You Have Landed

Yosemite Falls and Meadow

During the time of the Winter Solstice I practice a ritual of expressing my gratitude to those who have shifted my life for the better during the past year and to set new intentions for the coming year.  In support of this I take a break from my normal patterns in order to connect 1on1 with a number of people in my community.  Through my conversations and reflecting on the year I often find myself commenting at how quickly life can change and how a simple first introduction can lead you down an entirely new Path in life.  Like a airplane course correcting in mid-flight, sometimes all it takes is a few degrees of movement to alter your vector and put you on course with someone new who changes our life fundamentally.

I also remind myself that no matter how far that I think that I have flown over the course of the year that I Have Landed right here and right now by my own choices, regardless of what has transpired.  Where I find myself pointing the finger at external sources, I turn that finger around to myself and invariably find that that is where it all starts.   This is confronting (of course) but every year I find that it gets a little easier and my Path is a little more clear.

In a quiet corner or perhaps on a walk in nature I spend some time contemplating the choices, intentions and beliefs that directed my Path over the last year.  If any of these are limiting, fearful or lack True Personal Power I set an intention to let them go.  From where I Have Landed, I consider my Next Step and seek incremental change from where I am in the direction of where I want to go.  I also seek advice and wisdom from Trusted Advisors to assist me in Seeing that which I am unable or unwilling to see from my current vantage point and to assist me in staying focused throughout the year.

I know that I will fly again but for today, I just notice where I Have Landed.  I touch the earth and ground - I am right here.

All the Best,

Whitney

© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

The Santa Claus Intention

The other day my wife and I had the opportunity to take our 3 year old son to see Santa Claus so that he could have a little chat with him.  As you can see he was very excited about this event and really enjoyed the experience.  For the record, I think Santa did too and may actually be a NY Jets fan!  While we were waiting in line a few minutes before going up to sit with Santa I asked my son "What are you going to ask Santa for Christmas?"  He promptly replied with a big smile "Candy Canes!"  I then made the 'novice' parent move of asking the follow-up question "Do you want anything else for Christmas?" but he just looked at me again with a smile and repeated "Candy Canes!"

We were moved by the simplicity and joy of his wish and it brought me back to the magic of the holidays that I experienced as a young child.  It also reminded me that we all come into this world with different desires and wishes for ourselves - some people want Candy Canes and some people want something else.  Furthermore, sometimes we get what we ask for and sometimes we don't.  However, it is the clarity and focus of our Intention that ultimately make the difference in this regard.  Knowing what you want and speaking your Truth comes pretty easily for children - I am always amazed at how difficult it can be for most adults.

It is very likely that after a few years on this planet that you will have experienced some disappointments and perhaps gotten a little 'gun shy' when it comes to asking for what you want.  However, I'd like to suggest that that's what Santa is for - to inspire and remind us each year to ask ourselves what we really want to experience in our lives.   Think of Santa as a magical messenger from your childhood who can connect you back to the time when your natural state was to just ask for what you wanted and expect that the Universe (Santa) would provide.

The suggested exercise here is a simple one - just to practice asking and receiving in the spirit of a child.  I recommend lighting a candle in a quiet space and as you are doing so state aloud what it is that you want in your life - then expect it to arrive.  Your Santa Claus Intention for yourself can be anything that you want as long as it is something that you really, really, really want (like Candy Canes)!  The clarity and focus of your Intention will invariably effect the time for 'delivery' but the important thing to remember is that the second that you state your Intention, Santa starts to fire up his sleigh.  Oh, and it doesn't hurt to keep lighting your candle and leave out milk and cookies - BTW, Santa told my son that his favorite is chocolate chip. :)

In this particular case, what do you think the chances are that my son is going to get Candy Canes from Santa Clause?  I think it's very close to 100% - don't you?

All the Best,
Whitney
© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

7 Steps to Successful Coastside Caroling

Every year my family has a neighborhood caroling party during the holiday season. People often come to our holiday parties with the intention of “sitting this one out” — but they almost always find themselves out with the group having a great time. I am sharing my family caroling recipe to inspire you to make it out this year.

