Time for a Spiritual Reboot

As we move towards 2012, the expansion in consciousness will continue to be more apparent, causing changes on every level; mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Since body, mind and soul are connected, when one alters, they all follow suit. Understanding these shifts and actively making personal transformations is necessary to maintain growth and balance in your life.

In the past you could use a more generalized approach to spirituality, a one size fits all. But not anymore. What works for one person won't necessarily be applicable for another because we're all programmed differently. Since each person is individually wired, you have to figure out your own system.

 Old programs may not work on a new computer, or if they do, may not work optimally.  If you switch from a PC to a MAC there can really be issues. Even when new programs are installed, the outdated ones are still present. The same holds true as you're shifting.  In essence you are dealing with a new operating system and it's important you uninstall old beliefs and fears in order to fully function within the new structure. 

Deleting what is no longer needed on a computer is as easy as hitting a button; not so with the human psyche. The first step is awareness of the existing programs that are installed. You are the investigator, take inventory of concepts that no longer work for you;  childhood issues, relationship blocks, old ideas, beliefs, paradigms, any thoughts or fears that are slowing down your progress. Once you have that information at your disposal, put the limiting beliefs and fears on one side, then write a replacement  on the other in the form of an affirmation. For instance if you have a fear of poverty, the counter thought on the right side would be that you have unlimited abundance.

Most of us aren't technically advanced enough to fix our own computers, professionals are usually employed. On the spiritual side, there is an angelic Technical Assistance Team (TAT)available to assist with the work.   This group is similar to the angelic Medical Assistance Team, but deals with belief systems as opposed to the physical body. Once you've dug deep and feel your list is complete, call in TAT  to purge the old programs that are no longer relevant and activate the new ones.  As with all your guides, angels and teachers, the Technical Assistance Team are poised to help, but are unable to assist unless you ask them.

Don't be surprised if at the end of your session you are exhausted. Clearing and cleaning up is tough work, not to mention the emotions that bubble to the surface from taking the inventory. When you install new programs on a computer, a reboot is necessary. The same holds true with your physical body and mind, take a rest. This may take several attempts to complete, after all you didn't come up with these beliefs overnight and some are deeply ingrained.

The final week of December is often a time of endings. Many use this time to reflect on the "woulda' -shoulda'- coulda's"  of the previous twelve months. Businesses use this week to take inventory for end of year accounting.  This is the ideal time to make a personal assessment of your spiritual operating system and reboot before launching into 2012.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.

Channel for Change

                          Discover the Passion, Power & Purpose Within



Oh Noooo...It's That Time of Year Again!

There can be a lot of stress surrounding the holidays:

·         Battling the crowds to find the perfect gift, then facing the credit card bills in January.

·         Writing whimsical letters trying to make your life sound interesting and exciting.

·         Slaving long hours in the kitchen turning out confectionary delights.

·         Keeping  the reindeer antlers from falling off your car.

·         Stringing up the most lavish light extravaganza in the neighborhood, while avoiding electrocution.

·         Not to mention the family dynamics . . . it can wear you out.

      Holidays are a bedrock for familial drama. For whatever reason, this time of year with its visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads, also plumbs the depths of our psyches dredging up all sorts of unresolved stuff to look at.

      This is the season where families reconvene and often old childhood patterns return, no matter what your age. The long held resentment you've had towards your sister who was the pretty one, or your bullying older brother could rear its ugly head regardless of the amount of time that has passed . Sibling rivalry, family secrets and old hurts seem to creep out of the closet. Even after countless hours on the therapy couch , memories of yesteryear  may come knocking on your door, just like they did for Ebenezer Scrooge. 

So how can you prepare? Ignore the holidays? Disown the relatives? Retreat to a remote island? All viable options, but usually not very practical. This year, try being easy on yourself first and foremost. Don't put additional demands to be the best or first in all the holiday folderol. Often it is our old desire of trying to please that causes tensions in situations that should be pleasant and fun.

