1. material
2. physical
3. emotional

At present I'm reading and coaching a group around Eckhart Tolle's, The Power of Now.  The collective energy and wisdom around this experience are transformational.  When I want the knowledge but just can't find the time or want to rest my eyes I listen to the iPod audio of this book.  Eckhart's voice is veerry soothing, so he may need a caution label that reads, "don't drive and listen."  :~)

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer's Staying the Path is another i-coaching favorite.  I describe this one as, "book meets music."  After a valuable but intellectual intro referring to Jungian stages of maturation the words meet the soothing sound and I begin to feel as much as listen to his message.  At this point, being present with the message comes naturally, with fewer distractions.

When I really want to escape into a world without talk and just float, I may listen to Todd Norian's Bija.  My fantastic yoga teacher, Debbie (a.k.a. yogamom) introduced me to Todd's music.  I'd describe it as "Om meets nature sounds."  The kind of music you can actively listen and feel or just put on in the background to create a peaceful environment.

Then there are the days when the pursuit of peace and balance take on a more vibrant feel.  Actually, quiet is out the window and we are talking loud, body swaying sounds.  Days when the Latin sound of Gloria Estefan'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You becomes my daughter and my mantra and we are dancing until we are out of breath.  These are the times I've hooked up my iPod to the house speakers and we are jammin'.

There are also the times when my i-coaching goes mobile and the Bose speakers in my car are the modem for FUN!  Not being big on commercial TV I did not know about Jordin Sparks until I heard her sing our National Anthem during Super Bowl XLII half-time. (Sorry Idol fans)  Then I heard, One Step at a Time and immediately loved it's i-coaching value.  Jordin's song reminds us that life is like learning to fly or falling in love... it's gonna' happen, supposed to happen ... and we find the reasons why one step at a time... we live and we learn .. it's the faith that makes you stronger.

I'd love to know what's on your iPod to get you through your day? Share with us how you balance stress and add FUN to your day.  I invite you to use the comment section below to share your thoughts and feelings.

Peace, presence and joy,

Karen McMillan, ACC

"Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.  The wisdom of life lies in eliminating the nonessentials."

This proverb speaks to the choices we must make about what to do and what not to do with the time we have.  Because we cannot make more time, we can only manage ourselves and how we invest, not spend, our time.

We start with an awareness of how we are currently spending our time, and decide if we are investing or wasting it.  The time we are wasting involves the activities we should give up, leave undone. 

Making this change usually involves internal changes, i.e., changing our mindset and related behaviors.  Clearly defining the new habits, behaviors and self-talk with which we will replace the old, time wasting, draining habits.

If you are like me, it will be hard to make changes to old habits.  Sometimes, it is helpful to create a clear vision to accompany clear thoughts about new habits.  See yourself when you've mastered time.  What will you will feel like.  How your environment will look and feel as it reflects the new you.  Imagine the energy and opportunities that will accompany this mastery.

Whenever you are learning something new practice makes perfect.  OK, not perfect, but practice does help to turn learned behaviors into habits.  Do your best to resist temptations to stray from your path of practice, because each time you stray you set yourself back at the beginning of your learning path.  But if you should stray, be gentle and forgive yourself.   Then, pick yourself up and set yourself more firmly on your path to time mastery.

Know your limits, don't rush, and ask for help when needed.  Tell trusted friends and family of your time mastery goals and engage their support in keeping on track and celebrating your wins - big and small.  Remember that mastery will not come overnight and just staying the path deserves celebration.

The biggest celebrations are around what you have the courage to give up, let go of and leave undone ... without stress and guilt.  Remembering that balance is not an absolute, but something to achieve so that your peace and success outweigh stress and overwhelm.

To help you identify your goals and stay the path, you may want to hire a coach.  If so, I would be honored to share what I've learned on my path of success and peace.

For now, please share your thoughts around mastering time and what you've given up or left undone to achieve your personal or business success.  Just click the "comments" below and share your thoughts and feelings.  Collective wisdom is invaluable.

Peace and joy,

Karen McMillan, ACC

Conscious Leadership and Retreat Coach