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Lessons from Bimini- love well and live Romantically everyday

Jun 7th, 2013 by

 

Bimini Magic

Swimming with my soul-sister and our Pod

“One who has loved truly, can never lose entirely. Love is whimsical and temperamental. Its nature is ephemeral, and transitory. It comes when it pleases,and goes away without warning. Accept and enjoy it while it remains, but spend no time worrying about its departure. Worry will never bring it back.”

-Napoleon Hill

 

I love this quote. I remember a time when I could not find love no matter where I looked.  Looking back, I now see I was already in love. My love affair was with my life in the city, my art, my friends and most importantly my freedom. Romance is a choice, it does not happen to you- it meets you where you are. It waits for you to engage in the dance in whatever form it appears in. It is up to you to notice it has entered the room.

As a gift to myself- this May I took a retreat to Bimini, a tiny island off the coast of Florida in the Bahamas. I went to play with wild dolphins, connect with like-minded seekers and to be with myself- my real self.

It was a miraculous trip, filled with revelations and contrast. I learned so much by just being aware and connected to whatever unfolded. The island has changed me in ways I could never explain to you other than by saying- GO.

Go make space to romance yourself, watch closely what happens when you do. Pay as much attention to what rattles you as what soothes and ignites you. Allow yourself to love yourself at least as much as you have loved others and watch- watch what happens with great awareness. Take in every “coincidence”, accept every sign, nudge or nod. See that life is reaching out for you and waiting for you to return it’s embrace. You are loved, deeply and more widely than you may have noticed. All of nature supports you and waits for your respect and reciprocation.

Make time to look deeper into what isn’t so you can see what is. I can not do this for you, you must claim it for yourself. I can however tell you this: Love comes to you in the most surprising ways, In a long-held gaze from a spotted dolphin, a friend who accepts you, a group that does not judge you or an island that heals you in every way you will let it.

Choose today to Love yourself with gentle devotion, so that others who love you will know how to show you their love.

I am returning to Bimini this Fall -because as a good friend said a few days ago… “It seems like you belong there” -and I do.

Thank you to my pod, the warm and loving Bimini people and my host Joe- The Dolphin Whisperer

Light and love,

Nicola Jones

 

 

 

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Question- “How do I find stillness?” The answer:

Apr 25th, 2013 by

Could you be missing something? Have your prayers already been answered?

Posted in AFFIRMATIONS, FOOD AND GARDEN | No Comments »

The truth about Evil

Apr 16th, 2013 by

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Evil is a real and tangible force in this world. It exists, it persists and we must deal with it’s terror and distortion of our true purpose. When unfathomable tragedy strikes, when we witness senseless suffering inflicted by another we are tested.

At first it feels as though our collective heart stops beating. Then- almost instantly the miraculous happens: our heart rapidly expands. In moments of deep sadness and loss, humanity’s heart takes over from the mind… and that is when divine action unfolds. We see in an instant there are more helpers and healers than harmers. At once, humanity races like a legion of charging bulls towards the insanity – driven to help, determined to overwhelm the darkness with heroic acts of compassion.

I do wish -like you that I could wipe out evil and cast away darkness forever. Until that day I rest in this knowledge…

The truth: The light will always overtake the dark. The vast majority seek to bring it and and there will always be more who seek the light than those who commit to spreading darkness.

Today, with every step you and your children are blessed to take… commit to bringing peace and hope. Shine brighter today, stare down hateful acts with love and know that it is a choice- make the right one today and always.

Blessings to Boston and those who are suffering.

Nicola Jones

 

 

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Animals – Secret Sages and Gurus?

Mar 26th, 2013 by

Today I did something completely out of the ordinary…I watched a YouTube video featuring cheeky baby lambs-

EIGHT TIMES.

Ya I know, that is a little koo-koo and maybe even a time-waster in someone’s eyes.

But today, I did not care. After laughing alone every time, I then decided to share it on Facebook, then play it for my son and okay yes..my dog (we wanted to to see what he would do).  At this point you may be thinking I have lost it a little…

Perhaps I have gone all rainbow/sparkles with a side of unicorn and pixie dust?

You know why I watched those bouncy little bundles of lamb cuteness??

