What exactly is it that I DO?

For over a year now I have been struggling with describing what it is that I "do."

I've been taking online classes and buying up every product that promises to help me gain clarity on the subject. It's pretty straightforward to say that I am a psychologist or I am a yoga teacher or I own a wellness center but those titles don't truly convey what my life's work is all about. I had settled on the following description, "I inspire women to create more wellness in their lives." But every time I tried to spit it out it felt awkward. When I really examined this phrase, it came up feeling very safe. And playing safe is just not for me anymore.

Then yesterday in what felt like a very sudden revelation (but I'm sure has actually been brewing beneath the surface for quite some time) the answer came to me.

All of the work I do and every program that I create shares one goal: to help you magically transform your life from good enough to GREAT! My inspiration comes from my own life experiences, particularly my relationship with my inner self and my life's work.

In what feels like a lifetime ago but in reality was only 2008, I attended a yoga retreat that transformed me. At the time I had what I describe now as a good enough life. I had a good job, a beautiful home, a loving partner, and I was surrounded by wonderful family and friends. But I wasn't fully, authentically showing up in my life as ME. This retreat was the first time that I asked myself, "What do I really want?" Like so many of us, I had been caught up in doing what I thought I should do and spending too much energy worrying about what other people might think. There was no room left for honoring my true self. Nothing was really wrong but nothing was REALLY right either.

Since that retreat in 2008 I have completely transformed my life on the inside by nurturing my relationship with myself and on the outside by pursuing my dreams. My own journey parallels what I see as my life's work: helping women to reconnect with their true self and honor her by authentically showing up in their lives.

This is the thread that connects all of my work. Whether I'm teaching a yoga class or working with a therapy client or writing a blog post or creating workshops, my goal is always to inspire an authentic awakening so that you too can magically transform your life!

Last January I was interviewed by the local paper about my Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle. The last line from the interview was, "I just want everyone I see around me to be loving their life as much as I love mine.
" This might sound super cheesy but it is absolutely true. That's why I do what I do.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me,

Mindy

Pursue Your Passion in Your PJs!

I am soooo excited about my very first online course starting THIS Friday!!!

The Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle grew out of my personal dream of connecting with brave souls the world over (I'm dreaming big here) in order to bring their dreams to life!

I believe we all have dreams percolating within. Your dream might be to start a business, run a marathon, learn to knit, take a fabulous vacation, or write a book. Or you may have a feeling that you have a big dream deep inside, but you aren't quite sure what it is just yet. In my opinion way too many of us put off our dreams in the name of obligations such as time, money, energy, etc. However, there are steps you can take TODAY toward bringing your dreams to life! If you are ready to create the life you’ve always imagined plan to join me for the Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle starting this Friday, 9/24!

I’ve created this 13-week e-course to help you get clear on what you want (so don't worry if you aren't sure what your dream is - the course devotes two weeks to exploring just that) and teach you how to take steps toward your dreams. As someone whose transformed her life the past two years, I have firsthand experience with the power of naming your dreams and taking steps toward them. In this e-course I will share with you the strategies and resources I have used (and continue to use) to do just that.

The Details:

Your investment grants you access to a private blog overflowing with practical content and inspiration! New content will be posted every two weeks beginning September 24 and ending December 17. Topics will include using visualization & journal writing to clarify your dreams, goal setting and time management strategies, the importance of self-care, and more. The course is packed with tons of self-reflection and simple, doable tasks to move you closer toward your dreams!

September 24th - December 17th, at your convenience

Investment: $60

You can register online here

Feel free to email me at mscime710@roadrunner.com with any questions! I hope you will join me for what is sure to be a transformational journey through the remainder of 2010!

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NEW!!! Dreamy Fall Offerings

I am SO pleased to announce that this month I am kicking off my new seasonal offerings designed to inspire you to bring your dreams to life!

The first is an in-person event to be held at my studio in Niagara Falls.

NEW!!! Fall Vision Board PLAYshop

Have you ever created a Vision Board?

I adore using images and collage to craft a visual representation of my dreams/goals! And I have experienced the power of working with Vision Boards in my own life. (My Vision Board was even mentioned in an article in The Niagara Gazette about our wellness center earlier this year!)

