Check out my new articles: parenting article at Elephant: http://cli.gs/sbmel and relationship article at Conscious Mind Journal: http://cli.gs/cm3w

In this newsletter: Note from LaSara: Yoga Mama's Guide to Compassionate Citizenry * Empowerment for Presence: There Is No Other * LaSara Recommends...*

As the election nears, there are questions on everyone's lips. Whether it's okay to talk about politics is one of this big ones. My opinion; it's not just alright, it's your responsibility to do so! This is a democracy, and as citizens, we are empowered to participate in the governance of our country.

Yoga Mama's Guide to Compassionate Citizenry:

1. Assume positive intent.

Just because politics tends to get dirty doesn't mean that I should add my own mud to the slinging. It can be a challenge to hold back, but doing so is good form. I want to hear your point of view, and I want you to hear mine. Let's keep it clean as we are able.

2. Generate Bodhicitta.

Bodhcitta means wisdom-consciousness, or awakened-consciousness. Engage in the political conversation from a place of wisdom and compassion. This allows you to recognize your own wounding, while allowing yourself not to react from the wounded place. It also allows you remember that everyone is doing what they think best for the world.

You don't have to agree with their methods (and you won't in many cases), but trust that everyone is doing their best. In addition to contributing to the process of your own potential awakening to the enlightened mind, it makes it easier to have a civilized conversation.

3. Don't take it personally.

While it is easy to get caught in the fervor of fear, hurt, power and probabilities, and while the outcome of election day is very important, remember that comments made about your candidate are not comments made about you. Political disagreements don't need to become personal ones.

As a business person, I know I am taking a risk by being public with my political views. But it is a risk I willingly take on, in order to be the best citizen, of this country and the world as a whole, that I can be. I respect your right and duty to do the same.

The place where politics and spirit meet is addressed in this issue's Empowerment for Presence; There Is No Other. Read on, and have an ecstatic day.

peace.

-LaSara

www.lasarafirefox.com

*****

Ready to give coaching a try? Contact me for a pre-coaching evaluation NOW! Drop a note to: firefox@lasarafirefox.com, or call 707-293-5153 to schedule.

*****

Empowerment for Presence: There Is No Other

by LaSara Firefox, www.lasarafirefox.com

I have a lot going on in my life right now, and all of it is the opportunity to achieve a more constant state (or station) of awakening to compassion. One of the largest of my personal challenges to living in my compassionate heart is Sarah Palin.

Why? To begin with, she's the iconic proof that we haven't "come a long way, baby!" at all. Palin represents the dumbing-down of America, but more painfully to me, she is the "answer" to senator Clinton's "ball-busting" demeanor. Palin is hailed by some as the perfect feminine candidate; MILF-esque, down-to-earth (folksy), and seemingly, dumb as a doornail. Ouch.

So here's the practice I am sitting with in accepting Palin as part of the undifferentiated all-that-is: three steps to cultivating compassion.

1. I recognize Palin, and my feelings for her, as my own shadow, my own wounded self seeking the light of acceptance, my own wounded femininity aspiring to recognition in a "patriarchal" world, my own fear and my own failing.

2. I awaken my "witness self", the one who easily sees my own broken parts, and loves me into wholeness, even when I feel unlovable, or unloving.

3. I allow my heart to open and grow, and visualize Palin held securely in my own heart, or enveloped in my heart-energy. I breath into this love, and allow myself to heal in, and through, it.

I undertake this practice for the benefit of all beings, pervading space and time.In the process, I heal my own heart. I address my own shadow, and in moving through the pain of it, I become more awakened to the process of integration.

In the healing of my own heart, and the growth and expansion of it, I come to have more faith in the possibility of healing. Anger is a poisoned blade that harms the one that holds it. I am only capable of healing myself. But, perhaps in healing myself, I heal the world.

Consider yourself empowered.

LaSara Recommends...

Book:

Meeting the Shadow: The Hidden Power of the Dark Side of Human Nature

Edited by Connie Zweig and Jeremiah Abrams, Tarcher, 1990

Meeting the Shadow addresses the dark areas of the psyche from many angles and perspectives, and through numerous lenses. It's helpful both as a cautionary measure, and as a doorway to cultivating understanding of the shadow and how it functions and manifests. Even-handed, honest, and engaging, essays from scholars, spiritual seekers and leaders, pundits, parents and more.

