Personal ads. They’re … personal! Very.
So my itty bitty personal ads made me realize that it’s time to make a regular practice of trying to feel okay asking for stuff.
Even when the asking thing feels weird and conflicted.
Ever since I posted the first one asking my perfect house to find me, which united me with Hoppy House, I have been a fan of the madness that is personal ads.
And now it’s my Sunday ritual for clarity and remembering and stuff like that. Yay, ritual!
Let us dooo eeeet.
Thing 1: sxsw
Here’s what I want:
To do it my way. Which happens to involve lots of hiding and avoiding people. Not particular people, just in general.
And for that, I’ll need the right place to stay.
Requirements:
A small, attractive house or apartment in Austin, for the week of March 11–15.
Just for me, my toy duck and my gentleman friend. No housemates this year.
We’ll need a dining room table or a reasonably sized living room so we can invite people over for dinner.
Ways this could work:
Putting it here.
Maybe I could also ask Karl or Kyeli and Pace if they have ideas or suggestions.
Also, if y’all have good bodywork people in Austin, recommendations would be excellent.
My commitment.
To keep looking and asking.
To remember that not doing things in a way that’s supportive of being highly sensitive is so not worth it. Because it will end in tears! And also someone might lose an eye.
To learn more about what needs to happen for me to feel supported and grounded. And then do that. Hint: avoid the conference center of doom!
Thing 2: ease in conflict resolution.
Here’s what I want:
I have a situation that needs a peaceful resolution.
And I need help remembering that, as my uncle Svevo says, “the ROI on worry is traditionally fairly low”.
Ways this could work:
No idea.
But I’m receptive to possibilities. Gaps and openings that have not shown themselves yet.
My commitment.
I will keep working on the parts of this that are my stuff.
And maintaining faith that we can resolve this thing comfortably, without either side having to give up on anything of vital importance.
Thing 3: Decorations for my non-office office.
Here’s what I want:
Yes, my Wish Room.
And yes, it is still empty.
It’s not so much that it needs things in it as that I could get better at doing nice things for my space.
And feeling comfortable having these things in my space.
Ways this could work:
I could buy flowers. And maybe the world wouldn’t fall apart.
Maybe I can make a list of things I’d like (hammock! cushions! rug! new lamp!) and make a wish on it.
It might also be time for a blanket fort.
My commitment.
To take lots of notes.
And talk to my monsters.
And be silly and playful with this. With lots of permission and the reminder that I don’t have to resolve this one right away. Baby steps count.
Thing 4: next steps on the five year plan.
Here’s what I want:
At the Rally (Rally!) I did a lot of work on charting biggification over the next five years.
Now I have a giant notebook full of ideas, thoughts, and ways to make things happen.
I’d like to actually do something with some of this. Hmmmm.
Ways this could work:
Maybe at Drunk Pirate Council, I could run some of this by the First Mate and we could start a new section of the Log.
Maybe I’ll consult Hiro. I mean, of course I’ll consult Hiro because I always do, on everything. But specifically on this.
Maybe … ?
My commitment.
To keep wishing. To keep asking. To keep flailing.
Progress report on past Very Personal Ads.
Just to update you on what’s happened since last time.
Let’s see. I wanted a name for my hahahaha-escaping-Thanksgiving plan. And I have one:
The Great Ducking Out.
Also asked for a finalized 2011 schedule, and while I don’t have that just yet … it is finalized through May.
And given how many other things needed projectizing at the Rally, that’s actually pretty great.
I also wanted a better system for keeping track of the things I write Very Personal Ads for, so now I have a Wishing Anthology in a fat black binder. Hooray!
And I wanted amazing people for the Shiva Nata teacher training in February. And nine people signed up.
We can have a few more, so if this is something you’re thinking about, please take a look or ask questions (you’re ready even if you think you couldn’t possibly be, and no, you don’t ever have to actually teach it!).
All in all, a lovely week for asking and discovering Useful Things about my relationship with wanting.
Comment zen. Here’s what I’d love today.
- Your own personal ads, small or large. Things you’ve asked for. Or are asking for. Or would like to ask for. Or updates on last time!
What I’d rather not have:
- The word “manifest”.
- To be told how I should be asking for things.
- To be judged, psychoanalyzed or given advices.
Wishing love and good things for your Very Personal Ads! So glad for everyone doing this with me.
Follow
Havi, I am loving your name-giving practice.
Wishroom, wishing anthology, blanket for, first mate’s log.
Everything is more fun when it’s inspired by a pirate ship.