Whether you are new to the process or have been using Vision Boards for years, this PLAYshop is for you! Vision Boards are fun and powerful creative tools on the journey toward bringing our dreams to life. In this PLAYshop we will set an intention to connect with our deepest dreams and desires and then gather words and images which we will use to create a Vision Board. All materials are included, but feel free to bring your own magazines or images if you’d like to include them on your Vision Board. Join me for an evening that is sure to be filled with fun, laughter, and inspiration!

Thursday, September 16th 6:30pm-8:30pm

$25 includes all materials + refreshments Space is limited to 10 participants, pre-registration is required Contact me at 716-939-0892 or mscime710@roadrunner.com to reserve your space


The second offering will be online so you can participate from wherever you are!


I'll be following up the Vision Board PLAYshop with my first-ever Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle!


Are you ready to create the life you’ve always imagined? Are you committed to taking inspired action toward your dreams?


Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle

I've created this 13-week e-course to help you get clear on what you want and teach you how to take steps toward your dreams. As someone whose transformed her life the past two years, I have firsthand experience with the power of naming your dreams and taking steps toward them. In this e-course I will share with you the strategies and resources I have used (and continue to use) to do just that! This e-course is very close to my heart because I truly believe in order to fully live well we must honor our dreams.

Your $60 investment grants you access to a private blog overflowing with practical content and inspiration! This e-course is designed to hold you accountable so please only join if you are serious about bringing your dreams to life!

New content will be posted every two weeks beginning September 24 and ending December 17. Topics will include using visualization & journal writing to clarify your dreams, goal setting and time management strategies, the importance of self-care, and more. The course is packed with tons of self-reflection and simple, doable tasks to move you closer toward your dreams! Make the most of the remainder of 2010 with this powerful program!


September 24th - December 17th, at your convenience

$60 or sign up for the Vision Board PLAYshop + Dare to Live Your Dreams Online Circle for only $75

Contact me at 716-939-0892 or mscime710@roadrunner.com to reserve your space today!

I am SO excited about these new offerings and hope you are too! Feel free to comment, call, or email with any questions!

Image credit

Sophistication and Success

Earlier this week I was browsing my bookshelves at the office and picked up The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron. This book is all about starting from scratch and it is written in super short chapters (2-3 pages mostly), with a short task at the end of each chapter. For me, it is the perfect book to keep on my desk for a little inspiration throughout the day!

One of the tasks Julia suggests is listing 25 things that represent sophistication and success to you.

Here's a sampling from my list:

• fabulous vacations
• monthly massages
• TranquiliT yoga togs
• fresh flowers
• an assistant
• owning more than property (preferably a beach house!)
• a good bag for work (I love my Coach bag, but it seems that it is actually a diaper bag, LOL)
• Papaya Art! office supplies
• red wine from Viader
• amazing art adorning the walls at home + work
• organic chocolate
• good furniture, especially bookshelves :-)
• leisure time for Artist Dates, trips to the beach
  
• pens, pencils, and markers in all colors and sizes

After making my list, I realized how many of those things I already have in my life!

I also think it is also important to obtain the things on our lists if we can. For example, if I splurge on Papaya Art! office supplies and having them on my desk reminds me of my success, I believe that sends a powerful message.

What represents sophistication and success to you?

Image from Papaya Art!

Full Moon Dreamboard

Yesterday I had the pleasure of participating in Jamie Ridler's first-ever Full Moon Dreamboard Telecircle!

A dreamboard is another term for vision board or inspiration board, as Kimberly Wilson calls them. Basically, you gather images of what you want to bring into your life and collage them together. I am a huge fan of this practice!

I usually make 1 board in January of all the things I hope to bring to fruition throughout the year. I hang it above my desk at home and glance at it often to remind me of my intentions for the year. So it was a bit different for me to make a mid-year board, but I am a huge fan of Jamie's blog and I thought this would be a great way to have some interaction with her.

Jamie was as kind and inspiring as I had imagined her to be! I loved the process of completing a dreamboard as part of a group. It was interesting to hear about other people's process and what they were dreaming about.

