Where do you see God?

I love church.  I love the people and community, I love hearing the sermon, singing the songs and reciting The Affirmation of Faith and The Lord's Prayer.  I love taking a moment of peace to pray amongst others in prayer.  It's quite beautiful to think of people all in union together speaking to God and sharing their most intimate thoughts, hopes, dreams, regrets, fears and love for each other, their community and our world.  If for only a minute, negativity moves away and a conversation of love, commitment and forgiveness takes place.

So, if I love church so much, why aren't I going?

After spending many years working in churches, it was important to step away.  At first, it was important to step away because it can be confusing for a congregation to have the person they formally expected things from to now be in a different role.  And confusing and frustrating for their replacement.  Then I recognized it was important for me.  I needed time to take a breath and truly discover what I believe and where my spiritual connection was leading me.  

What I have, and am discovering is that being a person without a church home is not easy.  Especially if you've always had a church home. Going from one church to the next to find the right fit can be disheartening.  I've talked to people who love contemporary and non-demoninational. They love the band and the larger than life production. They love the bigness and the lessons taught about everyday living.  I've talked to people who love the smaller more intimate church, that can sometimes feel like you've stepped back in time.  The sermons connected deeply in scripture and the service filled with well know affirmations and prayers.  I've talked to people who say their spirituality is best felt in nature. As they walk, hike or sit and pray and see the world as God formed it for us.  And others, connect through television ministry.  They like watching or listening in their home, privately. Just because that is where they are most comfortable or because of an illness or other challenge that does not allow them to attend a church physcially.

So...now my challenge is to determine where do I feel feed by the spirit. For me, it is a multitude of things. It is a small to mid-size church that is rich in tradition.  It is a place with faces that become familiar over time because you've connected to them each Sunday.  It is a place where I can volunteer and make a difference for the church, the community and the world.  It is a place that has intimate Bible study groups. It is a place with laughter and tears and a deep sense of family.  But, I also need a place of quiet connection.  Whether that be meditating at home, reading different views from a variety of spiritual people - Richard Rohr, Sarah Parsons, Michael Singer and Jessica LaGrone just to mention a few, listening to the app "Pray as you Go" or sitting quietly looking at nature and our amazing world.  

With all of this said, I challenge you - sit and truly think about your spiritual connection.  Are you being feed? Have you found your place each week where you make an appointment for God that exceeds your daily spiritual rituals?  And... does this place fit, really fit?  Fit like it's always been there waiting just for you.  As I challenge you - I am challenging myself - my time is now.  I too, will seek out my weekly fit, to add to my daily rituals.  And with the above list of my needs in mind, I am excited for my next step.

Have you written your list? Are you ready for a deeper commitment either where you are currently worshiping or in a new place? And most importantly, are you excited for your next step?

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

A walk in the park

I love my home.  I am most comfortable there.  I enjoy sitting on the couch in the living room or on  a chair on the porch reading.  I can hear the birds singing and the quiet hum of my home.  In most cases there is no place I would rather be.  There is a peace, a quiet, a familiarity, a calm I feel when I am at home.  But for the past three Sunday's I have ventured out of my place of comfort.  Don't misunderstand, I am not a hermit I go out all the time but on a Sunday when I don't have to leave-why would I?

Three Sunday's ago,  I needed to run an errand.  The errand took a bit longer than expected, so I ran through Jimmy John's and got a veggie sandwich.  Instead of going home to eat, I sat in the parking lot of a local park.  Enjoying the scenery and noticing all the people out walking and playing encouraged me to get out and walk.  And of course, I loved it.  A time to clear my thoughts, live in the present and look at the wonder of nature all around me.  

Last week my husband and daughter took me to lunch to a restaurant located in an open air mall. I love this mall and I love to shop so of course I loved this restaurant especially the outdoor seating.  As we sat enjoying the occasionally breeze, eating delicious food, having a wonderful conversation and watching the people around us, I had to think to myself what a wonderful world. This is a line from the song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. He sings

"I see trees of green, red roses too, I see them bloom for me and you and I think to myself,  what a wonderful world. I see skies of blue and clouds of white, the brightness of day, the dark say goodnight and I think to myself what a wonderful world. The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky are also on the faces of people going by. I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do, they're really saying I love you. I hear babies cry, I watch them grow, they'll learn so much more then I'll ever know, and I think to myself what a wonderful world"      

Could there be a more beautiful song?  The verses fill you heart with gratitude. 