And I use your words (if that’s ok with you) as inspiration for my shaping life. I live in a small studio with a mini in-between floor about 5 times the size of my bed…. which has undergone some reshuffling of the pillows and books and blankets and is now my personal mini blanket fort for hiding from the world.
It also has an ‘inspirational’ or wishing wall, an idea from Barbera Sher’s “Wishcraft” book.
Very Personal Ad for my week
– peace and quiet and observational distance and for the upcoming workshop in Paris
– a mini rally to get my article done
Thanks Havi for being such a lovely hostess. Here’s my things : ]
Thing 1: writing
Here’s what I want: for my writing that is due on Friday to say what I really mean and feel about my work
Ways this could work: yogas, early to bed, meditations before sleeping, reading my fave books for the best insights into what’s missing
My commitment: to do those things as best i can while managing all my other things and stuff! remembering that i can do this and that i want to do this
Thing 2: studio
Here’s what I want: new exciting combos of freaky ideas turning into intriguing objects
Ways this could work: get some fresh images, catch up on my documentation to see where i am at so far, enjoy my writing
My commitment: spend some time in the studio while still letting thing 1 have the time and space it needs
Thing 3: my mom
Here’s what I want: fly through her op totally rockin it
Ways this could work: great doc, cool nurses, good energy running through her body for optimal healing
My commitment: to take awesome care of myself so i have heaps of love and energy
Thing 4: my gf
Here’s what I want: sweet peace and harmony between us
Ways this could work: taking awesome care of myself so i have heaps of love and energy : ]
My commitment: to be ok with however this crazy week goes!
I’m on a week long writing retreat with Susan Piver in the mountains of Vermont which must be the answer to some ad I’ve placed in the past.
And I would like to place an ad for some more good writing throughout the week.
Ways this could work & my commitment: I could just keep doing what I’m doing, meditating, writing, walking in the woods, laughing with my new friends, and doing some yoga and writing.
VPA #2: What I want: crackers for when I wake up before everyone else and sit in my bed in my room with my coffee (coffee!) that I brought with me.
Ways this could work: I could go out during lunch on Monday and get crackers. Or I could just bring a small piece of bread up after dinner.
My commitment: To remain open to crackers or bread.
VPA
* Want someone to teach me Focusing who lives nearby (Westchester NY)
* Wish Havi would come East and do a workshop I could get to
* Would love to practice Dance of Shiva (can’t help but hear Andrei’s pronunciation when I read or write that :)) with someone nearby or learn more from a teacher if it can’t be Havi….
* Want Selma to meet Charlotte (the frog). Charlotte knows BrainGym and is an adventurer who has yet to go on a pirate cruise.
How this could happen:
* Could keep emailing people listed on the Focusing Institute’s website
* Put wants and wishes here
* practice D of S with intention of finding ways to connect to other Shivanauts around here (anyone?)
My committments:
*To talk with the monsters that convince me not to practice seriously or who tell me that I’m a loser if I don’t
* Have more fun
* wear my brown fedora with the veil around the house more
* remain open to possibilities that appear
Havi, I love this idea and I hope all your VPAs find the right answers.
This is my first time doing VPAs, eek:
Thing 1: dog
Here’s what I want:
A chihuahua or chihuahua cross, because I’m in love with my housemate’s chihuahua, and because my housemate’s chihuahua gets on best with other chihuahuas.
A rescue dog, one that needs a home. Not buying from a breeder.
An adult, not a puppy.
A dog who’s the right one for me. Who can teach me more about love. Who can be a business partner on my mission. Who’s into romping and playing proper dog games. Who’s cuddly and licky. And who won’t patronise me like the housemate’s chihuahua does!
To stay calm, patient and non-obsessive while looking.
Ways this could work:
Friend-of-friend-of-friend is considering giving her chug (chihuahua x pug) up for adoption and I WANT HIM SO.
Friend who works at Battersea Dogs’ Home, could get one in, though she says chihuahuas very rarely show up there.
I could get one from another shelter.
I could get one from UK Chihuahua Rescue.
Housemate’s chihuahua’s breeder sometimes gets adults returned to her and puts them up for adoption
My commitment:
To stop pushing about the chug, stop torturing myself by googling chugs, sit back and let it happen if it happens.
To make a list of at least 20 shelters who would adopt a dog out to me, and start checking them at least once a week, preferably daily.
To use my work email to sign up for Dog Rescue Pages and start checking it regularly.
To sign up for UK Chihuahua Rescue and that other chihuahua rescue I forget the name of right now.
To check housemate’s chihuahua’s breeder’s page regularly.
Putting ‘Dog Hunt’ in my daily tasklist starting tomorrow.
Thing 2: Job
What I want:
A permanent job that pays at least 30K.
