The following meditation was created as part of my collaborations at PeacefulDay.com, where I lead their program for Meditation Mondays.

As the meditation guide within this meditative oasis and peace playground, I share (just in time for the US Thanksgiving holiday) a five-minute time out for cultivating gratitude and appreciation.

The YouTube video of the Gratitude and Appreciation Meditation is here.

Here is the text if you’d like to follow along. (see the next post for a series of “Gratitude Stems” that you can use for journaling.)

Breathe in Gratitude…….Exhale all that is not gratitude

Breathe in Appreciation…..Exhale anything less than heart-felt appreciation.

Breathe in with Thanks…..Exhale and let go… let go… let go…

Breathe in……& Lean into inner alignment with — and appreciation for — your own Centered Presence.

Ahhh thank you.

From my heart and your heart — from every heart of every breathing being, we chant a chorus of appreciation.  Consciously bring into your heart’s awareness the feeling of deep appreciation — for the light –AND for what is not YET illuminated. Breathe into that appreciation — what has been freely given to you. Ahhhhh Thank you.

What If…

Imagine a wave of appreciation even bigger than you and your life — a wave of Divine Appreciation so enormous it encompasses everything. Yet it’s a gentle nurturing wave of Divine Appreciation. Imagine it washes over you, through you, picks you up in a warm and buoyant embrace. Feel yourself infused … enfolded by it. Imagine being tenderly held in this wave of Divine Appreciation for YOU — for all parts of you, inner and outer, for your life, your dreams, your contributions, your many kindnesses, even your slips of magnificence– your BEING, your very Presence on this planet at this time…

B-R-E-A-T-H-E into the nuances of gratitude and appreciation…

When you finish listening to this meditation, fill in these sentences. You will find these and more gratitude stems at my blog on PeacefulDay.com

Fill a page. OR more. Do it daily. Consciously meditate on and write — filling the blank spaces….

I am grateful for:

I send appreciation to:

Even though it looks like a challenge, I say thank you for:

And now with deepest appreciation for your presence in our Circle, I say in closing: Thank you. Mahalo. Namas Te.

Words for Transforming You and Your Contribution:
How to Be in the Soup of Chaos and Know You Are in the Right Place –

Photo courtesy MK Salovaara

Welcome to the new Heart of Creation where:
*All is new and forming and malleable.
*All is possible.
*There is nothing wrong with you.

“Change is nonlinear; it proceeds by leaps and bounds to strange and unexpected places. If you want creativity, you give up predictability…”
–Margaret Wheatley
Author of Leadership and the New Science
(and most recently, Walk Out Walk On)
From the New Dimensions Perpetual Calendar

The New Heart of Creation

Many are observing and speaking out about the shifts of energies on the planet as we come to the end of the cosmic age. People see things breaking down, deadlocks, impasses in the old models and paradigms, the powers-that-be fighting a vicious fight for survival, deep disappointment in the institutions that purport to serve us and instead are serving only themselves. This is looking at the half empty glass.

Consider…

Meantime on the other side of the matrix, millions of lightworkers, members of the Turquoise Tribe, self-growth experts, are busy creating anew.  We are the ones seeing and building on possibilities and potentialities. WE are the people bringing forth new stories, birthing new ways of working and playing together, renewing and rediscovering the richness of ancient paths of wisdom, community, contribution, and grace.

New paths, many diverse yet congruent paths, are opening their way up and up the mountainside. From the shared “everyday,” we are scaling these peaks together and in new ways, many lamps lit along many pathways. All together, we are illuminating the way — FOR EACH OTHER.

Here from within the heart of creation, ask yourself this question: What if you didn’t have to “attract” anything?   Nothing.  At.  All. Why? Because with your deep and conscious Presence, (and the confidence to stand firmly grounded IN that Presence) the very act of waking up means that it’s all right there at your fingertips.

It’s not about “Attracting” anymore. It’s about waking up and Allowing. Yes, the new, improved LOA is The Law of Allowing.  It’s a matter of unlocking and opening the door, of shining your light of welcome, and inviting in the most perfect relationships for whatever is next for you.  From the place of conscious awakening, you’ll realize that even the door itself is an illusion.

