Harness Your Power: Allow Time for Healing

Healing is not optional -- unless, of course, you want to carry wounds with you as you move forward on your journey.

When I was 16 years old my parents divorced. It was a messy situation. After the divorce my Dad chose not to be involved in my life for the 17 years following. That was extremely painful to me during those years.

I spent many days and nights during my college years crying and working through the pain of the situation. It was no fun experiencing such intense emotion, but after I moved through the inner healing process, I was certainly glad I had taken the time to heal.

This week has been a week of healing in our house. My daughter Maggie had her eye surgery on Monday. It was a short procedure. After the procedure her eye was blood red. It still is. Yet, I watch her each day and it is amazing how her body has been healing. She bounced back quickly from the surgery because she spent extra time resting each day.

I've been healing too. My knee was intensely swollen at the beginning of the week. I wondered whether or not it was going to heal. I listened to my intuition and decided to keep off my feet as much as possible to allow it to heal. It's good that I did. The swelling is going down and the pain is less each day. Had I pushed myself to be active, it certainly would not have gotten better.

I'm also moving through inner healing processes right now. It's actually a beautiful process to experience. I believe that in order for our lights to shine brightly in the World, we must allow the dark, heavy emotions we have in the depths of our being to bubble up. If we allow this to occur and we take the time to acknowledge our pain and work through it, then it transforms to beauty and wisdom.

There are no shortcuts to this process. One of my clients this week was feeling intense sadness. She didn't want to feel sad. She grew up being the "cheerleader" at home. For years she overlooked the pain in her life because it was uncomfortable. Yet, years later, she still has layers of sadness that are still inside of her. I encouraged her to allow herself to feel the intensity of the sadness. I suggested that she sit with the intensity of the emotions and watch herself as she moved through it. I reminded her that if she didn't heal now, she would continue to cycle through patterns of sadness until she finally healed. I assured her that the painful emotions would transform with time.

Our pain is not bigger than us. It is small in comparison with the grandeur of our Spirits. Our pain can only overcome us when we think we are the pain -- and when we allow the pain to become our identity.

I offer you the suggestion this week to allow any dark emotions that you feel to come up for healing. Shine the light of love on these emotions. Understand and feel the emotions deeply. Know that you are a powerful, grand being! The emotions need not overcome you right now. Watch the emotions. Observe yourself as you feel them intensely.

Simply allow yourself the time for healing. Ask the Universe to assist you as you heal. Then, relax and let love be the salve that heals your inner wounds.

Inner brilliance comes when we release these layers of pain. We become new. We are more alive. Our inner light shines brilliantly to the World around us as we release the heavy energies and lighten up.

May your week be full of beautiful, effortless healing,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Breathe Through Challenges

Those of you have been reading my blog know that the past week was quite challenging for me. On top of working through my daughter's health issues, I fell and hurt my knee badly. I spent the week using lots of ice, taking pain killers and keeping off my feet.

As I think back over the past week, I see the beauty in the challenges. I believe there are no accidents -- that each aspect of our existence is for the growth of our Soul. Because I hold this belief, moving through the difficulties on the journey is very interesting. My "bigger self," the part of me that watches me as I go through my own journey was fascinated by the situations I encountered.

The lessons I gained from this past week are many. I'd like to share two of them with you. The first lesson is that breathing is extremely powerful when feeling any kind of pain. The greatest tool I had last week was my breath. At one point, when I felt so much heaviness in my heart, I sat down and began to breathe. I closed my eyes. I opened my hands and cupped them together. I put all my sadness into my hands and then I closed my hands. I held the sadness in my hands as I breathed deeply. I then envisioned love surrounding the sadness. The sadness seemed to melt with the presence of love surrounding it.

I felt greater peace after breathing and quieting the mental chatter of worry and fear. My whole body relaxed as I did this exercise. It was powerful to shift my emotional state through this simple act.