Then this Sunday, we went to Lake Hartwell.  The beauty of this place is all around.  From the lush trees to the serene lake and the music of the birds as they go about their day.  Even at night when someone was playing Billy Holiday and we sat on the dock drinking a glass of wine, looking out at the water and enjoying the music.  I had to think to myself "What a Wonderful World"

I hope you too can "think to yourself, what a Wonderful World."

Grace, Peace and Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Journal

I  journal.  Part of my process is to write three things I am grateful for, one memory and one thing I am looking forward to.  I write these items in detail and by doing so my mind does not know that it is not happening at the moment.  I started this process by watching Shawn Achor's TED talk, which lead me to his book The Happiness Advantage and website goodthinkinc.com and I followed through by taking his class 21 days to Happiness at Ownlifeclasses.com.  It would appear that I stalk happiness.  And I guess in some ways I do.  Writing a gratitude journal not only sets my day up to succeed it also opens me up to receive the good around me. I see the good because I am looking for it.  I have learned from Geneen Roth writer of Women Food and God that we should stop multiple times a day to be grateful in the moment, even or maybe more importantly when things aren't going well.  You can always find something that is positive. So whether I am writing in my journal or just capturing life's positive moments throughout the day I am working toward happiness. 

With this happiness in mind, I journal more than just gratitude.  When I open my journal to a crisp white page I often run my hand over it's smooth texture. And with pen in hand I am usually feverishly writing.  Both good things and bad things enter the page.  And because it is just mine to read, I have no worries that the writing is often times not legible. It really doesn't matter. I rarely go back and look at my writing. Journaling for me is a release.  I let go of my worries, concerns and feelings.  Releasing the tensions of the day, week, year or any time in the past.  By releasing my thoughts to the page I open myself up to new experiences and let go of the past clearing a space to embrace my present. And although I am a true believer in living for the present I still love this quote from Steve Jobs. 

““You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something – your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever.”

— Steve Jobs - August 25, 2011

With these words in mind I am able to connect my past dots and change my story.  Looking at what took place and using that information to thrive forward - letting go of the negative, in my case through writing and using that energy to propel forward in a positive direction each day. 

Looking at the past and reframing it, releasing the negative, striving for the positive to live each day in the present with a fresh, energized outlook. This is my goal. 

If you do not journal I highly recommend it. Journal your thoughts and feelings, journal what you are grateful for, journal just the activities of your day.  Any one or all of these things will transform your outlook. It will take you away from electronics and gadgets and if done at night releases the tensions of the day allowing you to sleep better.  The time will be well spent and if you are like me you will be all the more fulfilled because of it. 

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Does What We Wear Matter?

When I am meeting someone I take careful consideration to determine what to wear.  This includes shoes, jewelry, scarves, even which purse I will take. But does it matter?  I noticed recently that when I am at the LakeHouse I wear "whatever" Whatever is the most comfortable, Whatever is most convenient, Whatever is there.  My son loves a pair of sweat pants and his girlfriend calls them his "I don't care pants" These are his pants that don't leave much of an impression or maybe they leave a bad impression but are so comfortable they are worth it. 

“Why don’t I care about the impression I make everywhere I go and with everything I do?”

As I was contemplating this thought, I looked down at my wrists.  On my left wrist I have a beaded bracelet that is meant to provide properties for better health and a string bracelet with a tree on it to bring awareness to our environment. As my daughter would say my "hippy" side and on my right wrist l wear a tennis bracelet which I believe shows sophistication and a sense of elegance.  My wrists clearly represent the two people I am, just as my clothing choices do based upon my location. This makes me question are we all two sides of the same person and if so how do we connect the two most effectively?  How do we enjoy a sweat pants life with a diamond bracelet attitude or visa versa.  And if we do embrace the sweat pants life does the world take us seriously? And do we take ourselves seriously?

