Kunbi Korostensky N.D - MAKING LIFE CHANGES SIMPLE

When You Feel Like Chucking it all Up...!

It has been quite a while since I last posted on my blog. Well, apart from having had a rather long and tiring period - between launching my first International Conference for Women and preparing the yearly event for our non-profit foundation and organizing numerous other matters such as programs for 2007, contacting various people for feedback etc - You name it, I was at the brink of a nervous breakdown!

I decided to do what I often advice other people to do in such cases. Take a break. This was exactly what I did. I left everything behind me and went off to a wellness hotel. This decison has done wonders for my inner calmness, peace of mind and resourcefulness.

While in my seclusion, I had a number of insights. And I'd like to share some of them here. Perhaps some of my recognitions would find resonance with some of you.

1. I realized that stress is often a self-imposed state of mind. When I reflected over the last past months of getting the women's conference together, I had put enormous pressure on myself. This was as a result of feeling that I had to deliver a "first class" event even though no one had demanded it of me! What a joke! I could have done less and people would still have found the event remarkable without my having to "tear my hair out".

Insight:  If I ever feel the need to go out of my way to give the "best" possible for anything, then I am not connecting first and foremost with my inner need. My energy gets depleted and I lose sight of what is truly essential, which is enjoying the ride. As important as it is getting things well organized like a clockwork, still, it is meaningless if the heart that drives tthe clockwork gets sucked up! I recognise that I require to continue to work on my ego big time!

2.I need to delegate more and allow other people to share in the fun and to create a dynamic force. None of us is meant to struggle alone. Fighting to see to every nooks and crannies all by yourself is a pitiful and depraving picture. It means more to me to promote joy, laughter and creative purposefulness around me.

Insight: It is time to leave behind my "lonesome cave" and seek out others, inviting them to join me on my journey and becoming co-creators of great visions together.

3. During the entire period of working on and developing the program for the International women's conference, I had ocassional moments of weakness. In these moments, I asked myself why I was going through with the whole thing. Luckily enough, I was able to pull myself together and continued. And I'm glad I did.

In retrospect now, I believe the one main stay that kept me going was my dearest cousin in England. Whenever I felt a little overwhelmed or couldn't see things clearly, I simply called her and voila. She was just the right person to talk to. She always had the right thing to say or the right approach for me to consider. What a blessing to have someone like that in my corner.

Insight: I didn't have to lose heart when certain things weren't working out immediately! By talking to someone special to me or going some places that  gave me inspiration or where I could unwind just did the job.      

      

You And I, We Are The Light of Our World

The other day I was thinking about how a decision based on love and creativity can revolutionize our own world.

One bleak morning earlier on this year in March 2006, I woke up with a strong inspiration which at the time I wasn't quite aware of its true significance. The idea came to me to bring a number of women together to help other women enhance their feminine strengths by tapping into spiritual values.

I have always believed that many people live too much from and for the outside world today. After reliving a near death experience in 2005, I now feel even stronger about this. It is also my conviction that we women need to start paying more attention to our spiritual strengths and learn to use them more consciously. 

I knew that I wanted to create a platform for women where they can feel safe to examine their femininity and develop their intuition. So I thought of organising an International Conference.  From the moment I voiced this out to myself the idea took form in my mind's eye and I began to put a structure together.

It is now September and a lot has happened since that monday morning in March when the inspiration came to me. With the faith and trust I had in unseen forces around me, I have received undreamt of support and help in preparing the first conference of this genre.

It is my strong belief that the conference will be a catalyst for all women attendees, inspiring them to look within and to connect with the source of the Living Creative Power which flows through us all.

Now as the registrations for the conference continue to pour in, I feel deep gratitude and a sense of awe for the magnitude of power given to each one of us to create our own world and thereby to help improve that of others. All it requires is simply to ignite the spark within and let it develop into a full power of light to carry your volition out into the world.

Faith, hope and love are truly mighty forces of power capable of bringing light to your world. And these all lie within you!

