Coach on Purpose

Life is Not a Duress Rehearsal!

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 18:37:00 +0000

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Madan Kataria in person, on his brief visit to New York. To be in the presence of such a highly evolved person was truly amazing. His humility and ability to connect with each of the almost 100 participants in his workshop, is testament to his high positive energy flow that was palpable in the room. He spoke of his development of Laughter University, where his vision is to bring all forms of creativity and flow together. Life is meant to be enjoyed and fun and anything that contributes to our wellbeing, physical, emotional or spiritual is to be embraced and promoted. Lighten up, let go and celebrate your existence.

Feeling Happy Now

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:19:00 +0000

Michael Neil, coach extraordinaire and author of several books, outlines his formula for increasing one's happiness levels in his book "Feeling Happy Now".

The first is to learn how to create more positive feelings for yourself, by deliberately creating a positive physical reaction in your body. This can be easily done by placing your hand on your heart, closing your eyes and imagining a pleasurable time or situation.

The second aspect is to learn how to tell yourself better stories. We cling to beliefs and ways of thinking that keep us stuck in the rut of negative belief systems. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, then clinging to the pervasive but unconscious belief that you cannot actually succeed in this endeavor, will inevitably create the reality. Beliefs create thoughts, which create emotion and actions which then serve to reinforce our original belief.

The third aspect is to act on your inner knowing or quiet smart voice within each of us that we drown out with our constant mind chatter and busy-ness. Allow yourself a daily practice of quieting the mind and simply allowing yourself to create the space for your inner guide or GPS to surface and find a voice. It is this inner wisdom that we are imbued with which when revealed will guide you to your "North Star", as Martha Beck calls it.

Happiness is the new Currency

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:44:00 +0000

A businessman of multinational company from Sweden was having a morning stroll on the beach at Kovalam, near Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He was enjoying a free morning from the Business Strategy seminar being held in the luxury hotel.

As he walked along he came across a fisherman lazing on the warm sand between two large fishes and he stopped to chat with him. He asked him what he was doing on the beach. The guy said he was waiting for customers to come to the beach in a couple of hours to buy his fishes, for which he would get $5 profit.

The businessman, a little surprised at this intelligent man wasting his time lying on the beach, asked him why he did not go out and catch more fish before the customers arrived. The fisherman queried him as to what he would do with more fish.
He said that he would get more money if he sold more fish. The fisherman appeared confused and asked what he would do with more money.

The smart man explained that he could buy a small boat, go out to sea and catch more fish. The confusion of the fisherman appeared to grow. He asked what he would do with even more fish.
He told the fisherman that he could catch more fish and make more money. In fact, he could become a rich man. The fisherman was quite taken aback. He asked them what he would do with all the money he got.
The Swede was quick to tell him that he could form a multinational company, get others to do his work while he relaxed on the beach, enjoying the sun and the sand. The fisherman looked at them incredulously. He asked them a simple question - "What am I doing here just now?"

For many of us, happiness is a destination rather than a state of emotional well being that we can access in the here and now. We postpone joy in the mistaken belief that when I ..... then I will be happy. For example, when I have a million dollars, or lose 35 pounds or find the perfect mate... then I will be happy. In reality, when we are happy, the rest will ensue. Access your inner joy that is waiting to be revealed by loving what is and savoring the here and now.

Holiday Stress Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:34:00 +0000

"If you are too busy to be happy.... you are too busy" Robert Holden

The Holidays, meant to be a time of joy and celebration, often land up causing anxiety and stress. Simple strategies that you can employ to reconnect to yourself and the true spirit of the Holidays include:

Do Nothing set aside 10 -15 minutes a day to simply relax and be with yourself. Listen to your favorite music and set aside your "busy mind" as you disengage from your mind chatter.
Set aside the Superhero Cape try to set realistic expectations about what you can and can not do. Instead of trying to please everyone, start with pleasing yourself and you will be amazed at how much more energy and patience you will have for others.
Time is the real gift Think back to when you were a child and what memories stand out for you the most. Chances are, the most memorable moments are quality times spent with family rather than any gift you received. The most valuable gift we can give our children is the gift of our time and attention.
Simplify, simplify, simplify order gifts online or give gift certificates to hard-to-buy for people.
Have fun! Make a conscious effort to do something fun every day, as joy is the natural antidote to stress. Dance, laugh and move .... even if it is in your living room alone at home. Exercise and movement are natural stress busters and release our innate joy.

