Whether as a life coach or when speaking to groups, I am often asked whether we can create more presence in our life. We certainly can. Since charisma and presence is a form of energy, the question is how do you go about creating energy– And then there’s the question of what type of energy.

If you look at charisma or presence as magnetism then charisma can be used in a good or bad way depending on the intention of the person…There are some people that are just plain charismatic no matter what they do…But let’s talk about what we can do to create it in our lives…To me charisma is a matter of creating more presence. So how do you do that?

1.Increase your energy by exercising and breathing fully….
2.Have a discipline like meditation, yoga or Tai Chi that creates prana or chi.
3.Be aware of the phrasing and cadence of your words.
4.Eat lots of fruits and vegetables in that they contain a lot of water which is what our body needs.
5.Be aware of your environment.
6.Notice how you move or dance.
7.Be a little unpredictable.
8.Find something that you are passionate about…that will transfer to other areas of your life.
9.Develop a connection with a higher power.
10. Become impeccable-keep your agreements not only to other people, but to yourself. Most of us are pretty good when it comes to keeping agreements with other people. The challenge is to to keep them with ourselves….to eat healthier, to exercise, to practice self-care.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

In a life coaching session the other day I was working with let’s call him Les. You know him. He is the collective consciousness for most all of us. His concerns are our concerns. Les is obsessed about an unknown future. We all know that life is unpredictable. Now his story and the details of it might be different than yours, but the essence of it is the same. Les’s business is struggling because of the economy. It’s not directly affecting him but it’s his concern that down the road it will. So he thinks about what might happen in the future, rather than what’s happening in the moment. In fact he more than thinks about it, he obsesses.

I’ve seen this pattern repeat itself with many of my clients. The constant decision making, and the concerns about the future, rob them of the joy of the present moment.

I reminded Les to focus on his self care. And if you have been following me for a while, you know that for me it’s meditation. It’s creating that time in your day, when you experience those moments of peace. And after a while you begin to experience it throughout most of the day.

Make it a priority. It is your life. And how you experience your life is a reflection of your inner state.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

Do you sometimes feel like you are stuck in your life? It might be a dead-end career or a relationship that has run its course. But rather than making a change, you hang in there, hoping it will get better. You have become more comfortable staying in what’s not working, than exploring the unknown. It’s the fear of the unknown that keeps us stuck in our life. You are not alone.

That’s the way it is with many of the clients who I work with in life coaching. They hope things will get better, so they’re willing to tolerate what’s not working, rather than making a change. They have lost that sense of a life that can be exciting again. Because they are so wrapped up in the struggle of making it, they lost that inner sense of joy and wonder. They would love to be excited about their life again, but are reluctant to make the changes that need to be made.

They hope that something will miraculously change that will inspire them. But it won’t until they are willing to embrace the unknown and embark upon a new path. it’s the willingness to go down that path that you haven’t gone down before…. so that you become an explorer again.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. 415.453.5016 http://www.inspirepossibility.com

One of the biggest challenges that we face in this busy world is how to live our life in harmony with our deepest values. Discovering what these values and priorities are, is the first phase of a six step process that I take my life coaching clients through.

In the second phase, which may be the most difficult, we work on establishing clear boundaries, which requires you to say “no.” For many people, this is one of the most difficult words to say. Whether it’s in a personal relationship or in the workplace many are fearful of the repercussions if they say ”no,” and or reluctant to disappoint another.

But think of the alternatives, by acquiescing, you end up agreeing to live someone else’s life and resenting it. To put it another way, setting clear boundaries is about reclaiming your life and reclaiming your power.

