I’ve noticed that whenever I set an intention to do something, like go and fetch something, go and buy something, write something, etc, and follow up on this directly with action, it enables me to receive some of this energy back, or I get a little extra boost, with a more defined aim. Not following up with action, makes me instead lose that energy. It’s like sending out a little feeler, that if not followed up, someone else might grab. Plans work the same way, but with a little more long-term perspective and therefore with more need of cautious care, to remain in that lane. The reward I feel, when I set an intention and carry it out in action, is a sense of accomplishment.

Many in Western yoga, has misunderstood that setting intentions for what to do, or even long-term goals, should be done before, or under, practice. The other day, I saw this good video on Instagram, that instead explains how it’s meant to be done. We set an intention to be present and aware, so we can do our best, just like we need to be present and aware, when we do asanas. To keep our focus.

Click on the link, to learn more about yoga and setting intentions. You can also read this book by Wayne Dyer, that explains the power of intention, in a good way.

As I looked forward to July beginning, like a little new start, that it can be every new month in our calendar, I soon felt discouraged by unforeseen disturbances, making me come off tilt and not get the rest and sleep I’ve needed, and thus not being able to get things done, the way I had planned. This in turn, created more feelings of stress of course.

However, yesterday it occurred to me, that the new moon is coming later this weekend, and from that perspective, I should simply get things done by then instead. So, I extended my deadline. Look at that, a whole week more, and me being perfect on time! Often, we set deadlines, or have them set for us, that in turn makes us stressed, instead of tuning into the natural flow of things, with much less stress. Such as, letting the phases of the moon, be our guide (as previously shared here).

Which thoughts do you have about your own need to perform? What can you think instead, that is kinder and more caring to yourself, while still honouring your commitments? What is the best course of action, not according to the calendar, but according to the natural flow and present needs? Try that!

So, back to putting my nose to the grind, but this time with a smile, since I actually have a couple of more days left, to get things done.

Our behaviour in groups, follow the same pattern, regardless of why the group was formed. For example, there is usually an informal leader, besides the one that has been given the authority to. This is often the most popular person, the person with the longest track record, someone others look up to, or are afraid of. Finding out who this person is, is a little like finding the leader in a horse flock and let him lead the others into the stables from the pasture. So, to get the group to move in your desired direction, you must therefor also ensure that the informal leader is with you.

Within our groups, it’s common that we put aside some of our own preferences or even deal-breakers, to ensure that we still are accepted and allowed to belong. When the group develops its own preferences and values, we talk about it becoming a culture (or subculture) with norms. Norms include anything from what we wear, what we listen to, like and follow, to what we eat and buy, and how we speak. Norms also often dictate how we ought to behave. And some people wants to be in the positions they’re in, even if that means becoming treated in a lesser way. To be aware of all this, helps us remain true to ourselves.

The size of the group also matters. Already in a group of three, there is a structure likened to the one of a family, which directly changes when the group consists of four people. With five to seven, the tone becomes more humble and we listen more, with less powerplays, but when the group has more than 10 members, there is a chance that the group becomes divided. All these dynamics, are part of organizational psychology and something I, as a sacred circle conversation coach, bear in mind for our planned sessions at Telluselle Living Center.

Last but not least, sometimes we’re forced into groups, such as in our workplaces or in our classrooms, and sometimes we form them online based on interest. At best, we get to choose who we want to see part of our team and then we’ll have a stronger foundation to create synergy.

We grow the best, when we have enough space to feel free, but still feel supported by the same.

Isadora Duncan, practiced much of her dancing growing up, outside in nature. While this was much because she didn’t have money, she also yearned for a more free and liberated expression without the corset-like ballet. Instead, she danced barefoot and wild, to create her own choreographies and motions that often are inspired by both nature and spirituality.

It takes some more effort. The ground isn’t always even, the wind blows as it likes, and the sun might disappear behind the clouds. There might be people and dogs running around, or we might encounter disturbing little insects. Nonetheless, it takes us back to the roots and to an appreciation of summer. A priceless experience.

When did you dance barefoot in the grass last time? Dare to!

Taking the initiative, is a good way to take charge of a situation, and lead it forward. Personally, I’ve always done that, whether privately, or on the job. Maybe it’s been due to impatience sometimes, but also to see things through, and because often nobody else is.