The second lesson from this week is that injuries are a great way to gain new perspectives on life. I realized that my knee injury was also important for me right now. Being injured is always positive -- at least, if you can look at the bigger picture. When I was in high school I broke my ankle during the middle of my basketball season junior year. Sitting on the sidelines was SO difficult. Yet, as I sat and watched my team in action, I began to see moves I could be making. I saw the game of basketball with new eyes because of sitting out for a few weeks. When I healed, I was a better player.

I'm taking this injury in the same way. I've had to cancel many of my "non-essential" appointments so I could keep my feet up. I've had to relax and sit. Stillness is something I was being led towards prior to being injured. Stillness is what I was forced to do with the injury.

Sitting on the sidelines for now is good. I'm taking time to look at my life from new perspectives and it will serve me in clarifying more of what I want as well as understanding new ways to create it.

I'm still hobbling around. The doctor thinks it is only a sprain. The swelling goes down a little bit each day. I am taking things one day at a time. Really, that is the only way -- we can only live in the moment anyway. I guess situations like this make it more obvious that you just never know what the next moment might bring.

I choose not to fight life. Instead, I'm flowing with it -- even flowing with the emotional and physical pain. I have felt so much deep peace and love in my heart the past week. It's actually amazed me how easily I've moved through so much challenge.

I credit the ease to the mental training I've been doing the past few years. Five years ago, I would have been depressed, exhausted and emotionally fatigued by situations like this. I see the value in maintaining peace and calm no matter what circumstances present themselves in my life.

Suffering is overrated. Even in difficulty we can choose not to suffer. We can acknowledge the pain and work through it but the pain need not consume it.

I realize more each day that life is fascinating and beautiful. The dimensions that pain adds to life are incredible. It's as if each painful situation brings a new cut to the diamond -- and I am able to sparkle even more.

Each of us can deal with our lives this way. I am certain of it -- especially after last week.

May your week be full of peace no matter what circumstances you encounter.

With a heart full of blessings and love,

Hugs to each of you.

Patricia (Trish) Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

p.s. My daughter Maggie has an eye surgery (a simple procedure) at 10:45 this Monday. I appreciate all of your prayers for a quick, painless recovery for her.

Harness Your Power: Move Beyond Labels

As I sit here writing this blog there is a heaviness I feel in my chest. Maybe you can relate to this feeling. Have you ever received news that made your heart sink? That’s what I experienced on Friday.

I received news on Friday – or should I say, I was given a label for the syndrome that is the root cause of the health issues that my oldest daughter Maggie has experienced since birth. It’s ironic to have received this label on Friday. On Thursday I was elated because Maggie was able to point out all the letters in a word. She did this as we were driving home from school. I honked the horn for her and cheered really loud in the car. She smiled and felt so proud of her accomplishment. I felt relief – maybe things are getting easier for her.

Fast forward 12 hours. The pediatrician calls with the results of some blood work. She proceeds to tell me that the blood work revealed an underlying genetic condition. We didn’t think the blood work would come back positive. But it did.

Over the course of the next 24 hours I grieved, processed, and began to wrap my arms around this label my daughter has been given. How could it be that hearing this label would change the way I see my daughter? How could I begin to worry about the future again just because we have a new word to describe Maggie’s experience?

I sit here not knowing what this label means. Of course, I read all there was to read on the Internet to get a base understanding of what it might mean. On Monday I will see a geneticist and get a better understanding of this label.

The most helpful thing my mom said to me was, “Trish, Maggie won’t be limited by a label. Maggie is here on her journey and the experience she has chosen is going to be beautiful. Remember the speech you delivered last year – you told the audience that Maggie is perfect just the way she is. That hasn’t changed. Nothing has changed. You must live in the present moment and open to the tremendous beauty that will come from this situation. You can do this. You did it once already when she was initially diagnosed. You can choose to see her beauty and see the magnificent possibilities in her life.”