See the result of my partnering with these forces at: www.awakenwomen.com                              

International Conference Infuses Femininity & Spirituality Back Into The Businesswoman

Finally, here is the press release for our 1st International Conference for Women in Switzerland. I look forward to meeting some of my loyal readers there and getting to know you personally. 

Business mavens often preach that success comes at the expense of personal fulfillment. For women, who abandon femininity and spirituality to assimilate into the workplace, business achievement comes at a high price. Some businesswomen denounce the notion that they must give up their femininity. These women will converge at the International Conference for Women and Women Entrepreneurs on October 13-15, 2006 in Brunnen, Switzerland.

“The conference offers women a safe environment to voice their fear about owning their spirituality and femininity and encourages women to use them to transform their life and surroundings,” states founder Olakunbi Korostensky. As a naturopathic doctor and psychotherapist, she knows the effect of stress on the body and spirit. Korostensky’s holistic approach, taught in her popular seminars, is the focus of the conference. She will not be alone at the podium. Korostensky recruited nine world-renowned experts to inspire attendees.

Stefanie Hartman’s presentation, “How Women are Becoming Expert Millionaires, Selling Information They Already Have!” is one of the most anticipated. The certified marketing consultant transformed the careers of many entrepreneurs - taking one unknown author to bestseller status in six weeks. Professional coach Heidi Röthlisberger, systemic management and leadership specialist Teresa Mocna, author and publisher Motunlayo Sofowote and empowerment guru Carole Spiers will join her.

To cultivate spiritual and mental well being, conference attendees will hear from psychiatrist Dr. Mitchell Gibson, spiritual teacher and author Dr. Margo Kirtikar, Sufi teacher Annette Kaiser and natural health consultant Vivien Clere Green. "I would have loved to have these experts on my show. This weekend is going to shape our future as women," exclaims moderator Nicole Noevers. The journalist and television personality’s talk show “Nicole – Decision in the Afternoon” aired in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.      

The conference venue, the Seehotel Waldstätterhof, provides the perfect escape for attendees. The itinerary also contributes to its serenity. Romps to nightclubs and after parties are noticeably absent. Instead, Saturday ends with poetry and music. Sunday closes with opera singers Anne-Marie Karger and Isabella Baumeler. “We are excluding extracurricular activities that could distract attendees from the purpose of the conference, which is for women to recognize their feminine power and to connect with it,” asserts Korostensky. Attendees will not have to wait until the next conference to connect with that power or each other. Korostensky will launch the Awaken Women International program, a global network of guidance including a telephone support group. Registration is open to the public. Deadlines and fees are available at www.awakenwomen.com.

Thanks to the support and co-ordination of a group of wonderful women world wide, especially from the Uk, this conference has taken a remakable turn I would never have dreamt of! I look forward to a long, happy and prosperous journey together with you all. This change is truly a miracle!    

You Can Only Fail if You Decide to Give Up

The month of July started with a roller coaster race, in which I found myself racing against all odds.

It all started with my VA - Virtual Assistant informing me that she wouldn't be able to set up the new website pages for our October planned conference. She was having some personal problems which appeared to be affecting her and her ability to work effeciently. After having worked steadily over the last 2-3 months on the site contents and registering the domain name and all, at first I couldn't believe this was happening.

Well it was happening, and I had better find a solution fast! Afterall the website was supposed to have been up by the end of June!  As the initial surprise began to wear off, I realised that this was the opportunity to use my initiative and prove that nothing was going to get in the way of creating a great website for the Conference.

After trying to do some damage control by asking for help at various quarters and alas, to no avail, I decided to turn to the outsourcing platform of professional service provider, the elance.com

Within 24 hours, I was able to engage a service provider in India to set up my new website. The entire procedure proved to be a great adventure. I needed to collaborate closely with the team in India, so I had to get up very early in the mornings as a result of the time zone differences!

I believe I have never had to work so intensely concentrated with a group of people on the other side of the globe. Yes, I know that most people would probably say, "big deal, what's all the fuss about?" Well to me it certainly was a big deal.

