On the show, we discussed my own history of depression and post traumatic stress, from a very early age. I shared my own definition of “depression” as being “grief for the loss of a part of ourselves.”  We discussed how this definition opens up the door to dive into the pain deeply, and to honour and acknowledge our grief completely. We discussed how depression is actually a gift from the Universe to tell us that something needs our attention, and that it is ultimately an invitation for us to come back to who we truly are.

I also shared my experience with post traumatic stress, and how it can sometimes trigger depression. But, I explained, the two are quite different. While depression is an expression of grief and loss, trauma is an expression of fear. When we are afraid, it is common to respond in either a passive or aggressive fashion, whereas grief can manifest in quite different ways. I called upon listeners in the audience who believe they are going through depression to examine whether they are feeling grief or fear (or both), because sometimes there is a trauma that needs to be acknowledged and addressed.

At the end of the show, I shared my own personal message about reaching a place within ourselves where we can take a metaview of our lives, and see all of these circumstances and the emotions which arise from them as part of the greater “hero’s story” of our lives.

After the call was over, Marifran wrote to me to tell me that several listeners on the show had written to her responding strongly to the content of the show. Marifran sent me these written responses she received from listeners who suffered with depression at some point in their lives:

“I liked the definition of grieving over loss of self so we can feel the emotion.
You have to find out who the self is that you lost.” – CG

“I resonate to Lynn’s words that depression is there to get your attention.
It does not mean something about you.” – NB

“I was enthralled.”

“I am ecstatic with sheer joy and happy tears.”

“This idea of being given permission to grieve is so powerful.
Like Lynn I believe we are in a chronically undergrieved society.” – JS

“Lynn’s description of her experience is my experience.
I was so excited and grateful to hear what I’ve known expressed so clearly and directly.” – SJ

Needless to say, I was moved by the response.

Because the things discussed on this show proved to be so powerful, and this message is so important, I wanted to share it with you. You can hear the full 1-hour interview on the player below:

If you are receiving this post via email,
and cannot see the player, you many listen to it online at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/marifran/2010/07/27/the-spiritual-journey-of-depression

Be sure to check out Marifran’s show on August 10, 2010,
when she is interviewing Vrinda Pendred about the journey of OCD.

AND… don’t forget to tune in to my own show,
“Lynn Serafinn’s Garden of the Soul”
Wednesdays at 6PM UK/ 1PM Easternon BlogTalkRadio

http://blogtalkradio.com/Lynn-Serafinn

About Lynn Serafinn

Lynn Serafinn is a an award-winning transformation coach, book promotion coach, radio host and bestselling author of the book The Garden of the Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self. She also works as a campaign manager for mind-body-spirit authors and has produced two #1-selling book campaigns, and another #2-selling campaign, in just the past few months. She is also the creator of Spirit Authors, which offers training, coaching, business-building and inspiration for mind-body-spirit authors, whether established or aspiring. To contact Lynn for coaching, campaign management or media appearances, please fill in the form at http://spiritauthors.com/contact.

Apart from being the one day of the year where parents surrender all attempts to keep their children on a healthy diet, Halloween is also the day where we, both children and adults, get to dress up and make believe we are someone or something else for a day. What we choose could be our alter ego, our wildest fantasy or our scariest nightmare. I believe we can often learn a lot about ourselves by looking back at what we wanted to be on Halloween when we were children.

What do our Halloween costumes reveal?

I remember the very first Halloween outfit that I selected for myself when I was about 4 years old. My mother took me to the shop to look at costumes. She suggested a very pretty “Fairy Princess” costume, which was a long pastel pink and white dress with lace and ruffles, accessorised with a sparkly crown. While I liked the sparkly crown, the frilliness and the colour of the dress didn’t appeal to me. Instead, I opted for the “Gypsy Princess” costume. The colours were vivid—strips of emerald green, rich magenta, bright gold and deep purple fabric layered atop a flowing black taffeta skirt. The top was a white peasant blouse and instead of a crown, it had a brightly printed headscarf and big dangly “jewellery”. It was not at all “frilly”, and seemed exotic to me. I loved to dance and spin around and around in it, watching the skirt fly in billowy circles around me.

So, fifty years on, what can I understand about myself when I look back at this? I can see that even from a very early age I was showing my natural inclination towards the arty and bohemian side of life. And years later, I indeed would become a musician and a writer, with a tendency to move from place to place every few years (my father always called me a gypsy). While I do consider myself to be extremely feminine, I was never what you would call a “girlie girl”, and to this day I simply cannot wear pastels!

What were some of the Halloween (or other fancy dress) costumes you chose for yourself when you were a child? Don’t worry if they were scary ghosts or monsters. Maybe these characters were helping you express your natural sense of humour and fun, or maybe they were expressions of your inner courage in the face of fear. Maybe your costume expressed a hidden side of you that was not able to express itself any other way. Or maybe, your mom or dad picked out your costume for you and it didn’t express you at all! Even if that was the case, it can tell us a lot about the history of our self-expression.

What can our childhood make-believe tells us about ourselves?

