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A Message from Tama

Stop Wrestling with your Genius: Are You Making Yourself Wrong, for Doing Something Right?

Are you making yourself wrong--- for doing something right?

Chances are, you are. It’s not easy to stray from the pack-- especially when you’re not sure where you’re going. But I’d like to remind you that it’s more important to listen to yourself than it is to “get it right.”  You are here to proclaim yourself, become everything you are-- by blessing every part of you-- giving birth to a new way to breathe and succeed.    

Recently, I talked to a friend about how uncomfortable I feel (yes, still!) trusting myself with major business decisions. I can feel broken, not brave. For example, there are things I “should be” doing in my business. Instead, I am consciously choosing not to do them. “I feel like Moses stomping into the Red Sea, saying I know it’s going to part. Seaweed sticks to my hair.  Fish eyeball me with awe, thinking evolution doesn’t look like such a good idea after all. What if I am tossing my entire livelihood and future business opportunities into the sea, saying, that’s okay I have faith, it’s going to work out? I have a ‘knowing sense,’ glurp, glurp, glurp, so the hell with common sense.”

Let me catch you up on this conversation. Everything seems like a pivotal, biblical situation to me these days, since it’s a threshold time in my life. I’m about to launch my new book Inspired & Unstoppable: Wildly Succeeding in the Work You Love! into the world this August.(It’s already on Amazon and people have pre-ordered it!!) It’s probably as important to me, as giving birth to a child, breathing, and having a private consultation with God, not that there’s any kind of pressure or anything.  Still, I’ve decided not to employ the sales gimmicks, strategies, and marketing blitzes that other authors do. And let’s be clear. I’m not a saint. I have the same desires as those other authors. I do want to be a hit. I want to be a rock star on the book shelves, even a New York Times bestseller. Only I just don’t seem to want to do the “clever” things that “the successful” seem to do.  I’m going to launch this book in the same way I wrote it, doing only what I’m inspired to do. But I’m wrestling with myself, wishing I could be “inspired” to do more practical, commercial, bottom-line type things. You may know the feeling.

Sometimes my inclinations feel like “guidance.” Sometimes it feels like a ridiculous alien has taken over my central nervous system and made me incapable of taking the simplest of actions to drive the bus and benefit myself. Even if I wanted to lift a pinkie finger in that direction, I would surely break out in a fever, purple hives, or begin to obsessively and inexplicably yodel. “Well you could do a compromise,” friends say. I nod and place my hand over my mouth before the yodeling begins. Or barking.  At this point, it’s just smarter to call this strength or instinct and go with it.

But I haven’t been so “smart.” I still keep thinking that maybe I could opt out of my nature, call it self-improvement or growth. I could work it up to be different. I still keep thinking I should do things like a normal person, even if I am, of course, leading others into an extraordinary life.  And after the Red Sea conversation with my friend, I started feeling more depressed. I felt angry at myself and later, self-loathing morphed into shame.  Shame is the mafia to me. It can make me do practically anything to avoid it. And still I couldn’t make myself be different.

Finally I had a moment of grace. Actually, I’ll take a little bit more credit than that. I actually practiced a tool of awareness, and it helped.

Here’s what I practiced: I stopped reacting to the feeling-- and just started observing it.

It helped that I had just led an amazing retreat, and as always, created an electrically charged loving space where anyone could say anything and the transcendental energy seeped into the room and lit our eyes up from the inside out with gleaming direction and inspired power.  So I decided to listen to myself that day, as I might listen to one of the participants at my workshops.  I would never think, much less say, “Jane, you ignorant slut” or “Wow, sounds like you’re doomed. Better buy my book while you still have some resources.” Instead, I’d invite everyone to kick off their shoes and come to the party, just as they are. I’d let everyone know that every feeling or thought or insight was welcome here.  And the room, free of judgment, would flourish and flash with clarity. This is what I’m good at—at least when I teach.

 So I did a mini-workshop for one. A la carte.

I invited the frightened part of myself into the circle of my love and forgiveness. I may be crazy at times, but this much I know. I know this journey is about loving and embracing myself even more than it’s about succeeding in the world. I know that loving myself has inspired excellent choices in my life which has nabbed top-shelf results and even made me an “expert” in the world of self-help. So I look to include this part, this “failing “part, this part who can’t do it the other way. Who can’t work up the testosterone to become a Ninja-marketing-Jedi- warrior.

She sits in the corner, shivering. I know she wants to pick daisies on the hillside and encourage the caterpillars because that’s just the kind of gal she is. But then as I invite her into the circle of my love and acceptance, I see something else. She is not a too sensitive, too unrealistic, too broken part of me. She is the one who has another way. And she will not abandon her way, at the falling of a leaf or the email of yet another author doing a major campaign.  She is the one who cannot sell even a fallen eyelash of her soul. She is the one who is trusting in an inner voice even when it’s uncomfortable. She is not afraid of discomfort.

