CIYO'ing - early September 2011 update

Just back from two weeks of CIYOing.

Abiquiu NM CIYO 2 Sept 16-20 - Then a CIYO 2 (for alumnae of our programs) in New Mexico.
During our stay, in addition to two outdoor outings, we incorporated a visit to the newly opened Rising Moon Gallery and Art Center where we spent 3 hours being guided through an intuitive art session. http://www.risingmoongalleryandartcenter.com/?page_id=437. We also had a skype group session with one of the country's best astrologers, Debra Silverman of http://www.debrasilvermanastrology.com/

One of our very gifted artist participants, Marguerite Drescher of Windhorse Farm in Nova Scotia, created this beautiful montage of her pictures of our time together.
CIYO 2 New Mexico VIDEO  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfySTv-4AZ8

Ojai CA CIYO Sept 11-14 -  We held a CIYO program in  Ojai California at the beautifully restful Ojai Retreat Center (an ideal place for a mellow personal retreat or a small workshop - their maximum occupancy is 12 - www.ojairetreat.com). And with catering by the very talented private chef Robin Goldstein (http://www.playinginthekitchen.com/index.cfm).

As always if you  are interested in registering for an upcoming Coming Into Your Own (CIYO) - leadership from the interior to the exterior program for women, please see my events page or go to www.ciyowomensretreat.com/events.html

The Girl Effect - learn about it, blog about, support it

A prioritization of the education and empowerment of women and girls raises the standards of living and the quality of life for the entire community. Not just the women and girls involved, but also for men and for boys. Development aid and donors have figured this out and are leveraging this dynamic in many different ways.

But one doesn't have to focus exclusively on developing countries to recognize the power of this feminine dynamic. So wherever you are, learn more about what truly makes a difference and consider what might be your individual role to play in the Girl Effect. It's all about choices.

Learn more at: http://www.girleffect.org/learn/the-big-picture

What is your uniqueness? And what is the beautiful uniqueness of someone else? (it could even be a someone you don't particularly like)

Whatever you may think of Lady GaGa's music, take a moment today to celebrate your own 'born this way' uniqueness. And then celebrate in some way just one other person's uniqueness. Go ahead. Give it a try. You'll both feel so much better.

What is yours to most fully create? - Round 1 Inquiry

From the place of Vision: What is the potential?
From the place of Intuition: What does is it feel like?
From the place of Truth: What are the dilemmas I am facing or will face?
From the place of Perspective: What do I need to see (that I may be missing just now)?

photo by Tessa

What's your thread?

The Way it is by William Stafford
There's a thread you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn't change.
People wonder about what you are pursuing.
You have to explain about the thread.
But it is hard for others to see.
While you hold it you can't get lost.
Tragedies happen; people get hurt
or die; and you suffer and get old.
Nothing you do can stop time's unfolding.
You don't ever let go of that thread.