From creating my dreamboard I realized I am craving some PLAY time!!! My board is filled with images of relaxation - reading in a hammock, a beautiful beach, parties with family and friends. These are things I want my summer to be made up of!

I also had another insight after this process. I have been spending a lot of time lately working on and thinking about my businesses and the next steps for them (a la E-Myth). I have been feeling pressured to "figure it all out" (and QUICKLY please) and I think that trying so hard is not helping my cause. I believe that if I take some time to relax and not think so hard about it, I will be more likely to discover the answers that I am seeking. And heck, if not I will certainly enjoy myself this summer as I focus on soaking up the sun!

The Power of Permission

No matter how qualified or deserving we are, we will never reach a better life until we can imagine it for ourselves and allow ourselves to have it. ~ Richard Bach

I was doing some cleaning today and found my 2009 planner. I looked through it to see if there was anything I wanted/needed to keep before tossing it and I found this quote jotted down on one of the notes pages. I have no idea where I first came across it, but it resonates with me today as I'm sure it did then back in 2009.

Visualizing what we want is a key factor in moving forward, as is giving ourselves permission to have everything we have ever wanted. Sometimes we are held back by fear or guilt or old beliefs about whether or not we deserve to live our best life, but we must move beyond this in order to fully express our potential. We all deserve to be happy and live fulfilled lives!

What limiting beliefs are you holding on to? Can you let them go and give yourself permission to live the life you've always dreamed of?

It is never too late to move in the direction of our dreams! Visualize what you want in your life (maybe even put together a vision board - see pic above for my 2010 vision) and plan a small step in that direction. You will be surprised how powerful small steps in the direction of big dreams can be!

Random Mid-Week Musings

Bonjour! Comment allez-vous? Aahhh... I have been following Kimberly Wilson's Paris travels - so inspiring! Over the weekend I even picked myself up a sequin beret (featured in the above photo of moi). It is quite fabulous if I do say so myself! I'm actually wearing it right now, just for fun :-)

Things have been super busy here in Niagara Falls! Over the weekend life coach Kim David and I hosted the first Women's Wellness Retreat at Tree of Life Yoga Studio. It was soooo amazing!!!! I could go on and on about it, but for now I will just share one major take-away from the day. One of the things Kim had us do was write down our to-do list for the upcoming days. Then we rated each item on our to-do list from -10 (really not fun) to +10 (completely fabulous). She then challenged us to "better" everything on our list that was not a +10. Kim believes that everything in life should feel as close to a +10 as possible. This felt like a pretty radical idea to me! I'm not sure about you, but I typically just accept that there are some not so +10 feeling things in life that I have to do.

Of course this is true and Kim was not trying to gloss over that fact, but she was challenging us to "better" these things. For example, if you have a stack of bills to pay and that feels like a -5 for you, maybe lighting a candle and pouring yourself a nice glass of wine to enjoy while you pay the bills. I notice that I do this in my life at certain times. For example, when I was writing my dissertation I had special candles that I would light only when I was writing and I would reward myself with simple treats after a work session, like listening to some music or browsing online. Imagine what life would be like if we "bettered" every single thing on our to-do list! It sounds so lovely to me and I am going to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes!


I have been participating in two amazing weekly conference calls with awe-inspiring ladies such as SARK, Marianne Williamson, and more. These calls are through The Self-Love Studio and Wake-Up Call Coaching. They are both free if you are on the live call and they both offer packages with recorded calls for a reasonable investment. So many take-aways to share from these calls and I promise I will in future posts. In the meantime, maybe you can join in on the fun!

Inspiration was my word for 2009 and I truly have been inspired so much this year! I've already started musing about 2010. Partly because my 2010 Planner Pad arrived!!!!! OMG I LOVE IT!!! I'm not sure what my word for the year will be, but I do have some goals in mind. I'm planning on a major makeover for the blog and website. I would like to paint yoga-inspired murals on the windows at Living Wellness of Niagara. I am going to record for my first yoga practice CD. I want to have a backyard garden. I want to write a book. I hope to hold a Women's Wellness Retreat in some fabulous location like Costa Rica. I know I'm dreaming big for 2010, but hey why not?

