In The Zone

"Wow – what an amazing film!” My first words after seeing the powerful and visually stunning film, Avatar, in 3D. The movie was so powerful on many levels—working through physical, emotional and spiritual planes. I was totally engaged. In fact, it took me about 30 minutes to come back to my “reality”.

That feeling of engagement is when you are connected to the energy inside you—the feeling of being fully present and balanced... whether induced by a film, book, or even just a conversation with a good friend or loved one. When you are engaged you are immersed. Being in this state is often termed concentration, but it can also be considered bliss, flow, or what is commonly referred to as being “in the zone”. You do it all the time, but you probably didn’t consciously realize it.

Now you can choose to be engaged in negative or positive energy. Connecting with negative feelings will bring more negative energy, so rather than ignore negative things simply acknowledge them but refuse to play. Avoid negativity by turning your focus to those things (and people!) that are positive and nourishing. Keep your zone clear!

So let’s focus on positive zones. What types are there? If you happen to be drawing, painting, writing, or building something you might be in the Creative Zone. So what about some of the others?

·       Cleaning Zone: How many times do you get the inspiration to clean and suddenly find yourself cleaning a closet, rearranging an entire room, or scrubbing the crusted food off your stovetop? It may help you to be inspired by playing your favorite music or wearing your favorite shirt, but you are definitely engaged in the activity. Suddenly, cleaning is fun and you’re being productive at the same time. Bonus!

·       Reading Zone: You happen to pick up a book, magazine, or newspaper, and you are suddenly drawn into the story or articles. You can feel the emotions, identify with the people/characters, and almost feel the environment surrounding the events of which you are reading. The words seem to transform your current state of consciousness and you "lose yourself". This temporary escape can be fascinating and help you to take a much-needed break. Try it!

·       Spiritual Zone: Often referred to as a state of meditation or deep relaxation, you can detach from your physical and mental forms (body & mind) in order to reconnect with your soul (spirit). In this zone ideas come and go freely, and there is no judgment—it’s all good. With practice it’s quite easy to enter this zone through Deep Breathing, Yoga, Tai Chi, Rebirthing, Guided Meditation, Hypnosis, or Bodywork (including massage, Reiki, and healing touch). Being in the spiritual zone helps put your energy back into alignment, and alignment assist you with your passion and purpose.

·       Physical Zone: Have you ever been completely unmotivated to perform a certain task (i.e., mow the lawn), but once you got off your rear, started moving, and “just did it” you realized your body’s natural energy started to increase? As your blood warms your muscles you naturally begin to emit more energy and you start becoming “energized”. Pretty soon you have forgotten about everything except for mowing that lawn! It’s awesome. Exercise also induces this state of flow, especially when you add your favorite music :o) Remember: when you respond to your body, your body responds to you.

·       Musical Zone: Have you ever been swept away by tranquil classical music or instantly transported back in time by listening to a song? Then you've experience the Musical Zone. Music connects with the spiritual energy inside us and helps to create whatever feeling you need at the moment. In fact, melody and words can transform your mood and take you to a "different" place. It's very powerful.

Now there are other zones but my point is that entering into the zone—any zone—can stimulate your creativity, energize you, and refuel your tank. The most important thing is to get in the zone! Allow yourself to be immersed and feel the positive charge it can bring. And, above all else, have FUN.

Make it a great day,

The Ambassador

Goals or Intentions - What's the Difference?

At the beginning of each new year I always take time to sit down and list my goals for the upcoming year. These goals usually include a mix of career, personal, and family items - and they all contain an "amount" of some sort along with a time frame within which I want to accomplish the goal. For example, one of my goals for 2010 is to eliminate my personal inventory by 50% (reduce, reuse, recycle) by June 1st. This goal will help me follow my own advice and get organized, and by setting this goal with a specific date suddenly makes it measurable. You can do this, too! It's a great way to know what to focus on for the upcoming year.

Now, goal setting was the perfect activity for my mind, but once I had completed my "10 Goals for 2010", my spirit wanted to follow that action by creating intentions. What's the difference? I'm glad you asked. While my favorite web site, Dictionary.com, defines a goal as, "The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective," intention is defined as, "the end or object intended; purpose." The mind creates an objective; the spirit creates a purpose. Similar, yet unique in their own ways. For example, one of my intentions for 2010 is that I will create more deep and meaningful relationships with others - old friends and new ones. I then added more detail to my intention by describing the types of relationships I want to create and what the result will be from those relationships, but not so much in chronological time (like my goals), but in spiritual time (when they manifest). Plus, at the end of each intention I add, "...this or something better," reminding me that my intentions are adding to the creative momentum that my life takes which could very well lead me to even better things! So it goes.

Another important aspect of setting intentions is to make them for yourself. Whereas goals may include the cooperation and support of others to reach, intentions are "intended" to be for your own growth and development - they cause a change internally. By paying attention to your inner self you make the important personal investment in your own growth and development. Let others be free to create for themselves!

So why did I find it so important to perform both goal and intention-setting activities this year? Because I am practicing the art of the balance factor - engaging my mind, body and my spirit - allowing me to access my deepest truths and assist me in making the best (and highest) possible choices. It's a wonderful growing experience and I always learn more by trying new things!

This week, try setting goals and intentions for yourself in 2010 and make this year a time of transformation, resolution and creative manifestation. Why not? It all begins with you.

Be Well,

The Ambassador