Harness Your Power: Taker or Giver?

I share with you a concept I have been meditating on all week: Am I more focused on taking love from others or giving love to others? Take a few minutes and honestly answer this question. So many of us are so hungry for love, attention, success--we are consumed with what we can get out of life and we forget the beauty of giving!

The irony of giving is that you experience love in a deep way when you are offering it to another person. You can't help but receive when you give!

The ultimate giver is one who plants love seeds everywhere she goes: smiles, kind words, good deeds, thoughtful care put into every moment. These seeds grow into incredible flowers, leaving a trail of exquisite beauty on the path behind her. Yet, the true giver feels no need to go back and pick the flowers that have grown. In fact, the giver is so busy enjoying sharing love that she rarely looks back to see the result. Planting the seeds as she moves forward is joy in and of itself.

The flowers that bloom are merely icing on the cake of love!

To be this kind of person giving love you must fill your own heart with love. Why wait to accept yourself, truly love yourself, until another day. Start today. You are amazing, incredible -- you are here for a special purpose. You will be more effective and enjoy life so much more when you understand that loving yourself is essential to well-being. As you feel good about yourself, then you have so much more energy to enjoy others.

If you aren't very happy with yourself, then plant a seed of self-love in your heart this week.

If you do love yourself, then open to the idea of planting love seeds wherever you go this week. Don't worry about the results...just plant away! The Universe will water and grow the seeds for you.

Have fun doing your planting!

I'll be planting with you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Stop Trying to Control Others

I want to share a quick insight to help you in your week: We CAN'T control other people. Have you noticed? People do whatever they want to do...and often, it is not what WE want them to do, is it?

Notice this week how much stress and drama you create when you try to make someone do something that they really don't want to do. Yes, we can make suggestions and offer ideas and opinions to others. Then, we need to let go. We need to allow others to follow the path that they want for their life journey. Their life is up to them and they are the only ones responsible for their experience.

Too often we think we know what is best for another person. When they don't do things our way, we get angry and disgruntled. We feel the need to lecture and push them to move in a new direction.

What if we were to trust each person to their own journey?

I've found that as I let people make their own choices, they actually do fairly well. I make suggestions and lovingly share my perspectives, but then I believe that they will do whatever is best for them (even if I would never make the same choices.)

It is a relief to stop trying to control other people. I find then when I don't focus my attention on controlling others, I have plenty of energy to focus on me. I need this energy so that I can be my best.

I'm also learning that no matter what other's decide to do (even the people most intimate with me), I can always choose to be happy and empowered. I'm never stuck in any situation. I am always guided as to a way forward. More and more I am coming to realize that I don't NEED others in my life...I enjoy having people in my life and I love interacting with others and sharing love. However, I am whole in and of myself. The less needy I feel, the more I can give others the space they need to be themselves.

I have also realized that decisions that other people make are about THEM not about me. So, if someone rejects me, says something hurtful or makes a choice that could seemingly hurt me, I realize that they can decide whatever they want. My power lies in choosing how I respond to each moment.

Just for this week tune into how often you try to control others (your children, your spouse, your friends, your lover). Watch how this drains you and causes you to worry. Open to seeing and approaching your relationships with fresh eyes.

The bird in the cage is not free. When we open the door and allow the bird to do whatever it wants, we will know if it wants to be with us if it comes back freely.

All my love,
Here to support you,
Patricia Omoqui
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Do The Work

I'm in Los Angeles this morning as I write this blog. I am at a training called The School For The Work. It is hosted and led by Byron Katie, one of the most enlightened, beautiful human beings I've encountered.

In the three days I've been here I already feel another layer of unquestioned fear-based thoughts and beliefs, have melted away. It's as if new energy fills my heart and joy floods my Soul.

Please take time this week to check out: http://www.thework.com/ . I'd encourage you to watch some of the videos she has of her doing The Work with other people. There are a variety of topics so pick one that appeals most to you. Listen to the four questions she uses. Notice how they turn the thoughts around. This process is simple and it works if you allow your mind to open.