That takes trust. And when you are in the cocoon, perhaps even still liquefying, how can you see clearly?

What is the message of transformation from within the chrysalis?
Deep within, from the heart of the imaginal cells, the seed and blueprint of the butterfly lives in perfection. Even when the caterpillar is breaking down inside its protective chrysalis, the message of the existence of butterfly lives pure and true, even in the soup of seeming chaos.

From this invisible world, inside the butterfly blueprint, what comes forth at the most perfect time IS the butterfly — breaking free, stretching and exercising its wings, as it emerges into the physical, manifest world.

Many of us, and I include myself here, feel like we are in a soup of chaos and transformation — and that is on our good days.  What if that is true? How do we move forward together, trust the unfolding, especially when that seems completely of new cloth, a new paradigm?

For millenia, the Feminine Spirit has been abducted, spirited away from the public conversation. Patriarchy has been running the show. Now She — The Divine Feminine Spirit in Business, Healing, and the Heart of Creation — is back in this planetary eleventh hour.

The Feminine Spirit in Business holds the blueprints for paradigm-changing awakenings in how we structure work, contribution, service, and bringing the divine and gifts to the clear channels for exchange.  It’s resolutely NOT going to look like what came before.

Welcome, Co-creators with the Divine Feminine Spirit in Business. We are in the soup of Transformation, and something new and brilliant is in the process of being born: The birthing of each one of us and all together “Owning Our Greatness.”

It starts with going inside first, going deep first. It starts with listening to the yearning and longing and allowing what is deeply true to emerge onto the page in your own words.

Your first step in practical creation is making a safe space for your young inner parts to speak their truth to you — without your judging-self stopping the flow.  Your emergence is longing for you to be present!

I’ve been called a “vision midwife.” Partnering with the Feminine Spirit in Business means co-creating from a planetary and cosmic space that has never before been accessible. Recently I received a direct message from the Divine Feminine Spirit in Business and asking me to share. “Language is key to manifesting,” she said, “and it’s one of the primary limitations for those bringing their vision into form.” That’s where I support women visionaries and co-create safe spaces for growth and expression inn partnership with the Feminine Spirit in Business.

All our rich contributions and gifts are so needed at this crucial time — especially the hidden and secret messages! So step into the circle and become one of the Conscious Co-Creators. For that, you may indeed want to consciously “Own Your Greatness.”  There’s a proven path to follow to strengthen yourself as you emerge from your cocoon.

For your own personal access to a no-charge “Safe Space” Playbook/workbook for “Owning Your Greatness,” for downloading your yearnings and really listening to your own inner messages, please sign up at the top of the right-hand column!  Just enter your name and email at the top of the sidebar on the right side of the page.

You’ll receive a link to download your personal guide to owning your greatness — in words. You’ll receive uncommon support in emerging from your own chrysalis as the beautiful butterfly that you are!

Yes, there it is: Honor Your Dream. How long has it been in hiding? How long have you maintained the silence? How long have you felt “on the verge” of expressing it, yet always pull back at the last minute?

So here sits your challenge: Give It Words.

Does that feel threatening? Scary? Exhilarating? I acknowledge you for even considering that it may be time to open the closet door and dust off the dreams so you can clothe them in words to bring them forth. 

One of the hardest tasks in the world is to tell your own story.

Especially for those of us called to make a difference in the world — to transform, to do something that hasn’t been done, to create anew — bringing forth our message is a doubly challenging endeavor.  The typical models just don’t fit.  It’s discouraging.

Maybe you’ve spent a lot of time trying to create your messages, to shape your marketing, to put together web sites or speaker sheets or articles,  blogs or books. You long for your words to reflect the truth of the potentials and possibilities that are bubbling up inside you.

And yet, you haven’t captured the essence in spite of giving it your best effort. Your words are falling short of saying what you really want to say.

• But how to put it into words?
• How to articulate the ineffable?!
• How to say it so the most perfect people “get it?”
  

