Christina Stäudle, Stéphane Narcis, Mary Boutieller, Darrel Hammon, Linda Commito, Jeannette Koczela, Anthony Tamalge, Jo Mooy, Spencer Rouse
Here at Transformation Academy, we are excited to announce our October's IMPACT Coaching Spotlight—Vanessa Postnikoff!
Our goal with this initiative is to recognize and celebrate members of the IMPACT Coaching Collective who demonstrate the heart, leadership, and service it takes to be an impactful coach. IMPACT is a community of likeminded, heart-centered life coaches who come together to learn, practice, and grow.
This article is a modified transcript of an interview between Kimberly Rich, host of The Profitable Coach Podcast, and guest Vanessa Postnikoff.
Get 30 days free in the IMPACT Community: https://store. transformationacademy.com/pages/join-the-community
Listen to this interview on the Profitable Coach Podcast: https://store.transformationacademy.com/pages/ep79-vanessa-postnikoff-healing-from-the-outside-in-how-environment-impacts-transformation
Vanessa is deeply passionate about this work and knows firsthand that her method works and that the results can truly be whatever you want them to be.
IDENTITY BY DESIGN: TRANSFORMING SPACES, STYLE, AND SELF—AN INTERVIEW WITH VANESSA
YOU OFTEN DESCRIBE
YOURSELF AS HAVING A DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF MANY AREAS THAT HELP PEOPLE SHIFT THEIR IDENTITY AND FEEL BETTER FROM THE OUTSIDE IN. WHAT DOES THAT
MEAN TO YOU?
I wish I could sum it up in one word: salutogenesis My ultimate goal is that, a few years from now, everyone will know what that mean —even though it’s been around since the 1970s. Salutogenesis is the opposite of pathology. Instead of focusing on “what’s wrong”—like hormones, nutrient deficiencies, or illness—we look at the environment and how we can create well-being from the outside in. Maybe your headache is from harsh lighting, or perhaps you need more sleep. It’s about understanding how your external world affects your internal state. When I started organizing for clients, I noticed a direct link between a clutter-free space and mental clarity. People went from feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed to empowered and focused. That led me to dive deep into studying the brain, neuroplasticity, and habit change, which is how I stumbled upon salutogenesis
HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY INTO ORGANIZING BEGIN?
In 2009, I was taking an interior design course after working as a hairstylist. Then I had my fourth baby—but not enough bedrooms. I suddenly realized that functionality mattered more than aesthetics. I left the course to focus on organizing because I needed to make my home work. This was before Pinterest was big, so I had to get creative. Eventually, I joined the National Association of Professional Organizers. I started with friends and family, built my skills and confidence, and soon word-of-mouth referrals began flowing in.
WHAT KINDS OF ROADBLOCKS DO CLIENTS FACE WHEN DECLUTTERING OR REORGANIZING?
Every client has a different story, but the common thread is that they’ve tried on their own and need extra hands and guidance. Sometimes it’s situational, such as grief after losing a loved one, illness, a brain injury, or simply never learning organizing skills. Sometimes it’s modeled behavior, like growing up in a household where keeping “a lot of stuff” was normal. The core issue is that their environment no longer supports who they want to be—and they need help bridging that gap.
HOW DO THESE CHALLENGES PARALLEL WHAT COACHES SEE WITH THEIR CLIENTS?
The roadblocks are very similar. In coaching, people often feel stuck because of their beliefs about themselves (“I’m too sick to change”), beliefs about the world (“It’s not possible for me”), or beliefs about support (“I can’t do it alone”). Organizing works the same way. People can find “how-to” guides online, but the transformation happens when they have accountability, encouragement, and someone to walk them through it step-by-step.
WHEN DID COACHING ENTER THE PICTURE FOR YOU?
I actually took my first coaching course, the Happiness Life Coaching Certification, before COVID. I noticed people around me seemed chronically unhappy, and I wanted
tools to help them. Soon after, I was able to support someone who completely transformed after using mantras I shared. Later, I joined the Thrive 2025 challenge. That’s when I realized the language and strategies I used in organizing were also coaching tools. Over time, I identified three “personas” I use depending on the client:
• The Nurturer: Gentle encouragement, more processing time, lots of positive reinforcement.
• The Best Friend: Motivational, enthusiastic, giving “permission” to let go.
• The Drill Sergeant: Direct and decisive for clients who just want to be told what to do. Recognizing these personas helped me serve clients in the way they needed most.
Q: HOW DID THE CONCEPT OF IDENTITY BY DESIGN COME ABOUT?
My background is in both cosmetology/image consulting and organizing. I used to swing between the two, but, when I focused too much on one, I’d miss the other. During the Future Self course, I thought, “What if I merged these worlds?” I realized they actually belong together. Identity by Design was born: a way to help people create their ideal self from the inside out and the outside in.
Q: WHAT DOES WORKING WITH YOU LOOK LIKE?
First, the client must be ready for change. Then we identify the version of themselves they want to mirror—not mask.
• Masking is hiding traits or aspects of life out of fear of judgment.
• Mirroring is intentionally revealing and highlighting the best parts of yourself.
From there, we use visualization exercises to design their ideal daily life. We align their environment and personal style to support that identity. There’s no cookie-cutter formula; it’s about showcasing what makes them unique.
Q: CAN YOU SHARE SOME EXAMPLES OF HOW YOU USE ENVIRONMENT TO SHAPE IDENTITY?
Environment sends subconscious cues. For example:
• Dating: Clear the space under your bed to improve energy flow (feng shui). Have space for a partner, such as two nightstands, space in the closet. Avoid images of single people; rather, display images of couples or togetherness.
• Health: Organize the kitchen with meal prep containers, make healthy food visible and easy to grab.
• Career shift: I worked with a former baker who wanted to be an artist. We cleared baking supplies to make room for an art space, putting her passion front and center.
The key is to make your desired identity easy and accessible — and to remove cues that reinforce the old one.
Q: WHAT ABOUT PERSONAL STYLE? HOW DO YOU WORK WITHIN BUDGET CONSTRAINTS?
You don’t have to buy a whole new wardrobe. Once we declutter, clients often sell unwanted items to fund a few key statement pieces. Even inexpensive earrings or pajamas that make you feel good can shift your energy.
I follow the “80/20 rule”. Most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time. When you know who your future self is, it becomes easy to remove pieces she wouldn’t wear. Even “painting clothes” should make you feel comfortable and confident.
Q: HOW DO YOU HELP CLIENTS BREAK LONG-STANDING HABITS?
We look at what’s worked before and decide whether to:
1) Eliminate the habit completely (cold turkey).
