Harness Your Power: Silence, Silence, Silence

Silence is rich.  I have been spending time in quiet, deep breathing almost every day for the past seven years.  There is nothing like a few minutes of breathing to calm my spirit.

I've realized that no mater how long I spend breathing deeply, there is always benefit.  In the middle of the day if I take a few breaths and stop my thinking for just a moment, I feel renewed.  If I sit for ten minutes after the kids have gone to bed, there is great reward in this too.  Longer periods of twenty to thirty minutes take me into a deep state of inner peace and joy.

When I need answers to my most pressing concerns, a few minutes in silence connects me to a Divine Wisdom.  I find that the answers I need more easily emerge when I am quiet inside my mind.

If you have a mind that races with fear, worry, guilt, shame and stories from your past, perhaps it might be worth your time to sit quietly and breathe deeply.  It may feel difficult at first because your mind will want to keep it's pace.  If you persist, you will find that your mind will grow calmer and your body will feel renewed.

When I attended a seminar last year we actually ate our meals in silence.  It made the experience of eating toally different.  Rather than exchanging stories with other participants, we were solely focused on enjoying our food.  They also encouraged us to spend one day of the seminar in total silence -- no speaking or communicating with anyone.  It was joyful to do this, in some ways'a relief to be with the group but have no pressure of interaction and no need to say anything.

This week I encourage you to spend at least a few minutes a day sitting quietly and breathing.  Just incorporate it wherever it fits into your day.  Let your cares go for that time.  Just focus on your breath and allow your body, mind and spirit to completely relax.  You may find that you hunger longer and more frequent periods of silence.

I am doing this with you.

Much love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Silence & Listening

I spent this entire week looking inside myself, learning and growing. I was reminded through some interactions with people close to me, that I want to improve my listening skills. A few days before these conversations occurred, I had picked up a book at the library called, "The Sacred Art of Listening." How is it that I always have the books I need right at hand? I'm so grateful for the way the Universe is always at work, supporting and preparing me even when I don't know what I need!

In this helpful book, I was reminded of the importance of practicing personal silence. Quieting our minds opens up space for us to BE more of ourselves. It is also an important practice in relation to listening. If our minds are uncontrolled when we are by ourselves, the mind's activity will inevitably pick up its pace when we are interacting with others. Then, when we find ourselves in intense conversations where we hold differing viewpoints with others, the mental speed ramps up another notch entirely!

Practicing silence helps us to see that we can be in control of our minds rather than having our minds in control of us. We are able to slow down the thinking mechanism and open up space in our head and our heart when we do this. Then, during our daily life, we can use silence "on-demand" to get back to peace. I often spend moments breathing each day to calm myself and regain perspective. The same can be true for using silence in the time we spend with others.

To truly listen to another person, we must be able to slow our minds down. If not, we will be thinking of our to-do list, past history we've had with the other person or the next thing we want to say to them rather than deeply hearing them. If our minds are quiet, we can graciously accept their words and take them in. Rather than jumping into a barrage of comebacks, we can sit and consider their perspectives. Then, after a few moments of quiet, we can respond lovingly to what they say.

Imagine if only 1% more people in the World practiced this! There would be less conflict and love would grow. We all desire to be heard. So, let's take time this week to work on our listening skills. I'd recommend that each day for the upcoming week you spend at least 2 minutes in silence focused on your breath. See if you can get your mental chatter to slow down a bit. Fill your lungs with breath and shift your own energy. Practice this on your own first. Then, if you find yourself in an intense conversation with another person, practice it again. Quiet your mind and practice moving your thoughts out of the way so you can receive what they are communicating to you.

Let me know how this goes! Let's be the change we want to see in the World. Let's reduce the conflict in our lives so that we reduce the conflict in the World at large.

On a side-note, please check out my updated website. It is full of wonderful resources to support you in your personal growth and well-being. My only desire in life is that more and more people see that they can move beyond suffering and become truly peaceful and happy inside.

A big hug,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Open to Magic

As a life coach I do something unique for my clients-- I provide them with a written summary of our conversations highlighting the key points we covered. I also uplift and encourage them by reflecting to them the progress I see them making on a week to week basis.

