Got stress? Take One Minute

It has been a while since I posted but really wanted to share some reminders with you about the importance of taking one minute to get present especially when you have a lot of stress going on -- which is pretty common these days.

Yesterday I spoke with 2 people who recently had great results with The One Minute Meditation. One of them is a client who has 4 major stressful events going on including a physical move, starting a new company, an aging pet who has been sick and an aging relative who's mental and physical health is declining. Whew!

I had recently encouraged him to do the OMM every hour instead of once in a while. He started doing this and found that every time he took one minute to get quiet, he got clarity on a piece that he needed -- as long as he did not demand clarity :) He found it exceedingly helpful to do the OMM every hour.

Note that when we have a lot going on, is when we think we don't have time to take one minute or forget to take one minute and that is when we need it the most and it can be most beneficial.

I also talked to a team member yesterday who has been going through a lot of stress with her teenagers. She was sharing with me how helpful it has been to do the OMM and how it takes her back into the present moment.

She also shared the video of the OMM with her teenage son and he has started doing it. WOOOHOOOO! That makes me so happy.

So, how about you? All of the change that is happening right now - whether you consider it good change or bad change or choose not to label it -- change is often stressful and taking just One Minute can really help.

So take a minute to do the OMM now. And then set your reminders to do it again and again. It's not the cure all (no such thing) but it sure does help.

Let us know what your experience is.

Warmly,

Stacey

Bringing Your Energy Out

During the longer 5 minute meditation which is included in the Stillness Experiment, I suggest that you bring your energy out. Over time, I have had a number of people ask me what I mean by this.

When I say bring your energy out, simply imagine it – if you are good at visualizing you can visualize it filling up your body and seeping out the pores of you skin into the field 3 feet around you

Or if you are not so good at visualizing, like me, you can just sense it – imagine it is spreading out from the sides of your body – basically just use your imagination – energy is everywhere but we cannot see the tiny particles so you must use your imagination. Our mind impacts our energy all the time so when you imagine it you are actually impacting it.

To learn more and join the Stillness Experiment go here.

Video of OMM

I have been meaning to do a video of the One Minute Meditation for a long time. So here it is. Perhaps it will help you in your practice in some small way. Enjoy and feel free to pass it along to your friends who could use a little more peace in their lives.



Let me know what you think. I know people's attention spans are short so perhaps I need to do a shorter video with just the meditation?

Grumpy for No Reason

Have you ever been grumpy for what seemed like no reason?
Well, there is probably a reason. It could be that someone triggered something inside of you or someone is mirroring a part of you that you have not accepted. It could simply be that you need to drink more water or you ate a food that your body cannot digest properly. I was grumpy last night and it turned out that I was eating a particular food every day and my body could not digest that much of it

When you feel grumpy for no reason, take a minute to do the One Minute Meditation with the intention to get clarity. Because there probably is a reason. Before getting quiet, ask what is in the way of my being happy or what does my body need to feel better? Then do the OMM and let go. After doing the meditation, pay attention to what shows up in your life. It may show up now or later … be open.

Let me know what you notice.

Shhh, keep quiet

"Keep quiet. Do your work in the world, but inwardly keep quiet. Then all will come to you."
-- Nisaragada Ha Maharaj

The thing that most affects our productivity as well as our peace of mind is our mind chatter. Thinking about all the things I have to do today or could do today, or what will people think if I do this thing, only get in the way of your making a contribution in the world today.

So take a moment and do the One Minute Meditation now. Before going into the meditation, set the intention for what you want i.e.; clarity, productivity, creativity, opportunities, etc. Then do the One Minute Meditation and let go of attachment to how this will show up.

Let me know what you notice in the comments section.

To learn the One Minute Meditation, sign up for the 30 day Stillness Experiment at the link above. It's free.

Why Lead From Stillness?

These days all you have to do is open your email to read someone’s opinion of what you MUST do to succeed in these economically challenging and chaotic times. Many of these letters are really well-written and will convince you that this expert has all the answers to your problems. But then someone else has another answer and insists that is the correct one. Who are you to believe?

Well, that depends :) Those of you who have taken my Life Transformation Tools and More program know that I do not believe there is any one answer, tool, solution that fits all people at all times. It will depend on what is in alignment with you, your values, your beliefs, your situation and a bunch of other factors that could come into play.

