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

India Through My Eyes - 1st stop Rishikesh

Hey Everyone,

It was Wednesday March 2nd, 2011, I woke up full of anticipation, the time is finally here for my trip to India. I worked half a day, so I got up, got myself ready, I could already tell it was going to be a wonderful morning. I went in and woke Kayla up, it was time to get her ready for daycare. I kissed her and held her so tight, because I wasn't going to see her later, and I was already missing her, and I hadn't even left yet. I had said my good bye's to Ryan and Brianna the night before at dinner, we had a nice time out at one of our favourite restaurants. So once Kevin, myself and Kayla were ready, I dropped her off at daycare, and I had tears in my eyes, I don't think Kayla could understand how long Mommy was going for. I started feeling guilty, but with the support and encouragement from my husband I knew it was the right thing to do, he reassured me and I was comfortable knowing that Kayla was in great hands.

I finished work at 11 am and was getting ready to leave for my incredible journey to India. I said good bye to my co-workers, they offered me well wishes and safe travels. I grabbed my purse and coat and off I went. I walked out the doors and then this feeling came over me, and I knew when I return back to work I will be a different person.

I arrived home, had to get a few items together, weigh my suitcase and then go pick up my husband at work. I don't even remember the drive to my husband's work, I was in in such a daze. So once I picked him up, he hopped in and then drove me to the airport. I got out of the car, grabbed my suitcases and hugged my husband so hard, I thanked him over and over again for his support, and for holding down the fort. He wished me well, and said have a great time, and don't worry about anything.  I was so excited I was ready to jump and scream. After 41 years of my life I was going to figure out who I was. Shortly after I arrived at the airport, my friends showed up, and we went through check in, and then security. Once it was all said and done, we had a couple of hours of a wait until our flight.

It was time to board, and I was so excited, they called our rows to board so off I went, I found my seat, nestled in, and got comfortable. It was an 18 hour flight, we had a stopover in Belgium, Brussels at the half way point.  It was great we got off, stretched our legs, and headed for the transfer point, but before we loaded back onto the plane, we went by the store at the airport and bought some chocolate. It is now time reboard the plane, and finish the last leg of the flight to Delhi. We flew over so many countries it was very interesting all the countries you fly over. As the time was getting closer, the excitement was about ready to jump out of my chest. 

It is now roughly 11:30 pm,  Thursday night, we got off the plane, right away I could feel the heat, it was so warm. Quite a few people said I bet when you get off the plane it will smell, so when I got off I wasn't sure what to expect, I didn't smell anything, it was warm, and smoggy, but I didn't smell anything else. If anything, was just the smell of burning wood. We headed towards baggage claims waited for our luggage, once we had all our suitcases, we ventured out to find Amit, he was one of our leaders, he lives in India. Once we located him, it was hugs all around. Before we were going to jump in our taxi, I had to make a trip to the bathroom, so I go running, and what do I do, I ran right into the mens washroom, oh man how embarrassing lol.

The first night we were staying in Delhi, the hotel was older, but it served the purpose, Rita and I shared a room. I tried to sleep but because the sound of all the honking, jet leg, and excitement, I couldn't sleep much, I was able to doze off for a couple of hours. The alarm went off, and I sprung up ready to start the day. We had to be careful at no time can you drink the water, so even when brushing your teeth you have to use bottled or filtered water. We had breakfast, loaded up our tourist van, and then off for a 7 hour drive to Rishikesh. The driving was insane, cars were coming at you at every angle. I was amazed how the Indian drivers could maneuver around cars and obstacles, it was insane.

Throughout the drive I was absorbing, I was taking in everything from the poverty, to the people, to the livelihoods, and the culture. There was so much we seen driving the 7 hours to Rishikesh, but what was common wherever we went was that people were so fascinated by us. They wanted to take our pictures, they were pounding on our van, it was crazy, I felt like a celebrity, that is the only way I could explain it.  Although it was a long drive, I really enjoyed it, I could just sit there and observe, I never spoke much to anyone, and no really spoke much to me, and that was perfect I just wanted to be with my thoughts. When we were driving, I was saying to myself, wow one minute I am in Canada and the next minute I am India, I was beginning to live the dream, it all felt surreal.