Close enough to home that I can pop home at lunchtime to look after said dog.
Before my redundancy money runs out.
Ways this could work:
The agency I’m with could sort me out with one.
I could get one from another agency.
I could get one by checking job listings.
I could get one by uploading my CV to a job website.
My commitment:
Sign up with all local job agencies. (I’ll need to take a day off from my temp job to go to appointments.)
Use the CV help from my old job when it materialises.
Research job websites and upload my CV.
Make a list of relevant job listings and check them at least weekly, preferably daily.
Putting ‘Job Hunt’ on my daily tasklist starting tomorrow.
.-= Eve´s last post … If you hadnt realised that Im British yet =-.
Thing 1: a new way to look at homework
I have 3 avenues of which homework is coming to me and I am getting a little overwhelmed by the feeling of homework looming overhead.
What I want:
Some way to metaphorize homework so that it feels fun and exciting and like I am on an adventure
How this could happen:
I could ask for suggestions (I’m asking!)
I could try a little metaphor mouse
I could do Shiva Nata and see if I get an epiphany
Thing 2: Art!
I want to have time for making art and writing
How this could happen:
I could make a schedule for homework and art and writing so that I get both done
I could metaphor mouse that word schedule so that it is more exciting and not dreary
I could make sure things are set up in my studio so that I can just go do it without too much prep or searching for supplies
Thing 3: Samhain!
I am going on a trip to New England to celebrate Samhain and do lots of ritual and learning and magical fun stuff.
What I need:
Confidence to present my piece as an offering and to be fully prepared for the trip and for the experience itself.
How this could happen:
I could make a list of what I need to prepare and bring with me.
I could take time every day to work on memorizing my piece
I could meditate on it and do some Shiva Nata and use my other tools to figure out how to look at it in a way that instills confidence
I can be open to new experiences and trust
.-= Tina´s last post … In the works =-.
Very Personal Ad #8
Update on last week!:
Thing 1 was courage. I’m not sure if there was precious little of that or quite a lot. The changes continued. I broke new ground. It just didn’t feel as if it was as hard as I thought or remembered it being.
Thing 2 was patience. I was patient with my trauma, but not with my sweet little things. I want to be better now. (Said in my best whiny five-year-old voice.)
Thing 3 was confidence, persistence, and love. Yeah, this didn’t happen. I had a tantrum, threw a fit, turned my back on all the good stuff I’d been accomplishing, didn’t work on it at all, and didn’t love myself nearly enough. Many hopes that this week will be better.
So, this week!
Thing 1: Direction
What I would like: An answer. I’ve asked for this too many times. Either I need a different relationship with this subject or I need an answer this time. The not knowing is killing me.
How this could happen: Therapy!
People/monster/demon/chibi-talking.
Looking for alternatives.
My commitment: To be open to a new way of thinking.
To do the therapies.
To have the courage to face what’s there.
Thing 2: Healing
What I would like: For the flinching, cringing, rocking, crying, screaming thing to stop.
Ways this could happen: The nice storms on the way could stay nice and give me time.
Therapy!
My commitment: To be gentle with myself.
To stop heaving great expectations on my head, shoulders, and buttocks.
Ooh, yes! I have a bodyworks woman that I love a huge ton: Brigette Brooks. She is peaceful and loving and oh-so-very respectful and gentle. I adore her, personally and professionally.
I’ll think on the house-front. Do you have a proximity-to-SXSW requirement?
*big love*
.-= Kyeli´s last post … On sacrifice =-.
Update: last week’s VPA worked out pretty well, yeah. I slept 8-9 hours every night, I had lots of good and healthy food and I cancelled quite a few things. I more or less had to attend an “event” on Monday night, couldn’t really bring myself to cancel it straight away and went there but left 2 minutes later and was in bed an hour after that. And felt absolutely no guilt or no need to explain why I left.
This week’s VPA:
I am asking for focus and concentration at work without putting pressure on myself. I am asking for the solution of a work problem. I am asking to keep up my current level of energy despite many things coming up as off Wednesday.
How this can happen:
To-do lists and prioritizing. The guy from the Foreign Office can get back in touch and can help me with that solution.
My committment:
Ticking of things on my to-do list with a smile. Trust that the big problem will fall into place. Keeping my focus on one thing after another despite all multi-tasking and multi-communicating.
@tiger Sending good thoughts for your mom and a peaceful week for you both.
@judy I’ve also noticed that by practicing with the Dance of Shiva video I’m developing a pretty good Ukrainian accent! 🙂
My VPA:
1. Good things for my own mom.
How this will work:
Rest, good nourishment and love.