That is why it is important to lead your life… your business… your career from a place of stillness.

What is stillness?

It is the practice of being in the moment rather than in the past or future. It is a place inside of you where inner peace can be found.

It is from this place that intuition can be heard more clearly and from which brilliant ideas are born. Creativity gets unleashed from this quiet place where there are no interfering thoughts. Connections to higher guidance are remembered and strengthened when we are not busy trying to figure things out.

This sense of peacefulness, knowing and connection can and does lead to more happiness and contentment with life in this very moment - rather than being hinged upon some future event.

You may be wondering what this has to do with leading your career or business. Perhaps it seems a bit contradictory to all the information out there about how important it is to act with speed. You may find yourself thinking: “For goodness sake, in these crazy times, who as time to be still?” You may even feel like being still is lazy.

But really nothing could be farther from the truth. Please understand, I am not suggesting that you sit on the couch all day and eat bon bons or that you sit on a mountain top and contemplate the meaning of life all day.

It doesn’t have to take long to quiet the mind. Remember you can do the One Minute Meditation(TM).

But let’s come back to the bigger question at hand. What is the value of stillness in running your business or career?

When you ask for clarity and then get quiet and relaxed, you will be able to hear the answer. It may not come all at one time. It may feel like gentle nudging to do this thing here and then this other piece over there that may seem unrelated and then another, and then at some point in time, when you are totally relaxed, your answer… the one that brings these pieces together and totally resonates with your soul… comes up and whispers in your ear (or in an email or someone else’s speaking or a million other ways). And it feels so right, you just want to shout “YES” this is what I am to do next.

And when you know your “BIG YES”, acting from that place is joyful and easy and fun.

That doesn’t mean that your gremlins won’t show up later to doubt that you can do this. But you can face and clear those things with tools such as those I provide to my Life Transformation Tools members.

That is why leading from stillness is a process…

It must be learned because everything we have been taught is contradictory to that.

There are many factors that contribute to being still and leading from stillness. More than I can put into an article.

And it takes support because it is so contradictory to what we have been taught all our life and what the media and experts tell you everyday.

That is why I am creating some programs to support you in leading your life… your career… your business from a place of stillness.

Stay tuned.

The Peaceful Entrepreneur(TM) — coming soon

One program that is evolving and is a “Big Yes” for me is The Peaceful Entrepreneur: Leading from Stillness. If you are tired of being stressed out over your business or thinking of starting a new venture and want to lead your business from a place of peace and stillness with extraordinary results, you can sign up here to be the first to get information and apply for this special program which will be limited to a small group of people so you can get plenty of attention. I am considering an individual program and a group program. Those who sign up for early notification will also be asked your opinion, so you can have input on the final details of this and future programs.

If interested in receiving more information on this program, sign up here to be added to our early notification list. Then be sure to check your inbox and hit the link on the email to confirm your request.

Creativity from Stillness

Did you know that the One Minute Meditation can be used as a gateway to creativity? I have been meaning to post about that and will be writing about it more in my upcoming book.

Here is what one participant in the experiment told me happened to her quite spontaneously.

"Hi Stacey,
Thank you for the reminder to do the one minute meditation, I did and here's what came to me.
In the haven of your life, leave your doors unlocked and your windows open. Allow strangers to enter freely.
Do not be afraid. No one can harm you. You are protected.
I am a mountain. I am a tree. A Pine tree by the beach. And I dance with the wind of life!
Thank you, Ruth."

You can use the One Minute Meditation to relax before writing, composing, singing. As you relax, your creative energies can flow more easily -- thus enhancing and allowing the creative process to flow through you.

Take a moment to be still right now and enjoy the peace. Then throughout your week, try using the OMM with an intention to allow your creativity to flow. Let me know what happens.

Warmly,
Stacey

Use OMM as a gateway to shift your energy

“Worrying is nothing more than a negative projection of the future”

The One Minute Meditation is a gateway or portal for so much that we desire.
By itself, the OMM can easily shift your energy. But sometimes we need do some heavy lifting.

For example, a few days ago I found myself lying in bed worrying about something. Yes, old habits die hard. The difference is I now know better than to stay in that place as it doesn’t serve me.