How can you express what you do with authenticity and put it out there in words so that your most perfect people hear your message? There’s the rub.

Even as an experienced writer/marketer, I’ve faced the challenge of saying what I do so that people “get it.”  And when they don’t,  that hurts, especially when you’ve put your heart into saying what you do and it just doesn’t connect.

And it’s not only the message. It’s your WHO: your people, tribe, community. Once the message is ready to be shared, you face  the challenge of putting it in front of your most perfect clients, so they will be able to say, “Yes! That’s me. I want some of that!”

For those of you sharing messages of transformation, take a minute to feel into what it might be like to have a partner, a believing mirror, someone who “gets it” and can help you put words around that vision  you’ve been hiding for so long.

As writer, creation coach, and vision midwife, I help visionaries with the words and writing that bring forth the stories, wrap your gifts in words, and give shape and substance to your visions and dreams.

Especially if you are a woman in the best half of life — whose true gifts have been hidden or are only now coming forth — really take in the possibility that you might be able to express your stories and still feel safe. Feel heard. Feel embraced with understanding…Be held in a sacred container of conversation, content, and creation.

What would it feel like if you experienced your visions and messages coming to life in words?

Wouldn’t that change everything?

To open a conversation that just might change everything for you, please send me an email at bjmiddendorf(at)gmail(dot)com.  Give me the 100-word synopsis of your story and dream to make sure this is the most appropriate fit for you and bringing forth your dreams.

Everyone who responds will receive my BEEing Presence Plan Kit for Messengers.

To the East, over Lake Michigan a mile or so away, the sky is navy blue, even now. Last night, more than 12 hours ago, the forces of nature — wind, lightning, hail — created a dramatic light show. Great forks of lightning illuminated the sky. The power of nature was palpable as the hail flung itself against the windows.

So grateful, then, to be inside, in our house. Outside, some of the plants in the garden of Shangri-La took some damage. From my office window, I spot a few holes in the plate-sized redbud leaves. The ligularia, not under the protection of a tree, was torn to pieces. Lots of leaves came down in the heavy winds and hail. I’ve taken a sweeping-meditation break to move them into piles to pick up on the next break. All in all, we are grateful for the minimal damage.

The power of nature is dramatic, yet embracing it as a partnership not a war can make for an experience of integrity, wholeness, oneness. The prepositions are important here: with Nature; in Nature; of Nature. And *not* against or over Nature. That’s the misstep.

We as a species are still learning, and there remains much we do not know.  Mysteries remain that the scientific method (sorry to tell you) will not unravel. And yet — these mysteries, this other kind of knowing and knowledge, can be accessed in other ways.

How? Those prepositions are the key. It’s starting with the heart, the compassion for all on the planet and the planet herself, Gaia. We, and all beings, both seen and unseen, are worthy of our places here. And notice that we are here together. We are here together at this time for a purpose. Our mission is to engage within that continuum of relationships in all the many manifestations.

We are moving from the old model of “power over nature” to partners with Nature, learners and students in Nature,  beings of Nature. Yes, we experience AWE in the raw power of nature, while at the same time, consciously engaging with the Earth and her creatures to listen for the lessons we are now able to hear and perhaps even embody.

If tapping into the messages from the animals is the way that best draws you into conversation with nature, I’d like to introduce you to David Wodtke, aka Pine Tree. His focus is on Earth-Service over at: http://earthservice.blogspot.com/ David shares messages from the animals that offer powerful ways to learn from the wisdom of the creatures.

Many people have asked about the connection between yoga and writing.

Yoga practice can be a tonic to the ceaseless inundation we face every day.  Bombarded by the electromagnetic waves of cell phones, microwaves, WiFi, PDAs, computers, iPods, we turn up the volume to drown out any possibility of hearing the inner stillness. Even in yoga classes, sometimes students spring up before shivasana, needing to be off and about their business, back to crammed schedules and ceaseless hurried, harried busy-ness.