My committment:
Daily calls, care packages and communication with her docs.
2. Trust
How this will work:
Recognize that I am not in control; that the universe is friendly.
My committment:
Practice mindful breathing and releasing my attachments.
Thanks, Havi. xo
.-= Rupa´s last post … A Butterfly and a Bird =-.
Still working on Thing1 from last week: Letting go of part of a relationship. This one’s going to be a process and it’s still thing one this week too.
No name for the e-course from last week, but I’m over halfway done with the writing, so I’ve got more info for the creative side of my brain to stir something up.
This week:
Thing 2:
I want simplicity resulting in focus. I’m headed to Honduras to get my diving cert. and when I’m not diving I want to focus on the business side of The Social Caterpillar. I’ve got lots of info products I want to study/act on and with recent travel, I’ve been scattered.
Ways this could work:
Setting morning intentions.
Shiva nata.
Lots of rest and much fewer travel days.
My commitment:
Daily diving and beach time.
Sitting down for an hour or two at a time to study and plan.
Acting on one small idea a day.
.-= Kathryn´s last post … How My Mother’s Cat and I Process Reality =-.
FLOWERS! BLANKET FORTS! Amazing.
This week I bought my bedroom some flowers and I spent an entire evening wrapped up in a chair with a blanket and a book. I didn’t get much reading done, but the act of sitting in blankets was cosy. Blankets are a must in my study 🙂
Thing 1: a plan of action.
Here’s what I want:
I have ten pieces of work to complete in the next eight weeks. Some are verbal presentations, some written pieces and a dissertation.
I have no idea how I will get round to doing it all, let alone doing it well. And I need to do it well.
So, I want a plan of action. Simple, pleasant steps to get this done. peacefully. with joy.
Ways this could work:
Hmm. Make a plan? Begin two of the pieces this week – set manageable goals for wordcount and research?
Discuss the work with housemates; ask for input and proof-reading skills.
My commitment.
To be gentle on myself.
To take it a step at a time.
To honour my need for rest.
.-= Rose´s last post … DWL- Week One =-.
@Havi: “The Great Ducking Out” – LOVE IT!
@Hannah: Paris? I’m so excited for you! (I was there a little over a year ago. I very much want to return someday.)
@tiger: “remembering that i can do this and that i want to do this” — this is well-phrased. It’s exactly the commitment I need to make to my own Things.
@judy: the brown fedora with veil sounds delightfully chic and energizing. (I have a vintage brown hat with feathers that makes me wriggle my shoulders in an “I love you, hat” way whenever I see it.)
@ Kathryn: diving in Honduras — so cool!
.-= Mechaieh´s last post … intersections =-.
Arg. Grumpy today.
My ask:
For help with this thing that has been ongoing for so long that I don’t even know how to interact with it or speak about it. It basically seems as if all options have been explored, re-explored, tried and tried again (and again).
Ways this could work:
No idea really. May actually be a matter of just giving up. Or, perhaps, committing to learning more about surrender. Or, magic.
My commitments:
1) to ask for help, no matter how vaguely (like I’m doing here).
2) to interact with the quality of surrender.
3) to be willing to consider any insights that may arise.
Wishing everyone the best this week. Thank you.
.-= Larisa´s last post … One Year =-.
Sunday! VPA day!
And I think I need lots of exclamation points because I wrote half this post and then it disappeared.
And now I feel impatient. Fooey. I like to look forward to these.
So. Update on last week: I wanted more Right People, and less hesitation about putting my Thing out there. I got a few more possible People, and just today did a bunch of writing that had been showing serious Iguana-like tendencies. So! Success. And maybe the borrowed Shiva Nata DVD has been helping. 🙂
I wanted clarity on the unexpected Barn Door. I had some good conversations, and the whole thing is moving more slowly than expected, which leaves more space for processing. Win.
I wanted to know what my next right thing might be, from the array of options. Still needing to know that.
And for this week:
Thing 1: I want my event this week to be a success. There are a few things I know I need to do: outlining, buying supplies, finding handouts. There are a few things that feel mostly out of my control: getting people to come. I wish I could get everyone else’s iguanas out of the house for the night, but they are not my iguanas. Really what I want is to be relaxed and have the right number of the right people.
Ways this could work: I could keep telling people. I could do my outlining and buying. I can ask my friends and colleagues for handout suggestions. I could do it all before the last minute.
My commitment: to outline and request tonight. To shop at the first opportunity (Tuesday?) To talk about the event. To keep looking for poster places. To let go of the Money Monster.
