Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Live authentically...

You will never be enough when you are not being yourself.

That's right.

You will never be enough when you are not being yourself.

Don't settle for the half lived life.

Don't settle for a wimpy life.

Don't quell your passion.

There are consequences for going 1/2 throttle.

Don't give up on your intensity.

You see, many of us train ourselves to disconnect or disown important aspects of who we are.

We do this to fit in or not upset the apple cart or not upset others.

But...

Being strong makes others feel strong.

Being yourself gives other people permission to be their best self.

So...

Be yourself.

Recover your true self.

Take off the masks.

Don't hit the mute button on your life.

It's all about alignment.

Align with your nature.

Find relationships and environments where you can fully show up.

Step out of fear or limitations into your true self.

To quote Marianne Williamson...

'Your playing small does not serve the world'.

'The world needs you'.

You need you.

Have an authentic week.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com

P.S. Have you considered hiring a coach?

Labels: , , ,

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Got goals?

“Genius” has been described as the “ability to focus on one thing at a time.” Many people who are “geniuses” are so not only because they have a high intellect, but because they are a gift of being able to focus on the objective or goal at hand.

This same focus must come in to play when determining what your goals are in relation to success. You need to learn to work towards one major objective and juggle a few short- and mid-range goals at the same time.

One way to determine what your direction is (and ultimately your goals are) is to do a check-up. I suggest listing 7 categories: Financial; Career, Family, Personal, Spiritual, Mental, & Physical. Rank your goals in these categories and how you’re doing. This will illustrate to you where you are and where you’d like to be and exactly how balanced you are as you move about your process.

Set goals that are smart. Big goals must be broken down in to manageable pieces. Don’t set more than 4 goals to work on during a single day. Seek divine guidance and direction on each goal.

Then identify what the pay-off is when you achieve your goal. Nebulous rewards don’t motivate people to achieve much.

List the obstacles that stand between you and your goals. If you’re not aware of potential problems, you’ll be side-tracked when they arise and lose sight of your objective.

Have someone in your corner who can dispense counsel & guidance.

Think about who can help you achieve your goal. Identify friends who can be encouragers and who can help keep you motivated and on-track.

List the skills and knowledge required to attain your goal.

Develop a plan of action to achieve your goal.

Set a deadline for achievement. It’s hard to achieve something that has no ending date.

As you consider your goals, ask yourself the following questions:

Is this really my goal?

Is this morally right and fair to everyone involved?

Will it take me closer to my long-range goal?

Can I commit myself to start and reach this objective?

Can I see myself attaining this goal?

You should answer yes to each of these questions. If not, re-evaluate!

And then give each goal a final test of the “basic wants” in life:

Will it make me happier?

Will it make me healthier?

Will it make me more prosperous?

Will it increase my security?

Will it help me make more friends?

Will it give me peace of mind?

Will it improve my family (and other) relationships?

Will it increase my hope for the future?

If you can’t answer yes to each of these questions, re-evaluate your goal.

To Your Best Life!

Dr. Mike Davison
“Your Destiny Doctor”
mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com

P.S. If you want help clarifying your goals, consider hiring a coach.

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, June 2, 2008

Are you consistently growing?

So. Are you?

Are you consistently growing?

Let's take your relationship with yourself and with others.

How much do you participate in your relationships?

I have a young male client at this time who openly acknowledged to me today that the most he ever participates in his relationships is 40%. By that he means only 40% of who he is, is known by others. He is able to identify that his tendency to play it safe by keeping others at a same distance is connected to the death of his mother early in his life. While he understands it, his isolation perpetuates his pain and feeling of disconnection from others.

This young man clearly sees that there is a connection between his lack of participation in relationships and his emotional problems. He sees that the roadblock to participating more fully in relationships is fear of rejection, feelings of inadequacy, shame, and the potential of abandonment. Opening ourselves up to others does involve risk. At the same time a true sense of personal peace is only possible when we have an intimate circle in which we can be transparent.

You may be able to identify in some way with the challenge of the young man mentioned above. Are there aspects of who you are, or parts of your personal history that you have held back from people in your most intimate circle? What has blocked you from being more open? Not to sound trite, but the saying "The only way out is through" is true. Translated, the only way to transcend the self-centered emotions of fear of rejection, inadequacy, shame, and fear of abandonment are to show up more fully in relationships. Opening up and engaging more fully in relationships is good for your emotional, spiritual and physical health.

The theme of deeper involvement with others is emphasized throughout psychological and spiritual literature. The language used to describe this process may be different in various contexts. It may be referred to as being more of who you are, being authentic, opening up, confessing or countless other ways. From my perspective, it doesn't matter what you call it. Deep involvement and deeper disclosure is good for all aspects of your emotional, physical, spiritual and relational health. In the medical and psychology literature there are countless studies that validate this notion.

