~What Autumn Means To Me~ By: Leigh Harris

What Autumn means to me Leigh Harris

As a parent I start by thinking practical. It is a time of new growth and development for our children as they enter a new school year. Newness brings energy and vibrancy, but when combined with autumn, it feels calmer. It is as if we have made a turn on a new path and feel comfortable with our decision.

Perhaps this calm and comfort comes from the turning leaves. I can’t help but pause at the beauty of the colors exploding in the air. This means that I stop what I am doing, slow down my busy life for a moment and observe my surroundings. I take time to go for more walks and feel the leaves crunch under my feet.

Because I enjoy those walks, I want to share them, so I invite my family to join me. Instead of us all going separate directions (as the beginning of September seems to encourage), we walk together and regroup. I feel more connected to people around me when I connect to the earth’s autumn changes.

It is my favorite time of year.

Blessings, Leigh

Leigh Harris: “Teaches Personal Power and Professional Success through Energy & Meditative Work.”

Read Full Post »

Does Autumn Enhance Your Life Energy?

The Essential Feminine Women’s Autumn Renewal…

opportunities to clarify, refresh, renew and reprioritize.

Via telephone bridge line – participate from anywhere in the world

Autumn for many marks a new beginning. Activities reignite while the day darkens and shortens. This is a wonderful time of year to regroup.

Join us for two one and a half hour tele-seminars as we savor the joys of autumn and consciously explore where we are in our life currently and we determine what’s most important to us as we enter this powerful and reflective season.

Dates: October 11th and 18th

Time: 12 noon – 1:30 PT

Cost: $69.00 ~ First 50 people to sign up will receive a free complimentary spot.

Does Autumn enhance your life energy? Feeling the need to ground, regroup and reconnect? Women, wives and mothers join in for some much-needed girl time. Connect with like-minded women from all over.

Sign up here! Use Code: FACEBOOK-AUTUMNRENEW

Read Full Post »

Why Does Our Inner Life Create Success In Our Outer Life

The reason women come to me is because they say they have done all that they are supposed to do and are still not happy.  They got an education, climbed the ladder, but they sometimes feel empty.  They have ignored their spirit, inner voice and deepest desires.

Here’s the problem.  Women work hard.  Some get top flight educations but feel empty inside.  Some stay in jobs they dislike for security, ignoring their sprit and inner voice.  Some lose track of their natural ways to fit into masculine business scenarios. 

The only way that we can reach true success is when we allow our inner quiet wisdom and knowledge to guide us on a daily basis.  The only way that we can truly receive this guidance is by listening.  The only way we can truly listen is by having a way to connect with this guidance.  For some this connection comes in the form of meditation, for others prayer.  My way is through silence – deep silence in the early morning.  Before my day begins I embark upon a quiet inner journey.  I seek stillness and drop into the quietness.  From this place, a sense of refreshment often arises.  By the end of my quiet moments I often feel renewal and a sense of peace.  At times I will leave my quiet sitting with an idea or thought that I believe never would have visited me had I not stayed still long enough to receive it.

Join us in The Living Room of The Essential Feminine when Camille Maurine and I explore ways that you can enrich your inner life and reach greater levels of success and satisfaction.  We will be there on August 25^th at noon Pacific Time.  Be sure to register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/987535361 .

Maureen Simon
415-381-5115
maureen@theessentialfeminine.com
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”
twitter@maureensimon

Read Full Post »

Designing Your Life From The Inside Out

We are often overwhelmed by the world around us and wonder how we as individuals could make a difference.  Our world isn’t the way we would like it to be; what can we do?  I believe that the only true way to change the world around us is to change our inner world as it is reflected in what we attract from the outer world.  As women we are fortunate to have powerful natural attributes and talents that can help us source success.  We need to become aware of our attributes and give them the value they deserve in our lives so that they grow. 

Think about the inner resources that we naturally hold such as a deep understanding of the whole, a natural ability for care and compassion, and a deep innate wisdom to be able to see through the outer surface of things.  If we find ways to integrate these into our lives in a way that enhances our personal power and our ability to pull from our own resources and depth our lives would become more successful (from the inside out).

The way that we do this is by creating a deep and meaningful inner life.  When we come to realize that quiet contemplation is equal and more important than active doing, success and happiness takes on a new meaning.