Just observe your mind. Watch yourself. See what is really going on inside you. Watch the thought, emotion, action progression. Then consider, "Who would you be without the thoughts that cause you stress and suffering?" As you open to stretching the viewpoints you have and seeing yourself and life from different perspectives, new freedom fills your whole being.

I am so blessed, so grateful, so amazed at how supported we all are by the Universe. I invite you this week to notice how supported and loved you are -- do you see the miracles surrounding you, occuring in your life? If not, notice the beliefs and thoughts that block you from seeing the good and beautiful.

With deep love for myself and for each of you,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

(P.S. the above picture was taken by my best friend, an amazing photographer named Carrie Draghi. She lives in Hartford...the picture expresses my feeling of increasing freedom. www.cdraghiphoto.com If you are in her area, there isn't anyone better to work with. She's fun and excellent at what she does.)

Harness Your Power: Get Some Rest!

After several non-stop weeks of activity, work and preparation for the holidays, I found myself exhausted. As one of my life coaching clients says, "My demons come out when I'm tired." That's true for me. Exhaustion comes in the form of a tired body and volatile emotions. You can ask my husband, I'm the type to cry when I'm at my low point. Early in my marriage it would upset him but now he understands that it's just how I get when I'm overtired. My warning signs emerged and I knew it was time to stop.

I have gotten a lot of rest the last week. It feels sooooooooo good to sleep or even to sit (or lie down) quietly and just breathe. When I put my kids down for a nap, I put myself down for one too. Sleep is essential to our well-being. Yet, many of us feel it is more important to be busy working (whether on professional work or housework) than it is to fill our tanks with energy.

I am determined to start the New Year in good form. I noticed that not only was I tired, I found myself mentally busy. I am usually very good about slowing down my mind and taking time for meditation. Yet, as I got really busy in December, my mind got into overdrive too. It has been refreshing to quiet my mind and move into my heart. By releasing the mental racing, I find myself clearer both mentally and emotionally.

I am also planning to give my body a break by doing a short fast. I want to clean out my internal systems. Our bodies are machines that need our care. If we don't ever do an "oil change" or "spark plug change" how can we expect to be in optimal working condition?

So, if you aren't feeling as well as you could, please take some time to rest. As you rest, listen to your bodies signals -- is your neck tense? Do you feel sharp or nagging pains anywhere? Are you stopped up, unable to release the waste that needs to flow out? (Sorry to those of you who find that topic disgusting...) Notice what your body is saying. Then, take action to give your body rest, good food, and plenty of love.

I am ready for a vibrant, adventurous 2009. Are you? I'm seeing that my main priority is to stay fully focused in each present moment of life. The more present I am the more I can sense my inner wisdom.

A big hug to each of you!

Take care of yourself as you enter 2009!

Patricia Omoqui

www.patriciaomoqui.com

Harness Your Power: Speak From the Heart

This was a busy week for me but a very rich one. I want to share two personal highlights with you to remind you of the simplicity and power of speaking from your heart.

The first: on Thursday I spent the day with 40 other volunteers from The Book Bank Foundation (http://www.thebbf.org/). We loaded a bus in Queens, NY at 10 a.m. and spent the next 12 hours at 4 homeless shelters throughout the city. At each shelter we brought the residents clothes, books, toys, toiletries and a short, inspirational program. Spending time with people who are in such difficult circumstances put things in perspective -- it is easy to complain or think that we don't have enough in our lives...but if you have a home, you really are blessed beyond measure.

We also brought Santa to the shelters. The children all got to take pictures with Santa. The smiles were big and it was great to see the kids excited to see this familiar face.

This year we were blessed to have all the volunteers travel together on a large bus. Throughout the day as we traveled between shelters, we took the time introducing ourselves and sharing our feelings about the experience. We created an environment where people could be vulnerable and share as freely as they wanted about their lives. There were people from all walks of life -- from refugees to former prison inmates to women from a local church.

It was interesting to observe the comfort level each person had with getting up in front of the group to tell about themselves. Some were very shy and hesitant. Yet, with a little coaxing, almost every person stood up to share.