Try a more laid back approach in 2011 and just chill out. If the presents don't get wrapped or even bought, it's not the end of the world. After all, what do we really need anyway? Try taking that extra time to connect with a neighbor, relative, your partner or kids and have a great conversation; a  genuine connection, not one where you're distracted by your long "to do" list.  With fewer expectations, it will allow more time and space to take care of yourself and better handle those recollections or uncomfortable encounters that may arise.

Find happy memories to share- they are there, they just aren't as obvious as the more traumatic ones. Instead of having anxiety over the family dinner and the chaos that can ensue, make it pot luck and have everyone relate a special story from the past to represent their dish. This alleviates the work falling on one person to "perform" and allows everyone to be a part of the preparation.  People aren't as apt to fall into their old familiar behaviors when there is something new, and hopefully the stories shared will put the emphasis on pleasant times that have passed.

If you've had pain in your life around the holidays, such as a death or divorce it can certainly dampen the spirit. After my divorce and then the death of my mother during December, the entire season was a time I dreaded. It signified loss for me. I put on a game face over the years for the kids, but my heart wasn't in it. Finally after many years of playing Grinch, I decided I needed to change tradition. In the past on Christmas Eve our family would open presents and have a party with relatives. To help fill that void, I started inviting people I knew would be alone, for a celebration. This began making a new circle of family, one that didn't need to be blood to belong. Start traditions of your own  that will signify new beginnings . It doesn't take away the hurt, but lessens it by creating a positive event to build fresh memories.

Lastly, don't lose sight of what you're celebrating. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is a time for friends and family to experience peace and joy. Whether you're lighting Hanukah candles or hanging stockings, give yourself a gift; take the pressure off and enjoy the holidays.  After all, you have the rest of the year to deal with the Ghosts of Christmas Past and any of the other issues that may crop up during this joyous season.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. www.channelforchange.com

When In Doubt...Don't Zone Out

I've discovered the key to the universe, the secret to happiness. It's called being conscious. Sounds pretty simple, huh? If you can concentrate and stay in the moment, maintaining balance mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally, you indeed can and will find joy. But just try staying in the moment, let alone being centered while maintaining your equilibrium. Not an easy feat. How many times do we zone out to avoid feeling the feelings or dealing with the issues?  

Staying in the moment is a real challenge. Our thoughts continually go to what has happened in the past or what we think might occur in the future and completely take us out of the present. Often stress moves us out of our center as we cope with the intensity of the day whether at work or at home, and we must listen to the constant internal voice telling us what we should or shouldn't have done. Not to mention if you have unresolved issues from the past that crop up when triggered by events throughout the day. Our constant thoughts and the "itty bitty shitty committee" that keeps up an ongoing litany inside your head can consume you during the day and long into the sometimes sleepless night.

As a means to ward off that noisy bunch, we tend to choose activities where we don't have to think and use them as a distraction; television, addictive food, alcohol, drugs, sex, friends, video games, web surfing, social networking, mindless chattering conversation, pulp fiction or gossip, etc. It's in the quest to escape, even when the choices aren't particularly destructive, that takes us out of the present moment and into a limbo where we aren't thinking or connecting with our feelings or thoughts. And that works…for a while.

What happens eventually when you ignore something long enough, it rears its head to be heard. This could be an unresolved issue, a health problem or anything that needs your focus to work through and clear as a block. A block is anything that keeps you stuck or limits your forward movement. Continually disregarding your feelings and letting a problem fester, will not make it go away. If you discount a health issue, the body has a way of making the symptoms worsen to get your attention. And in all cases, eventually you have to come back to the present moment and deal with the issue. Delaying the inevitable rarely makes it better and it certainly doesn't make it disappear.

So if we dealt immediately with our issues, removed all the blocks and limiting beliefs, there wouldn't be any bothersome worries to consume our thoughts and our emotional and mental well being would be balanced, right? If we ate nutritious foods and took excellent care of our bodies and exercised, most likely we would be healthy and disease free.  And if we weren't constantly dealing with the voices in our heads, or our bodies acting out, we would be clear to just be, to live in the moment. So what is the problem?