Thing 2:
space clarity: I don’t know what I need for space. I know I need something. But house or cottage or room? Office? Not clear at all. I like to have an idea.
Ways this could work: I don’t know. I think I need to figure out why I’m afraid to think about it.
Commitment: I will dance on it. And maybe draw or journal.
Thing 3: I need to finish my Thing. It is getting caught on iguana tails. I want it off my plate and onto my website.
Ways this could work: I could schedule Thing time. I could outline the rest of it so it doesn’t feel so amorphous. I could put the batteries back in the necessary device. I could do some imagining about its future.
Commitment: the imagining has energy, so that’s where I shall start. Maybe with colored pens. Or not.
Thing 4: I need to start doing the bodywork I’m trained to do. I am totally qualified. I am deathly afraid of putting it out there.
Ways this could work: I could connect with other local practitioners. I could tell people. I could talk with the hospital.
Um. I could figure out why my resistance is so high that I want to cry from thinking about it.
Commitment: to write. to maybe even talk to someone about it. eesh. and maybe that dance thing.*
*probably need my own DVD
.-= Leela´s last post … the right tools =-.
Lovely, lovely VPA day. Boy, do I need you!
VPA #1: A system/word/whatever so I can manage my projects in a way that makes sense and that I enjoy.
How this could happen: I could develop a system based on elements I already know (Chris Gilkey’s freelancer sheets, Zen To Done, Todoodlist). Or something new could pop up. Or I’ll be able to see connections through some totally other wonky and wonderful way.
My commitment: I’ll keep mindmapping until I see connections. I’ll meditate more.
VPA #2: A way to have a productive and non-upsetting discussion with my husband.
How this could happen: No idea. Right now, everytihng feels like a land mine, and I don’t know if it’s him or its me, or what can be done. Open to anything.
My Commitment: take care of myself. Read NVC through and use principles. Don’t take things personally. Draw healthy boundaries.
VPA #3: Our move to apartment will be healthy and stress-free.
How this could happen: miracle? Heretofor unknown helper mice will show up. Things will just work easily. Son will be happy.
My commitment: Eat healthy. Get lots of sleep. move little loads. Don’t sweat small stuff.
Thanks, guys!
.-= Cathy´s last post … “The Kiss Test” Interview! =-.
Thanks for the space, Havi.
Update on last week’s VPA where I wanted to feel rich. Well, I’ve felt rich all week, and I’ve sorted our finances (a monster/wall for me) and we actually have more than enough to get by on.
This week’s VPA:
Thing 1: the creative life
Here’s what I want:
To earn a really good living writing songs and shows.
To have a fluid working day, divided up between alone time for creativity and teamwork. To work some days from morning til midnight because that brings me joy. To not do any work at all some days because that also brings me joy.
To enjoy that balance without guilt or fear.
To have a lovely, bright space to work in that feeds my kooky-ness and my sensible-ness that’s also dog-friendly.
To have a band of people to work with who have skills in business management and development, music, theatre and comedy.
Through my work to lift people’s hearts and spirits, to help them reconnect with themselves and others, to allow them for periods of time to forget all of their worries (If they’re laughing, then they’ve forgotten their hard stuff. At least for now.).
Requirements:
A level of skill to engage audiences that would make them want to pay to see and hear my/our work.
Ways this could work:
Putting it here.
Putting it out there in general
Being open to possibilities, connections, opportunities
Paying attention to the business side as much as the creative side
Generally, following the light, and not lapsing into old patterns
My commitment.
To keep looking and asking.
To sharpen my skills by way of joy and playfulness
To be the person I want to become – to assume the mantle
To do it in a positive, cooperative way with my compadres
To bring everyone along, because we all contribute.
My VPAs…
Thing 1: To provide strength and sanctuary to friends in need of it, when they need it.
Ways this could work:
+ Think of myself as a duchess in a Stephanie Laurens novel. They’re phenomenally competent, socially confident, feisty, sexy, and kind. If I act the part…
+ Self-care: Eat vegetables for breakfast. Get enough sleep. I’m more sane and sensible when I feel good.
+ Stay in touch with this VPA and my siddur.
Thing 2: ankle bracelets
My yearning for ankle jewelry that suits me and my personality doesn’t seem to be going away, so I might as well make it an ask. What I’m looking for:
+ Within my budget (no more than $20 each — maybe $30 for something really, really me)
+ Silent (no jangly bells)
+ Metallic (I’m especially keen on finding something in gold or bronze)
+ Not too fussy — minimalist elegance rather than cutesy. Although I’m also into filigree.
Ways this could work:
+ My favorite anklet was an impulse buy at the Made in Oregon store in the Portland airport. I could go look at their site after I post this VPA (now that I’ve finally remembered the name of the store in typing it!).