I believe that the only limits we have are those we place upon ourselves. The only limits we experience are those we “buy into.” It’s clear to me today that the labels we use to describe ourselves and our roles in life can be highly limiting. What if instead of allowing ourselves to be defined by labels, we began to define the labels ourselves? Must we buy into what society tells us a label should mean?

I had initially written a blog for this week entitled, “Moment by Moment Choices.” I am writing the same blog but from a very different inner space. As I move through this situation and come to understand it more deeply, I see clearly that I have a moment by moment choice of what I focus my thoughts on. Will I focus on fear and limitation? Or, will I focus on joy and love?

In situations like this I return to the principles I teach my clients:

• Live in the moment.


• Open to the unlimited possibilities of what you can create with your life.


• Choose to release all fear and worry.


• Relax.


• Release the fear and the heaviness to the Universe.


• Lighten up.


• Soar through life.


• Enjoy each and every micro-second of life.

It’s so interesting how life circles around back to the same core issues and challenges. Five years ago I was faced with the same thoughts, feelings and fears. I celebrate the fact that I have grown tremendously the last few years.

I don’t believe in the word “disability.” What does that mean anyway? Just because there are people who are different than the “norm,” doesn’t mean that they are limited. We assume people who are different are limited. Those with different physical bodies and different mental capacities have the chance to create unique life journeys. Why do we choose to label these people and assume them to be something less or something strange? I believe that these Earth Angels are here to challenge us to open our eyes and interpret life in new ways.

Watch yourself this week. Notice how often you label yourself and limit yourself with labels. Notice how often you do this to other people. Watch how you react when you see someone with a physical challenge. Do you grimace? Do you feel uncomfortable? Choose to understand these feelings more deeply. Choose to open your mind and celebrate what is different and unique. Choose to celebrate the amazing life journey these individuals are on.

There is still a pressure in my chest and many tears that are ready to flow from my eyes. I choose to be authentic and real as I move through this situation with my daughter. Is this hard? Yes, it feels uncomfortable and tense. I have learned that when I embrace these challenges, I grow and expand in ways that I didn’t even know were possible. I welcome this pain. I invite it in. I feel it fully. I realize that the more human experiences I move through, the more people I am able to relate to.

Life’s difficulties are rich. Am I abundant? Yes. Am I blessed? Yes. Am I thankful for this experience with this new label? Yes.

May we move beyond our labels and define who we want to be.

With tears, pain, hope, joy, passion and deep care for anyone who is experiencing challenge in their life right now,

Your friend and coach,
Patricia Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Actively Listen for Guidance

The more often I am able to quiet the chatter in my mind, the more often I am able to hear clear guidance. This guidance comes in many forms -- from books that I am drawn to, to the lyrics of songs on the radio and to the words of the people I encounter each day.

Last week when I was in my yoga class the teacher, whether she knew it or not, was saying the exact words I needed to hear. As we got started she reminded us to, "Relax. Feel your inner energy." I closed my eyes. I used my inner sense to feel my energy level.

We eased into the class with stretches and poses that were gentle. As our bodies got warm, she led us through more challenging poses. It was hard! She encouraged us, "Have patience. Be balanced." I listened. I held the positions longer than I thought possible. "Connect to your breath right now," she told us. Again, I followed her instruction and my breath gave my body the support it needed.

As the class continued she told the whole class, "Stretch and expand. One little stretch more each week will help you be more flexible." Yes! I wanted to stretch and expand -- and, in fact, that is what I am always encouraging audiences and life-coaching clients to do.

I love the fact that the Universe is actively coaching and mentoring us. These helpful pieces of advice and encouragement abound when we actively listen for guidance.
I have slowed down my life and my mind to a point that I take notice of so much more than I used to. I used to be moving at a frantic mental and physical pace so I rarely would notice billboards, facial expressions, or pay attention to the details of my experiences. Now that I do, I am AMAZED. The guidance I receive all day long in various forms keeps me laughing.

I believe the Universe has a great sense of humor. We could be laughing all the time if we were able to lighten up, quiet our minds and take notice of the intricate interweaving that occurs all around us.

