by | Dec 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
By Amanda Delamer, MSc, CPCC, ACC
Make 2017 the Best Year Ever! Make it intentional. Create space for and make time for those things that matter most, that fulfill you, that bring you joy.
Reflect on 2016. What did you love about the past year? What did you learn? What do you want to celebrate? What didn’t serve you? Where do you want to see change happen in your life?
Look forward and envision what you want 2017 to look and feel like. What brings you joy? What do you value? What do you long for in your life? What do you want more of in your life? Less of?
We can get really good at passing over accomplishments. Stop. Celebrate your accomplishments and your wins from the past year. We can also get really good and running away from those things that don’t make us feel “good”, hoping things will be different. Stop. Breathe. Let yourself feel what you are feeling about it. And get intentional about creating space for change if something is not serving you.
Now that you have reflected on the year past, and looked to the year ahead, what do you want to create space for in your life – what do you want to get intentional about in 2017? Setting an intention for the year can mean more:
Clarity – Setting an intention will help you gain clarity on what you value most, and those people, relationships, activities, etc. you want to make a priority in your life. As you begin and continue to make decisions and choices from a place of intention, you will find yourself becoming more and more self-aware.
Courage – Setting an intention will help you get better at saying yes and no. Saying no to those things that don’t fulfill you creates space for those things that do. If you find yourself not wanting to do something but a voice is saying you “should” it might be time to call upon courage to say no. If book club is no longer fulfilling you and is something you would rather not do, step back from book club. It will create space for something more fulfilling in your life. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
Fulfillment and Joy – When we set an intention we are making a declaration that something is important and meaningful to us, and we are making a commitment to self. Following through on that commitment, and making decisions based on what is important to us and in line with our values brings fulfillment and joy.
Now that you’re ready to set an intention for the year, think about who in your life you can call on for support and get a support system in place – you don’t need to go it alone. Who in your life will champion you? Ask for help and assemble your crew. A coach will support you in getting intentional in your life and can be a wonderful addition to your crew!
Life Coach Calgary
Set your intention for 2017!! Don’t just hope 2017 will be different, be intentional and make it different.
Make 2017 an amazing year! WINTER/NEW YEAR PROMOTION – sign up for three months and receive 10% off! Sign up for six months and receive 25% off! BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY SAMPLE SESSION TODAY! Call 403.452.6262
Not sure what to expect, or want to try out coaching before you commit? Book your complimentary coaching sample session TODAY! Call 403.452.6262
Amanda is a self-awareness and fulfillment coach. Amanda coaches and supports people in living healthy, balanced and fulfilled lives. She coaches and honours the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Her clients experience fulfillment in all parts of their lives – health, family, relationships, career, etc. – and they value and appreciate that all parts of their lives are connected, and that we all have responsibility in and for the world around us. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her loving husband and three inspiring children.
by | Dec 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
By Lisa Lin, BA, RMT
Inspiration is a driving force behind a happy and fulfilled life. When we feel inspired we are energized, we let go of that which no longer serves us, we heal and ultimately open our hearts to our true self. There is divine potential in all of us. Each and every one of us has amazing, unique abilities to contribute to the world and share with others. Sometimes as adults we can forget this over the years, therefore this article is a little reminder to face the new year with a fresh look if need be and get in touch with your inner sparkle.
Let’s take a closer look at what inspiration is and where you might find it:
What is Inspiration?
Inspiration, comes from the word “inspire”. In the physical sense, it means drawing in breath, or inhalation. Breath is life force energy as it introduces oxygen with inhalation and then exhalation releases carbon dioxide from your system. When you inspire you draw in life force energy to build and empower your well-being.
Inspiration is more commonly known for it’s influence with the mind. With every thought, we have a physical experience, subtle or grand. Our bodies, our health, are affected by the thoughts we think and how we process life experiences. That is powerful stuff! Imagine if you build a whole lot of inspiration into your life. You could change your health, your habits, your relationships, your beliefs, and how you feel, all for the better.
Health Inspiration Calgary
5 Ways to Become Inspired:
- Look at the world through the eyes of a child. Kids get so full-body excited about the smallest of things like a bug on the ground, zipping their own zipper, showing off their art projects or rolling around in a cold snowbank.
