Lori Hamann's Blog

Self Love During the Holidays

2011-11-09T16:14:00.000-06:00

The holidays are just around the corner...totally sneaking up on me! So - today when I looked outside and saw it was out first snowfall of the year, I couldn't help but make you this video message.

And by gosh, I think this counts as my first official VLOG :)

What To Do When You Are In Personal Breakdown

2011-07-25T20:00:00.001-05:00

It's easy to talk about the fluffy topics of positive thinking, law of attraction, and conscious creation. In fact, I like it here. My friend calls it being on "rainbow time", and to be honest that's a nice place to be....except when you are not.

I have found myself in quite a few funks in my lifetime, and use the knowledge that I've gathered from being steeped in transformational teachings daily to quite literally pull myself out of a huge pile of....leaves, yes, leaves.

I still never make light of a true in the moment "personal breakdown". If you were my client I would meet you exactly where you were at, no matter how difficult ~ and I'd ask you to do the same for yourself.

Personal breakdowns, for the purpose of this article mean, you are stuck, you are frustrated, or possibly really angry. You might feel like giving up, you might feel alone, like the world is against you, and nothing works.

You may wonder why all the walls have just come crashing down at once, and you are certain there is not one more thing you could ever do in this life time that would make your life feel any happier. You might feel "wound" as tight as a ball of yarn with no chance of unraveling... shall I go on?

I think you get the picture. Whatever your crisis....just fill in the blanks with the words you use. We all have been there.

We all come to this "time space reality" to experience the contrast, to create in our own experience, and to create TRUE alignment with who it is we are -- and we could not do those things, we could not transform, without the occasional breakdown.

One of my favorite analogies, and I share this in the Butterfly Experiment, is about the fact that a caterpillar totally breaks down -- into a soup like state called a pupa -- tapping the infinite intelligence that she is, before becoming the butterfly. Imagine trust that occurs here.

What might happen if you began to trust yourself this way? God/Source/ or your divine plan? Only your ego deems things as "bad". Only your ego says, well, here's another breakdown, and boy is it a bad one.

Try this on instead...oh, here's another breakthrough....I can feel it coming. In fact I have noticed this before...I go through what feels like a breakdown only to truly come to a new level of expansion, of attraction, of love. I may not love this, but I know that it is the raw material that I need to create more joy, truth, knowingness...

I know that whatever this is...I know I will have expanded. So, with that said, (on a side step to rainbow time)... with that said remember a few of these points when you judge yourself to be in chaos, or in breakdown. It eases the journey....and then suddenly out pops your beautiful wing, out of that tightly wound chrysalis.

I hear you wanting something even more concrete. Let's make a to do list, and this is partial as I am not listing things like talk to your friends, your coach, cry or scream. :) Etc etc etc.

1. Acknowledge it's your choice of perception to see "it" that way.
2. Know your ego is judging - and that is not you.
3. Pretend to know what you are gaining from the experience, and if you know, great.
4. Remember that what you focus on grows - how long do you want to stay here?
5. Notice that you can release it if you choose. Pretend you do for moment, what's it like?
6. Ask - what can I do in this moment to shift my energy? (aka take responsibility)
7. Ask, what needs to be forgiven?
7. Trust that transformation as a part of the intelligence of life.

Have beauiful and blessed day!

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

Ten Steps To Living JUICILY

2011-07-12T22:36:00.000-05:00

It occurs to me that it might be a good idea to define what a JUICY LIFE might mean. Of course you define it for yourself... but for me it means living fully, being lined up with your truth -- and your true essence.... and even more so having an experience of fulfillment, joy, and total expression.

Often times we get so caught up in the day to day grind that we forget, quite literally, to LIVE they way we are hoping life will BE. We get caught up wondering "how can I create or have THAT experience? (you name the "that")

You dying of thirst for the JUICE of life -- not only do you want to drink it, you want to live it and be it.

But let me ask you... Have you grabbed the JUICE, popped open the top and taken a nice long drink lately? Have you dumped it over your head, danced in the puddle, and not worried about what others might think - sopping wet, as your makeup is running down your face, or your hair is out of place?

Ahhhhh. Yes, that's the kind of JUICY LIFE I am talking about.

Now, I don't want to make assumptions about you in any way, but I will say, generally speaking, that most of us see the JUICE of Life right in front of us. We sit and look at it. It looks fun, it looks refreshing, relaxing, and rejuvenating. It might even look like something you've never even tasted before - exciting, thrilling, new.