Wishing you all the best for a Happy Holiday season and a great New Year!

Benefits of Laughter

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:52:00 +0000

L aughter releases endorphins, giving us the 'feel good factor' 

A cts as aerobic exercise and is like 'internal jogging' 

U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers 

G reat team building tool encourages better communication

H elps boost our immune system, which helps us resist disease 

T ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation 

E ncourages positive thinking and creativity

R elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension

Sebastien Gendry www.laughangeles.com

Laugh Your Way to Health

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:20:00 +0000

Laugh Your Way to Health
Read how Laughter Yoga really is a key element is reducing stress and improving health.

A recently published article shows that mental health is positively enhanced by laughter. In fact, even the anticipation of laughter alters the biochemistry of the body and increases a sense of well being. According to the report the ability to laugh has important implications in societies such as the U.S. where heart disease remains the number one killer. Laughter Yoga helps relieve stress and increase positive well-being.

You Might as well Laugh......

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:55:00 +0000

Today I went to the dentist to get a crown fitted for my molar. I was innocently sitting, mouth wide open,when all of a sudden I felt something in my throat. I thought it was saliva, and was about to swallow, when my dentist sounded the alarm. Instinctively, I coughed, and the crown, which I was about to swallow, propelled out of my mouth at lightening speed. The dentist paled at the prospect of what could have happened, but it looked so ridiculous as it hurled out my mouth that .... I HAD TO LAUGH! I laughed so hard, partly out of relief, partly out of the humor of it. The fact that I could laugh, diffused a potentially stressful situation for us both. Thanks to the laughter practice, I am able to gain perspective in a situation. After all, if I will be able to laugh about it in a year's time, then I may as well laugh about it now. The dentist was relieved and wanted to hug me for my understanding. I was not the least bit upset. Rather, I am grateful that I was able to avert a potentially problematic situation. Laughter is a great tool for stress relief and helps me glide through my day with joy instead of oy!

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:58:00 +0000

Top 10 reasons to laugh on purpose:

10. Laughter is a stress buster. It reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol.

9. Laughter strengthens the immune system and helps maintain good health.

8. Laughter is anti-ageing. It increases blood supply to the face, nourishing the skin and making it glow.

7. Laughter is an aerobic exercise equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise.

6. Laughter increases the levels of endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers.

5. Laughter helps control high blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones.

4. Laughter helps dump depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders.

3. Laughter Yoga makes us more creative and imaginative. It improves our sense of humor.

2. Laughter shrinks the hurts of everyday life to a smaller, if not inconsequential size. It interrupts the power struggle and defuses anger by releasing it.

1. Laughter helps individuals to be more self-confident and self expressive.

BEST OF ALL, IT IS FUN, FREE AND FREEING!

Recharge your Batteries

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 03:18:00 +0000

"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over... and expecting a different result." Albert Einstein

One of the most debilitating effects of chronic stress is that it depletes our energy.... literally and figuratively. In the same way that we plug our ipods, cell-phones and other electrical gadgets into a recharger, so too can we recharge our own bodies and minds. Ways to do that include:

*Institute the no complaining rule.

If you tune into your own mental chatter for a moment, you will see that it is often hard to go for even one minute without complaining about something or someone. Most often the one you are complaining about is yourself. Make a commitment to stop the complaining, even for one hour a day. This seemingly simple exercise can have transformational results.