For example, many busy clients that I work with in coaching want to have a relationship, but forget to ask themselves if they are willing to devote the time necessary to have one. If they really want the relationship, then they have to say “no” to other things. It might be saying “no” to working late. How many people do you know who are workaholics? I’ve known more than a few that have sacrificed their relationship for careers. They didn’t have their priorities straight. I remember one client in particular, let’s call him Joe, who worked all the time even though his wife complained about it. When I asked Joe what he would do if his wife left him because he wasn’t emotionally available, he told me that it would never happen. Well Joe was wrong. She left and Joe did everything he could to try to repair the relationship but it was too late.

My friend, Betty, who has a masters degree in social work, values her free time. She said “no” to time consuming career advancements, so that she could have more leisure time.

When I was much younger and just out of school I wanted to keep developing my musicality, which was a passion of mine. Even when I was a busy lawyer I always made time to study and to play music. To make it happen I had to say “no” to many other things but it was worth it. When looking back I realize that what I said “no” to wasn’t actually that important.

When you reclaim your life you find out that you have more empowering choices than you realize. As you reclaim your power you live your life from choice rather than fear. Here are a few suggestions to help you with this inquiry.

• Begin your day with meditation.
• Take some time to read a spiritual or personal growth book.
• Take some time to commune in nature.
• Eat healthy and exercise.
• Don’t forget to take a deep breath and smile!

Living a life in balance takes resourcefulness and commitment. The good news is, as time goes on, it gets easier. It’s an exciting journey with new opportunities being presented constantly.

JOURNEY ON

MARK
Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. 415.453.5016 http://www.inspirepossibility.com

In a life coaching session yesterday with let’s call her Carol we had an interesting discussion about how resistance shows up in her life.

The challenge is that resistance has many disguises, many of which we don’t recognize. There is the obvious—”avoidance.” If we are honest with ourselves, we usually are able to notice this tendency. There’s “procrastination” which is a form of avoidance.

But I’m talking about a different type of resistance–a resistance that is unconscious. It’s a resistance that prevents us from being fully present. It might show when we are a little tired and we miss what is being said or is happening in the moment…or it might show up when our mind thinks about something other than what we are doing in the moment….we’re talking with someone and we are thinking about what we have to do later. That’s the classic situation that we all find ourselves in from time to time. We’re not fully present with life.

It’s these unconscious patterns that run our lives. We also have resistance to change. Why? Because of our fear of the unknown. For example…let’s say we are stuck in a dead-end career, but it provides us financial security. If we were guaranteed a better situation, we wouldn’t hesitate to leave….it takes courage to make the changes that we need to make in our lives and face the unknown. It’s facing the unknown that is our ticket to personal freedom. In the meantime…smile and laugh a little bit more than yesterday.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. 415.453.5016 http://www.inspirepossibility.com

I just got back from my chiropractor’s office. For a long time he had been telling me that his role was to help me maintain my spinal health…that because of my age there was a stiffness that I would have to live with and as long as I wasn’t in pain there was nothing to worry about.

I have also been doing yoga for many years. Yoga has given me hope that as I age rather than becoming stiffer and less able to engage in activities, I would become more flexible and be more active no matter how old I was. And I do notice a difference. I’m more flexible than I have ever been and with each year I become more flexible.

So I have to admit that the chiropractors past prognosis was disappointing.

However today he said that he has been noticing that my spine is more flexible than its ever been and that he should have recognized what was possible with a commitment to a regular yoga practice. He said that my progress was an inspiration to him and that I have been actually reversing the aging process.

It reinforces my commitment to a regular practice. Self care is a path not a solution. It’s an evolutionary process. It’s never too late to begin the journey. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

Smile and don’t forget to laugh a little bit more than yesterday.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. 415.453.5016 http://www.inspirepossibility.com

I had the privilege to visit the site of a project that one of my life coaching clients,our good friend Les, an architect, was designing. It was a fabulous project with incredible views of the reservoir and the ocean. The hacienda style house was almost built. The finishing touches will be complete within the month.

I would describe it as simple elegance. It blended in perfectly with the lay of the land. Our possible view was maximized and as you walked around there was a organic feeling that gave you the feeling that you were home. This was a plum job…perhaps one the most idyllic jobs in the county. And Les was the architect…this wasn’t the only plum that was coming Les’s way.

