle sometimes. This year, fall is no exception. I had so much fun. The summer flew by so quickly that I am not ready for it to be over. This is when I know I lived a cycle to its fullest. I traveled (to Italy, out East and West), socialized, exercised, gardened (and weeded), harvested and ate fresh foods (planted more lettuces than I have ever planted in the past), been volleyball mom, read numerous books (outdoors, on airplanes and on car trips). I couldn't keep my mind and body busy enough. And now it's nearing transition time, and one last trip (this time to Western Canada for NLP intensive training). I will be away during Fall Equinox and, at first, was concerned about this... we have to have Equinox dinner, exchange presents (our family tradition), put new phrases in our Equinox/Solstice Bowl (another family tradition... put phrases in the bowl that remind us what "harvest" means to each of us)... But then it occurred to me, this is my (personal) transition time. Stretch my legs at night in a small town in Prince George, spend some quiet time reflecting on what summer cycle brought me and what fall is about this year. And harvesting my plans to stretch myself even farther intellectually in my chosen line of work. A great way to celebrate a summer expansion... transition it right into the fall cycle.

Week of September 26, 2005

I am a spirit being human in the moment...

It recently was brought to my attention that I introduced myself as my accomplishments to a group that I recently studied with. To them I was an author, a business owner, a mom, a wife.... I was asked, "Is that who you are?" As I spent 10 days in Prince George (BC/West Canada) studying--for twelve (12) hours a day (then add sleep and meditation processing)--Hypnosis and Neuro Linguistic Programming, I was able to go deeper within myself. I found the words to describe my spirit being human in the moment ... I am love; I am honor; I am respect; I am trust. And I accomplish all of this with elegance and grace. I preferred to make the "I am" descriptors feel like nouns to help me accelerate the senses (after all I am now officially a certified NLP Practitioner so I put it to work). It helped me reframe my identity utilizing my senses--seeing, hearing, and feeling my spirit. My other labels are simply ways in which I express my soul level framing. Seems simple now that I write it, but boy did this take new soul searching. Who are you?

Week of October 3, 2005

Genuine boundaries

Another week, more lessons... Is it October already? The lesson this week is connected to boundaries. Professionally and personally, I observed how important boundaries are to achieve genuine rapport at all levels. The communicator must understand the receiver(s) and be genuine (do this with love, respect, honor, truth) to reach a desired outcome. Ideas of (very clear, and graphic on purpose to tickle your senses) rapport instances, if I've gotten my period ("that time of the month"), I can lament about it to my female friends... "Oh yeah, I see/feel/hear/smell (gross, but oh so true) your experience." Give that information to a male and there is absolutely no reference point for him--he doesn't care, doesn't want to talk about, and definitely doesn't want to be given the experience details). I've heard a number of people convey how the passing of kidney stones feels. I once heard a man say, "Now I know what it feels like to have a baby." As a female, if I heard a woman respond that this matched her birthing experience I would likely believe her more than the male that perceives his own birthing experience. Observe for yourself when you and other people are in or out of bounds. Did the communicator genuinely -- with respect, honor, lovingly/gently, truth -- consider the receiver(s)? If so, observe the rapport, and store it in your mind for later use. If not, reframe it in your mind so that you can learn from others. Watch, feel, and hear your interactions unfold with grace and elegance.

Week of October 10, 2005

Forced Boundaries limiting others Joy

Forced boundaries or rules in relationship to others beliefs have come to my attention this week. If/Then statements are in abundance...
If I am "x" religion then "y" can't be married because it doesn't fit my set of beliefs on what marriage means.
If "x" are interested in going to a "good place" when the physical body no longer exists, then follow "y" rules.
"X" impacts only "x," but "y" reality says "x" is wrong, therefore; the world must put a stop to "x" actions.
When are boundaries limiting others free will? A thought... when joy is limited as a result of others forced boundaries. When do actions and lifestyles truly affect your "Joy?" The "joy" in connection with love, respect, and honor. The joy in connection with the health of the physical body, finances/abundance, intellectual development, social--relationships, inner child, spirituality. The "truth" of "joy" as I associate it -- see, hear, feel, smell, taste -- may vary. A generalization I'm comfortable with making is that all have interest in attaining "joy." Spread joy. Now!