Halloween is not the only time we make believe as children, of course. How many of us had favourite characters we pretended to be when we played either alone or with others? In my book The Garden of the Soul, I share one of my make-believe characters—a talking parrot named Polly who was the navigator of a space ship, taking human beings on journeys through the Milky Way. In other games, we would sometimes play “school” and I would be the teacher. Other times, we played “church” and I would be the priest. So what else can I learn about my natural personality from my childhood make-believe? Looking back, I can see that I was expressing my natural eccentricity (I was a parrot and not a human being!) and my love for exploration. I could see I was becoming the navigator—the one who would lead others to new things. I was revealing my inclination towards being an explorer, a traveller, a teacher and even a spiritual guide. There is so much we can learn about ourselves when we look back at how we played as children.

Take a moment to think back to your own childhood. What “make-believe” characters and personalities did you naturally step into? To what degree were they expressions of who you really were inside, or who you wished (or knew) you would become? What did these characters say about you at your core? What values or qualities did these characters reveal about you? Were you a super hero fighting for justice? A spy who loved risk and intrigue? A time traveller fascinated by the past or the future? A space traveller curious about what makes the Universe tick? A pirate seeking adventure or treasure? A mommy or daddy expressing family values and love?

The roles we play as adults

As children, making believe is an important tool to help us discover, explore and express who we are. But unfortunately, when many of us grow up, we continue to take on “costumes” and “masks” in our in our family, social group or work environment that, rather than express who we are, limit our authentic expression and natural personality. We take on “roles” where we “play” a certain part in our daily dramas. Examples of roles might be “the good girl”, “the wounded one”, “the sensible one” or “the peace maker”. And there are so many more besides these. Just like putting on a Halloween costume or making believe, when we step into these roles, we “become” them, and often find ourselves restricted and frustrated as a result. For instance, if you have taken on the role of the “peace maker” in your family or your workplace, you might find yourself without a voice, as you are continually trying to balance the imbalances of others around you. The irony is that you yourself might never feel peaceful, and your efforts might actually create more unrest and lack of connection in your environment. If you take on the role of “the wounded one”, you might find it difficult to become independent because you might come to believe that you need the continual support of other people or things in order to feel safe. The irony of course is that this neediness can in fact end up pushing away the very support you believe you need, only reinforcing your feelings of being “wounded”.

When we put on a Halloween costume or making believe, we know we are “playing”. But unfortunately, many of us are unaware of the roles we play as adults. We intuitively sense that something is not quite right but we cannot put our finger on it. Our roles can be difficult to recognise if we have been stuck in them since childhood and we don’t know any differently. One of the first things I help clients see when they come to me for coaching are these unconscious roles or scripts they might be playing our in their heads, that are making their lives unfulfilling in one way or another. Somewhat playfully, I call these roles and scripts “monsters”, and I teach clients how to recognise and shift the monsters both in one-to-one coaching and in my course “Making Friends with the Monsters Under Your Bed”. The good news is that over time, it is possible to become conscious of the unconscious roles we play; and as we bring them into our awareness, we can move away from feeling trapped by them, and towards being able to choose whether or not we wish to continue wearing these “costumes” if we feel they are not serving our greater good.

Taking off the masks

People sometimes ask what I mean by the term “personal transformation”. Basically it simply means bringing what was once in the darkness (unconscious and unaware) into the light (conscious and aware). When we bring our shadow into the light of awareness, we step into the person we really are, and cease playing roles that do not reflect the light of our inner Self.

While personal transformation is essential for our Self actualisation and ultimate happiness, it does come with a caveat. It is important to understand that if our role is something we tend to “default” to in our family, social or work situations, chances are many other members in that scenario are also playing their own roles, without awareness of the fact they are doing so. And if you suddenly become aware and step out of your “assigned” role, it can really rock the boat! Imagine that everyone in your life is on stage in a play. You have a part to play and you have played it for years. Then suddenly, you start reading the lines of the hero, when you are “supposed” to be playing the villain, or the servant or the milkman. Of course, the whole cast would become confused wondering who they are supposed to “play” now. All hell would break loose on stage!

When you decide to take off your mask in life, a similar scenario might take place if the people around you are not at a similar level of conscious evolution as you are. In other words, your shifting away from your previously unconscious, disempowering roles can frequently confuse and even anger your family, friends and work colleagues. With time, most will adjust, but occasionally people cannot or will not adjust to the new “you” (which is actually the “true you”) and you might actually “lose” people along the way, or at the very least be the recipient of their judgments and criticism. While this is a necessary risk we must take in the name of finding fulfilment, the thought of the ramifications of that risk can sometimes be really scary. For many of us, lack of awareness coupled by the fear of losing money, job, friends or family are the primary reasons why we stay stuck playing the roles we privately hate the most.

Transformation takes self-awareness, courage and self-honesty. But even more, it takes self-love and commitment to your own wellbeing. In order to step out of the costumes that do not reflect who you really are, you must be willing to remain steadfast in your commitment to your own happiness during the process of transition, even if it means risking a period of unsettledness in your relationships or lifestyle. This risk is essential before you can step into your true “costume”—where you are the hero of your own life.