First of all, I was determined not to just get anybody to create the website. I wanted someone who would have the time and patient to understand what I wanted and get the job done as quickly as possible. To be exact within 4 days.

Secondly, I have never done this kind of thing before, so I felt as if I was plunging myself into freezing water, where I had to either generate rapid warmth from within or freeze to death! Kind of hypethermia therapy. I decided to do the former and build a good rapport with the "new team". Thereon began a tedious 10 long, dragging days. That's how long it took.

Don't get me wrong, the expereince has been very sobering for me. I now realize how much work goes into creating a professional website. Logo and all!

The webmaster team in India, were exceptionally patient and supportive, and I hang on to my determination until all the pages were just as I wanted them to be. See the final work at: www.awakenwomen.com

Notwithstanding the number of misunderstandings, a few confusions and ex number of direct telephone calls, "the show" went on and got completed. I hope you like the result.

And as Sir Winston Churchill once said: "never, never, never give up". I would like to second that by repeating, you can only fail, if you decide to give up! 

         

Things Are Never What They Appear to Be!

Are there times in which you feel that you're struggling badly with some things and then...wham! Suuddenly and magically, things begin to fall into place?

I have had some very challenging times these past few weeks, but somehow as I began shifting my focus from what appeared to be obvious - and I consciously chose the words "appeared to be  obvious"- I was able to diffuse many difficult situations.

In fact, acutely charged problems simply began to unravel. I received inner promptings for solutions which I otherwise would not have thought of.

It is a wonderful feeling to recognize the validation of the old adage that your own happiness and peace of mind solely lie in your own hands.

When oppositions or adversities oppose us, we tend to focus too much on the problem and get emotionally clog up by who is to blame. Unfortunately, this attitude only eats away at us, and immobilizes us.

But if we can emotionally distant ourself from the problem and focus more on looking for solutions, then we are able to free up dynamic energy to turn things around.

This is what I have experienced. I can assure you, it is much more engaging and invigorating focusing all your inner "radar" on what needs to become than on what went wrong!

Suddenly your heart feels lighter, you take conscise action, you move with certain confidence, you have a certain air of determination about you. All these changes happen because you are driven from within.The energy around you is just electrifying! This were actually what people have been saying to me these past weeks.Truly amazing!

Which proves that if you don't allow problems to stop you or eat away at you, you'll  be directed to find the right angle to things, even in the worst case scenario. For things are really never what they mostly appear to be.

Right now, my maxim is: "never judge any dark moment by its appearance, for you can neither feel how soothing wading in iced cold water can be until you've experienced it". It is a question of perspectivity.               

                                 

The Importance Of Choosing Your Words Consciously

These past few weeks, I have been observing how what I say have great impact in my life and in the lives of other people.

There is nothing new about the knowledge of the power of our words. But sometimes I believe we  either forget about their effects or we simply become slothful in our ways. Still, this is not to say that we can be excused. Because the unchanging eternal laws woven into Creation do not wait for us to become vigilant before reciprocating to what we put out there in the form of our words or deeds for that matter.

Yesterday, a colleague asked for my opinion about her health issues, which she has unsuccessfully  been dealing with. Immediately, I was tempted to shed some light on what I perceived to be the source of her problem. But then, something held me back, and I listened within.

It became very clear to me that what she now required, was not what I had to say about the source of her health issues, but rather encouragements on how well she was managing with the situation. So I changed my focus and listened with my heart. As she continued to speak, I observed her feelings and then asked her what exactly she wanted from me. The answer came like a rocket!

She said she needed my moral support and my words of wisdom which she felt had always given her the strength to deal with difficult issues in the past! Amazing what simple listening can bring to the fore. 

Once again, I was reminded of the importance of truly tuning into other people's feelings to really perceive how best to serve them at a given time.

My change of focus saved me from making a grievous mistake and undoubtedly disappointing or worst still hurting a dear colleague. Had I gone ahead and said what was in my mind, I would have missed the opportunity of knowing what is really of benefit to her.