Within the major spiritual traditions the benefits of opening up are emphasized. In the Christian tradition, the value of confession is emphasized as a way of deepening one's relationship with God and reducing emotions such as guilt. Guilt is fueled by secrecy. Guilt is counter to personal peace and leaves us feeling separated from ourselves, God, and others. We all know on some level the negative emotional and physical consequences of guilt.

Within the Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement. This is a day that is devoted to confessional practices to achieve restitution and ultimately deepen one's relationship with God.

Within the Buddhist tradition, author Pema Chodron described the process and benefit of confession. The process of opening up leads to a spiritual cleansing, which allows an individual to transcend repetitive unfinished patterns of thinking, feeling and/or behaving.

The aspects of self or past behavior which we feel shameful about continues to have a way of running us if we continue to resist openly acknowledging them. I have heard it said many times, "that which we resists, persists".

I have also seen the emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of "opening up" for individuals (from different faith traditions) with drug, alcohol or other addictive problems who participate in 12 step programs. In 12 step programs there is also an emphasis on moving toward a greater experience of connection with God and others through the process of disclosure and sharing. In one of the steps, members as asked to conduct a "fearless moral inventory". In another step it is suggested that members take that inventory and share it with "God, ourselves and another human being..." There are later steps, which involve cleaning up past messes, repairing damaged relationships (with oneself and others) and conducting daily inventories and promptly acknowledging when one does wrong. I have seen amazing transformation occur within individuals who practice these principles at deep levels. They experience a greater connection with themselves, God and others, and as a result enjoy profound emotional and physical benefits.

This week's daily practices will be focused on helping you identify what you have not been completely open and honest about. Please use your journal. Remember, what you write is for your eyes only. You may at some time choose to share what you have written with someone. However, I believe you will be less likely to censor if you are writing for your eyes-only.

Here is a week of Daily Practices that can help you do some massive growing this week in the area of your relationship with yourself and others.

Day one: What is something(s) that you have not been completely honest with yourself and/or others regarding your relationships?

Day two: What is something(s) that you have not been completely honest with yourself and/or others regarding your health or health practices?

Day three: What is something(s) that you have not been completely honest with yourself and/or others regarding your career?

Day four: What is something(s) that you have not been completely honest with yourself and/or others regarding your spiritual life and/or adherence to my own moral standards?

Day five: Identify ways that you compromised in a way that has lead to me being less of yourself? Keep in mind the positive aspects of who you are, goals, dreams or aspirations you have let go in the name of compromise?

Day six: Identify something(s) you have done that you would not want anyone one else to know about or you have never share with anyone?

Day seven: Based on this weeks exercises, is there anything you could do to show up more fully in your life, such as transcend feelings of guilt or feel more authentic with yourself or others?

To Your Best Life!

Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"

P.S. Live deep and wide with a coach at your side. Do you have someone like Kay or Dr. Mike to help you live your best life?

P.S.S. If you have any questions about individualized consultation or coaching to help you live your big dream, contact me at mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com.

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, April 18, 2008

What is holding you back?

There are a number of things that can hold you back from creating and living your best life.

I find it helpful in my coaching to think in terms of five broad categories that can contribute to holding people back. Think of these as they relate to yourself.

The first category is related to clarity. Some people are held back because they don't know what they are trying to create.

Another category is related to "the plan". You need a clear game plan to achieve your most desired outcomes.

Another is related to "skills". Do you have the skills you need to accomplish your big dream? Maybe there is a skill set you need to develop.

The fourth potential area that may be holding you back is your inner life. By that I mean things like your beliefs, your attitude, your confidence level, and your overall mindset. Do you have the current consciousness you need to achieve your dreams?

A fifth area that maybe holding you back is your environment. Is your environment, and the people in it, supportive of the direction you want to move in?

Ask yourself questions about these five areas. If you feel stale, stuck or stagnant in anyway I encourage you to consider coaching to help you move forward.

To Your Best Life!

Dr. Mike Davison
"Your Destiny Doctor"
mike@aninvitationtopersonalpeace.com

Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, November 9, 2007

Say YES to yourself!

Many times you may find yourself frustrated with day to day situations. So many things to do and so little time! Other moments you may find yourself feeling stressed and are not even sure why.

Maybe you are taking on too much.

Maybe you are taking on too much of the wrong opportunities or projects.

When presented with a new project or opportunity, take some time to step back and dissect the reason behind what you’re attempting to do.

I once heard it said that ‘all things are good but not all things are profitable.’

What exactly does that mean?