I was reminded that the only thing you need to do when you speak in front of others is to share from your heart. When you do, no matter what words you come up with, people feel your authenticity and are deeply touched by your experience. I found myself moved by each volunteer's experience and personal story. I give each of them a big thanks for their willingness to share, even though many felt an initial hesitation.

The second highlight: Early in the week I had the privilege to spend time with Nicole Brewer, digital journalist for CBS3.com. Nicole did a piece on the daily Food For Thought list that I write. The interview was relaxed and spending time with Nicole was a blessing. I went into the interview excited and ready to share. It was fun to share the story of how Food For Thought came about since it has such a dear place in my heart.

When we simply tell our story with enthusiasm and love, people can sense our authenticity. If you haven't already, please check out the interview: http://cbs3.com/brewer/Patricia.Omoqui.inspirational.2.888924.html . I was reminded through this interview that the only thing I have to do is BE ME. All I need to ever do in life is to authentically share my experience.

Take every opportunity you can this week to speak from your heart. Get out of your comfort zone a bit as you interact with family and friends. Share your feelings. Give people a sense of where you are in your life experience and what you are learning. Being honest about our life experiences is a means of sharing our love.

Written from my heart,

Patricia Omoqui

www.patriciaomoqui.com

Harness Your Power: Clarity then Permission

This week I've been reminded of the importance of being clear on what we really want to create with our lives. We must take the time to clarify every aspect of what we want our life experience to be like: relationships, career, personal life, health, and finances. We also need to be able to answer the following two questions: Who am I? and What do I want?

Have you taken the time to detail your answers? If not, I suggest you take the time this week. If you don't, then please don't complain that things aren't happening the way you want them to. You are a powerful creator of your life experience. You are creating consciously or unconsciously. Most people don't give much thought to what they want and then feel like victims -- why is my life turning out this way? When all they need to do is take some time to dig deep in their heart and decide what they want.

Here are some questions to get you going:

What do you want to feel each day? Are you ready for increased amounts of peace, joy, hope and happiness?

If you could experience ANYTHING that you wanted in your life as you enter 2009, what would it be? What would your daily life experience look like and feel like?

If you are experiencing difficulty in your close relationships, how would you like to see the dynamics change?

Life is a constant clarification process. I've learned that sometimes I think I want one thing but once I experience it, I get clear that it really wasn't exactly what I wanted. What is beautiful is that we aren't stuck with what we create. We can create something new based upon our new clarity. It takes focus and awareness and courage to do this, but anything, literally anything and everything is possible!

I have clients who are clear on what they want to experience in life. But then they get stuck. Two common issues I have seen are: first, they don't really think it's okay to be happy and second, they don't give themselves permission to move forward.

So, if you know what you want but you find yourself stuck, answer these two questions:

Do you really believe it is okay for you to be happy?

Do you give yourself permission to create what you want?

Go deep with these questions. Let out your deepest truth. If you begin to write and meditate on this, your answers will emerge in ways you never expected.

If I can support you in getting clear or on taking your daily baby steps to create what you want, drop me an email at thoughtdr@patriciaomoqui.com

I have a few spots open for new clients. If you are ready to speedily and steadily move towards what you want, I would be honored to support you.

Anything you want is possible. Will you allow yourself to get clear and create the life you want?

A big hug and much love to you all,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Be a Hero!

Sitting here this evening feeling tremendously inspired as I watch the CNN Heroes Awards. The people honored on this show are no different than you or me. They are simple, kind beings. They have stepped forward and followed their inner urges to help others. One thought, one word and one act at a time they touch lives, spreading love.

What is it that beckons you to serve? You know your inner calling. It echoes in your heart. Now is your time to get started. Take one baby step a day towards fulfilling your life mission.

If you feel unsure about what your purpose is, look deep within. Ask to be guided to it. Listen. Watch. Notice what brings you to tears, what moves your heart.

Then, step forward and act. Get involved. So many community organizations could use your help. It's time for each of us to live love. As we live love and give love it brings us love. Spread your love. Use your power. You are the change that your World awaits.

Serving others is the greatest honor and the most fulfilling thing you will experience in your life.

I weep as I see the positive changes happening across the World. It's time for more. It's time to unleash your power, your love and your gifts.

