Things I Love Thursdays: Downton Abbey & Soul Collages
Soul Collage created from Vision Retreat with Heather Gray & Sue Rasmussen
Today is Thursday, which is fast becoming my favorite day of the week since I began the practice of TILT (Things I Love Thursdays).
While I make it a point each day to reflect upon the things for which I am grateful, there’s something powerful about writing it down, and sharing it with you, then hearing what YOU are grateful for each week (because, in reading your posts, I’m reminded of even more of the ordinary moments that make life sweet and spectacular).
So here we go…my gratitude list for this week, and this moment, from the silly to the sublime:
- Downton Abbey. It’s been a long time since I felt this way about a television show—it’s all that’s best about entertainment for me. Fantastic writing, superb acting, interesting plot twists, great character development, immersion in another time and place. And, because this drama begins in 1912, at the beginning of a period that marked massive change in British society, I find myself musing about all the parallels between that point in time and now, and how we might respond to the massive changes we are facing. Great stuff. (yes, the season is over, which means now I get to watch it all again as I wait for next season)
- The restorative and integrative healing session I had today with Marilyn Eagen, the Hormone Harmonizer (you’d better believe these hormones needed some harmonizing…)
- That I actually love living with a teenager (thanks to our daughter Maddie, who makes me laugh and think every day)
- That I laughed so hard I cried at dinner with David and the girls this week, over something silly
- The Vision Retreat I did with Heather Gray & Sue Rasmussen, the resulting “soul collage” (see above) and all the possibilities bubbling in my life, from my book launch at the Healthy Planet Expo next week, to the workshop in Ireland I have planned for this summer, to several intriguing teaching projects that may be emerging, to the ways I’m feeling pulled to hold a space for healing the heart of democracy
- That even the difficult news I heard this week, as I do every week, about someone I am connected with facing something hard (that’s life, yes?) reminds me of what a gift it is to love.
I could go on and on…but I’d rather leave some space for YOU! Please jump into the exquisite dance of gratitude with me. I’d love to hear what you are appreciating today…
With gratitude for your presence in my life,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
http://Facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Email this postThings I Love Thursdays: Possibilities
It’s time to TILT: Things I Love Thursdays
Bring on the gratitude!
Swim in appreciation!
Today I’m loving:
- The meeting I had yesterday with the brilliant Jill Stratton and a potential partner for bringing Noirin Ni Riain and Owen and Moley O’Suilleabhain (aka Size2Shoes) back to St. Louis this fall. A wonderful reminder that it is grand fun to be in possibility, because I’m just so excited to collaborate with creative and fun people. It’s all about the journey…
- Rediscovering coffee. Yes, I still love my tea! (Earl Grey. Hot. –Nod to Captain Picard–And Irish Breakfast too). AND knowing that I can drink coffee again without feeling sick means that I’ve finally resolved the trauma of lawyering at The Firm, when I drank coffee to survive. The taste of it used to make me weak with despair…
- This fine, soft drizzly day. Reminds me of Ireland!
- My honey is coming home tonight. And that I still love when he comes home to us.
What are you loving today, my friend? Please share with us!
Peace of this ordinary, exquisite day to you,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
http://Facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Tweaks for Transformation–the TV version
A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article about Tweaks for Transformation. This week I went on Great Day St. Louis Television to talk about the four simple shifts that can create powerful change in your life.
I’m getting positive feedback from people who are already incorporating these “tweaks” into their lives. I’d love to hear how they work for you!
You can watch the short video here:
http://www.kmov.com/great-day-st-louis/Tweaks-for-Transformation-138965594.html
Enjoy and let me know about your shifts!
Blessings,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
http://facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Things I love Thursdays: Space
It’s time for TILT: Things I Love Thursdays…
This week I’m feeling especially grateful for:
- that sweet quiet space left in my home after Bridget gets on the bus following a trying morning, knowing that things will be better between us when I see her this afternoon
- the blush slice of light in the sky
- being able to laugh with David at how imperfect we are as parents, even in the midst of loving our kids more than life
- hearing Maddie’s teachers tell us what an amazing person she is at conferences last night (we already knew this; still, it’s nice to know that others see it too)
- knowing that I get to spend time with Carrie Newcomer and Parker Palmer at their Healing the Heart of Democracy events this weekend
- that Maddie, Bridget and I drove away from an encounter with a two trailer semi truck on I-70 last Friday with no scratches except the ones on my car
What little spaces of sweetness, contentment and hope are filling your heart this morning? Please share!