This evening my children and I went to Ikea. After shopping we sat in the little cafe area and had some ice cream. At the table next to us were 3 children under the age of 4. They were hilarious. The middle child, a little girl, was sitting in her stroller eating a big cup of ice cream. She was smiling and laughing. She kept saying something to me. Though I couldn't understand her exact words, I could tell that her energy was joyful. I said to her, "Ice cream is a taste of Heaven, isn't it?" She giggled in reply.

By slowing down and breathing I see, taste, hear, smell and touch my life experience in glorious ways. I truly believe that there is more Heaven available on Earth than we can comprehend.

I am thankful that I taste more of Heaven each day!

Take the time to quiet your mind this week. Meditate. At least breathe deeply for five minutes even if you can't calm your thoughts. Walk more slowly. Take time to look in the eyes of people you pass on the street. Look at the billboards you drive by with new eyes. Notice license plates. Listen more closely to the lyrics of the songs you hear while you are shopping or driving.

Messages from the Universe abound. All it takes is to actively listen for the guidance your heart desires.

May your week be full of amazing signs....

I'd love to hear from you if you can relate to this blog.

Enjoying glimpses of Heaven on Earth,

Trish Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Shake Up Your Routines

I receive wonderful signs and reminders from the Universe all the time. Early last week I was driving and I was behind a license plate that said "MENTOR." In my life coaching work, I basically am acting in the role of a mentor all the time. Then, the next license plate I saw said, "Live2Laugh." Wow, that was certainly a clear message to me to lighten up and laugh more.

It's so easy to take our lives seriously and forget to just have fun. It's also easy to get into ruts -- doing the same things day after day. We often keep our schedules the same every day because it is comfortable. We get used to a routine.

I realized this week that I was getting in a rut with my daily routine. Though I love my work, I found that working from home was eating into my joy of being at home. I'd be at home all day long doing life coaching and writing and then, I'd be at home all evening with the kids. I could feel the restlessness growing inside me. I listened to my inner voice and it said, "Live2Laugh, Trish." It told me to find things to do and places to go that would bring something fresh to my life.

I listened. By making a few simple changes, I felt refreshed. Rather than writing from home, I took the time to drive into Philadelphia and found a lovely cafe with outdoor seating where I could do my writing. I took a longer walk in the park than normal and changed up my walking route. I drove a different route to pick up my kids from school. I laughed at myself as I saw how easy it is to gravitate back to the normal routine.

We often trap ourselves in the ordinary when there is so much to experience! There are so many places to visit, so many new people to meet, yet we sit in our houses feeling down and depressed. We want to change the way we feel but we continue to do the same thing every day. I believe they call insanity: doing the same thing and expecting a new result. Well, I don't want to live an insane life. Unless, of course, my life is insanely wonderful!

Take time this week to observe your daily routine. Are you stuck in a rut? Is it time to become consciously aware of the choices you are making with your time? Could you try a new food? Could you visit a museum? Could you try a new hobby? Is there a networking group you could attend so you can expand your network of friends and professionals? Why not get up at a different time each day -- maybe a few minutes early and do some stretching?

The possibilities of how we live each day are endless. So, why box yourself in? Let loose this week. Try something new and enjoy the bit of discomfort you feel in changing the routine.

Let's laugh this week. Let's take deep breaths and enjoy the fresh air. Play, play, and play some more. Let your work be play.

As you lighten up about life and laugh more, you can't help but feel better.

Making the most of every day,
Trish Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Blossoming With Joy

Spring has sprung in Pennsylvania. The past few weeks have been amazing to watch. Each day when I walk I have taken particular notice of the changes in the trees. About a month ago, the trees were completely naked -- no leaves, flowers or signs of growth. The last few weeks there has been evidence of new growth. . .little green, white or light pink specks appearing on the branches. Now flowers are starting to appear on many of the trees.

There is a buzz of excitement in the air as people emerge from their winter hibernations. Kids are laughing. Bubbles float by my head. Dogs are running the fields at the park more freely. People are smiling more.

