An important thing to understand is you cannot change without changing...Changing means taking different actions and forming different habits. It requires vigilance.      ~ Nanette Kenyon

The year is galloping to a close, and there is still so much to do!  If you're like most of us, you might be starting to panic about everything that has yet to be done before the month is over. Your ego mind might be accusing you of procrastination and disapproving of all the choices you make. I encourage you to pause and allow your wise mind to take over. Then choose to stop disapproving of yourself and instead give yourself some love and approval. Most of the time procrastination and disapproval are simply signs that we have some unexplored Resistance to move through.

Resistance can be defined as opposition to force(s) real or imagined. This definition implies that there is something we need to defend against. I am beginning to see that Resistance is only and always a creation of my ego mind, which is desperately trying to control me and the universe, while simultaneously blocking the natural flow of life energy (also known as Chi or Prana).  In the body Resistance may manifest as a cold or flu, back pain, difficulty breathing, or exhaustion. Mentally, thinking can get foggy and we may have difficulty focusing. Emotionally we may experience depression, guilt, anxiety, anger, grief or even apathy. Escaping into over-eating, excessive alcohol or drug use, sleeping, or compulsive shopping (so easy to do at this time of the year) are other signs of Resistance.

For me the question really is: What am I Resisting? Is it meeting a deadline, completing a project, or making that difficult phone call? Or is it something deeper? What if Resistance is just a program in our unconscious mind that is designed to prevent us from seeing the truth of who we are: magnificent beings with unlimited capacities! That might explain why it is most often emerges when were are moving forward, gaining momentum,  achieving our goals, and beginning to be experience happiness, joy, and peace.

So how do we work with Resistance? From the inside out. As a coach and mentor I guide my clients to deeply examine what matters to them. This inquiry lays the foundation for them to envision a life brimming with meaning and purpose, design do-able goals, and easily move into action. When they start to encounter Resistance our real work begins! Coaching combined with The Release Technique^® enables you to learn how to welcome Resistance in all its guises, so that you can let it go. This takes courage, determination and what Lester Levinson calls 'imperturbability' - a decision to remain calm and unwavering, no matter what arises. And the rewards are immeasurable. Life becomes easier, pressure melts away, business thrives, money appears from unexpected sources, addictions relinquish their hold, relationships deepen, happiness becomes an ongoing experience, and gratitude replaces fear and insecurity.
 
Would you like to experience this for yourself? Here is a little exercise adapted from the Release Technique¹:

If you find yourself procrastinating and experiencing some of the manifestations of Resistance - like feeling exhausted, physical pain, or a lack of focus - ask yourself: "Am I experiencing some Resistance?" If the answer is yes, do not try to figure out what you're Resisting. Instead, allow your body to guide you. Notice if you feel tension or a sense of clutching in your belly, chest or throat. This is probably where the Resistance is blocking the flow of energy. Now imagine creating an opening over that blocked area. Focus on your breathing, and every time you exhale, picture, sense or feel the Resistance dissolving and moving out though the opening. The key is to allow. Do not force or push the Resistance, because it will push back. Instead, do your best to allow it to let go and naturally move through.  And then see how your day unfolds!

Contact me if you would like to experience The Release Technique with me!

~Linda

• When you need to clear your head, pause and imagine yourself being in one of your favorite places.

• If your boss or co-worker criticizes you, instead of reacting, give yourself some approval.

• First thing in the morning set a positive intention for your day.

• At your next meal, put down your fork after each bite and experience the taste, flavor, texture and pleasure of eating.

• Before you walk into a meeting, sense the floor under your feet and breathe.

Would you like to tell us how you pause in the middle of your busy day? Email us and we will share your tip in our next issue.

In this changing economy business leaders are being challenged to reduce costs. This sometimes requires cutting back on programs and staff.

Furthermore, research shows that executives who run addiction treatment facilities experience higher turnover rates than those in any other industry.²

Mounting pressure on any organization's team can increase the rate of:

• Stress
• Exhaustion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Decreased levels of work satisfaction
• Compassion Fatigue

And people are more likely to leave their jobs.

These half-hour stress reduction groups provide your staff with the tools and support they need to overcome these challenges, give themselves a much-needed break, and reinvigorate their passion and purpose.

If you are located in the Los Angeles area, Linda will travel to you. If you are outside the LA area, she will conduct the group as a teleconference!

For further information or to arrange an free introductory session:

1 - The Release® Technique: www.releasetechnique.com

2- Eby, L. T., McCleese, C. S., Owen, C., Baranik, L.E., & Lance, C. E. (October, 2007)

Email: info@lindalandon.com
Phone: (310) 202-6722
Fax: (310) 202-6685
Web: www.lindalandon.com
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