My intention to record daily intentions on my blog has not manifested, not that intentions are not a daily practice for me, it has simply been a scheduling issue.
It is my practice to begin each day intentionally, taking a few precious moments before I get out of bed to consider the day in front of me, who will cross my path, what is on the schedule, and to decide how I want to ‘BE’ in each circumstance. All this said, my intentions are generally not recorded any other way, yet I know this to be a powerful practice.
Yesterday, I facilitated the second day of our most recent ME FIRST Retreat. I am immensely grateful for this work and the call to serve in this way. I believe that coaching saves lives, the notion of ‘waking up before we die’ much larger than I could have conceived it to be when I first began writing the book and delivering the ME FIRST programs.
As one participant described yesterday, “Following our first ME FIRST day something inside m cracked open. It’s like I am eating through the layers to finally finding myself for the first time. And when I started doing so, the relationships around me began to change too, with my husband and kids, even with my students. Being clear about what I want for me, opens the door for others as well.”
During the day I was also reminded of the Hawaiian tradition of Ho’oponopono, which means to make right, with the ancestors, or with the people with whom you have relationships. Ho’oponopono is a powerful forgiveness tool, which releases the energy that becomes tied up when we are unable to move forward in our relationships with others. In healing these relationships, we can call another person into our vision and then follow this simple four step process:
- Say I love you
- I’m sorry
- Please forgive me
- Thank you
So simple yet powerful. Check out the research which has been conducted in this regard. Better still try this yourself with a relationship that you want to shift.
As so often happens, my great teachers are those whom I teach. Rarely do I facilitate a retreat day without experiencing my own AHA’s, and I think this really is the essence of ME FIRST. To find that quiet space inside oneself and lay claim to it allows space for possibility, provides a new lens through which to view life, fosters clarity and builds relationships, not only with oneself, but with others. This is what has become clear to me!
Until next time…
Betty