Any yoga at all is a good thing, even when it’s treated more like calisthenics than meditation. And the special secret, the magic and true power of yoga — when you fully give yourself over to the fullest and deepest experience of that  — is its ability to quiet the mind and transport you — body, mind, and soul — to completely different levels. Yoga practice is a time and space to settle deeply into the body and hush the surface chatter of the mind.

What can emerge, what can be heard in that profound inner silence, is what some call the still small voice. As a writer and conscious creator, I treasure any practice that helps me unplug and connect to that deep, quiet place, the wellspring of words, the source of flow.

Yoga is like the bucket on the pulley of my grandmother’s old-fashioned well.  The bucket, on the end of the pulley,  travels down the well shaft to the surface of the water far below ground. Using the pulley, the bucket submerges then is drawn back up, bringing forth a vessel brimming over with the waters from deep and dark places.

Yoga serves as bucket and pulley, drawing up from the depths the elixir of life to be savored then, above ground, in writing and on the page.  Such is the perfect precursor for writers and creators of every stripe, the palpable connection to the deep inner world.

If you want to explore these inner connections and possibilities, please read about the Yoga + Writing workshops, here. Feel free to call or email me with any questions or for more information.

Restorative Yoga + Writing Workshop

with

Monika Andreas & Bobbye Middendorf

Open your inner spaces with Restorative Yoga to release the flow of your writing. Reinvigorate your life with words…Unlock the heart of your writing, messages, and gifts.

Join us on the Inner Vision Quest

WHEN: Saturday + Sunday June 4-5 9:30 – 4:30pm

YOUR INVESTMENT: $250 per weekend; Early paid commitment = $220

One day only: $150; Early paid commitment = $125

WHERE: 3600 N. Lake Shore Drive  Chicago, IL

*Welcoming beginners — writers and yoga students of all ages, shapes & sizes

*Inviting anyone who loves words and self-reflection — including journal writers

*Opening with yoga makes your writing easier, deeper, and renews your creative self

Monika Andreas’ 35 + years of yoga teaching helps you feel safe and at ease in your body,  inviting you to tap your peace of mind and inner healing wisdom.

Bobbye Middendorf, award-winning writer, holds the space for your sacred stories and expressions to unfold.

Email jasbjm(at)earthlink(dot)net for more details about the workshop. Please put “Yoga and Writing” in the subject line!

It’s so exciting to partner with
Yoga for the Seasoned Body(TM) expert
Monika Andreas for an upcoming weekend
of renewal! Details below.

UNLEASH YOUR INNER CREATOR @

RESTORATIVE YOGA AND WRITING WORKSHOP

with

Monika Andreas and Bobbye Middendorf

Renew  *  Refresh  *  Restore  Your
Body  *  Mind  *  Spirit

*  Leading off with deeply relaxing and
restorative yoga, Monika gently introduces
ease for your body and peace for your mind.
This Yoga taps your inner healing wisdom
with therapeutic effects on your heart,
immune, digestive, circulatory, skeletal,
and other physiological systems — AND
your spirit and creativity!

*  Renewing your creative self and
reinvigorating your life in written words:
Like Yoga, writing can heal the heart and
renew the spirit. Bobbye helps you awaken
to your inner gifts and expression. In our
sacred circle, you are invited to bring
forth the stories and truths you are
yearning to share.

Where:    Addison at Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois

Your Investment:   $225 for entire weekend of renewal

Sorry…The Early Decision Deadline has passed.

****Save $$$ with your Early Decision!****
Your investment on or before Feb. 25:
Early Registration (with deposit)  $180

(Individual sessions receive $10 discount
with early registration/deposit by Feb. 25)

When:
Friday, March 4 -   6:30-9:30 p.m.   $ 55**
Saturday, March 5 – 9:30-5:30 p.m.  $115**
Sunday, March 6 -   9:30-3:30 p.m. $ 75**
**Costs per session if purchased individually.

Monika Andreas, with 35 years of yoga wisdom,
responds to the needs of each student.
She has trained with master yoga teachers
including B.K.S. Iyengar, Roger Eischens, Angela
Farmer, and Victor VanKooten among others
during more than three decades as a yogi.

