Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Just Wanted to Tell You…
“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”
Jim Rohn
Hello to all my friends and all the friends I’ve yet to meet!
I am leaving tomorrow for the journey of a life-time. I am going to experience hundreds of things that I have never experienced before. I am going to share this experience with – NO ONE.
I am going to a Vipassana Meditation course for 10 days. Ahhhhh – sounds heavenly you say; relaxing; soothing; peaceful. Well, not so much. It clearly says on the application:
- It is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing.
- It is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
- It is a technique that will eradicate suffering.
- It is a method of mental purification which allows one to face life’s tensions and problems in a calm, balanced way.
- It is an art of living that one can use to make positive contributions to society.
Did I mention that this is a silent retreat? No talking for 10 days. Except for sleeping (and even then I talk in my sleep), I don’t think that I have ever not spoken for longer than a few hours, never mind days.
You are required to sit on the floor (you can bring cushions) to do your meditation both on your own and in a group setting where the “course” will be taught. This happens everyday for 11 hours per day! The day starts at 4:00AM and ends at 9:30PM. Light meals are provided, with supper being a cup of tea and a piece of fruit. Well, who really needs much food when you are just sitting for days and days…
There is complete segregation of male and females at all times. No outside contact is allowed (i.e. phone calls home), no physical exercise is allowed and you are not allowed to bring music or reading and writing materials.
Sound like fun yet? Well, it gets better. Because there are more females in this course than males, there is not enough indoor sleeping room for everyone. So, I get to sleep in a tent after sitting on a floor for 11 hours. I have not slept in a tent since I was a Girl Guide, which really is now ancient history. I don’t like tents. I like a bed. And, we all know how wonderful our summer weather has been. Hopefully I won’t be treated to hail the size of golf balls.
So, why am willingly subjecting myself to such torture? Unfortunately, I don’t have a wise and profound answer for that question. Really, when it gets right down to it, I suppose I am doing it because I know it will be one of the hardest things that I have ever done. I have NEVER spent that much time by myself and I think it will be amazing to really get to know myself.
“Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques. It is the process of self-purification by self-observation. It starts with observing the natural breath and proceeds to observe the changing nature of the body and mind, and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness.” (Quoted from the Vipassana Meditation Course Application) For more information go to www.dhamma.org/code.htm.
I am not excited, I’m anxious. I am not looking forward to it, I am preparing for it. I have no expectations, but I know it will be life changing. I invite you to share my journey upon my return through my posts.
One last thing – the fall / winter coaching workshops will commence at the end of September, likely on the 29th. They will be 6 different workshops in the series and the attendance can either be on a one time basis or will also be sold at a significant savings for all 6 classes. More details to follow at the beginning of September.
I hope that you have a great last couple weeks of summer! Pretty soon the craziness of Sept. will be upon us.
Deb
Welcome To Debraven.com
After months of hard work I’m pleased to announce my new website, DebRaven.com.
I am a certified executive coach that works with professionals in the financial services industry who want to have it all; financial success, a positive outlook, great connections, integrity, a good work/life balance, a solid reputation and have fantastic personal relationships. Does this sound like you?
Success is different for everyone, but the general consensus is that it usually feels pretty good. In order to achieve personal or professional success, you have to be able to clearly define it. Can you? Can you clearly define exactly what success means to you? What will you do once you get there, or, how will you know. Do you have a plan?
It is so easy to get bogged down in day to day survival that we forget to look at the big picture. What is our bigger vision? What are we giving up in order to achieve perceived professional success / status?
Having a personal coach in your corner to help you achieve clarity and focus in all areas of your life may be the best thing that you could ever do for yourself, your business and your family. I provide a non-biased perspective as well as a sounding board for you to talk things out with, dream big and stay focused. I hold you accountable to your goals and assist you in busting through any barriers that may get in your way. I encourage you to dream big and not to apologize for wanting it all.
I realize that you are a busy professional, so I respect your time. I work one on one with clients over the telephone for 50 minutes, once per week. I have 3, 6 and 12 month coaching packages available. Long term accountability packages are also available. Payment may be made on my website (DebRaven.com) or by cheque.
My professional goal is to be of service to as many financial professionals that I can so that they can lead satisfying, fulfilled, successful, balanced lives that they and their family are proud of. Personally, it is very rewarding helping people who are hard-working, driven and have the utmost integrity. Almost all of the professionals that I have encountered in this industry have possessed these qualities and have become long-term clients. Thank you to these people who have introduced me to this wonderful profession. It is because of all of you that has made me want to spread my wings and to recognize my passion for working with professionals in this industry.
My goal is to write 2 posts per month. The posts will focus on coaching tips and techniques that you may use daily to help stay focused and positive in an uncertain economic climate. Any feedback on this would greatly be appreciated. I would also like to invite you to my web site (DebRaven.com) to fill out a complimentary life assessment. My way of thanking you for your time and for submitting it is to offer you a complimentary 25 minute coaching session. So, what are you waiting for?
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read this post. I look forward to having a great relationship with you.