I did the One Minute Meditation (OMM) and quickly felt more relaxed. But those old thoughts wanted to creep back in. Just being centered in my body allowed me to slow down enough see that I needed to shift my thoughts. So I did the OMM again and this time I used it as a gateway to shift further.

From that more relaxed place I decided to focus on what I loved about my life. I looked around and saw my husband. He happens to be an easy target. So I went into a rampage of appreciation about him and told him about 10 – 15 things I love about him. He told me he was feeling worried and overwhelmed too. So I suggested he focus on what was great about me . (ha!) Then he told me a bunch of things he loves about me. Now we were both feeling great. Our
energy is high and we can attract more great things from this place.

Action Step:

Use the OMM to shift your energy even higher. After doing the OMM, focus on someone or something that you love – could be a family member, a pet, a friend, a mentor, yourself …

Then state aloud 10 - 15 things that you love about that person. Notice how good you feel. If that person is around, allow them to reciprocate for an extra boost of energy.

Comment about what you notice below.

Stillness and Prosperity

There are many ways you can use the One Minute Meditation to connect with your rightful abundance. I received this prosperity prayer from Joe Vitale who received it from Will Bowen, author of A Complaint-Free World.

I suggest doing the One Minute Meditation(tm) and then read this Prosperity Affirmation aloud from a more connected space.

Here it is...

Prosperity Affirmation

(Read Aloud Every Day for 30 days)

I am the source of all wealth. I am rich with creative ideas. My mind abounds with new, original, inspired thoughts. What I have to offer is unique, and the world desires it.

My value is beyond reckoning. What the world needs and desires, I am ready to produce and give. What the world needs and desires, I recognize and fulfill. The bounty of my mind is without hindrance or limit. Nothing can stand in the way of my inspired creativeness.

The overflowing power of God life energy overcomes every obstacle, & pours out into the world, blessing & prospering everyone, & everything through me.

I radiate blessings, I radiate creativity, I radiate prosperity, I radiate loving service. I radiate Joy, Beauty, Peace,Wisdom & Power. Humanity seeks me and rewards me. I am beloved of the world.
I am wanted wherever I go.

I am appreciated. What I have to offer is greatly desired.
What I have to offer brings a rich reward. Through my vision the world is blessed. Through my clear thinking & steadfast purpose, wonderful new values come into expression.

My vision is as the vision of the mighty ones. My faith is as the faith of the undefeatable. My power to accomplish is unlimited. I, in my uttermost God Source, am all wealth, all power, all productivity. I hereby declare my financial free-dom, NOW and henceforth forever!

Stillness can help direct your life

It has been a while since I wrote. I plan to write more on stillness and introduce more ways to support you in using the One Minute Meditation(TM) in the new year. Taking time, even a minute, to be still is more important than ever.

From this place of stillness, we can hear what is important to us now -- truly important. Not what others tell us we should do, not what the email messages tell us we must do . . . I could go on and on.

From this place of quiet and stillness, you will get the inklings and whispers and signs that will direct you to what your soul wants -- follow those inklings and watch miracles unfold in your life.

No forcing, no making things happen by pushing through. That no longer works -- at least not in a way that best serves our soul, our body or our planet.

So take the time - just a minute or so -- and be still now.

Warmly,

Stacey

Staying Quiet in Turbulent Times

Even though things in the outside world are turbulent, we can stay quiet within ourselves.

One major suggestion is to turn off the news. I have not watched the news in years. I find that things that I need to know are revealed to me. Recently I turned on the news to find out about something. I noticed how quickly my mind and energy went downhill and I quickly turned it back off. Trust that what you need to know will be revealed.

Getting quiet on the inside allows us to get grounded in ourselves -- from this place, not only are we more peaceful, but new creative ideas can bubble forth that we did not have access to before. We are also more receptive to opportunities as they appear.

There are a million and one reasons to get quiet. So make time today -- even just a minute will help.

Warmly,
Stacey

Center for Balanced Living

What will help you to remember to be still?

I know that remembering to be still even for a minute can be a challenge.

So let's talk about what would help.

Many of you thought a physical reminder on your desk would be helpful.
Perhaps, a screen saver would be great.

If you are a creative type, and would like to submit a screensaver design for remembering to be still, please submit it to info at balancedliving.com. The winning design will have a link to your website.

