recommends: Sonia Choquette's recorded call:
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Why dare to be yourself

Recently I have been approached by a potential client asking me why I think it is so important to be yourself and what dare to be yourself means to me. What a great inspiration for this blog!

To be our true Selves we must let go of our stories and of many "protective" layers we have put on out of fear. Only then can we find back to our core and our truth and only then can we come from a place that is free of doubt and fear. When we have opened up to the truth and see ourselves the way we are, accepting and loving ourselves the way we are, we will see the light within ourselves as well as others. It becomes easy to make decisions and act aligned with our values and the highest good of all.
The dare comes in as we keep letting go of our stories, our blame, resentment, jealousy... and as we keep letting go of all the layers of "protection" we have put on. As we embark on this journey of rediscovering our Selves we will find discomfort, sometimes even pain. Habitually we try to avoid discomfort and pain at all cost. Even at the cost of our own soul. It is of the utmost importance that we STAY through this discomfort and pain as if it were a yoga pose or a stretch that feels uncomfortable at first. If we stay in this yoga pose, we start to find openings and releases and on the other side we find great relief and freedom. This is the same in life. If we dare to let go of our stories and our layers and endure through discomfort and sometimes pain, we will find freedom and inner peace on the other side. As we keep connecting with our soul and act from that place of our inner truth, our lives become more harmonious and peaceful filled with love and light. Discomfort will become a welcome visitor because it serves as a sign of growth.
I have seen glimpses - more and more - and it is true. It is my mission to follow this journey of daring to be myself in my life and it is my mission to teach and guide others who have the desire to break free and fly. Dare to join me?

Is time really money? And does time limitation run our lives?

I find myself wondering where that statement actually came from. Do you find yourself thinking that way as you sit in traffic, wait at your doctor's office, waiting in line at the coffeeshop? And when you do, does your heart start racing and your mind start worrying about the consequences putting your whole being into a state of impatience, annoyance and even anxiety? I found myself in exactly that state last week, when I was sitting in traffic. Blinded by the fact that I couldn't move forward and I couldn't turn around to take a "faster" route, I felt stuck and I felt the clock ticking in my entire body. And I wasn't even late yet! My ego completely took charge and I felt my heart beating, getting annoyed at the driver who was blocking the way (and clearly had room to move forward) and the driver in front of me who wouldn't honk to get his attention. As other cars started honking I joined in and layed on the horn. Finally the driver's light who had been blocking us, turned green and the car in front of me was able to go...and I just followed right behind him, cutting off the driver who had been so courteous to let him in, without a blink of an eye... And then I got pulled over.
After a 15min lecture (and now I actually was running late) the cop asked me if this was a learning experience or if he had to write a ticket. Most definitely a learning experience and I think he had no idea how big this learning experience was for me.
I was floored how I was taken over by my ego and my awareness and presence was TOTALLY shut off. It amazes me how fast that can happen and it really reminded me how important it is for me to stay centered and mindful, every step I take. And what helps me is to keep "dropping my brain" into my heart, take a breath into my heartspace and maybe even ask "what would love do?" If I would have done that, I would have used the time to meditate, appreciate my surroundings and send love, compassion and patience to all the drivers around me.

So my invitation to you is to breathe into your heartspace when you sense the slightest feeling of impatience and check in with yourself how you could make this moment the most positive moment of your day.

Will you celebrate International Day of Peace with me?

Today is a very special day. September 21 was designated by the UN as the International Day of Peace, a day of non-violence AND a day of Global Ceasefire. We have proof that world-wide peace is possible. At least for one day...now all we need is an extension.
How can we all contribute to world peace today?

Outer peace starts with inner peace. When you find inner peace within yourself you will be able to create peace around you and be in peace with others. You can then spread peace everywhere you go and know that it will trickle out into the world.

What can you do today to find inner peace within yourself?

Spend some time in silence today to just be. Let any thoughts just float away like clouds and imagine your mind expanding like the horizon. Open up your whole being as you follow your breath within your body. Sense your feet solidly grounded on the floor... barefoot in the grass, if you can. Take the time to be present in your heart, where you will find your inner sanctuary of peace. Set an intention to come from this place in everything you do today... and every day.
In Celebration of the International Day Of Peace
I am offering 3 months of inner peace coaching and healing for only $150. This package will include 2h combination of coaching and healing a month - this is a radical offering you don't want to miss out on.

It is my heart's desire to help as many people as possible be at home and at peace within themselves. Please help me make this happen and forward this email to whoever you think might benefit from this offering.

For more information or to sign up for inner peace, place contact me via email: sky@daretobeyourself.com or phone: 415.408.1477

Slowing down and being mindful

With the emphasis on mindfulness, the 7-day silent retreat at Spirit Rock really helped me to slow down and take notice. Take notice of my surroundings and of my being.
We move so fast in our daily lives that we miss out on so many wonders and miracles. Days just pass by and by the end of it we wonder where our day went. We run from appointment to appointment not noticing the little kid's smile, the rainbow in the sky and so many other little events that would brighten our day.

This month, slow down and notice. Pace yourself and really set an intention to walk and move half your speed. Notice yourself starting to look around, taking in your surroundings. And notice how you start paying attention to your Self, your body, mind and spirit. Listen.
When you do the dishes, notice the texture of the sponge, the dish and feel the water on your skin. When you drink your morning coffee or tea, how does the cup feel against your lips? Notice the sensations in your body as you take your first sip. Look at your plate of food before you devour it. What colors do you see? Who all was involved in getting this beautiful plate of food to you? As you eat, take your time and taste all the flavors.

As we slow down and become more mindful and present in the moment, we can see how bountiful and precious our lives are. And when we see this truth, we will experience more inner peace as we are able to surrender to what is.

Unconditional

This is a poem that was read at one of the Dharma Talks part of the 7-day meditation and yoga silent retreat I just got back from. I felt it throughout my whole being and can't stop sharing it!

Unconditional by Jennifer Welwood

Willing to experience aloneness,
I discover connection everywhere;
Turning to meet fear,
I meet the warrior who lives within;
Opening to my loss,
I gain the embrace of the universe;
Surrendering into emptiness,
I find fullness without end.
Each condition I flee from pursues me,
Each condition I welcome transforms me,
And becomes itself transformed
into radient, jewel-like essence.

I bow to the one who has made it so,
who has crafted this master game.
To play it is purest delight;
To honor it's true form - devotion.

Cleansing Body, Mind and Spirit

Day 4 of my cleanse....
So I started a 2-week cleanse last Monday. This week is still a bit less strict, I had salmon Tuesday evening and am having a piece of chicken tonight. Otherwise it has been raw veggies and fruits, which will be my week next week, with 1-2 juice days. One of the discoveries I've made... I strongly dislike flaxseed oil. YUCK! However, that is the only thing I don't like about the cleanse so far and I've decided to put the flaxseed oil in capsules instead of my salad dressing. I am definitely loving my fruit smooties in the morning, which I make with almond milk. The almond milk I made came out so delicious I will most definitely keep making that and always have some in the fridge. So far I have not had any major cravings, I can even sit down for dinner, eat a big salad, while the munch on cheese, prociutto and bread... and if you know me, you know those are some of my FAVORITES. So far so good and I love the way it makes me feel. I feel lighter and feel like I am even more grounded now and connected to everything around me, which is an amazing feeling.
To top off my cleanse, I am attending a 1-week silent retreat right after. It feels good to take care of my body, mind and spirit in this way. Will keep you posted on my experiences, learnings, visions ;-) and more! Much love to you, Sky