Stepping into your superhero costume

Those of you who follow my work know that it is my firm belief that every human being is born the “hero” of his/her own life. And it is my belief that when you finally step into your Authentic Self, whatever that might be, you become a genuine superhero, and that this “costume” is the only one that is meant for you.

How do you know you have finally stepped into your superhero costume? It has nothing to do with saving the world or leaping over tall buildings. When you feel inwardly empowered, natural and free, you are the superhero. When you genuinely feel seen and heard, you are the superhero. When you feel connected to Self, other and the Universe, you are the superhero. When you are smiling and having FUN, you are the superhero.

In short, when you know you are being YOU, you are the superhero. And as you know, a real superhero is capable of great things.

Every day, I express my gratitude for being able to live a life that is in alignment with the person I know I was born to be. I have finally thrown away the countless costumes of the past that did not serve me, and I now wear one costume—the ME costume! And you know what? The “ME” costume still contains elements of that bold, colourful, dancing Gypsy Princess and the Polly the Space Navigator Parrot. In all I do, I express that same freedom and creativity that I knew was my Authentic Self when I was a child. But of course the “ME costume is so much greater than that. And make no mistake—your “YOU” costume is truly a coat of unlimited colours.

So this Halloween, as you don your holiday costume, or next week when you return to work, and step into your default role at your job, ask yourself how well these costumes express your innermost being. And if the answer is “Not very well”, perhaps it is time to explore a different fancy dress shop, and try on some new costumes for a change. But if the answer is “Yes, completely!” you just might be living the life of a superhero.

May you step into your YOU costume, and your every day be Halloween, filled with treats.

Lynn Serafinn
31 Oct 2009

P.S.: The title of this article is taken from one of my FAVOURITE songs by Ministry, which really reflects the whole idea of what we see/show of ourselves to others. Hear the track on my Blip.FM page at: http://blip.fm/~fo6cr Have fun!

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Lynn Serafinn, MAED, CPCC is a transformation coach, speaker, radio host and author of the bestselling book The Garden of the Soul: lessons from four flowers that unearth the Self.

Lynn coaches clients from all over the world via telephone. If you would like to discover and unleash your inner hero, call Lynn for a FR*EE  no obligation coaching consultation at 0845 880 28 25 during normal business hours, or fill in a consultation request form at http://www.create-a-life.co.uk/free_consultation_request.html

Meditation 65: Wisdom
from “Lessons from the Lily: the Principle of Being”

Wisdom is the natural energy that flows through us when we surrender our ego so we may establish our connection with the Divine. Wisdom does not come to us as the result of learning. It is not something can be increased by any type of effort. Wisdom is Eternal, Infinite and Absolute. It belongs to no one and to everyone, simultaneously and equally. When we imagine that we can capture Wisdom via our own efforts, we are operating from the platform of ego, wherein we imagine that there is a limited amount of Wisdom to be gained in the Universe, and that it can be controlled and conquered by our own efforts. If this were the case, then the Universe would be a merciless and poverty-stricken place, as only the strongest or most intellectually gifted would ever have access to Wisdom. But the Truth is the Universe is infinitely opulent and full of mercy. Wisdom is the birthright of all living entities, and no effort is required to manifest Wisdom other than to allow it to enter us, without ego blocking its way.

In The Garden of the Soul, the Lily is the bearer of Wisdom. She stands alone, allowing the light of the full Moon to bathe her with its illuminating rays, Without effort, she absorbs whatever Wisdom is shone upon her, and then creates a mesmerising diamond-like mandala of light and reflection around her so that others may be able to see and delight in what she knows intuitively. She does not block the rays via any kind of shade or cover. She allows all of them to shine upon her equally, without judgment or preference. Like this, when we allow ourselves simply to receive the illumination of Divine Wisdom, we shine like a lustrous diamond amidst the darkness of the rest of the world, and help others to see themselves within the light of that Divinity. Without the interference of our own self-judgments or the judgements of others, we allow all Wisdom to enter us and be seen by our Hearts and Souls. Thus, Wisdom is an attribute of the Principle of Being, for it is the force that allows us to know who we truly are. When we surrender all false attachments to who we think we might be, or who we think we should be, and simply allow our True Self to sing, we begin our eternal dance with Divine Wisdom.

Enquiries to cultivate this attribute

1. How do I resist my own Wisdom?

2. What are the messages I hear but do not trust?

3. What will change for me when I learn to dance with Divine Wisdom?

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If you would like to find out how to master the four Principles of “Give, Receive, Become and Be” from my book The Garden of the Soul, as well as many other skills for personal transformation, join me and my colleague Vicki Goodyear on the Transformation Trilogy Weekend Workshop Series. Two new UK series starting 17 October (Bedford), and 7 November (Totnes, Devon). Click HERE for complete information and to book your place.

AND… if you think money is an issue, be sure you read about our innovative “Gratitude System” that, we hope, will enable everyone to attend.