The point here is this. You look at it, and wonder how you'll ever get some.

Can you imagine looking at a bottle of water and saying , I'd like a drink of that" -- "but I don't know how to open the bottle" or "I don't know if I should", or "I don't know what people will think of me if I do... or "I'm just powerless, I can't have it".... or "No one is sharing with me!"

Right, you wouldn't do that. And you shouldn't do that with your life either. Now, with that said -- let's talk about 10 things you can do to LIVE JUICILY - and create the life experience that you want starting today.

Top Steps To LIVING JUICILY

1. Whoever said "Carpe Diem" (meaning seize the day!) knew what they were talking about. If you are going to live the juicy life - full of expression, truth, bliss, and creative manifestations that easily flow to your life - you've got to start seizing the day. Yes. Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. Play with life. Open yourself up to spontaneity and seize the day, seize the moment.

2. Ask the question - What am I here for? You will undoubtedly get the answer within your heart. But ask anyway, every day. It will help you to stay focused on the bigger picture and on what really truly matters. There is nothing more juicy that being focused on what matters.

3. Make time if you haven't. As you are creating anything...even a juicy life...you will lean in the direction of it until it becomes your dominant experience. If you haven't taken time out to LIVE that way do it. What might it look like? Tea on the patio, or bungee jumping? You create your juice, and your bliss.

4. Say YES to life. Law of Attraction responds to your energy -- and only your vibration (which comes from your emotions and beliefs) Now, when you say YES to what you are wanting versus know to what you don't want -- you'll create the JUICE. In fact, you won't have to grab it... it will just flow to you!

5. Live in the present moment. I know, I know, you've heard it before. But remember all of your power is in the Now. You are at choice. You have free will. You can live in the NOW where the juicy life experience IS.... or in the past where you wished it was, or the future where you hope it will be. It here, it's NOW. Step in.

6. Courage. It's time to release what others think of you. It's time to take risks -- even little ones -- that you normally wouldn't take. It's time to look at fear and know it's as real as you make it. It's time to take a stand for you and your life, what you want it to look like, and courageously move in the direction of it. Now, I didn't say that meant bungee jumping if that doesn't resonate, but look at your life and say - how can I live with courage and thus be more ALIVE?

7. Live your truth. Do you know what your TRUTH is relative to any situation? Do you listen for it, honor it, speak it, and be it? One good way to zap the juice of life is to not be who it is you are. Just finding out? That's ok. It's a journey.

8. Love. Love like you've never been hurt right?! How about give yourself permission to begin to love yourself like you never have. To look deep within your spiritual self and trust the knowingness that you ARE love. Then...line up with the LOVE that is YOU. Profound? Yes. That's when the juice really flows...and when your desires seem to line up outside of your door. You may need to post a sign that says, "Beware - Random Outbursts of Bliss and Laughter Occur In This Zone..."

9. Be Light. We are on number 9. Have you lightened up yet? If not, do so. It's good for you, good for your soul. To live juicily, give yourself permission to be light about things...to say YES to all of life even when it rolls out the contrast, or the hard times. Be light.... sing in the shower, chew gum when you shouldn't, and laugh at yourself.

10. REVEL in it all... be delighted, bask in the perfection, and well.... how about you fill in one more.

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

On Relationships....Are You Creating What You Are Focused Upon?

2011-07-06T18:04:00.009-05:00

"The people we are in relationship with are always a mirror, reflecting our own beliefs, and simultaneously we are mirrors, reflecting their beliefs. So...relationship one of the most powerful tools for growth... If we look honestly at our relationships, we can see so much about how we have created them."
~ Shakti Gawain, author “Living in the Light

If you are seeking to create a better relationship with your spouse, partner, children, or anyone...the short tips that I am about to give you are like gold when it comes to attracting the experience that you would like of "said relationship".

You can look at it simply -- there are ways of seeing, ways of being, and ways of thinking and emoting... all which place you into a space of resonance or vibration. This in turn creates and evolves your relationships into what you'd like them to be (or what you don't want them to be)

I know...relationships are a co-creation. In my coaching practice this actually is the hardest thing for my clients to work with because you can't control another, and you can't control another's thoughts or emotions. Wouldn't it be nice if she/he would just think like me, be like me, and see like me?