It brought me JOY.

You know what doesn’t bring you JOY? Reliving the same drama or victim story over and over again. Or obsessing about your weight…cleaning grout stains…shaving your legs or gossiping on the phone while your kids sitting in the grocery cart waiting for you to notice them. You know what those leaping lambs reminded me of today?

Animals are a doorway to peace.

Animals know how to really live- when we let them. They express themselves with such integrity and abandon, transcending the need for language they connect us to spirit. These perceptive beings help us recover who we really are through our relationships with them.

Find any great spiritual teacher and you’ll certainly find at minimum a pet-lover or even an animal advocate. We may ignore or even abuse them, but  animals are astonishingly patient and forgiving. Look at our pets. Relentlessly they try to get us to wake up even after we ignore them for days. When we finally acknowledge them- the respond with a resounding YES!! They are thrilled we have agreed to join them and play in the only moment that really exists: the present.

Recognising our connection to all sentient beings is part of waking up to the insanity humans have been part of for decades. Who hasn’t looked into the eyes of a pig on a transport truck bound for slaughter and felt a wave of grief? Are we going about our survival the right way?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As I write this, my Golden Retriever  Blue is intently looking out the window. Eagerly watching the would-be squirrel bandits who dart across our fence line  (surely plotting something).  Just seeing him there makes me smile. All my dogs have been adoptions from various pounds or rescue organizations and each has taught me how to be a more compassionate and aware being. I feel deeply honoured to have had these 9 years with my boy Blue and his influence on my son is immeasurable.

He has been his  faithful confidant, soft place to fall and watchful friend.

My son has a deep love of animals thanks to what our Blue has shown him and not what any adult could have “taught” him.

All animals have something to teach us if we could just be still and listen for a while. They are so much more than a meat source, in fact that is the least of their value. Sometimes I catch myself in an unconscious pattern of rushing from one thought or chore to the next. When I become aware of that, I often look down to see Blue watching and patiently waiting-  for my return to the present moment.

Allow yourself the pleasure and honour of an animal’s company today. It may just be a changing day in your life.

See Cheeky Lamb video here!!

 

Be well, watch the video- : )

Nicola

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Posted in FUNNY STUFF, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND IDEAS, RELATIONSHIPS | 2 Comments »

Running in Heels- How Top Moms are Making Money and Positive Change

Feb 10th, 2013 by

 

The Mommy Inc. movement is unstoppable… and for good reason. For the first time in history WOMEN have the tools to do what they love and not at the sacrifice of who they love. Access to Education and the most powerful communication tool in history: The Internet, has ensured we finally have equal footing.

It does take planning, intention and clarity, but we women know: You  can  run  in  heels.

Today’s Savvy Mom needs to balance babies and business plans and look hot doing it- so  how does she do it? The secret to Mompreneur success is taking your reality from a “Me-first” world to a”We-first” world.

What is she talking about? Let me explain:

Why is it when we see a woman who seemingly “Has it all” we feel a little twinge of envy or worse: resentment? FEAR- IS always the answer… and always the area we need the most work. But where does this fear come from?

Fear of the the success of others comes from the delusion of  SCARCITY or LACK.

GREAT NEWS! You can change this right now!

Look around you, this is an abundant Universe that is driven to create, expand and regenerate and you are a part of that. Drop the lone soldier approach now and eliminate this false fear. Soon you will tap in to the REAL riches of this life and yes…start to see them in your bank account, lifestyle health and attitude.

Don’t be afraid of the success of others, cheer them on and see it as a reminder that you too can enjoy a better quality of life. Take Dragons’ Den diva Arlene Dickinson for example. This single mom of 4 overcame a lack of training and education to build an empire. She graduated  at 16,  married at 19 and divorced by 28. With fearless vision she has quickly become a symbol of female entrepreneurship and a powerful ally to women entrepreneurs world-wide. Many Mompreneurs have benefited from her compassion and wisdom – because Arlene “gets” that we are all connected. Do you?

Here is how you can boost you business, sales and quality of life RIGHT NOW and connect to your bigger success!

1) You must L.O.V.E  and share what you do.