See you there!

Warm wishes,
Lynn Serafinn
“Turning up the volume of the music in your heart!”

There is no denying that we live at a time in history when much of the world around us is changing. The currently fluctuating economy is proving to be challenging for many, causing us to change our spending and saving patterns. Climate change and the need to move away from fossil fuel dependency are becoming more and more apparent, making it necessary to make rapid decisions about how to address the issues, and to reflect upon how we need to change as a society. Technology is also rapidly changing the way we interact, and we frequently find ourselves on the one hand more able to communicate at a virtual level, but also feeling more and more isolated from one another in the flesh. Over the past few decades, we have become increasingly disconnected from the sources of our own sustenance (such as food production) and more and more dependent upon our own technological creations for survival. To see how dependent we actually are, imagine how vulnerable you would feel if tomorrow morning you woke up to find you had no internet or other telecommunications systems, had no access to electricity, oil or petrol, or you were unable to obtain food, clothes, medicine and other necessities from outside sources.

And here is the paradox: that feeling of vulnerability is one of the things that make us tolerate all these sociological changes, even if we intuitively know these changes are ultimately making us feel more and disconnected, and ultimately more vulnerable.

Amidst the storm of these external changes, there are many internal whirlwinds as well. We frequently find ourselves inundated by media messages that paint a negative portrait about our world and our future, driving our anxieties even more deeply into our minds, bodies and emotions. Media advertisements also frequently deliver us pictures of idealised forms of beauty, happiness or success which are unattainable and unnatural, causing many people to feel small and inadequate. The modern communication systems of our “information age” are sending us data at an alarming rate (just watch the flurry of constant status updates on the online social networks and you’ll know what I mean), and we find it sometimes difficult to prioritise our time and activities. And finally, our traditional gender roles and models of familial relationships are also in a state of flux, leaving many people confused as to who they are in their relationships, what they want from them, and why they want it.

Clearly, we are in a state of global change, both inside and out.

The good news is this: our minds and bodies are designed to respond to change. Our “evolution” is occurring at every moment in the form of us learning how to adapt, whether consciously or not, to new information and environmental circumstances. Just as a healthy body will develop immunities to illnesses by developing anti-bodies, our minds, hearts and societies also respond to change by developing “antibodies” in the form of new neural pathways in the brain, new emotional responses and new social structures.

But there is a catch. When change is continually coming at us from every angle, and our minds, hearts, bodies and culture are being asked to respond to too much, too quickly, the result is that we can go into overload, both individually and as a culture. Just as your PC will crash when you try to process too many applications at one time, the human brain can also go into “meltdown” when faced with too much new information, uncertainty or change coming at it all at once. That meltdown can manifest in the form of stress and feelings of overwhelm. Over time it can adversely affect both our emotional and physical wellbeing. It is small wonder that stress and stress-related illnesses and conditions are on the rise. When intense, widespread change is occurring at a societal (or indeed a global) level, society itself can also experience meltdown. What does a social meltdown look like? It looks exactly like what we are seeing in the world today— instability, anxiety and confusion at an environmental, economic and cultural level.

In short, we as a culture are going through an “identity crisis”.

But that’s not really “bad news”. I frequently joke that I am a big fan of “mid-life crises” because I know that every one I have had (there have been about 3 at last count) has brought me to a better place, and a deeper understanding of both myself and the world. To me, it feels as though our technological culture is going through a mid-life crisis (or maybe it’s only an adolescent reaction!) because, in spite of our societal identity crisis—or perhaps more likely because of it—we are currently seeing more and more people moving away from old ways of thinking, and shifting towards a more holistic and spiritual approach to life, embracing the values of personal growth and self-awareness. Curiosity about the mind-body-spirit connection is more alive than ever, and is no longer just in the domain of non-mainstream or “alternative” culture. Scientists, businesses and people in all walks of professional life are turning towards a new way of thinking. Some call it new thought, new science, positive thinking, conscious evolution, alternative lifestyle, quantum brain, holistic wellbeing, and so many other descriptors. Many people talk about the “Shift”, “Ascension 2012”, the “Great Turning” and many other terms to describe the underlying transformation we intuitively sense happening, both as individuals and as a society. Somehow we know we are on the threshold of moving from one paradigm of thinking and living to another. But although there are many theories, prophecies and beliefs, it is clear that none of us can say with absolute certainty what that new paradigm will look like.

Clearly, both we and the world at large at the dawn of the 21^st century are “in transition”.

Transition brings change, and change brings regeneration—a chance for new beginnings. And while the prospect of change can be exciting, and even thrilling, stepping into the process of change can also be daunting for many, if not most, people. Change brings uncertainty, and many of us prefer to stick with the familiar rather than be asked to face our fears of the unknown, even if that unknown territory has the possibility of bringing us greater joy. It is this “better the hell you know than the one you don’t” anxiety that can keep many of us stuck in one place. But it is my personal belief that learning how to deal with change, and stepping into our own “inner transition” is quite possibly the most important—and socially responsible—thing we can do not only for ourselves and our families, but also for the rest of the world.

