The Journey Continues

It has been one week since taking flight. Part of me  is still flying while another part of me rests in disbelief – did I really jump from a plane? Three days after the jump our evidence arrived – the videotape of our experience. Other than the usual critique on how I looked in full flight gear (especially the helmet), I remain in awe as I see the door open and each person jump. In the final moments before my leap of faith I am staring into the camera unaware that I am being filmed, in full concentration and focused on positioning myself. I hear the staccato one-two-three and then see me disappear out the door ass over teakettle as we do our back flip. It takes my breath away as I watch it and yes, I feel the sense of exhilaration take hold of every muscle in my body. Both Jim and I enjoyed watching the evidence and I am sure will re-visit this many times as we share it with friends.

Since then, friends and acquaintances have asked my if my fear of falling is now gone? I can’t say for sure. In those moments before jumping I was extraordinarily calm and it is that feeling I want to hold onto, to call it in whenever I am facing fear and let the calmness guide me. Will this be a challenge? It’s too early to tell and I feel like I have a strategy, a new tool in my arsenal of  choices.

Then the next question – what’s next on the bucket list? It’s time for an update and there is one small bucket list item that I plan to knock off fairly soon, one that is not as dramatic. I want a small tatoo of a flying heart over my left shoulder. I will keep you posted!

Critic to Coach
I have been playing with a new idea : From Critic to Coach. The idea has come up in conversation with my coaching clients as a side bar to re-programming the message of our self-critic. Several of my clients have noted that part of the critic’s voice is simply there to watch out for them and that perhaps not all of his/her messages are negative or damaging. I wanted to give this consideration. It occurred to me that while the critic’s message is less than ideal for most of us, it is based on old beliefs which no longer serve us and may be outdated. That said elements of the message may be valid albeit they need re-framing. The question simply stated is: Is your critic’s message spirit building or spirit depleting? If you wanted to shift it from spirit depleting (critic’s voice) to spirit building (coach’s voice) what would that sound like?

My thinking on all of this is that we do need to acknowledge the critic but we don’t have to believe her. We can value what she has to offer and challenge the message. We can re-frame the offering in a way that serves us and builds us up rather than diminishing us.

I would love to have your comments on this idea. It is the seed of a new work book associated with ME FIRST. Your thoughts?

Goddess Camp
For those of you living locally, we will be hosting the second annual Goddess Camp on August 28th, 2010. Join is for a day or reflection and intention.

Until next time….

Betty