2) Reduce it.
3) Replace it with something else.
This is called differential reinforcement. Sometimes it means removing a trigger entirely, sometimes it’s adding a small reward for good behavior, and sometimes it’s setting an
“allowance” (like the 80/20 rule for treats). The goal is to support the new identity with intentional actions until they become second nature.
Q: YOU TRADEMARKED IDENTITY BY DESIGN AND HAVE BEEN LIVING YOUR OWN TRANSFORMATION AS A COACH. WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR PIVOTAL MOMENTS?
Honestly, I’ve been living this approach my whole life, but I just didn’t have a name for it until I joined the TA (Transformation Academy) community. I learned that “your mess is your message” and realized my blueprint for the best version of me was worth sharing. I embraced partnerships, co-working, and trading services with other coaches. Connecting with like-hearted people gave me momentum and reinforced the idea that being fully yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU LAUNCHING NEXT?
I’m wrapping up with in-person clients and going fully online September 1st. My community will feature live organizing and style sessions, Q&A, and creative activities to help calm the nervous system because a calm mind is the foundation for all transformation.
Q: BEFORE WE WRAP UP, TELL US ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SEASONAL DÉCOR.
Changing your environment with the seasons keeps it feeling fresh and connected to nature, which helps calm the nervous system. It prevents stagnation and boredom, which can lead to mental ruts.
It’s an affordable way to refresh your space, boost your mood, and keep your environment aligned with your current goals.
Q: FINAL THOUGHTS?
External fixes aren’t everything, but they set you up for internal transformation. Visualization works best when your eyes open to an environment that matches your vision. When your surroundings tell you, I am capable. This is manageable. I’ve got this, change happens faster.
Note: If you’d like to connect with Vanessa and learn more about Identity by Design, check out the links in the show notes.
Why deeper growth needs patience.
By Christina Stäudle
In today’s fast-paced world, the obsession with speed is everywhere. Instant coffee, fast food, rapid deliveries—our lives are designed for immediate gratification. It’s no wonder that many of us expect personal growth and emotional healing to follow the same quick, straightforward path. The truth, however, is that true transformation isn’t a race. It’s a journey, often a long one, and the deeper the healing, the longer it takes. This doesn’t fit with society’s quick-fix mentality. When change doesn’t come quickly or immediately, we get frustrated. But the process of healing, particularly the kind that leads to lasting transformation, is layered and requires patience. Real growth unfolds gradually, in stages, and often in ways we don’t immediately understand. As coaches, it’s critical to recognize this truth, not just for ourselves but also in how we guide clients.
THE MYTH OF INSTANT CHANGE
Today’s culture thrives on the promise of rapid, tangible results. From productivity hacks to self-improvement guides that claim to deliver quick fixes, society has conditioned us to believe that results should happen in short bursts. Many of us have fallen victim to this way of thinking, expecting that a
few coaching sessions, a book, or even a breakthrough moment will result in a complete transformation.
But this “quick-fix” mindset is misleading. True change takes time, especially when it comes to emotional and psychological healing. Much like a wound that heals in stages, personal transformation often happens one layer at a time. For many, this realization is uncomfortable because it forces them to confront the messy, often painful process of unearthing and processing old wounds, fears, or limiting beliefs.
Coaching is no different. While clients may come in hoping for an immediate transformation, they may be unaware of the depth of work required. As coaches, we must acknowledge that meaningful change isn’t instantaneous; it’s built over time and through continuous reflection, awareness, and action.
HEALING IN LAYERS: GOING DEEPER THAN SURFACE-LEVEL
TRANSFORMATION
Imagine healing as peeling back the layers of an onion. Each layer represents a deeper part of the self—those parts that have been shaped by past experiences, unresolved trauma, limiting beliefs, or
unmet needs. Initially, some of these layers may seem superficial or easier to address, but as we delve deeper, we encounter more complex emotions and unresolved conflicts.
In coaching, the concept of healing in layers is essential, not just for guiding clients, but for fostering personal growth. True transformation often starts with acknowledging the surface-level issues—the easy things to fix. Perhaps a client feels stuck in a career they don’t love, or they recognize a bad habit that’s limiting their success. But once these initial layers are peeled back, deeper issues start to surface: unresolved childhood trauma, ingrained beliefs about selfworth, fears about failure, or doubts about their true purpose in life.
For instance, a client might come to you struggling with their confidence. At first, they might work on practical strategies—improving their communication or body language. But over time, you’ll uncover deeper layers: perhaps their lack of confidence stems from a fear of rejection tied to an experience in childhood or a deep belief that they are unworthy of success. When this deeper layer is addressed, the client’s growth becomes more profound and long-lasting.
This is the nature of real, deep transformation: it’s a process of continuous self-discovery, one layer at a time, and it requires a willingness to dive deeper than the surface-level problems.
PATIENCE
AND CONSISTENCY: THE FOUNDATION OF LASTING CHANGE
The world around us is obsessed with speed, but lasting change is more like the gradual growth of a tree than a flash of lightning. When clients seek your help, they often want quick fixes because they believe that their pain or frustration can be alleviated immediately. But deep healing is rarely instantaneous. It requires ongoing self-reflection, awareness, and integration into daily life.
In your coaching practice, this can be especially challenging. It can be difficult to see immediate results, and clients may express frustration when the process feels slow. However, this gradual approach is the cornerstone of sustainable transformation. The beauty of this process lies in its depth. When clients allow themselves to heal at their own pace, they develop a deeper sense of emotional maturity and resilience.
As a coach, your role isn’t to rush the process, but to guide clients with compassion through their healing journey, knowing that it’s going to take time. Often, the healing that truly matters—the kind that leads to lasting personal transformation—takes longer than we expect.
Here’s an important insight for coaches: Transformation is not linear. It’s messy, it’s uncomfortable, and it involves setbacks. But these setbacks are just part of the process. Growth rarely follows a straight line; it ebbs and flows. A client might feel stuck one week and make massive strides the next. Embrace this ebb and flow as part of the healing journey.
A DEEPER APPROACH: MOVING BEYOND SURFACE-LEVEL PRACTICES
As coaches, we all know the common techniques—mindfulness,
goal setting, accountability checks. But when clients are dealing with deeper issues, surface-level approaches often fall short. If the layers of their pain are never truly addressed, the transformation remains shallow. So how do we move beyond the obvious and truly facilitate healing? Start with Root Causes: When clients come to you with a specific
problem, don’t just address the symptoms. Dig deeper. Ask probing questions that explore the root cause of their challenges. For instance, a client who struggles with procrastination may think the problem is time management but, with deeper inquiry, you might uncover fears of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of self-trust that are fueling the procrastination.