That may sound like a big statement to make, but I’d like you to try it on for size. Let’s do a little visualisation.

Imagine you are about to step into an unknown journey called the “inner transition”. To do this, you are being asked to step into a transporter similar to the one you have seen on TV/films aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. As you step into the transporter, what do you feel? You probably feel a bit of apprehension about the fact that every molecule in your body is going to be taken apart, shaken up, and spat out somewhere into the Universe. And what is going to happen at the other end? Or will you even make it to the other side? Scary? Of course it is. But if you have ever watched Star Trek or other sci-fi classics, you know that their allure lies in the heart-pumping thrill of moving from the fear of the unknown, to going “boldly where no man has gone before.” Even if the thought of being disintegrated and then reintegrated at an unknown destination is terrifying, it’s also actually exciting.

Now imagine that you are stepping into that transporter, allowing yourself to feel whatever fear you might have, knowing that this particular transporter is not simply going to drop you onto another planet and let you deal with whatever monsters you might find there, but that it will transform you into a wise, reflective, fulfilled human being who is able to see yourself with clarity and to feel deeply connected to the rest of the Universe. What would that be like? Yes, you might still be afraid, but wouldn’t that be a thrilling and beautiful journey to make? And what if at the other end of that journey, you found you were not only able to face your fears and stand powerfully amidst the changes of your current and future life, but you were also able to discover your life’s calling, know the impact you have in the world, and claim a lasting legacy that says “I was here”? What would that be like?

This is the journey of Personal Transformation. And our “inner transition” is the transporter on that takes us on that journey.

In my more than half a century on the planet, I have gone through so many transitions and personal transformations that I truly understand their importance and embrace their presence in my life. In my work as a coach and workshop leader I meet so many people ready to make the journey, but who are understandably fearful and confused as to how to go about it. Because I know that too much information can cause information meltdown, I like to make the idea of transformation less daunting by breaking the process down into three stages:

1. Weeding
2. Seeding
3. Feeding

Basically, the “weeding” stage is where we examine and shift the old ways of thinking and behaving that no longer serve us and limit our joy. These might include self-sabotaging beliefs or habits, unconscious stories and rules we have made up about how we are supposed to live and behave, and fears and other emotions that have not been fully voiced. Once these are understood and shifted, it makes room for the next stage of our transformation, the “seeding” stage.

“Seeding” means to discover all the things that will allow the transformation to take place, such as our core values, our life purpose, and our greater impact on the world. It is also the stage where we take on the responsibility and glory of becoming the hero of our own life, in service of our life purpose.

The final stage is “Feeding”, where we master a range of strategies to keep us on the path of our life purpose, even when life throws us a wall of change and upheaval. This is what those of us in the Transition Town movement* call “resilience”. Understanding ourselves and knowing our purpose are essential, but mastery of our inner resilience is what will help us to regain our balance when we feel knocked out of orbit.

Taken together, the three stages of “weed, seed and feed” allow us to move from feeling stuck, overwhelmed and powerless, to feeling valuable, passionate and capable of facing whatever comes our way. Ask yourself now, where are you on your Transformation journey? What stage are you currently working through? Or perhaps, you are at different stages in different areas of your life. It is important that you reflect upon this, so you can understand where you are in the process of change, and how you are currently dealing with it.

It is my personal opinion that it is vital to the future of our planet that each of us embarks on this journey of Transformation in our lifetime, especially in these “transitional” times. The coming decade is going to require that we not only survive tremendous change, but that we actually create the change. You might be thinking, How can my life be vital to the future of the planet? I’m just one tiny cog in the big machine.

To that I would reply, “You are part of the Universe. You are not outside looking in, or inside looking out. You are connected both systemically and spiritually to the World and all who share it with you. Everything you do has an impact on the rest of the World, even if you do not see it clearly right now.”

Your life has a purpose. Your actions have an impact. Your life is essential to the rest of the world, just as the world is essential to your life. You have the power not only to withstand tremendous change, but also to use that change to create powerful solutions in the world around you. And what is wonderful, is that the more you master your own resilience, and learn how enjoy riding the waves of change, the more capable you are of holding the fears and resistance of others around you, and help them step into the transporter to take the journey of their own personal transformation.

And that’s when the REAL shift in the world happens. And that is also why taking ownership of your own inner transition is so important for the rest of the world at this time in history. And even if you do not fully believe this now, try to take it on faith as you begin your journey of transformation. Just as you stepped into the transporter, not knowing where you would end up, trust that the unrest that both you and the rest of the world may be feeling right now is actually a call to action—a call to step into your own inner transition, and to come out the other side transformed into a more wonderful state of being.

