"Time to Take Five"

Hi All,

What do you do to take time for yourself? I would love to hear some feedback on what you do for yourself, feel free to respond to this post.

Lately I have been feeling like it was time to "Take Five", as a Certified Life Coach, I encourage, support  and challenge my clients to take time for themselves. So, I decided to take some time and head to my friends Amit and Rita Yoga/Meditation retreat in Picton.  When I received an invitation to participate in the retreat at the Still Point Yoga B & B, I was excited but a little curious. I had a great time in India this past spring with Amit and Rita, so I was guessing it was going to be a great time again. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed, what a inspirational weekend.

For someone like me who is new to Yoga, I felt so comfortable with Rita's Yoga style, she was gentle and calming, she teaches with such grace and kindness. I feel there is no judgement, and her guidance makes you want to do more. I really enjoyed Hatha Yoga, and upon my arrival home I am now researching Yoga programs closer to my home. Yoga is not only movement, it is giving back, as a Certified Professional Life Coach I offered my services as a Karma Yoga, and I was happy people took me up on my offerings.

The weekend was packed with some great programs and exercises, Amit handle the ManaTeet Meditation, and Tattwa Shuddhi Kriya. Again being new to this way of life is very interesting to me. The places Amit takes you are so good for your mind, body and spirit, I gained so much insight with the meditation exercises he conducted. One exercise in particular was to just let go and make what ever sound you wanted soft, loud, and really loud. I couldn't understand why we were doing it, but I have to tell you it felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Each day stress builds up, and as mothers we carry the weight on our shoulders, and it really just felt like a great release.

*ManaTeet Meditation(MT): Normally our mind stays in the past with regression or in future with deems, that is why we lose the joy of present. ManaTeet Meditation (MT) is a way to be in the present. The final achievement is the path to go beyond the mind (thought`s fluctuation). Def.: Mana (Sanskrit) thoughts, fluctuation of mind.    Def.: A-Teet (Sanskrit) beyond.

*Tattwa Shuddhi Kriya: An ancient traditional Yogic Practice (Kriya) to purify the 5-Elements and awaken your Chakras to balance your body, mind and soul.

I challenge you all to take time for yourself, be present, be inspired and be in the moment.

If you would like to participate in Rita/Yogi Amitram retreat or programs you can reach them at Rei of Light Yoga,  http://www.reioflight.net/

Until then...

Namaste
Shelley

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Information brochure regarding the services offered at Personal Best Life Coaching Services.

Home Is Where The Family Is...The Longing To Belong

Hi All,

It has been almost 2 months since I last wrote, and I have alot on my mind these days, so time to pick up my laptop and start writing!?

We recently returned home from our annual trip to Bonavista Newfoundland. For those who don't know, it is my husbands home town, he was born and raised in Newfoundland, and spent his childhood in Bonavista, he left when he was 19 years old. Bonavista is approx 300 kms east of St. John's, with a population of approx 4000 people. It is a beautiful, quaint town with the friendliest people I have ever met.

I look forward every year going to Bonavista, we normally start looking for flights around Christmas for the following summer with Air Canada, or West Jet. This year I booked our seats in May,  Kevin started a new job and was not sure if he was able to take time off, but thankfully he was.  We were super excited, as soon as he was approved for vacation, we booked. Normally we go last 2 weeks of July, or last week of July, first week of August. This year we decided to go a little later and took the last 2 weeks of August. I enjoyed going down at that time, we were there for Kevin's birthday, and came back on my birthday, so it was nice to be there and celebrate with such amazing family. The only thing going at that time, is we missed the caplan, whales, and iceberg's, but that is okay, I've seen them many times.

This was my 7th year going, and I still love it, just like it was the first time I went. Each year we go, it becomes harder to leave. They are the most loving, and giving people I have ever met. It could be the hugs, smiles, the little gifts they give, or just coming by to say hello, it all means more to me then anyone will ever know. One thing I can say when I go to Bonavista Newfoundland is the feeling of unconditional love. It doesn't matter who I am, where I came from, what I have, or what I don't have, I feel their love from the heart,  they would do anything for you!

I know we all have stories to tell, good, bad, and indifferent. Growing up in London, Ontario I was surrounded by friends, and family, but never felt like I really belonged anywhere. I mean I know my parents and brothers loved me, but I never felt like it was enough. My parents fought alot, and never really had time for us kids. My brothers and I kind of got lost along the way.