As we approached Rishikesh, you could see this beautiful bridge called the Lakshman JhulaI. I was in awe of the beauty of the Ganga, and the Himalayan mountains, it was breathtaking, I've never seen anything like that before in my life. I was so excited to have 5 days here, once we past the town, we arrived at our first destination, The Rainforest House just outside of town. Our van pulled up to the path, we jumped out, and I couldn't wait to take a look around. At the top of the path, there were 2 donkeys who were just chilling,  it was almost like they were there to greet us. So we started venturing down the path, it was about 100 yards straight down a steep hill. Once we got down to the bottom of the hill you could feel the calming energy of the grounds. I said to myself, I just walked into heaven, it really felt as though all my stress and problems just totally lifted from my shoulders. Once everyone got down the hill, we were escorted to our rooms. When they took me to my room and told me I was going to have my own room I was so ecstatic, the best part of the trip was having the time to myself, I appreciated it more then anything. They showed me where I was staying, and it was amazing, I was literally right beside a waterfall, it was so soothing, I had so many issues sleeping before I left, and once I arrived there, sleeping was never an issue. Here are a few pictures of my room, it was simple it was just perfect for me.

The Waterfall Right Beside My Room

The Rainforest House

The path to The Rainforest House

The 5 days we spent here at the Rainforest House were some of the most amazing times in my life. We swam in the Ganga, we watched beautiful sunsets and sunrises, we went white water rafting, yoga, meditation, hiked the Neer Waterfall Mountain, fed the monks, went to a beautiful aarti celebration, it was all so incredible. Staying at The Rainforest House in Rishikesh was my favourtie. It was amazing right in front of the waterfall was a bench, I sat there each day and journaled, it was perfect for collecting your thoughts. Each morning we started out with Meditation, then Yoga, it was a great way to start the day. As each day passed, I would wake up happy and excited to see what the day would bring me. It was so nice to be taking time out for me. Each day I would reflect on what I have done thus far, and really embraced the changes I was feeling. 

Above I mentioned that we climbed the Neer Waterfall Mountain, this was challenging for me for many reasons. I wasn't physically in the best shape but I wanted to experience India in the fullest, so I thought, I am going to give it a go, and take my time. I believe it is around 5000 ft above sea level, so it was quite the hike. At times it was very steep, and a ton of stairs. I was fine initially, but around half way I couldn't do it anymore, I was really struggling. Some of my group stayed back with me, and some of them carried on. I felt as though I was holding my team back, so I chug some water, took a deep breath and said lets go. I was doing okay, and then around 3/4 of the way up, I said I am done. I told my team to go on, and they said are you sure, and I said yes, I can't do it. So after me finally convincing them it was okay to leave me, they carried on. I sat there for about 15 mins, and I was eying the stairs, it was steep, I was so exhausted. I sat there and prayed, and said to myself, I have come so far, and I want to see the waterfall, I am not going to come this far and not see it.

So I took a deep breath, and I pushed myself like I've never done before. I felt as though I was being lifted up by a cloud, I said okay lets kick this into high gear and lets go. Being a life coach, my job is to push my clients so I said to myself, how can I push my clients if I can't push myself. So I climbed and climbed what seemed to be forever, and I see this bridge just ahead, and I was like omg I am almost there. A few more steps, and I see all of my group. I literally dropped to my knees and thanked god for helping me through this difficult task. I shed a few happy tears, I accomplished the hike, and was thrilled. I jumped in to the waterfall, clothes and all, it was so amazing, it really helped cool down for the 36 degree weather we were having.

   

Later that day, we all decided to go white water rafting, I had the time of my life. I've always wanted to go but never did. How cool is it to say I went white water rafting on the Ganga in India, pretty freakin cool I think. It was almost a 14 km stretch, and it was one of my favourite to do's on the trip. We all had so much fun, and really worked together to get through the 14 km's. There were funny moments, because Amit was at the front paddling, and I was behind him, they are suppose to have the strong paddlers up front. Well Amit was on his own schedule, he wasn't listening to the commands, and then would be off kilter with us...and all you could hear Amit say was PADDLE FORWARD TEAM, but yet you look at him and he is not paddling. It was definitely one of those "You had to be there moments". Either way it was an awesome day, and we all had a blast. We had the times of our lives, but soon it was time to move on.

Once the last day came upon us, I was sad to leave, but yet excited to venture to the next stop on our adventure.

