One Balanced Life

I attended an amazing event this past Friday in support of Seane Corn's Off the Mat Into the World initiatives. Sarah Longacre was able to raise $22000 in one evening! The money will go toward building a birth center in Uganda. A magical night filled with wonderful people and inspiring speakers, Krista Tippett of Public Radio's Speaking of Faith and Matthew Sanford, author and my newest inspiration.

I have heard of Matthew and his work off and on again over the last few years. I have encouraged my husband to take a yoga class with him but hadn't made a personal connection until this event. And I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have heard him speak. As the room quieted, he spoke of trauma and loss. In addition to the loss of movement from the chest down due to an automobile accident at the age of thirteen, like me, he has experienced the loss of a child (you can read more about my experience here). I was beyond moved by his willingness to share his story of healing and transcendence.

I rushed out to get his book and within sentences was captivated. His description of silence captures a feeling I have never had words for...

"Silence is the word I use to describe the empty presence we experience within our experience – between our thoughts, between each other, between ourselves and the world. We feel the silence when we daydream, when we appreciate the beauty of a sunset, or when the love of our life truly walks away. It is an inward sense, often experienced as a longing or an ache. It is a feeling of emptiness and fullness at the same time.The silence is the aspect of our consciousness that makes us feel slightly heavy. It is the source of the feeling of loss, but also of a sense of awe."

Again so deeply appreciative my journey led me to this book and Matthew's work. If you find yourself at the bookstore or library I encourage you to take a moment and read a few pages. You'll be hooked.

I wanted a perfect ending...

Now I've learned the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next.

Delicious Ambiguity!
Gilda Radner

  Sarina LaMarche, Life Coach, & Julie Kesti, Shiatsu & Reiki Practitioner

Invite you to the first of four Creative Visioning Retreats

During this nurturing, supportive, and creative workshop you'll have the opportunity to slow down and really connect with yourself on deeper level. Using reflection, visioning, movement, meditation, journaling, and collage you will access your inner wisdom discover what you want for your life. We will explore areas of your life that are draining your energy, discover activities that fuel you, and clarify priorities. You will have the opportunity to learn about and experience shiatsu and learn to do reiki energy work on yourself. Nourishing snacks, beverages, and lunch will be provided. You will have time to connect with others and spend time on your own. Leave feeling balanced, inspired, energized, and focused as you head into the contemplative winter months.

Sunday January 10th, 2010, from 10-4 @ Chakra Khan in Minneapolis

$125 price includes lunch, journal, and all supplies sign up for all 4 and receive $50 discount

to register email sarinalamarche@yahoo.com

In recent days I have heard over and over again how people feel like this is a crazy time we are living in, financially and personally. People feel pressured to perform, to do-it-all, and know-it-all. We are trying to meet increasing demands in our professional and personal lives and are often left depleted. Two weeks ago, I realized at the end of the day that I had blown off my kiddos conferences. Oops. For a moment...I was horrified and started the negative bad mom self-talk....and then I paused and remember this phrase from my mentor's work...Good is Good Enough!  Releasing the need to be perfect and embracing a more supportive and healthy belief like Good is Good Enough sure makes life easier.

So next time you feel yourself falling into the crazies stop and remember you don't have to be perfect or get it all done. Do what you can, delegate, and let go.