feather & foundation

Dreams..this is the second podcast (one of the very first episodes of Feather & Foundation was Dreams).  Good thing we aren't limited to just one.  We spend our life having dreams- when we were younger- they were unlimited and we believed everything and anything was possible.  Then life gets ahold of you...busyness, experiences, cynicism, being realistic, doubt, not taking action- so many things are dream killers and stealers. I'll share some dreams come true, and the latest one that is relatively new - even though it was tucked away  It takes courage to dream, and to follow that dream.  When you stand in a dream come true- it takes  your breath away and realize the holy moment of the giver of the dream and the talents, and gifts that HE has given to you- holy goosebump moments.  Dreams include others, inspires others and encourages others.  Amazing to think- the Creator of all, creates a dream in your heart, a specific dream, specifically to you and has also gifted you with the abilities to create that dream.  

You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one,  I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one- Imagine (by John Lennon).  Join us dreamers for this episode.  Go ahead dream a little dream, or a big dream and trust in the faithfulness by your obedience, taking action, daring and doing- your dream could be the answered prayer of someone else.  

Each season on the calendar has a rhythm.  In our seasons of life, there is a rhythm.  Sometimes the rhythms just flow and go.  Sometimes there is more of a struggle, or it is chaotic.  Hear some tips on this podcast on how to create rhythm in your mornings to start your day in harmony.  Creating space for gratitude, prayer, meditation or picturing how you would like your day to unfold and the things ('matches") you are looking for as you go about your day.  Want to see kindness, joy, beauty?  Guess what- that is what you will see.  The saying "what you think about, you bring about", or "what you focus on grows".  What is your body telling you it needs for it's rhythm & functioning at optimal energy, health and vitality?  Can we hear through the loud of everyday living?  Join us at Feather & Foundation as we embrace the rhythm of a new season (even if we might be a bit sad leaving summer...for the summer peeps!)  I appreciate you listening and pass it along to a friend.

Come on celebrate ....as we dive deeper into celebrating.  Think back to last big event you attended- if it was a great one- it was filled with laughter, joy and celebration.  Have you celebrated a milestone lately? A promotion? Life event?  In our everyday living, how can we incorporate in seeing people...looking up off our phones and acknowledging others (smile, nodding, saying hi).  Pull out those ear buds and engage in conversation with someone.  You'll hear some great stories of acknowledging others, appreciating and celebrating others.  You can take your lit candle and light someone's candle by seeing them and acknowledging them.  It takes nothing from your candle- in fact spreads more light and joy in this world.  Let's go light the world and celebrate good times- wahoo!  Thank you for sharing the light and love of this episode with others to encourage, entertain and inspire.  We are growing the Flock, and I celebrate  & appreciate YOU!  

We want to do things that are fulfilling. We have a drive to be fulfilled.  In our full days with do-to-lists- we can miss the fulfillment of just crossing the things off our list.  In the everyday moments- fulfillment can eclipse us.  We can find those authentic moments in listening to our hearts, our mind and our spirit in experiencing fulfillment.  Even in the disappointing or disastrous- we can know that there is more within us and we aren’t done.  There is more living, loving and fulfilling moments to experience.  There is more to your story- so grab the pen and write your story boldly, bravely and beautifully in an authentic and fulfilling way.  

Perspective.....amazing how it can be so different with each person and yet their experience and truth.  Perspective is shaped by  life happenings and even culturally.  Through some powerful stories you'll be able to step  into someone else's perspective  to experience a different  side or  situation.  While you may still not totally get someone's perspective, you'll hear how you can still respect and value the person- while still possibly disagreeing.  We can be kind, gentle and compassionate in  listening to someone's experience and perspective.  We never know the battles others are facing.  Hear he tips to  learn from others with a perspective different than your own.  We really are more  alike than different.  The stories might help change your perspective.  Thank you for liking, commenting and sharing.  Shout out to our faithfuls- THE FLOCK.

This week's WOW word Listening came from several situations this past week. From playing with my granddaughter, to having a discussion of different point of view with someone, to experiencing a session of gentle stretching in listening to others, as well as my own body.  How can be a more engaged listener?  So often when we are in a discussion with someone else, we can be so busy planning on what we are going to say or respond that we aren't actually even listening to them at all.  Can we give people space, and be free of judgment in differences?  Can we learn to still value the person, even if we have different perspectives.  How can we get back as a society to being okay to respectfully disagree?   Being an active and engaged listener can go a long way in diffusing communication breakdowns and helps others to be heard.  Also, in this episode we visit about listening to your body- what is it telling you? Where do you carry your stress?  Who & what do you listen to as you go about your day?  It is empowering and alignment of your goals, dreams and inspirations.  Do you listen to yourself- your intuition and gut?   Awareness can help us have discernment in listening.  Thank you for listening to Feather & Foundation and liking, commenting and sharing with others- as we grow The Flock in spreading positivity, possibilities, joy, beauty & creativity.  

We are influence others in our sphere (whether were to eat lunch or shop or vacation) or leaving bigger imprints in people's lives and hearts.  You'll hear the influence my grandmother had on my life.  I'm sure you can think of those people in your life that had major influence on you.  You never know when something you share with someone the impact that it can make in their life.  You'll be inspired by the influence of my 80-year-old friend in a great story in this episode.  Imagine if we all used our influence for good to unite people (not divide) and encourage hearts.  Get out there you- influencer and share your gift, wisdom, time and talents with others.  

Our WOW word is serve.  We value when someone serves us- it's noticed and appreciated.  How can we focus on serving others in our day?  Serving others can be easy or natural- and many times comes at a cost (time, financial, investment, inconvenience).  We'll discuss the many benefits of serving others.  Be willing to not show up holding a plate waiting to be served, but grab that spoon and start serving others.  

What a fun double WOW word episode as we dig deeper into Introverts & Extroverts.  You can take a Myers Briggs personality test for more information on this topic to learn even more.  A really easy way to identify if you have a preference is - how do you restore or receive your energy?  Is it being alone, down time & recharging- then you are probably more Introverted.  If you feel energized by being with people or social interactions- then you might be more Extroverted.  If you can go between both- you probably don't have a strong preference and more midline.   Hear about communication styles and understanding with the General & Aide.  It's fun to learn about your personality/behavior style.  It's powerful to learn about others- you'll begin to find them fascinating and not as frustrating.  Be sure to comment- what are you Introvert? Or Extrovert?  I can wait to hear.  Thanks for sharing the love of Feather  & Foundation by liking, commenting and sharing.

Funny now a trip to the mailbox to get mail and walking back to my porch- the swing beckons me to sit down.  As I sift through the mail (task)- suddenly I start to notice the colors around me, the breeze, the sounds of the birds chirping over the squeaky sound of the swing moving. And I think this is so nice. And second thought is why don't I do this more often.  Why is it so hard for us to practice the pause?  When we take those moments to just pause- we can escape the schedule and to do lists and just be...be aware, be grateful, be present to ourselves.  Those moments refuel our spirit, and flow and can give us more go.  Also practicing the pause is good when dealing with others- especially in a difficult situation.  Our normal tendancies  can be a gut reaction in which we may say or do something we regret and causes breakdown in the relationship.  Practicing the pause- allows us to respond instead.  How can you incorporate the pauses today?  How can you be more intentional in practicing the pause with yourself and with others?  Be sure to share how you practiced the pause, and like and share with others as we grow "The Flock" here at Feather & Foundation.