Harness Your Power: Recent Observations

Share your dreams with everyone you meet! Let passion overflow from your heart as you tell others about what you love. I'm doing this regularly and it is amazing the connections that occur when I do. Not only are people happy to hear someone excited about life, but they often are very helpful and willing to connect me with the next person I need to meet.

This happened last night at a birthday party we attended. There were some Africans at the party. We got to talking about the need for development on the continent. I shared what my concerns were and the way I believe change could come about in Nigeria. One word led to another and before you knew it, I found that the person I was speaking to had a contact at a TV station in Kenya. You just never know!

Most importantly, I felt happy and uplifted by the conversation we had. I met a fantastic human being who cared about positive change. Those moments are to be treasured and savored.

Then, this morning after walking on the treadmill I felt the urge to go shoot hoops. I haven't done this in months. I followed the feeling and had a great time. As I shot I was reminded that when you develop a skill, you don't ever lose it.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, the ball went through the net! I hadn't lost my touch and it was fun to see that the thousands of hours I'd spent training are never lost. Dedication, perseverance and daily practice pays off no matter what skill you are trying to develop. I have found that it works just as well with speaking and writing as it works in becoming good at a sport!

After I finished shooting around I picked my girls up from the Kids Club at the gym. They wanted to know what I had been doing so I took them over to the court to see first hand. They loved what they saw! We walked out of the gym and a gentleman asked me, "Where did you play?" I told him about playing at Princeton and overseas. Guess what? He had just applied to Princeton for graduate school. We had a fantastic conversation. Again, I just shared from my heart and enjoyed the momentary connection.

People are wonderful. Years back I would keep to myself and not have much energy to connect with others. Now that I feel better about myself and life, I am meeting people more than ever. It feels good to see this change.

So, dear friend, share your dreams. Connect with others. Have fun talking. Help others and see how willing they are to help you!

Have fun this week,

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: See the Inner Light

I am practicing something these days that I wanted to share with you. When someone is disagreeable, mean, outrageous or nasty towards me, I am practicing silence. I simply watch the scene playing out before me. In difficult encounters it is much better for me to observe the scenario as an outsider peeking in rather than as a person taking the offense in a personal way and joining the drama.

When I don't allow my "buttons" to get pushed, I can calmly look into the eyes of the other person and see their inner light. Yes, the beautiful glow is there even when a person is in an angry rage, throwing a fit or a temper tantrum.

In fact, when I am watching I feel deep compassion for the individual. I realize now that they are in deep pain or fear to be acting in this way towards me or someone close to me.

I've made so much progress. I used to be "Miss Defensive." I would take too many comments each day as a personal offense. This would drain my energy. In needing to show myself "right" I would defend (or should I say attack) in return. As Byron Katie (www.thework.com ) says, "Defense is the first act of war." I would engage in far too much verbal combat with others.

The more I began to identify and heal the inner wounds I had, the more I realized that what people were saying was not personal to me. In fact, they were projecting onto me what they were experiencing inside themselves. What a revelation!

The challenge I offer you this week is to do your best to be silent in situations where you would normally get into a nasty exchange of words. Instead, listen and watch. If you can keep silent for just a few moments, you might even be able to take a peek into the eyes of the person who is talking (or yelling) at you. Look closely. See the light. Focus on the light. What good can you find in them even in that moment?

Do your best to not defend. Instead, just listen quietly. When they are done their verbal tirade, (yes, at some point they will have to stop talking), you can just say, "Thank you for telling me how you feel. I will consider what you said." That's it. No defense needed.

If this seems like a stretch for you, then visualize yourself doing this. The more you practice inside your mind, the more likely you will be able to do this in the heat of the moment.

Let's increase peace in our lives this week!

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomqoui.com/

Harness Your Power: Acknowledge Growth

Almost every morning when my kids come down the stairs I say to them, "Did you grow last night?" They love this attention as we laugh and measure arms and legs, fingers and toes to see signs of growth. It's a fun way to connect.

Though I don't notice visible growth every morning, it is amazing how every few months they seem to need new shoes or longer pants. They are growing so quickly! I continue to tell them, "You aren't allowed to grow up so fast!" But they always echo, "No, mom, we have to grow up!" So much for a mother's plea ( ha ha).

This week I took a look at myself and began to see that compared to a year ago I have grown and matured so much. Ok, yes, I do have a few more grey hairs...but, I'm really referring to my inner progress.

My ability to relax into each situation I encounter is so better than last year. I used to struggle and feel tremendous inner tension when my husband would travel to Nigeria on business. I'd count the days while he was away and feel the weight of having to take care of everything on my own. Now, however, I just stay in each moment. I actually am enjoying the freedom while he is away and everything has a way of getting done as it needs too -- the kids get taken care of, my weekly articles get written, my clients get seen and somehow the house stays fairly neat.