A recent example that turned out great, was when I was going shopping last week for a new dress, that I wanted to wear on Midsummer’s Eve, here in Sweden. While grabbing my size and getting in line to try it on, I noticed another woman also trying on the same. We gave each other a compliment for a good choice, with a laugh. Another woman, was standing before us, waiting for her turn to enter one of the dressing room stalls, whereupon she behind me, asked if there were anyone in them. The woman first in line, didn’t know what to do, or hesitated to, so I took the initiative to draw away the curtain to look in. It was empty, so I asked the woman first in line to enter that one. Then, I proceeded to check the others too, which all were empty! What would have happened if I hadn’t? How long would we have stood there for no reason? The dress fit well, so I bought it.

Do you like taking the initiative? How do you respond when someone else is? Are there times, where you could too? Try once, this week.

One way to both become more creative, and to get more clear about your goals, aspirations and the choices you want to make, to create the life you want, is by assessing what you don’t want. Often it’s hard to know exactly what we want, because we don’t think it’s possible, or we feel intimidated by our family and peers not supportive of our desires, or simply not sure if we’re just following the crowd. Then, asking yourself what you don’t want, can guide you.

Let’s say that you know you don’t want to marry a Muslim, since you don’t want to wear a veil, that you don’t want to work as a nurse, because you faint at the sight of blood, and you don’t want to live on a remote farm, due to not having a driver’s license and car. Then there are two ways to let this assessment guide you. Either, you really would like to move to a remote farm, and then you know that you need to get a driver’s license first. Or, you can now more easily define what you do want, such as you’d like to live in a city, get married to a Christian, and work in an intellectual profession. Then, you’ll also realize that you would need to start attend church, and to get an academic degree.

By ruling out what we don’t like or want, it’s easier to see what is left, that we do like and want.

To have me as your sparring partner to bounce off ideas with, give me a call, or send me an email, so we can book an appointment for your first complimentary coaching session.

(No discrimination intended.)

The other day, I overheard three young women talk on the subway in Stockholm, Sweden. They were talking about how to wear their hair and getting ready to go out. Then one of them exclaimed a brilliant idea, I thought worth sharing.

Many young women in Sweden, like to go together into a public restroom and use the same toilet, taking turns, while continuing to chatt with each other (Usually, there are no stalls, but closed doors). However, not everyone are comfortable peeing, while others are present, or even by themselves in public restrooms. One of the common things to do then, is to open the faucet and let some water rinse. This though, one of the women pointed out, wasn’t particularly good for the environment, given the unnecessary waste of good water. She said, she wanted to make an invention, that would simply produce the peeing sound, when needed, without having to use actual water. I couldn’t help but cheer them on, before the exited the train.

This is a typical example of how a conversation in a group coaching session, could develop an idea for a green invention, at Telluselle Living Center. Installing a device? Make an app on the phone to play? How would you solve it? All good inventions, solve a problem.

When it comes to improving your decision making and keeping your focus, a good way to eliminate doubt and lessen stress and overwhelm, is by asking this simple question: What is important?

This can be used in all areas of your life. For example, if you’re going to college, or simply are trying to read up on a subject with a heavy book. Using the question “What is important?”, helps you to zone in on the facts and get an overview.

At work, this might help you prioritize your tasks, as well as what to communicate and to whom, and when, to meet your deadlines.

In your relationships, this can enable you to cut out the drama and be more present and real. When it comes to tending to your own needs, and the needs of others, this essential question is everything. We want much, but what do we really need? To honor yours and others’ needs, your answer to this question, will also be your answer to your compatibility and commitment.

And for your health: What is important to do, to ensure a good health?

Last, but not least. Also when it comes to creating a sustainable future and lessen our carbon footprint on this planet: What is important and why?

To discuss what is important to you, you’re welcome to try a free coaching session by Zoom or Skype. Hust e-mail me for details at hannah@telluselleliving.com

How much should we adapt to, and how much should we remain loyal and the same, to where we come from? This last decade, the world seems to have opened up greatly for more people moving to work or study elsewhere. We also have a growing influx of refugees in the world, that might even increase, because of the changes that comes with a more diverse migration. In one way, we might be importing and trying new types of products, styles and foods. In another way, hostility and a strive to remain conservative might also grow. Both can in turn, create more movement. One of the most common examples, is the boom of pizzerias that became the result of many people’s travels to Italy and/or Italians moving 50 years ago. And we all know, nobody opposes this. But, it took time and there was an adaptability that fit within the Western world.

