2.   IMPENDING DOOM?
      If we're good at anything, it's scaring ourselves.  And in case our own internal voices aren't enough, we need look no further than the headlines or the endless pundits dedicated to spreading alarm.  As well as making our lives far less pleasant, devoting our attention to all the bad news successfully torques us into tight clumps of worry, suspicion, and exhaustion.
      Maya Angelou tells a wonderful story about her aunt raising her to pay attention to people who were full of complaints or worry  She cautioned her that kind of behavior was a great way to "alert the bully's that a victim was in the neighborhood."
      This summer I've purposely stepped way back from daily business to ponder this prevailing sense of doom and gloom we keep broadcasting: why it is so intoxicating (notice the root word "toxic"), why many of the offered strategies have a theme of narcissism and  consumption, and what is really being called for in us - as individuals and as a collective.  What's certain is that taking on the stance of a victim is a giant liability.
      Ah, but it is so tempting when the circumstances in our lives aren't working right, when people don't treat us the way they "should", or when we insist on perfection in ourselves.  Those are perfect ingredients for brewing up a convincing case of victimhood - and separating ourselves from others and life, making us the least resourceful and resilient.  Preparing for struggle perpetuates struggle.
     Are these difficult times?  Are things getting worse?  Shouldn't we be worried?  Well..... it all depends.  Is that a useful story to be living in?
There are many facts available to us, it's what we do with those facts - how we weave a story out of them that determines our quality of life.
This does not mean bury your head in the sand - that's just another way to disconnecting.  What's needed is a higher level of discernment and ability to see how our interpretations are the source of our peace or our pain.
    Given all that's going on, where is the best place to put your energy and attention?  Seriously, you do have a choice about where you put your attention - where do you choose to focus?  What do you want to produce?
    Hot Women for a Cool Planet is an example of seeing where the future was headed and responding through joining with others to make a difference.  It would have been easy to live in the story that "it's too big, too late, too much."  But that's just not a useful story.
    There is a new workshop cooking in me for this fall - in response to how people feel even greater pressure just to survive, and are pulling farther away from themselves and their connectedness.  It won't be one of those band aid or "feel good" workshops with no lasting value. It's about what establishes and sustains profound well-being regardless of circumstances and headlines.  I'll be co-leading it with my partner, Tim, who is an intuitive healer and very practical guy.  If you'd like to have the workshop come to your area, let me know.  Details coming soon.  

4. Cool Stuff
    The Group Study Guide for self-selected groups to study the book together is a complete 30-page guide of 8 structured sessions. Download the FREE guide (in accord with the Creative Commons agreement) from the PRODUCTS page where you can read a sample and request a copy.
     Centering Audio is available free.  Go to the Resource page to listen to the entire practice anytime.
      The Embodiment Practices from the book (read by Victoria with a little embellishment) are available as an audio download for $10. See PRODUCTS page where you can listen to a sample. 
    HotWomenForACoolPlanet.com website is up and ready for your visit.  Please spread the word and take the Hot Women Pledge.

5.  Links
Visit Victoria’s Blogette for her thoughts about the Trance and its overcoming.
Victoria regularly leads Programs and presents keynote addresses.
See the calendar for all Upcoming events.
To find organizations, books, and projects that support getting free of the Trance, visit the Resource page.

6. Copyright | Subscribe/Unsubscribe
Written and edited by Victoria Castle © 2008. All rights reserved.

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The book makes a great gift to people who you know are struggling and are ready for greater ease and effectiveness. It's available at Amazon and most bookstores.

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Starting in September,
I will have room in my coaching practice for
3 new individual clients
or projects within organizations.  Email me if you're interested.