Archive for the ‘Spirituality and business’ Category

You’ve heard of karma, right? The dictionary defines it as “the total effect of one’s conduct, believed to determine one’s destiny in a future life.” But have you ever stopped to wonder whether it might be a factor behind both your business successes and your “failures”?

Understanding these more subtle dimensions of why I get the results I do – whether desirable or less-than-desirable – has helped me tremendously over the past few years. So if you have not explored the “invisible resources” or worked with anyone that can help you explore past lives, your chakras, the Akashic Records, or other deep causes of your current life experiences, it’s worth doing!

Here are three ways these issues can affect your tangible business results and experience:

1. Your level of confidence in delivering your message: Do you find yourself unable to speak your truth, even though from your heart you know you want to build a successful business? In many cases your past life history will literally show that you were persecuted severely for speaking your beliefs…and that you paid a huge price (perhaps even gave your life) for them. If that imprint is still active in your subconscious, it may be holding you back from putting yourself in a similar situation again.

2. Your ability to generate income: Do you feel like you are committed – at a deep soul level – to serving and helping others, but don’t seem to be able to collect money for it? This can reflect a vow of poverty taken in a prior life that is still affecting you today. Oh, you are not aware of it – but your subconscious will continue to do everything in its power to keep you from attracting excess cash since that would be a violation of this vow.

3. Your level of harmony or conflict with certain people: Do you notice that you instantly connect with some people (husband, client, colleague) as though you have known them for decades…but that with others you have ongoing conflict? Sometimes this reflects the playing out of issues set up in a prior life that are now ripe for resolution.

This may seem a bit “woo-woo” or “out-there” for you, but let’s face it: if studying marketing, business basics and mindset haven’t resolved your challenges, what could it hurt to look deeper? Contact me for practitioners I recommend – and join me at our fall Marketing, Mindset and Manifesting Intensive to ponder these issues further too!

“Change always comes bearing gifts.” – Price Pritchett

You have heard it said that “the only constant in life is change.” But are you creating the change you need to become who you want to be in your life and business, or simply reacting to the external events that are happening?

We must do both to step fully into our Conscious Calling.™ When unexpected change happens to us – sudden job loss, health diagnosis, or a shift in a relationship – Shunryu Suzuki, in Zen Mind, Beginners Mind, recommends that we embrace this reality rather than resisting it. “When we realize the everlasting truth of ‘everything changes’ and find our composure in it, we find ourselves in Nirvana…Because we cannot accept the truths of transiency, we suffer. So the cause of suffering is our non-acceptance of this truth.”

It is the season for New Year’s resolutions…and the experts tell us that by January 14 more than two-thirds of people have already abandoned the new behaviors they said they committed to January 1. Why does this happen?

I find there are two primary reasons:

1. Our subconscious rears its head and the momentum of our past, very familiar habits drags us back down to that way of being. To “do” different, we are really being called to “be” different…and that means shifting our mindset, our activities, our language, our surroundings – anything that would get in the way of the person we say we want to be.

One way we can change our surroundings is to create support systems for ourselves – whether we join a structured training program, hire a mentor, meet with like-minded friends on a regular basis, or post intention statements or a vision board where we can see it. These are reminders of what we have committed to, which we can use to reinforce the person we are becoming.

2. The second reason people abandon their resolutions is they would rather play small than really step into who they are. Perhaps others are doubting – or even directly ridiculing – their efforts to change. Or perhaps it just seems too hard to do things differently than most people around you. Knowing that less than 6% of the population reaches a $100,000 or higher income, you will definitely need to do things differently than the majority to reach ambitious income and impact goals for yourself!

What are you being called to shift today that will support you in becoming the person you want to be? Do you need to surround yourself with new support systems or structures to reinforce your new way of being?

Please feel free to share your responses as comments to this blog post, and we’ll look forward to reading them! Our series will continue next week.

It is no accident that this series is beginning during what is for may the busiest time of the year: the holidays. Our time gets filled with holiday parties and shopping, and our tummies get filled with all the wonderful treats and food-related events that are customary for the season.

