Intentional Living

Revamping Resolutions: Accountability Partnership for New Year Success

December 9, 2015 by 0 Comments
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Have you been making resolutions every year only to find yourself losing the will power midway or even a month into the year? Do you wish you had someone to hold you accountable and cheer you on through your efforts?

As we approach the New Year, I am partnering up with a health and fitness coach to offer a comprehensive accountability partnership for you. Participants will receive a 30 minute coaching session with each of us to create a personalized action plan, access to a private Facebook accountability group and email support throughout the month.

What could be better than an accountability partner with a personalized action plan??

Two accountability partners to support you and cheer you on. This is a gift you can give yourself; like a mini personal development team.

Making a change takes work and being held accountable is imperative to success. I started using an accountability partner when I made my resolutions in 2011 and it dramatically changed the results I was seeing from my efforts. I met with her monthly for the first couple years. We talked about what was working for me, revisited my goals and revised my action plan accordingly.

When I began my journey as a coach, one of my desires was to empower others to achieve their goals by being a dynamic accountability partner. It has been exciting to see the changes people have made including the way they approach their goals intentionally.

I met Lindsay earlier this year and have learned so much about nutrition and exercise from her. She is motivational and helpful. Her monthly challenge groups have taught me about different muscle groups and how to best target them. We started brainstorming on how to combine our coaching specialties to help people achieve their goals. I am excited to offer a coaching package with her and know this will be transformative for all participants.

With one investment, you can create goals in the following areas…

  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • Career
  • Finance
  • Personal Growth
  • Spirituality
  • Health
  • Diet
  • Education
  • Creativity
  • Travel
  • Family
  • Life

Package includes:

  1. Coaching session with each coach
  2. Personalized Action Plan
  3. Access to Private Accountability Facebook Group
  4. Email Support

For more information email me or sign up here! Let’s make 2016 the best year yet!

Living with Intention E-Course

September 2, 2015 by
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It’s here!!!

After months of development, my E-Course is available. I am so excited to share this process that I created while finding my way out of a negative pattern. I wanted to live my life with purpose. I had quit my job, was in Bali for a month to figure out my next step and was encouraged to “Go from success to significance” by my seatmate on the plane.

I thought about these words as I dealt with the negative emotions that came flooding in once I slowed down. It is interesting how certain things wait to present themselves until they are sure to have your full attention. In Bali, these things included letting go, forgiveness and the big question “What do I do now?!”.

I wanted to make a difference, but I knew that in order to do that, I needed to change what was going on in my heart and soul. This is where intentional living came in and turned things around. One stormy night in Bali, it was the full moon and I set intentions. I poured my heart into the process. I listed what I wanted and needed to let go of. Soon, my outlook started to shift.

I took the process from that night and created a 5 step process that I share in this course. I have set intentions every month since that night and it is amazing to see the things that have transpired. This E-Course was one of my intentions a few months ago and my gratitude is overflowing from my heart that it is created. Intentional Living is approaching life and goals with purpose. It takes you inward and then outward by the actions you choose.

My hope is to inspire others to live intentionally and that is the purpose for this course. I have included 4 worksheets, a guided meditation, video and audio lessons. There is unlimited access so you can take your time with each lesson.

I am excited to hear about your intentional journey!

 

Making Dreams Come True in Bali

August 5, 2015 by

leo

I met Leo on my first trip to Bali in 2012. He was a barista in my favorite coffee shop, Kopi Desa, and we became friends during my stay. I returned last year to stay for a month and was so happy to see that he had started his own restaurant, Cupit BBQ. Cupit is located in Penestanan right outside of Ubud, the cultural center of Bali. The dining room looks over a river bank with lush tropical plants growing down the hill; such a lovely place.

Leo beams with positivity and greets everyone with a smile. His place specializes in BBQ and is a family run operation. You can tell that the food is made and served with love. It was one of my favorite spots to stop and hang out after a warm walk into town. He serves amazing homemade ginger ale and his beer is kept very cold.  Leo will even play guitar and have a sing-a-long with you if you ask nicely; one of my favorite memories from Bali.

I am inspired by Leo’s story and wanted to share a little bit of his spark. My hope is that this will inspire others to go after their dreams and not be afraid of the work they sometimes require.

What made you decide to go after your dream of opening Cupit BBQ?

Leo: Well since I had lots of experience in many restaurants as a barista, waiter and cook, I wanted to make something small like Cupit so I could do all the stuff I have learned. I wanted to have a restaurant before. When it all works, I want to travel to see the world.

What does “dream come true” mean to you?

L: The thing that we really wanted to have and we get it after the hard work we have done.

Are your dreams coming true?

L: I have Cupit but I have other dreams that I need to work out. I really want to travel as you know I tried for a U.S. visa before and that didn’t work. I want to try again and I want to travel to Europe. I know its going to be hard but I believe there are always ways to make it happen. I know I will get it. Cupit was my first dream and it came true.