Work with Resistance: Clients will naturally resist certain layers of healing. They may find comfort in the surface-level issues because addressing deeper wounds feels overwhelming. Acknowledge this resistance as part of the healing process and gently guide them to explore the discomfort. Resistance is often where the most profound breakthroughs occur, but it requires patience and empathy to help clients face it.
Use Non-Linear Techniques: Not every session needs to follow the same structure. Some sessions might focus on deep emotional release, others on exploring unconscious beliefs, and others still on action and accountability. This flexibility in approach allows clients to move through different layers at different times, giving them space to process and integrate at their own pace.
Create a Holistic Approach: Healing isn’t just about the mind. The body and spirit are integral to the process. Introduce practices that support emotional regulation, such as bodywork, movement, or guided meditations. These practices can help release trauma stored in the body and facilitate deeper emotional healing.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
In my own life, I have gone through layers of inner healing, growth, transformation in rounds. I call it “circling
the mountain.” It speaks of revisiting familiar issues, but from different angles and in different stages, like ascending a mountain by walking around it in circles.
My system, my spirit, my intuition, God’s guidance within— all of that knew how much of one topic I was able to handle at a certain point in my life. Embracing grace has taught me that if I truly want healing and growth there is deep wisdom in not overstretching my capacities to confront lies, or deal with pain.
I believe in lifelong possibilities of harvesting from those processes. I believe in vast opportunities for growth, and I am so grateful for wisdom’s guidance in my own journey. Peeling back my own trauma in layers has been one of the most compassionate acts of God’s kindness in my life. I was not always able to see it back then, but it brings me deep peace and trust and gratefulness now.
SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1) What areas in your life or coaching practice could benefit from embracing a slower, more intentional healing process?
2) How can you help clients move beyond surface-level solutions
to explore deeper, more meaningful layers of their healing?
3) In what ways can you create a space that allows clients to process resistance and discomfort during their transformation journey?
4) How do you currently incorporate flexibility into your coaching practice, and how might you adjust your approach to better suit clients at different stages of their healing?
5) What specific practices can you introduce to your clients that will help them connect with their body and emotions during their healing process?
Real change takes time, and it’s not about quick fixes or shortcuts. It’s about peeling back the layers of the self, addressing the core issues, and moving through a process that requires patience, compassion, and consistency. As coaches, we must move beyond surface-level strategies and embrace the depth of this journey with our clients. When we acknowledge that healing happens in layers, we give ourselves—and our clients—permission to slow down and embrace the complexity of transformation. The more deeply we go, the more lasting and meaningful the results. Trust the process, be patient, and remember: True transformation is a journey, not a destination.
Christina Stäudle is a trauma-informed psychotherapy practitioner, TA Master Transformation Coach, and founder of Mission Transformation International. Known as Mrs. Antifragility, she equips individuals to break free from toxic cycles, build authentic purpose, and grow through adversity with grace and strength. Her work blends self-leadership, resilience, and soul-deep transformation—empowering emerging leaders to move from survival into sustainable impact. Christina is based in Germany and East Africa. You can connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-stäudle-mt
Photo by Nina Hill on Unsplash
Genuine connection comes when
we allow ourselves to feel full, to be vulnerable, and to embrace what life offers—even when it scares us.
By Stéphane Narcis
Love is life’s teacher. Love reveals our innermost desires, fears, and courage to venture into the unknown. (Trust me, I’ve been there, too.) My own love isn’t merely romantic evolution, self-discovery, or that one instant when it calls us out of our comfort zone, but everything combined.
A CONNECTION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
I was on Instagram one day and added a few people to get new followers. I then added “this person.” We started chatting. We exchanged casual words, nothing too deep, nothing that hinted at what was to come.
When we finally met in person, something powerful happened: My heart was pumping extremely fast, I had butterflies in my stomach, and I kept looking at them in the eyes. Their smile, kindness, and heart drew me in. I knew I was falling in love, and it felt like magic.
This special person once told me they weren’t someone who felt too much, but I saw through, and when I placed my hand on their chest and said, “This is what I love about you,” I could see the emotion in their eyes. And when I cried as we said goodbye for the second time, I knew they felt it, too.
As a life coach, I often tell people that love, like any meaningful experience, requires presence— not just physical presence, but emotional availability.
Genuine connection comes when we allow ourselves to feel full, to be vulnerable, and to embrace what life offers—even when it scares us.
THE FEAR OF DISTANCE VS. THE FEAR OF REGRET
The first time this special person left, I hid my feelings. I told myself it was for the best, that long-distance was too tricky. But the truth? My heart ached. They were in my mind constantly. When we reunited, I finally admitted how much I had missed them. And yet, when asked to meet again, I hesitated.
This is where life coaching comes in. So many of us back away from what we truly want—not because we don’t want it enough, but because we fear the unknown. We overthink the how instead of trusting the why
I always ask my clients: What is scarier—taking a risk or living with regret?
For me, love isn’t about convenience—it’s about connection. I’ve realized that maybe the real challenge isn’t distance itself, but my fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.
CHOOSING LOVE, CHOOSING THE RISK
And so, I have made my decision. I am ready to risk loving and being loved, even from afar—the risk of embracing this long-distance relationship—if we both agree and are willing to fight for it.
Real love isn’t about perfect conditions; it’s about people willing to choose each other, no matter the obstacles. This love has taught me something profound: I am at peace within myself. I love myself. And because of that, I can truly love someone else.
LIFE COACHING REFLECTION: ARE YOU HOLDING BACK?
If you are reading this and struggling with a decision—whether in love, career, or personal growth—ask yourself:
• Are you holding back because of real obstacles or because of fear?
• What would you do if you trusted yourself fully?
• Are you living your life in alignment with your genuine self?
Love teaches us to be brave. Bravery isn’t about knowing the outcome—it’s about trusting that no matter what happens, we will be okay—maybe even better than okay. Maybe we will discover a version of ourselves we never knew existed.
Love, fear, and the courage to take risks apply to all of us, no matter who we are or whom we love.
If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating between comfort and possibility, I hope this story inspires you to choose the life you truly want.
Stéphane Narcis DProfQAHE, PhD, Dr. h.c. is a distinguished academic, researcher and educator specializing in film studies, intercultural communication and psychological analysis. His work focuses on media representation, nonverbal communication and narcissistic personality disorder. Holding a PhD in Film Studies, and aDoctor of Letters & PostDoctor of Letters (DLitt & PDLitt), he has received multiple awards for his academic contributions.