Next stop...Aurovalley Ashram/Hardiwar

I've decided to blog in segments, there is just so much information...To be continued....

A few more pics of my time in Rishikesh

Namaste All <3
Shelley

Feeding the Monks in Rishikesh

Aarti celebration on the Ganga in Rishikesh

Next Stop...India

Hi All,

It is now 1 week until my trip to India, and I have to say the excitement I am feeling is indescribable, I still can't believe I AM going to India. There is so much involved when planning a trip overseas, between all the shots, and documents, I am finding it to be quite the process. Every time I think I am finished, and have everything I need, I talk to someone, and then, they remind me, I still need to venture out yet again. It almost feels like Christmas where, you start preparing early, but then days and hours before your still running around doing the last minute things. 

There is just so much to take in, I am absorbing and learning with all of the reading and researching I've been doing. The biggest thing for me is to respect their culture and cherish and appreciate everything that comes my way. The main reason for the retreat/journey is to tap into my spiritual side, and of course learning more in depth tools and movement in Yoga, and Meditation. I am really looking forward to the Meditation, for someone who suffers from insomnia I am excited to see how I can use this in my everyday life. I need to learn how to shut off my brain, I am an over thinker, over analyzer, and my mind races with so much, and I haven't figured out how I can just shut it off.

I recently received the itinerary for the trip, it just made it so much more tangible and real. I think that is when it really hit me, and put me on the incredible high I am feeling. This has been an amazing year so far, and it is only going to get better, I can feel it. What I am hoping to accomplish is to have a better understanding of, who I really am, what do I like, what do I want, be a better person, and the bonus is to relax and feel rejuvenated. I am blessed and feeling blissful, this is MY time!

Recently my husband and I have been conversing about the changes we are feeling individually and as a couple, I am loving the person he is becoming. My husband was brought up in a religious environment, and although he never lived the way of life he respected it very much. Over the last year he has worked with an amazing individual who has guided him through his journey. Within the last few weeks my husband has been feeling a higher calling and with that higher calling came the light of the higher purpose. This conversation was so deep, I could hardly understand it, and I was very confused. Since then, I have a better understanding and just sit back and watch him grow and learn.

So going back to my trip, it is all making sense to me now, the calling to India that I've been feeling is running parallel to the calling my husband is feeling about the changes in his life. With no real spiritual background, or religious upbringing the pull for me to go India makes sense now. India is one of the most holiest places in the world, and perhaps while I am there I will find my spiritual direction. My husband has found his, he is just waiting for me to find mine. Until then, we will open our hearts and let God take us where we are meant to go.

Again, a big thanks goes to my husband for supporting and encouraging me on this part of my journey.

Much Love,

Shelley

xoxo

The Journey into Life Coaching: Preparing for India...More then just the documents...

The Journey into Life Coaching: Preparing for India...More then just the documents...: "Hi All, Here I sit 32 days away from my trip to India, and I have to tell you I am so excited. Initially when people found out I was going t..."

Preparing for India...More then just the documents

Hi All,

Here I sit 32 days away from my trip to India, and I have to tell you I am so excited. Initially when people found out I was going to India, they were like why India? I tried to explain, but unless someone feels what I feel it is hard to explain, I think I summed it up fairly well on my previous blog. Now that people realize I am in fact going,  they have been so supportive, and the kind words have been so encouraging.

I am trying to think of everything I need to bring and all the precautionary measure I need to take to ensure I have no issues while I am there, or when I come home. The great thing is the leaders I am going with are veterans, and they do these trips every year, and so far there has been no sicknesses or injuries with any of her groups in the years Rita (Rei of Light Yoga) has been going.

I have one shot left to get, and pick up my prescription for the anti malaria and I am all set, all I am waiting on my Indian tourist visa, and I am good to go. How exciting are these times, I look back at where I came from, and where I am headed and think wow, if I can do it anyone can. I say this blog is about preparing for India, but in essence it really is about a whole lot more.

In my first blog, I indicated I would talk business, and I would talk about personal matters in my life, so today I am choosing to to talk about my own personal journey.  When I was a child, we traveled a bit, went through the U.S. and then with my ex-husband we did some traveling through the U.S. as well. We also did a couple Caribbean trips as well. I knew I always wanted to travel, and I always bugged to travel, but it was not in the cards anymore, either financially or because of responsibilities. So now I  that I have this unbelievable opportunity I am embracing this trip and am going to reflect and appreciate it so much.