TV Show:

Grey's Anatomy is a really, really good show. My husband and I watch it together, and are equally moved by it. Grey's Anatomy deals with epic themes with a light hand. And, as a fan of moral ambivalence that's true to life, the show offers opportunities for viewers to arrive at our own conclusions about right and wrong.

As a comment on women in culture, the show makes up for my heart-ache regarding Palin. (See above!) Grey's posse is sexually empowered, though wounded - like most of us; hard-working, yet sometimes over-extended; invested in image, though often pissed-off when objectified. In other words, I know these women. They're me. And you. And my sisters. And my peers.

So glad to have another year of growing up with this crew.

The Ecstatic Presence Project * 705 N. State St. #205, Ukiah, CA, 95482 * 707-293-5153 * firefox@lasara.us * www.lasarafirefox.com

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LaSara’s Note * Change Your Work, Change the World * Ecstatic Presence Empowerment: Gratitude Games!

Hey friend,

When it’s hardest to give myself to practice, it’s the most important to do so.

Big changes are afoot in my life, and I - knocked off center - come back to the zafu, sit in front of my quiet altar, draw a card for contemplation from my goddess deck, and receive Kuan Yin. Goddess of Compassion. She will lead my practice today.

I draw at random from my stack of meditation books. It’s Jon Kabbat-Zinn’s Wherever You Go, There You Are. I open to a page at random, and it’s an essay called “A What-Is-My-Way? Meditation”.

I find my way in the few minutes of quiet. The way of surrender. The power of prayer enfolds me, and I surrender to being held by something larger.

I feel my heart constrict, a baby in the birth canal, I am being pushed through this moment, into a larger awareness of self, of potential.

Death and birth are solitary walks. Every moment of it, truly alone…yet not alone. In facing my absolute sense of self, I break nearly into a knowing of the larger truth – that there is no alone.

Compassion sits just outside my reach, because I have placed it there. Presence is, or is not. Presence is releasing expectation, releasing attachment, releasing time.

There is no time in the eternal now, the forever unfolding is-ness of the moment.

I am present, in practice. I am breathing compassion, in practice.

So I come back to the meditation altar, back to the pillow, and sit.

peace.

-LaSara
www.lasarafirefox.com

For those of you who missed our Teacher to call class, all is not lost – Robert and I made it into a training product! And, if you pre-order now, it’s less than half price! Read on for the details.

Change Your Work, Change the World; Teacher to Coach Training Product
with LaSara Firefox, MPNLP, and Robert Allen, BA, MHP

Click here to order.

Teacher to Coach is a career call to action for teachers, advocates, authors, and educators to take their expertise and develop a dynamic coaching business! Teacher to Coach is now available as a training product for you to use at home and office.

From coaching styles, to marketing, to self-care, Teacher to Coach offers information on how to transform your area of expertise into a career as a coach, FT or PT.

This value-packed, multi-media home course will help you begin transitioning your entrepreneurial endeavors from teaching to the coaching model. Buy NOW, and as a thank you gift for your pre-order, you’ll get:

• The Teacher to Coach multi-media course for less than half the usual price. You’ll pay only $19.99. (Regular price; $49 – reduced rate ends Sept. 1.)
• AND, a half-hour personalized coaching session with Robert and LaSara as follow-up, for the first 15 people to purchase a pre-order.

The Teacher to Coach training product includes;

• a 45minute audio recording with Robert Allen and LaSara Firefox, that covers the details necessary to begin your coaching practice (mp3)
• Six reasons to Build a Phone Coaching Practice, by LaSara Firefox (pdf)
• How to Monetize Your Blog, by Robert Allen (pdf)
• Introduction to Social Media Marketing, by Robert Allen (pdf)
• Pre-coaching evaluation from LaSara Firefox (worksheet)
• Pre-coaching evaluation by Robert Allen (worksheet)
• BONUS GIFT: Doing Business with LaSara Firefox and Robert Allen – interview with Dan McComb and Lara Feltin, founders of Biznik.com, on How to Choose a Business Network (mp3)

This product is totally green: zero waste! You will receive audio files and pdfs. You can use the product entirely from your computer (or palm-top). Or, print or burn as needed.

Product will be shipped on or before September 1, 2008.

Click here to order.

Need more info? You can contact Robert at Robert@coachingwithrobertallen.com, or LaSara at firefox@lasarafirefox.com.

Ecstatic Presence Empowerment: Gratitude Games!
by LaSara Firefox, www.lasarafirefox.com

I wrote this Empowerment for the Thanksgiving holiday. However, every day is a good day to practice gratitude. If you feel inspire to integrate gratitude practice into your life, create a Gratitude Gathering. You can use these games as a starting point.