In the midst of this hustle and bustle, consider this wisdom from our guide for this journey, Shunryu Suzuki:
“We say true existence comes from emptiness and goes back again into emptiness. What appears from emptiness is true existence. We have to go through the gate of emptiness…As long as we have some definite idea about or some hope in the future, we cannot really be serious with the moment that exists right now…Each of us must make his own true way, and when we do, that way will express the universal way. This is the mystery.” (Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind)

There is an ancient story of a master offering to pour tea for his student. Once the cup was full, he kept pouring until the tea ran into the saucer and onto the floor. The lesson? You cannot keep pouring more and more into a full cup; there must come a time of emptying out.

This series continues in January 2010!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

How much effort is just enough? That is the question we are examining today in the second installment of our series, Finding the Zen in 2010. I love the definition in the Urban Dictionary for zen: “a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It is also a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.”

We in the West have been taught that working harder and continually seeking more, more, more, is the standard to strive for. Working harder, we are told, will yield more and more results. But as Price Pritchett wisely points out in You2, “Sooner or later you’re going to reach the point where you can’t try any harder…Sometimes, in fact, intensifying your efforts produces nothing except bigger problems.”
If this sounds familiar, then what is the alternative? Surely we are not to simply sit back and wait for life to bring us what we want on a silver platter? No, that too is an extreme.

Zen offers us a third way, that of “right effort.” Here is what Suzuki says in our text for this series, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind:

“[J]ust to do something without any particular effort is enough. When you make some special effort to achieve something, some excessive quality, some extra element is involved in it…So you should get rid of that something which is extra…So try not to see something in particular; try not to achieve anything special. You already have everything in your own pure quality. If you understand this ultimate fact, there is no fear.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.
Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

My spiritual transformation began nearly 30 years ago when I explored Buddhism…and as we shed the excesses of the early part of this first decade of the 21st century, it is a perfect place to return to for the new year. This is the first of an 8-part series designed to help you find the “zen” of the new year 2010.

Zen in the traditional sense is the “teaching that contemplation of one’s essential nature to the exclusion of all else is the only way of achieving pure enlightenment.” For our purposes though, I am referring to the detachment from thinking that everything must lead somewhere, that all is about achievement and forward movement – because that Western mindset has us living in the future rather than the present. Our task, to be fully evolving and effective entrepreneurs, is to be fully present in this moment…uncluttered by the past or the future.

My guide for this journey is the classic, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki (pick up a copy if you want to follow along).

Beginner’s Mind
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.” – Shunryu Suzuki

Consider all the things you have learned just this year…in the past 5 years…and in your life. You have accumulated a lot of knowledge…but how much of that knowledge do you use to block new experiences because you “know” that already?

Knowing and applying the knowledge in our daily lives are two different things. Zen – and purposeful business – begin with emptying our minds: “If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.” Ibid.

Think back to when you were a beginner at something – whether riding a bike, driving a car, or starting your business. Remember how hungry you were for new ideas? How open you were to possibilities? What if you approached your current business or life challenges with that same hunger and openness…what could you open to that you have been overlooking because you “know” that option or approach already?

“In the beginner’s mind there is no though, ‘I have attained something.’” Suzuki writes. “When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners.” That feels very strange to the Western mind…yet it is the secret to truly enjoying the moment.

Researchers have found that when we multi-task, we are only 40 percent as effective as when we focus on just one thing at a time. In the beginner’s mind, we do just that.

Finally, consider the spontaneity of a child as he plays. Is he thinking about what’s for lunch, or what he did yesterday, or whether he’ll get his allowance tomorrow? And yet as adults, Dr. Deepak Chopra tells us that 90 percent of the thoughts we think today are the same as the thoughts we thought yesterday. Why drag those problems, concerns and thoughts into the present moment?

In Buddhism there is the concept of satori, a sudden awakening. You can actually drop your personal history right now – as Wayne Dyer recommends in Your Sacred Self. What would that feel like – just to BE fully here and now?

I invite you to practice that this week, and post your comments below as to how it is going and what a difference it makes!

“Blessing” 

by Marcia Bench

Now is the time,
It can wait no longer.
Share your true message
As it’s growing stronger.