Each day I see more evidence of growth! It's fun to wach.

I see Spring this year as a representation of my own personal blossoming. During the winters of life it feels so bleak and cold. Yet, during those winters everything is very clear -- I can see my inner workings clearly just as I can get a good look at the naked branches and trunks of the tree during winter. I learn about who I am in my core.

I feel joy as I see the winter in my life come to an end. I watch myself and my life with a smile as I see new growth. The blossoms appear and grow. The fragrance is refreshing. Before I know it, the whole of my life is full of so much beauty that I am overwhelmed by the growth!

Waiting for the blossoming to happen is hard. . .the winters feel long. You wonder if you will ever experience Spring again. But, Spring always comes.

If you are feeling winter in your life right now, take heart. Look all around you at nature for reminders that your life will blossom again. Keep focused on your desires. Plant your seeds of possibility. Water them. Trust that the Universe is growing them in the perfect time. Then wait patiently with a deep inner knowing and trust that your life is blossoming.

Breathe deeply. Get out in nature. Run in the fields with your hands in the air. Jump up and down when you go outside. Get your body moving again. Wake up to your life. Life beckons us to get out and explore. Venture out of your routines. Go for a hike. Cut some fresh flowers from those trees and brighten up your home.

Allow yourself to blossom with joy as Spring begins. . .there is so much beauty that surrounds you. Take it all in and give thanks.

I wish you a week full of blossoms of joy.

A big hug,

Trish Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Focus On the Light!

As typical in my life, this week was full of wonderful learning. I'm excited to share an important idea with you, one that is helping me make good choices and is also enabling my life coaching clients to do the same!

I had a life coaching call with a wonderful client this week. We will call him John for the sake of this blog. Over the past few months, John has taken the time to clarify in detail what his heart desires! It's been a fun process to go through with him! He has written it all down on paper. He has created a vision board depicting what he desires. He has connected to what is important to him, what he loves and what he is passionate about creating. By looking into his heart, John has found light in his life.

Now the challenge comes. John knows what he wants in his life, but he doesn't yet have it! When he looks at his life right now, he sees that he doesn't yet have what he wants. When he thinks about this, it makes him feel down and depressed. John isn't enjoying the job that he has. So, he feels discouraged that he doesn't have a new job yet. When he feels this, it drains his energy and keeps him from being inspired to take steps towards his vision for his new job. It keeps him from moving towards his vision for what he wants to create in his career.

It all boils down to a choice: In each moment, will I focus on what I don't want or will I focus on what I do want for my life? In each thought, will I focus on the vision I have for my life or will I focus on the darkness I feel about my current circumstances?

When you focus on the darkness, it feels really dark. You lose sight of the light. You curl up in a ball and feel bad inside. You get depressed. You forget the possibility of what you can create.

When you focus on the light, it feels bright. The darkness fades away into the background. You feel energized as you look at the light. Your intuition begins whispering to you your next steps of how to move closer to the light. You start moving in the direction of the light one step at a time. You feel the warmth of the light. You get closer and closer to it. You feel great, alive and ready to step into your vision!

Wow. What a difference our focus makes. Life is really simple and easy if we have the right focus.

So, if you notice yourself sitting in the dark, feeling upset and lonely, STOP. Stop yourself right away. Then, refocus on the vision you have for what you desire to create in your life. Look at it in detail. Let your emotions move towards the excitement of what you desire. Then, move towards the light.

Will you choose darkness or light this week?

Your choice makes all the difference in how you feel about life!

Basking in the light,

Patricia Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

If you need help in clarifying your vision for life, let me know! I enjoy working with people to support them in creating their vision for life. It is a delightful process to work on!

If you feel stuck in the darkness, I would love to help you learn to focus more on the light -- sometimes you might think a light doesn't exist. . .but, it does. . .and I would be glad to guide you towards it until you can see it for yourself.

Drop me an email at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com