1. Gratitude Practice: The old standby. Everyone in your cluster takes a turn saying something they’re grateful for. One offering isn't enough? Go around again!

2. "Gratigories": Take turns choosing categories, and then everyone at your table offers one thing they are grateful for in the chosen "gratigory."

At our family Thanksgiving last year we played this, and it was great! Some fun - and surprisingly touching - gratigories we came up with; public utilities, things that happened to or for us when we were teens, family traditions that have been handed down, the influence of famous people.

Have fun with the gratigories! The more diverse, the better.

3. A Grateful A to Z: An alphabet of gratitude! Start with A, and make your way to Z. Make sure everyone takes a turn. This is obviously a great gratitude game for the wee ones in your crew.

4. Compassionate Gratitude: The most challenging o my gratitude games perhaps, but what better way to strengthen your practice of compassion, than with gratitude?

The point of Compassionate Gratitude is to find things to be grateful about in areas that challenge your lovingness. Politics? Family? America? Media? Culture? Choose your topic, and find the gift in the challenge!

Consider yourself empowered!

About the author:
LaSara FireFox, MPNLP, is mom to two amazing daughters, a life coach, and an educator. She helps her clients and students to find balance in their lives, and alignment with their personal and family-held values.

Visit LaSara’s website at www.lasarafirefox.com for more information. At the site, you can listen to her “Yoga Mama Satsangha” podcast series, download free parenting-related items, and more.

Are you a teacher, educator, author, or advocate? Are you tired of your work not feeding you financially? Are you nearing your breaking point, and tired of wondering if teaching is ever going to pan-out for you?

What if you could have the best of both worlds; continue sharing your gifts, skills and views with the world, AND make money at the same time? It's time to think about moving from "being an educator", to offering your teachable skills as a coach.

Some benefits of the coaching model:
* You get to continue offering your expertise.
* You get to continue working from, and in, your passion.
* You can build your business to fit your life.
* You can have clients all over the world, instead of just in your geographical locale.
* You get to live your life purpose -- as your work!

I won't lie; building a coaching practice is not a quick fix, nor an easy solution. Building your practice, like building anything, takes time, energy, focus, and major amounts of commitment. It takes unbeatable conviction, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

True dedication is what building a business out of your dreams will call for. A successful practice must be built on the fundamental conviction that this is what you want to do with your life.

However, doing just this - building your dreams, your personal mission, your message, into the work you do in the world - is the way to continue offering your self, heart and soul, to the world. And, if your mission is what drives you, as it is for many of us teachers, you simply will not be satisfied with a life built on anything less.

Who can be a coach?

You can! Anyone who has ever taught can be a coach. The better your existing platform as a teacher, the easier the transition will be.

I have a client who recently came to me with questions about career change. I helped her transition to coaching from more "traditional" models of teaching. Within two days she had her sample sessions filled. Within two weeks she had her coaching practice filled through the next three months.

She then listed an on-line class, and the class filled in a matter of days as well.

Not everyone will get the results that she did, but right now, I'd like you to think of your teaching platform, and whether it's ready to transition over to the coaching model. If you were to make the transition, what kind of coaching practice would you build? What kind of coach would you be?

You can choose exactly the topic or area of interest that moves you into the most full alignment with your sense of purpose. What is the area that brings you the most joy?

Your topic might be love, relationships, and intimacy, or it might be spiritual purpose, or it might be adventure. Whatever it is, your commitment to bringing it to the world may be the key to your most ideal life.

How to start?

As a teacher, writer, advocate, or educator,  you're ready to offer your services as a coach now. The only thing missing is the structure of the business itself, and the support that will make way for your success. I can walk you through the transition and transformation step-by-step, and help you to arrive at your desired outcome as easily as possible.

Call me now at 707-293-5153, or drop a note to info@lasarafirefox.com, to schedule a free, 30-minute, pre-commitment evaluation. Together, you and I will build a highly personalized strategy that will bring you to a whole new level of making your mission, your dream, work in the world; a plan that will increase your alignment with purpose, earning-potential, visibility, and professional achievement.

peace.

-LaSara
707-293-5153
www.lasarafirefox.com

P.S. I'm taking only three new clients at this time. If you want to be one of them, get in touch now. 707-293-5153, or, info@lasarafirefox.com.