+ I could welcome recommendations from y’all (especially since I’ve come across some other jewelry recs via the Twitter bar). Feel free to tweet me if you know of someone…
Thing 3: progress on art IOUs
This has been an ask since the last week of September, so I’m reframing it: this week, I’d like to succeed in making my workspace hospitable to working on my art pieces.
Ways this could work:
+ Let myself off the hook regarding properly dealing with the stuff in the way. It’s more important to do the projects than to declutter.
+ Write note to self to declutter every time I’m tempted to check my tennis Twitter feed. What’s going on in the arenas of Stockholm and Moscow is nowhere near as important as making these things I actually want to make.
+ Keep Monster Manual within ready reach.
+ Reward myself with anklet when the first draft of the oldest IOU is complete.
Best wishes to everyone with their asks.
.-= Mechaieh´s last post … intersections =-.
It has been a while since I wrote a VPA, but definitely feeling the need lately.
Wow, what do I want most that is also something that could realistically happen? In other words, a two week vacation would be awesome, but considering I’m under contract to teach two classes through mid-December not to mention my workload as a doctoral student, it is completely out of the question unless someone finds that magic time stopping spell so that I can have my timeout without getting impossibly behind (or fired!).
I’m battling overwhelm, isolation (figuratively speaking – people are around, but I’m totally on my own managing my workload and not being given any support I might add), physical funkiness (developed this weird itching/welts that come and go on my hands – today is particularly bad – stress-related?) and depression (legal matters have taken a bizarre turn – the instigator gets let off the hook while the rest of us have to deal with the pile of shit left behind).
My want is to escape just for few nights.
Ways this could work: I could inquire as to pricing to go to the spa that I went to two years ago. I could squeeze in 3 nights away over the Thanksgiving holiday. However, this isn’t their standard package.
My commitment: To go ahead and email them (just did – hate to talk on the phone) and see what the possibilities are. To put in some extra time prior to Thanksgiving to prepare my labs so that I can get two full days away and three nights. To treasure this time away and stop worrying about the expense – I have the money – after all when you work ALL THE TIME it is really hard to spend much!
Happy VPA day all!
I might be creating my own Great Ducking Out. I have a sense that my Holiday amnesty might not be respected this year. We’ll see. This could be an ask soon.
I’m in love with the wish anthology. I found myself obsessively digging thru the archives for old VPA’s.
Everything is in process, no real news but GOBS of movement.
Best wishes to everyone on their asks!
.-= Deanna´s last post … What do YOU do =-.
@Havi: I love what your uncle Svevo says about worrying! I know people who’d be much happier if they could understand this in their body, in a shivanautical way. And I’d benefit from the reminder once in a while too…
@Judy: I’m in the East, and I’m a Shiva Nata teacher. I’m on the other side of the border, but who knows? I could do a workshop in your area one day. Or maybe you’d like to come here for a retreat or something. In any case, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me! We could find ways to make your wish come true. 🙂
fingers crossed big time for all your VPAs! here are mine. #2
thing 1
to get an enormous pile of junk out of my garage
ways:
-call city council and get a big truck to take it out. but they don’t answer the phone
-they could answer the phone
-wait 1 week and if it doesn’t happen, find help of friends and put it in 1 million bags and take it to the “green point” myself. argh, would not like this way…
commitment:
-get it all together, so it would be easy peasy to take away
-keep calling and add smiles, good vibes and love to whoever has to organise this
-do it next weekend if all the above don’t work
thing 2
find a loving way to teach my dog not to bite me as a way of showing how happy she is when we play. she has very sharp teeth and it hurts, and my hands and feet are full of scars and scrapes. and my clothes have holes
ways:
-she could just get it
-she could change her teeth to her non sharp version really fast (that is supposed to happen in 3 months
commitment:
-patience
-love
-find ways to distract her and teach her in a non-violent or agresive way (that is a given, i will never be violent with her or anyone)
-more patience
-spend more time with her, maybe she just misses me and wants more playing
thing 3
my ovaries to stop bleeding when they ovulate. i pass out and through up and get peritonitis. it has happened twice, but it did on friday
ways/commitment:
-be more aware of my cicles and patterns and what the 2 times have in common
-send them love, because it took them a while to ovulate regularly
-work through my stuff on this
thing 4
be asked to fill in on a job for someone during the holidays, in THAT particular job that i like, feel i can make some difference and the money is great.
ways and commitment
-ask them
-VPA it regurlarly
-be open to the fact that it is not the only job with these benefits, and do my best in the other ones i have
progress
-buzz was felt again, but ended because of the ovary thing
-contacted the 2 people for this week’s oscars. yay!
