CONSCIOUS CONVERSATIONS

Springtime Renewal

2010-04-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

April’s topic is ‘Springtime Renewal’. Spring is marked by the budding of seeds, the renewal of life, and the manifestation of creation. Seeds can consist of new ideas, projects, and passions. Some of us have planted so many seeds, yet we have not tended to them - leaving us feeling scattered. Some of us have been so focused on doing the same routine that we have not taken a moment to ask ourselves what seeds we may want to plant.

During the month of April, we will investigate the aspects of ourselves that desire renewal, creation, and nourishment.

What seeds have you planted that require you to stand at their side and nourish them? If you have not planted many seeds, what is desiring to grow in your garden of life this spring?

Increasing Our Awareness

2010-03-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

March’s topic is Increasing our Awareness. As we expand our awareness of ourselves, our relationships and our environment, we become more in tune with the essence that makes us who we are and what we desire.

What is the magnificence inside of you desiring to emerge this month?

Self-Love

2010-02-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

February’s topic is Self-Love. This is the principle of of loving ourselves unconditionally. How do you experience love? What activities can you engage in this month to gift yourself with unconditional love?

Spiritual Questioning

2009-05-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

Spiritual questioning is a part of what it means to be human. Asking questions brings the eternal into every day life. This month, please answer the following questions to deepen your SELF awareness and increase the sacred connection to your divine source.

* How would your life be different if you had no fear?
* Which blessings would you like to bestow on someone else?
* What do you do to search for yourself?
* What's the greatest thing you've ever done for someone else?
* What are you thankful for?
* If you could reach many people with one sermon, what would you say?

Synchronicity

2009-05-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Synchronicity is the phenomenon of meaningful coincidence. It is a connection between something going on outside us and something happening inside us. A synchronicity occurs when an event, a meeting, a conversation or a thought merges with our life's purposes or helps unfold our destiny. As Dave Richo states in his book, Unexpected Miracles, "All coincidences are connected by meaning, but synchronicity happens when the meaningfulness is relevant to our personal evolution." Synchronicity is a word made from two Greek terms meaning "joined with" and "time." Synchronicity is a bond or connection that happens in a timely way. A correspondence between two things is suddenly made clear. The unifying connection was always present but an immediate and meaningful coincidence makes it visible.

Below, please share your own experience of Synchronicity and how a meaningful coincidence opened a door on the path of your evolution. As we share our stories with one another, we will be reminded of the gift of Synchronicity and we will leave inspired to notice them and act on them in our daily lives.

Allowing

2009-04-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

From March 21st to April 19th, we are influenced and governed by the energies of Aries. Aries marks the beginning of the zodiac and sets in motion the divine energies that will influence the themes of the coming twelve months. According to Carl Japikse and Robert Leichtman in their book The Forces of the Zodiac, "the specific forces which burst forth each year in Aries are the divine will to create and the will to manifest.... The work of Aries is to stimulate evolutionary change in our thinking and approach to life. The forces of this time endeavor to change our priorities, perspectives, and what we strive toward, bringing these elements of our character more into alignment with divine will and divine plans."

To take full advantage of the forces that are upon us in April, we must create and participate cooperatively with life by ALLOWING our essence, our soul, and our highest potential to come forth. We can choose to become like the budding flowers in spring or like the Tulips outside of my front door that continue to grow in spite of the snow. In each of us, lies dormant seeds that are waiting to blossom. We must get out of their way and allow the natural unfolding and growth to take place - despite the external conditions we may find ourselves in. We are the ones we have been waiting for and it is up to us to open the door within ourselves and allow our known and unknown potential to emerge.

With this in mind, I invite you to contemplate the Conscious Conversation Topic which is ALLOWING. More specifically, what aspect of yourself or possibility in your life is wanting to emerge?