As a certified expert in body language and lie detection, he provides professional training to leaders and educators. His research has gained international recognition, offering insights into toxic relationship dynamics, workplace conflicts and societal structures. Stéphane aims to bridge academic research with real-world application, empowering individuals through education, cultural awareness, and psychological resilience. Connect with Stéphane: https://www. instagram.com/stephanenarcis_officiel
Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash
Life has a way of guiding us toward the release of old identities and the embrace of new ones.
By Mary Boutieller
My writing has been a bit stifled lately, and I’ve realized how easy it is to become distracted by other things, even if only temporarily. My writing usually must come to me unbidden, and when I sit down to write, often I have only an inkling of what might arise. I simply trust that the Universe will guide me. Sometimes it comes in droves, sometimes not.
This constant ebb and flow in our daily lives can feel mundane, yet often it’s just the opposite. When we step out of the current of who we think we are, our minds calm down and our awareness expands. These periods give us time to rest, to heal, to be other than our normal busy selves.
For me, a recent knee injury helped show how invested I was in the idea of who I am—the workouts I was doing, the hiking, the stubborn mentality that only caused my knee to hurt more which, of course, finally caused me to slow down. I feel lucky that it wasn’t anything serious and that I didn’t wait too long to listen to the Universe’s message. Now I’m rehabbing and relearning that I don’t have to be doing something 24/7 to prove to myself that I still can.
Life has a way of guiding us toward the release of old identities and the embrace of new ones. How we handle these transitions is really up to us. We
can go through these times kicking and screaming and refusing to let go; we can be forced to do so through illness or loss; or we can take a deep breath and acknowledge the beauty in how one door closes and another one opens.
John Maxwell said,
“Change is inevitable, growth is optional.”
When we listen and heed the advice of our wiser selves, we grow. When we truly understand that there is magic in these shifts in our lives, we will struggle less.
And isn’t that the secret—to struggle less? To learn the lessons, to open our hearts to the ups and downs of life with love and compassion, even when it isn’t particularly easy? I like the idea of struggling less…of letting go of what no longer serves us so that we have the space to welcome what is to come. Won’t you join me?
The Yoga of Life
with Mary Boutieller
Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.
By Darrel Hammon
Who said life was fair? All of us are umpires and referees simultaneously, sometimes stationed at awkward angles, not really seeing the play but calling it anyway,
usually ugly, egregiously incorrect, and often just plain wrong. Life was never meant to be fair, not with all of ins and outs, corners and curves, hills and valleys,
abysses and cavernous gorges. Our only hope, if there is one, is knowing that we can overcome all things with persistence and pure work,
struggling, striving, and a bit of thrashing about along the path of life. Yes, there are bogs along the way, traps that shut and open at random, and surprises at every corner along valley floors,
thrusting peaks, and dusty trails that turn into trials when we are not looking and even when we are expecting them. But we must plow on, ever onward, up and down the mountainous terrain
and through the valleys of challenges through the ruinous rivers, swirling between giant boulders and the ever-twisting logs and debris of life. The good news is
there are some calm waters ahead, filled with Caribbean blue and tropical suns with low-hanging mangos and other delicious fruit. There will be a final day when we finally row to shore,
touch the white sands, kneel and thank all those who helped us along the way, and then enter into an eternal rest away from the cacophony of life’s ebbs and flows.
Darrel L. Hammon has been dabbling in writing in a variety of genres since his college days, having published poetry, academic and personal articles/essays, a book titled Completing Graduate School Long Distance (Sage Publications), and a picture book, The Adventures of Bob the Bullfrog: Christmas Beneath a Frozen Lake (Outskirts Press). He also was the editor of the Journal of Adult Education (Mountain Plains Adult Education Association). Most of his essay/article writing has focused on topics about growing up, leadership, self-awareness, motivation, marriage/dating, and educational topics. Some of these articles/essays are in Spanish because Darrel is bilingual in Spanish/English, having lived in Chile, Dominican Republic, and southern California, and having worked with Latino youth and families all of his professional life in higher education. He has two blogs, one for personal writing at http://www.darrelhammon.blogspot.com/ and one for his consulting/life coaching business (http://www.hammonconsults.blogspot.com/).
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.” —Melody Beattie
By Linda Commito
Life isn’t easy with its ups and downs, times of illness, anxiety, worry about our country, our world, concern about those we love and our own lives… but gratitude always helps to bring things into perspective.
I am blessed with a mom who has always taught me to see the best in people, to be quick to forgive, to be grateful, and, when times are hard, to know that “this too shall pass.”
What I’ve learned, even during the most difficult of times—divorce, illness, loss—was that these events would become the motivation that I needed to discover what strengths and resilience I had, and to create a whole new life path for myself. And for that I am grateful.
There always seem to be teachers that show up when we need to learn a valuable life lesson. I once went to a presentation by a woman who shared with us “what it is like to live each day as if it were your last.” We may try to live our lives that way, but when our health hangs on a phone call to know if you will receive the organ that you
need to survive, every moment is more precious. Carol had received a lung transplant years before and was now on a list for another, because hers was failing.
Four of us offered to be a support for Carol. I remember sitting with her one day in the hospital, watching an Oprah episode on gratitude, and I committed then to write in a journal three things that I am grateful for each day. Sadly, months later, Carol didn’t make it, but she left me with an appreciation for the preciousness of each day. And years later, I cherish these journals filled with “gratitudes” to remind me what a blessing life is.
It is especially hard to lose loved ones, but gratitude for the person and their love, the shared times and the lessons, live on in our hearts. It has helped me to be more present, to appreciate the moment with each person, and to be more comfortable knowing that someday it will be my time to leave.
But until then, I hope to live my best life each day, to express my gratitude for my health and well-being, the people whom I am sharing this planet with, and to leave a trail of kindness and love that can help to light a path for others.
Love is the New Currency
with Linda Commito
Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game
How to Streamline Your Business
HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR HOW TO STREAMLINE YOUR
STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS STREAMLINE BUSINESS
Say goodbye to distractions and hello to your creative flow.
By Jeannette Koczela
How many businesses do you currently operate? If more than one, how many of them are earning their keep? If that multi-level marketing is nothing more than an expensive hobby, dump it. If your site blog wastes precious content-creation time, close it down so you can concentrate on money-making projects. If you’ve got domain names sitting parked, sell them. This article will help you sort that out, quickly. (Or, at least, more quickly than you can probably do it yourself!)