After I finished writing the following email to one of my clients, I felt an urge to share it with you. The confidentiality of my client is protected but these words could be helpful to all of us:

"Dear Friend,

I feel very inspired by watching your journey unfold. . . Know that every dream that you have can happen...and that your dreams will only grow more robust and beautiful as you expand as a person.

I challenge you to relax your mind and release your fears. Shift your thinking. Be in tune enough with yourself that when you feel stressed or worried you can STOP. Then, refocus your thoughts on what you WANT...on your dreams.

This time of transition is EXCITING. Yes, you are growing more courageous and each conversation you have during this transition is preparing you for the next chapter. Walk confidently, head held high with an inner knowing that you are at the perfect point on your journey...and understand that everything is on schedule!

Take time this week to write on paper the key things you'd like to feel and experience during this "transition" from one chapter to the next. By consciously creating in your mind and heart what you want to experience, you are more likely to create it.

Allow the magic of the Universe to work for you by not attaching to a particular way things will unfold. Just KNOW that each person, opportunity and all the support you need is flowing to you. Be peaceful. Take time for silence each day. Breathe deeply. Open to Divine wisdom...it flows and speaks all the time but very few people take the time to be aware and listen.

The key is to stay focused in the moment. By being mindful of each moment, you find the magic!

I am so proud of you!
And, I am so pleased to know you and have the chance to support you."

I trust these words comforted you today.

Open to magic. It is there for you. Watch. Listen. Be still. Feel the flow of life in you and all around you.

This journey is fantastic if you allow it to be!

Create all that you desire,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Using Silence More

An insight that I gained this week is that silence is a powerful tool and it can be used in many ways, shapes and forms. Sitting in silence and meditating on a daily basis helps to calm the mind and connect to inner peace and wisdom. Silence can also be used more powerfully in our communication.

When we are in a conversation and don't know exactly how to respond, what do we often do? We talk and talk rather than just sitting quietly. Quiet moments feel awkward to us so we fill them with chit chat. What if instead we were simply quiet when we didn't have an answer to another person's accusation or question? Might it be possible that a few seconds of silence might allow for clarity and deep insight to emerge?

Many times as we express our truth to others we talk for long periods of time. Wouldn't it be more powerful if we expressed a need, want or opinion succinctly and then let a period of silence open up. Giving the other person in the conversation a moment to sit with what was just said and to gather their thoughts and give a response is a very powerful approach. Most of the time we will state our truth and then give a variety of reasons to support and defend what we are saying. More words actually create less power. A few words with silence following them creates a statement with deep impact.

Watch your patterns in communication this week. Notice how often you try to fill silent moments with words because of inner discomfort. Silent moments are beautiful and multi-dimensional. They are fantastic and significant once you get the hang of them.

I also am becoming aware of the power of silence in parenting. So often we react and give our children a piece of our minds. What if instead of lecturing we stated how we felt or what we wanted and then allowed for quiet? Or, what if as we saw a tantrum coming on, rather than trying to control it, we just sat quietly and watched it unfold before us. Silence in parenting can bring about dramatic shifts in dynamics.

I write all this because of my own new awareness. I share from my heart and give you ideas of ways that I am learning to approach situations. If your current approach isn't working, producing the peace, joy and hope you want to experience, why not try something new?

That's where I am at. I want to facilitate poignant, loving moments in all of my relationships.

May your week be filled with more silent moments and clarity,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Notice the Signs

This Thursday morning on our daily drive to daycare, my youngest daughter, Skye, (her 3rd birthday is in April) reminded me of a very important truth. Every time we passed a street sign of any size, shape or color she would yell, in her sweet 2-year old voice, "Mom, another sign!"

What shocked me is that once she got started, she was telling me every few seconds that there was another sign. This continued for the 30 minutes we drove to daycare. I never realized just how many signs there are all around us.

In Skye's class at daycare they take kids for walks outside. As they walk along they look for all the signs. The signs are a tool to teach the kids about colors, letters and traffic. Little did the teachers at daycare know that as they taught my daughter about signs, she would in turn teach me and I would in turn teach you!

I couldn't help but smile as Skye kept yelling about the signs. I know very clearly that I am given signs from the Universe all the time. The signs are both internal and external.