Week of October 17, 2005

How do your words influence you in the moment and future?

I walked in to set up for my workshop (5 minutes before the hour) and the speaker just before me had gone over a bit on her time. She had just completed her workshop, and was taking additional questions/emails... from her listening audience when my students were filing into the room. I approached the podium, set up my leaflets and assumed the position to speak (a clear, polite visual). I was instructed (as all speakers were) to attach a microphone to my "Goddess lapel" and reached down to the cassette player t0 see the previous speakers tape still running. I said to the speaker, "I'll press 'stop' on the recorder for you so that my voice shows up on the correct tape (now a clear audio that it is time to transition the room). She said, "I am legally blind!" My first instinct was to say, "Hi, 'legally blind,' my name is Michelle Payton." She then said to her students, "I guess we should move out into the hall so the next workshop can begin." Hmmm... You think? "I am legally blind" described novels to me... she is a victim, she owns this to manipulate and control others, and (obviously, since she said this so diligently in front of a dozen or more people) uses this as a marketing tool. Interestingly enough she was educating on healing. Wow! Talk about mixed messages. Recall how you've introduced yourself to people you meet for the first time. What are you communicating? What is the receiver hearing? How do these words influence you in the moment and future?

Week of October 24, 2005

Making LAWS with Love

I have a new life lesson, or rather, one that has come up in a much larger way recently and now I have chosen to pay attention. I am rallying at the (Ohio) state level (Congress and the House) to pass laws that prohibit certain foods in our school lunchrooms. I have been quoted several times in local newspapers, as well as, television on "my position." In contrast, my books, my one-on-one sessions, and my workshops have been positioned over the years as, some information you resonate with, some may not be applicable... listen to your inner self for guidance on what is useful for you. Now, I am pushing for my opinions (on school lunchroom policies and the prohibition of serving school-aged children sugared products for profit) to be LAW. Written in stone. Whether you agree with this issue or not, some years ago, as I matured, I became more "politically correct," (I hear this from many that I work with today). I have chosen to share information and encourage the person receiving the information to then make a decision on his/her own. I adopted this position because I realized how much influence I actually did have on people (to the point of people saying, "tell me what to do, and I'll do it). That's a responsibility that I chose to take seriously. This pattern became evident to me only after recalling habits as a young woman (for instance, in middle school) with a couple of my friends calling me "Miss Know It All." As a college student, I was very clear and open on my opinions--judging people, situations, politics... When in college student organizations, I could become a bit of a bully if people didn't agree with me (and one of the faculty advisors advised another student not to be intimidated by me). Then (for years) I continued this pattern into the lion share of my corporate experience (being awarded a set of shark teeth by one of my bosses when working in advertising). So, after years of healing, sharing, and reminding people that this is a Universe of Free Will, I now have to find, yet, another new way of reminding people that this is a Universe of Free Will/Choice and still provide the information that, I believe, will heal a community larger than myself (literally). I celebrate that I have the tools to realize the fear of my past patterns, and realize that today I live my life in love, truth/integrity, respect, honor and execute these with elegance and grace. I do this by putting in the effort, then letting go and letting Universe move "the cause" in a direction that serves the higher good.

Week of October 31, 2005

Feeling Powerful All The Time!

I got braces at 42 years old. One of the many benefits of this is my bonding experience with my older "children" (who are both nearly as tall as I am). We go to the Ortho/Dentist to get our wires and bands changed, we struggle with certain foods, we make sure that we get our Ortho done in the middle of the week so we can enjoy our week-end nights out... In addition to the bonding experience, a life lesson was reinforced for me. I had to get a tooth pulled to receive the full benefit of having this metal in my mouth for two years (make room to straighten everything out). Post tooth pulling is a bit uncomfortable and my husband winced as he said, "How are you doing?" I responded (whistling through the space where there was once a tooth), "It was my decision so the pain feels temporary." This simple statement sent me into "ah ha!" It occurred to me, given that this is a Universe of Free Will, and all that I experience is by choice, I can feel this powerful all the time! Experience, this instant, your most recent choice. See, Feel, Hear, Taste, Smell your experience and celebrate your power.