STEP ONE: TAKE INVENTORY OF THE CHAOS
If you’re like most people who have run their businesses online for a few years, then chances are you may not even know what you own, and you’ve spent more on digital courses and subscriptions than you’d like to admit—even to yourself.
And, whenever you sit down at your computer or start scrolling through your mobile you feel like you’re in a perpetual state of overwhelm, with your life governed by distractions. But getting an overview of your digital property will set you up to simplify both your online activities…and your expenses.
The first thing to do is make a master list. Start with your most basic categories and data. Like this:
Once you have that list compiled, then you can make sub-lists, dividing them into categories, and adding key info such as:
• Username
• Password
• Monthly or annual cost
• Renewal date
IMPORTANT: If you do nothing else, compile this basic master list, both for your own information…and in case anything ever happens to you. Remember, your nearest and dearest would be left to clean up your digital mess. They might find themselves unwittingly paying for digital real estate long after your estate should have wound down. (Download this Action Plan to make a list.)
And here’s where, if you’ve been really smart, you won’t need to enter a bunch of passwords and logins into your basic database…provided you have created a central Password Management account with a password manager such as RoboForm or LastPass.
If you haven’t, do that right now! Your one master password will allow you to access every subscription or website you own—every business management suite, app, and more.
All you need to do is make a hard copy of your master password and put it in your master business manual (or any other safe place—even a safety deposit box if you prefer). Not only will this save you significant time and increase your online security, but you’ll never have to remember another password again!
To get you started compiling your digital inventory, here’s a list of basic categories:
• Websites
• Blogs
• Domain names
• Courses/subscriptions
• Your intellectual property
• Social media accounts
• Online banking
• Online assets
• Online storage
• Online file sharing
• Email inboxes/accounts
• Shopping accounts
• Merchant accounts
• Hardware/equipment
Intellectual property: “Intellectual property” refers to anything you have created. For example, books you have written and uploaded to Amazon—or any other copyrighted or trademarked materials such as a signature coaching method, reports, courses, and other branded products. Add them to your Master List. Or, if you have a sizable amount, create a separate list. Record also what platform they are stored on.
Hardware/equipment: This includes your computer and its peripherals—printers, speakers, and so forth. Record serial and model numbers. And as for equipment such as mobile phones, you’ll want to record the unlock codes.
Yes, you will probably have to set aside a day for this task, and it can be aggravating …but once it’s done, it’s done
forever. No more eternally setting up new passwords every time you attempt to log into a site you use infrequently. No more having the flow of a project interrupted. No more having to dismantle your printer in the middle of a rush job because you need to get that serial number.
Just get it done! Print out your spreadsheets ahead of time (the Action Plan and Exercises that come with this article will help you do that)—and do remember to set up that central Password Manager, if you haven’t already done so.
If you find the idea of tackling this task produces anxiety—or even just frustration over losing time—then there is one more solution you can choose, though it also means one more small financial investment: Everplans. There is a free trial or create an account that costs $99.99 a year.
This Better Business Bureau-accredited business was started by Abby Schneiderman. As she was developing it, her brother died, which gave her a highly personal stake in creating Everplans to be user-friendly. And while Everplans is slanted toward estate planning, using it is also a good strategy for doing just the sort of organization we’re talking about here.
Example: When you click on the drop-down menu for the question, “Why are you visiting the site?” one of the answers you will see is “I want to get organized.” Based on your answers, Everplans tailors its wizard to easily walk you through what you need to do.
Plus, if you are ever unexpectedly put out of action with a serious illness or accident, all your information is easily accessible to your designated executor or otherwise designated person.
STEP TWO: WEEDING OUT THOSE NONPRODUCTIVE ASSETS…AND LIABILITIES
Once you have your lists made—and oh, what a wonderful feeling it is, to finally have a clear overview of your entire online business—then it’s time to start getting rid of what is no longer working for you.
Old domain names: Don’t keep paying for these. If you haven’t used a domain name since you bought it and that was at least three years ago, sell it. You don’t have to get overcomplicated about this process—especially if there is no website attached to the domain name (i.e. it’s never been used). Your own domain registry will most likely have easyto-follow instructions on how to put that domain name up for sale in its marketplace. Just look the process up in your registrar’s “support” section. (Each registrar’s process is slightly different.)
If you have a site attached to that domain name— and particularly if it has accumulated traffic—you will be able to make more money on the sale if you list it through a recognized domain marketplace such as Flippa or Sedo. Or, instead of continuing to pay while looking for a buyer, you can simply not renew the domain name.
STEP THREE: KNOW WHAT TO THROW AWAY
Do you know your Unique Selling Position? Your ideal client? Your mission? Your ultimate goal? You must
define these four items with absolute clarity before you attempt to simplify further. Once you’ve done this, it’s a case of getting rid of absolutely everything that doesn’t contribute to these four items.
Go through your inbox. One of the biggest traps is keeping yourself subscribed to other businesses and professionals whose emails you never read. You might really like a particular professional’s products and point of view—but if you never have time to read their emails, here’s a solution: Follow that professional or business on your favorite social media platform instead.
This is a far more accurate way to keep an overview of what’s going on with them. You won’t miss any launches. You’ll keep up with their latest products and ventures. And you can interact through comments if you so choose.
If email is more your thing and not a problem for you, then stop chasing them on social media. Do the reverse and keep on top of their business journey via emails. But social media is far more immediate, since—as you probably know from your own autoresponder series’—emails are usually pre-written and recycled.
What will happen, once you do that massive unsubscribe, is that the emails that do still come in will feel less overwhelming, and far more manageable. Plus, you’ll be more inclined to read them.
Do things once. Then discard or file: If you do find yourself habitually putting tasks off till later, do one of the following:
1) Ditch and discard them permanently
2) Delegate that task to another family member or team member
3) Automate the task
4) Outsource the task
(And remember, you can also delegate or outsource your inbox management to a virtual assistant, too.)
Over the next week or so, run every task against the crucible of your ultimate business mission and goal. If it doesn’t further that, if it doesn’t serve your clients, get rid of it.
Focus on your money-makers: Keep the tasks you particularly love…as long as these tasks also directly make you money.
For example, if you find writing your monthly webinar a chore, either contract someone else to write it, or
use pre-written, limited license, private label rights (PLR) webinar scripts written for coaches like you. (You can easily find them from reputable companies like Coach Glue.)
STEP FOUR: CANCEL NONPRODUCTIVE MEMBERSHIPS
We’ve all done it: Invested in courses that we sincerely mean to take…“one day.” Signed up for membership sites whose resources we never have time to use. Joined organizations, telling ourselves, “This will be good for networking”; then never had a spare moment to attend a meeting or webinar.
