Inspiring Nuggets
From Annelies & Conduit for Change, LLC
Explore the Season of Summer!
SUMMER :: A Time For Connection :: Element of Fire
According to Eastern traditions, there are 5 elements expressed through 5 seasons. The season of summer is related to the element of FIRE which feeds and inspires laughter, joy, passion, playfulness, connectedness, maturation and expansiveness, and is represented by the color red. Think of fire as metaphor. It's popping, expanding, bursting forth and has the potential to connect to and affect other things. Through the element of fire and season of summer, we are invited to look at the world from a fresh new perspective.
Let's explore just one fire/summer quality; laughter. For starters, laughter is one of our most primitive forms of expression, social and emotional communication and is nature's secret-sauce for stress reduction. Most of us might agree that laughter is needed in more places but sadly more often, it's deemed unacceptable or frivolous. Keep in mind that seriousness is not the same as joylessness! Lastly and most importantly, laughter and play are foundation to building trust and empathy, and act as a bonding function between individuals in a group. We can't problem solve effectively with those we're not willing to play with. Just think about that.
What if we began problem-solving through play? Personally, one of my exciting new action steps to embrace the fire/summer element is taking an improv for scientists playshop. I'm not an official scientist but I sure do think like one! I'm perpetually investigating, testing theories, asking why and how questions and studying nature's systems like quantum physics and biomimicry. Pushing boundaries through play and deep inquiry. What could arise!? I'm so excited!
Where might YOU integrate the element of FIRE in your life or work? Try exploring connectiveness via playful investigation. Explore these practices. Consider extending yourself into the world in a new way, with a curious and playful approach.
- Connect or reconnect with those who live and work around you in a fresh new way. Host game night, a themed festive gathering or share an old funny movie.
- Could play be the solution to building a better team?? Try a new approach to team-building or problem-solving at work that invites a playful approach to a serious situation. Don't believe me? Watch this TED talk.
Reflection & Action
So, if this describes you- I encourage you to give extra attention to exploring your inner nature this summer by exploring in nature. Open those windows! Go outside, get off your devices, sign up for a class or retreat, (schedule this now) or take an exotic vacation that will tempt, tease and free your inner genius. Engage in frivolous play for the sake of joy, laughter and release. Express, connect, create and laugh your butt off! Get serious with silliness! :) Although humor is subjective, I found this Saturday Night live skit hilarious. Maybe you will too. Need a giggle? Watch this funny video.
Summer officially begins June 21st. Although we're fast approaching it, keep in mind all seasons and elements reside in us at all times. One is more dominate than others at specific times, based upon our own set of seasons. Sort of like saying,"This is just where I'm at right now. I'm in a good place/bad place, etc". It may sound complicated and it took me a while to understand, but the wisdom of the 5 element teachings has permitted me to experience my own 'season' and be ok with what is. I know "this too shall pass".
JOIN US FOR WHAT'S NEXT & PLAN AHEAD!
UPCOMING RETREAT
LOTUS & THE BUTTERFLY :: Women's Healing & Transformation Retreat
August 11- 13 (7PM Friday-10AM Sunday)
$645 (2 nights, 4 meals, private bedrooms + retreat)
$545 (if you've attended before)
Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Feeling like it's time to let go? If you’ve experienced big transition around your personal or professional life, such as retirement, empty-nest, loss of a loved-one, health changes, stress or overwhelm, and are ready to let go-- you’ll receive helpful coping tools, healing, comfort and gentle understanding at this integrative healing retreat. ** REGISTER NOW, SPACE IS LIMITED **
PROFESSIONAL SEMINARS
COACHING through ART for Coaches & Professionals
Wednesday, June 14th
11:30-1:30PM :: Includes LUNCH
$40 guests/$25 ICF members
Online & In-Person Seminars
$3500 (Scholarship is available)
New groups start every 3 months. Email or call for dates.
Wisdom Circle is an INVITATION-ONLY facilitated 6-month mastermind group. Bi-weekly meetings, accountability partnerships and coaching support helps serious professionals define themselves, grow their business, fuel their visions, catalyze ideas, gain traction, direction, community and peace of mind from personal and professional accomplishments. Due to the extraordinary personal nature of this mastermind, Wisdom Circle is open to a limited amount of seats. 6-months :: Bi-weekly READ MORE
LIFE & LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Saturday, July 22nd
10AM-1PM :: Includes LUNCH :: $38
Unplug from the busy for a half-day! Come explore art-FULL living at one of Raleigh's best kept secrets, the Well Fed Community Garden owned by Irregardless Cafe. Join us for Art in the Garden and enjoy the simplicities of life; creativity, community and cuisine. Experience the good life through an outdoor (plein-air) guided watercolor class with artist and life coach, Annelies M. Gentile of Conduit for Change followed by a light-n-tasty vegetarian farm-to-table picnic lunch from Irregardless Cafe. REGISTER HERE
3rd Thursdays from 11AM-12PM
North Carolina Museum of Art
Unplug from being "always busy" for an hour. Walk with ME and meet new faces! Come solo or bring a friend. We'll chit-chat as a group for 10-15 min and then go on a walk-a-bout down the greenway. No stress, no fee, weather permitting, stick around for a powerbar picnic, if you can. If you're not near the RTP area, make 3rd Thursdays your reminder to unplug, go outside and connect! Create novel, special or nostalgic ways to connect with yourself, one another and the world around you. Kites are optional! :) Park by the big chimney, there's a meeting space there, then we'll go to the grassy circle/ellipse. If it's pouring it's canceled. NCMA :: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607.
Creative Conversations
3rd Thursdays from 7PM-8:30PM
Creative Conversations is an expressive arts-based experience about observing, exploring and processing the world around you through sense and creative perspective. It's an extension of Open Door Yoga's new InnerWorks program (Annelies' yoga community home). Based on positive psychology, integrative health and behavior sciences of metacognition, decentering, mindful-awareness, each conversation will be unique to who’s in the room and what needs exploring. No matter what regular well-being practice you have, this is your chance to expand it. REGISTER HERE
Live & Lead Mindfully
ARE YOU ONE OR MORE OF THESE?
• In transition; at a personal or professional crossroads
• Ready to grow, slow or explore what’s next
• Experiencing stress, overwhelm, stuck, disconnect, grief, conflict, upset, incongruence or culture shift (or want to start one) within your relationships, staff, team or self
Visionary Strategist, Annelies M. Gentile, MA, ACC empowers people, fosters ideas and changes lives. She’s a radically curious listener, masterful conduit for change and barrier-breaker who helps professionals leap divides, leading change from the inside out. Are you ready to go above and beyond excellence? START NOW
Contact Annelies
Email: annelies@conduitforchange.com
Website: www.conduitforchange.com
Phone: 919-345-8396