Visioning® Solutions

It is mid-January, do you know where your goals are? If you are happily moving towards your intention, then HOORAY, keep going! But if you are like me, you are still figuring out which one of your many desires to actually commit to paper.

In addition, I've often found that setting a goal had the opposite affect. That is, I give up because my desire seems too big, too far away or takes too much energy. Esther Hicks, co-author of the Abraham-Hicks series of lectures and books explains goal-setting this way, 

“There is something in the attitude of trying that makes you turn and go the other way (against the current that leads to your dream.) But it is something different if you just let go. You call it surrender, but we don't mean giving up. You can't give up on your desires because your dreams are eternal.”

As a long-time visionary, I know that we set goals because we believe reaching them will create happiness. But I want peace and joy regardless of external circumstances. This intention, combined with Visioning®, will itself lead to my desire.The reason is that Visioning® is the solution when we are in the middle of a stressful situation. In chapter 11 of her book, Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams, Lucia addresses the topic of work and career. She sites specific case studies of others who solved issues through collage and journaling. One case addresses dealing with difficult people on the job—specifically the manager from hell. Having the manager of hell as a boss doesn't seem like the path to peace.

Photo from LinkedIn.com

“Visioning is a highly effective method for dealing with such situations from the inside out. Why? Because it is possible to safely express emotional buildup through a picture of “what is” and then move on to visioning “how it could be.” The release of tension through collage and writing frees up tremendous amounts of creative and physical energy. Worries and anxiety can be dumped out onto the paper, clearing the way for the vision of a positive future.” page 175, Visioning: Ten Steps to Designing the Life of Your Dreams.

Of course Marissa, the visionary in the case-study successfully arrived at a solution through Visioning®, but you'll need to check out the chapter yourself if you want to know the specifics.

So, 2014 is going to be all about applying Visioning® to situations that keep us stressed out, instead of blissed out. Learn the method firsthand Sunday, January 19, 2014 from 10am to 5pm in San Luis Obispo, CA., by joining Lucia at her Visioning® workshop. The cost is $100.00 and space is limited. Register by calling 805 546-1424 or by emailing luciacapa@aol.com.

For more information on this workshop or Lucia's other 2014 workshops, click to go to her website.

Dorothy Segovia is a writer, musician and certified Visioning Coach. She welcomes your questions, comments and suggestions about this blog. Contact her through her website at www.writeinside.com.

Retirement and Visioning®

by Chris Shirtcliff , Certified Creative Journal Expressive Arts Consultant & Certified Visioning® Coach

Phone (413) 323-6653, Belcherton, MA
email: cfssmain@charter.net

website: www.thecreativedoorway.com.

I made this collage while contemplating stepping down from my executive hospital administrator role. Many life changes would be necessary to make this possible. There were three components. The bottom of the collage for each section had current images that evolved to the top images of where I wanted to be.

First of all I needed to launch my adult daughter who was just graduating from art college. The most fascinating part to me was the picture of a young woman holding her hands up triumphantly at the water’s edge. I thought this had to do with the fact that she lived a few blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, it materialized as a triumphant moment on the Pacific shore as she celebrated having ridden her bike cross country. She was part of a support team for a man in an electric wheelchair on a ventilator rolling across America to raise money and awareness while seeking the Guinness World record for this feat. It took them four months. She is now working in her field, taking a lot more responsibility and nearly financially independent.

The second component was my health. I do eat a more balanced diet, find time for play to de-stress, and don’t get sick as often. I had eye surgery to improve my vision. Weight loss and being more active still need attention. Curiously, my husband has really taken charge of his own health, hitting the gym almost everyday. His health, of course, increases our ability to be active. Friends who see me lately say that I look ten years younger. So I have probably made more progress than I realize in this arena.

The third component was all about actually changing jobs. I began exploring options shortly after completing the collage. A year later I had worked out an arrangement with my employer of 33 years. I stepped down as the hospital president, had a three month paid leave, and then returned to work part-time. I work three days a week as a Professional and Organizational Development consultant focusing on educational collaboration for the same health system. I am also formalizing my Creative Journal Expressive Arts and Visioning® Coach consulting business and offer monthly workshops. We are still adjusting to the lower salary, but refinanced our home for some added financial security. During my leave I took a weekend voice workshop and have recently begun Spanish lessons.

I found it amusing that the phrase “Run Away Right Away” underwent some change in transport. Letters fell off making it “Run Away Right”. I thought this represented my very well planned transition. When the plan was in motion, another word fell off. Then it said “Run Away”. About that time, I did!