-oh, the door… it is very hard for me so i will keep working on it.
have a good week everyone! hugs.
–
My VPAs
1. Enjoy vacation and the relaxation it brings.
Ways it could work: I stop fussing about money and realize it will come and be the way it is supposed to be.
2. Business while I’m gone will progress
Ways it could work – my partner takes care of business and signs clients and some of them that have been lagging free themselves to sign.
3. My hubbie to get a job
Ways this could work: My husband finds the perfect job (or even a job at this point) and while I’m gone gets the interview.
4. Settling my IOUs
Ways this could work: Start to list and organize who I owe and what and begin to slowly pay the IOUs to those I can. Get some peace about this.
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In regards to yours @Havi – We go every year to SXSWi and friends of mine have used this service http://www.vrbo.com/ and liked it and also recommended this one http://www.homeaway.com/. I also know a massage guy in Austin and if you are interested I can put you in touch. I hope this doesn’t fall in the category as advice and rather just a helping hand from friendly Texas!!!
Hello all,
This week I have come across so Hard, some old hurt that is on the platform for a steam train out, but is lingering for that one last goodbye and some stuck.
The hard: Many things that I would like to do with in a time frame not of my doing (University course work assignments and exams).
Ways this could work – To Just do one thing, to used the interesting tool I found to help with this hard, to keep the ‘you chose this, your great at this, look a otter!” attitude.
Commitment: 3 months left in which to do this before I leave the country. I have a time line to work with in. I will look at my gcal every day, not to berate my self but as a way of keeping these many little things real in a long time line way, rather than approaching doom way. To do the reading as I see fit, to argue in class, to bring me to the class room not ‘good little parrot student’.
The hurt: This hurt is old and I am sending it on holidays to little Scandinavian towns that exist in fairy tails so that we can both get some perspective on our relationship together. But in the mean time I am hoping that it gets involved in many fairy tails and sends me post cards from zeppelins and such.
Ways this could work: Keep on loving, the hurt is old and needs some time to transform I get the feeling that it is ready, I could be surprised by life, trout or other surprising things.
My commitment:
Do some Science Shivanata and dance with love, this will require small set up and will be interesting.
Do one small thing that is different, that may or may not involve otters or pizza.
To give the old hurt time, it may come back needing more love in little mountain towns sitting on cast iron patio furniture, drinking espresso and being there.
The stuck:
Its big, its stuck, and its rebellious, much like a Wooly Mammoth door that is damp.
Ways this could work:
I could get the Mammoth on my side, for the Mammoth is smart, but cranky and rebellious, so I will need my sky-pirate boots.
I could be think I have crash landed, stranded and alone when really I have stumbled across the lost city of steam-punk-gold-and-adventure.
My commitment:
To talk with the Mammoth… which gives me ideas
To see if the rebellion and crankyness are new
To dance the dance
To plot and plan in front of the Mammoth, even if its just one little plot or plan. Maybe the Mammoth has an idea or two…
/hugs and /waves to you all
ps I commit to copying and pasting this to my Computes HD so I can see it when ever I feel or need reminding of things.
@Nat: Puppy teeth. Ouch. I wish you softer teeth/less biting soon. The thing I remember helping me the most when my dog was a puppy and nipping was squealing a very loud very high-pitched “Eeeeeek!” whenever he bit me harder than I wanted. (Sometimes it was involuntary, like the time he nipped my belly. I still remember that bite.) Whenever I did that, he’d look sad and use his lips instead of his teeth or temper his bites, at least until he forgot again.
I asked for rest last week. No rest was had, but I discovered that I can’t rest because I don’t feel safe, and then I discovered why I don’t feel safe. So there is hope.
Best wishes for everyone’s VPAs!
.-= Elizabeth´s last post … ode to joy- volume 41 =-.
Here’s What I Want:
I need a job. My shop can’t pay the bills on its own yet, so I need a part-time job that pays enough to make ends meet & still leaves me enough time & energy to do what I love & grow my shop on the side. It needs to be close to where I live. I would love to work nights, if possible, but I’m open to any schedule. I need to work for a boss who’s kind. I would love to learn new things and gain skills & experience.
Ways This Could Work:
One of the places I’m applying to could think I’m a great fit. A friend could know of a place that’s hiring. The universe could surprise me.
My Commitment:
To keep putting applications & resumes out into the universe. To try to trust that things will work out. To try to remember that worrying usually doesn’t help, and often makes everything worse. To try to remember that guilt is never helpful.
