“For my part, I prefer my heart to be broken. It is so lovely, dawn-kaleidoscopic within the crack.” – D.H. Lawrence I was 12 when the first dark period came on, though I didn’t know what to call it. I had hit puberty at ten. By sixth grade, all dolled up from modeling school know-how, already 5’9″, I spent the year getting straight A’s, fending off come-ons from 18-20 year olds and answering questions about how many grades I’dRead more
Posts tagged: #Lisa Shannon
Offering
Many years ago, I visited an ancient temple in the Himalayas, dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of Wealth, Lakshmi. Much like church donation boxes and prayer candles in Christian places of worship, in temples in India, visitors are expect to leave a donation or offering. Though most of the temple visitors that day left 5 rupees notes, I smacked down a whopping 100 rupee note (about 4 dollars- big spender, I know). As the temple priest’s eyes bulged and heRead more
Collage
This step follows the word selection. Something like a vision board, these collages started with journals to track progress, and evolved into full blown art pieces I keep on my wall throughout the year. Here’s what you’ll need: Journal or Canvas. Art supply stores are are great place to pick these up. You can use sketch or watercolor books if you like, or simply buy a full-sized canvas. They are surprisingly inexpensive. Decorative paper. Again, your local art store or local fineRead more
What’s your word for 2016?
Sanctuary. Recharge. Nourish. Emerge. Bond. Clarity. Realize. Self-Love. Ritual. Bloom. Create. Hope. Can a simple word change the course of a life? Yes. Every year, we face critical decisions and pivot points that affect the trajectory of the remainder of our lives. Having a clear intention for your year, and your life, can make all the difference. This simple process lead me to raise millions of dollars for war-ravaged women in Congo and Somalia, publish two books, earn a HarvardRead more
A gazillion & none: The art of focus.
The most common mistake people make is putting too much on their list. I did that one year- a list of 20+ goals. I wanted them all…why wouldn’t I write it down if the process is so powerful? In short, it wasn’t. I didn’t make serious strides in any arena that year. A gazillion priorities is no priorities at all. As writing coach Cynthia Whitcom always says, “Fewer words, more power.” Narrow it down. What do you want in eachRead more
Year of All Years
New Year’s has long been my favorite holiday, but not for the standard drinking- party celebrations. Over the past 10 years, with friends and family, I’ve created processes filled with reflections, vision, goal setting, and creative projects, providing a polestar for the year. Exercises like choosing a word for the year, creating a collage, gratitude lists, year or decades in review, unlived life exercises, a letter from your 100 year old self. The list goes on. The basic idea isRead more
Year of All Years 