I'm going away this weekend for a yoga training. I am so excited for a whole weekend devoted to yoga! And I booked myself a jacuzzi suite for the weekend. Aaahhhh.....

Namaste,


Mindy

Celebrating Tree of Life Yoga Studio's 1 Year Anniversary

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to Tree of Life Yoga Studio! I had a wonderful evening celebrating our first year! I can't believe how much has occurred over the past year. I am so grateful for my family and friends and all of their support in building the studio (quite literally in some cases) and for all of the amazing students I have had the pleasure of working with over the past year! I look forward to many more years of bringing yoga to our community!

Here are some highlights of my yoga journey so far...

February 2003: Take my very first yoga class (with my grandmother, how cool is that?!) at the local YMCA. Immediately fall in love :-)

March 2003: Facilitate the first of many eating disorder prevention groups combining yoga and therapeutic techniques at a local school. Think that combining yoga and psychology is a dream come true. Begin fantasizing about opening a wellness center.

June 2007: Graduate from the University at Buffalo with my Ph.D. in Psychology. Start first "real" job. Spend many hours sitting in my office daydreaming about teaching yoga.

March 2008: Attend Kimberly Wilson's retreat in New York. Begin to think maybe my dreams aren't so crazy after all.

April 2008: Turn down promotion at work. Decide to cut down to part-time at work in the fall so I can explore my career dreams more intently. Start working through The Artist's Way.

June 2008: Mention to my husband that I want to teach yoga.

June 25, 2008: Teach my first yoga class in my husband's colleague's living room!

August 2008: Attend yoga teacher training. Mention to my husband I would love to find a space to rent to teach yoga. He suggests I call The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.

September 2008: Secure a lease at The NACC. Get to work transforming the space into a peaceful and inspiring yoga haven!

The studio at The NACC

October 30, 2008: Teach my first class in my very own yoga studio at The NACC. Meet with wellness director at Barton Hill Hotel and Spa about teaching yoga there. An absolutely amazing, cloud nine kind of day!

April 2009: Teach first Women's Wellness Circle. Another dream come true!

September 28, 2009: Teach the first class in the new studio at Living Wellness of Niagara.

The new studio at Living Wellness of Niagara

I am overflowing with joy and gratitude! Thank you for all of your support along this journey!

Namaste,

Mindy

Bliss before 5pm

I can't believe it's not even 5pm yet! I have done so many blissful things already today!

Started the day with a walk around our gorgeous neighborhood. Got sprinkled on a little but the air was warm enough that it didn't bother me. Came home for some coffee and yogurt with granola and blueberries - my favorite start to the day! After a shower, I checked email and made a few work-related phone calls. Then the hubby and I headed to the Farmer's Market. I have been daydreaming about going to the Farmer's Market for weeks! I marveled at all the yummy local fruit and veggies, but we finally settled on some corn (picked this morning!), cucumbers, eggplant, and red & green peppers. I think I've mentioned before my daydream about riding my bike to the Farmer's Market and yesterday my hubby got the call that the bike is ready to be picked up - so maybe next week!

After the market, Meg and I headed to Olive Garden for soup, salad, and breadsticks. Yum! I love their Minestrone soup! Full from our delicious lunch, we went for mom and me mani/pedi hour at the local nail place. I was thinking purple for my toes, but I was swayed at the last minute by the radiant red of Opi's An Affair to Remember. Meg and I came home from our afternoon out and decided we needed some down time. She planted herself in front of her computer and I planted myself in bed with The Red Tent. I am loving the women-centered celebrations of this book! As if this wasn't enough bliss for the day, after reading I treated myself to an extended home yoga practice complete with candles, Donna DeLory's sweet voice, and legs up the wall to Krishna Das. Aaaahhhhhhh..... Of course, no home yoga practice is complete without a cuddly fur baby to share it with! That is Milo above joining me on my mat! I love how you can see the ever-present cat hair on my black pants :-)

More than likely most of your days do not allow for so much free time dedicated to all the things you love best. I usually don't enjoy the privilege of so much wonderfulness in one day myself! Especially before 5pm! So here are some ideas for infusing your (work) day with bliss:

• Take a fresh air break. This is like a smoke break without the smoking! Think about it, if you work with people who smoke they likely go outside several times during the day and take a smoke break so go ahead and treat yourself to a fresh air break!