Sometimes it is best to hold back a thought before deciding to put it into words. For once your words are pronounced, they are out of your control and a constellation of vibration is set into motion.                     

 

The Ripples of New Joy As Catalyst For What Is Becoming

We all experience times of exhilarating joy which just seem to burst out of your soul. Well this happened to me today!

I woke up in a pretty much calm manner and as the day went by, I continued to observe the changes in my inner disposition. I felt a surge of deep happiness and inner contentment which I haven't felt for a very long time. I was amazed by this change, especially because yesterday had been quite the opposite.

In fact, the previous day had me struggling with my physical energy and strength that I had to stay home for the entire day. And yes, I listened to my intuition and did what was best for me. I spent the day reading and delving into some special writings which my whole being seemed to just soak up. By the time I was ready for bed, I felt completely numbed and yet more "together"?!

Today, however, things have changed and the bubbly joy within me suddenly overflowed. I decided to use this as an incentive to experiment on a project which I had recently been struggling with. But first, I called a very good friend and informed her about my perception. She listened and then said something remarkable. "Do you think it could be that the struggle you went through yesterday was a way of symbolically overcoming a hump,... kind of making up for something?" I went dead silent, but not because of what she said, but the way she said it.

Because although it appeared to be a question it wasn't! It was more of a clear statement. This statement cut deep into my soul and I felt she was right. it was as if she linked intuitvely with me helping me understand better what had happened.

When I still didn't say anything, she went on to say, that she felt that the joy I was feeling was a kind of compensation because I embraced the struggle from the other day. Meaning that I opened myself for the beginning of a new, happier and more fulfilling path with lesser struggle. Wow! was I amazed by her talk. But what amazed me even more was I knew she was absolutely right!

Strong lesson for me: when things get tough, sit back and enjoy the ride without complaining, for who knows what great blessings are on their way?                                                

Flexibility Is The Key to Effortless Change   

I am fully in the middle of organising a special International Conference for women. This is an event for which my true desire is the inner awakening of nobility of women worldwide.

While contemplating on the program for the event and the invitations to the keynote speakers, I intuitively perceived that this could truly become a huge thing if I am prepared to adjust my own mental image of "how things have to be."

So I decided to look for other examples out there, and adapt some of them into  what I am about to give form to. As I put this into play, I called people I didn't know before.

Well guess what, I began to attract more and more women who want to help and support my cause. Now I have a group of committed ladies who inspire me incessantly and help remind me of my own commitment and responsibility. This a great joy!

If I had remained adamant about "my own way" being the best or the only way possible, I would probably have continued to struggle alone and who knows, maybe even given up on my vision.

Moving into flow of creativity does not mean you have to do things at the speed of light or have all the answers immediately. It is about remaining inwardly alert to perceive when you are being prompted to adjust your thinking and approach. To do things differently!

Being flexible does not only help you see things from another vantage point, but it opens your heart and connects you through higher vibration to other sources for great abundance.

Sharing freely with others unlocks the magical door to infinite joy and blessings for everyone.

Life is truly bountiful and inexhaustible if we open ourselves to its wonder!                     

The Power To Restore and Reform

It is Springtime and nature is once again sprouting and blossoming with new life and fragrances and so is our body.

After successfully alleviating a very painful earache yesterday, I woke up this morning feeling relieved and refreshed. As I contemplate for a moment the memories of the excruciating pain from the previous day, I couldn't but marvel at the rapid change.

I mean, here I am 12 hours down the road, with no pain whatsoever and practically back to my normal self! Anyone who has ever experienced any form of mind blowing pain knows it is no joke. Deep gratitude welled up inside of me as I was reminded of the true ability which lies dormant within each one of us, in our Spirit.

I felt a surge of new energy revibrating in me and intuitively perceived that I was connecting deeply with my innerself. The more I allowed it to happen the better I felt. By the time I got up I was in total harmony which I can only describe as serenity.