She is the one who once left an elite legal career, and had the guts to go downwardly mobile into the center of her truth when everyone else was voraciously climbing. She is the one who followed the scent on the wind instead of the monolithic advice of everyone she knew, and quit law, left the holy-grail sitting on a walnut desk. She walked past a Harvard Law degree framed upon the wall, padded down the plush carpets of massive status for the last time, and walked out into the sunlight. She is the one who gave me back my life.

She is also the one who chose not to pursue conventional publishing but to write the book of her dreams and self-publish it, so that when the giant New York publishing company picked up her book later, it was the book of her dreams and not some knock-off written to attract attention. She is the one with sacred courage. While the other part of me bellows, “we must follow the masses, we must follow the safe and proven way it’s always been done,” she quietly sits down and measures her breath. You cannot move her. She is not afraid of doing it wrong in the world’s eyes. She is afraid of doing it wrong in her own eyes. She listens to the Universe, obeys the Atman within, though she will call it her gut or the giggle of her heart’s desire.  She does not take direction from water-cooler gossip, or even the “breaking news” of CNN.  She is listening to the brazen originality of love. She is trusting another way. She is not lazy and frivolous or “checked out.” She is tuned in to her marrow, her own rhythms, the way the Universe moves her. She is not listening to the world, not because she’s reckless, but because she’s keen and picking up the scent of something else. She has another way to be-- and she trusts this quiet power even more than the noise of her fear.

So that evening, I was able to forgive myself for being myself. I was even able to entertain the thought that I was forgiving myself for being strong, enlightened, ahead of the game, stalwart, and passionate. And maybe, just maybe, my work is not going to drown.  Maybe, my fear is.

***

Take Away For You:  

Let’s invite all parts of ourselves into the circle of self-acceptance, even parts we don’t understand, parts we wish were different, parts that shake up our “image” of ourselves. Every part of you has its own logic and needs. I invite you to listen to each one’s wisdom.

I don’t know about you, but I want to bless all of myself. I want to side with myself. I want to work with myself and as myself. That’s what authentic success is all about.

Tama

P.S. I have a self-loving suggestion for you: if you want daily inspiration, motivation, and reminders, come join me on my Facebook Fan page. In addition to my daily post, you'll enjoy the love and intimate sharing that goes on there. Join us now and tell your friends and loved ones, too!

©Copyright 2012 Tama J. Kieves. All rights reserved.

Feel free to forward this copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep the entire message intact, including contact, logo, and copyright information. Thank you. This message is from Tama's monthly email newsletter
www.AwakeningArtistry.com

READY TO BE INSPIRED & UNSTOPPABLE? (And Wildly Succeed in your Life's Work?) Pre-order a copy of TAMA's new book from Amazon!!!! In GRATEFUL thanks for your support (of yourself and TAMA) we will send you a personalized message WRITTEN & SIGNED by TAMA on a label you can place in your book. Just send us your e-receipt. Also, we are currently setting up TAMA's speaking tour and if you want to bring TAMA to your backyard please let us know! We are always looking for new groups and organizations that might love to experience the fire and lasting-effects of TAMA. If you have a group or know of a group that would be interested in hosting TAMA, please let us know. Don't be shy. We can make this happen, together. Much of how we reach and create community is through miracles like you! Reach us at [email protected].

QUICKIE FREE EVENT REMINDER!

Join ME (TAMA) and 25 Guest Luminaries (SARK, Jen Louden, Marci Shimoff, Eric Maisel, & more) for The Creating Time Mega Event...3 FREE weeks of inspiration as people all over the world come together to “time travel” and create a collective community to create a new paradigm of time.

The Creating Time Mega Event celebrates the release of the new book, Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life by ArtellaLand.com founder Marney K. Makridakis. Learn more and sign up here!

Full disclaimer here…. I LOVE Marney!

UPCOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

As always, please visit our Calendar page for a complete and up-to-date listing of events. We are always adding events: http://www.awakeningartistry.com/calendar.html

Do you have friends and family in any of these areas? Please considering sharing this information with them.

In our ongoing mission to give people permission to live their authentic and creative lives, we are always looking for new groups to talk to. If you have a group or know of a group that would be interested in hosting Tama, please let us know. Much of how we reach and create community is through miracles like you!