Like I said in the beginning, I believe I have it figured out in terms of what you have to do to achieve happiness. Now the trick is doing it on a regular basis. It starts with awareness and understanding the process one goes through to avoid dealing with issues. If I can begin to look for the signs of when and why I start to drift out of awareness, then I can counteract it.

And once I get all those pieces working together, I look forwards to the day when I can CONSCIOUSLY watch reality tv , while surfing the internet and eating a doughnut, completely enjoy the moment without zoning out.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.

                          Discover the Passion, Power and Purpose Within.

Knowing When To Let Go

Knowing when to let go is a slippery slope. If you hang on too long, you run the risk of co-dependency or even meddling. If it's too soon there can be issues of abandonment or not caring. The hardest part of letting go is watching as your children learn their lessons and even experience pain. Some parents dedicate their whole lives to looking out for their kids, even the adult ones.

 But sometimes you can't protect them, only watch as they deal with life. That was put to the test this past week while I visited my daughter. In just one month's time she has lost all her anchors that defined her life, yet remains positive and open to what the universe is serving up next.

Wanting to go back to school as well as move in with her best friend, my 26 year old daughter Marley moved to a new city and felt a transfer with her job would be a sure thing, since she had been offered a position at that location six months earlier. That was not to be. A new regional VP denied the request. As with many of us, her job helped delineate who she was. Having a strong work ethic, this is the first time since high school she has been unemployed. Her mettle is being tested in keeping the energy going towards a job, while at the same time allowing it to play out as it is supposed to. A fine line, but one she is balancing on quite well.

The move, even with the job loss was more palatable because she had her faithful companion Lincoln by her side. For 15 years he had been her confessional and confidant. No matter how tough things were, he was a constant in her life. Withstanding numerous relationship heartbreaks, he was always there to come home to. But a week after moving, the beagle's health deteriorated to the point he could no longer walk. A huge decision, but knowing it was best for the dog, she had to let go and put him to sleep. The grief has been consuming and left a gigantic void .

Since moving in the first of November, her roommate who had been diagnosed with cancer, had surgery. The prognosis was positive, but there was a tremendous amount of stress surrounding the operation with lots of company and  aftercare as she was recovering at their apartment.  Marley was the nursemaid, dog walker, cook, chauffeur and Mario Brothers partner, all happening the day after her beloved Lincoln left. She gladly was there for her friend, she wouldn't have it any other way, but that was another layer on top of some fairly overwhelming circumstances to begin with. Add to that the waiting for admission into college, employment applications, interviews and a few rejection letters coupled with getting used to a new environment grief and watching her bank account religiously. Trying to stay out of fear, the girl has had a lot on her plate.

As a mom I can't take it away, merely help her realize the major shifts that have occurred and urge her to be gentle with herself. Sometimes we have to let the events and energy catch up with us, after all it's only been 30 days, yet I know it feels like a lifetime.

I am most proud of her trust, faith and ability to know it is part of the process. Time heals all and she will find peace, renewed strength, and a job. Her grief will lessen and it all will fall into place. No matter how much my motherly traits want to kick in to help, this is an individual sport and I know she will succeed. That is all we can do as parents, confident that we have given our kids the tools to deal with such intense changes, we let go and wait patiently on the sidelines - picking them up if they fall, gently setting them back on the course, no matter what their age.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.

 

As a Leader…. Do You Strike the Match or Put Out the Fire?

Organizations have fire starters: those who escalate issues causing havoc and drama in the process. They also have fire fighters: people who scurry to find a way to pacify, implement or solve emergencies.  Regardless of the position, it costs the company and everyone involved lots of time and money.