Laugh at the setbacks

Optimize your time

Vanquish negative talk about yourself and others

EnJOY your work

2.) If you don’t love what you right now do start with changing HOW you do.

If there is no vision and purpose driving your business it will struggle and likely fail. If you have fallen out of love with your work try to change the way you work if you can not change the work.

- Change your hours

- Change your environment

- Change your mission

-Change your attitude to gratitude

3.) The Support Network

I love all the Mompreneur mega-watts I am seeing out there these days. Things have changed in the last decade! Now more than ever there are so many great mentors and examples to inspire women to follow their calling and pursue that business idea!

4.) Get the tools and learn how to use em!

I hear this from a lot of my clients ” But I don’t know what my dreams are anymore”…” I don’t know how to do this”. I feel ya- that was me too at one time. Until- a few life-changing experiences and decisions pushed me hard enough to learn. You can end the cycle right now and join me this March for my afternoon intensive: Renovate My Life. Take it from me or my clients- everything will change…for the BETTER.

Until then- here is a free tip on on me!

Try this: Every day around noon take a break. Visualize life in the form of an abundant and endless as a stream. No beginning and no end. Timeless, limitless and gently flowing and you are on the edge of it. You step in and fill your cup and can drink as much or as little as you like and as often as you like. You treat with care the life-force of the stream so that it will continue to nourish all on it’s banks. See that there is PLENTY for every one. Remind yourself daily that the creative force behind it all works with out limitations and you too are limitless.Fill your cup and pass it on! Hit like or share and show women that you too believe in a WE- first world. Go get em!

Do well,

Nicola Jones

for more FREE ideas subscribe to Nicola’s blog HERE

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Working on your CORE

Feb 3rd, 2013 by

Having a solid core is something we hear a variety of health practitioners, trainers and athletes refer to often these days. When we have a weak core …our bodies do not function at their best and we develop deficiencies or injuries in other areas. When we do not strengthen our core the whole structure is compromised. When my low back is out or my abs weaken… all sorts of wonky things happen and my efforts are diluted.

The same concepts apply to your CORE VALUES. When we don’t know who we are, when we don’t establish our core values and act from them- our efforts are often scattered, ineffective and the results may not reflect your true desires. This can be true in your personal, professional and family life. For the past 4 weeks I have been hosting an intensive Vision Board series with group of dedicated and open individuals and families. They are willing to do the work on their CORE and I am proud of their commitment and focus.

Read this Harvard Business Review article on how elite businesses like Hewlett-Packard, 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Merck, Sony, Motorola, and Nordstrom ensured their long-term success through establishing solid core values. “BUILDING YOUR COMPANY’S VISION”

READ ARTICLE HERE

Be well,

Nicola Jones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Creature Comforts

Jan 15th, 2013 by

My winter relief: Ecco Bella Herbal Body Lotion- www.eccobella.com

I was chatting with my Make up artist Deepa Berar this morning about skin and hair issues and I was again raving about the incredible effects I have witnessed by juicing daily. Juicing can help to heal skin and reduce inflammation among many other benefits. I am at almost a month of  juicing now- never missed a day and so glad I started! Another life-changing discovery for me this winter was Ecco Bella’s Herbal body lotion. This ultra rich/ ultra luxurious lotion has been like a salve for my dry, flaky and eczema-prone skin. it is 70% Organic and has no preservatives. I love both the Lavender and Vanilla scents- a lot of lotions are too perfumey for me. I am reading the ingredients list right now...Aloe, Sunflower oil, Sesame oil, Chamomile – even vitamin E. It really IS my winter barrier and such a relief for my sensitive skin. Sadly I am not one of those girls who can go with out moisturizer- been wearing it for 30 years. Oh let me tell ya, I have spent a fortune trying to find the right fix … that lasts.

Yes- I know how frustrating it can be to waste money on products that are not effective and cost a fortune. Ecco Bella is not only affordable but cruelty free. You can baste yourself in it knowing neither your wallet or our animals and environment were harmed for your comfort! Enjoy the skin you are in!

 

Be wee- feel well!

Nicola Jones

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RENOVATE MY LIFE! The lucky 13 for a fabulous 2013!

