Category — Magpie Girl
*8Things: Warning Signs
*8Things is back! Did you miss us? We missed you.
Today at *8Things I’m thinking about all the little clues I carry around that show me when I’m not standing in my own power. If any of these show up, it’s a sure sign that I need to stand a little stronger. I use them as a warning sign to help me clue in and change my approach.
*8Things: Warning Sign
1. Saying “Whatever” too often.
2. Sighing and saying, ”You just decide,” when in a disagreement about plans.
3. Not sending back a coffee that’s not what I ordered, or a meal that’s not prepared well.
4. Not asking for a discount when I know it’s standard business practice to give the deal if asked for. (Like at a car rental place.)
5. Feeling generally resentful. (A good sign that I’m not standing in my own power somewhere.)
6. Rampant jealousy. (This often indicates that i’m not doing what I truly want to do — a weak power stance.)
7. Letting people cut in line in front of me/not speaking up about rude behavior.
8. Feeling regretful of my decisions.
What behaviors act as *8Things: Warning Signs for when you aren’t standing in your own power? Grab a button and play along. If you put your list on your blog, give us the permalink in the Mr. Linky below. Thanks for playing.
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Not to be a broken record, butI don’t want you to miss out! So..if you need help learning to stand in your own power, my new course Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power is Pay-What-You-Will through September 3rd. ($100 regular prices). Click here for more information.
Power Stories: Pay-What-You-Will Special Offer
Hello Magpies!
Due to a deep-felt need on both our parts, I’ve decided to offer Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power on a Pay-What-You-Will basis through September 3rd. All the info is in the video, plus the low-down on how the class works, who’s teaching along with me, and why you should take it.
Oh, and if you’re worried about not having time right now, grab the Pay-What-You-Will special now, save up the course materials, and do them at your own pace. It works just fine that way.
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL Sept 1-3
Email me your offer and I’ll send you a PayPal invoice.
moi at magpie-girl dot com
Prefer info in print? Want to read some testimonials from my last class? It’s all waiting for you below. See you in class on September 13th!
What: 6 weeks of inspiring stories and practical lessons on how to stand in your own power.
When:course begins Monday September 13th.
Price: $100
PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL Sept 1-3
Email me your offer and I’ll send you a PayPal invoice.
“Standing in your own power” is a phrase I use to describe a certain way of be-ing that involves listening to your intuition and following your gut. Too often, these things are programmed out of us by social norms and well-meaning institutions.
This course is designed to help you tap into your intuitive source of guidance; and to shut down noisy interlopers. As a result you will move through life from a place of powerful internal authority.
Learning to STAND results in:
- a strong sense of direction about personal relationships.
- confident, “right fit” work decisions.
- the strength to live into your own spiritual or religious beliefs.
- a life that feels stable and energized – not timid and depleted.
Like all my best work, this course has emerged out of the intersection between the things I love + the stuff you need. It started with a simple *8Things list, and grew to become a full-grown course with two dozen lessons, seven wise voices, and a whole lot of helpfulness going on. Why? All because YOU asked for it! (Thank you.)
Here are the weekly stages in Power Stories:
Stage One: Get Grounded
Stage Two: Kick it to the Curb
Stage Three:Re-Establish Your Own Truth
Stage Four: Listen to Your Muse
Stage Five: Become Embodied
Stage Six: Move Onward
Each of the stages have 3-5 pieces. These will arrive in your inbox every few days over the course of 6 weeks. You’ll get videos, essays, and really cool worksheets from the creator of Magpie Girl’s new look, Neil Sittler of stickflower graphic design. (Don’t you just love his stuff?) Plus, 7 of the lessons are taught by a community of women who have got your back on this power-standing thing. And, of course, there will also be one or two special surprises in the pack, because I just cannot resist giving you presents.
Need a little encouragement to join? Here’s what people are saying about my past Magpie Girl courses:
- “I love, love, love the work you are doing here. You are such an inspiration for and to me.”
- “You are really a great addition to my mornings…upbeat, inspirational, thought provoking and just pleasant and cool an fun to be around.”
- “Thank you so much for creating this wonderful e-series! I am encouraged and uplifted every time I read one of your emails, and it is a blessing to know that others are struggling with similar issues…helps me to not feel so along. Thanks, Rachelle!”
We’re on a fantastic journey. Let’s learn to STAND!
Much Warmth,
Rachelle Mee-Chapman
Your Magpie Girl
5 Things I’m All About
So, I’m working with Naomi Dunford of Itty Biz on my work-related stuck points. I like Naomi because she shoots from the hip, and she’s okay if you get weepy on her. It’s a rare combination, the straight shooter + the compassionate co-freaker-outer. I like it.