One of the things that I brought with me from Hawaii, was a sense of more lived out femininity, such as wearing more dresses and putting a flower behind my ear. As soon as the summer arrives in Sweden, I like to do this here too, now and then. It reconnects me with my positive experiences having lived in Hawaii that works to incorporate here. The problem, however, arises when it’s our ways of behavior that changes, that others might notice and not agree with, less understand without being able to relate to themselves. What is it then that drives our wish to change? To me, it’s always a matter of using what makes me feel better. This includes both physically and literally, as well as mentally, emotionally and spiritually, such as finding a greater ability to empathize, a more mature relation to faith, better confidence, and assume a broader perspective on society. Add thereto, improved language skills, a heightened sensitivity to the subtler variations of cultural communication, and the mere knowing of how things are handled elsewhere. It enables me to detach from the drama in Sweden, while I’m growing into who I am, more as I also reconnect with more understanding of my own family’s past, coming from various countries in Europe.

So, how much should we adapt to and integrate? What should we bring with us into our new city and what should we take with us back? Perhaps, this is the ultimate discussion of sustainability and how we should shape the future. What do you think? What is your experiences and what have you learned after your time abroad, or after living with an immigrant?

Here is a video with my practice today, of the Qigong routine called Eight pieces of silk brocade. The name is said to inspire how the motions should be smooth as.

While it can be nice to have some instrumental music in the background, each motion should be executed in rhythm with your breath. This particular routine usually takes about 20 minutes.

Why is it, that the right people show up, when we need them the most? Is it God, orchestrating from above? It can be. It can also be, that we’re simply connected through feeling compassion and therethrough feel the call of others. When we act on this, we realize unity and oneness. And it’s also through this, we can connect with animals. All living beings, have a heart.

Debbie Ford put it like this:

“Connected to the collective heart, you can be certain in every cell of your being that you are never alone, and you will experience the grace, guidance, and ease that comes when you are one with all there is.”

I understand it as, we’re on one hand eligible for the same inspiration and similar impressions through our Higher consciousness, which we access through our spiritual channel; our crown chakras. This may feel like intuition, or an inkling to create something particular, write and share a message, or the like. A way to cultivate knowledge and turn it into wisdom.

The collective heart, is our humanness knowing how vulnerable we are in this world, and how much we need each other to feel safe. This connection and unity, makes for both an ability to embrace our differences, and to see the world through this lens. To see, why and how, people act and behave the way they do, through our ability to feel compassion. Imagine, if the world’s leaders and authorities, would govern from this perspective. To feel compassion for oneself, for others and for earth. To care about.

To have a society led by compassion, must be the ultimate, inclusive, and free kind of society, we could have. But, finding and showing compassion, comes from relating to similar experiences, which of course not everybody can. To find compassion, start by becoming more caring.

Caring about yourself, includes to set boundaries both towards yourself and others. It means to see to that all your needs are being met, in the way you prefer. And it means to provide yourself with some comfort and self-care, when you go through rough or stressful times. To not be so hard on yourself, but instead find self-compassion as a step towards self-love. To do this, you must care about who you really are, what you stand for, what you like and dislike, and how you want to be treated.

Caring about others, is one of the most gratifying feelings we can have. When we give, not to get something in return, but for the sake of just helping, when we can, with what we can, whether it be your time, your money, your knowledge, your ideas, sharing your experience and values, or showing your support, we receive a sense of being important for someone else. We become needed. To become a more caring person, check in with others regularly: How are they feeling? What are they going through? What do you appreciate about them? What has happened since you last talked? What do they dream about and desire? What do they need? Do they feel respected by you? Be open to help others, whether your loved ones, friends, co-workers or neighbours. This creates a welcoming and caring atmosphere, a more caring society. Dare to take the initiative.

