Tama's Musings

Floundering Towards Grace:
Making Big Moves with Small Steps

I think one of the things that has made me successful in life is I'm willing to do things that are not flattering. I have been willing to not have it "all together," and to still believe I stood on a path that promised more security than any other road in the world. I left a fancy legal career and waited tables, yes, touched food, so I could explore my life and my writing. I counted my dimes and quarters. I lived in a tiny hat-sized apartment. I lived a life that did not look grand. But I had the humility, somewhere inside me, to know that I was making big moves with tiny steps.

I remember when I first changed my career, I was terrified about THE FUTURE. I couldn't see where I was going and part of that, was because I had my head wedged in the fridge, looking for solace and clarity. But an inner voice told me at the time, "If you stick with the courage to do this, you will be an expert for others in years to come." At the time I thought, yeah right, who needs an expert in freaking out? But today I do speak to thousands, and fans have told me repeatedly that my book This Time I Dance! Creating the Work You Love is the Bible for anybody in transition. It turns out, I do know how to freak out, but I also know how to keep going--and how to claim grace.

You know, these many years later, I do have something to say. It's this. It's all worth it. It's safe. If you stay true to yourself, you will find your way. The way may look like the end of all you know, or a back alley filled with litter and stink that couldn't possibly lead to the solid ground and garden that calls to your soul. But don't be fooled by appearances. Take your steps with your heart and not your eyes. This is what it means to be humble. It means you're willing to stay true to your spirit, to stand in a mansion, even when others see you as crawling on your knees. It means you're willing to take small steps, steps that may seem nameless and unremarkable to others, but steps it may have taken you an entire lifetime to dare. There is no size or shape in matters of spirit. Big and small are measurements from a world of sadness.

Ours is a culture that does not encourage emotional honesty. If someone speaks a truthful feeling, it's like spilling grape juice on a white linen tablecloth. Everybody wants to dab at it and clean it up as soon as possible, disturbed by witnessing imperfection. Humility is staying true to yourself, admitting your feelings, and knowing that you are part of a larger Perfection and even though you're feeling shaky, you're right on track with all that is important.

It takes so much courage to stand in the middle of the storm of actual life. Most people run for cover. Most will make impulsive choices, just to have a title, a definition, a proper role, and an answer at a cocktail party. But you can't force love, strength, or progress. If you run for cover, the storm will never pass. It will live in the chambers of your heart and the lining of your stomach. You can't grow strong by hiding from your fear.

Despite how it seems, your confusion is not a million miles deep. Give yourself time. When you quiet down and face yourself, you will sort this out. The Big You, the creative, sacred, shape-shifter will whisper something in your ear and you may feel holy and alive, even while an old life is dying. It is possible to stand in a pile of wreckage and know an "embarrassment of riches," instead of just embarrassment.

It's up to you how you choose to see your experience. Only you know why you're doing what you're doing. It's the motivation that gives the action (or inaction) its magnitude or debasement. In the process of building my speaking career, I have spoken for free at different organizations. Others told me to "respect myself," and not give away my work. But I was respecting myself. I was building my skills, confidence, connections, and visibility. Humility allowed me to put myself in positions that didn't flatter me, though they did honor me; they helped me shine from the inside out. This willingness enabled me to build a growing and thriving national organization.

Humility is taking child's pose, the resting pose, in the practice of yoga. It isn't an indignity. It's a necessity if you really want to grow. If you don't take small, organic steps, you can hurt yourself and set yourself back a thousand years. Taking a pose that isn't flashy, doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're patient and resolved. It means you respect the journey and yourself, and you trust you will arrive when it's your time to arrive.

The other day I saw my new champion of humility. I saw a large, very overweight woman beginning to run on a trail in the park by herself.  I felt tears fill my eyes, the same kind of tears you get when you see a ballet or an Olympic athlete tear through the finish line. I was moved by her quiet bravery, her courage and commitment to herself. She was as breathtaking as the yellow roses taking their place in the sun. I wanted to hug her and thank her on behalf of all of humanity. This was a human being exposing herself to new life, even while in pain, straining and shaking, shimmering in vulnerability—and power.   

When you watch a baby take a first step, you know that dancing, hiking, and running will follow. The world is in that wobble and fall. This is what I want for you. I want you to encourage yourself to stay with the process, stay in the unknown, take steps that no one else will applaud, and encourage and empower yourself. I want you to commit to the Grandness of Your Soul Expressed and to take every choppy, half-baked step to get there. I want you to know the nobility of floundering. This isn't a walk on the red carpet. But it is a ride on a flying carpet. I want you to soar inside yourself because you know how frightened you are, and yet you're still choosing the truth inside you, even on days when you can't remember why. Dare to give yourself that wobble. Dare to give yourself the world.