Week of November 7, 2005

Why have I chosen to be irritated by people?

Okay... be prepared... I'm negative Nellie here. I pick up my pre-schooler three days per week and there is a school rule we are all asked to follow. The rule is that we don't enter the school to get our children at the end of the day (teachers bring our children to our vehicles) so that we: Don't disrupt the class if we are early; Don't disrupt the school process of gathering the children and their things at the end of the day (decreases chaos and increases safety of unknown people coming into school); It keeps ravenous parents from gathering around one sign-out board (some parents get really crazy in lines); And it keeps the children and parents safe in their vehicles (kids running into the parking lot in front of moving vehicles... they aren't so easy to see). So here is a visual... I pull into line, turn off my vehicle (decreasing the emissions pushed into the Earth's atmosphere... that's a whole other story), read a book, fuss with my nails, make a phone call... and use this as decompress time. But then I recompress. Why? While I am sitting in line with most other parents, a number of parents have decided that this process doesn't apply to them (one now and then even decides to walk into school to disrupt the rest of the school). Mostly male "cutters," my husband thinks maybe "men don't like to wait in line... it's a guy thing... and guys don't like to be told what to do." But (male and female), there will always be those folks that don't merge into traffic when their lane ends, people who ride your bumper when you go the speed limit through a 20 mph "school zone," individuals that block thru roads when waiting at a traffic light, others that drive slowly in passing lanes as they concentrate on the conversation they are having on their cell phones, and still more who cut in line at airports, school cafeterias, and events because their time has a bit more value than those farther back in line. Why have I chosen to be irritated by people? And why am I over-analyzing it? I'm presupposing many things here. I know this. I can only control my actions (and sometimes my children). So I am anchoring "irritation" to something more positive. When I feel my shoulders tense, my forehead wrinkle and teeth tighten, I consciously relax into a personal celebration of my respect of others feelings, and honoring others time as if it is my own. Even when our truths don't match, I still love who I am. I don't expect an exchange of the same thoughts, and don't send any message to the "cutter." I merely give kudos to myself, as I live my life with elegance and grace.

Week of November 14, 2005

Communication challenges and knowing who I am

This week I had some communication challenges. It was connected with how people frame their realities. It doesn't benefit me to share this with them, but I have walked away from certain people mentally as a result. This is based on my most current experience, and from the past as well. The communication framing was different than my reality (in other words, I don't agree with their position). There were attempts to project their framing onto my reality as if it should be my truth. I allowed them to frame what made them feel most victorious. It's interesting when people repeat patterns. They use similar words, react in the same way over and over again, and attempt to project their filtered reality (as a result of their perceived life experiences) onto others to create a team approach to their drama. It doesn't matter who was right or wrong. It only matters that I know who I am.

Week of November 21, 2005

Learning new processes to take advantage of an old fashion process

I've had to think outside of my box again. So many new ideas. And many require new learning to execute them. From changing phone companies and needing to understand why one is better than the other; to learning a new software so that I can edit my radio interviews to easy-t0-listen to snip-its; researching easy-to-read e-zines, adding new buttons to my website that visitors can click on to hear my voice; listening to tele-seminars about tele-seminars, and how to do my own tele-seminars effectively. And why am I doing this? To take advantage of the old fashion process: Being home with my family while making a living that fits my multi-leveled expectations. What choices are you making to manage your multi-leveled expectations?

Week of November 28, 2005

The race for "more" reframed to "infinite freedom"

When I was in my twenties, one of my philosophies was (when driving) to pass everyone, at least, twice in this lifetime. Most everything I did was broken down this same concept... to be ahead of everyone. Get the degree; get married; buy the bigger house; buy the "stuff" to fill the rooms of the bigger house; buy the vehicles to match the house; buy the clothes to match the lifestyle; buy the kids toys to match the neighborhood kids... The noise that resulted from all of this was immense. Did money do this? My observation is, "no." The core drive is for "more." I perceived that "more" meant racing because there wasn't enough to go around for everyone. When I realized that the Universe was infinite... plenty for ALL, then my mind became more quiet, the pressures I put on myself decreased, and "more" was reframed as "infinite freedom." This means I continuously fulfill the goal of infinite financial, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual freedom. Would you like to be free? If so, what methods should you put into place to achieve infinite freedom?