*Suspend Judgement of yourself and others.

Accept that everything is perfect as it is. A huge amount of stress is caused by the discrepancy between how things are and how we think they ought to be.

*Lose the Martyr Mentality.

Women in particular, are so busy nurturing and taking care of others, that we neglect our own needs. No one is served by our suffering and if we are energy depleted, we are in no position to nurture or be there for our loved ones. So be selfish and take good care of your own needs.

*Steer away from Energy Vampires

We all know who they are! Do not allow the negative vibes of others bring you down. You do not have to spend hours listening to the constant complaints and whining of the drama crew.

*Take care of your body

Nutrition, exercise, relaxation, sleep are all vital components to eliminating the negative wear and tear that we subject our bodies to every day.

Laughter Yoga for bringing more Joy into your life

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:11:00 +0000

What if someone offered you a pill that could immediately reduce your stress levels, boost your immune system and elevate your mood…. Would you take it?
What if I added that this pill comes FREE of charge with no negative side effects to boot?

The good news is that you do have such a remedy at your disposal, in the form of laughter groups.

Laughter Yoga is a fun form of gentle excercise that combines gentle stretching; breathing and laughing to create the relaxation response. You do not need to be happy or have a sense of humor, as the laughter is merely exercise. In the same way that one runs on a treadmill to derive the benefits of running, so too does laughter yoga rely on “faking it till you make it”.

We use laughter (rapid contractions of the deep abdominal muscles) as a form of exercise to flush our lungs (and through it our bloodstream and whole body) with fresh oxygen, strengthen the immune system and boost "happy" chemistry. Simply going through the physical motions of happiness creates the very chemistry of happiness. Inevitably the fake laughter is soon replaced by genuine laughter and the positive effects are immediate.
Check out more at www.laughteryoga.org to see some video clips about why laughter is truly the best medicine.

Stairway to Happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 23:23:00 +0000

In turbulent times, it is more important than ever to remain grounded and adopt an optimistic attitude. The energy crisis we are experiencing is not a lack of oil, but rather the energy shortage of joy. Feeling happy and being optimistic are the key ingredients to being able to weather the economic and political storm. You can choose to shield yourself and hide under th an umbrella and brace for the worst ; or you can turn the umbrella upside down and catch the raindrops.... making the best of the situation. FEAR can be defined as False Emotion Appearing Real and if you refuse to buy into the scarcity and deprivation feelings you can be empowered tofeel happy here and now.

Step1 Make the Happiness Decision

l Happiness is your birthright, you are entitled to it and you do not have to pursue it.

l We are conditioned to believe that happiness is conditional( I will be happy when….; if…… ).

l You cannot find something where it isn’t. Stop struggling; stop searching. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Happiness is the core of who you are.

l It is not the events that happen to us that determine our happiness, rather it is the way we react to or interpret the event that creates our reality.

l Take control over your life and realize that you alone are response- able for your happiness.

l People like what is familiar, even if it is not working for you. In order to change that perception, choose to make a conscious choice and decision each and every day for a perception change to occur.

Exercise: Wake up 5 minutes earlier each day and develop a practice of centering and focusing your energy in a positive way. Some people listen to calming music, others meditate or follow a guided meditation. Develop a practice that puts your intention in a positive state.

Step 2 Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude

l Focus is the combination of thought and emotions.

l When you combine gratitude with focus, you create an amplifier for your experience.

l If you spend time worrying and being anxious about money, for example, then you will continue o experience a lack of money.

l If you spend time focusing and being grateful for the money you do have, you will start to experience abundance.

l Having a genuine appreciation for what you have right now, is a very powerful turbo charger for experiencing happiness and creating positive changes in your life.

l Gratitude also requires facing the dark and negative things or people in your life; things that have caused you pain, anger or unpleasant feelings.

l Often the greatest gifts come from our most painful experiences. They often come to teach us something new or to build character.

