In this case, some of the ways it showed up was in the form of lost luggage, near-missed international flights, witnessing a dying animal, communicating in a language I don’t speak (well), physical experiences pushing the limits of what’s comfortable in our bodies, dropping agendas, and for me – finding myself face down on the earth in a sweatlodge – something I had never wanted to do. And you know what changes these situations from being unwanted, horrible, and frustrating to holy-shit-amazing, perfect and unbelievable nuggets of Universal love???

Whenever I create an experience, I ask the experience to show me what the intention is for the people that are showing up. May sound wacky, but it works every time. For this retreat, the intention that came up was Surrender & Trust. What that told me was that those were going to be the areas of breakthrough for people, and that control and distrust were going to show up too.

(Little retreat leader sidenote – this is a heavyweight intention, so I was wiggling in my seat a bit, knowing I’d be stepping into this intention wholeheartedly myself.)

Growing up in the US, we swim in the waters that value success and winning, and waving a white flag isn’t an option. You can look to any history book to find that. As young kids, what we learn of surrender is having to give something up that we really don’t want to, to someone who has power over us (i.e. having to give up your box of Hot Tamales because your dad says – ‘No Hot Tamales before dinner – fork ‘em over!’). 

But what if we looked at surrender from a different perspective – one that is more empowering than waving a white flag and giving up candy to authority figures? What if we used surrender as a tool of acceptance?

So, we’re fighting with what’s happening. This is a battle you won’t win. But don’t take my word for it – try it out for yourself. 

The next time you find yourself frustrated, striving, grasping or digging your heels in, try these steps to see if you can find some freedom through surrender. It can be helpful to write down what you find as you go along.

1) Notice what it feels like in your body. Is there tension, sensation, emotions? Where are they? Check your mind. Is it busy or calm? Are thoughts kind? Angry? Defensive? Notice without judging as you write them down.

2) Take a breath and soften the part of the body holding the tension/sensation. Let your body be your guide – this is a pattern that’s been built over years, so start with something small like breath to interrupt the pattern. 

3) Ask yourself – What am I believing needs to happen that isn’t? What/who are you trying to control? Write it down!

4) Then ask – What might be available if I wasn’t attached to controlling that right now? (Could be that you find more ease, peace, new solutions to old problems, and maybe that you don’t actually care to control the person/situation.) 

But if you are coming at something from a place of tension and forcing it to go your way it does mean you are trying to control life and that takes A LOT of energy that you could be spending somewhere else in your life.

What are you ready to surrender in order to experience more freedom in your life?

Lisa Welden

Transformational Leader. Mentor. Experience Junkie.

Hi-I’m Lisa Welden, Founder of Rebel Sage Experiences. I help rebels disrupt the predictable to create the extraordinary. I believe life is an adventure to be lived by challenging ourselves to step into the unknown, follow our hearts, and trust it will lead us to something more profound than we can even imagine. I curate transformational experiences through retreats, workshops, speaking engagements and with clients 1-on-1, all in the name of creating a massive ripple effect of courageous, conscious living.

Where is your rebel nature leading you?

LOVINGLY KICK YOUR CONTROL FREAK TO THE CURB!

Ready to experience more freedom around an important area of your life like relationship, career, creativity, your body, money, or the power your inner critic has over you? Using curiosity, awareness and compassion, we’ll get clear on one area where control is showing up in all its glory that is ready for surrender and an upgrade. Book your Surrender Session today. Here’s to your freedom!

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Once upon a time there were 3 little brothers. An older brother, a middle brother and a baby brother…Stop me if you have heard this one before. They grew up as kids often do, and as teenagers really gave their old father a lot of stress with their shenanigans. Their old father thought to himself that perhaps the solution to all his problems was to figure out career paths for his beloved sons and send them off to school. The eldest son, wanting to be like his father, went off to Germany to study engineering. He became a successful, sought after civil engineer, managing engineering projects for a large local city.

The middle son who had a great talent for drawing went to architecture school, he went on to work for a large architecture firm in the capital and was well respected by all.

And of course the baby: who if you have been keeping track, was not such a baby anymore. He may have been the most difficult of the brothers and his father finally sent him off to join the RAF (Royal Air Force). In the RAF he learned and matured so very much, and when he was honorably discharged or whatever it is that happens when you leave the military, having studied building, contracting and management, he ended up the owner of a multi million dollar construction company just a few towns over from his eldest brother.