Jan 4th, 2013 by

Pause to plan 2013

I love doing a life audit and this year I need to. A lot will be changing for me in the New Year and I want to make sure with the “Structural” changes I am making are supported by healthy and exciting Life changes.I often help people RENOVATE their life and I wouldn’t be true to my own calling if I did not do the same for mine.

We are all in this together, infinitely connected. Won’t you join me in taking steps towards a more conscious and powerful life?  Here are some helpful ways you can make 2013 lucky and limitless!

1. Juicing up

I bought a fantastic Juicer for myself this Christmas and I have been revving it up once to twice a day ever since. The change  in my skin is nothing short of miraculous. Do your own research but I do it first thing in the morning in addition to a healthy diet and not as a meal substitute.

2. Be kinder- explore more vegetarian options

This year more than ever I plan on making “Kinder” food choices. Kinder towards other living beings and kinder to my body. I now wear exclusively cruelty free and organic skin and cosmetics by Ecco Bella (www.eccobella.com) and I am always on the look out for sustainable fashion. Part of becoming more conscious requires making more responsible choices. How will you live kinder?

3. Reduce alcohol to weekends only and coffee to occasional.

I may go a little loopy for a few weeks but I like a challenge. I’m drinking half- caff organic coffee these days and now that the holidays are over I am committing to weekend wine sipping only. (whoa boy) I really enjoy wine- but alcohol and caffeine are skin irritants so I am cutting back. (Balance works better than Banishment for me- I don’t think deprivation is good for my soul).

4. Mix fitness with fun and take the “work”… out of work-out!

I’m soo excited for some dance-tone classes I have registered for and I got a great dance DVD work out for Christmas that I plan to try with my little guy. I’ll be jogging to school to get my son more this year and hitting the trails with my dog too. What makes you smile, laugh or feel sexy? Can you get creative with the way you move and find YOUR groove this year?

5. Give the right amount to the right places

We often feel called to give but confused as to where or how. I’m the honorary chair of Food 4 Kids- an organization I love, I give often to the Food Bank and Oxfam but this year I need to cut back on giving away too much of my time. Before we say yes to requests, there is a simple way to be sure your generosity is well spent. Before responding to any invite or choosing an opportunity, ask yourself : “Can my presence create powerful change here or is it better spent somewhere else?

6. Grow the Entrepreneurial self

Put your creations on Etsy, write that book, draw up that business plan, blog or do some consulting on the side. Tapping into that entrepreneurial spirit does more than just multiply revenue streams…it is you expressing yourself and your ideas to the world! Weaken the grip of pay cheque addiction and discover new gifts and a little extra play money!

7. Read more offline than online

In the past few weeks I have cut back time on Facebook and Twitter which has made space for more important and enlightening reads. What books call to you but collect dust as you surf the web, pin -it it or tweet? Books are buddies that are bursting at the bindings with inspiration, insight and adventure…go on…just try a page, you’ll wonder what took you so long.

10. Make millions…of powerful thoughts, moments and yes dollars

Why not?

11.  Discover a new Mentor

An author, a community member, some one you admire. Find successful examples and learn from the success patterns of others to help you get the results you desire. I love doing interviews for this reason. You would be surprised how much you can learn by just asking a question. Mentors are like signposts or maps pointing you in the right direction, receive the help and guidance that is available to you with gratitude and PAY IT FORWARD.

12. Cherry pick your pals and spit out the pits

Don’t go for the low hanging fruit, pick only the best. Friends can be even more influential than your family so choose them wisely. When you meet some one you really like, make an effort to spend more time around them. Choose to bring high vibrational people into your life and limit your exposure to those who drain you.

13. Say Yes to opportunities, ideas and life…say no to time suckers and wasters.

Are you saying an enthusiastic YES to life? Can you feel passionately engaged in something if not every hour at least every day? Don’t be a yes person…just live a YES life. Open your heart and soul to what life has to offer and choose to be engaged. No more numbing out, no more avoidance…get in the game and play to win- win yourself back.

Have a wonderful, magical and fun 2013!

Be really well,

Nicola Jones

Posted in AFFIRMATIONS, INSPIRING PEOPLE AND IDEAS, You decide | 2 Comments »

STOOOOOOOOOP!