I knew once I had kids I was going to raise them different and break the cycle from the life I lived. Not hearing I Love You as a child, definitely plays on you as an adult. I have come to terms with the type of love my parents show me, and have accepted it. It is all about forgiveness as I get older, I start to realize my parents did the best they could with what they had. I've always lived my life for everyone but me, I recently in the last couple of years have done some major things for myself, for example getting my Coaching designation, and then this year going to India. It felt great to take take out time for me, and it really made me understand who I am, and what it is I am meant to do. For the past several months I've been feeling pulled. Emotionally, physically and spiritually, and I am trying to understand what my body is saying.

Then I think about my relationship with Ryan and Brianna, and the need for me to be here for them. I love my kids with all my heart, but struggle because my heart is back in Bonavista. If I move I try to ration by thinking Ryan will be in College/University next year, and Brianna will be done highschool in a couple of years, so I sit here trying to figure out what the right answer is. They have a wonderful father who I admire and would support whatever decision we made.

Kevin's Uncle Bert is like a father, and he is getting older (late 70's), and we both want him to have some good years with Kayla. It is so heart warming when you see him with Kayla, it was like she was his own. He is an incredible man, with the biggest heart, just like Kevin's mother, she is the best Mother-in-Law, and I am so blessed to have them both in my life. Of course I could go on about Kevin's extended family as well.

With all this thinking, I decided to apply for a for a couple of positions in Bonavista, and will let fate bring me to the answer.

Thanks for stopping by...Talk Soon

Much Love xoxo
Shelley

Visioning My Life Purpose

Hi All,

What is your Life Purpose, how much time have you really spent envisioning your Life Purpose? People ask how do I know? It can come in a couple of ways, it can be that gut feeling, like you were put on this earth to do something, or it feels like some sort of calling. Even from when you were a child saying, when I "grow up" I want to be                      .  How many of you followed through with your dreams? I always said I was going to be a hairdresser and follow in my families footsteps, I had the knack and it was in my blood, however I chose my other life long dream/passion of helping people and never waivered. I've lived my life based on what I want to do for others in my future.

As young as I can remember I felt the need to encourage people to be happy, and make the right choices and/or decisions in life. Growing up my mission was to help/protect kids, make them feel equal, make them feel safe. My home-life was questionable at best, not always a positive environment, it really pushed me to be a better person, and not judge anyone on who they are or their situation. People look at me as being a happy person, and because of the choices/decisions I've made I am.

Everyone is born with a Life Purpose, but some people never look for it so it remains unknown, it is that hidden gift we all have, you have the answers you just need to search yourself for what those answers are, listen to your calling, it has a story to tell.

The legacy I want to leave behind, is that I lived my life intentionally, I lived it with purpose and captured what it was like to be fully alive. Your life purpose is about using your learnings, experience, and wisdom, living your life intentionally and not by accident. Sometimes it is a matter of peeling back several layers to really get to the root of who you are, and what is it you are meant to do, a few questions for you to ponder;

What do you stand for?
Who were you then?
Who are you now
What does being your authentic self mean?
Where is the pain you can ease?
What are you hungry for?
What is stopping you?
What are the teachings you are called to do?

Many people feel stuck in their life, and want change. Think about these questions, if you answer these questions, perhaps your Life Purpose will start to present itself.

If you would like to dig a little deeper, contact me and we can work together in partnership on self discovery, and exploring your possibilities, anything is possible!

Until then, take care and have a great day!

Much Love...

Warmest Regards,

Shelley Harris, CPCC
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Personal Best Life Coaching Services
Renee Trudeau Associate & Facilitator
Brampton, Ontario

Bus: 905-452-9506
Cell: 647-283-5847

Email: sharris0569@rogers.com or
shelley@personalbestlifecoaching.net

 http://www.personalbestlifecoaching.net/
http://www.noomii.com/users/shelley-harris

The path to your journey is one step at a time...

The Next Chapter...Joining Renee Trudeau & Associates

Hey Everyone,

I would like to share some exciting news, I've recently joined Renee Trudeau and Associates (RTA), as a Facilitator and an Associate. I researched many organizations trying to find one that is aligned with my ideas and visions. When I received an email from Renee Trudeau's team with information regarding RTA organization I was very excited to jump on board.

I am co-ordinating a Self Renewal Group for Mom's, in the Brampton, Ontario, Canada area, and/or if you have a group of 8 to 10 women, I can come to you as well (In the GTA, or Southwestern Ontario area). The group will empower, support and inspire women and their families to define and create the lives they desire, experience greater life balance and enhance overall physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. 

Often us Mom's get lost along the way, life gets ahead of us, and we lose who we once were. With the support from a Certified Life Balance Coach (myself), and a group of like minded women it will be empowering workshops where it will allow you to reconnect with who you are. This is a 6 month workshop where we will be meeting monthly. Currently I am researching locations, dates and times that would be suitable for most women. Thursday evenings or Sunday evenings generally tend to be the best time to conduct workshops, and the group will begin in mid to end of September.