Namaste,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
http://Facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Things I Love Thursdays: Birdsong
It’s Thursday, time for TILT: Things I Love Thursdays.
What are you appreciating today?
Here’s my list this week:
- Birdsong on my walk in the late afternoon light.
- My Mastermind Group friends: Bill, Tom, Dafna, Jeremy, Caren & Dixie, for celebrating with me and supporting me in making my dreams come true.
- Liz, my book designer, for creating a magnificent cover and helping me make the interior look good.
- The feeling of my first book in my hands.
- My friend Sue, whom I will be visiting this weekend.
- A road trip with my girls.
Gratitude expands your heart and makes space for more joy to come into your life.
What do you love today? Please share with us here and help us remember the little things that make life lovely!
Abundant Blessings,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
http://facebook.com/kimberlyvschneider
Four Ways to Renew Yourself
Happy Imbolc!
February 1st is the first day of the ancient Celtic season of Imbolc, or spring. It’s a time of hope, promise and renewal, the season to ask “what seeds are stirring deep inside of me?”
In honor of Imbolc today we’ll talk about four simple ways to renew yourself. These aren’t major overhauls, they are “tweaks to transformation,” four simple shifts that can lead to big changes over time.
Before we get to the four Imbolc renewal tips, three quick announcements for you:
- Some love for you: Valentine’s Day is coming, so I wanted to offer a gift, from my heart to yours…10% discount on any coaching package (business or personal coaching) purchased between now and February 14th! Email me at support@kimberlyschneider.com if you’d like me to send you the info on coaching packages.
- Group Discount for This Summer’s Ireland Trip The next Dancing on the Edge: A Celtic Soul Experience in Western Ireland workshop is scheduled for June 23-30, 2012. Registration deadline: March 27; Small groups of 5 people or more receive a 10% discount! Trip Details: www.KimberlySchneider.com/trips Email me if you want to take advantage of the group discount.
- Everything You Need Is Right Here: Five Steps to Manifesting Magic and Miracles For those who’ve been asking: “when can I get your book in paperback?” The wait is almost over! I’ll be at the Healthy Planet Expo in St. Louis on March 4 launching the book (come say hello and I’ll sign one for you!) and it will also be available that week on Amazon; coming soon to bookstores too.
OK, on to the renewal tips!
In ancient Celtic countries, Imbolc was the season of Brigid/Bridget, the Goddess who later became a Christian saint. Brigid governed poetry, healing and fire. A triune diety, Brigid renewed herself at Imbolc, transforming from the crone of winter to the maiden of spring.
Why is this relevant to you, right now?
Renewal is one of the great promises of life. It’s a concept that says hey, no matter what has happened, no matter who you’ve been, something new is possible. And that is pretty exciting, isn’t it?
So ask yourself: where in my life could I use some renewal?
You may have some terrific renewal ideas, without any help from me (I’d love to hear them!) If you are looking for some simple ways to create renewal this spring, here are four, one each for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of your life.
Physical: One Fresh Whole Food Per Meal Add at least one fresh fruit or vegetable to each meal. For instance, cut up an apple for your oatmeal (or eat it on your way to work), stop at the salad bar for lunch, and, if you’re going to do a drive through meal on the way home, pick up some pepper strips or cherry tomatoes at lunch to save for dinner.
Emotional: Appreciation Before you get out of bed in the morning, identify at least one person, thing or situation enhancing your life right now and spend 60 seconds just breathing and allowing yourself to feel gratitude.
Mental: Mini Breaks Take three two to five minute breaks during the day to move your body—walk up and down the stairs or around the block, stretch or put on some music and dance around. Are you crazy busy? Then you need even more breaks. Just set a timer when you take them so you can assure yourself you’ll be right back to work. You’ll return refreshed and more clear to tackle your projects.
Spiritual: Be the Change Choose one quality to embody this year and live it every day. Want a more peaceful world? Be peace. Want more love in your life? Be loving. Want more abundance? Give freely of yourself. Be the change you want to see in the world.
I’d love to know how you are renewing yourself this season!
Meanwhile, if coaching with me or coming to Ireland this summer might be part of your renewal, please email me to request more information on the coaching package savings or small group discounts.
Blessings of the growing light to you,
kimberly
The Manifestation Maven
http://www.KimberlySchneider.com
http://facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Things I love Thursdays…
My friend Jill started a practice on Facebook that I loved and have since adopted: TILT (Things I Love Thursdays).