For example, the other day while sitting in a local coffee shop, I kept having a repeated thought, "Talk to the guy at the next table." Finally I listened to my intuition. To my surprise, there was a tremendous amount that we had in common -- we shared connection and enthusiasm about sports. He is going to be traveling to my favorite country in the World this year (to a country where I've spent quite a bit of time) -- to Brazil, so I provided him with helpful information.

I followed the inner sign and met someone amazing. You just never know what might come out of a contact like that!

We receive inner signs all the time. Most of us are unable to hear the signs because we are so engrossed in the daily drama of our lives. By learning to quiet our minds and to slow down the pace of our lives, we actually save ourselves a lot of time and energy. When we hear the inner urges we are able to take the easy path to our dreams. We are also able to avoid difficult situations when we follow the intuitive feelings of uneasiness that alert us to potential pitfalls and dangers on our paths.

There are also external signs all around us in our World. I love these signs -- they are often profound. About 8 months ago I decided to do a fast to cleanse myself. For 4 days I did the "Lemonade Cleanse." It was a time of focus and refreshment for me. As I finished the fast, I was HUNGRY and ready to gobble down some food. The day I stopped the fast I left the house to do some errands. Can you believe that one of the first license plates I saw that day said, "EAT SLOW!" Now, what is the likelihood of coming across a license plate like at all-- let alone the day that you are about to break a fast. I thanked the Universe for the sign and followed the direction.

When we open our minds to experience these signs, it is amazing what can happen. I started a Circle of Abundance group recently. The group's focus is on helping people to learn to overcome their financial blocks and beliefs so that they can begin experiencing greater levels of financial abundance. After our first group session I gave each person a set of affirmations to assist them in opening their minds to new ways of looking at money. This week one of the participants emailed me and told me a wonderful story. She said that she began saying the affirmations, "Money comes to me in miraculous ways." As she said this to herself, she started to think -- that's ridiculous, that can't happen. But, she stopped herself and decided that she would give the ideas a chance. The next day when she got out of her car she found a $10 bill on the ground. Money did appear in her life in unexpected ways! What a beautiful sign from the Universe to encourage her to learn new ways to look at money.

If you aren't looking for the signs, you won't see them. As you begin to look for them, beware -- you may see more than you even though could possibly exist! That's how I felt as we drove to daycare and I began to see that there are hundreds if not thousands of street signs between my house and the daycare.

Ask for signs and you shall receive. Open your eyes and you shall see. Open your ears and you shall hear. Enjoy the comforting signs the Universe provides you for your journey. When you feel lost and you need direction, quiet your mind. Ask for help. Then, go about your business and trust that you are going to get all the signs (internal and external) that you need to create a beautiful life experience.

Life is easy. Life is much easier than we allow it to be. Slow down this week. Quiet your heart and mind. Relax. Trust. Surrender to the flow of life. Don't fight what is. Stay in the moment so fully that you notice all the signs the Universe provides you.

You will be glad you did!

With much joy and a great big smile,

Trish Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

First Step To Harness Your Power

This week I wanted to take a few minutes to explain why I chose "Harness Your Power" as the name for this blog. I've experienced major transformations in my life the last few years -- in fact, people around me often remark how different I am. The changes are visible in my physical appearance, my emotional state and in how I carry myself through life each day. The changes I've experienced have allowed me to harness my personal power so that I truly enjoy each moment of life and so that I create what I truly desire to experience in my life.

My desire with this blog is to share with you ideas that will enable you to begin harnessing your personal power so that you too can enjoy life to the fullest.

Several years ago I felt stuck in my life. While I was succeeding in my career, I felt empty when I went to work. I would wake up each morning with a pit in my stomach. Even after 8 or 9 hours of sleep I still felt drained. I was extremely worried about the future of my oldest daughter who has special needs -- would she be able to lead a normal life? I worried all the time. Each month when I sat down to pay the bills I felt my chest tighten and my blood pressure rise -- how were we ever going to "get ahead?"

I stayed in constant motion during the day. I wanted to keep busy because I believed relaxation had no value. The fast pace of my life, on top of the tremendous fear and worry I had inside, brought me to a point of complete physical and emotional exhaustion. I honestly felt that I was going to breakdown if I didn't start to change my life.