How do we create our inner world so that it can be reflected in our outer world?  Creating a daily practice is one way to create a strong connection between your outer world (desires and intentions) and your inner world (your contemplation, deep reflection and where you are “informed”).  Some create a daily practice through claiming quiet time in the morning to re-group, set intentions and gather themselves together before facing the busy day.  This allows for an opportunity to start the day with clarity and intention.  It’s also useful to clear time in the evening before closing your eyes from the day’s busyness to set intentions for the next day or even for a good night’s sleep.  It’s not so important what the specific practice is as long as it aligns with your values and beliefs and feeds your soul, providing you with a chance for renewal and conscious choice about your life.  Life is rich if we embrace it with an open mind and an open heart.  It’s our choice as to how we fill our waking hours.  Make some choices about how you would like to create your inner and outer life alignment going forward.  Join us for more discussion on this exciting topic on August 25th at The Essential Feminine Living Room.  We will be joined by Camille Maurine, an internationally renowned creator of the transformational Moving Theater process and author of Meditation Secrets for Women and Meditation 24/7.  Please register for this complimentary webinar at:   https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/987535361

Maureen Simon

415-381-5115

maureen@theessentialfeminine.com

www.theessentialfeminine.com

http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/

www.facebook.com/maureensimon

Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”

twitter@maureensimon

Read Full Post »

Inner Life, Outer Success

Did you ever wonder how outer success comes about?  You may remember last month we focused our blogs and The Essential Feminine Living Room on the topic of Feminine Abundance.  This month we are turning our attention to how our inner life informs and supplies our outer life.  When we say inner life, we understand that this can mean different things to different people, cultures, and ways of life.  No matter where you are or what you believe there is a universal truth that when we connect to our visions, intentions and deepest desires from a place of quiet, stillness and inner reflection the outcome is more balanced, harmonious and often more successful. 

Traditions around the globe have valued the art of contemplation for thousands of years.  For when we have the ability to connect in, listen from within and lead and live from within riches abound.  The idea that quieting the mind leads to a quiet and replenished central nervous system has been proven time and time again from scientific research on meditation to the hundreds and thousands of people now prioritizing a practice of contemplation and stillness in their lives.  There is a great interest in stillness and in developing our inner connection because the world has become fast and for many, out of control.  The respite of a practice that guides us to connect deep within our self informs our sense of surety when we are making decisions as our level of clarity is greatly increased.

Do you have a practice for contemplation through your faith, personal inquiry or community?  Can it be richer, more committed, more focused?  Do you need support in beginning or creating a deeper, richer practice?  If so, you are in luck.  This month we will be discussing our inner life and outer success and on August 25^th we will be joined in The Essential Feminine Company’s Living Room by Camille Maurine, a renowned teacher and author of a fabulous book entitled “Meditation For Women”.  I have known Camille for many years and have had the pleasure of facilitating women’s groups with her in Los Angeles.  She will show you simplistic ways to practice, still the mind and open new opportunities for you throughout the day.  She’s a master and lots of fun.  Join us on …. By registering at   https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/987535361

Maureen Simon
415-381-5115
maureen@theessentialfeminine.com
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”
twitter@maureensimon

Read Full Post »

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS (A Reprise)

 This blog was originally posted four years ago and I believe it’s worth posting again. Time spent in the “stillness of your heart” will help you discover your heart’s desire.  Then create a blueprint to achieve your dream.  Here it is:

******

As the holidays closely approach, we have an opportunity to understand where our home actually is.  Creating beautiful spaces and sharing intimate moments with family and friends are all an important part of this special holiday season.  However, our physical world and how we live in it is only one aspect of our actual home.

[Once again,] during this holiday season, I have renewed a very special commitment to myself, and that is to remember that my true home lies in the stillness of my heart.  My true home lies in a deep connection with that which is much greater than me.  In the rush and quickness of these times, it is very important to remember that if we quiet our busy mind and go inward and connect with that which is greater than our selves, we will truly come home for the holidays.

May all the blessings of the Season be yours!

 Maureen Simon

Create Your Blueprint for 2010
415-381-5115
info@theessentialfeminine.com
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”
twitter@maureensimon

Read Full Post »

Five ways to live with greater influence

1.Take yourself seriously.   Take an inventory of your assets and strengths, claim them, share them, and live proudly with them.

2. Surround yourself with great mentors and teachers that can allow you to both grow and learn. Notice the ways that you are most inspired, notice the times that you feel most in need of greater knowledge.

3. Read, ask questions and read. Stay current on topics that interest you most, notice trends break downs, and areas where you can make a contribution.