Ok! I know what you are thinking: Great story! Great for those guys, and what exactly does that have to do with me? So glad you asked! This story is actually the true story of my uncles, great guys if you got to hang out with them individually but for some reason they just couldn’t get along long enough when together.

You probably have looked at their career trajectories and correctly realized that they worked in allied fields: One was brilliant in engineering, his younger brother could take any client idea and take it from concept to construction, and as for the baby, his business acumen was unparalleled.

Every one of these reasons: VALID. And yet there is an argument for putting these ideas aside for a moment to consider the PROS of collaboration. That list is so long dear one that we won’t have the time or space to cover all of them here but let’s get a list started? And maybe you can keep adding to this list as more ideas come to you? Awesome.

One of my favorite mentors told us the story once of how she went from having an eviction notice tacked to her small apartment door. This apartment was of course where she lived but it also doubled as her office where she saw clients. Through collaborations over a few years, she has been able to inspire many with her rags to riches story. She now owns a $50M business. She tells about how as a business coach, she formed a collaborative relationship with a financial advisor. All day long they would refer business back and forth. She would send her business clients for financial advice and her partner would send her finance clients over for business advice. Back and forth until both women become forces to be reckoned with. When we get together, suddenly we are working at a level of consciousness where 1+1>2.

More reasons to consider collaboration: It’s more fun, you can have bigger visions, big values and often there is safety in numbers because someone is always there to watch your back. There is more energy, there are more ideas, we learn from each other and there is an increase in “abundance thinking” when we intentionally work together. What else can you think of? What other reasons can you think of for working together in collaboration?

“Ok,” is what you are thinking now. “Fine you’ve got me thinking there may be something to this idea of collaboration, to this idea that the power of the collective is greater than the sum of its parts! Fine and dandy, now what, where do I start?” Well, again, I’m ecstatic that you are asking all these questions.

The “ASK” piece is between you and the universe. I am not sending you out to go ask for a collaborator just yet. That dear one, would just be premature. Start by spending some time in contemplation, think about and maybe journal about what your ideal collaboration would look like, what pieces of the puzzle are necessary and what is the best next step. Meditate on it, ASK your questions and trust that you don’t need to see the whole picture of how everything is going to pan out, you just need the next step.

Step 2 is alignment but I feel as though it’s a part of every single step of the process: Opportunities are always all around us. Tune in to what your inner knowing is saying about these opportunities. Do you feel trust for the other person? Are you trusting the universe to yield to you? Are you open to what is available? Are you open to what is possible? Are you open to learning? Maybe learning a better, different, more lucrative way?

Step 3 asks: “Am I all in?” Am I bringing my best talents to the table? Can I truly get behind this concept that there is abundance for all and let go of the competitive mindset? Am I intending to be the one on the project who brings it 100%?

Step 4 Invites Assignment: Are you working in your brilliance. Is everyone on the team assigned to do what they do best? In the team that is me and my office staff, I treat the patients, I’m pretty good at that; Sandy manages the staff and all things creative, she is brilliant at that; Marin takes care of all things social media and promotion etc, and on the days when we are working well together we are like a well oiled machine and everyone’s happy.

And step 5 is Apps: get familiar with technology, tools, resources and personnel that can help keep track of important things like the MONEY!!! There are apps to track affiliate commissions, to ensure payouts to participants and things of that nature. Be sure to discuss all details ahead of time, if counsel is needed be sure to take advantage of experts to deal with the nitty gritty.

I have time to share one final super short story. Bear with me: Once upon a time, there were two real estate agents who met in a networking meeting. Instead of the traditional: “We do the same thing so we can’t possibly support each other,” they actually decided to become partners. One of the first properties they ended up listing, turned out to be a part of a large estate. Some super rich person had died and there were additional properties as well as just a ton of high priced stuff that needed to be disposed of. The executor was so impressed by their work ethic and their ability to work together that he entrusted them with the entire estate. Today, these two small town realtors are big city auction house owners and they are now considered the go to team when it comes to getting your fine pieces sold over here in our neck of the woods.

The point of this is that they couldn’t have seen the opportunity that was coming, but through the power of collaboration they paved the way for great impact and great income. Look, if you catch me in person, I have a hundred stories like this that I could share with you. Stories from members of our women’s group Ladies Power Lunch. Stories of women who INTENTIONALLY support each other and who are open to the power of collaboration and the power of the collective. 

So… what do you say? Are you ready to take the quantum leap to the next level of leadership? Will you join this growing movement? 

