Women on the Path

It is the beginning of a new year, a clean slate to create from, and a perfect opportunity to transform an aspect of your life.

Because I love to walk, I often take the path less traveled. I use this time to reflect on my life and seek inspiration. It is a way to clear out the cobwebs in my brain and soak in the beauty of my surroundings. For me, the path represents a metaphor for life, always taking a twist or a turn in a new direction.

One thing I notice on my treks is that women walk together- engaged in conversation, eagerly discussing life's challenges, and for the most part, oblivious to what is going on around them. For some, it is a walking meditation, taking time in quiet repose, to just be with nature. For others, it is a time to release the pressures of life. I also observe that there is a difference between people as they walk. Men relate differently to each other and couples have their own way of being together. It is my observation, that women connect in a way through communication, that is often transformational.

As a professional life coach, I notice the body language and the way in which women interact with one another. Body language is a gentle reminder of what is going on inside of a person. Hands waving in the air, laughing, sharing secrets about husbands, lovers, and children are all part of the intricate fabric of life. Walking and talking is a way to release stress, express emotions and let go of life's challenges.

There are different paths that women take when they decide to shift something in their lives. Some race right in like the brisk walkers I see, burning up energy and determined to get where they are going fast. They want immediate feedback and answers to the challenges that they face in life. Others meander slowly, taking time to process their lives from the inside out. A shift may come about in a quick realization of recognizing a pattern or a way of being that has held them back. It may come slowly, taking weeks to identify what is blocking them or keeping them stuck, and always there is a moment in time when a eureka happens. This path leads to an opening for change.

Transformation comes about when we decide that we want something different. And since we are the authors of our lives, we are always at choice in the matter. We may decide on a New Years resolution to lose weight, learn something new or simplify our living space. Whatever we take on, we can create an action plan to accomplish our goals. It usually involves sending an intention out into the universe and following up with specific goals to accomplish it. My intention for this column is for every woman to find something that calls to her, and action steps to take.

In Phillip Moffet's article, "The Heart's Intention" Yoga Journal September/October 2003, setting intention, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different than goal making. It is a path or practice that is focused on how we are "being" in the present moment. We set our intentions based on understanding what is most important to us and make a commitment to align our actions with our inner values. It is called "the practice" of setting intentions because it is an ever-renewing process.

By applying this basic principle to our own lives, transformation can happen by simply making a commitment to align our actions to what we hold sacred. Why not set an intention for some kind of change for the New Year and align your actions with your goals.

As I watch women walking along the path, talking and listening to one another, I realize that these conversations are the seeds of transformation. Seeds emerge as conversations evolve out of a yearning deep inside. What can you do to encourage one another to take steps to go forward? How can you tap into the juice that happens when you are on your path?

I challenge you to set an intention, and create goals to bring about change for the coming year. It is time to wrap your arms around life and embrace a new beginning.

Dr. Linda Lea is a former Professor of Education and currently an Education Consultant and a Certified Professional Life Coach. As the Director of an International Education Program for a nonprofit organization working in East Africa, Dr. Lea is a world traveler and lecturer. She is a graduate of the Co-Active Leadership Program and is available for speaking engagements and sample coaching sessions. For more information go to LindaLea.com, call 707-939-7572 or email her at lindalea@vom.com.

For more information contact her at:
Lea Coaching and Consulting
(707) 939-7572
www.LindaLea.com