I am not necessarily talking about money here. I am suggesting that you look at what’s necessary and profitable for your life in general.

When you feel like you should do something, or someone asks you to do something, first ponder a few questions.

What does this task involve?
How much time will it take?
How much money it cost?
How much effort will I have to give?
How long will this task last? Once it’s over, is that it, or are there ongoing responsibilities?
Is this a ‘good’ thing?
Is this going to take something that I really don’t have to give?
What about my other commitments?
Will this take time away from my family?
Will I be able to work with the other people who are involved in this?
Will this be something that I can say was a good thing for me?
Will I be a better person when this is project is done?

As you begin to answer these questions you will not only find out more about the project but you will also begin to uncover more about yourself and your true needs. You will see more clearly how the elements of the project can potentially impact you. Using this information you will be able to determine if this is a ‘good thing’ or if is it actually profitable. Remember, just because a task or idea is good does not mean that it is profitable for YOU at THIS TIME. When you are able to work out the difference between the two, then you will be able to say no to those things that are not beneficial for YOU.

By politely declining to attempt things that are not profitable for you, you will find the stress level in your life to be decreased considerably.

Say yes to YOURSELF!

Your Destiny Doctor,

Dr. Mike

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, November 2, 2007

Got Integrity?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend

I want to give you a gift to help you cultivate integrity.

My gift to you is an audio clip on this very topic.

Integrity is the one virtue that can make all the difference in life.

Check out the audio at:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/todaysguest/2007/10/30/Build-your-spiritual-muscles

Your Destiny Doctor,

Dr. Mike Davison

P.S. If you are interested in personal coach to help accelerate your forward movement, simply contact me at mike@PartnersInPurpose.com or 847 490-7689

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Finding Your Path to Life Enrichment Coaching Program

If you've ever thought about utilizing a personal coach to help you achieve your goals, this program was designed especially for you. Finding Your Path to Life Enrichment Coaching will give you the opportunity to work one-on-one with Dr. Mike Davison and discover firsthand the enormous benefits to be gained from making a commitment to yourself and developing your spiritual path.

In this unique Finding Your Path to Life Enrichment Coaching program you will learn to implement the fundamental tools used to create an extraordinary life of peace and prosperity.

For additional information, contact me at mike@PartnersInPurpose.com

Finding Your Path to Life Enrichment coaching program includes eight (8) phone sessions along with accompanying materials.

The eight sessions will help you:

1. Build your path

2. Get on your path

3. Stay on your path.

Your path leads directly to your Destiny.

The focus of the 8 Session include:

Session 1.

Introduction to the program. Understanding your own "default mode". What it means to be on YOUR spiritual path. Training in morality, master of the mind and wisdom. Overview of 10 spiritual muscles*.

Session 2.

Training in Mastery of the Mind #1- Right Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration
– instruction in the practice of mindfulness and meditation. Meditation retrains your mind toward your spiritual path.

Session 3.

Training in Mastery of the Mind #2 -- Handling your default mode. Learning strategies to self monitor yourself., interrupt unhealthy patterns, and strengthen your spiritual path.
Spiritual muscle: equanimity - having a clam and balanced mind.


Session 4.

Training in Morality #1 - Discuss the importance of inner alignment of right speech, action, and livelihood. Discuss concept of mindful action versus automatic reaction. Treating yourself with compassion, only then can you treat others with compassion. Remember, all beings are just like you, they want to be happy and free of suffering.

Session 5.

More on Morality. Spiritual muscles of Loving Kindness and Tolerance. Learning metta meditation.

Session 6.

Training in Wisdom #1 -- right thinking and right view -- filling the mind with
the Spiritual self. Knowing that everything starts with the mind. Need a daily plan for weakening your default mode and strengthen your Spiritual self. Daily plan includes making a daily commitment to your spiritual path, using all your senses to activate your spiritual self.

Session 7.

Training in Wisdom #2 -- Spiritual muscles - renunciation and generosity. Renunciation - give up whatever separates you from your spiritual nature. Generosity - give to yourself and others your true spiritual nature. 5 friends of your spiritual path. 5 enemies of your spiritual path. Acting "as if".

Session 8.

Maintaining your Spiritual Path. Spiritual muscle- Truth. Truth is essential for maintenance of your Spiritual Path. Honesty with self and others. Taking refuge in spiritual guides, teachings, and communities.

For more information contact me at mike@Partnersinpurpose.com

*Spiritual Muscles

1 Strong Determination

2 Effort

3 Equanimity

4 Morality

5 Loving Kindness

6 Tolerance

7 Wisdom

8 Renunciation

9 Generosity

10 Truth

Labels: , ,