As part of my prep for some upcoming work, Naomi sent an email asking me to write down 5 things I should be talking about. Five things that I am so passionate about that I feel compelled to write them in capital letters. Five things I’m almost afraid to say outloud, because they are a little bit unpopular…or radical…or debate inducing. And yet they are the rock-bottom hardcore reality of what makes me who I am as a teacher and a coach. So here it goes:
- You MUST do less to live more. Full Stop. The American go-go-go, drive-your-kids to 3 different after-school activities, never cook at home, decorate your front lawn for every holiday thang? It is not working for you. Changes must be made.
- You DESERVE to find a spirituailty that fits. It is perfectly acceptable to build your own religion. Protestants have been doing it for centuries, they just don’t like to admit it. You have permission to make-up a set of spiritual practices that work for you. And yes, you can pick and choose. There ain’t nothing wrong with a buffet.
- You don’t HAVE TO BE MAD to be an artist, but a little bit of CRAZY HELPS. It’s better to manage the emotional roller-coaster than comes with the creative cycle, then to not follow your creative impulse. Are you going to sit in a corner doing nothing and go stark raving mad? Or are you going to pick up your tools and follow your art?
- It’s PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE to kneel in an art gallery. For many of us art is worship. What takes you to a transcendent place? What ushers you into the presence of the Divine? Our culture would prefer it if your answer had something to do with a pew. But if it’s more likely to happen for you in an art gallery or a concert hall, you’re in good company here.
- You CAN build your own community. Just because you feel like an odd-ball doesn’t mean that you can’t belong to a tribe. Family of Choice is the new black.
I feel really clear about these. Crystal. It’s the place I’ve been writing from here at Magpie Girl. It’s the place I’ll teach from beginning September 13th with Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power. (Click here for more info.) And it’s the place I’ll coach from beginning September 15th. (Email me for more information.)
What 5 Things should you be talking about? What is your business/passion/thing you love. What deserves capital letters? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below, or give us the link to you blog.
Much warmth to you on you amazing adventure.
Love,
Rachelle
The Mermaid, or She Knows Without Knowing.
She sits and stares
gazing for advice, outward
and inward.
until she finds
somewhere between her heart, and the sea
that she knows without knowing.
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The Circus Girl Series is created by Rowena Murillo and appears on surprising Sundays at Magpie Girl. To read more about the process of painting The Mermaid, read Rowena’s post here at Warrior Girl. You can also see her Magpie Girl Sideshow, or browse her virtual gallery at Esty.
Ask Magpie Girl: 30 Stories in 30 Days
Ira Glass reminded me lately of the power of story, and how much I love hearing them and telling them. As I work on the final (for now) interview in the Chronically Creative series, and prep interview questions for my new series featuring Kickstarter projects, I’m noticing anew how it is a gift to hear a story, and a gift to be given the space to tell one.
So it struck my fancy today to ask you for a gift. Would you let me tell you a story?My birthday dream is to give 30 blog interviews in 30 days in October. I’d love it if you would ask me a question. Any question. About art, or religion. About parenting or marriage. About living abroad, or a bout being rooted in local community. You can even ask that soulcoaching question you’ve been longing to pick my brain about. Go ahead! All you have to do is be willing to post my answer on your blog.
Here’s how it works, :
1. Email me One Burning Question you’d like me to answer.
2. Don’t Forget the URL for the blog you will post my answer on.
3. I’ll assign you a date, and send you my answer.
4. Post my answer on your blog on that date, and let the link love begin!
Most likely your question will come in written form. But you might also land a podcast or a video post. Who knows? Let’s see what the muse inspires.
Email me today to reserve your spot, and start asking! (Happy Birthday to me!)
Ask Magpie Girl: 30 Stories in 30 Days appearing soon at:
Oct 1: Honeybee Hill
Oct 2: Conversations on Sex and Faith
Oct 3: Live Laugh Write - Q: How do you balance IRL friends and online friends?
Oct 4: Fireflies Art – Q: How do you connect with your neighborhood?
Oct 5: Gail Nhb – Q: What do you do if you and your partner are on different religious paths?
Oct 6: We Are All Mad Here – Q: What are you doing to make a difference in this world?
Oct 7: Kate Kimble – Q: What moments in life have brought you your highest high?
….
Oct 11: With Practice – Q: What is one of your core soulcare practices?
Power Stories: 12 Year Olds and our Truest Self
On her Facebook page, my 12 year old daughter Eden describes herself this way:
Hey there what’s up. i’m a sk8r girl wannabe, a math whiz, an ex-pat, bilingual, the odd-one-out, a crazy reader, and totally topsy-turvy.
