Posts Tagged ‘zoey ryan’

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
As an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all
Even if they are a cloud of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each guest has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

~~~

This is one of my favorite poems! I have found that the more I welcome every visitor, the lighter and airier my ‘house’ becomes, there is a freshness and newness with each day and it is easier to greet each visitor with laughter!  This is not to say that it has been easy!  I have found it really hard to ‘welcome’ emotional pain, or perceived wrong doings by someone close to me.  While ithasnotbeen easy, I have found a deepening sense of enrichment coming to my life.

Enjoy your day and as a guest to my blog, lets share a laugh together with this adorable child and camel! This picture I found on facebook, I don’t know who took it, however I would love to acknowledge the photographer.

in peace and mindfulness

namaste,

Zoey

coaching to set your heart on fire and soothe your soul

Continuing with the story about women and the heart….

Some background;  for the past 20 years or so, I have been delving into what used to be called ‘New Age Spirituality’, and now I simply call it ‘my spirituality’.  My spirituality feels like a personal and unique blend of Christianity and Buddhism, with hints of other major religions thrown in with a lot of meditation and yoga.  I’ve read many self help, personal development, integral theory, and new age spirituality books.  As a working mom and professional woman, I did a mid-life career shift (after a couple of decades working as a Nutritionist ) and took professional training into life & leadership coaching, using a body centered, whole systems orientation.

About three years ago, my husband informed me that two ‘suspicious spots’ had been seen on his lung.  Not long after, I attended a seminar about critical illness insurance for the self-employed business woman and decided I needed to take out this type of insurance as I had a family history of both cancer and heart disease.  We were in a state of hopeful/hopeless anticipation of the results of his lung biopsy.  To add to the health concern, my husband had also developed pulmonary emboli also known as lung clots, in both lungs.

As one may imagine, I was very worried about my husband, about our family, about how I would support three daughters as a professional woman if my husband died.  My mind utilizes ‘worst case scenarioizing’ very well!  At the time I was 51 years old.

I was also going through menopause and was taking a compounded progesterone for the symptoms.

We had just returned from a sailing trip where we had ‘weathered’ a significant storm of over 40 km per hour winds and where our engine had almost failed, resulting in a very scary couple of hours on the water with an accompanying surge of adrenalin.

To re-cap, between us; we had money worries due to reduced income, health worries, significant additional stress, menopause, three daughters to support and help with college, possible lung cancer, a really bad scare, pulmonary emboli and a recently purchased critical illness policy.  I also found out later that I had undiagnosed ‘essential hypertension’ or high blood pressure. I had ‘gained a few pounds’ over the past years although I regularly exercised, was a non smoker and drinker and ate in a healthy way!  I looked pretty healthy for my age.

I engaged in daily meditation and walks and was reading a lot of Buddhist teachings about ‘keeping the heart open’ and  without actually being trained in the practice, using a breathing practice called tonglen , where you breathe in the pain of the world and breathe out clear healing love.

What happened was that I was ‘broken hearted’!  My heart literally broke!

On a Monday morning after a ‘power walk’ and coffee, I experienced shortness of breath and felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest.  This heavy sensation wasn’t in any way painful, but it was uncomfortable.  I had a tiny bit of pain in my neck and right shoulder.  The ‘heavy’ sensation came and went about three times after which I googled ‘symptoms of a heart attack in women’.  I basically had all the symptoms and had my daughter drive me to the hospital half of me thinking that I was having a panic attack and in my mind, calling myself a ‘drama queen’ and the other half, the holistic health half saying ‘listen to your body and take this seriously’!  I’m very fortunate that I did listen to my inner wisdom and trust my body’s messages!

I was not having a panic attack, I had in fact had a ‘spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)’, where an flap of tissue from inside my heart artery tore off the wall of the heart and blocked the blood flow, resulting in a heart attack or MI.  I found out later that this type of heart attack is diagnosed in 70% of the cases upon autopsy and is not very common.  It happens more often in women and is associated with stress and changes in hormones and blood pressure. It has sometimes been called  ’Japanese Widows Syndrome’, as when a Japanese woman would suffer a heart attack  and die, just after her husband’s death!  In the hospital, my Cardiologist, Dr. Hamburger said that I had a ‘broken heart’, likely in some part caused by stress about my husband. If you google ‘SCAD’, you will find much more information

This may all sound very sad and upsetting and yes, it is and it was.  However, as a result of all of the above, our lives are better and we will live healthier and longer!  I can summarize the good results as:

- my ‘essential hypertension’ and ‘Syndrome X’ was diagnosed and I am now on appropriate medication.

- my husband was found to have a ‘clotting deficiency’ and likely would have died young from a heart attack but is now on the appropriate medication.