March 2012

March 6 -- ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
Twelve-week self-paced E-Course begins
It's never too late to join this self-paced home study course!
[ More info ]
[ Watch intro video ]

March 13 -- ONLINE
A Course in TRUST
Eight-week self-paced E-Course begins
It's never too late to join this self-paced home study course!
[ More info ]

March 20 - May 8 -- Denver CO
A Course in Miracles: Living in Love Instead of Fear
Eight Tuesday nights, 6:30-8:30pm
[ More info ]


April 2012

April 22 -- Chicago, IL
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Tama speaks at Bodhi Spiritual Center's 10:00am celebration
[ More info ]

April 22 -- Chicago, IL
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Afternoon workshop at the Bodhi Spiritual Center, 1:00-3:00pm
[ More info ]


May 2012

May 1 -- ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love E-Course
Twelve-week self-paced E-Course begins
[ More info ]
[ Watch intro video ]

May 8 -- ONLINE
A Course in TRUST
Eight-week self-paced E-Course begins
[ More info ]

May 20 -- Washington, DC
Celebration Center for Spiritual Living, Falls Church VA
Tama speaks at the 9:30am and 11:00am services, then leads
an afternoon workshop 1:00 - 3:30pm
[ More info ]


June 2012

June 2 -- Denver, CO
The UN-Job Fair at Colorado Free University
Tama keynotes at this all-day event
[ More info ]

June 8-10 -- Red Feather Lakes, CO
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Retreat at the Shambhala Mountain Center
[ More info ]


August 2012

August 10-12 -- Rhinebeck, NY
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Retreat at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
[ More info ]


October 2012

October 8-12 -- Lenox, MA
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
[ More info ]





DESTINATION VACATIONS:

We are very excited about the world-class destination vacations and life-changing retreats Tama has scheduled for the coming year, and want to help you plan ahead and not miss out on the time of your life!!

JUNE 8-10, 2012
UNLEASHING YOUR CALLING:
CREATING THE WORK & LIFE YOU LOVE
Retreat at Shambhala Mountain Center
Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Do you crave meaningful work? Do you yearn to express yourself creatively, help the world, and get paid for it? Your wildest dreams are not frivolous. They are your source for inspired abilities and explosive direction. In uncertain economic times, true passion is your greatest security.

Using inspired and practical strategies, you will learn how to live from inspiration instead of fear; choose the right passion and stay on fire; tap unstoppable inner strength; turn your talents into income; uncover compelling strategies to achieve your dreams; find the support you need; and trust the power and magic of unconventional choices. Packed with breakthrough exercises, inspired group support, and passionate mentoring, take your dreams to the next level!

For more information, please download an event flyer: http://awakeningartistry.com/pdf/Shambhala-June2012.pdf
or visit the Shambhala Mountain Center's web site: http://www.shambhalamountain.org/programs/view/1783

August 10-12, 2012
UNLEASHING YOUR CALLING:
CREATING THE WORK & LIFE YOU LOVE
Retreat at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Rhinebeck, New York

Join us at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York (there is a shuttle from Manhattan). Omega's healing lakeside facility is set on 195 acres of rolling hills, meditative gardens, surrounded by woodlands. It's a walker's paradise and a healing place to slow down, relax, and breathe.

Do you feel stuck in your career? Wish you could start a business, take time out, dive into your art---and pay the bills? Your wildest dreams are not frivolous. They are your source for inspired abilities and explosive direction, and in uncertain economic times, true passion is your greatest security.

Join Tama and learn how to get past fear to discover and flourish in your authentic calling. A former corporate attorney, Tama reveals lessons she learned from her career transformation—plus practical strategies she's used to help thousands world-wide to discover and live their creative dreams. This program is packed with powerful life-changing exercises, fear-busters & fun, soul-stirring creative time and space, & passionate mentoring. Come get the support you need!

For more information, please download an event flyer: http://awakeningartistry.com/pdf/Omega-Aug2012.pdf

OCTOBER 8-12, 2012
UNLEASHING YOUR CALLING: CREATE THE WORK & LIFE YOU LOVE
In the Berkshire Mountains at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Lenox, Massachusetts

Do you feel empty in your career? Or wish you could catapult your vision or creativity into the world, and pay the bills? Come join Tama Kieves, best-selling author of THIS TIME I DANCE! Creating the Work You Love and learn how to get past fears and step into your unparalleled work in this world. As a former corporate Harvard Law School-trained attorney, turned writer, international teaching catalyst, and sought-after career coach, Tama will mentor and ignite your career transformation with breakthrough exercises she's used to help thousands world-wide to discover and live their true work in the world. Meet amazing, creative, intelligent people like you who are committed to the adventure of their lifetimes. An optional support group follows. Bring some friends...and really kick up your energy and commitment!

For more information or to register, phone Kripalu at 1-800-741-7353.

Learn more about Tama's Kripalu programs: http://www.kripalu.org/presenter/V0000791/tama_j_kieves

Watch video reviews of Tama's Kripalu programs at
http://awakeningartistry.com/kripalu-review-video.html