One thing I know for sure is that when I do dress up I feel more confident, more prepared and more willing to take on challenges. When I walk into a business and see the staff represent their company or product in an extremely casual manner I think whether it be consciously or subconsciously they do not care about what they are there to represent.  

So, overall I guess where I stand on the subject is that clothing and appearance do matter.  It doesn't have to be designer apparel but well thought out and considerate of the environment.  A neat appearance, hair done, clothing ironed, makeup fresh and accessories in place. Just as a man looks complete and is a step above with a pair slacks and dress shirt with cuff links and a woman with heals and the right jewelry for an outfit can lift her look to the next level. 

In the end, in my opinion no matter where you are in life shouldn't you try to put yourself forward in the best possible way if not for others, for yourself and the way you want to look, act and move about in the world.

So it appears I need to start changing my attire at the lake.  I'll still be in shorts but they will match my sweatshirt or t-shirt, they will be ironed and they won't be 20 years old.  

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Trees in the Lake

I had the privilege of celebrating Easter weekend with my family at Lake Hartwell.  While on the lake we discovered an area that I called a tree graveyard.  Out of the calm still waters, trees emerged. Probably underwater a safe haven for fish, although some fisherman were willing to navigate the dangerous area for a chance of a big catch. But as I looked out I saw danger for our boat, an area of land blocked off and evidence of a time past.  A time before the lake was formed and trees grew over the land.  A time when as God intended trees filled this place.  A time when people wouldn't think of these trees as danger but only God's beauty here on earth.  

Do you miss a time when things were simply beautiful as God intended?  Before the land of your mind and body was flooded with responsibilities, thoughts and memories that don't serve you well.  Or have you never felt true peace and seek an opportunity to cut down the trees that stick up through your desire for inner calm and tranquility.  I think we all have areas of drowned forests.  No matter how much water we try to fill these areas with, there will still be some sticks that poke through.  In my opinion this is what life coaching is about - navigating through the sticks and branches of life to find our peace, our calm, our tranquility.  All too often we allow the forests to invade the space instead of living with them. Instead of trying to find our way in life with the trees, knowing that they too make us the whole person we are.  And that they are God's beauty along with the calm waters. 

Take a moment to think about the trees and the waters in your life.  How do each of these areas coincide? How can you find your authentic, blissful self with both? What are you willing to do to continue to thrive?

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Living your True North

Each year a different type of event lands in Atlanta, GA and other cities around the country...it is called Wanderlust 108.  It is advertised as a Mindful Triathlon.  And I must agree.  A 5k run through Atlanta, then yoga and meditation in the park along with fun activities like OM Walking, Barre 3, Hula Hooping and Essential Oil classes.

I have had the opportunity to enjoy Wanderlust for the past two years. And plan on continuing to go for years to come.  But why is this Mindful Triathlon so popular,  not only with me but with people of all races, ages and ethnic backgrounds?  

“What is the attraction to a Mindful Triathlon?”

The word wanderlust defined is a strong desire to travel. So where are we traveling? If you listen and look around the festival you also see and hear the phrase "Finding Your True North" 

What does that mean?....

True North differs from magnetic north, which varies from place to place and over time due to local magnetic anomalies. A magnetic compass almost never shows true north. And finding true north is essential for accurate navigation.

In "The Blog" posted on August 10, 2015 by Bill George he writes: "True North is your orienting point - your fixed point in a spinning world - that helps you stay on track as a leader. It is derived from your most deeply held beliefs, values, and the principles you lead by. It is your internal compass, unique to you, representing who you are at your deepest level."

I love this quote and it explains why so many people would make the trek to Wanderlust 108. Putting together Wanderlust; the desire to travel and True North;  finding your fixed point unique to you,  equals an opportunity to travel through life toward your goals, desires and authentic self. It can be an opportunity to start to find your compass, a compass unique to you. An opportunity to use your body through yoga and running. An opportunity to connect with others who are looking for peace and good physical and mental health. And an opportunity to quiet the world if for only a moment. The question is, can you sustain this type of living beyond a festival? Living each day with purpose. 