- Role models – who are yours – a public figure, a friend, a relative – what is it in them that you admire?
- Creativity and play– create something for fun, such as music, art, dance. What is your favorite – painting, playing the guitar, watching an opera, having a dance party in the living room to Shakira’s “Try Everything” song?
- Overcoming obstacles, realizing you are a tough cookie and you’ve so got this!
- Contemplating life with gratitude. Feeling, not just seeing all the blessings you have at any given moment. Go looking for them if need be. They are there always.
In this New Year of 2017,
Stand outside when snow is falling from the sky. Close your eyes, feel the delicate, chilly snowflakes land on your face, and melt. Take a deep, full breath (inspire) and believe, in the magic of you.
Be inspired and achieve your goals. Do it now!
by | Dec 29, 2016 | Uncategorized
By Abigail Draper PhD, Registered Psychologist
“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.”
Matsuo Basho
Mindfulness is a state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations. Mindfulness involves paying attention to thoughts and feelings without believing there is a “right” or “wrong” way to think in the moment. It is used as a therapeutic technique. Substantial research has demonstrated how mindfulness-based interventions improve mental and physical health. In particular, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy has been found to decrease the risk of recurrent depression.
Much of our stress comes from thoughts that are focused on the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness works because it involves living in the present and focusing attention on what one is doing right now. As a result there is no room for thoughts such as regrets or fears such as rejection or failure. By being fully open to the present and one’s internal experience, external stressors and uncomfortable thoughts and feelings are not pushed away. Instead, there is a deep acceptance and ability to rest in the moment.
Healthcare Professionals NW Calgary
In the beginning stages of mindfulness practice, the focus is often on the breath. Present-moment awareness is encouraged as one opens up to internal experience such as sounds, feelings or bodily sensations. Other practices such as Tai Chi or yoga can help to cultivate mindfulness as well as meditations that involve walking or eating mindfully. From here, one can also practice passively observing the natural flow of thoughts, feelings and sensations. This is done without being concerned about the meaning or relationship between thoughts, feelings or sensations. Visual imagery can also be helpful, for example, imagining thoughts as leaves on a stream or clouds passing in the sky.
Mindfulness meditation can enhance insight and acceptance of internal experiences by promoting calmness, relaxation and improved mood. Docere Wellness Centre can guide you living a more fulfilling life. Give us a call now!
by | Dec 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
By Amanda Delamer, MSc, CPCC, ACC
Life Coaching NW Calgary
Coaching creates space for more joy, more fulfillment, more self-awareness. Coaching is about getting you from where you are to where you want to be. Coaching is about you creating more space in your life for – for what is important to you and making it happen. Coaching encourages you to make intentional choices that honour all parts of you – mind, body and spirit.
I have had the honour of working with an amazingly diverse and dynamic group of people over the past six years. There exists a common thread – they are looking for change and someone to champion them on their journey.
Six common reasons that people seek out and hire me as their Coach include:
Health
– Whether looking to integrate better nutrition habits, an exercise program or connecting in with mind, body and spirit, people want and benefit from linking in with their bigger picture, with their whole self. My clients are self-aware – they discover their “why” and tap in to the motivation needed to achieve and maintain their goals.
Life/Work Balance
– Whether a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, stay-at-home mom and/or a wide array of other professions, our work can leave us wondering “when did I forget about me, about what I want for me?” Even when our work fulfills us, it can be easy to put the needs of others before our own – our boss, our children, other commitments, etc. My clients are living lives that honour their values, their goals, their dreams, their passions AND honour others in their life.
Overwhelm
– Whether starting up a new business, transitioning careers, or wanting to simplify your everyday, anxiety, urgency and overwhelm can creep in. My clients make intentional and informed decisions from a place of clarity regarding what is important to them, and in line with their values and goals, instead of from a place of overwhelm and urgency.
Relationships
– Conflict with co-workers, stress with children, tensions within the family, and with friends can arise when we are not clear on our values and honouring what is important to us. In honouring who we are at our core, the better able we are to honour and have strong relationships with those in our lives – family, friends, colleagues and all we cross paths with. My clients enjoy strong, fulfilling and meaningful relationships in their lives.