About 30% of you thought coaching would be helpful to keep you in the stillness conversation. For those of you, I recommend Life Transformation Tools and More as a wonderful and inexpensive 12 month program to help you clear what is in the way of stillness and anything else you desire.

I also offer deeper one-on-one coaching which helps you clear what in the way of truly being free to be yourself. To schedule a consultation to find out more, go here.

Many of you (40%) said that the email reminders were helpful to remember to take time to be still and to know you were part of a collective community.

I have been much more lax about the email reminders this second 30 days what with being on vacation and a family medical emergency. Because this project has begun to catch on and many want to continue beyond 30 days, I will to continue and send more inspiring email reminders with quotes and more to inspire you to stillness.

I have found that posting and blogging takes much more of my time than expected. If you think email reminders will be helpful for you, feel free to make a donation below. I prefer this to a required fee because I want everyone to be able to benefit whether or not they have the money. A donation of any size from $1.00 on up is appreciated where feasible. And even if you can't do it, please continue to participate. I want everyone to have access to stillness regardless of your monetary situation.

Let's see what else is possible when we are still more and more of the time.

Here's what's possible from stillness

I shared some of the survey data last week showing that people had improvement in peace of mind, dealing with stress, intuition, flow and more a result of spending very short periods of time in stillness. (see below)

To give you more of a flavor of what's possible, here are just a couple of the many of comments that were submitted in the survey. Because the survey was anonymous, the comments are anonymous.

This experiment really helped me to "get OUT of my head and back into my body" and stop the noise, at least for a good while! I will continue to practice the eye scans as I had never heard of this before. They are very effective in focusing energy to the present moment. I look forward to learning more.

The very first time I did it at my desk, I sensed that the bright sunshine outside my window was more brilliant than ever. Also, I felt that it opened up my soul such that all this love and well-being rushed in. It was so calming and healing . . .

I was able to be present and mindful of whatever I was doing. This in turn quieted the chatter and helped relieve the stress of "what I have to do next". I was able to engage in conversations and really listen and pay attention to the speaker - not only at work but also at home with my children. Thank you for helping to make my life more peaceful and meaningful.

I am pursuing a new career that I would never had suspected would be my path before the exercise.

Feeling more centered so able to deal with every day challenges better. Also a feeling of understanding myself better/listening to myself because of this proactive approach vs. reactive approach

Your experiences may have been very different from this. It doesn't matter. This is just to give you a sense of what is possible.

So what will you do with this information? Don't let it be just another interesting article. Rather make a decision to do something with it - i.e., make inner peace a priority in your life.

The vast majority of survey participants said they want to continue the Stillness Experiment.

What will help?

Since most people just dabbled in the experiment, it would seem that some type of help would be appropriate.

I will talk more about the options next time.

In the meantime, take a moment to be still now.

Inspiring Results

Thanks to everyone who participated in my survey after completing the first 30 days of The Stillness Experiment. I have some exciting results to share with you that will hopefully inspire you to continue the practice of stillness.

One hundred and eighty people participated in the survey. Of those, more than 80% are females who are 40 years of age or older. It would seem that stillness is more important to the baby boomer generation. - or perhaps that is just the market I reach.

I have summarized some of the results here along with a couple of bar graphs for those of you who are more visual; they are quite dramatic.

Many people just dabbled in the experiment .... trying it out a few times but not really keeping up with it. The interesting news is, that even when people just tried the One Minute Meditation (tm) a few times, over 40% experienced a significant increase in their peace of mind when they did it. That was an unexpected result.

Did the One Minute Meditation a Few Times Over 30 Days
Click on image to view larger


Click on image to view larger.

And,it should come as no surprise that when people did the One Minute Meditation (tm) more often (3-5 times/a day), the results were significantly better. Nearly 90% experienced greater peace. Also more people saw significant improvement in their ability to deal with stress better, be in the flow more and access their intuition and creativity and connect with their higher source.

I should note that of the people who did the One Minute Meditation (tm) 3-5 times/day, 70% of them also did the 5 minute meditation 2-4 times/week. But let's add that up, a 5 minute meditation plus 3-5 one minute meditations per day is no more than 10 minutes a day throughout your day spent meditating. Ten minutes a day can and often does result in significant improvement in peace of mind.

Did the One Minute Meditation(tm) 3-5 times/day
(70% also did 5 min. meditation 2-4 times/week)
Click on image to view larger


Click on image to view larger.