Yet Les didn’t see himself in that light. Les downplays his accomplishments, so much so that he doesn’t see himself on the same level as some of the other architects who are his competitors.

I suggested to Les that he begin to see himself as a star (or any adjective that would empower him)…to realize that this is his time to shine and that the universe has recognized his greatness before he has.

That’s the way it is for many of us….we are our own worse critic…we would never talk to a friend the way we talk to ourself.

So that’s why I suggested to Les to see himself as a star…he doesn’t have to concern himself with thinking that he might be boastful. No one will ever think of him in those terms. For Les a little more ego can go a long way. For many others that’s not the case.

Like many of us, Les has arrived. It’s our time. Our star is shining bright. All we need to do is say to ourself…thankyou…thankyou and to enjoy the journey. And don’t forget to smile and laugh a little bit more than yesterday.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change. 415.453.5016 http://www.inspirepossibility.com

I like to go to the movies. It’s not that often that I get totally involved with the characters. I saw The Great Buck Howard the other night. I gave it a 9. The protagonist, Troy, drops out of law school to work for Buck Howard, a mentalist. When his father finds out that he had dropped out of law school, he tries to convince him to go back. But Troy pursues his his dream and follows his heart to become a writer.

It takes courage to follow your heart. Quite often it’s not the safe thing to do and you experience the ups and downs of trying to make things work financially. But you do have the potential to experience more passion in your life. i left a safe law career to pursue the work that I am doing now. It’s been an exciting adventure and certainly has gotten me out of my comfort zone. Of course I don’t have the external security I once had. But I am on a path that keeps getting more exciting each day.

So it’s a choice that you have to make. Do you want the security of a safe career or the adventure of being a trail blazer. I have tended to be the trail blazer type, but I have also gone about it in a practical way. I like to think of myself as a practical mystic. “Reach for the sky but at the same time be grounded.” When I have the basics covered, I am more willing to step out and go for it.

How do you think about your life? Are you playing it too safe? Or perhaps you are being too foolish at times? And maybe there is a balance.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, Executive and Life Coach, Visionary Speaker and Inspirational Leader, has a unique background. Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change will be released in the fall of 2009. http://.www.inspirepossibility.com

When you feel inspired, what is possible in your life seems unlimited. You have a “can do attitude” and things that might ordinarily bother you, don’t seem to get in the way. You have a confidence and knowing that everything is going to be ok.

I am sure that most of you have experienced this state and are familiar with what i am saying. So if that’s the case, the bigger question is how do you get inspired.

I am also sure that each of us has our own strategy to get into this state of being. I have found that how I start my week goes a long way in creating the mood for the week. I have also found that having a Sunday ritual is a big element in creating this state. My week seems to go better and I have created an expectation now that this will be the case. The Sunday ritual is different for each of us.

For several years I have been going to New thought churches such as Science of Mind and Unity to give me that spark. While it is true, that sometimes I don’t find the services stimulating or inspiring, it is the time afterwards to connect with community that I enjoy. This seems to work for me. Perhaps for you it might a more traditional church. My wife, Annie has a different ritual. She goes to a regular dance class Sunday morning that gets her humming in the right mood for the rest of the day and sets the tone for the week.

I have also found that reading inspiring books in the evening before falling asleep gives me a certain sense of peace.

When we feel inspired there is less uncertainty and a knowing that you are on the right path.
And at the same time there is a feeling of “walking in freedom,” that effortless quality that you feel when life just flows.

