Last night was the session one of our January/February Oakland Incubator Intensive. We’ve got an amazing group of 10 women who are up to really cool things. We are in for an exciting and inspiring month of expanding visions, clarifying direction and moving forward! Having just come back from Ladies Who Launch leader training, I am raring to go.
My second dose of Girl Power came tonight. I just got home from the “Girl’s Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear” book signing where I got to meet Caitlin and Kim in person (photo above). I love that they bring a feminine perspective to the workplace and that their mission is to create a “New Girl’s Network” that blows the old boy’s network out of the water and helps us gals increase our confidence, fulfillment and prosperity in business. Their tips, stories and advice aim to level the playing field – no more women earning 77 cents to men’s dollar. Kim and Caitlin urge us women to ask for what we want, promote ourselves more freely and support each other. Amen, sisters!
It’s been cool that over the last couple of weeks I’ve been able to spend a little time with amazing women leaders of amazing companies – Karen Kimsey-House – the President of The Coaches Training Institute, Victoria Colligan – co-founder of Ladies Who Launch and now Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio of YMC Media and The Girl’s Guides. They are all inspirational and each are promoting strong female leadership with their own unique voice. What an honor to be amongst such tremendous Girl Power!
While rain drizzled lightly outside, 11 vibrant women gathered for my Dream Box workshop at fellow Lady Launcher and coach/therapist Laura Parker’s Creative Action Center. We christened her lovely office space with positive energy and creativity as the women visioned their goals and collaged colorful dream boxes.
I love witnessing everyone in their creative process. In the beginning we discussed how as successful women we’re so conditioned to have very specific and practical goals (often brought on by others outside ourselves). But by rolling up our sleeves and getting messy, we’re able to tap into our intuition and childlike creativity. Our imagination and right-brain helps us dream big!
One of my favorite parts of the workshop is the show and tell at the end. We get to hear about what each woman is creating in her life and what action she’s taking to continue moving forward. It’s always cool to see how unique everyone’s dreams are and also where there is synergy and opportunity to support one another on their journeys. I can’t wait to see these dreams of health, travel, meaningful connections and creative projects come true!
How are you blowing the lid off of 2008? What creative ways can you tap into your big dreams? And what support do you need to move forward?
by jenn on January 26, 2008
in Business, Coaching, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Expressive Arts Coaching, Expressive Arts Envisioning, Friends, Ladies Who Launch, Leadership, Travel, Yoga
The past 10 days have been a whirlwind of excitement, connection, fulfillment and fun! I visited Washington DC to be a Circle Coach for Quest, returned home to lead a dream box workshop at It’s Yoga and then flew out to Cleveland for our Ladies Who Launch leader training. I had a great time at all the different events. And this weary traveler is happy to be home (where it’s not snowing!).
Quest was amazing. What an honor to help shepherd our Questers on their journey of discovering their leadership essence and taking action on their inspiring Quests. I look forward to seeing how they each continue to make their unique impact on the world!
The icing on the cake was meeting up with my friends John and Marie last Saturday night in DC. I hadn’t seen John in about three years and this was my first time meeting Marie in person. What a treat!
Had one day back home to make dream boxes with the yoga teacher trainers including students from Mexico, Israel, Japan and all across the US. I’m always so moved by what the participants dream of and create!
Next up, Cleveland! On our first day there, Launy, Corinne and I ventured to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’m no music buff, so much of the paraphernalia was beyond me. But I did get a kick out of seeing a letter that Madonna wrote to a friend while she was at the University of Michigan, Jim Morrison’s report cards from grade school and drawings that Jimi Hendrix did as a kid.
California girls Launy, me, Corinne and Claire braving the snow. It was so much fun to be at the training with these smart, savvy gals. And we’re so excited to bring all our launching energy back to our fellow Bay Area launchers.
Oh, and I just had to take a picture of the infamous chocolate cake that magically appeared after every meal. Good thing we had yoga class Friday morning to work off such decadence.
And finally, a beautiful shot of all 14 leaders in training from across the US and Canada along with our awesome trainer Stella. What an amazing group of women!
The third installment of the best-selling Girl’s Guide series comes out today AND I’m featured in the book!!! The Girl’s Guide to Kicking Your Career Into Gear by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio offers practical advice for taking charge of your career – whether it’s getting to that next level, switching careers or deciding to work for yourself.
As the featured coach in Chapter Two: Getting where you want to go, I provide some creative exercises for envisioning what you want from your job and offer suggested actions to take. (Note, I’m listed under my former coaching brand Change Journey Coaching due to publishing lead time).
Not only am I thrilled to be in print, this opportunity exemplifies the power of intention… Last year around this time, I had just finished a great book about using collage to set dreams and goals. I thought to myself, “Hey, I really could write a book about my approach to art visioning!” I got inspired to do some art visioning of my own around the book idea and planned to create a mock book jacket for my future book. It was late at night, so to make sure I didn’t forget the next day, I wrote an e-mail to myself on 1/7/07 with the subject line “mock up a book cover/jacket w/ headshot, bio, advanced praise, etc.”
Well, I woke up the next morning to find in my inbox an e-mail with the subject line, “book interview.” I had to do a double-take. Was this what I called the note to myself about my book? I was beside myself when I realized it was one of the Girl’s Guide authors asking if I wanted to be interviewed for their next book! I was amazed that in less than 24-hours, a wonderful opportunity presented itself that was a great first step toward writing my own book!!
By the way, the authors will be holding a book-signing/workshop in San Francisco on Wednesday, January 30th from 7:30-9:30PM at Books Inc. on 2251 Chestnut Street. Maybe I’ll see you there?!
Now that I’m easing into my yoga practice again, I’m going back to basics. I can hear Larry asking, “Where are your hands and feet?” Reminding me to pay attention to my foundation on and off the mat. Where am I placing my intention and how consciously am I holding myself up?
I’m reconnecting with my drishti (sanskrit for vision or focus). Drishti is something I can easily lose sight of (pun intended!), especially when I’m in a class and going into comparison mode. With my home practice, though, my focus seems sharper. A soft gaze helps me stay connected to where I’m headed in my pose and in life. A great metaphor for clarifying my vision at the start of the year.
And, I can’t forget about breath and bandhas! Pranayama is the heart of the practice, linking mind, body and spirit. Engaging the bandhas (or locks) reminds me to come from my personal stake (what I stand for). When I come from my core in my practice and in life, I’m much more solid and grounded.
Having to slow down and be more conscious of my practice has allowed me to revisit fundamentals of yoga. I’m grateful for these lessons on and off the mat! Namaste.