Caring about earth, is caring and tending to our own homes and houses, our offices and shared spaces, our cities and parks, our plants, vegetation and agriculture. What we consume and how. Can you feel when your plants need watering? By relating to nature, we can feel a connection to our source of life and cherish it as such. To be one with.

Photos show ferns budding.

Whether you’re unemployed, or simply looking for another job, here are some things you can do:

• Make your job-searching and applications into a routine, perhaps scheduled to resemble a job
• Update your résumé
• Write a coverletter
• Create online profiles, such as on LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster
• Contact job agencies and headhunters like Manpower and Academic Search
• Comment on articles with topics related to your profession, interest and experiences
• Develop your skills with nightclasses
• Write down how you’d like to work, such as independently, with a team, in an office, or directly with customers on the field
• Intern, volunteer, or ask to go and visit a company doing what you’d like to
• Find and meet with a mentor
• Update your wardrobe
• Get fit with exercise and sleep
• Print up some business cards
• Network and mingle, especially at jobfairs
• Make a list of references, such as with your former teachers, bosses and colleagues
• Research the news and business magazines for the latest trends and developments
• Send out applications to industries you find appealing
• Make a list of your services, of what you can offer
• Look into starting a business of your own
• Research what is sustainable and eco-friendly, and whether the business you’re applying to, is
• Team up with others to work with, and suggest a trial based project as a pitch
• Look into what the regular salaries are in your city and profession, to know what to ask for

To get more clear about what you’d like, and how, don’t hesitate to call a career coach.

Have you ever adorned yourself with a flower? Wearing them in our hair, behind our ear, or as a garland around our neck, puts a flair to our day, in a way that is different than regular dressing up. It connects us directly with nature, and thus lets us feel naturally beautiful. And this, with a scent. In Hawaii, each island has their own specialty, as well as for certain type of celebrations, dance performances and meanings.

To make a lei, collect about 50-100 flowers, depending on size and length of your desired garland. Sprinkle some water on them and put them in a plastic container in the fridge for a couple of hours. This is also how you can keep your lei fresh for another couple of days, after it’s made.

Snip off the stems and instead insert a needle with a thread, where it’s been. Fill up the string generously for them not to glide.

For a more elaborate floral arrangement, you can also braid them together with leaves, such as shown here.

I think most of us, long to feel passionate. Often when we talk about passion, we think of steamy sex, or a devotion with lots of energy into an art, craft or cause. Having a passion, can provide us with a sense of purpose and help motivate us to go about our day. However, in this longing for passion, the essence of it all, can simply be a desire to feel more alive. Thus, how do we feel more alive?

One way, is through an activation of our senses. By consciously using our senses with a touch of sensuality, we can begin to grasp reality from a more alive perspective. By touching the green moss on a rock in the forest, we can feel that it’s soft and moist. This becomes a contrast to our own warm hands and takes us right into the moment with more presence. By realising that the moss too is alive, we can feel one with nature, and feel more alive.

What can you scent, hear, touch, see or taste today?

Variations is a well-known way to be creative. To illustrate this, put yourself in the shoes of a baker. As a student, you would read recipes and follow them exactly, and learn to perfect your pouring, your baking, your stirring, to the best of your ability. For you to become a creative professional, you would do the same recipe but with variations, such as using different flours, changing the proportions, adding another flavor, and therethrough make it your own signature piece. Finally, to become a teacher, you would master both the practical skills on how to bake, you would have tried several versions with a creative variety, and then show this to others, backed up by your own teacher.

In the internet era, it seems common to bypass the first two steps and jump right into a teaching role, making reels and posting on social media, assuming a role of an expert. It’s scary to watch. What if lots of people, who follow, actually follow Peter Piper right into the river and drowns? So, next time you watch someone speaking to you online, ask from where this person gets his or her information. Is it self-lived? Does he or she provide his/her own examples as answers to the questions and suggestions he or she is making? Could you imagine what a wonderful, growing, evolutionary, supportive and compassionate society we would have, if people shared their lessons of what they actually did, instead of trying to be teachers?

With this said: What can you improve and learn more of? Which skills do you need to develop? You might want to try and find someone also keen on, and do it together. That way, you can learn from each other, as well as try it on each other. And as always, would you want to discuss what you would like to develop, why, for what and how, I’m here as your lifecoach.