When you stop to consider that there’s most likely a reason you “never have time”, then you will likely realize that it’s because that particular course, membership or organization is not at the top of your priority list. Your heart is elsewhere. That’s a big sign that you need to let it go. It’s costing you money on a monthly or annual basis.
If the membership site or Facebook group or live training program you belong to isn’t producing the return you had hoped, take an honest look at whether it’s worth keeping. (It’s not just about losing money: It’s about losing precious time, too!) Don’t renew that membership. Resign from that group. Cancel that subscription. Chalk it up to the price of experience. Don’t think of all the money you’ve lost; think instead of how much money you will free up in your budget—money you can take and use for more important things.
STEP FIVE: HOW TO DETERMINE IF IT’S WORTH SAVING
Another way to decide what to let go is not to base it on your priorities or emotions: It’s simply a case of looking at your ROI. How many projects are sucking up your precious resources and simply not earning any money? If the product you’re creating is costing more than you’re going to get back on it, re-evaluate its potential return on investment. If you’re going to lose money on it—scrap it now!
Chances are, you can use that time and energy more productively. And again, think of how much money it is going to save you, from the moment you scrap it. (And you can always reuse and repurpose parts of it later.)
When deciding what to keep or discard, look at:
TIME ROI ENERGY
Time yourself at specific activities or tasks. Measure it against ROI (return on investment) and factor in the effect it has on your energy.
Does the task you’re doing make you money directly…or does it stop you from doing money-making activities like contacting new prospects?
Does the task you’re doing energize you and excite you, or make you feel confused, sleepy, irritated, lost or any other similar emotion?
Discard, automate or outsource any tasks or activities that either lose money (or stop you from making it), eat into important time for other activities, or make you procrastinate or feel bored or irritated. (Worst-case scenario: Burnt out! Even if certain online activities are making you money, if they are not actively contributing to your brand and pleasing your ideal client, find a way to take them off the table.
STEP SIX: 10 TIPS FOR
STREAMLINING
YOUR TIME AND BUSINESS
In addition to what we’ve already discussed, here are 10 more ways to reduce your monthly expenses, while streamlining your business.
1) Invest in a tech consultation. Talk to a virtual assistant who specializes in tech to determine if you’re paying for unnecessary software or services: For example, paying for platforms or software subscriptions that offer duplicate features. If that’s the case, consider switching to an all-in-one platform that does everything you need…all from the same dashboard.
2) Plan to outsource now, even if you’re not ready to start yet.
3) Start outsourcing anyway. Hiring a virtual assistant who can take on non-money-making tasks or help you stay more visible or organized is a great first step.
4) Make sure you give outsource contractors clear directions. They do not mind-read, and you need to know how to convey what you need.
5) Use checklists and templates. Templates that you can customize save time—and checklists are perfect, especially when dealing with outsourced contractors. You can easily hand off a checklist: A strategy that can eliminate unnecessary messages or phone calls.
6) Make a business plan. Whatever you want to do with your business in the future, plan it first. This will allow you to anticipate problems, obstacles, or steps you need to take—as well as contractors you need to line up. Plus, it is the most reliable way to ensure you stay on budget. (If creating business plans is not your thing, check out LivePlan or S.C.O.R.E.)
7) Set clear deadlines and milestones in your business These keep you on target and help eliminate confusion and miscommunications.
8) Hire a bookkeeper. If you haven’t already done so, this is one of your best strategies. Interview them carefully and look for someone experienced in preparing for taxes (even if you already have a CPA for tax filing).
9) Buy a new computer. If you spend the bulk of your day online, don’t wrestle with an ancient operating system on an old computer or fight an incompatible printer. Nowadays, programs and platforms require more power than ever. Keeping your hardware current can not only speed up production and save you time but reduce frustration and burnout.
10) Always focus on your goal. When setting your priorities for the day, remember to weigh them against your key business brand factors:
o Unique Selling Proposition
o Mission
o Ideal Client
o Big Goal
Realize that investing a day or two in streamlining your business now can have benefits not only on your pocketbook, but also on your brand, your health, and your business vision. Reset your business—and get back into the flow with renewed confidence and clarity.
Jeannette Koczela, a certified Spiritual Life, Entrepreneur, and Business Coach, is the Founder/President of the International Association of Professional Life Coaches®, which is an online life coach directory and professional organization supporting life coaches with visibility, credibility, community, marketing strategies, and business tools. She curates content so coaches have the marketing skills to make a profit without the overwhelm or unnecessary expenses. She is also the author of four business books for life coaches and the publisher of seven group books. Join the IAPLC here: https://www.iaplifecoaches.org
Reawaken your spiritual self with the language of the universe.
By Anthony Talmage
Sacred
Geometry.
It sounds like something you might find in a dusty old textbook on mathematics, doesn’t it? Something of no relevance to a 21st Century world that often feels fractured and fragmented. A world of headlines and hashtags, algorithms and digital overload. However, you may not be aware that sacred geometry is all around us—in pinecones, for instance, whose scales spiral according to the Fibonacci sequence. Or snowflakes whose hexagonal arms make each unique but are geometrically exact. And our own DNA’s double helix follows the Golden Ratio.
Once we recognise the profound intelligence that shapes both galaxies and our humble human bodies, we can see that beneath the apparent chaos of modern life lies an underlying order, divine patterns that connect every atom to every star.
Sacred geometry reminds us that we are not separate from the cosmos but intimately woven into its fabric. Our breathing follows natural rhythms; every heartbeat embodies divine harmony and coherence. When we align ourselves consciously with these patterns through contemplation, meditation, creation, and mindful living, we tap into a source of support that is both ancient and eternally present.
To better understand this, start with your own body: The more you look, the more you’ll see. You are made of sacred geometry. Beside DNA’s double helix, your face contains the golden ratio (also known as Phi or 1.618)—a divine proportion found in flowers and the Milky Way. Your cells divide according to mathematical laws that mirror the same sacred geometries used by stonemasons building ancient cathedrals.
But how’s knowing this going to make any difference to my hectic life? you might be asking. Yes, life is busy—with deadlines, social media pings, “doomscrolling”, trying to squeeze in a yoga session, relationships. Who has time for patterns and spirals? The answer
is—you. Because sacred geometry is part of you, and the more you tune into it the more balanced your life will become.
Simple practices can help you recognise these divine patterns. A friend once told me she started her morning by tracing the Fibonacci spiral with her fingers. She didn’t know why it worked— only that it “brought me back to myself.”