 My issue with many businesses, especially large ones fraught with multiple layers of management is that a simple dictate from a high ranking exec may start out as a "when you get a chance" kind of comment, but later turns into a " fire drill" as it's passed down the chain of command. Sure there are honest critical crunches when all hands on deck is imperative to meet deadlines. But in the corporate telephone game, since these directives are rarely formalized or written down,  confusion or others' interpretations often drive a normal delivery time into needing it yesterday. It can also happen through some self-serving manager along the way trying to look important by claiming the item is "hot" and needed ASAP by the executive who casually mentioned the detail in the first place.  In the meantime schedules are juggled, meetings and tasks are postponed in order to attend to the now frantic issue. Gaining momentum as it circulates through the organization, very few people push back or even consider going to the original source for clarification.

As a leader, communicating and yes, even formalizing requests with clear due dates can make a huge difference regarding time, energy and profits. It keeps everyone on the same page and gives realistic priorities to the work at hand. Using this process, if a situation arises that truly is needed STAT, it will get the necessary immediate attention. An executive's awareness of the requests put forth and how they are implemented  is essential to keep an organization running efficiently. Although you can't keep your finger on the pulse of all the issues, at least know the ones you've initiated have been clearly communicated with realistic deliverables, directions and expectations.

 Those in an organization who regularly spiral assignments to frenzied levels, are just fanning the flames. The world will not end if every project does not have priority status. Don't cry wolf, save those matches for a real crisis when you'll need to light a big fire.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. See if her Leadership Development offerings could help you or those in your organization be more effective.

So Tired......Tired of Waiting

There is nothing more frustrating than waiting, especially when you don't know what it is you're waiting for. With the recent 11-11-11 and 12-12-12 hoopla, many people are feeling a sense of anticipation, but are unable to pinpoint exactly what it is that is about to happen. They sense changes occurring in their lives, but are unclear what those might be or how they might be affected. Unfortunately when we're anxious and know we are on the brink of discovery….often all we can do is WAIT.

 Much to my chagrin, I recently spent 12 months waiting to birth a business. Yes I realize the normal gestation period is 9 months, but the information was not coming in. I was so close; could feel it, touch it and see it, but not quite reach a point where all the ideas would solidify. So I waited. And when the concept came together, I understood the importance of spending the time to allow myself and the world to go through some changes. Sometimes we have great ideas, but the timing is not right.

Here is an excerpt from the November 10, 2011 Meeting with the Masters Channeling:

"What's interesting in the waiting is what you think you want, what you think you've figured out, what you think is the answer often comes full circle after you're finished waiting. And may look completely different. For we make you wait because you can manifest so quickly. If we allowed you to have access to the powers you will eventually have to create, you would have created all sorts of things, including a mess."

"The waiting makes you stop and think, makes you evaluate and determine what it is you really want. So when you finally latch on to what it is, it can happen rather quickly. Another reason for the waiting is because many people have clearings they need to do. It could be in the realm of relationships, childhood or a past life, but all of these must come to the surface. And that is part of the process. The waiting allows these all to bubble up into your awareness."

In our annoyance of not knowing the future, trust in the process. Have faith the answers will be revealed to you. Even if it is not in the timeframe of your choice, know it will be unveiled at exactly the right time. In the meantime, pay close attention to the thoughts that are floating through your mind, looking closely to see if any of those need attention and clearing. Or are they clues moving you closer to your solutions? And even with all that great advice, the bottom line is….you just wait.

Contact Becky Arrington for an individualized channeled/intuitive reading to help you understand the next steps in your awakening.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. Visit Channel for Change.

                           Discover the Passion, Power and Purpose Within

Make Space for the Strong Silent Types

There are all types of personalities  in an organization. The red faced blustery ball buster that gets things done through intimidation. Nervous Nellies who badger people to death making sure schedules and deadlines are adhered to. Smooth talking Salespeople who have an uncanny knack of spinning while often avoiding the real issues. All of these have distinct personality traits and ways to work the system.

In any organization, 80% of the employees don't easily slot into any specific methodology to produce results, they just do it. Working in an efficient manner, not calling attention to themselves, these silent staffers get the job done. These are also the people who have excellent insights into how to increase production, solve problems and improve the company. But rarely are they heard  from or even asked, for input.