Exercises for Gratitude:

1. List three people who energise or who you appreciate and why?

2. List two positive experiences that happened today that you are grateful for and why?

3. List one negative experience you had today and the gifts that you can take away from the experiences.

4. Create a gratitude list; a catalog of all the wonderful things to be happy about. Use the list as a reminder through the day when things are challenging.

5. Create a practice of gratitude in a way that makes sense to you.

6. As a variation, change the focus of what you are grateful for. For example one day think of 5 foods you are grateful for; the next day five people; five events etc. to keep it fresh.

Stay tuned as we elevate our happiness levels when we climb the next steps...

Change your thinking... change your life

Create the feelings of happiness here and now

Use your strengths and talents to live an engaged and meaningful life

Happiness is an inside job

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:11:00 +0000

The reason that we find ourselves in such a financial meltdown is not a reflection of the greedy wall street bankers but rather a consequence of us looking for happiness in all the wrong places. We all bought in to the false beliefs that built a false reality that built upon itself. When the illusion could no longer be sustained, it collapsed, as it had to because there was nothing real there to begin with.

Money cannot buy happiness! In spite of what we all believe, research has shown that every one, irrespective of their financial situation, believes that they would be happier with 20% more money than they already have.
Deferring happiness to a future point leads us to the belief that "I will be happy when...". Once we reach that destination or success point, instead of being happy, we simply find a new destination to aspire to before we can be happy again.
We set up conditional happiness by blaming our situation on circumstances, people or events; I would be happy if it were not for my husband, financial situation or weight. This thinking depletes us of our personal choice and allows us to remain incapacitated by blaming external factors for our situation.
Happiness is an inside job! Instead of waiting to be happy when and if some external event occurs, be happy now. Laughter, gratitude, meditation and a positive mental outlook can help you access the joy of life that is only a mindset away.

Sink or Swim... your decision

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Thu, 22 May 2008 10:38:00 +0000

"Whether you say you can do it, or whether you say you can’t…… either way, you are right"

When we are job hunting, we often feel like we are sinking and need to be rescued by someone out there who will hire us/give us a chance. We flail around feeling helpless, hopeless and desperate. The longer the job search takes, the more we feel like drowning, especially as the financial pressure mounts. It is like the shark that is swimming toward us and threatens to consume us. This feeling is extremely debilitating and does nothing to help you get to the shore. To reach the shore safely, we have to realize that there is no external savoir and that we have all the resources within us to help us swim to shore. We are imbued with the ability to be our own rescuers by virtue of our inner spirit and infinite potential that is our natural God given state. The only thing we need do is access that inner strength and courage to swim safely to shore on our own. We know how to swim and can do it, one stroke at a time, one day at a time. Change your mindset and you can change your life.

Listen to the Music

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:24:00 +0000

In his recent book, Happiness Now William Holden describes happiness in this way: "Every form of unhappiness is a manifestation of fear. Thus, fear and unhappiness are inextricably linked --- they are the same thing. Unhappiness is born of fear and it gives birth to fear. When we give our power to unhappiness, we automatically side with fear, and we automatically become very afraid of everything."

Recently I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to Lincoln Center for a workshop on how ballet is choreographed to reflect the music and the synchronicity between the two. Besides for wonderful music and the visual feast of watching the New York Ballet dancers perform, I was struck by the orchestra. Each musician played their individual instruments, doing their own part and yet the whole was so much more than the sum of the parts.

In life, we each go about our business, playing our part. We don't get to see in a visual way, how each of us constantly contributes to something much larger and bigger than ourselves. If we did, we would not downplay or minimise the role of our contribution or ever feel inadequate or insignificant. We are all part of a universe, where each person is crucial to the overall picture .. and the melody would not be the same if we were not a part of it. We do not have to succumb to the fear of separation... we are all a vital part of a vibrant and benevolent universe.