I've been doing my research, and I am reading alot of great things about India, and a couple of other things that leave me a little nervous. I know the culture shock is going to be crazy, I know when we go to the Ashrams, there really is minimal to no talking, well this is going to be challenging but nonetheless I am going to embrace and really appreciate the silence. After all this is about going somewhere where I have peace and quiet, and maybe just maybe being able to go to the bathroom, or have a shower in peace lol. We will be meditating, and the funny thing is I don't even know how to meditate, boy am I ever going to be a fish out of water, but at the same time, this is all new learning's for me which means personal growth, so I am totally okay with that.

I have to give a shout out to my husband,  he is not a traveler, he loves going home to Newfoundland and that is all he wants right now, and I totally respect that. I also love and respect the fact he supports and encourages me to travel, or to do what I need to do to find my answers, and he doesn't hold me back. It is going to be alot of work for him, but he will be holding down the fort with Kayla while I am gone, I really hope she is good for her Daddy. Wouldn't hurt if you all checked in on him ;) LOL.

I am going to try and blog every couple of weeks, so this is the latest interims of planning and my thoughts, I hope you enjoyed reading my blog.

Had a few questions...

I want to make this an interactive blog, tell me the craziest thing you ever did to come out of your comfort zone? Also what were you feeling when you did? Are you a risk taker?

If you don't want to note your comments on my blog, then send me a FB message or an email sharris0569@rogers.com.

Thanks again for stopping by...until the next stop...Over and Out

Much Love,

Shelley

Time For Me ~ My Call To India

Hi All,

My moto for this year is "Time for Me" and in approximately 6 weeks I will be off on my journey to India with friends. When I seen the movie Eat Pray Love, it really spoke to me, I was already thinking of going to India, but it was confirmed after watching the movie. I could relate to it more then any book, or movie I've ever seen. When I left there, I turned to my friends, and said, there was something about that movie. Maybe because I've been a caretaker all of my life, and a wife and mother, and never just "Shelley". So the questions started popping up, who am I, what am I all about it, what do I need, what am I missing, where do I go from here, well that movie answered my questions, and then when given the opportunity to go to India, I had no choice but to say yes, I am going, it's my calling.

Many people ask why India, there are several reasons why I chose India, I have a dear friend that teaches, and visits India every year,  and I get consumed with emotions when I hear her stories. I am on a journey, and I feel it calling me there, it has answers for me, and I am going to find them. But before I get started I would like to thank my friend Rita, from Rei of Light Yoga, who has allowed the opportunity for me to be a part of her group as I search for answers and spiritual guide. 

I am all about growth, I cannot grow when I am "stuck", so it's time to push myself, and do something "way out there". As a Life Coach, we push our clients past their comfort zone, so if I am going to push my clients, I need to start by pushing myself first, so off to India I go. I am excited, and nervous, and all I can think is wow, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am going to appreciate, absorb, and reflect as much as possible.

For someone to come out of their comfort zone, it takes courage and confidence. It feels uncomfortable, and awkward, but when you do, you will grow, find clarity, and have a sense of freedom. I've continuously taken steps to discover who I really am, and what I want. It's time to start making my vision real, I've laid down the ground work, now it is time to build the foundation. I need to mentally and physically give myself to my vision, this trip will bring me focus and clarity. 

I am so excited about the itinerary, we are staying 4 days at the Rainforest House in Rishikesh  http://www.rainforest-house.com/index.html, 4 days days at Hotel Surya in Varanasi http://www.hotelsuryavns.com/ and in between we will be taking train rides through India, with stops for a few days at different ashrams. For someone who has only traveled very minimally, this is going to be quite the trip, I will feel like my 3 year old, curious about everything. 

What I am excited about the most, is visiting the orphanages, I know at some point I will be making a phone call to my husband, and asking to bring everyone of the children home. I want to play with the kids, I want to teach these kids, and I want to love these kids, I can't wait to meet them. I will embrace and cherish those days, I will never forget my trip to India, I am not there yet, but I can already feel change, and growth. I just can't wait to get there, and find the answers I am looking for. 

Once again, thanks everyone for stopping by...TTYS

Much Love,

Shelley

xoxo