The Intuitive Path Blog

A Poem by Rumi

There are two kinds of intelligence: one acquired,
as a child in school memorizes facts and concepts
from books and from what the teacher says,
collecting information from the traditional sciences
as well as from the new sciences.

With such intelligence you rise in the world.
You get ranked ahead or behind others
in regard to your competence in retaining
information. You stroll with this intelligence
in and out of fields of knowledge, getting always more
marks on your preserving tablets.

There is another kind of tablet,
one already completed and preserved inside you.
A spring overflowing its springbox. A freshness
in the center of the chest. This other intelligence
does not turn yellow or stagnate. It's fluid,
and it doesn't move from outside to inside
through the conduits of plumbing-learning.

This second knowing is a fountainhead
from within you, moving out.

-- Version by Coleman Barks
"The Essential Rumi"
HarperSanFrancisco, 1995

Today's Intuitive Self-Care Tip: Play / Play / Play

“The beneficial effects of just a little true play can spread through our lives, actually making us more productive and happier in everything we do.”

Stuart Brown in Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

It's Friday, and the weekend is just around the corner. You might have lots to do, and even consider taking some of the work into the weekend. As solo business owners, we are always tempted to do more. At the same time, phases of rest are essential! So, remember that it's still summertime and such a great time to play outdoors or indoors! If you feel guilty about it already, watch this TED talk with Stuart Brown in which he explains why play is not a distraction from work or real life but rather a vital and revitalizing part of our life: Stuart Brown on TED.

I won't give you all the research on play because I want you to play instead of read about it. If you want to hear more about the research, you can also listen to my podcast on the topic: The Intuitive Path radio show on Play.

Here my questions to trigger your action:

What kind of play do you enjoy? Is it sports, or playing with pen and paper, or with your children?

What did you enjoy when you were a child?

What makes you feel good and forget about time and anything else?

What can you to today and when?

Remember, if it's 15 minutes or an hour, it all counts. Enjoy!

The Fourth Truths of FISH!

Hi Folks,

Sometimes the smallest books can have the greatest impact, maybe because we can actually get through the whole book in a few settings. Or maybe because the simplest messages have so much truth in them. Based on the recommendation of a good friend of mine I picked up Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen. My friend mentioned to me that this book was describing the effort of improving morale and the work environment in a company. I found, however, that it is just as applicable to our personal lives.

 Here is one quote from the authors: “There is always a choice about the way you do your work, even if there is not a choice about the work itself.” Isn’t the same thing true for our life in general? Whatever situation we are in, we always have the choice how we deal with it and what we make of it. Do we take it as a stepping stone or a stumbling block? Do we see the blessing in any situation or only the curse? This is the first of the four truths, and let me share with you all four:

1. Choose your attitude
2. Play
3. Engage & make other’s day
4. Be present

 Often times, we don’t feel that we have a choice how to face a situation or experience. Similarly, we can get so serious about life because yes, it is a serious matter but then there is also the part in us that wants to take it lightly, laugh about it and be creative and playful in finding solutions and insights. That’s where the second truth of play comes in which allows us to have a lighter and more creative outlook.

 When life gets too serious and we get too serious about ourselves, we might forget to be there for others because we are focused so much on fixing what’s not going right. I can personally attest to it, and I am also witness of how good it feels to engage others and attempt to make their day better whenever possible. It creates connection, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of moving forward – "even if" it starts with moving another person’s life forward. And many times, it’s the small steps of smiling at a person or holding the door that engage us with each other and lightens up our days – so much for the third truth.

 Last but not least, being present as the four truth enables us to commit to the other truths. Because as long as we are focused on the past or present, we give away the chance to choose our attitude in the moment, play with what occurs in the present, and engage with the people that are around us. Every moment is an opportunity, and if we turn it into something empowering or disempowering is our own choice!

 Ask yourself the following questions which have been inspired by the authors, and I hope they will boost your morale and improve your life results :-):

1. Who do you want to be while you live your life?
2. How could you have more fun and create more energy?
3. Who are the people around you and how can you engage them in a way that will make their day? And how can you make your own day?
4. How can you be more present with yourself and others?

Imagine what it would be like to bring your whole being to every moment in your life. That’s when we flourish and thrive.

Much love,

Anja

 PS: To find out more about the book and the philosophy behind it, check out the website: www.fishphilosophy.com

Happiness Booster Series: Why Play Deserves More Room In Our Lives - Radio Show Recap

Dear Readers & Listeners,

After reading Stuart Brown's book "Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul" I was inspired to make it the topic for my last episode. If you haven't been on live, I hope you will take the time to listen in for all the great information I shared about why play deserves more room in our lives, particularly as adults. Children naturally spend time playing because they follow this intrinsic need of ours. As grown-ups we unlearn and rationalize why we shouldn't play, and as Stuart Brown clearly shows in his book, it doesn't serve us.

Because I really want you to listen to the episode, I won't give away the whole content of the show but definitely share with you some resources worth checking out beside Brown's book itself:

www.nifplay.org - This is the website of the National Institute of Play which was founded by Brown

http://www.ted.com/talks/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html - Stuart Brown on TED 

http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/ - Interview with Stuart Brown on Speaking of Faith with host Krista Tippett

I will keep on researching the topic because I believe that play and fun are underestimated in their power to grow and explore who we want to be and how we can create this kind of life for ourselves. So, I encourage you to play more again. In case you don't remember what you enjoy, think about your childhood. About activities that brought you fun, made you forget the time, and you wanted to do forever. I am sure something will come up!

