The Powerful Act of Inviting

by Terry Kohl

A year ago I began noticing something. Upon awakening I would feel a lightness of being. For a few brief seconds there was nothing on my mind; the day had not yet mentally “dawned.” I felt the warmth of my down comforter, heard the soft purr of my kitty patiently waiting for breakfast, and lazily watched the movie dreams of the night before, evaporate.

As my mind engaged, and until I went to sleep again that night, a never-ending stream of thoughts would flow. Before I would even get out of bed, I was off and running, trying to keep up with my to-do list, that feeling of lightness far behind me.

Shortly after that revelation, I decided to begin practicing mindfulness; the art of living only in the moment. It was something that had appealed to me for some time. This was when I created my Act of Inviting, which has turned into a delicious practice for me, and one that I wish to share with you today.

Prior to my beginning my mindfulness practice, I allowed those thoughts that began filling up my mind in the morning to have their way with me. They would dictate my day and I, the obedient servant, would try to keep up with all the demands.

What we think about is what we see. I began thinking about “now” and how to stay in it!

I decided that my first step was to take advantage of those powerful moments just after I woke up each morning and before my conscious mind took over. On a piece of paper I wrote, “I invite miracles and possibilities into my day.” I tacked it up on the ceiling above my bed so that I would see it the moment I opened my eyes. I chose miracles and possibilities because I didn’t want to place any specifics on what might show up for me that day. I liked the feeling of the open-endedness of those two words.

The very first day as I opened my eyes and saw my invitation overhead I felt an immense relief. It was as if someone had miraculously showed up to help me. Throughout the days and weeks to come, those few words would pop into my mind throughout the day and eventually they formed a habit.

Also, that very first day something that I had been working on for over a year with no movement whatsoever, suddenly fell into place although not what I had wanted. It was an even better possibility!

Now, miracles and possibilities show up for me all the time. I still have my piece of paper stuck to the ceiling above my bed and smile as I look at it each morning. It reminds me to invite whatever I desire into my life. You can, too!

We recently interviewed Terry about her Passions and Possibilities journey  – Click here to read her profile and story.    Thanks Terry, and Happy Passioneering!

If you would like to be a guest blogger or share a story or article, please contact us at info(at)passioneers.com or by  submitting your information via our contact form.

Beverly Flaxington is an accomplished sales and marketing business consultant, hypnotherapist, personal and career coach, author of “Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior”, college professor, corporate trainer, facilitator, behavioral expert, entrepreneur and mom to 3 children and 8 rescued animals.  Below is her interview with us in December 2009.  You can reach her at www.understandingotherpeople.com.

SO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Doing something that you love, and loving what you’re doing when you’re doing it!

SO: What are your biggest passions for serving others, and how are you expressing them (also include hobbies and volunteering)?

I love my role as consultant, coach, hypnotherapist and trainer because it allows me to see people make personal progress, i.e. get better at something be it self-improvement, having an “ah-hah” or figuring out how to improve.  I love teaching – when the students say they want to take all of my classes because they enjoy learning with me, it’s a thrill. I love to rescue and care for animals – volunteering at the rescue group, walking my own 4 rescue dogs and taking care of my cats. I love finding an activity that my children love and thrive in and seeing their smiles and excitement. I love volunteering at their school and being involved in their learning environment.

SO: Your biggest challenge(s) in leaping into your passions for serving others, and how you have addressed them?

My only challenge is too many things that I love to do and not enough time to do them all! I’ve addressed this by becoming exceptional at managing my personal goals, time and priorities and being very clear about what I want (my passions) and what I can say “no” to.

SO: What qualities/characteristics/talents did you bring to your passion, and which ones did you hone during your journey?

The qualities I was naturally gifted with, and brought to my passions included curiosity, a willingness to admit “I don’t know” and a genuine interest in other people. They also included the ability to listen well and focus on others. The ones I honed through the journey include presenting well and speaking with confidence, understanding other people especially with regard to behavioral and communication style and using persuasive skills effectively to explain my position on something.  And, I am still learning as the journey continues!

SO: Your experience of “prosperity,” as you define it, in making the leap?

Having enough to happily and willingly give to those less fortunate. Prosperity is meeting all of my own needs and taking care of my family, but having ample money left over to give away to needy people and animals.

SO: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in making the leap?

I can do anything I set my mind to and life is filled with lots of opportunities to learn and grow. There’s no reason to be stuck doing something you don’t love!

SO: What’s your support system look like; how did you create it?

Internal calm and confidence (my relationship with God), fabulous and supportive friends, a wonderful mom and dad who are always willing to pitch in and help and my spouse.

SO: What wisdom do you have for someone who’s scared/discouraged about their own leap?

The worst thing that can happen is that you don’t get what you are hoping for – but SO many times that means there is something better waiting around the corner. Stay focused, but stay open!

SO: What’s your next big milestone?

I just published two books this year – which had been a dream of mine. Next I want to create a series of training programs and books with my sales expertise.

Thanks So Much for Sharing Your Gifts, and Happy Passioneering!