For those heroes who have been serving courageously, don't give up. Keep the faith. Your work is needed.

Thank you, heroes. I honor you tonight. I step forward with you. I believe in change.

Full of love and compassion,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Focus on Love

In thinking about this weekly blog, I considered writing a traditional Thanksgiving blog, reminding each of us to be truly thankful for the blessings in our lives. Of course, I will remind you: let's all join together in counting our blessings and focusing our hearts in gratitude! But, I'd like instead to suggest that this week we focus on seeing others through eyes of love rather than through eyes of judgment.

Big family gatherings can be challenging. We join together with relatives who are experts at pushing our buttons. Old conflicts arise, putting a negative, cloudy energy in the air that everyone perceives but nobody talks about. It feels uncomfortable. Yet we pretend and put on a smile. We try to be cordial.

I'd like to suggest a new approach this year. Before you go to your family celebration, take a few moments to sit down and open your heart. Get a pen and a piece of paper. Begin by making a list of all the people you will be encountering (if it is a big gathering, just list the people who you are not comfortable being around.) Now, begin to write down any and every positive thing you can find about this person. For just a moment, move beyond your judgment and open to a bigger perspective.

If you feel stuck on trying to find positives, then say a brief prayer -- "Spirit, please help me to see this person from a new perspective. Open my eyes in an expanded way and help me to move beyond judgment and see any spark of light this person has within."

These questions might also help you in thinking about the person: Have you seen this person offer kindness to someone in the past? Are they talented? Do they intend to be loving but just never come across that way? (Give them credit for the attempts they make.) Are they full of good humor and jokes? Even though they often may judge you, is it really because of their fearful beliefs that are motivated from a deep love for you? Might it be that their mannerisms, though they annoy you, are merely what they learned growing up?

The whole point of this exercise is to focus on the light, the love you can perceive -- no matter how small it appears to you. When you focus on the light, it grows! When you focus on the light, you change. When you focus on the light, your perceptions shift. The old ideas that you felt you couldn't let go of, are able to transform.

If we desire World peace, the peace must start from our own small circles of friends and family. We may not be able to change the people who offend, ignore, or annoy us. We can change the way we view them. We can release our judgments; we can open to love.

Prepare yourself for these challenging interactions. You could even carry this paper of loving qualities with you to the gathering. Keep it in your pocket or your purse -- so if you find yourself moving into the old patterns of judgment, go to the bathroom, re-read it. Breathe and allow love to fill you again.

Ask Spirit to assist you in approaching these interactions in a new way. Ask for miraculous healing to occur in relationships that have been broken and stuck in conflict for years. It is all possible -- IF we are willing to open our hearts to new possibilities.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. For those of you in other parts of the World, use this exercise in the same way -- make a list of the people who annoy, bug and upset you in your daily life. Open to making the same types of shifts in these relationships. No special family gatherings are needed to experience this growth.

On one other note, I want to say to each of you how thankful I am to interact with you via this blog. It is an honor to share these ideas from my heart. I offer each of you love because I know that you are pure love in your essence. You are, we all are, aspects of Source Energy in human form. We are more similar than different. Are struggles are common ones and as we join together and learn, we begin to see how beautiful we are in facing our daily challenges in our life experience.

I close with a few affirmations to support you in your interactions:

I open to seeing the love and light in my friends and family.

I open to seeing more love and light within myself.

We are all in this together.

I move beyond the conflicts and see others from Spirit's perspective.

I notice the beauty in every human being.

I see them with compassion and empathy.

I realize that their words and actions are not personal to me.

I assume that they, and I, are capable of healing our conflicts and joining together in love.

I am an ambassador of peace.

My work begins in my circle of friends and family.

The peace that starts in my heart spreads to everyone in my life.

It moves around the globe and impacts World peace.

I see my power.

I see new possibilities in my life.

I give thanks for all that I am, all that I have, and all that I am becoming.

In love, knowing the beauty of each person who is reading this blog,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

If you need any support in preparing for tough interactions, drop me an email and we can arrange a quick coaching session. Sometimes a few minutes of conversation can give you just the support you need!

Much love!

Trish