So, does that you to do these short meditations more. Whether they be your meditations or mine?

What is the ability to handle stress and peace of mind worth to you? Is it worth 10 minutes/day?

Stay tuned for some inspiring comments from those who completed the first 30 days of the Stillness Experiment.

In the meantime take one minute to be still right now.

And let us know how you are doing.

Back in the Saddle

I have been away on vacation for the past week. I fully admit that I took time off from the formal stillness experiment while I was gone. I was celebrating a friend's 60th birthday and then added on time to spend in the mountains of North Carolina.

The location where we stayed is at the end of a road and hugged by the mountains. Talk about stillness. It is awesome.

When I would take time to be with the mountains and the peace, the feeling was very much the same as when I take time to be still inside myself. Sure the scenery was different :) But the feeling is similar.

The thing is you can't carry the mountains around with you but you can take a moment to be still anywhere. It was a great reminder.

Take a moment now to be still. If you have fallen off the saddle, there is no time like the present to get back on.

While I was gone, a couple of people mentioned getting dizzy when doing the eye scan. If that is your experience, I recommend trying 2 things: 1) drink a class of water first 2) try doing the eye scan at a slower pace and see if that helps.

Let us know how you are doing and what support you need.



Warmly,
Stacey

What is Your Why?

It is important to remember what is available when we are still. It is so easy to forget; to allow other things to take precedence, to think we do not need it -- that we have everything handled (that's my ego's favorite excuse).

When I am still, it is easy to remember why I want this. Because it is deliciously wonderful, and peaceful and I want to stay here forever and I think that I will.

But when I am busy with other things or my body aches, I think everything else is more important.

But really, is anything else more important than our own peace, than being in touch with our own essence?

Being still does not preclude being productive, rather the reverse is true, when we are still, things happen with more ease.

Why do you want to be still? Why did you sign up for this experiment? Get back in touch with your why and you will naturally resume being still. Or better yet, get still first. Do the 5 minute or the one minute meditation. Then ask yourself, why do I want more of this?

Let us know what you discover.

Forward, backward and forward again

Well I lost a little momentum here due to lack of sleep. I have been sleeping on the couch due to my shoulder injury and it has become increasingly more uncomfortable as the couch springs are just not made for sleeping. Therefore, I have been getting up late and napping in the afternoon.
Tough to be productive that way :(

I also fell out of step with my meditations for a couple of days there. It really does make a difference for me when I start out the day with the five minute meditation. It gets my body and mind in a good place and just sets the stage for continuing every hour. I am pretty much back on track now.

The good news is that my shoulder is healing well and I made up for any lost time from re-injury by doing some energy work on it. I actually get to take the sling off when I am at home now and am able to type with 2 hands for short periods of time. You have know idea how much easier that makes it for me to write this. It took about ten times as long using the voice recognition software as there were so many errors to correct.

I am getting the feedback that the one minute meditations really make a difference for people when we do them. So just a reminder to do them :) Even if you don't do it every hour, it still helps.

If you have gotten off track, then you can easily get back on track. There is no time like the present.

I will be exploring other structures to support people in this and would love to hear your ideas. Feel free to post anonymously if you prefer.

Warmly,
Stacey

over 700 people and growing

I am thrilled that over 700 people are now participating in the stillness experiment. I am also delighted at the responses I am hearing both on the blog and by e-mail, and in talking with people. It seems that the people who are doing the experiment are really loving it.

Personally I find that it gets easier and more pleasurable as I go along. There are still some times when I resist doing it, especially when I'm busy. But for the most part, I do it and the pleasure far outweighs having to take a minute out of my day.

I have also found that because my shoulder is out of alignment, that when I get adjusted, then of course my energy flows more, and I am able to go deeper into that place of stillness.

And I've been clearing some deep emotional stuff that was underneath my shoulder injury.
Of course, when I am confronted with this deeper emotional stuff, it is harder to get still but still helpful when I do it. And after I clear it, then it is oh so much easier.

So the meditations are great and helpful, and if you have emotional stuff or just resistance coming up, you may want to consider using some other tools in conjunction with the meditation.

Later on in the month we will be talking about taking a deeper dip into stillness so stay tuned for that.