It’s a fun little way to reflect on what we’re appreciating at a particular moment in time.
This morning I woke up thinking that I ought to start sharing these on my blog, and perhaps inspire some of you to share what you appreciate each week.
So, even though it’s Friday, here we go with the first blog TILT, which I shared yesterday on Facebook:
TILT: Things I love Thursdays…
- Going back to sleep for a couple hours when I really need it, like I did this morning
- Remembering my Dad’s laughter
- Celebrating my Mom’s new job with our Celtic group last night at a powerful ritual for Imbolc
- The sense of hope and possibility that pervades my life.
And, since it is now Friday, I’ll add another few:
- Carrie Newcomer’s music (just added another digital album to my files);
- The bright blessings of friends who have known me long and well and love me anyway (two of whom have birthdays today)
I’d love to hear what people, situations and experiences are filling your heart with joy today, want to share?
And if you’re on Facebook, I hope you’ll connect with me at my Conscious Manifestation community page there:
http://facebook.com/KimberlyVSchneider
Blessings to you today and always,
kimberly schneider
The Manifestation Maven
You’re Already Perfect…
I want to introduce you to two friends who have brought joy, peace, and health to me. Each of these women has, in her own way, helped restore a sense of wholeness to my life.
Before we talk about Janie and Becky though, let’s take a moment to remind ourselves who we really are…
If you follow pop culture, it might be easy to decide that there’s something wrong with you.
After all, we are constantly being bombarded with the message that we are either “too much” of this or “not enough” of that.
Too fat. Too loud. Too short. Too tall. Too smart. Too opinionated. Too shy.
Not pretty enough. Not funny enough. Not hip enough. Not smart enough. Not…normal enough.
And of course, there’s always a remedy for what you’re lacking or what you need to remove: this car, this makeup, this diet, this method or this designer label will transform you into an icon of coolness (or normal-ness, if that’s what you’re after…)
For only $19.99. Or $199. Or $1,999.99.
And you even get a bonus of a free ginsu knife, but only if you order now.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a new product or system or solution—as long as you know you don’t really need the product—or the bonus–to be the glorious expression of creative energy you already are.
As one of my poems says:
Here is the truth now:
(you might want to sit down for this).
You are never going to die.
You are a Cosmic Creator,
masquerading as a creation.
And all these dress rehearsals
for you illusory demise,
all these lavish lacerations
of your carefully crafted ego,
are invitations
to step into your eternality.
(from the poem Advice for Psyche).
You’re already perfect.
One of my friends, Janie Oelke, feels so strongly about this idea that she named her healing business “Already Perfect.” Her message is so gentle, so compassionate and so wonderfully healing! I think you’ll enjoy reading about Janie and her work (and finding out about her free initial consultations) at http://alreadyperfect.net/
And by the way, if you happen to live in the St. Louis area, Janie and Already Perect are offering a two hour class on
7 Gifts to Reconnect with Your Soul on Sunday, January 22; for more information you can email Janie@AlreadyPerfect.net.
My friend and coaching client
Becky Bishop,
The Healthy Food Fashionista, www.HealthyFoodFashionista.com, empowers families to heal their relationship with food.
Real food. Whole food. The food our planet has always provided for us. It was already perfect.
Who knew?
Through Becky’s eBooks and blog I have learned that food doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, nature provides everything we need to enjoy tasty, healthy and simple meals—in the form of whole foods. Becky’s wisdom has taught me to rejoice in BUTTER and other naturally fat foods again (and guess what—they are GOOD for you, when you eat them as a compliment to nutrient dense vegetables and fruits). And she’s got me COOKING and enjoying it—an amazing feat!
But even if you know whole foods can dramatically change your family’s health and well being, how can you realistically incorporate whole foods into a household that is used to eating from the microwave or the drive-through bag?
Becky has a simple solution. She’s offering a 6-week L.E.A.N. online course to help your family easily (and joyfully) transition to tastier, healthier meals. The registration deadline for the course is Sunday, January 15, so check it out right away if you know you want to incorporate nature’s “already perfect” foods into your family’s way of eating this year:
http://healthyfoodfashionista.com/lso/index.htm
Whether or not you decide to follow Janie’s work, or Becky’s, I hope you’ll take a moment to feel appreciation in your heart for them today, as I have, for reminding us that we already are already perfect.
There’s nowhere else to go, nothing else to do, no one else to be.
Everything you need is right here.