Wouldn’t it be great to know yourself with such clarity?
You once did.
You can again.
Listen to the podcast below to hear how Eden taught me to stand in my own power, and why who we were at 12 might just be the best glimpse we can get now of our truest self.
Listen to the podcast here:
Subscribe to Magpie Girl podcasts on Zune, or on iTunes, or via RSS.
If you’d like to learn how to stand in your own power and move through life with confidence and clarity, join us at Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power. Click here for more info, or sign up below. Class begins online September 13th.
Price: $100
Need a little encouragement to join? Here’s what people are saying about my past Magpie Girl courses:
- “I love, love, love the work you are doing here. You are such an inspiration for and to me.”
- “You are really a great addition to my mornings…upbeat, inspirational, thought provoking and just pleasant and cool an fun to be around.”
- “Thank you so much for creating this wonderful e-series! I am encouraged and uplifted every time I read one of your emails, and it is a blessing to know that others are struggling with similar issues…helps me to not feel so along. Thanks, Rachelle!”
For more testimonials about soulcare with Magpie Girl, click here. I hope to see you at Power Stories.
Ira, Stories, Sermons, and Me.
This week it’ my turn to step Behind the Mic in order to talk about Ira Glass. Ira is America’s premiere story teller, and spoke at the Seattle opera house this weekend to hear him speak about the power of telling stories in the dark. Ira explained the narrative style they use at This American Life, and illustrated why you should use this method when you have something to say “that could change someone’s’ life. That could save someone’s life.” Here is a little summary, and some thoughts on the evening.Listen to the podcast here: Subscribe to Magpie Girl podcasts on Zune, or on iTunes, or via RSS.
Click here to read more Behind the Mic interviews, including our current on-going series Chronically Creative, featuring artists who manage to continue their work in spite of chronic pain or other physical and mental challenges.
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Want to train with Magpie Girl? Join me in my upcoming course: Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power. Stories, lesson, and practical application from Magpie Girl and friends. Click here for more information. Course starts September 13th.
Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power.
Hi Magpies!
I’d like to introduce you to my new course Power Stories: tips and tales for standing in your own power.
What: 6 weeks of tips and tales for standing in your own power.
When:course begins Monday September 13th.
Price: $100
“Standing in your own power” is a phrase I use to describe a certain way of be-ing that involves listening to your intuition and following your gut. Too often, these things are programmed out of us by social norms and well-meaning institutions.
This course is designed to help you tap into your intuitive source of guidance; and to shut down noisy interlopers. As a result you will move through life from a place of powerful internal authority.
Learning to STAND results in:
- a strong sense of direction about personal relationships.
- confident, “right fit” work decisions.
- the strength to live into your own spiritual or religious beliefs.
- a life that feels stable and energized – not timid and depleted.
Like all my best work, this course has emerged out of the intersection between the things I love + the stuff you need. It started with a simple *8Things list, and grew to become a full-grown course with two dozen lessons, seven wise voices, and a whole lot of helpfulness going on. Why? All because YOU asked for it! (Thank you.)
Here are the weekly stages in Power Stories:
Stage One: Get Grounded
Stage Two: Kick it to the Curb
Stage Three:Re-Establish Your Own Truth
Stage Four: Listen to Your Muse
Stage Five: Become Embodied
Stage Six: Move Onward
Each of the stages have 3-5 pieces. These will arrive in your inbox every few days over the course of 6 weeks. You’ll get videos, essays, and really cool worksheets from the creator of Magpie Girl’s new look, Neil Sittler of stickflower graphic design. (Don’t you just love his stuff?) Plus, 7 of the lessons are taught by a community of women who have got your back on this power-standing thing. And, of course, there will also be one or two special surprises in the pack, because I just cannot resist giving you presents.
Once you register for the course, you’ll also be able to hop onto our affiliate program, which means you’ll get $25 back for everyone you refer to Power Stories. If 4 friends join you, it’s like getting the course for free.
It sounds good right? So good.
What: 6 weeks of tips and tales for standing in your own power.
When: course begins Monday, September 13th.
Price: $100
We’re on a fantastic journey. Let’s learn to STAND!
Much Warmth,
Rachelle Mee-Chapman
Your Magpie Girl
*8Things is on vacation.
*8Things is on vacation. Check back next week, or tame your monkey mind with one of our historic oldies but goodies.
Cheers!
-Your Magpie Girl
Chronically Creative: Christine Reed, Dancing Thru Trauma
This week Behind the Mic features part five of Chronically Creative; a series about making art while living with chronic illness. Today we meet Christine Reed of Bliss Chick – yogi, dancer, and among many other things, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder survivor. Christine, as always, shares from her depths. Christine, step right up.