** Please share your comments by posting to this topic here.

Attitude

2009-02-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

On January 20th, during the inauguration of our 44th president Barack Obama, my grandmother - Judy Barta, passed away. For the five days leading up to this experience, we consciously chose to be one hundred percent present with whatever needed to happen. We were available for each other but most importantly, for grandma, clearing a path for her to transition whenever she chose. We spent several hours testing and clearing her chakras to ensure they were open in order for her spirit to exit as easily as possible. We adorned her with essential oils of lavender and other herbs to assist in calming her anxiety. We performed Reiki and hands on healing, bathing her aura and energy body in love and light. For five days, I observed my grandmother shift from being fearful and confused to embodying peace. During her final moments, my mom and I intuitively tuned into to grandma's departing energy, recognizing she was about to transit. Without saying anything to each other, I went over to the window and opened it so that her Soul could easily exit. My mom began rattling angel bells next to Grandma's ears saying that they were calling her home and it was o.k. to go now. Then, impromptly and in unison, my mom and I began coaching grandma into the light. In perfect rythm with grandma's slowing down breath rate, we began saying out loud, "You can do this. You are doing it. You are doing it. You are almost there. You're doing it. You're doing it......" Then, with her last breath, "You did it. You're there!" And with that, while I was holding her hand, grandma went to the light. Mom and I began to cry and we were flooded with emotions of relief, sadness, gratitude and peace.

At 88 years old, my "gran gran" had finally been released from the prison and confusion of Alzheimer's. She was an inspiration to all who met her and she will be remembered for her go-getting attitude, her drive for life, and her incredible energy. She was a poet, a writer, an artist, an athlete, a teacher, an entrepreneur, and inventor.

The last word grandma spoke was "Attitude". In fact, she looped on it, saying it well over 15 times, just to make sure we would hear it clearly. I made note of it in my journal and we all commented on how perfect it was to be her last word of advice for us. Grandma always used to say, "there is no such thing as TRY. You either do it or you don't." She was always preaching about the importance of a positive attitude and was a true pioneer giving motivational speeches to others about the effects of a positive attitude on the body and our overall health. Well, if that message wasn't clear enough, this was.... Upon leaving the nursing home for the last and final time, mom and I went to exit out the side door where the car was parked. Just as I was about to open the door, I turned to my left and noticed the only picture in the hallway staring me in the face. It read, "Attitude... the little thing that makes a big difference".

I invite you this month to choose a quality of ATTITUDE. Choose to bring that quality of attitude to every event, every experience, every person you interact with this month. Choose to respond with that attitude. Choose to show up with that attitude. Choose to be the model of that attitude this month. Regardless of what is happening in your life, choose to bring a certain type of attitude to it. Question to ponder: What quality of my attitude will I choose to embody this month? (Some examples might be: an Attitude of Peace, an Attitude of Love, an Attitude of Acceptance, an Attitude of Gratitude?)

Intention

2009-01-01T10:27:00.000-08:00

January is the perfect month to focus on the power of intention for it is the key to manifesting what we desire to have, be, or do. In order to manifest what you desire to experience, you must adjust your energy to that which you desire. You must BEcome what you desire. When we act "as if", with feeling & emotion, we begin to vibrate with different energy that literally attracts what we want. It is that simple. When we shift our awareness, our energy, and our state of mind, we attract different people and different experiences that match our vibrational output. The key is the vibrational output or energy, not just wishful, positive thinking. We must give off a resonance or vibration that matches the same resonance of what we desire. As the saying goes, "As within, so without." So, if you want to make 2009 the most incredible year of your life, become clear as to the person you desire to become and BE that person (from the inside). Invite the highest expression of yourself to be known. Write down what happens in your life when you make this shift. Notice, pay attention, and bring gratitude to what you are attracting in your life. The more aware you become about the person you desire to be, you can choose to BE that person. You cannot notice something outside of yourself without it existing inside of yourself.

Topic = Intention. Question = What do you want for yourself that would make 2009 the perfect year? What is one action step you can take this month to make your vision a reality?

Peace

2008-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Peace is a feeling that our heart and soul naturally seek as human beings. We want to be happy. We want to be loved. We want joy. Happiness, love, and joy are experiences of Peace. Yet we have been conditioned to seek more, do more, have more, which often distracts us from participating in the activities that bring us inner Peace.

So this month, you are invited to contemplate Peace by asking yourself: What does it mean to me to feel peaceful? What experiences or activities bring me Peace? Once you have answered these questions, name one action step or commitment that will bring more Peace into your life this month.

Oneness

2008-11-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

The topic for November is ONENESS. Oneness is the recognition and experience that we are everything. It is the premise that everything is connected and unified. It is the premise that there is no such thing as separation.