Abundant Blessings,
Kimberly
The Manifestation Maven
http://facebook.com/kimberlyvschneider
What to Do in Precarious Times
Most of us try to avoid precarious situations.
Steering clear of loss, injury, or death seems like a natural thing to do.
The thing is, though, loss is part of life. We can’t avoid it.
And some part of who we are is dying all the time. We just like to pretend it isn’t happening.
But it’s getting a bit harder to pretend, isn’t it?
We’re experiencing massive change as a species right now.
Our institutions are crumbling.
Our understanding of the world is unraveling.
Many of beliefs we never questioned now seem…questionable.
We are living in precarious times.
And maybe that’s exactly what we need.
Maybe our species needs an evolutionary shakeup to allow us to become who we were designed to be. Precarious times allow us to expand our potential.
After all,
Would Harry Potter ever have understood his own brilliance, had he not been marked with that lightning shaped scar?
Would Janeway have been such a dynamic, innovative captain if her crew had remained in the Alpha Quadrant?
Would Frodo have been a hero had he never left the Shire?
(Apologies if you are lost by my references to the Harry Potter series, The Lord of the Rings and Star Trek Voyager).
I believe that, as Clarissa Pinkola Estes says, “we were made for these times.”
So, what do you do when you are living through precarious times?
Show up for your life.
Be present.
Get conscious.
Pay attention.
Wake up.
Watch for inspiration.
There’s a blessing for you in this moment, if you’ll be open to it.
Everything you need is right here.
And speaking of that, my book, Everything You Need Is Right Here: Mastering the Art of Conscious Manifestation, is finally available, in digital form. You can get it right now, along with my new audiobook of original poetry called Terrible Beauty: Poems and Reflections for Precarious Times.
I’m offering both titles, together, right now for only $9.97.
Just go here to download them instantly (you’ll also get directions for reading the book on your Kindle or iPad, if that is your preference):
http://www.kimberlyschneider.com/go/
Thanks to all who have supported me in bringing these two works into form. It has been a labor of love, and I never could have done it without the help and encouragement of so many!
I hope you will join me in celebrating the release of Everything You Need Is Right Here: Mastering the Art of Conscious Manifestation and Terrible Beauty: Poems and Reflections for Precarious Times, and that you will help me spread the word about them.
http://www.kimberlyschneider.com/go/
With heartfelt appreciation,
kimberly
The Manifestation Maven
www.KimberlySchneider.com
http://facebook.com/kimberlyvschneider
Peace on Earth Looks Like This
At this magical time of the year when light is reborn from the darkness, it is common to wish for peace on earth.
Do you ever wonder if “Peace on Earth” could really happen?
I believe it can, and it will.
In fact, peace on earth could happen at any moment: as soon as we imagine that possibility and begin living it in our own lives.
Peace on earth begins with the peace we create in our own hearts.
True peace, the miraculous peace that transforms lives and planets, is a state of being. It erupts spontaneously when we create a discipline of reconnecting with our Source again and again and again.
Whether you call that Source God, Spirit, Christ, Higher Self, Wisdom, Adonai, Buddha, Allah, The Universe, Energy, or Goddess is irrelevant. It’s what you experience when you are in touch with the transcendent that matters.
I know that when I am in that place, I’m able to forgive myself, and make a space for all the uncomfortable and ugly parts of who I am.
I have compassion for my humanness.
I can love my messy self and my messy life.
And I remember that everyone around me is doing her or his best to muddle through this sometimes bewildering existence.
Peace on earth looks like this:
- Offering a compassionate presence to your own pain.
- Noticing the urge to smooth out the rough edges in your life, and then letting it go.
- Reminding yourself what you love about your partner next time you feel irritated.
- Making space for your child to be who she or he is, not who you want them to be.
- Praying for the people who have hurt you (which may or may not include allowing them an ongoing place in your life).
- Forgiving yourself.
- Remembering that every person you encounter is both an expression of the Divine, and a mirror of your Self.
- Allowing yourself to imagine something more than you’ve known.
Peace on earth begins with us.
Whatever holy days you celebrate this season,
May the seeds of Peace take root in your heart and bloom in your life all year.
kimberly
The Manifestation Maven
http://facebook.com/kimberlyvschneider
P.S. The digital versions of my book, Everything You Need Is Right Here: Mastering the Art of Conscious Manifestation and my audiobook Terrible Beauty: Poems and Reflections for Precarious Times will be available next week, and you can download BOTH for under $10. Look for an email after Christmas.