4. Do more of what you love. Surround yourself with work and play that is both satisfying and enriching. Use your heart, soul, and voice in equal measure.

5. Go within and listen for what is right to you. Integrate these things ideas and feelings follow them, speak about them.

Maureen Simon
415-381-5115
maureen@maureensimon.com
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”

Read Full Post »

Taking Charge by Making Conscious Decisions Regarding Your Life – First Steps

Life is fast and full for most of us! We go through the days like ships at sea without a compass, seemingly at the mercy of everything around us. That is when it is important to make a conscious decision to pause and realize that we are the ones responsible for our lives. We can take charge. We can find our compass, our direction, and make a difference in the world. Three steps we can take to achieve our direction are to quiet the mind, connect with the body, and evaluate whether or not we are expressing our gifts fully in the world. All three of these practical expressions can make a major difference in the quality of our lives!

The first step: Quieting The Mind

 • Set aside time in silence at least 3 days a week for 20 minutes where you can begin to get to know yourself, your needs, your desires and aspirations. Learn to identify and trust your intuition and inner voice. We all have an inner voice that guides and directs us. We just need to listen.

• Question: Can you think of one way this week that you could actually create a period of calm and stillness for yourself?

The second step: Connecting With The Body

• Learn to become more aware of your body’s needs.

• Listen more closely to the signs that your body gives you, i.e. where are there aches, sensations and areas of tightness? Is your body sending you a message? What might the message be?

• Explore these sensations through yoga or other movement you enjoy. Your body holds great information about its own healing needs and emotional state of being.

• Question: What 2 things would you need to do differently to begin to honor and care for your body in a new way?

By taking these two steps, you start to walk on a path of self-exploration. You begin to get a sense of who you are and how your life fits into the scheme of things. Each of us is unique and each of us has a unique contribution to make in the world. The world today needs the contributions that are born from the qualities and gifts embodied in women. We as women need to discover these gifts and bring them forth.

Maureen Simon
415-381-5115
maureen@maureensimon.com
www.theessentialfeminine.com
http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/
www.facebook.com/maureensimon
Join our Facebook Group ” Women Influencing Now”

Read Full Post »

Actors on a Stage

“Do not take life’s experiences too seriously.  Above all, do not let them hurt you, for in reality they are nothing but dream experiences…  If circumstances are bad and you have to bear them, do not make them a part of yourself.  Play your part in life, but never forget that it is only a role.”

Paramahansa Yogananda

 Paramahansa Yogananda is one of my all time favorite teachers in life.  He truly has taught me to live life as if I am acting on a stage.  For this, I hold great gratitude to him.  Each day, life can feel very serious as though this moment and today are all that really matter.  But like most experiences in life, if you look back on a day that seemed to be your all time worst, today in retrospect it may feel far less significant.  Another thought that crosses my mind frequently is how important it is for me to step out of my life and to look at things from an aerial view, from a bigger picture.  Most times, the things that seem so important on the ground hold very little importance when I look at their overall relevance.

 So the lesson for me is to take things easy, to take things as they come.  I am committed to learning, to go with the flow and to allow my life to unfold as though I were an actor on the stage.

 

Maureen Simon

Maureen@maureensimon.com

www.theessentialfeminine.com

http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/

Read Full Post »

The gift of art, music and beauty

A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul. ~~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The gift of art, music and beauty is often understated in our daily lives. We don’t often make time for a museum visit, a concert or to take a photograph on the run. The gifts of integrating the arts and beauty into our lives as a daily practice are unbounded.  Art and beauty feed our soul and are central to our very nature.  Today’s world is fast and busy.  It is essential that we make time to experience our inner quiet for it is in this place that we are informed and receive information and wisdom that will actually make our day-to-day life easier.  The gift that music, poetry and beauty give us is the gift of inner contemplation and stillness.  There is nothing more that our world needs.  If we start with ourselves and realize the value these subtle gifts give us, we can begin living our lives from a place of greater depth and contemplation.  The presence will roll out into the world and touch the many lives we encounter.  Take a moment to invite music, art, beauty, meditation and stillness into your life.  This is one of the greatest ways to contribute to the peace that our world cries for now.

Maureen Simon

Maureen J. Simon Consulting

(415) 381-5115

www.maureensimon.com

http://globaldialoguecenter.blogs.com/women/ http://www.facebook.com/maureensimon

Read Full Post »