To be in Oneness, we must realize that everything we see, feel, believe or experience that is outside of us, is merely a reflection of what is happening inside of us (consciously or unconsciously). If something comes into our awareness, be it a thought, a person, or interaction, it is an opportunity for us to look within and ask ourselves, "what is going on inside of me that is causing that person to show up?" "What is going on inside of me that is causing this experience?" These are powerful questions that lead to powerful truths. It is time for us to embrace and bring love to those parts of ourselves that we have disowned, shamed or judged. For it is those disowned, shamed, and judged aspects that are being reflected in our relationships, our communities, our government, and our world. It is these separated aspects of ourselves that are seeking love, attention, and acceptance. The only way to change our outer experience and state is to stop the blaming, shaming and judging and turn the attention inward.

Now, more than ever, Oneness is calling us. Oneness is asking us to embrace the disowned, separate aspects of ourselves and love them unconditionally. Oneness is asking us to love ourselves completely - the good and the bad, the light and the dark, the skinny and the fat, the black and the white, the republican and democrat. Bringing compassion, love and complete acceptance to these aspects, will radically shift our outer world from being disconnected to a state of united Oneness.

This is such a huge, powerful and timely topic. I chuckle at the fact that I picked this topic for November (the election month) way back in January. It is time for us to unite into Oneness. And to begin the dialogue and journey, we must begin with asking ourselves: "If everything is connected, what aspects of myself need unconditional love and acceptance?"

As you reflect on this question throughout the month, I invite you to check out the following resources that will help you achieve and experience a state of Oneness.

Website: www.awakeningintooneness.com
Website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKJ9-tV70hw
Book: Awakening Into Oneness, by Arjunah Ardagh
Book: Zero Limits, by Joe Vitale and Ihaleakala Hew Len, PhD

Inspiration

2008-10-29T13:23:00.001-07:00

The topic for September is INSPIRATION. To be "inspired" means to "be in Spirit", a simple recognition of Spirit within ourselves. Inspiration reminds us to connect to our own Source and calls us to proceed even when we are unsure of our goals and accomplishments. Therefore, the question to answer during this time is: What does being in-spirit mean to you? What sources give you inspiration? How can you cultivate those areas or things that bring you inspiration?

"Our purpose in life isn't to arrive at a destination where we find inspiration, just as the purpose of dancing isn't to end up in a particular spot on the floor. The purpose of dancing - and of life - is to enjoy every moment and every step, regardless of where we are when the music ends."

- Dr. Wayne Dyer

Grace

2008-10-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

The topic for August is GRACE. I think of Grace as a blessing or presence that is received as a gift to humankind from Source, whatever you choose Source to be. I also experience Grace as a state of being. For me it is the ability to attune myself to the natural rhythms of the universe with a presence of peace. This state comes from within me, yet it is directly connected to my higher power and the Divine. The state of Grace is an internal experience, more like a presence, unaltered by the external conditions that may be unfolding outside of ourselves. In other words, regardless of the metaphorical tornadoes, hurricanes and change that is going on outside of myself, when I am in a state of Grace, I am at peace, connected to a higher intelligence that encompasess my being. When I am in this state of Grace, I am not thinking, analyzing, or processing. I am simply present - acutely in the moment. Often times, this state happens to me, rather than inspite of me.

When I think of the gift of Grace, I also think of Deeksha, known as the Oneness Blessing. I was fortunate to be introduced to Deeksha by a serious of synchronistic events in 2006. Simply put, receiving Deeksha (a.k.a. The Oneness Blessing and the "gift of grace") results in growth in consciousness. It is an act of energy transfer by touch or by the power of intent. Each time I receive Deeksha, I experience a profound silencing of my monkey mind with an increasing ability to be present and connected. To learn more about what the Oneness Movement is and how it is sweeping the world, visit: http://www.onenessuniversity.org/oneness/cms/home/onenessblessing/index.html.

What does Grace mean to you? How can you welcome Grace into your life this month?

Self-Leadership

2008-10-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

The topic for July is SELF-LEADERSHIP. Since it is easier to define leadership by looking at people we admire as leaders in our lives, businesses, communities and world, it is a great place to start.

This month, I invite you to FIRST define what does leadership means to you? Then, using your own definition, name 3 ways you can become the leader of your own life this month?