In the world of office politics, the Type A attitude is the one who gets ahead through aggressive techniques. The movers and the shakers are constantly vying to be heard and noticed, but do they possess the greatest ideas?

Whole Person Process Facilitation is a meeting technique designed to tap into the wisdom of ALL the participants and give them a voice. Different learning styles are attended to in a forum where all are honored. Sitting in a circle, there is no boardroom table to head up or hide behind. In the presence of the meeting, all are equal. A talking object is passed and the one with the object is the ONLY one who speaks, thus muffling the dissenting voices that often interrupt.At the beginning of meetings all participants list their hopes and fears anonymously regarding the subject at hand. This is an excellent way to get concerns out in the open and allows the facilitator better insight into the anxieties the group may be experiencing.

Aside from allowing people an opportunity to talk and share their ideas, the greatest benefits of WPPF meetings are the outcomes and solutions that surface. Many consultants come into businesses thinking they have all the answers and can solve an organization's issues. But the Genuine Contact approach trusts that through skilled facilitation and innovative processes, the wisdom within the organization prevails. Who knows your company better than the people within?

Contact Becky Arrington to further discuss Whole Person Facilitation and other unique techniques to manage change.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.

Is Your BFF MIA? Believe Me…. It's AOK

In elementary school a best friend was the one who stood by your side when others were bullying on the playground, or shared their peanut butter and jelly sandwich so you wouldn't have to eat the meatloaf  your mom packed. 


There were the party hearty pals picked up in college when a favorite friend was the one who kept you from calling your main crush and looking like a fool , made sure you got home safely from a wild evening or held your hair as you made friends with the "porcelain god."

 If children graced your life, choices for companions were other parents through school or organized sports,  sometimes producing a special confidante to tie up the phone for hours, commiserating in the pursuit of happiness, or lack thereof. 

 A shoulder to cry on, a person who was in your corner, a bff was always there when you needed them. But what happens when you no longer resonate with your bosom buddy?

My favorite cohort and I used to gossip about other people, making fun of their……just fill in the blank, we  found the humor in everything. But one day I realized how mean spirited it was and didn't want to engage anymore. My constant companion was very frustrated with me, claiming I was no longer "fun to be around." By me changing, the dynamic of the relationship altered as well. 

As more and more people begin to expand their consciousness, they may start to see close relationships become more distant since they no longer have much in common.  This happens not only in the activities you do together, but is evident in subjects you're interested in and discuss, what you put in your body, outlook on life and your attitude towards others. A myriad of things begin to shift when you open to a widened energetic field. But that's ok. You don't have to suddenly cut off all your old friendships, most likely they will take a natural course and adjust or even fade away.

 My advice has always been to allow it to play out. Sometimes those close to you see the changes you've adopted and begin to make the same transformation. And if they don't, just know they will find their own path in their own time.

In the meantime, look in the mirror to see if you like that person for a new best friend until another shows up. Because miraculously, since like attracts like, new people will come into your life who are drawn to the current attitude and beliefs you carry and will be a perfect match.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.


                      Discover the Passion, Power and Purpose Within

I Can See Clearly Now

I grew up in a small town in Kansas where people didn't lock their doors, spoke to everyone on the street, knew their neighbors and believed in the American Dream. In those halcyon days I wore rose colored glasses since everything looked perfect and idyllic in my narrowly experienced world. Of course WE ALL were wearing them in an effort to be more psychedelically cool. After I left for college the same pink tinted specs graced me as I viewed prospective mates with a kind of idol mentality, seeing the potential as opposed to the reality, they made everyone look good.

Over the years after I was married, settled, raising kids, moving across the country and dealing with middle age events, the spectacles turned to a sad blue from the many trials and tribulations that can come in life; disappointment, doubt, death of parents, mid-life depression, divorce, dashed dreams, etc.