My ask: To begin establishing a daily habit of getting up earlier in the morning — early enough to do Shiva Nata and morning pages first thing, no matter what else is scheduled for any given day.
How this can happen: I can make small, gradual shifts that support this new habit. I can notice the things that help or hinder this practice, and check in with myself daily, asking myself what I need to allow the change to happen.
My commitment: To be kind to myself about this, to the very best of my ability.
.-= Kathleen Avins´s last post … Fifteen minutes- dammit =-.
Beautiful.
Here’s what I want: My very own illustration site, to launch it and rock it.
Ways it could happen: I could just camp in for a week and start the fire. It may be rockable once it’s actually out there.
My commitment: I will freeze time and just work on it, until it’s good enough to test. I will not think in terms of startups, business and networking. I’ll just make sure it’s true to me. Then I will call my friends to let me know if it’s launchable. Then we’ll count down and fire the alarm.
One other thing: My blog, I want to hang out there again. I really really want to figure out what I have to offer and who are my people.
Ways it could happen: I could start very little, with a picture post or a thought or two. Or I could make a comic about why the heck I disappeared. I can draw turtles.
My commitment: I will bring my green book of random idea and picture EVERYWHERE with me. And I’ll put OmmWriter on my dock. I’ll post more comments on blogs that talk to me.
Off we go!
.-= djuro´s last post … Artsy-fartsy improvements =-.
@elizabeth: thank you very much for that tip. guess it hasn’t been high-pitched enough, maybe. my screaming of pain, hs been loud though. will give it a try.
lots of love and safety and rest for you. and all of you.
Wanted:
A draft for a paper I’ve been putting off. The draft doesn’t have to be brilliant, though that would be a plus. Hoping for 4-6 pages of Stuff.
Ways this could happen:
-Me and my “Ugh, no, you can’t make me do it!” Monster could meet up for tea and treats and warm blankets and just talk about what we’d like this paper to say, and we could record the conversation in a word file.
-A draft could mysteriously appear in my inbox.
-There could be a party in my Word Processor.
My Commitment:
– Do some Shiva Nata on it.
– Make some tea.
– Sit with a writing utensil in a cozy place for an hour or two and see what happens.
– No shoes.
This is my first VPA, which is kind of appropriate because my life right now is all about the new.
I have a new job in a new city at the other end of the country. I need to get myself, my boy and our three fur-babies there and settled in the next few weeks in a new house. I also have to complete my internship, apply for post-graduate study and we have to renovate our flat so we can rent it out in this time. I would like to get to the other side of it all with my sanity, relationship and finances still somewhat intact…
How?
We could get approved for the rental house we applied for.
We can be as organised as possible
Family and friends could offer to help us with packing/renovating/pet relocating.
Things could just happen in the right way at the right time.
I don’t know – surprise me!
My commitment
I can let go of the non-essentials.
I can approach the situation with a sense of adventure and humour.
I can allow myself time and spaciousness to get things done, one thing at a time.
I can dance and do Shiva Nata to stop my head from exploding.
I can remember that I don’t have to do it all myself and ask for help.
To sleep
On a related note, I have one for my boy. He was freelance and has struggled through the financial crisis and finally found steady work – and now we’re moving. So I would like for him to find the right job. One that allows him to use his amazing creativity but also gives him the structure and support that he needs. One that he finds fulfilling.
How?
He could find an awesome job advertised.
Someone we know could tell him about a job.
A job could just find him – this does actually happen to him.
My commitment
To be supportive
To keep my ears and eyes open for opportunities for him.
To trust that his skills and talents will be recognised and valued.
Havi,
I think I can help with your Thing 1. I am a shivanaut/vacation rental manager in Austin and I have several places you can choose from for SXSW 2011. All happy and bright (LOTS of bright colors!) all reasonably close to the action but far enough away for breathing space and conversations. Most of my places are within walking or biking distance of Barton Springs (and if you’re not yet familiar with Barton Springs, then you’re in for a delightful surprise!) Email me at vacationcake@gmail.com or call me at 512 293-7662 and I’ll hook you up.
Lauren
Just wanted to say that I think I’m going to tattoo “The ROI on worry is traditionally fairly low” onto the back of my hand. Or at least write it in Sharpie.
Thank you for a life-shaking quote.
Finally catching up with my reader, I say this:
Sonia found a very nice place for Naomi and me and her the last SXSW. And she might have some research left over that could help you find the right place for you. I’m sure the place she chose was one of a couple she was considering, and maybe one of those would be right for you. (I don’t think you’d like the place we stayed in. Very nice and clean and well furnished but SUPER-modern style. But maybe you would. I do not know.)