Department of Peace

As I read another story about the shooting by the teenager in Minneapolis, I am thinking about...what can I do as a mother of two young boys? What skills can I teach them, what values, what kind of vision can I co-create with them about embracing diversity and the gifts of other human beings?

Two things I would like to share. I love the work of Non-violent Communication, also known as Compassionate Communication. See their website www.cnvc.org

I've used many of the principles of non-violent communication in my own coaching and in workshops and in all my relationships, and it's amazing work. They have trainings, seminars and tons of resources for individuals and especially great resources for parents and teachers.

I would also like to share with you a video put out by The Peace Alliance. They are a group working to establish a Department of Peace. We have a Deaprtment of War why not have a small slice of the budget to help promote the development and use of non-violent tools and resolutions - domestically and internationally.

http://www.dopcampaign.org/history.htm

I like the idea of having alternatives available, education prevelant, and other options promoted and available in addition to our traditional militarist methods.

Warmly,

Laura

It's All About Love

As I go through life and work on my business....I am often reminded that is all really about love....loving yourself, loving others, loving our planet, loving the universe....

For a beautiful reminder click on this special power point from the creators of The Sedona Method.  (See my Resources Page on at www.joyfulmarketing.com for more information)

Special Flash messages on peace and love:
http://www.sedonamethod.com/message

Joyfully,

Laura

Free Music

I’m loving www.limewire.com

If you like music you can find lots of free downloads – just get the free version.  I finally got a copy of  “Under the Milky Way” by the Church, a favorite from my college days in the 80’s!  I also downloaded a bunch of U2 favorites.  If you haven't heard "Electric Storm" - it's amazing!  Not one of their more popular ones but it's really great!

What Rules Are You Creating?

This weekend my partner and I worked on revitalizing my guest bathroom. We hung up bead board painted a creamy white and painted the upper wall a beautiful shade of green – like a new blade of spring grass. Very zen-like to match the shower curtain I had already purchased.

This afternoon I finished up with my clients a little early and I knew I had some touchups I wanted to finish in the bathroom before I could put all the paint and supplies away. The touchups were in those awkward places where the green meets the white, little places around the mirror and the tub, etc…I ran to the small hardware store around the corner where they have these great older men who have probably done every DIY (do-it-yourself) project you can think of.  They are full of expertise and wisdom.

I stood in the paint brush aisle looking at all the professional brushes – an abundance of styles, sizes and textures. Then I eyed a pack of artist brushes.  Instinctively I knew they were perfect.  They were all different sizes for all those little spots, but I found myself standing there staring and second guessing myself. The thoughts running through my mind were…".These are artist’s brushes – I’m not an artist!  Can I really use these crafty brushes for something as big as painting a bathroom? I don’t know if I’m suppose to use these.  Surely there is something specifially designed for this?".….. Just then a kindly DIY expert came by and asked if he could help. I said, “Well, I’m just trying to decide on a paintbrush to do some touchups and hard to get to places.” Then he said the most freeing thing…”Just remember…there are no rules!  Just use what you feel comfortable using and what works for you.”

Wow – how liberating!  I didn’t even realize the limiting thoughts running through my head until he said that. My hesitancy was over and I bought the artist’s brushes. I happily have completed the bathroom paint project and it was so easy and funwith my wide variety of little brushes!! And, gee, I felt a little “artist-y, too!”

I really was awakened (once again) to how many times we make up rules in our lives and businesses. Rules about what we can and can’t do or we should do it like the professionals do it…..and the power of stopping and listening to that tingle of intuition that tells you the right answer immediately.  Stop, listen and allow yourself to go for what’s easy, natural and fun – for you!