When you were a little boy, what did you want to do when you grew up?

L: Honestly, I have know clue what  I want to be. Since we have a difficult life (poor) before, my family was always working. I started working the first time when I was 6 years old. I helped my mother sell her ice cream and part time I went to school. So, most of the time, I worked hard as a kid. Then I went to tourism school and I worked on better jobs and learned a lot of things.

Like English? Because you speak lovely English.

L: Yes! I learned English in university for 4 years. But before, I learned it a little bit as well in high school. I also learned Japanese as well in high school.

How many languages do you speak?

L: Bahasa, Balinese, English and a bit of Japanese now since I never practice. I am still learning Dutch and German.

That is amazing! Are you proud of yourself?

L: Yes! I had a big dream to make come true. “I am a dreamer, and I am not the only one” that’s written on my arm so I can see it and work on my dream.

I love that! So, I teach people about living an intentional life. It is basically not just working towards goals but having a reason (intention) behind everything we do. What would you say your intentions are?

L: Well I think for me its simple. I really want to change my life to be better than before. I want to see the world. By starting Cupit, I think I can make it happen.

Terima Kasih, Leo!

I greatly appreciate Leo for his openness and willingness to share with me. Most of all, I am grateful for his friendship and inspiration. Relentlessly pursuing a dream works with the right intentions. Leo wasn’t afraid of the hard work and I admire him for sticking to his dreams. When I returned home from my trip, his story inspired me to be brave and start my business. Bali continues to teach me lessons, even a year after I’ve returned. If you get a chance to visit this enchanted place, make sure to visit Leo’s restaurant and say hello. You won’t regret it.

The Power of Prayer

July 22, 2015 by
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One of the themes that comes up often with spiritual coaching is prayer. I have coached a few people who have left the religions they grew up in and are seeking ways to connect with their spirituality. Each of these experiences have their own path to understanding. Since I have gone through a similar process, I appreciate and acknowledge the desire to slough off strict religious conditioning to embrace a search for meaning and spiritual practices.

This is my story about prayer…

When I was a child, I learned how to pray. I would confess my sins, express gratitude and request things from a God that seemed so far away. I remember spending most of my time wondering if my prayers were effective; if this giant force in the heavens was hearing me. I never really understood prayer much further than confess, give thanks and ask. It seemed rote and methodical.

I also remember learning the structure of a “proper” prayer. But sometimes, it was hard to follow the structure because I was sobbing through my words trying to find meaning, direction and hope. I would lay all my questions, pain, confusion and pride down to just bear my soul.

As I left the religion, prayer came with me, but in a different capacity. I noticed that prayer has always been a comfort to me and recognized the power that it holds.  I wanted to learn more about this ritual and find a more meaningful explanation than what I had learned as a child. There are different types and purposes of prayers and each religion has their own ritual around prayer. And although prayer has religious undertones, I wanted to discover a more personal practice to this ritual.

Looking back on everything that has transpired in my life, there are certain events that I can pick out that turned out better than I could have ever imagined. This is grace and it’s powerful. I recognize that I did a lot of hard work to achieve goals and get places, but I found strength, clarity and guidance with prayer during those times.

The more I willingly opened my heart and mind to this practice, I noticed a shift in my mindset. I was able to stress less and trust that the universe had my back. Every single time that I had great stress and anxiety, I realized it was because I was trying to tackle the issue on my own.

Here are the things I have experienced from prayer:

  • Having direct communication to God where I can pour out my heart is overwhelmingly sacred.
  • My mind is more focused on gratitude and I stop when something wonderful happens just to offer thanks. I notice beauty all around me because gratitude is a key element to prayer.
  • Knowing that I can have a conversation with God, no structure, just talk and process is very comforting and deeply personal.
  • There is no room for guilt because I can come with a contrite heart and receive grace and forgiveness for myself and others.
  • I can feel an energy shift during and after my time in prayer.
  • Letting go is easier.
  • Clarity often follows especially when sitting in meditation after prayer.
  • Stress and anxiety are reduced

There are so many powerful attributes to prayer and I love learning more and evolving my practice. If you find yourself trying to shed strict religious conditioning or would like to delve deeper into your spirituality, please email me at emily@soulsadventures.com.

“I pray because I can’t help myself. I pray because I’m helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time – waking and sleeping. It does not change God – it changes me.”

-C.S. Lewis

Guided Meditation: Thunder Moon

July 1, 2015 by 0 Comments
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For the past year, I have been practicing setting intentions and letting go of what no longer serves me. The first time I did this practice was a stormy night in Bali last July. The rain seemed endless and I researched ways to change my mindset. I came across setting intentions and created a ritual that I have practiced and honed over the past year.

