* Living Magically *

How to Create a Vision Book

Creating a Vision Book is a ton of fun.

I love mine, created only last weekend in a hotel room of all places, and today I’m going to share with you how I made it. First of all, just in case you haven’t heard of its original source of inspiration the Vision Board, see here for more about that. You will need to understand the premise of both before you get started.

So, the Vision Book itself is where you need to start. You could either use a notebook, an art book, a scrap book a photo album or even blank pages that you holepunch and then put into a file or ring binder. My book of choice comes from here (this link takes you to the exact one I used) and these are also the same brand as the ones I give out on my Raw Coach Training. They’re tactile, sturdy, have a really quality feel to them and the pages have enough weight to be able to hold many images and not be see through (very important for me!).

My new Vision Book is square with a white cover (see picture; the scan makes it look rectangular but it's actually a perfect square). I chose this because I wanted something compact to create within and also to feel as if I had a blank canvas on the outside as well as the inside. This was because when I came to create it I was at a place where I felt that I was open to a completely new perspective on things in my life; I just needed my inner/ higher self to be able to come through and guide me as to what images I chose.

Coming to clarity and creating simplicity for moving forward were my key intentions for this particular Vision Book, and I recommend you get clear on yours before you start as they will inform everything...

The Seven Stages of Raw Transformation

From Successfully Raw Issue 107:

I first "downloaded" (as I like to call it) "The 5 Stages of Raw Transformation" around three years ago. At the time it made complete sense and seemed perfectly complete, however, early this year it seemed like there was a little something missing. I knew that the 5 stage cycle went around again over and over, but what I wasn't bringing into the equation is: What goes on between blossoming (embodying our aspirations) and waking up again at a newer, higher and more refined level? And was it just one stage missing or more? I thought no more of it and trusted it would come to me when it was time, and so it did on a flight home from the US at the end of May - just when I least expected it, of course!

I realised that, in nature, once a flower or tree or even an animal has blossomed or grown to its potential it drops petals/ leaves/ skin/ antlers or whatever is appropriate for that creation. Unless it does so it cannot move on to the next season or phase of its life. It is actually no different for us, and you will already have experienced some of this yourself, possibly without even knowing it.

For us, and specifically for those on a raw food journey or any journey of growth, we do the same thing, namely:

Step 6) Release
Step 7) Retreat

Now That Might Explain It

I wrote in a very recent post how I felt I was in a fog/ fug. This has started to ease in the past 24 hours although I did instead take on a head cold! This may well be down to the "too many late nights" syndrome that has been my pattern for YEARS (on Saturday night I didn't go to bed at all - was out dancing! - and caught just 3 hours sleep on Sunday morning when I got home to prepare myself for my housewarming party).

However, this morning I received my "What's Up On Planet Earth New Energy Alert" which is something I subscribe to and read each time it comes out. This is a free service offered by Karen Bishop in the USA that makes for a very interesting read.

To read more click here.

Meet Ariakne Aged 12

Thank you to Beth, my former PA, for emailing me this amazing web site earlier today.

I just felt I had to share it with you... Ariakne is now 12 years old but has been painting what she considers to be messages from God for half her extremely young life so far!

Born to an athiest mother, it really is fascinating to hear her speak and see what she's channelled/ seen; I shall leave it with you...

 

Good Luck, Bad Luck - Who Can Say?

In line with my last post, the following, or a version of it is something I often quote to my Raw Food Coach trainees when they're training:

A wise farmer owned a beautiful mare which was praised far and wide. One day this beautiful horse disappeared. The local village offered sympathy to him for his great misfortune. The farmer said simply, "Good luck, bad luck - who can say?"

A few days later the lost mare returned, followed by a beautiful wild stallion. The village congratulated the farmer for his good fortune. He once again simply said, "Good luck, bad luck - who can say?"

Some time later, the farmer's only son, while riding the stallion, fell off and broke his leg. The village people once again expressed their sympathy at the farmer's apparent misfortune. The farmer again said, "Good luck, bad luck - who can say?"

Soon thereafter, war broke out and all the young men of the village except the farmer's lame son were drafted and were killed in battle. The village people were amazed at the farmer's good luck. His son was the only young man left alive in the village. But the farmer kept his same attitude: despite all the turmoil, gains and losses, he gave the same reply, "Good luck, bad luck - who can say?"

* * * * *

So why would I use this in my training?