Another used to place a Flower of Life design under her pillow and found her dreams became more vivid, more insightful. Coincidence? Maybe. But if you don’t engage, you’ll never know.
Begin each day by drawing or visualizing a simple geometric form—a circle for wholeness, a triangle for balance, or a spiral for growth. By doing this you are opening yourself to profound truths.
Mindfully train your eye to notice sacred geometry in nature during walks or in the garden. The radial symmetry of flowers, the branching patterns of trees—each sighting becomes a moment of connection with universal principles and brings you closer to harmonising with something deep in yourself.
Incorporate geometric elements into your living space through artwork, plant arrangements, or decorative objects that reflect natural patterns. A simple arrangement of crystals can transform any corner into a meditation space.
There’s a science to this because it’s about energy. Shapes and patterns are carriers of vibration. Just as a tuning fork can create resonance in a crystal glass, certain geometric forms—like the Flower of Life,
Metatron’s Cube, or the Sri Yantra—can influence the subtle energies of your body, your home, even your meditative state.
Many holistic healing modalities incorporate geometric principles, recognizing that our bodies, like all of nature, respond to harmonic relationships. Crystal healing often employs the natural geometric structures of minerals—the perfect octahedron of a fluorite crystal or the hexagonal columns of quartz—to promote energetic balance.
Sound healing practitioners work with geometric relationships too, using intervals based on sacred ratios to create therapeutic vibrations. The ancient Solfeggio frequencies, for instance, are mathematically related and are believed to promote cellular repair and spiritual awakening. When we chant “Om” we’re engaging with vibrational geometry on the most fundamental level.
Sacred geometry can save our sanity, too! By consciously engaging with these timeless forms through meditation, contemplation, or simply mindful observation of nature’s patterns, we can find peace amidst chaos, connection in isolation, and meaning in uncertainty. In rediscovering these ancient forms, we rediscover ourselves as part of the cosmic plan and, perhaps, reassurance that all will be well.
Our ancestors understood what modern quantum physics is only beginning to confirm: that geometric patterns aren’t just beautiful—they’re fundamental to the structure of reality itself. The builders of the Great Pyramid encoded the golden ratio and Pi into their sacred architecture, while Hindu traditions gave us the abovementioned Sri Yantra, a complex mandala of interlocking triangles to serve as a visual representation of creation itself.
The golden ratio’s presence throughout nature isn’t coincidental but
represents an optimal proportion that creates maximum efficiency and beauty. This same ratio appears in great works of art and architecture because it resonates with something deep within our consciousness—an instinctive recognition of divine perfection.
Next time you feel yourself overwhelmed by the noise of a stressful life, take a breath, find a pattern—whether it’s a flower, a seashell, or a simple mandala—and let it remind you that balance and beauty are always present and will always be part of your life if you seek it.
I’M RUNNING ON EMPTY—WHAT NOW
Join thousands finding peace with a practice you’ve never heard of in Anthony Talmage’s new book I’m Running on Empty—What Now. Do you still believe the answer is out there somewhere? In the next app? The next retreat? The latest breakthrough? But what if the most life-changing thing you could do is to stop searching altogether? This book reveals a quietly growing movement, a path walked by thousands, who’ve discovered a way to reconnect with their deepest self. There are no teachers. No techniques. No belief systems. Just a space where something sacred moves through you…and transforms everything. And here’s the thing—there are no fees, no subscriptions, no financial contribution required—it’s totally free. This is not about blind faith or spiritual development. It’s about stepping into the mystery of your own being, without judgment or expectation. It’s not a teaching. Not a philosophy. It has no structure, no sermons, no leader. And yet, it is changing lives.
Here, there is no right way to feel. No wrong way to begin. There is only the invitation to show up, receive and begin something that will change you forever. The noise of the world will keep calling. But now, you’ll be hearing something deeper. And it will be the real you listening. Order the book now on Amazon UK.
Anthony Talmage is author of five books in his Psychic Mind series: Dowse Your Way to Psychic Power, In Tune with the Infinite Mind, Unlock the Psychic Powers of Your Unconscious Mind, How to Crack the Cosmic Code and Mindfulness and the Pendulum, all available in Kindle, printed and audio versions from Amazon and all good online bookshops. Find Anthony on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anthony-talmage
There is great harmony within the universe if we allow things to flow like leaves in a river’s current.
By Jo Mooy
In his early life, the man who would become Buddha lived in extreme wealth and privilege as a prince of Nepal. He left that world to seek a better understanding of the nature of life, becoming an ascetic monk who willingly suffered extreme deprivation to the point of death. What he discovered was that neither excess nor self-denial led to happiness. Nor did it solve the problems of humanity. He concluded that to live a balanced and meaningful life one needed to avoid the extremes. He called this The Middle Way. In the simplest of terms, The Middle Way means moderation in one’s approach to life, in one’s attitudes, and in fact, moderation in all things.
Walking the middle path in the modern world may be impossible. We live in acute positions of right and wrong, left and right, conformity and resistance. The two opposing positions are extreme, and each side is firmly entrenched in their view. Watching the conflicts, it’s clear nobody is happy with the “other” side. So, is there a place where personal happiness, or
if not that emotion a small place of peacefulness, can survive?
Yes, there’s such a place. It’s a subtle mental attitude called moderation. This path forces the individual to observe whatever is going on around them. But the key position is: observe but do not get immersed in the drama. This path is called The Middle Way. It’s not a cop out. Rather, if done with discipline and intention, it’s a coping mechanism for today’s world. It’s been around since 500 BC and was practiced by Classical Greeks.
Following this path takes practice. Stress and anxiety will appear when injustices or actions contrary to your higher principles are observed. Some may find that their righteous consciences will demand some type of direct action be taken. That could mean proactively marching or contacting political representatives. Others will use subtle activism—spiritual practices like sitting in meditation, using tools like imagining or visioning—to affect the changes desired. Your consciousness and your soul contracts will dictate the behavior you choose. Yet in the action taken—direct or subtle—it’s vital not to submit to anger or apathy.
The Middle Way releases you from any attachment to the outcome. If you’re attached to an outcome, stress or anxiousness will pull you from The Middle Path. You’ll know immediately that you’re left The Middle Way because you’ll again feel turmoil and distress. When seated in this approach, you’ll let each outcome “BE” for whatever it is. There won’t be a tight attachment to the outcome. After all, do any of us know what the big overriding cosmic plan is? I don’t! But I trust there is a spiraling energy current that takes us forward and upward and is consistent with the evolving nature of human consciousness—whatever the plan is.