1. Plan for weather.
On the Coastside, we plan for rain and fog on caroling night and treat it as a challenge. In my opinion, part of caroling is going out to share good cheer in spite of the weather. Where I grew up we would plan for the worst case, freezing rain — and every few years we’d get lucky and have snow. However, with the proper coat, boots and umbrella protection, caroling can be quite an enjoyable experience no matter what the weather. And if you have a fireplace at home, have lots of logs and remind everyone that you’ll warm them up when you return!

2. Have instruments for all.
The guideline here is that everyone gets to play an instrument in addition to singing. Many people have stage — or doorstep — fright, and having a drum, bell, rattle, tambourine, banjo, guitar, accordion, trumpet, whistle or kazoo will help to bolster their courage. Also, the instruments help to drown out those singers who are tone deaf!

3. Know your playlist.
Print out sheet music and agree upon a few “traveling songs.” It’s very easy to find and download that music from the Internet; just search for caroling sheet music and you’ll find lots to choose from. Sing a few songs at each doorstep, and have a song or two to sing between houses. Pick songs where everyone knows the words, like “Jingle Bells” or “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” — and then have a surprise song or two, like “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.”

4. Start singing inside first.
Starting a handful of songs and practicing with instruments indoors gets everybody in the spirit. I have found that although only a few die-hards have pre-committed to the outdoor event, you will be able to attract many more if you can get your partygoers singing and engaged. There is nothing like being out in the neighborhood at night during the holidays with everyone’s lights and decorations!

5. Plan your route.
Choose an easy and safe route for your caroling, preferably one where you can start out from your own front door. I have found that somewhere between seven and 10 houses is a great place to start and I usually tell three to four of them that we will be showing up! Also, the best time to go out is right after dinner, before people have put their younger children to bed.

6. Light your way like Rudolph.
I encourage everyone to bring a flashlight or headlamp; glow-in-the-dark tube sticks or battery-powered string lights for the little ones are essential. Open flames are discouraged, but I have been known to roast chestnuts on a small grill and cart that around on a wagon. If you’re going the wagon route, you can carry extra supplies and refreshments as well!

7. Giving is receiving.
Before we leave the house on our caroling journey, I like to remind everyone that the energy you put out will ultimately come back to you in so many ways. Just having a positive attitude and sharing a little cheer can go a long way and set the tone for the entire year.

I hope to see you out this year and wish you all happy Coastside caroling!

© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill

This is an article that was published in Coastviews Magazine in the December 2010 issue: http://coastviewsmag.com/7-steps-to-successful-coastside-caroling

Useful Diversions

There are times when we will come up to what we perceive as an energetic 'Wall'.  Our perceived forward progress will come to a halt and we will be able to Feel the Resistance that we are encountering.  If we are unable to find a Way Through or a Way Around, sometimes the best approach is to find a Useful Diversion.

The difference between a Useful Diversion and just 'twiddling our thumbs' is that it is Useful in terms of Energy management and a Diversion is such a way that it frees our Mind from the pattern that is ultimately creating the Wall.  For some people, 'twiddling your thumbs' may actually provide an energetic rejuvenation but for many the act of sitting and and twiddling will result in stress & tension, and therefore act as an energy drainer. The key in the Usefulness of the Diversion is to find some activity or non-activity that will serve to provide rejuvenation or 'a breather' so that upon completion we have more energy then when we started.

As to the Diversion for the Mind, I will refer to the 'Ghandi equation' (as I call it) for reference:

"Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny." - Mahatma Gandhi

When we are experiencing a Wall, we are essentially confronting a pattern or belief that is no longer in alignment with where we are NOW or where our Vision is leading us.  There is an energetic break in the flow from belief through to destiny that requires repair or re-alignment - until we know what that is we are often 'stopped' at the Wall.  This is where a Useful Diversion can be an extremely powerful exercise.

I am personally a big fan of the Monterey Bay Aquarium as Water is both rejuvenating (True Rest) and grounding (True Play) for me.  The flow of the water and the movement of the sea life serves to re-connect me to the greater flow of energy in our world and Universe, thereby allowing me to step back from my own limiting patterns and See them with a new perspective.  After I visit I often find that my Wall is no longer there or perhaps I can see a Way Through or Around that I had not noticed before.

Oh, and it's fun too! :)

All the Best,
Whitney
© 2010 All rights reserved, Whitney Merrill