<p>Hey Love,</p>

 

<p>Just when I think my life can't get any more full, it does! (Know the feeling?) And, as the more resilient parts of the fabric of reality always do, life accommodates. It would be silly of me to complain, because I've asked for every part of what's showing up! </p>

 

<p>My trip to LA was wonderful, and productive. I got to stay with friends in the Hollywood hills, step into the world of literature with other lit geeks like me, go for a run in Runyun Canyon (still one of my favorite places in LA), and step back into the jet-setting part of my life again for a minute.</p>

 

<p>My favorite moments in the trip were; 1. sitting in the hot tub, winding down after a long day at the Book Expo, laughing with friends...city lights sprinkled like fairy dust beneath us in the dark, twinkling, and vast starscape that is the LA basin at night... 2. spending time with intriguing friends, new and old, at the Figueroa Hotel during a sweet little industry party...and 3. meeting with the future publishers of my next book...yay!)</p>

 

<p>And, just like that, life expands!</p>

 

<p>My agent has stepped into contract negotiations with a few houses regarding my new title. (I'll tell you all about it once it's placed with the appropriate house. Isn't the anticipation killing you? Me, too!!!!)</p>

 

<p><B>So, what does this mean for you? If you've been thinking of coaching with me, now is the time.</b></p>

 

<p>Last month I had three new coaching and mentoring clients sign on (welcome!!!), and <b>I have room for only three more new clients</b> this month. Once those slots are filled, I won't be taking on any new one-on-one coaching clients for a number of months, so I can make time in my schedule for writing.</p>

 

<p><b>Two Personal Retreats Available:</b></p>

 

<p>On a related note, I have made available two slots for personal retreats. If you're ready to treat yourself to a weekend of revisioning, realigning, relaxing, and moving into greater wholeness, this is the option for you! AND, as a bonus for those of you who are ready to make a commitment to  this level of acceleration in your growth now, I will offer a three-month coaching program as a bonus. (To begin now, or after the in-person retreat. Your choice.)</p>

 

<p>Of course, this leaves only ONE coaching slot.</p>

 

<p>Whether you're interested in a coaching program, a mentoring relationship, or  are ready to indulge yourself in a full weekend of facilitated, nurturing, integration-oriented "Me Time", the time is now. I'm waiting for you to take the next step.</p>

 

<p><b>Raising My Rates:</b></p>

 

<p>As the wisdom goes, when the roster gets too full, it's time to raise rates! So, this is a heads-up that my coaching and mentoring rates will be raised on summer solstice, June 20. One more reason to act NOW. </p>

 

<p>Sorry to be all business this post, but I'm on deadline for a chapter and a marketing plan! Gotta get back to the page.</p>

 

<p>Lotsa love, and have a peaceful day,</p>

 

<p>-LaSara</p>

 

<p>P.S. Coaching is tax deductible as a consulting expense for most business owners and those in management. Is it for you? Check with your tax consultant!</p>

 

<p>P.P.S Some companies will pay for some or all of your coaching costs, as part of your benefits package. Does yours?</p>

 

 

<p>The Ecstatic Presence Project * 705 N. State St. #205, Ukiah, CA, 95482 * 707-293-5153 * firefox@lasara.us * www.lasarafirefox.com</p>

Photo: Mark Victor Hansen and LaSara FireFox, Book Expo America, Los Angeles, CA, 5.2008

hey love, If you're in CA, today is an election day. So, get your tush to the polls, and VOTE! If you're in Mendo, I urge you to vote No on B. Measure B is not the answer to any of the problems we, as a community, face. VOTE! Peace, -LaSara www.lasara.us P.S. Get inspired here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