Lynn Serafinn, MAED, CPCC
Transformation Coach and Author

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I would like to invite you to join me on 17 October on a journey of transformation…

I have made it my own life purpose to guide others through their own personal transformation, so as to help our planet make the great transition we are now facing at a global level. To do that, I have designed a very special workshop series called the “Transformation Trilogy”. Transformation takes time to process, so I have spread this series of 3 weekend workshops across 3 months:

• Series 1: Bedford, Bedfordshire on 17/18 Oct, 14/15 Nov and 12/13 Dec
• Series 2: Totnes, Devon on 7/8 Nov, 5/6 Dec and 9/10 Jan

The purpose of the Transformation Trilogy is to take you through the 3 stages of transformation at a personal level AND to empower you to help others proceed through their own inner transition. This is especially valuable if you are a member of a Transition Town work group, a social worker/reformer, teacher, coach, healer, manager or anyone who works with people and wishes to guide them to a higher state of understanding.

Bookings are being taken NOW. To eliminate all anxiety around money, I have devised a very special “Gratitude System” for payment, so as to enable everyone to attend who wishes to. To find out more about this very unique series that addresses the Inner Transition of self and society, and to book your place for a nominal registration fee of only £45, go to www.lynnserafinn.com/transformation-trilogy-2009.html

Let’s transform the world together!

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* The Transition Town movement is a network of community initiatives that are addressing the issues of climate change and peak oil at a holistic level. The “inner transition”, including our connection to the Earth and each other, and the way we deal with change, is one of their primary focuses, as they embrace the understanding that no external changes can have a lasting effect within inner change underpinning them. For information about Transition Bedford, visit www.transitionbedford.org. For information about the greater Transition Network, and to find out if there is an initiative in your area, visit www.transitionnetwork.org

Meditation 27:  Poise
from “Lessons from the Iris: the Principle of Receiving”

Poise is a state of being in which you move freely and effortlessly within your own energy.

We tend to think of Poise as a word used to describe the quality of someone who is physically graceful and calm. Many of us also believe Poise to be the ability to control our emotional expression. While these external symptoms might sometimes be indicators of Poise, there are not the key elements. In fact, they might even been a shield that is covering up a lack of genuine Poise. How many of us refrain from expressing our emotions because we have told ourselves that it is the more “poised” thing to do. But if such emotional restraint is coming from the desire to appear mature, professional or in control, it is unlikely to be genuine Poise. You can tell the difference between the two, because true Poise results in a feeling of ease, satisfaction and freedom, while false Poise results in a feeling of being stuck, frustrated or stifled.

Poise, therefore, is not the absence of emotions, but the strength of their authenticity. We can be poised even when our emotions appear to be very powerful. Some of the most poised people in history are those who have wielded their genuine anger, grief or passion with creativity, honesty and fearlessness. When we are poised, we are most able to express all the colours of our Heart and Soul.

In The Garden of the Soul, the attribute of Poise is listed under the Principle of Receiving because it creates the space within us to allow emotions, events and thoughts to come into us and flow through us. The Iris in The Garden of the Soul, is the embodiment of Poise because she stands beautifully in the darkness of the hidden cave, through dawn and dusk, through storm and sunshine, allowing all of life to fill her senses so she can feel and understand life to the fullest. She never runs from the darkness; she never loses an ounce of her beauty, no matter how much darkness surrounds her.

Like the Iris, when we find ourselves in a situation where the world around us is shifting and changing, the true test of our Poise is not that we can restrain our emotions, but that we can truly feel them, understand them, and express them effortlessly from the core of our Authentic Self. But it is important to remember that authenticity and awareness are the keys to that unlock our Poise. When we are cut off from our authenticity, and we throw our emotions around without self-awareness, it is like taking buckets of paint and tossing them around the room, only to create havoc. But when we use our emotions like the colours of an artist’s palette to paint an honest masterpiece of what we are genuinely seeing, thinking and feeling, we are poised. When we are able even to express the most shadowy of emotions with delight and joy, we know we have stepped into our Divine Poise.

Enquiries to cultivate this attribute

1. What emotions do I repress in order to appear poised?
2. What are the beliefs I have about how I express myself?
3. How will I move, speak and feel when I step fully into my truly poised Self?

If you would like to find out how to master the four Principles of “Give, Receive, Become and Be” from my book The Garden of the Soul, as well as many other skills for personal transformation, join me and my colleague Vicki Goodyear on the Transformation Trilogy Weekend Workshop Series. Two new UK series starting 17 October (Bedford), and 7 November (Totnes, Devon). Click HERE for complete information and to book your place.

AND… if you think money is an issue, be sure you read about our innovative “Gratitude System” that, we hope, will enable everyone to attend.

See you there!

Warm wishes,
Lynn Serafinn
“Turning up the volume of the music in your heart!”

Hi everyone,
Lynn Serafinn from Create-a-Life here. There is no denying that we live at a time in history where much of the world around us is changing. The changing economy is proving to be challenging for many. Climate change and the need to move away from fossil fuel dependency are becoming more and more apparent. At the same time, we are also seeing more and more people moving away from old ways of thinking, and shifting towards a more holistic and spiritual approach to life, embracing the values of personal growth and self-awareness.

Yes, we can see that society and the world at large is truly “in transition”. Transition brings change, and change brings regeneration– a chance for new beginnings. And while the prospect of change can be exciting, going through the process of change can also be daunting.