I want to preface this piece by thanking Rachelle for two things: First, for her patience, because it’s taken me a long time to get to these, which leads to Second, for asking me to do this, because it opened something up inside of me and has led to new levels of understanding of myself, my life, and my writing.
When I got the questions and had a fuller understanding of what Rachelle was doing with these interviews, I felt really challenged and called to become more open and honest about myself than I have ever been. I realized that I wanted and needed to start exposing my life in new ways so that people could see that the struggle that comes with mental conditions is difficult but worth it. I also want to help remove the stigma of these labels (even though I am a bit anti-label and don’t care to use them — they can still be helpful as a lens and to show us that we aren’t alone).
My label is Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and you can read more about it here. If this seems to be you or someone you love, I highly recommend the work of Judith Herman, MD, and Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, both of whom are true trailblazers. And now…on with the questions!
Q: How has dancing helped you break free from mental and emotional conditions that have hindered you?
One of the really difficult aspects of Complex-PTSD is emotional flashbacks. Our brains in these moments cannot differentiate between past and present. We are simply IN the past. We are feeling it all again as if for the first time.
Dancing (or any challenging physical work) does not allow for anything but the present. When you are fully in your body, you are fully in your life and in the now. Period. So dancing can act as an anchor for me and as a reminder of who I really am — that I am not my injury (the preferred term for Complex PTSD).
Dancing also gets out the “goo,” as Marcy and I call it. It releases toxins and emotional residue from the physical body. The better I feel physically, the more I am able to deal with the mental stuff. When I am not dancing for a couple of days, I start to feel unreal and disconnected.
Q: When you aren’t feeling well, how do you approach dancing?
I do it anyway. Or I don’t and then I pay the price. So mostly, I do it anyway. And each time, if I am feeling especially bad, it feels like this brand new miracle, because that’s another symptom of Complex PTSD — an amnesia about people and things in our lives that are good and trustworthy. We can literally forget what is good for us. (There are physiological/neurological reasons for this that are too complicated for me to explain, but the brain is damaged by the chronic fear-inducing trauma — under-grown here, over-grown there.)
If I am having an extra hard time, I tell Marcy or even twitter (ha!) that I am going to dance so that I have outside accountability. It can be so bad that reaching to turn on the music feels like the most impossible task ever given to any single human being on this planet. Really. I know it sounds dramatic, but this is life with trauma.
I have danced enough now to know that no matter what I think in the moment, this is going to work. I have my “witness mind” evolved enough that I can at least see that. So I turn on the music and I stand there, slumped, thinking, “No F-ing way can I even lift my arm much less feel the joy that dance brings…” I stand and I breathe and within moments I am flying and smiling and I am well into the healing process.
Q: As someone who returned to dance “late in the game” how do you talk to yourself about your body and you abilities? What do you do when the “compare game” raises it’s ugly head?
Though I still have a fair distance to go in my own mind when it comes to my body and my abilities, I am the most fit I have ever been in my life and that is just a fact that my perfectionist internal-nazi cannot avoid. In terms of the physical aspects of my dance, I am a creature of confidence. Which is strange (or not) because I do not have real confidence about anything else about myself BUT dance.
The place I get into trouble, though, is thinking about what could have been, so I just snap myself out of it by reminding myself that I believe very strongly that everything happens for a reason. SO there is a REASON that I left dance when I did and a reason that I came back to it when I did. I’m not completely clear on the reasons but I know they exist and this is one of those places where I try very hard to have a little faith and just keep moving forward.
That’s really super hard for me, though, don’t think otherwise.
Bonus Q: What are you up to these days and how do we find you?
Marcy and I are going to spend more time writing about how we deal with this as a couple. There is not a lot out there for the partner’s of people with Complex-PTSD, specifically, and there is very little about how the couple can create mutual coping mechanisms. So we’ll try to stay really transparent about our process. That doesn’t mean Blisschick is turning into a Complex-PTSD site, per say, but it will be deeply embedded in my writing because that is how I work toward my bliss — by working through all of this.
There is lots and lots of great resource material available for free download on the Trauma Center’s site (this Center is where Bessel Van Der Kolk is located).
I am currently reading Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence–from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror, and I recommend that along with Trauma and the Body: A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy
Finally, just a little personal note, I think that Kundalini Yoga, in particular out of all yoga (many, many forms of which I have studied for 15 years) is a truly powerful tool for working with Complex PTSD. I recommend any DVD done by Ana Brett and Ravi Singh (and to start, their older DVD, Kundalini Yoga – A Journey through the Chakras
To read all the posts in this series click here. Stay tuned next week for another addition of Chronically Creative. Thanks for being here.