Each month there will be a new theme where we discuss, journal, and reflect. It is a fantastic community of like-minded people who are setting time aside to do something for themselves. Are you willing to give yourself one of the most important gifts of all...YOU? The greatest gift you could give yourself and your family is participating in something that is so important, and that something is you. "Self-Care is not about self-indulgence, it is about self-preservation" Audre Lord

The program is based on "The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal" by Nationally recognized Career and Life Balance Coach/Author Renee Trudeau. 

***By joining you will***

- Receive a copy of "The Mother's Guide to Self Renewal"

- 2 Individual coaching session by a Certified Life Balanced Coach ~ Shelley Harris

- 12 workshops (2.5 hours for each workshop)

- Support in between workshops via email, or phone call

Price $225.00

Please share with friends and families...

Warmest Regards,

Shelley Harris, CPCC
Certified Professional Co-Active Coach

Personal Best Life Coaching
Brampton, Ontario

Bus: 905-452-9506
Cell: 647-283-5847

Email: sharris0569@rogers.com or
shelley@personalbestlifecoaching.net

 http://www.personalbestlifecoaching.net/

The path to your journey is one step at a time...

Focus Is...Focus Does

Hey All,

It has been a about a month since I last blogged, I do intend to continue with my journey to India, but I felt as though I had to blog a little bit about the way I am feeling right now. 

It is now May 26th, and I have been back from India for 2 months, it is hard to believe it was that long ago, it seems like a life time ago. While I was India I felt on top of the world, healthier then I had ever been, happier then I can ever remember (except for my wedding and the birth of my kids) and just all around healthy, happy and living life. Since being home I've been trying to maintain the same lifestyle by keeping active, and eating healthy, but it has been very difficult.  

I am a Certified Professional Coach, and I get people moving and setting goals, I push people out of their comfort zone, and strive on their growth. It is natural, it's my gift, and it is what I love to do. I know I do a great job, and I see success in each and every client. While in India I figured I would gain more insight, wisdom, spirituality, knowledge and focus. Although I gained most of what I was hoping, I lost my focus, and am finding it challenging to work on what is important. I am now re-evaluating what my priorities are, and re-focus on what is important. Coaching is important, it is my life, it is what I want to do, it is what I am meant to do.

As I mentioned, when I was India I gained in areas that I had hoped for, but feeling disappointed initially because I was struggling to focus on my business while I was there. I soon realized focusing on my Coaching Business was meant to be dealt with at home. I wasn't going to get stressed, I was meant to go there and be in the moment, and experience everything there was to experience, I did with no regrets!!

Since I've returned, I am now finding myself refocusing. Sometimes when you are so passionate about something and you don't feel things are falling into place, you have to step back and realign your goals and priorities. I use the following techniques when I find myself out of sorts, hope this helps you too.

• Set your goals and priorities
• Identify your passions and values
• Improve your self-esteem
• Make time for work, family, romance and just for you
• Relax and enjoy your down time
• Be decisive, authoritative and loving with your kids, and earn their respect
• When you are with your child, be with your child, (nothing else should interfere) 

If any of you would like a sample session of Life Coaching with Shelley, please feel free to contact me for a free session. Also, if you have any connections working with teens, young adults, and families, please let me know. I have a long list of years working with teens and families and would love to continue doing what I love.

Thank You...Much Love

Shelley

xoxo

India Through My Eyes - 2nd stop Aurovalley Ashram

Hi All,

It's that time again where I sit down and start writing about the next chapter of my journey in India. In this segment I will talk about our stay at Aurovalley Ashram in Uttrakhand.

Aurovalley is located in the state of Uttrakhand, in the North part of India, between the sacred cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar, at the beginning of the Valley, where the Holy Ganges meets the plains. Aurovalley has its stretch of land at the foothills of the Himalayas, bordering the Shivalik forest, inside village Raiwala.

Once we left Rishikesh it was only about an hour or so to Aurovalley, it was a hectic drive, very small roads and laneways to this hidden sanctuary.  We eventually found the ashram, and when we pulled in we were greeted by absolute peace and quiet. The only thing you could hear were the sounds of birds chirping it was music to my ears and silence I was excited to observe. We hopped out of our tour bus, and I couldn't help but notice the vibrant colours of flowers, the gardening was gorgeous. The Mango trees were just starting to bloom, and other type of flowers were in bloom, it was a beautiful site.