- as a result of thinking he had ‘lung cancer’ (he doesn’t) , my husband’s doctor reacted very quickly to my husband’s back pain (caused by the blood clots in his lung), which likely save his life.

- we both made further major healthy lifestyle changes.

- I received a significant critical illness claim which has helped tremendously with our daughters’ post secondary education!

- I have developed a very healthy respect for the power of spiritual practices and am daily reminded of what a beginner I am!

- I appreciate every day that I am alive and my family is well.

- I still chuckle that a former dietitian (moi)  would have a Cardiologist named Dr. Hamburger!

- I tell my story to help inform other women about heart disease, the symptoms of a heart attack in women and SACAD, so that any woman feeling ‘weird sensations’ (heaviness, difficulty catching your breath, tightness in chest, shortness of breath)  in her chest, will go immediately to the closest hospital emergency ward!  Please check with your local health authority for a complete list of heart attack symptoms in women.  In Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is a great resource!

- I practice meditation and yoga and have a wonderful life!  I’m not quite sure what to make about the financial windfall part of this, however, I believe the ‘law of attraction’ was at play!

My life lessons from this experience?

- trust your inner wisdom

- listen to your body messages

- we are more connected than we think

- the mind body connection is powerful!

- trust that even though sad things happen, there is a bigger stronger more powerful loving force at work!

- the law of attraction is powerful!

- women are wise

- sometimes bad things turn out to be good things

- pay attention to life work balance

- have fun, be joyful, love!

Please share this information with other women and be aware that heart disease and stroke are big health issues for women and take good care of your heart and your health!

 

in peace & mindfulness,

namaste,

Zoey

 

Have you heard about a type of ‘heart attack’ or ‘myocardial infarction (MI)’ called a ‘spontaneous coronary artery dissection or SACAD’?

It is literally the type of heart attack where the heart is broken!

I know because I have had one!

The month of February holds Valentines Day and is also Heart & Stroke Month in Canada. Did you know that Canadian women are more likely to die of heart attacks and stroke than anything else? Even though we are better informed about health and are generally healthier, there are still gaps in our understanding of heart disease.

Over the coming week, I want to tell you more about SACADs so that you will be aware of this type of heart attack as well as more well known types of heart disease.

Stay tuned!

In peace & mindfulness

namaste,

Zoey

 

“To live in accord with love is to set your heart on fire. In the crucible of such an inferno all convention burns away. What’s left is an entirely new kind of existence, one full of passion, presence, and infinite possibility.” - Raphael Cushnir

 

 

 

 

“Even the most exalted states and the most exceptionally spiritual accomplishments are unimportant if we cannot be happy in the most basic and ordinary ways, if we cannot touch one another and the life we have been given with our hearts.”

 

- Jack Kornfield from “A Path With Heart”

 

Happy Valentines Day and I hope that these quotes help to ‘set your heart on fire’ with love!

 

In peace & mindfulness,

namaste,

Zoey

 

 

 

I first met Jean or Juanita as she is known locally, about 8 years ago on our first trip to Yelapa! We had a connection as not only were we staying in the same ‘neighborhood/hillside’ in Yelapa, but Jean spends her summers in BC and is Canadian. We have travelled to Yelapa as a family and I have hosted ‘women’s retreats’ in the village with wonderfully positive feedback about the friendly locals, the amazing physical beauty and the broad range of activities.

Intrigued with her business and life choices, I’ve gotten to know Jean better over the years and I absolutely love her approach to teaching Spanish!

Here is what she says about YESI or the “Yelapa English Spanish Institute”:

‘The YESI school was destined, it was never a plan, I hadn’t planned to teach, although I did want to be a Russian / French/ English translator.’

Yelapa is a novel gem, it is like ‘stepping back in time’ into an authentic Mexican beach paradise.

Jean serves her students very well, giving personal attention both in training/coaching, house/home stay arrangements, tours and activities.There are classes for everyone; children, adults, teachers, medical people, families, bird watchers. All classes are largely oral using a book of collected materials.

Jean says “We’re trained to be visual, I try to reinforce the oral approach, as it “fixes” the language quicker and better. Classes are very interactive, lots of pictures, games, songs, role playing. I strive to make each experience of Yelapa and Spanish studies memorable. I try to tailor to the needs of the class, giving the short cuts to the structure of the language, but add variety and novelty to keep the students and myself inspired! I’ve set the location in a peaceful mountainside setting under bird-filled trees with an ocean view and breezes, close to the village and beaches. Summer classes really see a side of Yelapa seldom seen – verdant green, crystal warm ocean water, a Mexican community at play in their normal non-tourist lives. I have time to assist family groups in learning together and experiencing Yelapa at its best with activities daily. I serve many adults who want special attention for specific work interests.”