What a gift that "tipping point" was for me. It was the worst feeling I'd had in my life but it was the catalyst for me to take steps towards making personal changes that would transform my whole life.

This week I share with you one of the most important steps I took in my journey of transformation: I slowed the pace of my life and I began to create spaces of silence throughout my day.

I had packed my days full of activity -- rush to get out the door, rush to work, non-stop motion at work, rush to daycare to get the kids, rush to get dinner on the table, rush to get the kids in bed, rush to the gym to get in a quick workout then CRASH at home for a few moments before bed. Rush, rush, rush, rush. . .stress, stress, stress, stress. I knew something had to give if I was going to find time to focus on healing and personal change.

I made a decision, a very difficult one for me, to stop going to the gym in the evenings. This was a hard choice for me -- I had struggled with my body image all my life and I worried that I would gain weight if I stopped going to the gym. But, I knew that my priority needed to be inner change so I decided to leave gym workouts to the weekends.

Instead of going to the gym in the evenings, I decided to sit in silence after I got the kids in bed. I left the TV off and sat on the couch each evening. At first, even a minute of silence felt like an ETERNITY to me. I felt awkward and uncomfortable with quiet. I had become accustomed to constant noise in my life. I saw my inner noise turn on as I sat quietly. My mind raced. My thoughts were unruly. Why couldn't I get my mind to settle down? I had no idea how difficult sitting in silence would be!

I'm the type of person who likes a good challenge -- and I saw immediately that learning to master my mind was going to be my next personal challenge. Each night without fail I would take my position on the couch and close my eyes. I began using my breath as a focal point. If I saw my mind begin to race, I would refocus on my breath. I did this over and over again in the few minutes I sat quietly. After several weeks of doing this, I saw that my mind began to slow down a bit. I also noticed that sitting quietly simply felt good. Breathing deeply relaxed my body. Slowing my thoughts relaxed my mind.

I decided that I would create more "spaces" in my life for silence. Rather than having news-radio or music on in the car on my way to work, I turned it off and enjoyed a few moments of peace before I walked into work each day. I would sit and breathe deeply as I drove. I laughed at myself as my hand would still reach to the power button on the radio in my car each day -- I saw what a creature of habit I was! I knew it was time to create new habits. That is what I did.

During my lunches at work I would take a few minutes of lunchtime to enjoy spaces of silence. If it was nice outside I would take a walk and focus on the beauty of nature as I walked along rather than allowing my mind to go through my mental to-do list. Sometimes I would find a park bench and be totally silent.

By slowing down my life, I opened up the space to change. By slowing down my mind, I opened up the space to heal. And, healing is what happened. I began to see how much healing my thoughts needed. (I will save that topic for another day -- Healing Your Thoughts is another essential aspect of Harnessing Your Power.)

How fast are you going every day? Do you ever feel out of control and overwhelmed by the schedule you are keeping? Is everything you are doing really necessary? Or, are you in constant motion for fear of what you might feel like if you slowed down?

If you are ready to harness your personal power, consider slowing down the pace at which you live. Consider as well giving silence a try. . .these steps I took opened the doors to tremendous joy, inner peace, hope and inspiration to flood into my life.

One last thing I wanted to share with you-- I had the privilege of speaking to an amazing group of 110 kids last week at Hudson Community Enterprises. These 15 - 21 year olds were so full of energy and excitement. Each one of these kids is disabled to some degree and they go to Hudson Community Enterprises to learn life skills and job skills that will prepare them for life after high school.

The highlight of my time with them was the point in my presentation when we practiced our new, positive thoughts. We all were on our feet together shouting at the top of our lungs "I CAN DO IT. I'M GREAT. I'M TALENTED. I HAVE GIFTS TO GIVE THE WORLD!" Imagine the energy that filled the room as we joined together in one voice to express these truths.

If you want to feel really good right now, why not get up on your feet and shout some of these thoughts -- see how good it feels to use these positive thoughts to get your good energy flowing. In fact, why not say these thoughts to yourself at the beginning of every day?

I'd love to hear from you if you ever want to discuss these ideas further. Please drop me an email at patricia@patriciaomoqui.com . Or, feel free to post your comments to this blog here on the website.

May your week be blessed!