After pulling myself out of that funk and getting re-established, I donned green shades representing envy and money. Sadly I was jealous of others' houses, cars, jobs and lives who had not been hit with divorce and the personal and monetary toll it takes. Getting ahead in my career and recovering financially was my primary goal resulting in long hours, travel, a job promotion and transfer. Sure it also came with worldly travel, 401 Ks, a vacation home and a job as Vice President, but I risked my relationship, health and well being in the process.

No matter how far up the ladder you get, if it is built on false principals, you're bound to topple. And fall I did as I experienced a devastating job loss that brought that shaky house of sticks tumbling down. In the aftermath, I had X-ray lenses as I scrutinized each phase of my life to understand the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual paths I had experienced, the decisions and actions I took and the reasons why. Anytime a major event happens, it is the universe's way of bringing you back to basics. All the material wealth I had acquired held no meaning if I didn't have time, happiness, vitality or anyone to share it with.

My glasses are clear and magnified now giving me a more in-depth, focused view of myself and others and they make it easier to read small print too. Much like the guy who was handed the magical frames and lenses showing him the true story behind each person he encountered, I no longer see  people at face value. Leaving judgments and preconceived ideas behind, I look deeper to understand what others may have experienced or issues they are currently dealing with. A word of kindness or compassion from me might make a difference in their world.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key. Visit Channel for Change to learn more.

Good Grief….Dealing with Loss in the Workplace

Mexico observes Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, where traditions include building private altars and fixing favorite foods to honor the deceased.  As a society we allow the grieving process to occur as a reaction to losing a loved one, but rarely do we consider what happens when someone leaves a company due to a layoff or the aftermath when entire organizations are rearranged, leaving a wake of people confused and at a loss. 

The same grief process occurs in the business sector as change happens. Understanding and identifying the loss is a good first step, as most have never considered applying the Stages of Grief to anything other than the loss of a loved one.  Change Management models are recognizing the stages similar to those outlined by Elizabeth Kuebler- Ross in her 1969 book Death and Dying. However Birgitt Williams founder of the Genuine Contact Organization has developed a slightly different approach to the phases by adding categories such as the event, memory sharing and the moving forwards of creating as well as arranging them in a circular rather than linear pattern to allow greater flexibility and potential revisiting of phases as needed.
The stages are as follows:

1. Event: What caused the upheaval
2. Shock: Often only sinks in when people begin to realize what this means to them personally
3. Anger: Feelings of rage, envy, normally outraged it is happening at all
4. Denial: Defense mechanism based on disbelief, "it may not affect my department"
5. Memories: Desire to remember how it was before, both good and bad, helps put things in perspective
6. Acceptance: Understanding that the new structure is inevitable and will affect them
7. Letting Go: Moving beyond the ordeal, not harboring anymore feelings
8. Creating: Process of beginning to deal with the change and creating new attitudes that embrace it

Recognizing that members of your organization may be experiencing grief due to change could be the first step towards rebuilding damaged, stressed out teams of employees. Allowing employees to express their feelings in a Whole Person Process style meeting or through storytelling ensures that #8 Creating can take place to move beyond the shift they have experienced. 

Contact Becky Arrington to learn more about how to work through the grief process in your organization and move down the road to recovery.

The Dental Dilemma....Maintenance vs. Avoidance

I hate to go to the dentist. Even during a good check-up having someone fasten a paper bib with a silver clip chain like old ladies wear on their sweaters, fitting me with HazMat goggles to protect from what…flying spit? Tilting back so far my feet are sticking straight up in the air and my mouth is gaping open, renders me…well speechless. Which is another gripe I have. My grunts, nods and eye rolling answers can only communicate so much.

In my 40s I took a hiatus from maintenance dental care and have dearly paid the price since. That should give me a clue in the issue I'm facing.  I'm on an every four month plan and undergo what they call a "deep clean," kind of  like a "deep dive" in business. In the corporate world I don't mind digging for the facts, whereas I am not as excited when they go searching the crevices of my mouth for some errant speck of tartar. Deep cleaning, more like spelunking, is done with a sonogram laser emitting a shrieking high pitch sound, jolting me out of the chair when it is turned on. Gone are the days of the rotating brush and mint toothpaste replaced by a virtual sand blaster that hits your teeth and gums with a force designed for industrial use.