Bobbye Middendorf leads Sacred Story Vision Quests,
convenes circles for writing and meditating, and
mentors people with urgent healing messages.
She is an award-winning writer with an
M.A. in Interdisciplinary Arts
from Columbia College and creator of

http://www.writesynergiescopywriting.com.

Please contact me to reserve your place, as space is
limited. Feel free to email me
jasbjm(at)earthlink(dot)net with any
questions, and we can schedule a
one-on-one phone conversation.

Wishing you an abundance of
Love, Light & Laughter,

Bobbye Middendorf
The Write Synergies Guru

A few years ago, I created a personal mission statement. As a solo-soul-preneur, I am the face and being of my business.  At the end of 2010, I was called to update that document. Usually the word “mission” for me is a non-starter. I’ve read far too many mission statements that put me to sleep.

As the Write Synergies Guru, I teach people the magic of growing their results (in words) greater than the sum of the parts. To do that, it calls for stepping into a level of Being in the World (and in the moment) that can only be expressed as your mindful and conscious Presence.  Sometimes, that Presence yearns to share itself by owning the parts that it encompasses. Maybe my colleagues would benefit by revising their “mission” statements into “Presence” statements…Or what I call the Code.

As a writer and a mentor for those crafting,  honing, and polishing their public messages, writing is one piece of my process. Let me share a secret: Who you are Being, from your deepest essence, is what makes the critical distinction between you and everyone else. So ponder the following questions. Take them to heart. Write your answers. Then share your riches here and with your own community of customers, clients — your circle and tribe.

First, who are you Being?

= From your Being, what is your Vision for 2011?

= What is your process for bringing that Vision to life?

= What are the words, the code that you live by when you are truly expressing from your highest and deepest self?

Please share!

For me, it is out of a place of deep inner space, of silence, of a kind of solitude, of words written by hand and by keyboard.

The Write Synergies Code

Out of the deep inner space of silence and solitude grow discernment, intuition, compassion

Walking a spiritual path, I commit to living these core values:

Listening deeply and with loving attention

Exploring with joy, curiosity, passion

Living mindfully and artfully with health, serenity, abundance

Knowing the sacred flow in all energy exchanges

Promoting peace, creativity, wisdom

Expressing compassion for Gaia, nature, and all sentient beings

Advancing with honesty, integrity, authenticity, gratitude, imagination

Connecting with the highest expression of those intersecting my path

Embodying a focus on the Light within and highest good for all concerned

Such foundational and visionary work is the beginning of declaration — what some might even call the basis for a Manifesto. Rest assured, that is coming. Living and expressing fully from this deep place calls on all our intent, requires that we show up in these new and powerful ways of Being.

I have been able to share, above, acrostic messages as part of my Write Synergies Code. These totems and ways of Being are also part of the code and reminders to me about the deeper forces at play in all aspects of life.

We are being called to wake up and act from a more powerful place. Start by unlocking your Being, shining a light on your Vision, and acting each day in the truth of your Code!

Join me on the Write Synergies Path!
Bobbye Middendorf
The Write Synergies Guru

When I read Seth Godin’s comments on making your mark (his “Soles” post) from last week, something clicked. How about for you? Here’s an excerpt:

“The concrete impact of our lives and our work is the mark you make on other people. It might be a product you make or the way you look someone in the eye. It might be a powerful experience you have on a trip with your dad, or the way you keep a promise.

The experiences you create are the moments that define you. We’ll miss you when you’re gone, because we will always remember the mark you made on us.”

–Seth Godin  (see the full post here)

The particular magic that each of us brings to our interactions with people — these are the gifts that make the difference. And it’s the giving of these particular gifts that is the true purpose of our coming into this world. It is in the giving of the gifts of ourselves, our uniqueness, the sacred center and essence of who we are — these are the signs that we are in the space where we can “make our mark.”

It’s what I call “owning your greatness.” It’s encompassed in the phrase “Living your Legacy.”  The potentiality to make a mark is always there. Our responsibility is to come at it mindfully and for positive, life-enhancing purposes.