Dr. Davia H. Shepherd

CHO Ladies Power Lunch

Dr. Davia H. Shepherd is a holistic physician and intuitive optimal life coach. She is an international speaker, bestselling author, retreat leader and recovering researcher celebrating almost two decades of experience working in various areas of healthcare. Her focus, especially in this time, is to connect us with each other and with our true inner amazing selves, so that we may live the lives we have the potential for: Longer, Healthier and Happier in every aspect.

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Expending Your Energy for Your Highest Good
By Robin Finney, Authenticity & Intuitive Guide 

From a young age, I thought something was wrong with me. I felt like I didn’t belong or fit in with others. I tried so hard to find acceptance and approval from my family, friends, teachers…pretty much everyone. I thought if enough people liked me then I would be okay, and that these strange sensations and mood swings would go away. Yet, how much people liked me didn’t really matter. It wasn’t about them; it was my own internal battle. I would notice my energy shift. One minute I’d be laughing and having a good time and the next I’d be uncomfortable and wanting a way out. The shifts never made sense to me. I thought that there was something wrong that couldn’t be fixed. I had no idea that these sensations and shifts in energy were part of my Human Design. 

When things were uncomfortable or I felt unsafe, I would hide or run away. I would curl myself up in a tiny ball in the closet, under my covers, or in a corner where no one would find me. I would run deep into the woods and find refuge. When I couldn’t hide, I learned to block out what was going on and find sanctuary deep in my imagination. I learned to survive in the midst of chaos. As long as my inner sanctuary was free from chaos, I was safe.

In high school, I would stay at my friend Spencer’s house to escape when things felt unsafe or tense at home. It became my second home. Yet, even in the comfort of my friend’s house, I still felt I didn’t belong at times. When my friends would have parties, I’d come and enjoy being with my friends. And then my energy would shift and I would suddenly feel out of place. The only thing I knew to do was remove myself from the situation. Even if it was 1:00 or 2:00 in the morning, I would sneak out of the house without a word or a note and drive back to my house. My friends would call the next day and ask where I went. I would come up with some excuse, because I honestly had no idea how to explain it.

What I didn’t know was that my body was energetically protecting me. My body would signal to me that something was off and would protect me from situations that felt anxious, threatening, uneasy, or triggering. There actually wasn’t anything wrong with me. I had a gift for sensation and without putting words to it, my body knew.

It’s only been within the past year that I’ve become aware of my Human Design and Spiritual Gifts. And to be honest, it’s only been within the past couple months that I’ve been able to make any sense of these patterns of hiding, running away, or escaping in my mind. So my Sly Fox, Where’d You Go, Robin? can rest peacefully at night knowing that nothing is actually wrong with me. I’m gifted and learning how to use my gifts in ways that support me in my design and support others in finding clarity and being seen. By leaning into my gifts, I’ve been able to lift the veil from hiding and allow myself to fully be seen. 

Energy varies from person to person. Some people can attend parties, be among crowds or stressful situations and not be phased. For me, however, I have to take extra care in preparing when I’m going to be in a crowd or intense environment. I’m highly sensitive and I own that. With this awareness, I can take precautions to protect my energy in advance, and also be okay leaving if it doesn’t align with where I am. And when I’m in a space where I can’t leave or don’t want to leave, I can pause, take a few deep breaths to reground myself, and engage back in the moment. 

Being empathic and having the ability to sense, see, and feel things it’s actually a gift, and one that I’m grateful to have. I’m able to read the energy of a room or space and tune into my body. This gift has supported me in having beautiful experiences traveling all over the world. I attract incredible people and experiences simply by owning and trusting my body. I feel lucky and fortunate to have this ability to tune in and trust that I am being guided to experiences that feel safe and supportive to me. 

How about you? Are you an empath or notice yourself feeling tense or drained a lot? Do you notice your energy shifting from one moment to the next? Do you know that there’s actually nothing wrong with you, and that it’s part of your unique design? Awareness is the first step to embracing this gift.

<sub>Learning to protect and clear your energy takes patience, practice, and purpose. 
I’ve been learning practices that support me in keeping my energy clear when I’m in groups or crowds, holding space for others in a coaching session, around discomfort or intense moments, or any time I’m picking up others’ energy that’s not mine to carry. Recently after conducting a 1:1 intuitive session, I noticed my energy being drained after. I was so lit up and on fire while leading the session, and when the session was over, I felt completely drained. I was tired and felt the need to rest. I messaged my dear friend and Collective Spirit sister, Manda Stack, and asked if she had any guidance. Manda is an intuitive specialist and guide and founder of My Divine Intuition. She supports others in better understanding their intuition, “sixth sense”…in other words, untapped. I had the pleasure of spending a year with Manda while participating in Darla LeDoux’s yearlong Collective, and I’ve hired Manda several times for a Personal Energy Clearing. I knew if there was anyone who could support me with this question, it would be Manda. 
Together Manda and I talked through my sessions and how I prepare my energy before, during, and after a session. If you’re a healer, intuitive & spiritual guide, coach, or empath, these tips may be supportive to you. 

