Ann Strong’s:
Strong You, Strong Biz

Spiritual inspiration: My personal essence statement

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A few months ago, I wrote a "guiding light" for me and how I serve the world. It has brought me so much comfort, always reassuring me about the essence of me and what I have to offer.

I'm sharing it with you now, so that if you feel inspired you may use my personal essence statement "template" for spiritual inspiration and write your own.

Here's mine:

Ann's essence statement

I am fully present with:

• My Self
• My beloved
• Loved ones
• Clients
• Those I encounter
• All of nature that calls to me

With my:

• Love
• Clarity
• Generosity
  
• Playfulness
• Focus
• Grounding
• Beauty ways
• Inspiration
• Truth
• Empowerment
  
• and Strength.

I am present
to the energy
of each of us
and our combined energy;
where it's flowing
and where it's stagnant.

In each moment,
I discern
what's called for
to more fully experience
Love,
presence,
and flow . . .

Now it's your turn

To write yours, fill in the blanks:

I am fully present with:
(Fill in who and what you most love to be present with.)

With my:
(Fill in your best qualities.)

I am present to:
(Fill in the way(s) you love to engage and serve.)

In each moment:
(Fill in what you naturally do consistently that is almost always helpful to the situation.)

Have fun with this! And, after you write yours, do post it here to share with others . . .

Spiritual inspiration: from within (day 18)

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This morning as I was listening to a Michael Beckwith recording I noticed myself scanning his ideas for something to spark my blog post.  Then, I read an ezine from my friend, Tama, with the same thought in the back of my head.

Finally I noticed the spot of anxiety inside me.  Instead of taking in Michael and Tama as nourishment for my soul, I was busy looking for something amazing to share with you.  As if that amazing thing had to come from outside of me.  As if nourishing me isn't enough.

The anxiety has subsided as I realize offering you a slice of my process is way more than enough!  Please enjoy this slice as you revel in YOU being way more than enough . . .

Spiritual inspiration: Obama calls me to a better version of me (day 5)

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Listening to Obama address Congress and the American people tonight, I felt called to do my part for humanity.  I'm not a civil-servant type, I dislike groups and until Barack Obama somehow crossed my radar screen about a year ago, I had zero interest in politics.

What strikes me about him again and again: he was born to do this very tough job.  He is clear and unwavering in who he is, what needs to be done and getting about the business of doing it.  And, inviting each of us to join him in doing our part.

I'm so new to this political thing, I don't actually know what my part is yet.  However, having the honor and priviledge of serving as a business and life coach, I am not new to calling people to the best version of themselves.

So, for now, I ponder the question, "how can I take a stronger stand for that in which I believe?"   

Spiritual inspiration: clearing clutter (day 4)

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As I reflect on interviewing Ashi about her new book, "Bless Your Mess and Create a Home that Feel Fabulous," I am struck by how clearing clutter is not just about stuff under my bed or piled high in the closet.  It also involves friendships I've outgrown, beliefs that no longer serve and appointments that don't feel meaningful to me.

I feel inspired to notice if the meal I'm eating, the conversation I'm having and the keyboard upon which I'm writing feel nourishing and wonderful or if I'd like to choose something else that feels great to me in this moment.

Wow, this is big.  What do I most love?  Who do I most love?  How can I love what I don't love so much anymore as I release it to its greater good?

Okay, as the experiment unfolds, more on this later, I'm sure! 

Twenty one days of spiritual inspiration . . . (day 1!)

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"They" say it takes 21 days to develop a habit.

So I've decided to combine keeping my commitment to two important Winter 2009 promises to myself:

• deepen my connection with my own spiritual foundation.
• begin blogging, after a couple years of thinking about it!

For the next 21 days, I'm going to listen each morning to a sermon from one of my favorite spiritual mentors, Michael Beckwith. And, I'm also going to engage in one other spiritual activity each day. Then, I'm going to share my experiences with you!

Today, my spontaneous spiritual activity involved reading and living my own darn affirmative prayer:

Through Me

Oh Great Spirit,

I affirm my ever-increasing awareness
of your omni-presence.

I appreciate you always at my side,
Working through my hands,
Speaking through my voice,
Loving through my heart.

I delight in you.
I delight through you.
I delight as you . . .

Okay, yes I am spiritually inspired!

Until tomorrow . . .