 For several years now the dental office has had me on a "treatment plan" for future work totaling well over a million dollars...well a lot of money. I've been parceling out here and there fixing a tooth once it has broken. The problem with being old is all those fillings you had as a child are still intact while the teeth around them become brittle and break, creating the perfect environment for decay. Not to mention what they say mercury does in your system, but I am not industrious enough or rich enough to replace all the old fillings. Spitting out shards of a tooth after biting down on a piece of  candy has become a common occurrence. Either way you're stuck dealing with the issue, often in an emergency situation on a weekend while you're howling in pain from a broken tooth and exposed nerve. Although I do have a "temporary" fix on a tooth that is going on 18 years, so sometimes my avoidance pays off.

Which brings me to my current dilemma. The x-rays today showed a gigantic ancient filling, probably from the 5th grade, with several cracks running down the side, ripe for splitting in half. I am still paying for an inlay from this summer, which is a procedure that is more expensive than a filling but less than a crown. Normally I would wait until the Care Credit account balance is at zero before putting anymore charges on the card. But waiting runs the risk of the tooth breaking, thus requiring a more extensive, expensive crown as opposed to doing preventative care . Should be a no brainer, right? Take care of the tooth before it becomes a problem. Except I don't want to and I find I often put off things that deal with my body or are good for me. Routine mammograms, colonoscopies, eye exams, annual check-ups, etc. It's a wonder I ever took my kids to their "well baby care" appointments.

So is it a matter of negligence, avoidance or just plain old laziness? I don't delay in getting my oil changed in the car or having the water heater winterized, although those are non-invasive processes that don't affect my body. Why is it we often care for others but not ourselves? Is it self-love or lack thereof, that is part of the equation? Or is it merely an aversion to pain, yes I hate shots and dental work.

Rather than continue navel gazing as I ponder what the root, (literally) cause of my issue is, I am doing the adult thing and have scheduled an appointment next week to begin the process of fixing the tooth.  In the meantime I will spend time visualizing that the whole experience is painless and effortless, after all I believe our thoughts create. In reality, most likely I'll be trying to think up the perfect excuse to cancel the appointment.

But if I do follow through, I'll be finished just in time to sample the sticky, gooey, fall caramel apples. Now THAT'S what maintenance will buy you.

Becky Arrington guides individuals and businesses to discover their purpose and live authentically. Whether you’re a company looking for innovative ways to lead and engage employees or an individual trying to prioritize, reduce stress or decide what you want to be when you grow up, learning to accept and thrive in change is key.

Discover the Passion, Power and Purpose Within

http://www.channelforchange.com/

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Office Energy....Is it Time to Clear the Air?

Leaders are always looking for answers to gain the edge. Comparative analysis, charts, graphs, competitive metrics, all in an effort to get as much personal and professional information as possible. But many executives fail to look in an area that informs their business on a daily basis, and that is the realm of intuition. Looking within themselves and their organization to understand issues and energies not obvious at first glance or at all for most people. We're not talking woo woo and crystal balls, but very high level energy and intuitive readings that have helped businesses and executives better understand deeper relationships and issues that occur within their organizations.

 Having an intuitive business reading can be a game changer both for you personally and for your organization. Becky Arrington is a gifted intuitive and channel that can read the energy of your organization, unveil a different perspective, discover hidden agendas and issues as well as assist leaders become more effective.  Most readings focus as much on the individual as the organization, but can make dramatic differences in one's management style and improve the quality of life both in and out of the office.

Business books are now filled with spiritual principals packaged into the language of success.  Anthony Robbins' techniques on achieving personal power are the same as "creative visualization" methods developed years ago by metaphysical teachers. Legendary CEO's  Jack Welch and Herb Kelleher credit much of their managerial skill to simple gut instinct, the masculine form of intuition and for years women have attributed much of their business accumen to "female intuition".

