We arrived into Portland yesterday and Ann, Jasmine and I went to a steam and sauna spa for a while... a wonderful release of sweat and lots of girl bonding time. I feel so lucky to have such remarkable friends!

We had a big group out for sushi dinner and Carlos put on his shamanic business hat while speaking to me/us about business building challenges...

So many gems of wisdom!

On people "stealing"/"copying" hoop programs/companies: Carlos advised that when you get fearful and controlling people are attracted to that energy and provoke that very behavior even more. He suggested staying strong in my own identity and remembering that what people are attracted to is, not the product, but the very energy I am sending out. He encouraged me to directly speak my truth to those who I feel are trespassing my boundaries, but to avoid investing myself in the outcome and instead investing myself back into the passion of the work I am doing and letting that re-nourish the being of my creation.

On getting "burnt out" by overwork: He shared a quote about our creations often growing so big that they consume us --- that is the natural order of things. He said that you have to have a balance of nourishing the being of your creation in a way that directly feeds it's most important growth, and then specific times when you allow your creation to feed you. He encouraged honoring both. There will be times when intensive non-stop work is required, but the balance must be set with intensive non-stop rest/play.

One thing I have always been fascinated about with Carlos and Debbie is that they each speak of Nia as a conscious non-physical being who is literally transmitting to them how to share it's essence. I am deeply inspired by this to connect to the energy of HoopGirl, as a force of nature which is wanting to be birthed, and to serve her in ways which remember to balance giving and receiving. I think if I keep my focus on being a sort of temple priestess to this energy, with the awareness of serving a higher energetic of beauty, youthful nourishment, bliss and joy, all will be well.

It is a tricky balance to find the balance of "minding my own business" and defending my creation when I feel it "threatened". The insights which Carlos shared were really about questioning my definition of "threatened". He asked me questions like,
"what are you specifically afraid of?"
"what will you loose if this person 'copying' you continues?"

Basically, where is the fear? Because the reaction is based in that and perpetuates it. Not to say that lawyers don't have their own place in things, but his comments have really got me thinking about all of this in an even deeper way. Where is the balance. Where is the power held in the most revered and respected way as a divine energetic? I'll have to keep chewing on this...I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful friend who can share these seasoned insights!

Today's image is Ixchel, Maya Goddess of healing...