Leadership
– You don’t have to be in a management position to be a leader. Regardless of position held, to take your leadership to the next level – to expand as a leader in service of yourself and those you lead and work with – means starting with yourself. It takes courage to live a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to you AND acknowledge and honour your presence, your impact on and responsibility in the world around you. My clients are everyday leaders who inspire and elevate those around them.
Career Transition
– Making the decision to change careers, or having the decision made for you through lay-offs, can be overwhelming and stressful. It is also an opportunity to consider what meaningful work looks like for you. It is an opportunity to explore your strengths, your values and your passions, and ask yourself “what do I really want to be when I grow up?” My clients love what they do and have clarity around work that honours their strengths and passions, and they seek out careers that fulfill them – not just another job.
Not sure what to expect, or want to try out coaching before you commit?
Book your complimentary coaching sample session TODAY! Call 403.452.6262
Make 2017 an amazing year! WINTER/NEW YEAR special – sign up for three months and receive 10%off! Sign up for six months and receive 25% off!
Amanda is a self-awareness and fulfillment coach. Amanda coaches and supports people in living healthy, balanced and fulfilled lives. She coaches and honours the whole person – mind, body and spirit. Her clients experience fulfillment in all parts of their lives – health, family, relationships, career, etc. – and they value and appreciate that all parts of their lives are connected. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her loving husband and three energetic and inspiring children.
by | Dec 1, 2016 | Uncategorized
This month Dr. Michelle Hagel and Lisa Lin collaborated for our most recent blog series “Good Health on a Budget”. Good health is truly possible, regardless of your financial situation. Here are some ideas to show you how you can make it happen. It is our intention that this information light a spark of curiosity in you and to open your mind to creative thinking around your finances and health.
Good Health Strategies on a Budget
By Lisa Lin, RMT, HHPR
Many a time in social situations I’ve heard people say “I can’t do (X) because it costs too much, so I can’t do anything to get better”. Some of the motivations around this belief could stem from (and no judgement here): excuse making habits, believing there is only one way to approach getting healthy, not believing in yourself, not having support or feeling defeated. Until we start to think differently or realize doing the same thing over and over again may elicit the same results, you can start feeling stuck. We don’t want stuck. I would like to see you believe in yourself, put your creative thinking hat on, get determined and be well! So here are a few ideas to get you started:
Health Tips Northwest Calgary
- Look at Where You Spend Your Money
Is it on your values or on things that are not meaningful to you? For example, paying into a gym membership you never use, eating takeout instead of bringing food from home. Those extra costs could go towards self care practices (egs. fresh produce, yoga classes, new runners to support your joints). Please read Dr. Hagel’s section for the how-to on nutrition.
Before stopping care due to financial challenges, talk to your health practitioners – work out a plan and some ideas for care that will get you the support you need. You do not have to figure everything out by yourself.
Do you know if you have employee health benefits? Does your spouse? First find out what your plan covers, how much and if your family is covered too. Second check the professional designations and insurance recognition of the practitioners you want to see. Third, check if your practitioners do direct billing to insurance, saving you having to pay up front and be reimbursed later. One of the reasons employers provide health benefits to employees is they recognize that if their employees are healthy, there is reduced sick time and improved productivity. Insurance plans often cover naturopath visits, chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, psychologists, massage therapy, orthotics and prescription medication. Some companies even provide partial reimbursement for gym memberships. Please use these plans ethically.
- Self Care is Cost Effective
You are your own inner healer. By doing your self care (ie nutrition, exercise, rest, social support, recreation) this is where much of your healing will come from and it is simple and cost effective. Practitioners provide tools, techniques, practices and support for your healing. It is up to you to be an active participant to get the most therapeutic effect from each office visit.And Last But Not Least
- Listen to Your Inner Wisdom
The human body shows symptoms, sometimes hollers with them when we are not paying attention to our health. When life gets busy, and people take on more external responsibilities with family, community and work, it is easy to disengage from the self and stop listening within. Your inner knowing will never lead you astray; it will direct you on the clearest, most financially feasible and grounded path to healing. It really is that simple, when you regularly practice listening to your inner self with love.
Good Health is the greatest blessing of life. Be determined to well. Sign Up and get started today!