Many reasons:

1) Sometimes clients can think something is "bad" like going into detox or having emotional issues come up, but really it is "good" - they are releasing these things and upgrading their body and Self. I use the words good and bad in speech marks simply because once again this is a matter of personal perception. Not everyone welcomes detox with open arms or a glad heart even though it is ultimately in our best interest to go through it.

2) Sometimes in business we can lose a client or a sale and the first inclination is to think "oh no!" but often, if not always, it is a good thing - the client may not have been a good fit or the sale may have led to problems.

3) A business may be slow to take off. On the face of it people can think this "bad" and something is wrong but typically it serves as a perfect stretch of time for the business owner to become fully grounded in who they are, what they are about and who they are here to serve. If the business had got busier sooner they may have lost this precious incubation time that was so important.

The list could and does go on!

When you accept everything as it is the battle against life ceases. It doesn't mean we don't have feelings or opinions, or that we can't make choices for or against something, or move closer to or further away; it simply means that we accept that there is a tapestry and a story to life that is largely invisible to our human eyes and senses that we cannot and possibly will never see. It is about trusting that whatever appears to be happening there is always so much more at work than we can ever EVER appreciate or know. We are not in charge. The sun rises anyway! The moon waxes anyway! The tides turn anyway!

When we can relax and trust that there is a higher vision for our life and our path even though we can't see it we automatically step into that flow. We go to the place where we and the Universe meet; where the magic is made and all of us rests in Truth. When we can live in this space our journey to where we want to be is smoother, easier and often faster. It also has the tendency to give us less calluses on our feet as this is the way of the river rather than the road.

The Good, The Bad and The Fugly

Well now.

It’s been an unusual past week or so. I’ve been in something of a fog – or fug as some might call it. Although it hasn't been quite that smoky or stale.

This is really unusual for me as usually I am clear as a bell, so when I have times like this it feels “bad”.

However, I am grateful that I am at a stage in my journey where I no longer think anything is “bad” – it just is what it is - it may not feel "good" but that doesn't mean it's bad!

My job now is not to lament about how “bad” something looks or feels but to ask, “What is the purpose of this? How does it serve my higher evolution and journey ahead?” – and this is the question I feel that really needs to be asked. It feels much more like the Truth.

While on a call with my life coach this week it came to me why I was in this fog. I am in transition. I am between two worlds. One boat I have stepped off of and the new one I have not yet boarded. In fact, in many respects I am still choosing what boat to get on to! This would be why. I am neither “here” nor “there”. Yes. It is fugly!

This time however I am as at peace with the fog as I am with any boat past, present or future. It is just another place. Just because it doesn’t feel as solid it doesn’t make it any more or less real. It’s as “real” as anyplace in this Universe, I often think that everything is just a mirage anyway.

Perhaps you also often question the nature of reality. Sometimes it feels solid as rock and other times as flimsy as a cobweb, as if it could be swept away at any moment and look as if "it" never happened. Like leaving a job or home town or anything, really. Once you've moved away it can all seem as if it was just a dream. No longer real. Was it ever??? I have come to the conclusion that both are true and both are false. (- It makes sense to me anyway!!)

So in this foggy place, I am probably as awake as at any other time even though it feels as if I am asleep. The fog times are intertwined with moments of stark simplicity and clarity. I think this is going to be my new "normal". I seem to be big on keeping things as simple as they can possibly be. Not a bad thing I’m sure, but I’m a complex kind of gal – or so I thought. Maybe I am just so simple I’m profound! Hehe

Anyway:
It was not my intention to go into a stream of consciousness today but more to share where I am at and my recent feelings on this label called “bad”. We are so good and so well versed in labelling in this way, especially with events that happen in our life (and with food), but I have come to see every event as for my higher good, even if it looks ugly on the surface.

In fact I don’t think I can think of a single time when something “bad” happened where something better didn’t come out of it. I would like to think that we could all start to replace the word "bad" with “different”, because that’s what it is – a contrast to what we perceive as good. But as I am venturing here, I don't think "bad" is bad after all.

And let me also add that even “good” is edging its way out of my inner vocabulary as well. Everything is perception after all, and what I may see as “good” may not be good at all - or you may not agree that it's good. Who is to say? What makes one person right or another person wrong? Who can ultimately be the judge? I am quite enjoying sitting in this space where everything “just is”. Because as I change everything around me changes. And perhaps that is the issue. One minute it’s good, one minute it’s not good depending on my inner frame of reference. It can be quite exhausting, not to mention inaccurate! So now, it just is - and "just is" is fine. I can keep all my emotional energy in tact and whole for doing what I love the most – serving people from the purest place I can dive into at the time.

