Living in Full Bloom

Last week I lead a women’s retreat in a beautiful local garden.
The theme was “Living in Full Bloom.” One activity was to stroll through the garden absorbing the environment with all of your senses. When you come upon something that really attracts or excites you, sit down and color it. (Everyone was given their own box of crayons!!!) Then write one or two sentences starting, “I like this ______ because…”
When we joined together as a group, everyone shared their artwork and description. Then I asked them to re-read the same passage but starting with, “I like myself because…”
I introduced the concept of the heart magnet and how what we are attracted to is in some way a reflection of our core being. Each woman was able to say and even own this attractive reflection of herself.
Then I read the following quote from Carol McClelland’s Heart Magnet Workbook: “You are entitled to create a world that allows and encourages you to flourish, thrive, and grow.”
When asked who really believed that statement, they all groaned. Their heart magnets fluttered at the possibility of creating a world that encouraged them to flourish, but the word “entitled” stopped them cold in their tracks.
After much discussion and honest sharing, we settled upon another word that was less threatening. “It is our birthright to create a world that allows and encourages us to flourish, thrive, and grow.” And we took some time journaling in that beautiful garden and bearing witness to the glorious possibilities that can blossom with the proper care and nurturance. It was an inspiring day for all.
That night when reading the spiritual memoir, “Eat, Pray, Love,” by Elizabeth Gilbert, this birthright and heart magnet concept was taken to another level. She quoted her Guru as saying, “God dwells within you, as you.” She went on to offer her understanding, “God dwells within you as yourself, exactly the way you are. God isn’t interested in watching you enact some performance of personality in order to comply with some crackpot notion you have of how a spiritual person looks or behaves.”
To know that you are unique and to encourage that special you to manifest, that is living in full bloom and that is your birthright.
Karin Marcus
Personal Coach / Certified Retreat Leader
“Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do” Rumi
Karin@Steppingoutcoaching.com 610-667-5247
www.SteppingOutCoaching.com