The earth is awakening
Its time has come
So contribute your blessing
And say “it is done.”

Your gifts are unique
And they’re needed right now.
Be clear on your vision
And don’t worry about “how.”

As millions wake up
They’re beginning to see
But they need your input
To interpret and “be.”

So rest in your spirit
Tune into your heart,
Your part is important
And it’s time to start.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

Many entrepreneurs and coaches struggle today because they are so mired in “administrivia” that they can’t do the work they came to do. And as I’m fond of saying, the worst of both worlds is to “own a job” – where you can’t leave and you can’t fire yourself – instead of owning a business, and running it like one.

Three spiritual success principles will help you make this critical shift:

1. Recognize and step into the “New Time.”

Time as we have known it is changing. No longer is it a linear, set, solid perception shared by all. In fact, you have no doubt experienced some moments that were longer than others (waiting at the dentist for example?) and others that seemed to go by in the blink of an eye (sitting in a transformational seminar or reading a great book are examples). Time is becoming more elastic, more malleable, and more subject to our direction.

So if you find yourself sitting in your office and the day is dragging, send an intention that the time will speed up and that you will become more productive and work at a higher vibration. You can have that result instantly!

Also pay attention to the cycles and rhythms of your life. The Industrial Age is over, but our “Industrial Age Approach” to time has not fully dissolved. You are not designed to be a machine, punching keys all day on email or the internet or writing documents (even if writing is your profession!). You are designed to be an organism – or what Wayne Dyer calls an “enviro-organism” – and you constantly interact with your environment and the tasks you do. Begin to notice when you feel “stale” and take breaks throughout the day. Consciously seek activities that refresh and renew you – and balance those with any you are still doing (and in the process of letting go hopefully…) that drain you or feel difficult.

2. Take extraordinary care of yourself and gauge your Energy Thermometer.

You “know” that you need to engage in Extraordinary Self-Care, right? It is no longer a luxury to do so; it is a requirement for those of us who are Light Workers, leaders, healers, teachers and coaches in the New Era of Entrepreneurship.

I am practicing what I preach as I prepare for my 3-day live event this weekend: I am arriving two nights early, to give myself a day beforehand to rest, to settle into the venue, and to calm my mind and align my body. I have had my assistant schedule a massage before and after the event. And I am planning a renewing setting for each of the breaks I will take to keep my energy up throughout the event.

On a daily basis, you can ask yourself, what is my Energy Thermometer reading now? Are you a 10 – fully alive and engaged – or a 5 – neutral, on a downward spiral – or 0 to 1, completely drained and needing to go to bed? Awareness is the first step in change…and if you can begin to notice the energy lag starting – or that mental fuzziness as I experience it that means I have been too long in front of a screen (read: computer) – then you can renew yourself with a walk, a soothing drink, talk to a friend, meditate, sing, dance, or whatever revitalizes you.

3. Know that all the people and resources you need are available the moment you have the desire for them.

Finally, notice when you unconsciously “assume” that even though you want something – more mon_ey, a new car, a prettier office, new clothes, or more peace of mind – that you cannot have it. This insidious belief can cause us to settle for a life that we never really chose – we are acting on beliefs and thoughts of a prior generation, externally programmed, and never consciously adopted as our own.

It is a spiritual principle that no desire can be felt unless the way for it to manifest (read: resources, money, people) is also there. What if you did something radical and assumed you COULD have what you want, and now? Just engaging in that thought pattern, with an emotional commitment and anticipation, will bring it to you more quickly. You are not intended to go without; the Universe longs to give you the desires of your heart. But you must first ask, and expect them to come to you.

This week’s article articulates the final step in our 7-step Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap, which we are sharing at the Evolve Intensive (see past 6 weeks’ issues for the rest). To learn more about the New Era of Entrepreneurship and how you can align your business with it, click here to read the details about the Evolve Transformational Telesummit Nov. 30-Dec. 4 and get your preferred registration rate today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“

If you’ve been following me for any time at all, you know that my essence is about giving, serving, and making the message of enlightened entrepreneurship and conscious coaching available to as many people as possible.