While staying in Yelapa and learning Spanish at YESI with Jean, you can also attend yoga classes with Judith at the Sky Temple, soak up the sun on the beach, swim, snorkel, travel up river to the waterfall, eat luscious food at the amazing restaurants and dance at the local disco!

Situated on the ocean, south of Puerto Vallarta and only accessible by water taxi, Yelapa is a safe, quaint Mexican village untainted by big development or obnoxious tourists. Yelapa attracts a very laid back visitor who enjoys an authentic experience. There are many choices for accommodations and in my opinion, some of the best food anywhere in the world. Describing the food and restaurants would require another entire blog posting, however, I will highlight our favs: Cafe Bahia for brunch or lunch, El Manguito, El Cerrito, the Yacht Club and Angelina’s Garden Restaurant! The ceviche at Hotel Lagunita is excellent too!

Having lived in Yelapa for many years, Jean is a wonderful resource for planning your trip as well as providing you with an exceptional opportunity to learn Spanish.

Hotel Lagunita in Yelapa

Consider planning a special retreat to Yelapa and enjoy an adventure in learning Spanish with Juanita!

In peace & mindfulness,

namaste,

Zoey

 

Celebrate World Happy Day with a special screening of the movie “Happy” at the link below!

| World Happy Day.

 

 

namaste,

Zoey

 

I’m starting my work day off with some meditation, what about you?

 

I find that if I spend a few moments at my desk, in quietness and meditation, my day flows forward in a smoother way.

Here are some tips:

- start with some grounding exercises, feeling your feet solidly on the floor.

- take 3 cleansing breaths

- clear your mind

- focus on your breath, in out, in out.

- notice the space between your thoughts, what does it feel like.

- finish with 3 deep breaths

- come back to your day.

 

Envision your day flowing smoothly with joy and ease!

 

namaste,

 

Zoey

 

coaching for your heart and soul

“Create Your Life with Heart”

I want to share a story with you that is a real life example of the process used to create your life with heart.

I have spent the past 15 or so years learning about metaphysical principles and spirituality and how these principles can be used for personal transformation and I find the whole area fascinating.  It was in the late 1990’s that I decided to deepen my learning, use the principles in my work and becoming a coach seemed to be the perfect fit.  At the time I was still working in health care but made the commitment to do a mid-life career shift and become a professional life & business coach.  I felt “called” to become a coach, it was a “burning desire” within my heart and what I felt I was meant to do.

I desperately wanted to sign up for coach training, yet we were at a place in our family finances where there wasn’t a lot of extra disposable income.  We had three kids with braces and on-going orthodontic work, say no more!  I decided to put the prosperity principles that I had been learning about into practice.

I made the commitment to become a coach, put a small deposit on my first training workshop, tuned myself up into a place of knowing and believing that the rest of the money would show up, brought in feelings of fulfillment and joy imagining myself working as a coach and let go of any attachment to timing and an outcome.  Guess what happened?  Not more than two days later, I received a cheque from Revenue Canada for child tax credits from my tax return from two years previous that I had no idea I was owed and even more astounding, the cheque was within $5 of the amount needed for my first coach training workshop!  That was the proof I needed to trust these principles fully and went on to complete my coach training and certification.

This story is a powerful example of the law of attraction at work!

You are the artist, storyteller and author of your own life and you can write and create whatever script you desire!

In peace & mindfulness,

namaste,

Zoey

What a wonderful time to think about fresh new beginnings and honour our creative energy as women!

Enjoy this quote:

“The truly creative mind in any field is no more than this: A human creature born abnormally, inhumanely sensitive. To them… a touch is a blow, a sound is a noise, a misfortune is a tragedy, a joy is an ecstasy, a friend is a lover, a lover is a god, and failure is death. Add to this cruelly delicate organism the overpowering necessity to create, create, create — so that without the creating of music or poetry or books or buildings or something of meaning, their very breath is cut off… They must create, must pour out creation. By some strange, unknown, inward urgency they are not really alive unless they are creating.” - Pearl Buck

Enjoy your week and feel that spark of creativity!

In peace & mindfulness,

namaste,

Zoey

Give yourself incredible self care! You deserve it!

And…

As a life coach for women, I suggest that you ‘put yourself at the top of the list’.  Many women struggle with this concept and consider it selfish, however, if you don’t take incredible care of yourself, how can you care for all those other special people in your life?

With self care and a caring attitude towards ones self, we tend to have more patience, energy and a strong life force.  Give it a try!

In peace & mindfulness.

namaste,

Zoey

wisdom coaching to set your heart on fire and soothe your soul