But what if the change were a beautiful journey? And what if at the other end of that journey, you found you were not only able to face your fears and stand powerfully amidst the changes, but you were also able to discover your life’s calling, see your personal impact in the world, and claim a lasting legacy that says “I was here”?

This is the journey of Transformation.
And I would like to invite you to join me on it.

ANNOUNCING…
THE TRANSFORMATION TRILOGY
WEEKEND WORKSHOPS

Bedford, Bedfordshire (Oct, Nov, Dec 2009)
Totnes, Devon (Nov, Dec 2009, Jan 2010)

What is the Transformation Trilogy?
The Transformation Trilogy is a set of 3 non-residential weekend courses that help enable you to be the change you want to see in the world, and find out how your own transformation can create a new, exciting and more harmonious way of living for yourself, and for those around you.

Using the metaphor of “the Garden” to represent the Self (as depicted in my book The Garden of the Soul), each weekend covers in depth the 3 stages of transformation:

• “Weeding”: Making Friends with the Monsters Under Your Bed. Understanding self-sabotage; recognising your own limiting beliefs; strategies to relign your old patterns; reconnecting to your authentic self; integrating your awareness into your personal and professional relationships.
• “Seeding”: Becoming the Hero of Your Own Life (co-led with Vicki Goodyear). Hearing the call; facing your own resistance; understanding the hero’s journey; claiming your life purpose; seeing your impact; visioning your legacy; telling your hero’s story; stepping into your Authentic Hero in your personal and professional relationships.
• “Feeding”: The Garden of the Soul. Four Principles to help you restore balance and sustain connection to your Authentic Self. The Principle of Giving (passion, self-expression, etc); the Principle of Receiving (sense awareness, refilling your energy, etc); the Principle of Becoming (letting go of old emotions, rebirth, lessons from childhood, etc); the Principle of Being (peeling the onion; meeting who you are); integrating these principles in your personal and professional relationships.

Who is the Transformation Trilogy for?

• Anyone who finds it challenging or uncomfortable to express themselves clearly and openly in their work, family or personal relationships
• Anyone who wishes to find their Life Purpose, connect to their Higher Self, and express themselves more authentically in their lives, career and relationships
• Groups, teams and communities who wish to improve their interpersonal communication and relationships, both with each other and with external organisations or groups
• Managers and HR who want to be able to inspire and motivate staff rather than dictate and dominate
• Teachers, healers, counsellors, community workers and anyone who serves the public, who would like to be able to empower both themselves and others to become more self-reliant, balanced and confident
• Special invitation to Transition Town teams and other social reform groups, who want to gain valuable skills in knowing why people stay “stuck” or resistant to change, and how to facilitate the “inner transition” in their communities with ease and compassion. We will explore how to maintain and replenish your own energetic and creative resources when working with group energies, how to see what is needed in a challenging situation, and how to retain and return to your “centre” so you don’t “lose yourself” when faced with the process of change.

When and where are the Transformation Trilogy Workshops taking place?

Series 1: Bedford, Bedfordshire:
17/18 Oct; 14/15 Nov; 12/13 Dec

• Venue: Function Room, George & Dragon, 39 Mill Street, Bedford, MK40 3EU
• Travel: 15 min walk from Bedford train station; 5 min walk from Bedford bus station; car park within short walking distance
• Time: 9.30am – 5pm (Registration/coffee starts from 8.45 on Saturday)
• Food: Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day. Lunch can be purchased separately either at the George and Dragon, or at any of the numerous cafes within easy walking distance.

Series 2: Totnes, Devon:
7/8 Nov; 5/6 Dec; 9/10Jan

• Venue: Rudolf Steiner School South Devon, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6AB
• Travel: About 3 miles outside Totnes Town centre. More details to follow.
• Time: 9.30am – 5pm (Registration/coffee starts from 8.45 on Saturday)
• Food: Tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day. You will have ample time to go into town for lunch, or you may join us in a group lunch where  everyone brings something to share.

About the workshop leaders…

Lynn Serafinn, MAED, CPCC is an award-winning transformation coach/teacher, best-selling author, public speaker, personal development trainer, radio host, Founder of the Global Wellness Circle and Chair of Transition Bedford. Originally from the US, but living in Bedford, Bedfordshire, Lynn is co-active leadership graduate and brings with her years of experience in both the educational field and the music industry. She is highly creative and creates a sense of fun and permission to play full-out in all around her.

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Vicki Goodyear is a co-active coach, NLP practitioner, co-active leadership graduate and active workshop leader living in Totnes, Devon.  She brings with her years of experience as a dancer, nurse and holistic body therapist. She is also a licensed leader of the “Mastery of Self-Expression”, an acting-based workshop which uses performance to help others learn how to express their authentic selves. In all she does, Vicki uses her keen intuition and sense of play to help others learn how to surrender, let go of inner resistance, get centred, and connect with both self and others.