You might be more of a reflection of each other than you truly are aware of. Nonetheless...

Your relationships offer you some of the juiciest contrast that life has to offer your doesn't it? With broad differences AND free will you might find yourself asking if the pain, the contrast, or the "opportunity for growth" is worth it at all.

I will tell you, and you know this of course, it is. The joy, the love, the partnership...the personal expansion through one another is all worth it, and it's through our personal struggles that we expand our physical experience and thus our spiritual selves.

We are lucky to have such a wide variety of love in this world - are we not? (oh, yes, have I mentioned that YOU are love, and so is everyone else)

If you chose to "see" your relationships in a way that is in alignment with your inner being, the love that you are, and that relationship that you'd like to experience -- how might it look?

Being that like attracts like, it's difficult to attract the relationship of your dreams by standing in the place of judgment, fault finding, and finger pointing. Collaboration does work, as does having he intention to work it out, even it the midst of stress.

Think about it. How might you see the relationship? How might you see the other person?

Anytime...and I do mean anytime - I turn my focus toward a true appreciation of my spouse, my children, my parents - you name it -- they literally shift before my eyes. My experience changes.

Did they change? Nope. It was me, and because of my alignment with who I am, (love) and who they are (love) I am able to have an alternate experience. The Universe gets to deliver that relationship to you on a silver platter - and ways beyond what you thought was possible when you create consistency of thought.

What might happen if you looked for the best in another, hoped for the best, held them in the highest esteem, withheld judgment.... what might happen if you stood in appreciation, blessed the contrast that you have lived in, celebrated the growth?

I agree, it's simplified -- and relationships are complicated. Actually, our ego's are complicated.

Does that mean if you feel hurt in a relationship you just ignore it and focus on how wonderful they are? Does it mean you should stay in relationships that don't honor you? No, you are at choice and you can choose how you want to live and be in the world as it relates to your relationships.

Do you honor yourself and others by being respectful, honest, loving, patient, courteous? That entails being true to your feelings, speaking your truth from a grounded space, and even forgiveness.

Now flip it... have you offered the same to yourself? Begin here...it's the groundwork from which you create beautiful relationships.

However, be mindful about how you are focused, what you choose to see, how you be, think, and emote - and know this will attract the experiences you are seeking!

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like These....

2011-06-28T15:39:00.002-05:00

There are days like today...sunny, breezy, fun, peaceful...creative days where your inspiration just flows.. The creative energy that pours from within you us such a match to your life dreams and intentions... and you can just feel it.

I say YAY for days like these!

I remember as a kid laying smack dab in the middle of my yard -- at that time the slab of lawn that I laid on felt HUGE. I'd just watch the clouds float by, and look for pictures in them. I could do this for hours...

I would connect to who it is I was...(of course I wasn't even trying!) I think that's what we are all trying to get back to. That perfect innocent child - the love that we are.

Law of Attraction is always at work....and when you are in this state of being, this kind of alignment, you are a match to your most divine desires.

So - today -- intend for creative flow. Intend for ideas, and opportunities, and synchronicity. Look for the messages in the clouds, and know you can create days just like these.

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

The Art of Creating Your Life ~ An Exercise

2011-06-15T22:08:00.004-05:00

At any given moment in time you can ask yourself - simply - where am I am? Notice... and be the observer. Is it peace or stress? Is it frustration or ease? Is it appreciation or depreciation?

Granted there are number of "factors" that your might believe contribute to your overall state of being - but the truth is, you are still in the captains seat, no matter what those perceived factors are.

You could say, well - I could change my mind, change my thoughts, and change my life Lori, but I need to deal with my crabby wife, or my out of control kids, or my bank account that is much less than I want it to be. And those things effect me. It's hard to find peace there.
I have no control over how I feel.

Is this true? If you want it to be. If your partner is crabby, does that mean you have to be? Silly question right? But you would be surprised at the number of people that "know it" but have a hard time practicing it.

Key word here is... PRACTICE. We practice piano, we practice playing a sport, we practice meditation - but do we practice choosing out own state of being?

Pretend for a moment that today you woke up - and decided to feel drained, upset and out of control about your bank account. (By the way you could choose this if you had a dollar in it, or a million)

What if... you went to your computer and wrote something like this...just for the fun of it, just to pretend, just to see what might happen.