• Close your eyes and take ten deep breaths.

• Do a yoga pose at your desk. Go for a seated forward bend for a calming effect or a seated back bend to help you re-energize. I'm also a fan of the seated cat/cow and seated twist.

• Actually take your lunch hour! Where I used to work (you know like less than 2 weeks ago!), almost no one took an actual lunch hour, myself included. We gobbled down our lunch while working in front of our computers. Yuck! Go outside, eat with friends, take a walk, get a pedicure, read a book, catch up on your favorite blogs, write in your journal, do whatever refreshes you mid-day. The lunch break was invented for a reason!

Wishing you many blissful moments!

Planning, Planners, Plans

I just have a few minutes before I have to jet over to The NACC for my 7pm Vinyasa class, but I thought I'd quickly post about what's been on my mind.

First, planning. In reviewing my summer goals, I realized Reclaiming my Body was still at the top of the list, right where it was for spring! I have kept up with the goal of going to a weekly yoga class, but I feel like I'm needing more. So I've decided I'm going to try planning my meals, which I haven't done before, and putting my physical activity for each day into my planner just like I would schedule a meeting at work.

Which brings me to planners. This year I bought a compact, simple planner to go along with my aspirations of simplifying my life. Now I'm feeling like I can't fit my schedule in it! And I discovered the Planner Pad, which basically allows you to combine your schedule with your to-do list. Love it! Want one! But I feel kind of guilty when I have a planner with 6 months left in it... so I'm undecided as of yet!

Plans, plans, plans! I worked most of the weekend so that I can make my goal end date at work, THIS Friday! I can't believe it! I am so excited to be moving on to my next endeavor! And I have been dreaming up grand summer plans all week. I'm dreaming of hanging out with my family, getting a bike, visiting my local farmer's market, reading for pleasure (I've already started), preparing healthy meals at home, painting my new office, taking tons of yoga, playing with my niece, laying in the sun, and more. I could go on, but I have to get to class!

Swampy Saturday

It feels like it has been raining forever! Yucky, yucky weather :-(

I started my morning teaching a yoga class by candlelight at The NACC. I felt called to focus on the knee joints. All of this damp weather has mine feeling creaky and in need of some major TLC!

I headed home afterwards for my staple breakfast of coffee and yogurt with granola and fruit. Yum! After a change of clothes, I hopped in the car and commuted to my UB office. I decided to come in and work for a few hours because I am concerned that I may not be able to get everything tied up here before my scheduled end date of July 3. It's only two weeks away!!!

So I'm just taking a quick break and then it is back to work!!! Last night the hubby and I spent some time at the new building taking stock of everything we need to do before we can open up in the Fall. I kept gushing about paint colors and he kept reminding me about water damaged drywall! We balance each other out so well :-)

Okay....back to work! Hope you are either spending this Saturday in a less swampy place or you are curled up under a blanket reading a novel or watching a movie or something equally lovely!

What makes you come alive?

One of my favorite quotes is by Howard Thurman, "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

I am so grateful to have spent the week doing many things that make me come alive! I held the first Women's Wellness Circle! I taught yoga to both adults and children. I played legos with my niece. I attended my first meeting of the Main Street Business Association as a soon-to-be business owner. I watched Gilmore Girls with my daughter. I gave a yoga talk and demonstration in the beautiful Main Gallery at the Niagara Arts & Cultural Center. I savored a glass of wine from this amazing winery while watching Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice with my hubby. I enjoyed ice cream with my family on a beautiful afternoon. I got a pedicure. I took in a play put on by a local theater group (Steel Magnolias).

Ahh...so much deliciousness!!! For me, just last year I spent most of my time doing things that did not make me come alive, to say the least. It is amazing how quickly life changes when you ask yourself, "What do I want?" Not what should you do. Not what other people would like you to do. Not what you have to do. Simply what you want to do. What makes you come alive.

Believe that your dreams are possible and head toward them. I promise you won't be disappointed!!!

Picture above is of my yoga studio (gorgeous chalk murals courtesy of my sister)