With that thought in mind, I ask myself, where is my True North and where do I want to travel to find it either figuratively or literally, in mind &/or in body?  And I ask you to look deeper to find your True North.  Where do you need to go to feel passionate, alive and fully engaged? Are you already prepared with compass in hand or are you waiting? And if you are waiting, what are you waiting for? What is your personal mission statement and how can you move toward your True North with your own Wanderlust?

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

www.gracefullivingcoach.com

gracefullivingcoach@gmail.com

Living Your Work

I was recently watching a sermon by pastor Louie Giglio of Passion City Church.  It's title is "Don't Waste Your Work"  I found the sermon to be inspiring from a work perspective.  I have shared his work life/spiritual principles here because I feel they are worthy of repeating. 

1. What More Can I Give?

2. What More Can I Learn?

3. How Can I Personally Advance the Organizational Mission?

4. How Can I Shine?

5. Who Can I Help?

6. Where Is My Reward?

How do these principles apply to your work life? Are you living with purpose not only at home but at work? If you lived these principles would you be happier each day when you arrive? I believe no matter what you do, you can be happy and find value in your work life.  But it all depends upon you and the attitude you bring to work.  So, why not try....why not take one month to work beyond even your own expectations.  See if you feel better overall.  

In the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" Anne Hathaway's character Andy is complaining that her boss played by Meryl Streep will never be satisfied with her work, that she never says thank you when she does something right and strikes her down viciously when she does something wrong.  Stanley Tucci's character Nigel asks Andy "are you really trying?" and follows up with the statement "you're not really trying."  If you've seen the movie up to this point you'd say he's insane she's working unbelievably hard.  But Andy has a lightbulb moment and realizes she may be working hard but she's not really applying her heart to her work.  She needs to change her mental approach and in this case her appearance.  Once done, everything changes.  

So...is it time to change your mental approach.  At the end of "The Devil Wears Prada" Andy recognizes that she is not being true to herself but I believe she also appreciates the lessons learned and from that point on she will always bring her heart to her work.

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

Mindful Eating

French Toast recipe from "The Happy Herbivore" with lots and lots of delicious fruit and real maple syrup.  Mindful Eating couldn't be sweeter. 

The word Mindful seems to be everywhere I look.  What does it mean to be mindful.  I recently embarked on a journey of mindful eating.  And I am sad to say...it is harder than I imagined.  I had become accustom to eating in front of the TV or computer or a book or my phone. I never stopped to think about what I was eating, where it came from, the texture, flavor or smell.  Or even what feelings arose from the meal.  

Once on this journey I suddenly had to eat slowly, I had to take a bite without automatically loading up my fork for the next bite.  I had to notice the food and although I prepared it I still had to think where did this food begin, who picked it (as a Whole Food Plant Based Eater - almost all my food is picked), how did it get to my town, my store.  I also had to notice the textures of the food and the real flavors.  

Try an experiment.  Sit at your table with your favorite food and without any distractions. It could be an orange, a piece of chocolate or pasta and sauce.  Look at the food, notice the color, shape, size, visual texture.  Smell it - does the smell reveal something about the food or bring about a memory.  Put the food in your mouth and let it sit there. If it's chocolate it will begin to melt and fill your mouth with its flavor.  Then take your time to chew and wait a moment before you take the next bite.  Does doing this change the way you want to eat? Using all of our senses to enjoy each bite can be more profound than you would think.  Slowing down and appreciating the meal or snack and the people that help bring it to your table can be more than just an opportunity to be mindful it can be an opportunity to be peaceful, appreciative and more satisfied inside and out.  

“Mindful Min(d)fel: adjective Conscious or aware of something.”

Using your Senses...

In last weeks blog I talked about Living. I wrote about my excitement and fear of running in a 1/2 marathon.

Surprisingly, I was not nervous when I woke up on Sunday morning the day of the race or as we headed over to the venue.  