Similarly, when the dance is a reflection of the music and it's perfect sound, there is harmony and congruence, with unlimited potential to achieve. When we tap in to the music we can really appreciate it's vast potential and beauty. When we allow the music to permeate our bodies and minds, then we can be inspired and be at peace with it. The song of the universe is there for you to enjoy in abundance....

Steps to happiness

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:17:00 +0000

Six Tips for Happiness
Advice from Tal Ben-Shahar

1. Give yourself permission to be human. When we accept emotions — such as fear, sadness, or anxiety — as natural, we are more likely to overcome them. Rejecting our emotions, positive or negative, leads to frustration and unhappiness.

2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. Whether at work or at home, the goal is to engage in activities that are both personally significant and enjoyable. When this is not feasible, make sure you have happiness boosters, moments throughout the week that provide you with both pleasure and meaning.

3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the state of our bank account. Barring extreme circumstances, our level of well being is determined by what we choose to focus on (the full or the empty part of the glass) and by our interpretation of external events. For example, do we view failure as catastrophic, or do we see it as a learning opportunity?

4. Simplify! We are, generally, too busy, trying to squeeze in more and more activities into less and less time. Quantity influences quality, and we compromise on our happiness by trying to do too much.

5. Remember the mind-body connection. What we do — or don't do — with our bodies influences our mind. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits lead to both physical and mental health.

6. Express gratitude, whenever possible. We too often take our lives for granted. Learn to appreciate and savor the wonderful things in life, from people to food, from nature to a smile.

Thought for the day

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 04:07:00 +0000

"Vision without action... is a dream;
Action without vision.... is a nightmare"

Time... our most precious commodity

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 20:17:00 +0000

I recently came across this concept and I think it is very poignant.

"Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day; allows you to keep no cash balance; every night deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do with such an account???
Draw out every penny, of course!!!Every one of us has such a 'bank'. Its name is TIME. Every morning it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft.Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against tomorrow. You must live in the present -on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success!"

How true this is! If we adopt a posture of time is money, a precious commodity to be used wisely, then it is easier to help prioritize what we want to do with it and how we want to spend each day. Make today a great one!

Welcome to the New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Sheryl) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:03:00 +0000

Happy New Year! Usually at the beginning of each New Year, I make a list of resolutions...... I must lose weight, I will exercise more (restraint and physical); I will be more organized. By the end of the first week, I have usually blown my diet, comforted myself by eating more and chastise myself for being such a loser (or non loser as it were!).

This year is different.... instead of creating a list of to do's, I decided to create a spiritual foundation upon which I would like to base my year upon. The deeper and stronger the foundation, the more secure and thus free, the structure. A deep foundation will support a tall building. While we all acknowledge the importance of a strong foundation, when we look at a building, we never actually see the foundation... it is concealed, creating the illusion that it does not exist, but without it, the building cannot stand.

As I contemplated the form of my foundation, I decided that I want to create a foundation of happiness and joy. A foundation has to embrace a vision and then action can solidify and enhance the structure. Happiness and Joy, for me is to know that all is well in this moment and to realize that only in the here and now can I actually effect any change. There is no use beating myself up about past failures or regrets nor does it make sense to worry about the future, which only leads to anxiety and angst. The only thing that is real is the present... and that is where change and progress can be made. To live with this belief that all is well, I have faith in G-D, or the Universe or the Cosmos that everything is as it needs to be. Challenges are an opportunity for growth and development , when you have faith. I want to be fearless as I expand beyond my usual comfort zone in order to work on the projects that are inspiring to me right now..... becoming healthy, writing creatively and inspiring others to thrive and grow.

Set aside some quiet time aside to think about this question: What spiritual foundation would you like to create as a platform for your life in 2008? Don't "think" about it too much - just notice what arises for you. Then say it out loud and let it resonate within you, and take a step imagining yourself stepping into that experience. Write it down, pin it up in a spot you can see it everyday and then begin to create the reality, day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.

May 2008 hold great blessings and happiness for you and your loved ones!