The unseen world of spirit plays a very real role in each organization. Understanding the relationships and underlying forces at work within an office can help change approaches, clear out negative energy, heal relationships and develop a fully functioning unit; highly productive and focused on the business at hand.

Becky is an independent business consultant specializing in holistic leadership training, change management, sales training and management, executive and organizational health and balance, personal and leadership coaching. As a Vice President, Director and Manager, her extensive background in corporate sales and executive management positions her to address issues corporations face today.
Contact Becky Arrington today to see if a business intutive reading would assist you or your organization.

Living Your Purpose...Lessons from a Beagle

Finding your purpose can be as fleeting and frustrating as chasing a runaway beagle.  Following the dog throughout the neighborhood in full sniff mode; nose to the ground , stopping to inspect some particularly fragrant dead object, this is my chance! Quietly I sneak up, seizing the opportunity to grab the delinquent dog, when suddenly she's off in the opposite direction focused on a much more enticing scent. I have a beagle and speak from firsthand experience.

We have been led to believe that in order to live authentically one must fulfill your life's purpose. But how do I figure out what that purpose is? I've taken workshops, filled out numerous questionnaires, dabbled in astrology and numerology, all in search of what I am meant to do in life. In college I had seven majors, obviously I have trouble narrowing my interests.

In this past month's Meeting with the Masters channeling, the guides said, "We know that many of you are confused about your life's work, your purpose, what you were put on earth to do. What we want to share with you is that IT DOESN'T MATTER what you do. Whether you're a custodian, a doctor, a secretary or a bank president as long as you are sharing your experiences and lessons learned, living impeccably and helping humanity, those are the key issues. It is not so much what the job is or the modality you're seeking, it is the intent behind it. Keep forefront in your mind, in whatever you are doing, what is the purpose? The purpose is to help all of mankind raise its conscious vibration, that is your main reason to be here, why you agreed to incarnate on earth at this time."

Whew, well I feel much better. No more pressure to develop the ultimate venue to fulfill my purpose, no more searching for the perfect vehicle to help others. Sounds like all I really need to do is just "be" and stop worrying . Maybe I should take a few lessons from my beagle and just stop and smell the err….roses.

Becky Arrington
http://www.channelforchange.com/
becky@channelforchange.com

To the 99%...and Now We Start Talking.

Change is the one constant in our lives. Incredible things are  happening around the world, specifically the US as people are beginning to take back their power and stand up for what they believe in, or in some cases…what they are against. Protest is liberating, helps you clear out the pipes through expression and over the past several weeks we’ve heard much anti lingo as citizens rail against established institutions. And that dissidence is important, it draws attention to the cause and the issues. But where do we go from here? I believe it is time to start talking, communicating as citizens and put forth some workable solutions.

In our method of government, we have elected leaders who are supposed to take the ideas and desires of the people and enact them. That system hasn’t necessarily been stellar in the past and falling back into the same heirarchy of officials and leaders doesn’t feel like a new energy to me, it feels like an old paradigm that could simply lead us back to the same results.  Eventually many leaders let their ego overtake their original alturistic goals allowing power to be their drug of choice.
    Open Space Technology is a self-organizing, self-governing methodology that allows people to talk about the subjects they feel passionate about, gives anyone with ideas a venue to explore them with others and in the end a marketplace to share the outcomes or suggested solutions.  It works and promotes a podium for all to share their ideas, not just the ones with the loudest voices. The belief of the Genuine Contact approach   is that the wisdom for any organization or group lies within the collective experience and intelligence of the group.
 You may not join the 99% on Wall Street or even in your local community gathering place, but what about meeting with others in your living room or neighborhood? Exchange ideas, begin to develop solutions to the inequalities and injustices you may be  feeling. Will you change the world tomorrow? No, but you can start to make a difference locally and it will continue to spread from there. It starts with you; by walking your talk , sharing your ideas and setting an example….great change can occur.