Be playful, in whatever you do and imagine,

Anja

Happiness Booster Series: Finding Flow Every Day

Good evening friends & fans,

Yesterday in the Intuitive Path radio show I discussed the concept of flow and how we can invite flow more into our every day lives. I introduced one of the main experts on "flow", Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi ("cheek-sent-me-high-ee"). According to his definition, when we are in the flow or in the zone it is a state of great absorption, engagement, fulfillment, and skill. I am sure you can already think of some activities that evoke flow in you, and I encourage you as I did the listeners yesterday to think about activities that move you into this state. Further, reflect upon what benefits you do see in your life when experiencing flow on a daily basis? And what are your challenges in getting into your flow or spending time on these particular activities?

These are such some key elements of the show but that was certainly not all. So, I encourage you to listen to this episode to learn more. As always, any past episodes are available through the player on this site. Alternatively, you can go to the radio site to listen or download the episodes from there: www.blogtalkradio.com/theintuitivepath. I invite you all to send me suggestions or questions for the radio show. I would love to hear from you!

Next week, we will have my friend Ulli Allmendinger on the show. Some of you might have heard her on a previous episode. Ulli is an old friend of mine and an Ayurveda practitioner. She will share tips with us on how to prepare our bodies for the spring season. I will announce the day and the time together with more details shortly.

Until then, invite the flow and take some time for the activities that bring you a sense of fulfillment and joy. I am sure you have an idea what those could be ;-).

Be your best,

Anja

Happiness Booster Series: Play to Your Strengths, Not Your Weaknesses

Hello Folks,

In my Intuitive Path Radio Show today we continued the happiness booster series, and discussed how to play to your strengths, and not your weaknesses. You can access or download the episode from the player right here on the left side bar of my blog. We had great interaction between the listeners, and I look forward to the next episode on "Flow" next Tuesday, March 16, at 1:00 pm EST. Look out for the announcements!

Thank you all & enjoy every moment,

Anja

5 Tips to Prepare for a Scary Conversation ;-)

I am sure you all know situations in which you feel "forced" to have a conversation with someone that you would rather run away from... Many of us have the tendency to avoid or even deny conflict with another person because the thought of having a confrontation is too scary, nerve-wrecking, and exhausting. Particularly as women we have the tendency to accommodate everyone, be the nice girl, and make everyone else happy before ourselves ;-). Sounds familiar?

I want to share 5 tips with you that has helped my clients and myself in overcoming the fear to address a conflict and give room for our needs and concerns to be expressed - something that is extremely liberating:

1. Visualize the ideal conversation and outcome - create a vivid image in your mind:
   - How do you want things to go?
   - What is your main goal in having the conversation?
   - How do you want the other person to deal with your perspective?
2. Decide for the setting of the conversation:
   - When do you want to have the conversation?
   - In what environment?
   - Will there be other people present?
3. Write down the questions and talking points:
   - What do you want to absolutely address?
   - Why is this important for you?
   - How can you find a common ground?
4. Prepare shortly before the conversation:
   - Meditate for a few minutes to connect with yourself and the other
   - Set an intention for the conversation
   - Call up the vivid image of the ideal outcome
5. Be present during the conversation:
   - Allow the other to express their view freely
   - Uphold the boundaries of respect and acceptance if the conversation turns emotional
   - Show the other person that you care about their perspective

So many of the conflicts we have with others are based on our interpretation of their behavior, motivation, and intentions. When we enter into an open conversation about the conflict, we enable ourselves and the other person to express who their are.

Be bold, be brave, be yourself!

Anja

Be Yourself - No Matter What

"You were born with potential. You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness." -Rumi

Rumi said it many centuries ago, spiritual and motivational leaders tell us nowadays. And we can still use a reminder for understanding how great we are and how much potential each one of us carries in ourselves. At times, it is challenging to access this knowing, to live this truth because we might have doubts about what we can achieve or we have gone through many transitions that took away some of our confidence and faith in the process.

But wait, will you let any of this stop you to live an authentic life, to express yourself the way you feel is true, the way it honors who you are a the core? Will you instead model everyone else, hope to find acceptance by following the herd? If it is what you want, sure. How many times though do we have the urge to create our own path, live our uniqueness, bring together pieces that haven't been connected before?

I am not saying it is easy, I am not claiming that I have it all figured out but I know for myself that true happiness and satisfaction lies in living what is purposeful, enjoyable and exciting to me.

Take a journey inside yourself for a few minutes, and ask yourself:

- Where do I need to be more honest to myself?

- In what areas do I want to step up to the plate more?

- What would help me to take these steps?

- Who can support me on walking my own path?

Once you have given yourself the time to explore these first questions, it will only continue because deep down inside we all have the natural desire to live our potential. Isn't that the most exciting part of life? Do it no matter what because people and opportunities will show up to help and support you.

Walking along the path with you,

Anja