<p>In this edition: Grateful for you * TONIGHT, I'm on Layla's show.</p>

In this edition: Editorial * Upcoming Event! Northern California * LaSara Recommends * Ecstatic Presence Empowerment: Meeting you for the first time, again. *Hey Love,* I hope your spring is unfolding AMAZINGLY. The heat here in Northern California is intense this week, but that hasn't dampened to riotous beauty of an exceptionally verdant spring. Enjoy this BRIEF note, and my newest Ecstatic Presence Empowerment. More soon. Peace. Passion. Presence. -LaSara www.lasarafirefox.com P.S. I have two openings for new coaching clients this month. If you've been thinking about coaching with me, now would be a great time to schedule a complimentary intro session. Interested? Drop a note to firefox@lasara.us. *Upcoming event!* HARMONY FESTIVAL! I will be presenting at Harmony Festival this spring. Stay tuned for a post about the festival itself. It's amazing, and will be taking place the 6 - 8th of June. *LaSara Recommends...* The course offering from Daily OM this month is Neale Donald Walsch's new offering, called "Becoming Happier Than God." It's full of sweet little reminders that come to your in-box, and some fun spiritual "tech." Give it a spin if you're looking for a bit of inspiration. As always, there are tons of extras attached. And, since you already GET the offering from me, drop me a note if you register and I'll give you an additional special bonus gift. <http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/courses/courseoverview.cgi?cid=18> *An Ecstatic Presence Empowerment: Meeting you for the first time, again.* by LaSara FireFox, www.lasarafirefox.com One of my favorite songs right now is First Day of My Life, by Bright Eyes. The opening line is "This is the first day of my life. Think I was born right in the doorway..." The Empowerment I offer you today is to treat this as the first day of your life. Allow everything to be made new through your own rebirth. Allow yourself to forget who you believe yourself to be, and release attachment to the ideas that have built you into the person you have been. As you become new, you will automatically allow yourself to encounter everyone as new in this moment. Learn who your loved ones are NOW, by releasing attachment to who they were yesterday. Instead of getting stuck in your "story" of who your partner is, or your kids are, allow this moment to unfold exactly as it is. Consider yourself empowered! The Ecstatic Presence Project * 705 N. State St. #205, Ukiah, CA, 95482 * 707-293-5153 * firefox@lasara.us * www.lasarafirefox.com

I hit the front page of my local daily with my newest project, Global Family Awakening. Check it out!

www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ci_8810541

Salaam, shalom, peace.

-LaSara
www.globalfamilyawakening.com

 Hey love,

 

I know it's last minute, but I want to add my voice to the many calling for 60 minutes of lights-off this evening, in an effort to call attention to energy consumption and global warming.

 

It's easy; all around the world, people will be turning all electric lights off for the hour of 8 PM to 9 PM, creating a voluntary rolling black out.

 

I'm spending this weekend with my brother-in-arms, Travio, his wife Dr. Spieler (yep, that's what we call her at home...) and our kids.... tonight we will sit together with only candles and create a circle of gratitude and love. Share it with us from where you are!

 

(Honestly, sitting with only non-electric light will remind me of my childhood, but that's another story for another time. Suffice it to say that my parents were some very committed back-to-the-land hippies!)

 

Earth Hour was created by the World Wildlife Fund in Australia, and serves the purpose of raising our consciousness, making a statement AND actually having an impact on use. Last year the event reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour. That may not sound like a lot, but it's the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year.

 

This year, the movement has gone global. Join in for Earth Hour. Let's see what we can do together!

 

peace. passion. presence.

 

-LaSara

www.lasarafirefox.com

 

P.S. Interested in coaching as a couple, family or group? Contact me.

 

P.P.S. In addition to coaching and personalized retreats for individuals, couples, families and groups, I offer workshops, seminars and intensives. Visit www.lasarafirefox.com, or call 707-293-5153 for more information.

 

P.P.S. Want more info on Ecstatic Presence Process Coaching? Click here to read my FAQs: lasara.us/lasara/coachingfaq More info on NLP? Here: lasara.us/lasara/nlpfaq

 

The Ecstatic Presence Project * 705 N. State St. #205, Ukiah, CA, 95482 * 707-293-5153 * firefox@lasara.us * www.lasarafirefox.com

 

*The Ecstatic Presence Empowerment for Play!: “That I Am.”*

by LaSara FireFox, www.lasarafirefox.com

 

You are intimately connected to everything, everywhere.

 

When we put something outside of ourselves, we are engaging in the practice of division. This practice can be a useful veil upon the path to union, but even the path is a veil that can get in the way of the destination. In reality, there is no destination.

 

I am, as I have been, as I will always be.

 

When you feel separation – whether through love, longing, desire, rejection, repulsion, hope, definition, clinging, etc. – realize that you are THAT, too. You are the thing you desire, you have the thing you long for, you are one with the thing that repulses you.

 

All things are held within the Divine. The Divine is in all things. We are each part of this grand tapestry, and are never separate from the All That Is.

 

Experience the Power of I Am. Notice every time you say, "I am..." today. If you are creating an "I AM" with the statement that feels less than in total alignment with your most true self, choose a new statement of truth. In every moment you are creating. Bring consciousness to your own healing into wholeness.

 

Consider yourself empowered!