In the mean time, I am curious about those of you who signed up that.I haven't heard from.
I am learning that some of you are just doing it at your own pace and not commenting, which is fine. Most of the comments I've gotten have been positive. So I am also wondering if there are those of you who having challenges who fear being vulnerable and sharing those challenges.

That is okay too and undestandable, but please know that if you are having challenges you are not alone. And be willing to look at what it is that get in the way, what your patterns are and be willing to be curious about what tools are available to help you on this journey.

I love Eckhart Tolle's books. And it sounds so simple when he talks about it but it is not always that simple. And many of you have said that these meditations are working very well for you in conjunction with reading his book. If you have not read A New Earth, I think you would find that very helpful.


Wishing you much peace and stillness,

Stacey

What Else is Possible with Stillness?

Yesterday I talked about the fact that stillness is not a panacea. Today, I would like to focus on what is possible as a result of being still and connected to your inner source.

Many of you have written comments saying how much more calm and relaxed you feel. Even when you are not doing themeditations regularly many of you are experiencing this wonderful, delicious benefit of being still.

And I am starting to see examples of other things you are noticing and am having more wonderful experiences myself.

Here are some examples:
One client had a big breakthrough this week after being still. She got clarity on the career direction she wants to go in. She was led to this idea after reading a couple of chapters in I Can't Believe I Get Paid to Do This and noticing what was missing for her. And she also did some clearing of what was in the way using the letting go of the money struggle program. So there was definitely a combination of things that led to her clarity. Often getting quiet, is just the first step that leads to the other steps we need to deal to get the answers we desire.

Another client experienced an increase in energy every time she does the one minute meditation. This is a big boost to someone who is recovering from a long-term illness

And I read a recent post of someone who was feeling overwhelmed with too much to do, and after meditating, one of her big projects was canceled, giving her the time she needed to take care of other things.

For me I am starting to notice some really fun things. I have been seeking ways to build my own immune system and was led to this wonderful energy script that boosted my immune system by seven points in just five minutes. I am able to measure the efficiency of my immune system using kinesiology. Isn't that cool!

On another note, I'm going to a friends birthday bash in western North Carolina next month and was led to stay at my favorite earth berm house in Asheville even though it is 45 minutes or more away from the party. It's the first time I have ever tried to negotiate a deal and the owner came back with an even lower price than I suggested :-) Talk about feeling right

All of these things and more are possible, from a place of stillness. Notice where you are being led to clarity, where there is more flow and where miracles are showing up. And let us know.


Note that meditation is one tool. It is also important to take care of your body, giving it a healthy diet, rest and exercise. More about that later.

A Panacea?

Yesterday I received an e-mail from a subscriber who was concerned, because they thought stillness was a panacea and had not been able to attain that.

Let me say that I do not believe that stillness, or certainly this experiment is a panacea. And in my 51 years, I have not found any single thing to be a cure-all.

I believe that these meditative practices and structure are a tool to help you be more in a moment, more of the time. And they help you to feel more peaceful, more of the time.

And as a result of being more peaceful and more in a moment, with less chatter in in our heads, there is more space to recognize our patterns, things that get in the way, our intuition, gain clarity and many more helpful things.

When an issue or a block is deep, then I have other tools that I use to clear the blocks that I have identified from this place of stillness. Those of you who are in my life transformation tools and more program may want to take out some of those tools now if you find you are either resisting stillness, not finding time for it, or have identified patterns in your way as a result of being still.

And even now when I have this big box of tools that work very well, sometimes I need an outside perspective or outside help. And each time I get outside help, I learn more tools that I can use both for myself and to teach others.

Some of you are under the mis-perception that I am totally trying to heal my arm with the stillness meditations. That is not the case. The stillness helps to relax the muscles in my arm so there is not as much pain, and it also helps me to be more in a moment and more conscious so I can take better care of my arm, and also identify any emotional causes related to this injury.

But please note that I am seeing a chiropractor, who is helping me through adjustments and exercises to hopefully heal this arm and shoulder without surgery. And if it turns out I need surgery, then that is what I will do. And I am also working to identify and heal any emotional causes.(I believe strongly in the mind-body connection)

So know that my hope is that you find these meditations and the structure very helpful and that you gain a variety of benefits from it, but it is mot a panacea.

Let us know what you are noticing and remember to be kind and patient with yourself. Being still requires a strong commitment to it, but that's a subject for another day.