With my love and blessings,


Tama

©Copyright 2009 Tama J. Kieves. All rights reserved.

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Behind the Scenes at Awakening Artistry

Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying your summer. Here in Denver, we came within 1/10th of an inch of our wettest June on record. I have a number of exciting things that I want to share with you including Tama's new blog, more about that below.
 
In May, Tama keynoted at the Voice for Change conference in Phoenix, AZ, along with Marianne Williamson, Dan Millman, Jean Houston, Don Miguel Ruiz and other fabulous presenters. We enjoyed connecting with many new and old friends and it was fun meeting a few of the icons in today's spiritual community. Tama ended the month with a Sunday talk and dynamic workshop at the Center for Spiritual Living in San Jose, CA.
 
In June, Tama gave a talk in the little town of Cold Spring, New York on the banks of the Hudson, a few miles north of New York City. At the end of the talk she surprised everyone by sharing a very special guest with the audience, her mother. It was the first time her mother had seen her speak in years. Tama's mother initially agreed to stand up and take a short bow when she was introduced, but when the time came around she popped right up and started talking so much that by the time she started telling everyone about Tama's kindergarten experience, Tama escorted her off the stage. Everyone loved her bubbling presence.
 
Back in Denver, Tama gave a free talk called Living Miraculously in Changing Times. It was a way for us to give something back to our local community during these times of challenge and change. Participants shared their hopes, dreams and fears, sometimes through laughter and sometimes through tears. We're grateful for all those that attended and helped to make this such a successful event. We've just returned from the  lively and alternative Soul Esteem Center in St. Louis, MO where Tama gave another Sunday talk and  "Creating the Work You Love" workshop.
 
Tama's gearing up now to dive into creating some new inspired tribes with her Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration retreat at the Omega Institute in New York (7/31 – 8/2) and her Unleashing Your Calling: An Intensive to Creating the Work and Life you Love at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts (10/12 – 16). Tama also has a number of articles coming out soon. Pure Inspiration: Timeless Wisdom for Better Living (a nationally distributed, spiritually focused magazine) will be publishing a series of articles from Tama about Living Your Calling. Also, look for a new article of Tama's in Science of Mind Magazine in their September issue.

And now for some truly exciting news! We have made improvements in our online forum and we'll be launching a blog page soon where you'll be able to enjoy even more encouragement, tips and tools from Tama. We'll be offering more video and audio as well. Please help us support you by letting us know what's on your mind. Do you have a burning question or would you like to hear Tama's take on a particular topic? We also welcome any suggestions you might have for how we might serve you better or how we might expand our growing, fabulous tribe of visionary and creative souls, either in the physical or cyber world.

Wishing you all continued blessings on your journey,


Paul

RETREAT SPOTLIGHT: July 31 - August 1, 2009 Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration At the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies Rhinebeck, New York Join us at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York (there is a shuttle from Manhattan). Omega's healing lakeside facility is set on 195 acres of rolling hills, meditative gardens, surrounded by woodlands. It's a walker's paradise and a healing place to slow down, relax, and breathe. Do you long to write a book, sing for joy or profit, or start a greeting card business, but tell yourself "it's just not practical?" Or do you ache to commit to or thrive in your true life purpose? Join Tama J. Kieves, a Harvard-trained corporate attorney, who left everything to write, as she shares how to blaze through self imposed limitations and consistently choose inspiration over fear and societal conditioning. Kieves leads us through the breakthrough techniques she's used to help herself and thousands of others world-wide, to discover, launch, and live their wildest dreams. Remember, in times of economic uncertainty, true passion is your greatest security. In an environment of synergy, support, and skillful coaching, we join other creative minds and learn how to *claim our heart's true direction, *set free our unstoppable strength *uncover inspired success strategies and resources * handle the "stop and start syndrome" *ignite consistent determination; and realize our vision. Whether we are weekend dabblers, aspiring beginners, or professionals who want to catapult to the next level, this weekend helps us dive into our own astonishing genius and move into a life of passion, purpose, and abundance. For more information download a retreat flyer, or to register: http://www.eomega.org/omega/workshops/ a4f7760a887418034161b8e8d74f5345/

Upcoming Event Highlights:

As always, please visit our Calendar page for a complete and up-to-date listing of events. We are always adding events: http://www.awakeningartistry.com/calendar.html

Do you have friends and family in any of these areas? Please considering sharing this information with them.

In our ongoing mission to give people permission to live their authentic and creative lives, we are always looking for new groups to talk to. If you have a group or know of a group that would be interested in hosting Tama, please let us know. Much of how we reach and create community is through miracles like you!