For me leadership means:
o Modeling the change I wish to see in the world.
o Having a clear vision and inspiring others to co-create that vision
o Having the courage to express one's authentic self or truth
o Noticing, listening, & taking decisive action
o Being a champion of positive change
o Knowing when its time to act, then doing it

How I would apply this definition to my own life this month?
- Staying true to the vision I have for my life - making a positive difference
in the world and helping to raise the consciousness of myself and others in that vein.
- Be present in each moment and speak my truth
- Not accepting small thinking, personally or professionally

"Leadership is understanding people and involving them to help you do a job. That takes all of the good characteristics, like integrity, dedication of purpose, selflessness, knowledge, skill, implacability, as well as determination not to accept failure. - Admiral Arleigh A. Burke

Potential

2008-10-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

The topic for June is POTENTIAL. Reaching our potential means something different to each one of us. To some, it is an accomplishment, a dream realized, an acquisition of something we have longed for. To others it is an internal state of growth, a sense of peace, an ability to know who we really are. For me, I have always had this internal drive to make a largest positive difference in the world. And, for some reason, the word "largest" is important yet has no scope. So, what does that really mean? How will I know when I have reached my potential to make a huge impact in the world when there is no measurement to it? Honestly, I wrestle with this question every day and choose to pursue my personal vision by sensing my way through - making choices, trusting in the Universe, paying attention to synchronicities and acting on them, and surrendering to the higher plan that is guiding me. Reaching my potential really means that I am a clear, open, vehicle for the Divine to work through me. It means speaking my truth, acting in service to others, listening, and trusting that everything is in perfect order. Reaching my potential does mean making a positive impact in the world by being all that I AM and all that I was meant to be. And, that is something that is continually evolving and changing.

What does reaching your potential mean to you?

Balance

2008-10-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

The topic for May is Balance. This theme has been prominent in my life, partly due to the fact that I am born in the Libra sign and partly because of the natural drive that is within me to do more, be more, and give more. More, more more. It seems as though I have fallen into the trap of the consumer mindset where there never seems to be enough; enough adventure, enough satisfaction, enough success, enough impact, enough recognition, enough self-fulfillment, enough self-love.... the list can go on and on. The word BALANCE always gives me a reason to reflect and pause. We live in a world of opposites and contrasts. Without the darkness, we would not experience light. Without black we would not be able to identify white. Opposites provide us with the context to understand the different aspects within us so that we can learn to integrate them and experience a balanced state of being. So this month, I invite you to contemplate what balance means to you.

How balanced are you in the ways you use your intuition and intellect? How natural is it for you to give as compared to receive? Name three ways you can take something off of your 'to do' list this month in order to be in better balance and alignment with what you deeply desire. Please share your comments and perspective.

Courage

2008-10-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

The topic for April is Courage. When you think of courage, what images, people or feelings come to mind? Is it the cowardly lion on Wizard of Oz who needs his friends to find his own courage? Is it a peace making hero like Ghandi who stands for what he believes in at any cost? Or is it someone close to you that is seems to always take risks? Whatever comes to mind, courage can mean many different things to each one of us. What is important is that we know what that definition is.

For me, courage means having enough guts to speak my truth no matter who I am with or what circumstance I find myself in. Courage means knowing deeply who I am - my values, my beliefs, my convictions, my shadows, my light, my goals, and my dreams. Then I need to chose to accept and embody these aspects of myself. For most of my life, I have been a people pleaser which means that I developed habits and a state of being that could conform and change shape - like a chameleon - to my environment, just so that I would be liked, respected and admired. For the most part, this automatic behavior worked. I was liked, was successful in my career, climbed the corporate ladder, was a leader of every team I was a part of, etc. However, I began to find that something was unfulfilled inside of me. In truth, I wasn't being honest with myself. I wasn't owning all of the aspects that make me who I am. This type of behavior or automatic response began to eat away at me, depleted my energy and left me searching to understand what really was my truth? As I continue to journey each day to peel another layer of who I am, I realize that it is a courageous act to simply BE. It is a courageous act to get up each day and consciously choose to experience it in such a way that expresses why I am here on this earth. It is an act of standing up and honoring who I am that closes my own personal integrity gap (of who I am and who I want to be). And it is this definition, for today, that I identify with. So, this month, I choose to be courageous, in the act of BEING all that I am and choosing not to hide any of it.