Week of December 5, 2005

Heightening my sensed to experience moments in-the-moment

I have been concerned that I am too attached to my goals, the past, and missing the moments (tasking my life by rushing through life to cross off another goal achieved). As the Universe continues to open my mind, I realize that I can transfer an experience I'm having now, to put my mind at ease. Winter cycle is beginning to take hold for me. It's only a few weeks 'til Solstice and I am writing my next book (beloved Winter is my book/article writing season). I am enjoying every eye-opening moment of this. At the same time, I'm looking forward to a trip that I've socked money away for my family in mountains for the last week-end in December. Not to mention, enjoying the December holidays processes... giving gifts, making cookies, having the kids home for the Winter break... The key... experiencing "moments" in the moment. This keeps me from reliving my past (because I missed it at the time), and it pulls me out of the future (worrying, longing, comparing where I will be to where I am now...). Planning continues to be an important process for me. Heightening my senses in the moment -- feeling, hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting -- enhances my life so that I experience every drop of it today to expand.

Week of December 19, 2005

A greeting by any other name, is still a greeting

How do we greet each other in the November/December holiday season? There are varying holidays held in this particular month. For earth religion friends, it's "Happy Solstice," and/or "Happy Yuletide." Others, "Happy Hannukah" (and this is spelled different ways as well... Chanukah). Some say "Merry Christmas" and others say "Happy Christmas." There is also Kuwanza. Have I missed anything (please accept my apologies if I have)? My ALLNESS greeting is "Happy Holidays." Then I will get a specific greeting in return as he/she heard his/her holiday... "and Happy Yuletide to you!" There are people that raise an eyebrow if you mention "their" holidays specifically. Maybe it's a perception ALL are not permitted to observe a certain way by the way we look, how we dress, where we live, our choice of words... I said a specific "Happy...," and received in return, "I didn't know you celebrated.... (not in a welcoming way)" My response, our household honors many ideas. Since "Happy SolYulHannaKwanzmis" creates a verbal puzzle for folks, my choice is "Happy Holidays." ALL (even those with clouded perception) are included in this label, and it comes from my heart.

Two others have experienced extreme fear over the past six or more months of not having enough money. One realized a new skill and she has quickly been able to build into an additional income stream plus sold more than six original pieces of her work in one week! The other, moved to new mainstream job with a promotion that included a free car and cellular phone.

I�ve observed countless other stories... a number of conscious living stores physically moving their locations to lower rent with more foot traffic, or finally negotiating manageable rent. Another that was nearly put out of business due to their bank suspending their ability to accept credit cards, when sharing their tough times with a supplier, she referred them to her credit card service and they were up and running again within weeks.

The message... fear, grief, uncertainty and the like are healthy expressions to enable us manifest in the physical. All of these people processed with their form of spiritual guides to get to a place of freedom. Ask yourself:

How hard to we need to pedal before we let go? We must seed our thoughts to manifest our ultimate reality. But there is a point where you�ve reviewed all the possibilities and now it�s time for the Universe/God/Jesus/Buddha/Angels (whatever your preference) to take over.

Are we hurting others in order to get our way? Sometimes the answer is simply �no� when we ask for something. Without complete awareness, our goals could be hurting others because we aren�t thinking them through completely (or worse, don�t care to).

Why am I being slowed down? Maybe we need to revise our paths and time is required to make additional observations to experience the ultimate manifestation or �truth.� There are many links in the manifestation chain and patience is a virtue.

What is my personal year (in numerology) and what is the Earth cycle spring, summer, fall, winter)? My observation has been that keeping this in mind (while not allowing it to completely rule you as this is a Universe of free will), will help you with manifestation timing.

Spiritual Books about Women's Spirituality, "Adventures of a Mainstream Metaphysical Mom," "Soul"utions, and "Birth Mix Patterns" by "M.A." Michelle Payton