"Today I am basking in the sunlight - although not directly - my spirit is soaking it up. I can feel myself literally "lifting", shifting, into a place of light and oneness with the present moment. Life is feeling good. As I fine tune my resonance through my attention to my thoughts are feelings...I am literally creating a new state of being. I AM thoroughly enjoying the process right now...and basking in the fact that there are infinite possibilities, life is fluid.... note to self.... LIFE IS FLUID!"

I'm not even asking you to be truthful. I'm asking your to pretend, play, step into a new field of awareness. In just reading this - how do you feel?

Shifting can be done easily - all it takes is willingness, practice, and commitment.

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

Top 10 Ways To Honor Yourself!

2011-06-02T16:27:00.001-05:00

Well... a bunch of synchronicity just happened around THIS very article, so I thought someone out there was needing to read it. :)

Long delightful story...but I wrote this back in 2000, and almost 10 years later...it's alive!

Top 10 Ways To Honor Yourself

1. Trust your intuition.

A biggie. Trusting yourself implicitly...your hunches, gut feelings, your higher power...is one of the best ways to honor yourself. Think of a time that you totally trusted your intuition. Nothing more honoring.

2. Live the Truth. Speak the Truth. Be the Truth.

Aren't things just a lot easier that way? It's about living your truth vs. someone else's. It's about telling the truth to yourself even if it pinches a little. It's about seeing how great being in truth really is and how you can move forward - with truth.

3. Give yourself permission...

Permission to heal, forgive, ask for what you need, say no, see the good in you, be self-ful, and love you totally. Where would you like to give yourself permission in your life?

4. Create space.

Where could you use a little space these days? Your office? Need some quiet time? Space in your heart for you... Create space so the good stuff can flow into your life a bit easier. Give yourself space to grow...this is so honoring.

5. Choose to have people in your life who honor YOU.

If you are in relationships that suck the life right out of you, you may want to consider why you would choose to dishonor yourself by sticking around. During this transition consider protecting yourself with some awesome boundaries and a little white light.

6. Be who you are. Really.

Realize how tired you feel of not being you.

7. Wherever you are at in life...be there FULLY.

Passionately live your life like a one year old...Even if all you can muster up is a nap, then nap fully, passionately and love it.

8. Choose to be at choice.

It's liberating. Try it. Think about the percent of your day, week, or year, that you don't feel at choice in your life. Intellectually we know we are at choice...but we don't feel like it much of the time. Make the shift and choose to be at choice all the time.

9. Choose to evolve consciously.

It seems like when we are growing our gardens in the spring they seem to be healthier and fuller with a little conscious gardening. Same with our lives.... We will evolve naturally, of course, but why not evolve with a little TLC in our personal garden of evolution?

10. Know the best way to honor yourself.

How can you honor yourself in a way that honors who you are and what you need? Add more to this list. Do what works for you!

Lori Hamann, Evolve Life Coaching

On Creating Money...

2011-05-07T10:25:00.001-05:00

One of the most often asked questions that I receive as a coach, is one about abundance and even more specifically, money ~ and how to create a more substantial flow of it.

As conscious creators, we seem to want to stand behind the very soft notion of “creating abundance”, but really do desire money.

I want you to know that it's really okay to want more money in your life. I want you to know the more you love it, the more you bring it to you, and the more you stand in any kind of resistance about it -- the more you'll repel it.

There is also a flip side of this… if you are seeking financial abundance to fill the void that exists within you; I might advise you to also take a look at filling that void first. Money will come easier. No amount of abundance will give you the joy and love that you are seeking. Be honest with yourself about what you want, and why.

Be ok with this…loving money from a place of joy and oneness, is much different than loving money from a place of greed, negative ego, or lack.

Let's talk about a few points.

Number one, allow yourself to understand that any separation between you and money, is truly about you. . It's the belief that you hold, an attitude you embrace, and it's the sense of certainty that you have about your self is a magnificent creator -- of ALL things.

You may feel compelled “the economy” some responsibility -- but remember that you are a co-creator in this experience, so own the fact that you created it, and we are one. You're much more powerful here.

You must reach for balance -- as it relates to your money vibe. You must look for ways to step into the flow, allow money to come to you. You'll hear me say time and time again that there is no separation, between you and abundance - only your perception of it.

You are abundance. Whether you want to acknowledge it or not, it's important for you to begin to "get" that you are abundance. Now, you may look through the eyes of your ego and not feel so abundant -- and that my friends, is the journey. You will expand as a result.