What is your definition of courage? What courageous act can you take this month that will elevate your life to a new level?

Acceptance

2008-10-28T14:31:00.001-07:00

The topic for March is Acceptance. For me, this theme has been a prominent lesson during the last 2 weeks. A week ago, I came down with the flu and after 6 days of suffering with a sinus headache, stuffy nose, soar throat and being laid out in bed, I began to see what was really going on. I pride myself on rarely getting sick, and when I do, I "attack" it with natural remedies, healing tonics and alternative methods. However, this time, nothing was working. Finally, I decided to seek help from Craig Malecker, a friend and healer with whom I have worked with when I have needed a shift my energetic state of being. Craig is gifted in cranial sacral energy work and Deeksha. On my way down to Salt Lake City to see him, I was listening to Eckhart Tole's audio book called A New Earth when it dawned on me that I had been resisting being sick from the moment I got the first symptom. In my language, I would share with friends that I am "battling" the flu as if I was fighting against the very state of being that had consumed me. I did not want to be sick. I did not like being sick. I did not know how to be sick. So, it was in that moment that I realized I needed to completely surrender to being sick. I needed to fully accept my state of being for what it was. And, it was at that moment that I began to heal. This realization was set into the memory of my cells as Craig began to shift the energy and move the blocks that were in the feet and head. I felt opened, grounded and clear after working with him. I was no longer resisting what my body was trying to tell me, I was now listening, and I could see that it needed rest, it needed love, it needed attention. For me, this type of acceptance to what is, allows me to surrender to BEING rather than doing. It is this type of acceptance that radically shifted my state of health and I am so grateful for this gift.

What can you fully accept about yourself and others that will radically shift your state of being?

Intention

2008-10-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

The topic for February is Intention. The power of intention is real and tangible. When we put conscious intention to that which we desire to create, we bring energy and attention to the very manifestation of what we desire to have, be or do. The amazing key is to BEcome that which we desire to be. When we act "as if" we begin to vibrate with different energy that literally attracts what we desire to be. It is that simple. When we shift our awareness, our energy, and our state of mind, we attract different people, different circumstances and different experiences that match our vibrational output. We give off a completely different vibe and that vibe attracts to us exactly what we are putting out. So if you want to make 2008 the most incredible year of your life, become clear as to the person you desire to become and BE that person. Write down and document what happens in your life when you make this shift. Notice, pay attention and bring gratitude to what you are attracting in your life. For the more aware you become about the person you desire to be, you can choose to simply BE that person. It takes practice so be gentle with yourself. It is possible and you are worth it. Here's to the most extraordinary year of your life!

What do you want for yourself that would make 2008 the perfect year?

Gratitude

2008-10-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

The first topic for 2008 is GRATITUDE. It is my belief and experience, that when we bring awareness to that which we are grateful for having, for experiencing, for feeling, for receiving, we attract more of that which we are grateful for. Please share your stories, experiences, understandings and insights.

What experiences are you grateful for having in 2007 that made an impact on the person you are today? Why?

Welcome

2008-10-28T14:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Conscious Conversations where you will have the opportunity to discuss, share, and network with people on inspiring topics each month. This blog is meant to complement and enhance the face to face gatherings that are held on the first Monday of every month (with some exceptions) at the Glenwild Clubhouse in Park City, Utah from 8pm-10pm.

I got the idea to start Conscious Conversations during the summer of 2007 when I attended a workshop in Toronto. During the last day of the workshop, with my personal mission in mind (to help raise the consciousness of people in the world), I was reflecting on how I could be of service to the community that I am so grateful to be a part of. I was also thinking about how much I personally enjoy connecting with people about meaningful, heartfelt topics, for I learn and grow the most from interacting with others. And, that is when the idea for Conscious Conversations popped into my head.

It is my belief that when we share our stories honestly with one another, we realize that we are not separate beings, we realize we are not alone, and we realize that we are really connected to one another, even if we have never met. As we join in community and exchange ideas, lessons we have learned and experienced, we not only grow as individuals but we connect as human beings, which in my belief, can greatly transform the world we live in. So, it is my hope that you will contribute your thoughts, share your perspective, learn from one another and join in community. May you feel energized, excited and connected to an inspiring and engaging conversation.

With love & light,
Jennifer