The clouds parted and the full moon peaked out. I sat in moonlight and meditated on my intentions for the month. I recognized things that were holding me back from my intended outcomes, and I resolved to let them go. This was a process for the month as some things are held with a tighter grip. However, I realized that recognizing the hindrances was the first step of letting go.

This practice has created clarity and calm. I look forward to each Full Moon as a time to reflect and reset. Tonight is the Full Moon. This moon is known as “Thunder Moon” to symbolize summer thunderstorms. While I was recording this guided meditation yesterday, the sky started to rumble with thunder. I was excited for the synchronicity of events. I created this recording to share part of the ritual. My hope is that it brings peace and clarity to listeners.

If you are interested in learning more about setting intentions, please email me at: emily@soulsadventures.com

Peace and Clarity,

Emily

P.S. If you enjoyed this recording, please share it with friends and family. Thank you!

April’s Pink Full Moon: Intentions and Letting Go

April 4, 2015 by 0 Comments

mooon3April’s full moon is known as the Pink Moon, named after the first flowers of Spring. This is the perfect time to conduct Spring cleaning, weeding gardens and setting intentions for the month to come. Just as the Spring brings new blossoms to plants and trees, new things are taking root and blossoming in our hearts and souls. After letting go of the dead of winter, transitions and changes are budding and blooming. Spring cleaning can be done both physically and spiritually.

Here are 5 steps on setting intentions and letting go.

Meditate: Sit quietly and meditate on the coming month. Notice what has been transpiring and sit with your breath asking “What do I want?” and “What do I need to release?” Allow the stillness and silence to bring answers to you.

Set Intentions: Make a list of your intentions for the month. Focus on what you want to spend the next 30 days creating, changing, manifesting and focusing on.

Visualize: With each intention, visualize what the outcome looks like.

Release and Let Go: What are the things you need to release and let go of? What no longer serves you? Intend to let these things go, see them disappear into the sky until you can no longer visualize them. If it is something physical, throw it away or donate it.

Offer Gratitude: To seal the ritual, offer gratitude. This is important especially when setting intentions. The universe is constantly listening to our deepest desires and when we take a step towards actualizing them, we need offer thanks.

With each full moon, set aside time to set intentions and let go of what no longer serves you. This particular full moon also coincides with a Lunar eclipse just 2 weeks after a Solar eclipse. An eclipse during a full moon is a time to contemplate endings. Are there things in your life that need to end or have recently ended and you can’t seem to let go of? Now is the time to let them pass. In order for new growth to occur, what no longer is meant to grow must be let go of.

What is blossoming in your soul? Do you need to make room for further growth? Take the time to honestly answer these questions. Live authentically and allow the pain of transition to transform you into a beautiful blossom.

For more information on setting intentions and letting go, please contact emily@soulsadventures.com

Lunar New Year Intentions

February 18, 2015 by 0 Comments

lamb

This week brings three events that offer the time to look inward and release: The New Moon coincides with the beginning of Lent tonight and tomorrow begins the Lunar New Year: Year of the Sheep.

As the last month of winter sets in, the New Moon is the perfect time think about the things in your life that need to end. In order for new beginnings to take place, address, clear away and let go of the things which no longer serve you. Are there any areas or chapters that need closure? What do you need to let go of? Be honest and allow the release in order to manifest the awaiting growth. Just like new buds in the spring, the weeds need to be pulled for the best growing environment. This is the time to give birth.

Additionally, Lent is a 40 day period, beginning today, which focuses on the purification of spirit. Preceded by Fat Tuesday, this is a time to purify from something that may be holding you back. It is interesting that it should fall on the same day of the New Moon magnifying the importance of closure and letting go.

Tomorrow, the Year of the Sheep begins marking the end of the fast moving, wild and crazy Year of the Horse. I definitely feel the energy level coming down recently. Last year was a whirlwind of travel, transition, lessons and emotions. Everything moved rapidly. I felt like there wasn’t enough time to process everything. Lately I have been looking inward as the energy started to subside to wrap my mind around it all. It was a beautiful year filled with passion, emotion, growth, movement and strength. As I look back I realize there were so many patterns broken, necessary endings and opportunities for growth. The energy of the year was definitely like a face paced gallop.

Unlike a Horse, a sheep signifies a calmer more caring approach to life. Compassion, generosity, gentleness and intention are themes for this year. It is a time to deepen spiritual connection while becoming clear and intentional with actions. Like a ram that is head strong, make sure to be true to yourself, stay centered and don’t blindly follow the herd. Be passionate and true to your desires to attract like minded spirits that inspire instead of those who sap your energy. Take stock of who is in your life and what you are putting out into the world. Some important questions to ask are…

Who do I want to be?

Where do I want to go?

Are the things/people in my life conducive to my desired path?

What do I need to let go of in order to be my most authentic self?

Whether you are letting go for the purpose of renewal, lent or celebrating the lunar new year, harness the powerful energy available right now to center yourself and identify with your authenticity. May you find peace, love and compassion during this process.