* * * * *

What do the workshops cost?
We are extremely sensitive to the current economic climate, and we would love to see you every single one of you (and your friends!) on these courses. To ensure that everyone who wants to attend is able to manage it financially, Vicki and I have decided to try an experiment we are calling the “Gratitude System”.

Normally these workshops would be £197-£247 per weekend, depending on the cost of the venue, but with the Gratitude System, we are asking that you pay a nominal non-refundable deposit of only £45 to cover some basic expenses. Then on Sunday after the course is over, you will be asked to give a cash gift of any amount to show your gratitude. This gift will be completely anonymous, and should be proportionate to YOUR financial ability, and to what you feel you gained from the course. This way, even those who are on low income should be able to attend.

We trust the integrity of our attendees. Any and all gifts, no matter how humble, will be accepted with love and gratitude.

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW

Select your workshop(s)

Bedford – Monsters workshop £45.00 Bedford – Hero workshop £45.00 Bedford – Garden workshop £45.00 Bedford – Complete Trilogy £120.00 Totnes – Monsters workshop £45.00 Totnes – Hero workshop £45.00 Totnes – Garden workshop £45.00 Totnes – Complete Trilogy £120.00

What have people said about the Transformation Trilogy workshops?

“Awesome and exquisite. A life-changing experience!”
-Tebogo Machethe, entrepreneur
Johannesburg, South Africa

* * * * *

“I highly recommend this course! I loved the format, the structure, the clarity, the focus. The workbooks, with their concrete steps and spaces to be filled in, work very well … the program was very informative and very experimental …. I really liked how you inspired people … to integrate it into their lives. Lynn, I acknowledge you for your presence, your devotion, your powerful questioning and your love for the truth! I admire you as a woman, a coach, a teacher, a leader, for being courageous, and for encouraging others to claim the voice to express in their unique powerful way so we all make a difference on this planet.”
-Sabrina Werkmeister – Co-Active Coach
Maui, Hawaii

* * * * *

‘… Lynn had so much energy, passion and enthusiasm … It exceeded my expectations … I will highly recommend it to others … I got lots of great tips and tools to use with my students … and can apply many aspects to my work by incorporating things I learned today with the young people at the college.”
-Annie Manning – College Lecturer
Carshalton College, UK

* * * * *

‘… I have now learned to quieten the negative voices and listen to the strong positive voice inside. I have learned that knowing that you can and acting like you can help in the belief that anything is possible. And the most poignant thing I learned is that I am worthy, capable, versatile, gorgeous and great at anything I put my mind to.’
-Angela Mitchell – Vocalist, Music Producer, Teacher
South London, UK

* * * * *

What people have said about Lynn…

“Lynn is a brilliant and creative out-of-the-box thinker. Her impact is powerful…”
-Patrick Ryan, CPCC
Co-Active Coach, Author of The Eagle’s Call
Founder, Awakened Wisdom Experience
Vancouver, Canada

* * * * *

“Lynn has a gift for getting straight to the heart of your problem and is then tenacious enough to make you stick with it, while letting you work out the answers for yourself. She is direct, kind and one of the most spiritual people I have met.”
-Catherine Rose – Coaching Client
Author of The Bone Cradle
Bedfordshire

* * * * *

FAQs
Do I need to take all 3 workshops?
No. There is certainly a progression to the trilogy, and I encourage you to take all three if you can, as you will gain the most if you do. However, each workshop can be taken on its own and you will still gain quite a lot.

What if I end up not being able to attend after registering?
As the deposit is being used to cover expeneses, it is non-refundable. However, if you do have to cancel due to illness or other emergency (especially with all this flu going around!), you can either offer it to a friend, or apply it to another workshop or workshop series we will run in 2010. Venues to be announced in late 2009.

I’m not sure if I can make it. Will you be running them again soon?
We will be running the Trilogy in various locations in the UK in 2010, but it is unlikely we will return to either Bedfordshire or Devon before 8-10 months. As our numbers are limited on each course, if you are pretty certain you would like to attend, we recommend booking now and coming to a later series if you are unable to make it.

Won’t You Join Us for This Journey of Transformation?

SPACES ARE LIMITED.
PLEASE BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Select your workshop(s)

Bedford – Monsters workshop £45.00 Bedford – Hero workshop £45.00 Bedford – Garden workshop £45.00 Bedford – Complete Trilogy £120.00 Totnes – Monsters workshop £45.00 Totnes – Hero workshop £45.00 Totnes – Garden workshop £45.00 Totnes – Complete Trilogy £120.00

For more information, please
contact Lynn Serafinn at:

Email: lynn [at] lynnserafinn [dot] com

Telephone: 0845 880 25 28

Website: http://www.lynnserafinn.com

Warm wishes,
Lynn Serafinn, MAED, CPCC
Author, Personal Transformation Coach, Trainer and Speaker
“Turning up the volume of the music in your heart!”

Lynn Serafinn’s Cosmic Universe (main site/blog)
www.lynnserafinn.com

Create-a-Life Coaching and Training
www.create-a-life.co.uk

Tel: 44+ (0)845 880 25 28