Day 20: Your Spiritual Allies

photo: Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia, from Maree

Can you believe that we only have 8 more days of Soul Coaching to go? Just 8.

Only 2 more days with the liveliness of fire and then we say hello to the joys of earth. So eat something spicy, flash your warmest grin and smile at the sun. Connect to the fire. We have passed through the toughest of flames with facing our deaths. On the other side we are faced with the heartwarming task of opening our wings and spreading some love.

Enjoy!

Day 19: Facing Your Death / Embracing Your Life

photo from Petra, Kriebels & Krabbels

Last year my husband and I started decided we should really prepare our wills. We thought it would be tough, sad and difficult to talk about. As we sat and went through all that we had and considered all the people that we loved, we were filled with deep sense of gratitude and joy. Creating our wills turned out to be an exercise in appreciation. Who knew?

May you discover some joyful surprises on today's journey.

Day 18: Being Present / Saying Yes to Life

A Meditation on Being Present
by Virginia Fitton

Enjoy

Day 17: Facing the Shadow

Sirens by Leah

I love the way Denise describes our shadow self, "Often we are so disconnected from our darkest inner realms that the only way we can find those parts of ourselves is through 'projections,' which occur when we subconsciously cast our shadow to the world around us and then it reflects us back to us."

So, today is a day of reflections, of shadow watching. See if you can catch, out of the corner of your eye, a glimmer of that self you find hard to accept. It can help to take a rather distant view, let's call it a "detective perspective." Whenever something negative rears its head, simply remark, "Fascinating! I believe that's the sign of a shadow. I must investigate further." And with curiosity and self-love, continue the exploration.

Enjoy the journey.

Day 16: Taking Risks

photo by Turtleheart

The level 1 for today totally rocks. Are you ready for it? Your assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to have fun! Imagine! What if you gave yourself that assignment every day? What would your life be like? What would be different? Anything?

Denise also recommends that we make take a risk today, do something surprising, make a change. As I read Denise's words, I was reminded of an article I wrote for the Wish Studio Blogzine about changing things up.

Here are some ways to shake things up to wake things up:

• If you normally don’t, say “hello” first
• Browse a section of the library or bookstore you’ve never been in
• Brush your teeth or tie your shoes with your non-dominant hand
• Change the part in your hair
• Listen to a different radio station
• Wear a colour you never wear
• Order something different
• Take a new route home
• Wear that outfit you’ve been saving
• Dance while you do the dishes

How are you going to play today? What are you going to do to wake up your fiery spirit?

Day 15: Confronting Fear / Developing Faith

After an emotional week with water, Denise says that fire is about waking up the spirit and that we can do that by moving our bodies. We can shake, wiggle, walk, run, stretch our bodies to clear the space for this new energy. This week, as we gather around the fire and share our stories, let's also take the time to dance.

Day 14: Releasing Victim Thinking / Choosing Your Life

photo: San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Texas, from Maree

Water week has been a bit tumultuous. It's also been a beauty. We've shared emotional stories and heartfelt comments. We've shared things for which we are grateful, and I believe that stirs positive, healing energy in our lives and in the world.

On our final water day, I encourage you to think about what last thing you'd like to wash away, what you'd like to release to the waves or the rain or the river before moving on to the phase of the journey.

After today, we are halfway through the Soul Coaching program. Congratulations on coming this far. In celebration, Nicole has offered to pull a card from her Soul Coaching deck for you. For details, click here. Thanks, Nicole!