My inner calm has deepened. It is a relief to have made this progress. The suffering that comes from fighting with life is exhausting. I find that I am more energetic and upbeat than ever. I wake up with a sense of joy. I find myself in awe of the beauty I'm surrounded with and the fantastic ways the Universe demonstrates support for me.

I wanted to take time to celebrate and acknowledge this growth. (Believe me, I know there are plenty of more ways I can stretch and grow!) It has come with continual dedication to a process of inner healing and transformation. Each time spent in meditation, each affirmation said, each moment of being willing to let go of the past and the future -- it is all paying off. I continue to say a prayer each day, "Show me the way to complete and total healing."

I can't take credit for it all. In fact, most of it has happened on its own. The right learning partners show up for me. The best challenges come my way to stretch me a bit further. Because I am willing this healing process continues in the most amazing ways. I am grateful that the most essential thing I've had to do is simply remain open hearted and willing to heal.

Enough about me. How are you? Take time to notice your own growth! Can you see the way you've changed since last year? Are you wiser, kinder and more carefree? Notice and be sure to find ways to enjoy this progress!

I'm here to celebrate with you.

With great love,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Offer Support

This morning my older daughter is very tired. We were up late last night because we visited the Northern Liberties area of Philadelphia for the first time. What fun! They had a DJ, people were hool-a-hooping, dancing and eating at outdoor restaurants. You should have seen me with a hool-a-hoop. I felt like such a kid. (If you are in the Philadelphia area you should check this out!)

The past few years as I've moved through a deep, inner healing process, I've found myself much more available to support those around me. When my kids are over-tired, they are also extra-emotional.

Maggie is so excited for her first day of school tomorrow. She wants so much to get started that she was just crying. Rather than reacting, I got down on my knees and gave her a big, long embrace. I held her until her tears stopped.

We all need support, love and care--especially in the intense moments (whether exciting or sad) of life.

Become aware this week of the need you might feel for support. Offer yourself an extra dose of love and kindness. Be gentle with you. Then, become aware of people around you (kids or adults) who need your loving words and friendly embrace. You can change the course of an entire day or week by offering a small gesture to another human being.

I offer you an embrace through this blog.

You are a remarkable, talented human being -- you are so full of love.

Remember that all week, ok?

Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Be In THIS Moment

I just got home from a week at the beach with my family. It was a wonderful break. For me, it was a time to do no writing or work for a full week and just allow myself to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the ocean.

Each morning I indulged in a long walk by the water. The rushing in and out of the waves cleared my head and my heart. The rising sun reminded me of the constant support of the Universe -- never failing us, always on time. The precision of the Universe astounded me as did the power. The ocean waves were so strong the last two days we were there that we were not permitted to enter the water.

The moment I arrived home I felt some resistance. A few of my old thought patterns on career and money emerged. I spent the afternoon observing my mind and noticing the inner storm that was brewing. I was fascinated that I could go from total peace while on vacation to discord.

What was the difference between before coming home from vacation and after? My thoughts. While on vacation I totally surrendered to being away. I went with the flow of each day and did not entertain any negativity, worry or fear. I gave myself a complete break from mental work. I took time to refresh my spirit and play as a child.

Then, back to reality. Or, I began creating a new reality for myself when I walked in the door of my home. It was my thoughts that had changed!

So, after a few hours of old thought patterns, I released the emotions and said a prayer for peace. I was reminded by a friend's post on Facebook that each moment I have a choice between resistance to life or surrender to it's flow.

Today I choose: surrender, peace, well-being, gratitude, happiness. I am determined to focus on the beauty of each moment and bring my vacation attitude into my week. I don't want to miss out on one joyful possibility. So, I open my heart. I embrace this moment, then the next and the next.

Will you join me in THIS moment?

It is rather beautiful when the fear dissolves.

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Just Dive In!

Last night was a surprise. I took the kids to their last day of swimming lessons. Little did any of us know that they were going to give each child a chance to go off the diving board. As I watched the children in the pool I could see a wave of excitement move through their bodies.

Skye's group headed to the pool and Maggie's followed very soon after. I quickly gathered my things so I could get a glimpse of the action.

Skye was fearless. She walked right to the edge of the diving board and took a big leap forward with no hesitation! Her instructor, Mr. Mike, was waiting down below with arms extended to help her in any way she needed it. She was so proud of herself and eager to get back on the diving board and do it again!