That’s why I decided to hold a contest where one lucky winner will receive a $1000 scholarship to my Evolve! Transformational Live Intensive happening this November 12-14 in gorgeous Phoenix, Arizona. (full description is at www.evolveevent.com/intensive.html)

Here’s What It’s About…

1. Post your entry on this blog, telling me specifically why you should be chosen to win the scholarship. Please include where you are at right now with your business (or if you don’t have one yet and want one), how spirituality plays into your work and business message, your 12-month business goal, and how you will use the transformation you experience at Evolve to help you reach your goal. Oh – and be sure to include your email address and phone so we can contact you privately, ok? Please limit your entry to no more than 900 words.

2. Entries will be accepted up through midnight on Monday, November 2 ONLY.

3. After reviewing all entries received, I will select the one that most resonates with me spiritually and touches my heart, and which demonstrates the greatest commitment to moving forward with your Big Vision.

The winner will be selected and notified no later than Thursday, November 5, 2009.

What You Win…

The person who wins will receive a $1000 scholarship off the EVOLVE ticket price of $1497, including the Charley Thweatt concert Friday evening.

That means you get your EVOLVE event ticket for all three days of experiential content, including my three hand-picked guest speakers AND you get to attend Charley’s concert too!

All You Need to Do Is…

1. Post your entry below BEFORE midnight Monday November 2nd.

2. If you win, be prepared to follow through and complete your EVOLVE event ticket purchase (will be $497).

3. If you win, you can also take advantage of the “bring a friend” option for just $497 for your friend (optional).

It all comes down to this: If you will commit to yourself and your spiritual business unfoldment, I’ll meet you halfway (well, MORE than halfway since you get 2/3 off the ticket price!). This is an INCREDIBLE opportunity to attend an experiential seminar filled with both practical and energetic/spiritual content so you can get your message out to the ideal customers, share your message in a MUCH bigger way, and remove any BLOCKS to its unfoldment. I’m teaching you my step by step Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap – but not only that, I’m also helping you align your mental, spiritual, physical and emotional bodies so that you will no longer resist your good or sabotage yourself.

In addition, you will get a stellar opportunity to NETWORK with like-minded souls, other business owners who are also committed to their growth and unfoldment.

I can’t wait to consider your entry as the winner!

To your success and fulfillment,

Marcia

What is the purpose of your business?

If you said “to help people” or “to change the world” or “to express my life’s purpose,” you’re partly right! But in fact, the purpose of your work overall is those things; the purpose of your business is to make a profit. Otherwise, what you have is a hobby you enjoy – but not a profitable enterprise (the definition of business).

Too many spiritually-minded coaches have been taught by the mass consciousness that you can’t be spiritual and be wealthy too. With the birth of the Entrepreneurial Renaissance, however, the principles of spirituality and wealth are increasingly blending. Doesn’t it set a better example for your clients, workshop attendees and product purchasers to see you prospering, enjoying your life, expansively giving to causes you believe in, and living comfortably – instead of struggling?

The times we are experiencing – especially this year – are requiring that we get real – and stop fooling ourselves that overspending and hoping someone will come and rescue us from our own excesses (regardless of that is in overeating, overspending or overleveraging our resources). Prince Charming isn’t coming! <G>

But true wealth is not measured just by the amount of reve_nue your business generates or the number of clients you are working with – let alone the size of home you have or the care you drive. Spiritual Wealth consists of living the life you love, that is perfect for you – not the life someone else told you was the ideal. Do you know what that is for you?

Maybe it means you have more time with your children, or time and money to have a spa day every couple of weeks. Or perhaps your Spiritual Wealth means having enough disposable in_cone to splurge on a new outfit once in a while, but also give to the charities of your choice and maintain your health through a gym membership.

Rather than giving you the “4 principles of attracting mon_ey now,” I’d like to challenge you to think about what your true wealth is – tapping into your voice, not what you have been told or taught or what is working for someone else. Then, the plan to create it becomes easy.

I wish you wealth!

To learn more, find out about this and 6 other critical aspects of the Evolving Entrepreneur that you will experience personally at EVOLVE Intensive and the EVOLVE Transformational Telesummit this November: just click here for details and to get your preferred registration rate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“