A couple of volunteers showed us around, and took us to our rooms, I shared a room with Janice and Carol, it was a large room, it could actually sleep 7, but there was only the 3 of us sharing the room, so it wasn't too bad at all. The ladies were a treat to bunk with, I felt like I was traveling with the female version of Indiana Jones. You couldn't help listening to their stories and adventures, their wisdom and knowledge just about life was so endearing, they always made me feel safe and protected. The first day we arrived there, shortly after we got settled a little gecko made his appearance right beside my bed, and I was a little taken a back, and they settled me right down, and kept me at ease about everything. 

We stayed at Aurovalley for a few days, and it was a nice relaxing time. It was a beautiful place for meditation and yoga. Each morning they were conducting Yoga in the Yoga Hall, and Meditation was done in the Mediation Hall. The grounds were so large, each area had it's own building. The first day we arrived at Aurovalley, they had belly dancing in the Yoga Hall, and I thought why not try it. I went and was pleasantly surprised how easy I was able to follow. I normally don't have the greatest co-ordination, but I followed just fine and I really enjoyed it. Throughout the trip I was trying to get into a Meditative state but I was really struggling. I was clearly missing out on something, and I put in every effort to give it an honest try. Each day I headed to the Meditation Hall for silence, and then the session closes with Mantra's. It was a great moment, the second day I was able to get in a meditative state. I battle with an overactive mind and insomnia and I heard meditation is a great way to shut your brain off, and be in the moment. So once I was able to shut it all off, it was amazing, for the first time ever I did not have chatter brain.

The Meditation Hall

The founders of Aurovalley

The path to the Meditation Hall

The Yoga Hall

It was an open schedule, it was not mandatory that you attend the classes/sessions, it was optional. I attended a few Meditation Classes, Satsang, Karma Yoga (Giving Back) and the Belly Dancing. I didn't do the Yoga, it was so early in the morning, and I was feeling a little tired so I decided to pass on the Yoga classes. I would wake up in the morning head for breakfast with the group and then off to do my own thing. There were many areas on the grounds that you could hide away and do your thing. I liked heading to the swing with my IPOD and listening to my music, the one song I tended to listen to over and over again is by Celine Dion, "Because You Loved Me", that song really resonated with me, it is how I feel about my husband. He has been so incredibly supportive and encouraging, and I wouldn't be where I am today without him. There was another spot I liked to head to each day, the hammock, so there I would lie and listen to my music, reflect and appreciate my time alone. 

Oh how I loved the hammock

The sign that appeared right across from the hammock

Karma Yoga - Giving Back

The lumps on the tree, are bees nest (Bees were everywhere)

The swing I sat on daily to listen to my music and reflect

Above in one of the pictures you will see the bee hives hanging off the trees, these were the biggest bee hives I've ever seen, they were huge, and bees were everywhere. Anyone who knows me, knows my absolute terror of bees. At times you could see me running like a little school girl, At one point I looked up from the hammock I would lay in each day, and there were more massive bee hives, so needless to say I booked out of there real quick! Anyways, carrying on with my story LOL, we stayed here for a few days, and on the second day, children had been bused in from a neighbouring town for a field trip. You can see and hear the children playing, their sounds of laughter could be heard throughout the entire grounds, it was music to my ears. I would take a walk to the back of the grounds, and watch the children play on a few pieces of play equipment. Also,  in the play yard, they had the Ashrams cows there as well, they look at them as their pets, and are treated as such. I really enjoyed watching the simplicity of it all, and watched each child and wonder what kind of life they lived. Some of these children were from orphanages, and still look so happy. They looked over and smiled, no cares in the world, or at least it seemed. I just loved looking at their beautiful little faces. 

Also during the 2nd day, we sat in on a satsang, where people just asked questions, I was enlightened with the words from Swami Brahmdev. At times there were many questions, and at times we sat in silence. I found it interesting, questions were being asked that I wondered myself. After the satsang, our group was asked to go speak to Swami directly, and the question I asked was, "how do I find my spiritual direction, how do I know". His words were simple, just let it happen, when you are ready, it will happen. After Kevin (my husband) found his direction, I was hoping my trip to India would bring some clarity, but it didn't work that way, I now know it is a work in progress. I have to open my heart, and just let it happen, I am working towards my spirituality each day, and I know in time that I will allow myself to feel it. 

The group with Swami Brahmdev

 We said goodbye to Gino, and Franca they are leaving to do their own thing in other parts of India, it was great spending time with them, especially my little compadre Franca. Ever, Christian, and Gino flew to Delhi for a game of cricket, and the ladies stayed back and enjoyed the Ashram. Here we say goodbye, safe travels and we will catch you on the flip side. Great times in India March 2011!

 

Amit, Franca, Christian, Gino

The catch phrase for India 2011 "Paddle Forward Team" (Let's Go)

Next Stop...Tripura Ashram in Haridwar India....

Namaste,

Shelley