6:40 a.m. just before the start of the 1/2 marathon

I was prepared with my headphones charged, my music list set up just the way I wanted it, my knee brace secure and a hat and long sleeve shirt in preparation for the cold start and the sun that would come later in the morning. But of all these things the most important to me was the music. I run with music and take great care to select my play list but this time God or Karma or just Life had a different plan for me.  Just as I stepped over the start line my music stopped. For the next 2 hours and 53 minutes it was just me.  Counting my steps, hearing them as they hit the pavement noticing the water and the sunrise as we crossed the bridge, seeing the people around me and hearing the kind people who came out of their homes to cheer us on. I paid attention to the houses with some gorgeous gardens, the families walking in the park and the amazing trees that have stood stately for more years than I could imagine.  

3 Hours Later....

There are times when distractions are necessary and I was hoping for some distractions at mile 7 and mile 10 but what I learned on Sunday is that when you have an opportunity to let the outside in and to open yourself up to all of your senses, to hear your feet hit the pavement, you need to do it.  This became clear to me when I saw the pictures taken during the race.  In almost every picture I had a smile on my face.  I was in the moment and loving every minute of it. Because sometimes, maybe even most times the real race isn't the one you're running but the race you're having within yourself.  The constant thoughts bombarding your mind, the inability to see, hear, taste, smell and feel anything around you because you're too busy to notice it.

Stop for an hour - really stop and enjoy the world around you.  I promise you won't regret it and you may just feel like you won the race.  

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine

“In some respects, progressing through life is like running a marathon.
”

— Joseph B. Wirthlin

Paul P. Dooley, Sr.

Dad & I - March 1980

My father died over 30 years ago at the age of 50 from lung cancer, most likely brought on by years of smoking and stress. My mother is an active 80 year old. Her mother and brothers both had heart disease and her dad had horrific asthma.  I have asthma but haven't had an attack in many years, I was a smoker, but haven't had a cigarette in over 20 years and will note that I still miss it. (So, my advise to anyone considering lighting up a cigarette DON'T - you will never regret not smoking but you will regret smoking) And if you've read my bio you know that I have heart disease.  With all of that said, this Sunday I will be running in the First Watch Sarasota 1/2 marathon.  13.1 miles in beautiful Florida.  This will not be my first 1/2 marathon I've run in Arizona, Florida and Georgia but it will most likely be the last one I do.  You see it is a right of passage.  My brothers each ran a 1/2 marathon to acknowledge their 50th birthday and now it's my turn.  We are acknowledging our lives - lives that have lived passed my Dad whose life was cut short just when he was planning on living it.  He was excited to be planning a trip to Europe.  He even bought a beret.  And if you saw this 6'3" large framed thin strong willed man you would never, absolutely NEVER imagine him in a beret.   But sadly before he was able to see Paris and experience the excitement of travel he was struck down with cancer and only 3 months later his battle with cancer was over. 

Dad's Beret

Recently while I was training for the 1/2 marathon the song "Space Odyssey" by David Bowie came on.  This song was also featured in the movie "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" The movie shows us  that adventure is right there, ready for us to grab.  Life is just there, ready for us. But often times, we just don't live it.  We stay in our cocoon, day dreaming about what we will do "someday".  

I am fearful about running on Sunday.  Fearful, I won't finish.  Fearful, of another heart attack.  But when I think about it - a year and a half ago I was fearful to even step on a treadmill. And here I am.  So, will I let fear run my life. Or will I live, knowing that I am happy and that life is beyond the four walls of my home.  I want to know the joy of crossing the finish line.  Yes, I will feel tired and sore.  My legs will ache and my knee may throb.  But, the one thing I know for sure is that I will be living and it only takes putting one foot in front of the other. Now I talk a big talk about overcoming fear and living life, but one thing I will tell you is that you will never see me on a rollercoaster. There are some things not worth overcoming your fear. 

With all that said, join me on Sunday.  What do you want to do to start living? Open your mind, your soul, your heart, stand up and take on your next challenge.  It's time to start living.....

Grace, Peace & Healthy Living,

Lorraine