Make of that what you will ~ Is it good, bad or just plain fugly? ; )

Two Weeks In...

It’s been a packed and varied few days recently. Katie (my assistant) and I have both remarked how quickly time has been going since we moved into my new home. We both now have our own offices here, one big room each, and it’s great – we’re getting super organised and a lot done between us, but it’s only today that I feel as if I’m finally starting to get on top of things.

One of the things about moving into a bigger house is the obvious: more cleaning! Thankfully I have help right now in the form of Luke’s dad who has come up to help for a week or two, and it has made all the difference. (Thanks Pete)

As far as the house goes, now all I have to do is put all my books away in order (I have hundreds) and clean out the sauna and summer house. Oh yes, and a TON of ironing!

As far as work goes, August was earmarked as my “month off” many months ago. I use the term lightly as it hasn’t really been that at all – I’ve been as busy as ever, just doing different things! But it has mixed things up a little and it’s a great time for consolidation. I've also spent some quality time with friends I just reunited with via Facebook, and that's been a blessing also. Now hat we are sorted, moving forward everything will be easier, more joyful and more organised, which can only be a good thing, and the Universe does love order (and so do I).

On my radar right now is:

• Deciding whether to have my hair cut short or not. I’ve been toying with the idea for a few weeks now and haven’t decided, so I might oscillate for a few more weeks yet...
• Deciding where to buy my clothes. Most of what I have in my wardrobe feels wrong all of a sudden; as if it was bought by a different person. I know losing a little weight and toning up a lot has much to do with it but there's other things in there too. Now I need to find new places to shop that tick very different boxes to those that used to matter to me.
• Relationships – to be or not to be? That is the question! On the one hand I’d love someone special, on the other, how would I find the time? As I’m not clear on really what I want, who knows what the Universe will deliver me... I guess it will be experiences to help me get clear!
• My work focus – there are two big things I want to focus on right now, and am doing so, intermittently, when I’m not dealing with everything else coming in! Both are very exciting and will launch in September and/or October, so soon!
• Fitness – what’s the next level? I have my next assessment next week. It will be my third and I have no clue what the results will show (although I think I have got stronger and lost some more fat) but I’d still like to be able to run for longer. The house move has interrupted the flow of my workouts and running program. I think it’s time to sort my iPod out and create something that will inspire me to run for the hour that I'm aiming for...
• Fun! Oh yes, time for fun! This weekend I have some friends coming over for a housewarming celebration which will be great. I may even go boogying Saturday night and to the cinema tomorrow night. I’ve just received my own copy of the Transformation Game*, which is brilliant, and I’m also now saving the pennies for a hot tub. I’ve seen the one I want, and I just adore adore adore laying in a hot tub after a hard day of brain work and coaching, so guess what I’m manifesting next?! That is one thing which really will be life-changing for me; that and revaping the summer house which is HUGE but needs a little TLC before it's the palace I want it to be.

Really, as you can see, the past week or so has been about getting my house in order. Now that I’m pretty much there life seems on an even keel again. A good thing as I don’t like feeling out of kilter. Now all I want to do is get these big projects birthed into life and have some fun times with my little man at dinosaur parks, castles and the like.

Life is good.

* The Transformation Game is wonderful. You can buy it online via amazon, links below:

For UK/ European shoppers click here

For US/ Amazon.com shoppers click here

Living Magically on Raw Vegan Radio

Last week I spoke to Steve Prussack of Raw Vegan radio fame for the first time in over 2 years.

A lot has happened since we first spoke... and when you listen to this call (completely free to listen to, by the way) you will hear me speak about:

* How my diet has changed and why

* The philosophy behind Living Magically and why raw food supports this

* The three most common raw food challenges brought to me in coaching calls

This interview lasts about an hour and there's a lot of real juice in there - in fact I just saw this review of it today on Melissa's blog (thank you Melissa!):

"Every so often you read or listen to something that profoundly influences you. Recently I listened to an interview with Karen Knowler on RawVeganRadio (interview 58) that really resonated with me. Are you scared to reach your true potential? Be it your dream job, the best relationships you can have, your best level of health or success in another area of your life, sometimes no matter how much you want something, the fear of what might happen if you truly reach your goals can be terrifying. Change is scary.

"Rather than go into my opinions and thoughts, I'll just leave you with my favorite quote and some resources to look into if you are interested in learning more. I think it is about time that all of us beautiful blog girls started living our dreams lives, simple and divine, and magical ones at that.