Pre-Session (or Before You Gather with Others)</sub>

• _{Set an Intention. How would you like to feel during your session or meeting? Allow yourself to get present to your intention and feel it in your body.}
• _{Setup Your Environment. Make sure your space is clean and aligns with your energy. This includes making sure your camera is facing away from the light (so you are in the spotlight) and at a height that is eye level (for virtual sessions). I like to lay out crystals around my space, hold one or keep one in my pocket during the session to support in transmitting energy.}
• _{Stand in Your Power Pose. Before you go live or enter the room, claim your space and your power. Choose a power pose that opens your body up and allows you to expand and take up space. My favorite is Wonder Woman pose (hands on hips like I’m owning the room). Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk on body language will support in creating your power pose.}
• _{Allow Nature to Receive Energy as it Moves. Metaphorically speaking. When you’re working with others it’s important to ensure that your energy is not running through you. It is not your job to hold other people’s energy. You can create a visualization that will support you in channeling energy to something besides your body. Imagine that you have a tree, body of water, or the support of the earth to catch the energy when it’s flowing so you are not taking it in.}
• _{Create a Cocoon or Orb around Your Body. Visually imagine that you are stepping inside a coconut or that you have a protective energy bubble around your body. Envisioning this can support in holding onto your own energy and keeping it safe from letting anyone else’s energy enter your field.}
• _{Call Upon the Support of Your Higher Power and Spirit Guides. Before beginning, call upon your Spirit Guides to support you in protecting your energy. Archangel Michael is the Archangel of Protection. Call upon him to protect your energy from being consumed by another.}

_{During the Session (or while in the presence of others)}

• _{Trust Your Pre-work to Support You. Trust that everything you did to prepare for your session will be supportive of you during the session.}
• _{Begin with a Meditation or Short Breathing Exercise. A short meditation or taking a few deep breaths is a great way to ground yourself and your client(s) at the beginning of the call. They are likely anxious too. It will allow both of you to start on an even plain.}
• _{Be Your Authentic Self and Allow Your Gifts to Shine. Tune into your light and magic. Trust that who you are is enough and that your gifts will guide the session.}

_{After the Session}

• _{Release. After the session, it’s important to release any energy or notes that are no longer needed. I like to take any notes that I’ve written and lovingly release them back to the universe. I will say a short prayer of gratitude for the person or persons who participated in the session and release the notes through burning or symbolically releasing. This is a great way to complete the session for both you and your client.}
• _{Ground Yourself. If you can, step outside and stand barefoot in the ground for a couple moments. This will allow you to re-center your energy and ask the earth to receive anything that doesn’t belong to you.}
• _{Shake or Tap. Shaking and Tapping can be great ways to move any stuck energy in your body and release it from your vessel. Katherine Bird is a transformational leader, healer, Shaman, channel, and guide who has some beautiful shaking exercises to support healers and empaths.}
• _{Meditate. If you’re feeling weighed down or full of anxious energy after a session, try a meditation designed to release energy. I love Pura Rosa on Insight Timer. She has a beautiful, healing meditation that I use as a go to—Empath Energy & Emotion Realignment + Protection.}
• _{Trust. Trust that the energy is clear. If you notice anything off in your body, you can tune into one of these practices.}

_{Most importantly, know that you have a gift. You are a conduit for others to expand and own who they are. 
What are some practices that you like to embody to support in your energy clearing?} 

Love,

Robin Finney

Robin Finney

Authenticity & Intuitive Guide

Hi, I’m Robin Finney, founder of Wandering Aunt. I am your guide to discovering who your authentic self is through Intuitive Clarity Sessions, Soulo Travel Retreats, and Reveal Your Soul Photoshoot Experiences. I believe at the core of being human, we all have a desire to be seen; and the best way to capture your desire is through travel and photo experiences with an experienced guide. Since 2018, I have soulo-traveled to 19 countries across 6 continents and modeled in 8 international photoshoots.

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