The secret to true happiness and joy lies buried within us and every now and then I find myself unveiling that secret and having a glimpse into the treasure. This promising treasure is also the key to new life and revival. For anything and everything that lives and breathes draws from an eternal life force which gives life to all.

We can all  draw from the gift of regeneratiing power, we only require to connect to it consciously.

Happy and abundant Spring!                            

Frustration Or Unlimited Possibility?

If you're feeling frustrated with your life or job, this is the time to do something about it. As I read the article from Doreen Banaszak, I was once again reminded about how we truly have it in our own hands to create abundance and joy. You can begin to improve your possibility for a better outlook by deciding to shift your awareness.

In the article, "Living a life of "Frustrated Potentiality"?  Doreen outlined 4 simple Steps which can easily propel you away from your frustration and manifest new possibilities for you.

Here goes:

Living a life of "Frustrated Potentiality"?

Frustrated Potentiality...

I wish I had this phrase 5 years ago when I was sitting at my desk, wanting to bang my head on it, thinking how much more I could be doing if I wasn't working 60 hours a week at a job that wasn't meaningful to me.  At least I would have had a phrase to explain exactly what I was feeling!

How does "frustrated potentiality" feel to you? What images does it conjure up for you?

When I came across this phrase the other day  it immediately reminded me of a famous quote, that talks about people leading "lives of quiet desperation", but with one big difference...

"Desperation" lacks hope, "frustration" indicates a willingness to do something, if you can get past the frustration.

If you've ever felt this and are like I was, you simply plow forward and focus on changing your circumstances.

But what usually happens when we follow this course?  We get what we think we want and then we want more, so yet again we are back in our state of "frustrated potentiality".

So if changing circumstances doesn’t help, what will?
Learning how to "create" your experience is the key to getting beyond frustration and into flow.

Let's take your career for example.  If you always wanted to do meaningful work, but felt as though you couldn't make money doing it, you will always experience "frustrated potentiality" until you actually do work that is meaningful.

Ok, now you know why you are frustrated...

So, where are you feeling "frustrated potentiality"?

Ask yourself this question regarding any area of your life, your relationships, money, career, family...

Now use these 4 steps to turn your frustrated potentiality into unlimited potentiality...

Step One, Get HONEST!

Ask yourself what you really want in this area. Let's go back to the career example.  What you really want here is to make money doing meaningful work.  That's it, plain and simple.  The trick here is to be completely honest.  If you're not, you will remain frustrated even though you say you think you know what you want.

Step Two, Define What You Mean

Now ask yourself, what does "meaningful work" mean to me?
What would I be doing?  Who would I be doing it with?  Do I like to work independently or with a group?  What have I always felt was important? What ideas have I had in the past around the idea of meaningful work?  How much money do I WANT to make?

DO NOT THINK ABOUT HOW YOU WILL DO THIS!  If you do, I guarantee you will not get to step 3.

Take a moment and just start asking.  Let the flow carry you to the next question.  What you'll end up with is an idea of how this might actually be a possibility for you.

Step Three, Create a Vision for Yourself

Now create a vision of you doing what you've defined.
Picture yourself doing the work and collecting the check.

Why is this so important?  Because until you can feel that this is a real possibility for you, you won't have the ideas and thoughts that will create the opportunities to make it happen.  If you are not positive about this, you may as well stop now.

Step Four, Look for it!

I had a client who got to this level of detail and found a job description that matched exactly what she had defined for herself.

Another client took his definition on a job interview and asked exactly for what he had defined and got it.

Many entrepreneurs have used this to define their ideal client and they seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

So a life of "frustrated potentiality" or one of "unlimited potentiality"

It's your choice, now that you have these 4 steps!

Doreen Banaszak is a coach, teacher and the author of the upcoming book, due for release Spring 2007, "Excuse Me, Your Life Is Now", the follow-up to Lynn Grabhorn's New York Times Best Seller, "Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting".
Register for Doreen's free mini-course, "Access Your Power", 4 Steps to Deliberately Create Any Experience You Want" at http://www.your-life-is-now.com