"Sometimes it can really scare people to get what they want [She then references a book called "How Much Joy Can You Stand] People don't like feeling not good, but they are scared of feeling great." KK

Listen in here and get your dose of raw inspiration today!

How's Your Magical Living Coming Along?

I've lots to say right now, but my eZine is literally just about to go out and I've briefly mentioned that I'm currently wokring on creating a group coaching program launching January 2009 and there's some info about it here.

I know, it sounds a long way off, but that's simply because I can't take on any new clients until then. Having said that, it's also because for this program I want to work with those who are really serious about creating a magical life for the long haul and so if this resonates with you now and still resonates come November when I release all the details then that's a good sign to both of us.

Here are the details I currently have:

• Group program of between 6 and 10 people (to be decided)
• Will feature two in-person group retreats at my home near Cambridge, England during 2009 - one at the start and one half way through. (You'll need to attend both)
• Will include phone coaching 1:1 and in small groups
• Will include a workbook and dream life map/ planner
• Will include other features as yet to be disclosed
• Will run for 9 months
• Price around £299 per month (approx. $580 US), all inclusive (except travel and call costs)
• Suitable for those who want to play really big (there will be other things available for those who are not so clear or passionate just yet)

Its focus will be to have you living and thriving on raw foods (80%+) while pro-actively working towards creating your dream life, whatever that may be.

If this sounds of interest then please write to me directly asap. Usually I ask people to email my assistant Katie, but for this I'd like to see your emails personally sooner rather than later.

What I'd like to see from you is:

• Why this resonates
• Where you're at in your life and where you want to be
• Where you're at with your food and where you want to be
• Where you live, age, current employment/ vocation
• Anything else you'd like me to know about you

Katie will acknowledge your email so you know we received it, and then I will keep your info on file until nearer the time so you can be the first to hear about it before it's released publically.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you - this program is going to be truly outstanding!

Where I'm At - 5 Days Into My New Home

Hi! It feels like I haven’t written for an age, so this entry will be full of many updates.

The first is that I’m in my new home – it’s great. My new heaven on earth. I keep pinching myself and thanking the Universe for giving this to me. It’s so perfect. I’m so lucky. And it feels great to keep saying “thank you” out loud and truly meaning it with every ounce of my being. So that’s how I know I’m in the right place.

Having said that, I’ve also been feeling quite exhausted. This is very unlike me as normally I am so charged up that it’s almost scary ; ) but on reflection it’s clear that it’s simply because I have some blocked energy flow right now, and that’s predominantly around clutter, as many of my boxes are still unpacked and there’s so much sorting to do. I can be quite impatient and want it all done NOW! But it's also school holidays and anyone with a 5 year old boy will likely tell you that you can't do your own thing for even a second much of the time - so for this month everything starts happening with me after 9pm at night!

Having become so sensitive to energy I have found over the years, especially after getting into raw food, that having a clear, well organised and beautiful space is beyond a “nice to have” for me – it’s imperative. So it’s telling that the first space I organised was my bedroom, then the kitchen, then my office – that just about says it all!

I am writing to you from my office right now and I’ll be taking pictures once the final boxes are in and out. But right now I am looking out into the dark night sky with a line of tea-lights lighting up my desk and the window sill – they look beautiful.

I have my most important tools around me – two laptops, my phone and my diary and I’ve literally just come off the phone from Steve Prussack of Raw Vegan Radio who has just interviewed me about Living Magically and the philosophy behind it. Very generously Steve is making the recording available for free to everyone and you’ll be among the first to know when it goes live as I’ll be posting it here. There was some juicy stuff in there and I really went into some quite profound or at least enlightening stuff around comfort eating, being true to ourselves and pursuing our dreams. I also shared how it all really started for me.

As I explained to Steve, as he did ask the question, right now I am not focussing on manifesting too much. I am in the mode of gratitude for what I have just manifested and also, as I said, just wanting to get things in beautiful order. On some level I know that what comes next will be HUGE and I need my space to be just so for me to be able to conceive it and then manifest what needs to come next. This is actually a very nice space to be in as I am not in the mode of really “wanting” or needing anything; I can just coast for a couple of weeks and get these things taken care of and then – kabam! – I will be back on form again in total pro-active, make things happen mode. In fact knowing me it will probably be less than a week, but we shall see!

Before I close for today I’m going to pick a Goddess Card on behalf of everyone reading. Sometimes I get little "instructions" like these and it's my duty to fulfil, so... I’m holding the intention that it’s perfect for all of us, so see what it means for you. Here goes...