July 2009

July 7 -- ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love
Twelve-week self-paced E-Course begins
(It's not too late to join this self-paced course!)
[ More info ]

July 14 -- ONLINE
A Courst in TRUST
Eight-week self-paced E-Course begins
(It's not too late to join this self-paced course!)
[ More info ]

July 15 -- Denver CO
The Unscripted Life: Finding Your Way Through Times of Change
Workshop in Denver's West Wash Park area
(this event is currently full, but contact us to be placed on the waiting list)
[ More info ]

July 31-August 1 -- Rhinebeck NY
Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration
At the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
[ More info ]


September 2009

September 1 -- ONLINE
Creating the Work You Love
Twelve-week self-paced E-Course begins
[ More info ]

September 8 -- ONLINE
A Courst in TRUST
Eight-week self-paced E-Course begins
[ More info ]

September 13 -- Santa Rosa CA
Center for Spiritual Living
Tama speaks to the 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30am services
[ More info ]

September 13 -- Santa Rosa CA
Creating the Work You Love!
Workshop at the Center for Spiritual Living
[ More info ]


October 2009

October 1 -- Chicago IL
Professional Women's Network 5th Annual Conference
Tama keynotes at this conference
[ More info ]

October 3 -- St. Petersburg FL
Women Taking Care of the World:
The First Annual Conference of the International Association of Moxy Women
[ More info ]

October 12-16 -- Lenox MA
Unleashing Your Calling: An Intensive to Create the Work and Life You Love
Retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
[ More info ]

October 24 -- Denver CO
Unleashing Your Calling: Creating the Work and Life You Love
Workshop through Colorado Free University
[ More info ]


November 2009

November 22 -- Corte Madera CA
Golden Gate Center for Spiritual Living
Tama speaks to the 10:00am service
[ More info ]

November 22 -- San Rafael CA
Creating the Work You Love!
Workshop at Golden Gate Center for Spiritual Living
[ More info ]





DESTINATION VACATIONS:

We are very excited about the world-class destination vacations and life-changing retreats Tama has scheduled for 2009, and want to help you plan ahead and not miss out on the time of your life!!

July 31 - August 1, 2009
Jumpstart Your Creative Life! Reclaiming the Power of Inspiration
At the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies
Rhinebeck, New York

Join us at the world-famous Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, New York (there is a shuttle from Manhattan). Omega's healing lakeside facility is set on 195 acres of rolling hills, meditative gardens, surrounded by woodlands. It's a walker's paradise and a healing place to slow down, relax, and breathe.

Do you long to write a book, sing for joy or profit, or start a greeting card business, but tell yourself "it's just not practical?" Or do you ache to commit to or thrive in your true life purpose?

Join Tama J. Kieves, a Harvard-trained corporate attorney, who left everything to write, as she shares how to blaze through self imposed limitations and consistently choose inspiration over fear and societal conditioning. Kieves leads us through the breakthrough techniques she's used to help herself and thousands of others world-wide, to discover, launch, and live their wildest dreams. Remember, in times of economic uncertainty, true passion is your greatest security.

In an environment of synergy, support, and skillful coaching, we join other creative minds and learn how to *claim our heart's true direction, *set free our unstoppable strength *uncover inspired success strategies and resources * handle the "stop and start syndrome" *ignite consistent determination; and realize our vision. Whether we are weekend dabblers, aspiring beginners, or professionals who want to catapult to the next level, this weekend helps us dive into our own astonishing genius and move into a life of passion, purpose, and abundance.

For more information download a retreat flyer, or to register:
http://www.eomega.org/omega/workshops/
a4f7760a887418034161b8e8d74f5345/


October 12-16, 2009
Unleashing Your Calling:
An Intensive to Create the Work and Life You Love
In the Berkshire Mountains at the world-renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Lenox, Massachusetts

Do you crave meaningful work? Or ache to creatively express yourself or help the world...and get paid for it? Your wildest dreams are not frivolous. They are your source for inspired abilities and explosive direction. And in uncertain economic times, true passion is your greatest security.

Come join Tama and experience moving past fears and confusion, to uncover and thrive in your authentic calling. As a former corporate Harvard Law School-trained attorney, turned writer and international teaching catalyst, she has personally walked the path of creative and unconventional success. In a synergistic and supportive environment, you will work through the inspired and practical strategies she's used to help thousands world-wide to discover and live their true work.

Take the time to step into another life...and join other entrepreneurial and creative minds in this hands-on, joyful, and transformative intensive. Learn how to: live from inspiration instead of fear* choose the right passion and stay on fire *tap unstoppable inner strength* turn your talents into income * uncover compelling strategies to achieve your dreams* get the support you need and *trust the power and magic of unconventional choices. Packed with turn-your-life-around exercises, heightened creativity, group support, personal attention, and passionate mentoring! And an Optional support group follows.

More Info/To Register:
Contact Kripalu by calling 866-200-5203, or register here:
http://www.kripalu.org/program/view/ULYC91