Dec 19th, 2012 by

STOP LOOK LISTEN

 

Are you up to your earrings in B.S.? Feeling a little shaky on the heels and ready to reach for a scrunchie and some grubby sweats and hide?

Well don’t.

Don’t do it.

Don’t you dare collapse into a tangled heap of lipstick and Lycra to drown yourself in bad TV Movies. You are made of better stuff than this… and this feeling…the feeling that you are about to “breakdown”, has arrived to tell you something important. This feeling is directly tied to your reason for being here at all. Don’t let TRAGEDY derail your drive to make positive change. We need you to be a lantern in this world now more than ever.

You will not hear your calling if you are numbing out with distraction…however tempting that is. You must MUST sit still and observe your feelings. What are they telling you? What must change in order for you to feel Hopeful? Inspired and:  GOOD ENOUGH?

Pain, fear, anger are messengers. Signals of change. Change you must not accept but actually initiate yourself.

You know the feeling when you are coming down with something like a flu? Achy, tired somewhat muddled and confused… Your soul shows similar symptoms when it is under siege.

This means it is time to STOP.

It is time to assess and determine the right treatment for healing and growth.

Don’t waste another year feeling angry at the way things are, spiritually bankrupt and physically frazzled. Make 2013 your year, the year of the BIGGER VERSION OF YOU.

Stand up and shine on.

Nicola Jones

 

 

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SALE STRATEGIES- HOW TO MAKE YOUR MONEY MATTER

Nov 23rd, 2012 by

A special gift from my friend Karen (and her hens)

Some lovely home grown eggs some one special gave me.

 

 

Off to do some weekend shopping? Are you able to prioritize and do you feel like you manage money efficiently and effectively, getting the best for the best price? ? Hey- I have clipped a few coupons in my lifetime, rattled the sale racks and I do love a good deal…there is nothing wrong with saving money. Cash has enormous energy. Hold on to it too tightly and you block the flow of it… throw it away and it may not come back to you.  How you treat money determines how it treats you- that is an ABSOLUTE FACT.

Here are my tips for keeping your head and avoiding overindulgence and excess when shopping the isles and racks for you or a friend.

1) Give only the best.

This applies to everything (time, words, food, gestures, objects) but especially gifts. Donate your favourite meal to the local Food Bank, not the old can of pie filling you did not use. When you carefully choose something of quality, even the smallest gesture becomes large in it’s meaning. Remember: More is actually Less. In fact, It can sometimes be wasteful and  irresponsible.  When you select carefully and give what you feel is the best- you feel good about giving it and often the receiver feels the sentiment of what you gift more deeply.

2) Buy from stores/companies/shops/ people you respect and show respect to what is important to you.            (products sourced sustainably/reasonable warranties/excellent service)

Not only is the energy in the product cleaner and packed with greater intention- but you are telling retailers you demand better. 10 years ago you had to hunt and over-pay for organic, now it is so competitively priced and readily available! There is no need to buy a cheap plastic toy that will soon end up in a landfill…you can find beautiful handmade pieces at Church Christmas bazaars or buy 1 well made toy instead of 4 crappy quick-grabs.

3) Make a list and stick to it.

Nuff said.

4) THIS MAY SHOCK YOU:

Go ahead and buy something for you on your shop for them. If you really love it  -do it. Really!! If you can afford it… and that cashmere throw calls out to you like a warm hug- treat yourself. By choosing to surround yourself with things that are useful and that make you feel fantastic- you will bring that energy to every part of your life. It is important to give to yourself from time to time- especially when it really calls to you.

5) Smile when you spend.

Each time you spend, every purchase you make…breath, smile and say thank you. Do not cringe inside- shoppers remorse is toxic. Until you can feel a deep appreciation for the riches in your life- do NOT dole out the dinero. Feel fortunate to be able to give and do so freely with-out regret …or do not do it at all.

6) Enjoy the process and be present for presents!

Shopping is not a competitive sport to be done in heels and under duress. Decide to be intentional and unaffected my the heavy marketing and mayhem around you. If it starts to get to you then- leave. You always have that choice …there is a difference between quitting and letting go!

 

Be well, spend well- enjoy the Season!

Nicola Jones

 

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