Many esoteric disciplines teach about “living in the heart.” It can sound like “new age mumbo-jumbo” if you haven’t tried it. When an individual drops down into the heart center in the middle of the chest, there’s an emotional, spiritual, and mental shift. Sometimes it can be felt physically. There’s a unique feeling of connectedness with something sacred and greater than the norm. It’s a feeling that enlivens the individual and causes an astonishing recognition of unity
and oneness with all beliefs, all people, and all of life.
Whatever is being observed while practicing The Middle Way, it reveals that this one life is evolving through myriad forms and beliefs—each doing its part in the giant tapestry being created through conflicting as well as harmonious endeavors. Imagine that! No one is right and no one is wrong. We’re actors playing roles in a massive cosmic stage play. When Othello and Iago leave the stage, they’re simply actors who played a role and are now taking a bow.
The Middle Way opens pathways that bring human emotions back into balance. By avoiding extremes and allowing situations to emerge without us trying to cleverly tamper with the flow, they will move along like leaves in a river’s current. There is great harmony within the universe if we allow it to flow. It comes from an Essence, an Essence that is impossible to describe. This Essence exists perfectly, completely, with no beginning and no end. Letting it flow unobstructed allows us to remain centered in the unity of the heart which is The Middle Way.
Conscious Living with Jo Mooy
Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.
Photo by Daniel J. Schwarz on Unsplash.
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How to create balance between the structure of routine and the surprise of Spirit.
By Spencer Rouse
The Circle gathered online via Zoom for meditation, intentions set. I pressed play on the rhythmic drumming designed to carry us into a shamanic journey. The beat, steady and primal, is an ancient tool used by cultures worldwide to facilitate meditative states, opening the doorway to wisdom beyond the ordinary mind.
But something unexpected happened.
On my end, the rhythm pulsed strong and clear. Yet, after the journey, I was told that on Zoom there was silence. The participants heard nothing. A central element of the journey— the heartbeat meant to guide them inward—was absent.
For a moment, my confidence faltered. Had the entire experience collapsed before it began?
And then…magic. Despite the missing drumbeat, every participant still received something profound: a power animal, a guiding vision, a message of support. Spirit had moved in, unhindered by the missing rhythm.
The lesson: Structure helps us, but Spirit is not bound by it.
THE GIFTS OF ROUTINE
We often build routines because they make life manageable. Neuroscience tells us that predictable habits calm the nervous system, reduce decision fatigue, and help us conserve energy. Spiritually, routine works in much the same way: It creates fertile soil where awareness can grow.
Morning meditation, dream journaling, prayer, or even a simple ritual of saying grace before a meal—these practices establish a rhythm that grounds us. They remind the mind and body: This is a sacred moment.
Routines do more than keep us organized. They help us deepen. The daily discipline of sitting in silence, even for five minutes, sharpens intuition. Writing down dreams upon waking can strengthen recall and open pathways to inner knowing. Small acts, performed consistently, attune us to higher frequencies over time.
Even joy can become a practice. Finding a bit of delight in ordinary moments—washing dishes, brushing teeth, or
noticing raindrops—shifts us into a more receptive state. When joy becomes a habit, it lifts our energy, attracting more experiences that align with that vibration which, in turn, attracts more things that bring us joy.
Like attracts like: That is the essence of the Spiritual Law of Attraction
WHEN SPIRIT INTERRUPTS
But as the Circle discovered that afternoon, Spirit doesn’t always move through the familiar channels of routine. Sometimes it disrupts them entirely.
The unexpected has its own sacred purpose. It wakes us up. A sudden silence where drumming should be, a missed appointment that leads to a chance encounter, a dream so startling it lingers all day—these are often invitations to pay attention. Spirit’s language is varied. Synchronicities, repeated number patterns, or phrases that appear in multiple contexts can point us toward truth. Dreams may reveal both our fears and our hidden wisdom. Nature speaks through cycles, patterns, and instincts—reminding us of our place within a larger web. And sometimes, Spirit uses other people. An offhand comment, even one we resist, can be precisely what we need to hear.
When routines fall away, Spirit often speaks the loudest. The question is: Are we listening?
HOLDING STRUCTURE AND FLEXIBILITY TOGETHER
The dance, then, is not routine or Spirit, but an interchange between both. Each plays a role. Routine offers grounding. It teaches us to show up, day after day, cultivating practices that align us with peace, clarity, and gratitude. These patterns train the mind and body to notice the sacred woven through the everyday. Disruption offers expansion. It stretches us beyond the familiar, forcing us to trust intuition, release control, and surrender to the mystery. It asks us to be present, flexible, and open to new possibilities.
Together, structure and surprise create balance: stability without rigidity, openness without chaos.
HOW TO LISTEN MORE DEEPLY
Spirit is constantly communicating. The invitation is to create enough stillness to hear. Here are a few ways to cultivate that balance of routine and receptivity:
• Set a simple daily practice. Meditation, prayer, journaling, or a gratitude ritual at the same time each day anchors you. Even five minutes can shift awareness.
• Pay attention to signs. Notice repeated numbers, words, or images that cross your path. Ask yourself: What might this be pointing me toward?
• Honor your dreams. Keep a notebook by the bed. Over time, your subconscious will reveal patterns, lessons, and guidance.
• Spend time in nature. Allow the rhythms of the natural world—trees, animals, weather—to mirror Spirit’s cycles back to you.
• Listen without defense. Sometimes Spirit speaks through others. Practice observing, not reacting. Discernment grows with listening.
• Stay open to disruption. When your routine is interrupted, ask: What is Spirit trying to show me here?
THE SACRED BALANCE
We plant through discipline. We grow through disruption. The structure of routine roots us in safety, presence, and consistency. The surprise of Spirit stretches us into new awareness, building trust in the unseen.
That afternoon, when the drumming vanished, the channel of Spirit remained wide open. It was a reminder: while routines ground us, Spirit is never bound by them.
The sacred balance lies in holding both—steady enough to root, flexible enough to bend.
And always, always, to be willing to listen. Routines root us. Surprises stretch us. Discipline plants the seeds. Disruption helps them grow.
Elemental Wisdom
with Spencer Rouse
Spencer Rouse has been a professional psychic and intuitive reader, energy healer, life coach, and lecture/workshop facilitator for more than 20 years, working one-on-one in counseling sessions, in groups, and at psychic fairs and other events. She works primarily through the gifts of claircognizance—an inner knowing—and clairsentience—the ability to sense information through feelings and emotions. Spencer also connects with the different layers of the human energy field (the aura) using color and sound to help balance and invigorate life force energy. Visit her online at http://www.SpencerRouse.com or email PsychicSpencer.com.