Maggie was full of courage. She marched 1/2 way down the board and then suddenly, hesitation set in. Her teacher got on the board with her and helped her to the end. With toes on the edge, Maggie stood at the end for a minute unsure of whether to jump or not. Then, to my delight (and hers) she jumped right in. Again, Mr. Mike was there to help her make it to the ladder at the side of the pool.

For the next hour there was constant chatter, "Mom, I went off the diving board!" Even total strangers were given the good news, "I just went off the diving board!" As I put the girls to bed there was still a sparkle in their eye and they asked me, "When can we go off the diving board again, Mom?"

Watching them last night got me thinking deeply. First off, I am always refreshed to see my children's excitement for life. Going to the pool is as exciting to them sometimes as going on a major international trip. The littlest daily accomplishments bring them a deep feeling of pride and self-satisfaction. Their bubbly approach to each day makes me realize that it is way more fun to approach life like a child does. (I'm trying to regress in age rather than get older...I want to be as child-like as possible!)

I then began to consider the diving board experience. What I loved most about it was the tremendous support each of them were offered. Their success was guaranteed if they just jumped into the water. A teacher was behind them and a teacher was waiting for them in the water to ensure they were safe and given whatever level of support they needed. I believe this is a perfect example of the way the Universe works with each of us. We are surrounded by help. Yet, few of us recognize the constant kindness and support we are offered as we walk our path and find ourselves in uncertain circumstances.

Is there a place in your life that you are feeling ready to take the plunge and ready to try something new? Dont' let your fear hold you back. Support is there even if you can't perceive it. The Universe surrounds us and cheers us on when we follow the longings of our heart. There was a book title that popped into my mind -- Leap and the Net Will Appear. That's the truth, isn't it?

There have been moments the past few years as I left the security of the corporate world and dove head first into my own business that I wondered if I'd be okay. Each step of the way has provided me with new challenges. I've found myself on the edge of the diving board time after time wanting to jump forward, feeling excitement rush through my body. I've had to JUST DIVE IN. There has not been one time I've taken the dive that I haven't received all the help I needed.

I can look back over my life and find countless examples of how I've taken the leap and the next has always appeared!

What are you waiting for? Now is your time to dive in and experience the life you truly want to live.

Joining you on the diving board of life,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/

Harness Your Power: Contemplate New Perspectives

During our weekly visit to the library I found a book that I had been wanting to read: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life by Wayne Dyer. I didn't know much about the book's content but the title drew me in because I teach people how to heal their lives by healing their thoughts.

I was unexpectedly surprised, I should even say delighted, as I opened the pages and began to read. Wayne Dyer spent a whole year meditating on and writing about the Tao Te Ching. In the pages I found words that expressed many of the new approaches to life that I had intuitively been experiencing.

Each day I've closed my eyes before opening the book and asked to be guided to just the right page. On several days I was given the 37th verse. Here it is:

The Tao does nothing,

but leaves nothing undone.

If powerful men could center themselves in it,

the whole world would be transformed

by itself, in its natural rhythms.

When life is simple,

pretenses fall away;

our essential natures shine through.

By not wanting, there is calm,

and the world will straighten itself.

When there is silence,

one finds the anchor of the universe within oneself.

Wow. There is way too much for me to unpack from this verse in just this one blog. So, I will share with you the main idea that I've been meditating upon. The first line struck me deeply. It is so beautiful and profound. The way I read it is: The Universe does nothing but leaves nothing undone. Weeks before I read this I was often spending my time looking at the birds and trees thinking to myself, "Wow, how is it that all of nature is cared for so abundantly and yet human being seem to struggle so much?"

I spent my week looking for examples of the truth of this phrase -- of how often things are done for me without me having to do a thing. I could name a thousand bodily functions that prove this to be the case. Yet, there are other layers where I've found this to be true. When I've set an intention to be truly healed (emotionally, spiritually and physically), it seems the Universe brings me the right people and experiences that allow this to occur. Very little, if any, effort on my part happens except to be open and willing, to be surrendered to the possibility of the healing.

Other instances in my life show me that this is the case. How did I attend Princeton? The Universe arranged it. How did I start playing basketball at age 16 and end up playing pro? Yes, I worked hard on the court, but there was something more to it--there was something that occurred naturally, on my behalf, to make that a possibility. The list of these events could go on and on.

The peace in my heart has deepened this week. It is as if my inner knowing that I am safe, cared for and often carried on my journey has been given a name in finding this phrase from the 37th verse.

Take time this week to read and re-read the above verse. See which phrase sinks into your heart. Ask to be shown the meaning for you.

As we contemplate these new perspectives we are stretched. In being stretched, the diamonds and gold that we hold within are brought to the surface.

May you find deep peace and joy,

Patricia Omoqui

http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/