I’m not suggesting that you completely overhaul your life. But what is one thing that you could integrate into your life, that would inspire you? What would you have to change to make this happen”

In the meantime, smile and laugh a little bit more than yesterday. And
JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, Executive and Life Coach, Visionary Speaker and Inspirational Leader, has a unique background. Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change will be released in the fall of 2009. http://.www.inspirepossibility.com

Life’s seasons are amazing and always full of surprises, some of which you are not prepared for. I always look forward to the winter rains filling up the creeks. There’s nothing more soothing than taking a walk in nature in the midst of rushing water on the way to a cascading waterfall. And yes in our busy lives it’s important to take the time to enjoy these special moments.

This winter has been fairly mild; so mild that there was concern about a possible drought, which is certainly a contrast to a few years ago when we had the many storms and floods. Just about when we had given up hope of any rain, the late storms came and the creeks and reservoirs began filling up. The trails have been glorious.

But then I think back to a few years ago when we were in the middle of a major storm. Like many challenges that we face in our life, you sometimes wonder if it will ever end. You also know that after the storm there is a sense of calmness, clarity and beauty. You feel lighter.

Spring is perhaps my favorite season. As spring approaches I notice the first wild flowers, the blossoms on the fruit trees and the abundance of birds in the trees. In the evening, the sky is clear and I notice the many stars and the brightness of the moon.

Spring is a time of new beginnings as we ready ourselves for the spring ritual with its sense of optimism and hope. As you think about what you want to harvest, you pull out the weeds and prepare the soil for planting. Think of the weeds as the limiting beliefs that clutter your mind, and the seeds that you plant as ideas in the form of possibilities in the garden of your mind.

How you cultivate your garden determines your harvest. Sometimes you’ll pour seeds right from the package onto the soil and at other times you follow a systematic plan of planting every few inches. Some seeds and we don’t know which ones, emerge from the darkness toward the light and become healthy plants that nurture us in many ways. Not only do they provide food for the body, they provide food for the soul. From the darkness there is a miraculous process that gives birth to creation. That’s the way it was for each of us. We emerged from the darkness of the womb to the light of the day.

What we harvest in the future from these seeds becomes our destiny. This spring let us be inspired by the ritual of spring to think bigger–to think about what we can plant that will transcend our normal way of looking at spring. Think of spring as a time of possibility. Be sure to plant some seeds that won’t have to be replanted next year, that will grow and can be harvested and enjoyed by future generations. We are talking about creating a vision. What we stand for now, determines the future for ourselves, the generations to come after us, and the planet earth.

Sometimes an inspiring poem says it all. This poem, written in 500 B.C. by an anonymous Chinese poet, is most poignant. Enjoy the poem.

The Harvest

If you are thinking a year ahead,
sow seed.
If you are thinking ten years ahead,
plant a tree.
If you are thinking one hundred years ahead,
educate the people.
By sowing seed once,
you will harvest once.
By planting a tree,
you will harvest tenfold.
By educating the people,
you will harvest one hundredfold.

We educate with our ideas. We lead with our vision. Imagine there’s a movie screen, the movie screen of your mind that connects with the universal mind of the world. Imagine you have a magic power that can influence the way people think. You can empower the world to think differently. What do you want them to know? What is your hope for yourself, your community and the world?

My hope is that we all will share our vision. When enough of us share the same vision and commit to it we can create an unstoppable force of possibility. We want to experience love and that sense of connection. We long for peace on the planet and want to see an end to world hunger.

When we feel connected to each other, to nature and to this empowering presence, we know we are not alone. From this place of knowing, we know that what is possible in our lives is unlimited. As spring unfolds it is my hope the seeds you plant renew your sense of hope and optimism. May you be inspired by this journey. By “you being you,” you make a difference.

As you Journey On, make your life an exciting journey of discovery.

Mark

Mark Susnow, Executive and Life Coach, Visionary Speaker and Inspirational Leader, has a unique background. Throughout his life, Mark has always made a practice of taking a leap of faith whenever he heard the call for something more. His life has been an unfolding journey of discovery. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Finding Joy and Meaning in the Midst of Change will be released in the fall of 2009. http://.www.inspirepossibility.com