Animal Intuition
Spiritual Fitness
It Is All in the Rhythm
Story: Black-Tie Bowling
Exercise: Energy Pie Chart (not as dry as it sounds)
INTENTION, TRUTH, ACCEPTANCE
INTENTION
Can You Even Dye My Eyes to Match My Gown?
Any Strings Attached?
Open Mind, Open Heart
Story: An Intentional Move
Exercise: Maps of Desire
TRUTH
Truth or Consequences
You Can Own Your Truth . . . No Money Down!
And You Would Be?
Godzilla for Tea at Four
Rattling the Cage
Story: Passings
Exercise: Challenge Your Beliefs
ACCEPTANCE
You Are the Smartest One
A Word From Buddha
Days When the Rains Came
Relationships . . . Oy!
Soul Peeking Out
Story: Easing into Understanding
Exercise: Biography of the Soul
ACTION, MOMENTUM, IMPACT
ACTION
Sneaking Up on Change
Find That Thing
Story: A Passion for Books
Exercise: Do Three Things
MOMENTUM
What Is the Worst (Best) that Can Happen?
Ritual vs. Routine
Free Dog with Fill-Up
You’re a Sly One, Mr. Grinch
Change at Eye Level
Creating Rituals
Story: Moving On
Exercise: Creating Rituals
IMPACT
Good Order
Story: Making Room for Possibility
Exercise: Change Your Routine . . . Go On, Just a Little
RETURN, RESURRECTION, ASSESSMENT
RETURN
A Phoenix from the Ashes
Story: The Other Side of Pain
Exercise: Creating Sacred Space
RESURRECTION
The Old Neighborhood
Story: In Your New Skin
Exercise: Complementary Changes
ASSESSMENT
What Happens Next?
Story: Are You Tall Enough for This Ride?
Exercise: Just Be
OVER PART
Bibliography
Credits
IN APPRECIATION
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There is a proverb that says: “When you stand with the blessings of your mother and God, it matters not who stands against you.” In addition to that powerful combination, I stand with friends. I am blessed with many in my life and acknowledge you all with deepest gratitude.
Several folks have been right in the thick of it with me during this particular adventure, and I give many thanks to:
Jessica Warren Bennett, without whom I would be adrift; Marilyn McCabe and Cathleen O’Connell for fact-finding missions and support extraordinaire; Mickael Kerber for letting me play on a great team; Scott Manning for the introduction to publishing and to a new friend; Wendy Walsh for unbridled enthusiasm, great stories, and adventures; Darius Petty for a 11 that you helped me believe; Jane Cosner and Sue Blanchard for walks, talks, tea, and clarity; Karin Wood for steadfast friendship; the Goddesses, divine women with me from before the first step; and Ann Marie Almeida for the room to fly and always a safe place to land.
Also appreciation to my family for keeping me close and to John Fadden and Dan Plumley for their generosity of spirit and to all those whoe shared their wonderous stories.
And a grand merci to Jan Johnson, extraordinary editor and friend.
Give me time enough in this place And I will surely make a beautiful thing.
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from “Mornings Like This”
— Annie Dillard
OVERTURE
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Look—you just initiated change! You picked up this kook and now the process is in motion. That was pretty easy, wasn’t it? Word is out that there is something in your life or about your life that you want to change or do differently. And we’re just getting started. Your actions have power, but so do your thoughts and your emotions. They are all at the root of change and creating all your heart’s desire in this life. The momentum of change begins now. It begins simply with the energy of your thoughts and even the words you choose to use. The shift in energy in your mind this minute is all that needs to happen to begin movement. Well, you are still
