My anxiety over who I present to the world is no longer valid

I have been evolving slowly under the guidance of my awesome cousin - Lisa J. Weiss, alchemist and coach. I have been slowly allowing my body to guide me in through the many life changes and decisions in the past seven years. Taking me out of my head, “my intellect” and feeling my way through decisions that would have normally kept me frozen for months, if not years!

I didn’t want others knowing the indecisive, still learning who I am, ‘hot mess’ at 48 me.

When Lisa mentioned the idea of the Power of Seven Group Session I was excited for the concept but not the group part. I didn’t want others knowing the indecisive, still learning who I am, ‘hot mess’ at 48 me. Reluctantly and rehearsed as to how to present myself I called in to join  the first session. I wasn’t presenting that Mary to anyone but only to Lisa on my private journey.

However, once I opened my mouth my well rehearsed stage persona fled the scene and left the  uncertain, let others have their way, hide my joy, not sure where I’m going Mary upstage and center. And she spoke truth filled with pain and tears. My fellow group session mate was just as raw and real, it was like my body was tired of hiding and took over. Lisa guided us to process this with our bodies and not our intellect. To allow us to feel what we were feeling.

The power I felt I had over my life from releasing all that was inside was empowering. I went out that week being joyful regardless if others did not like it. I stood up for me when 'child Mary' wanted to let others unintentionally or intentionally stomp on my thoughts, and feelings. It was not as easy as it sounded but every time I thought to revert back my body balked at going back to that anxious, tightly wounded space. Lisa’s check in with your body, take a breath into the sensation allowed me to check in with each situation and that I had a choice. I loved the freedom at saying ‘Yes’ to me; to my feelings and thoughts. I am not responsible for anyone else’s feelings and thoughts but my own. It was liberating! It allowed me to breathe. It allowed me to be decisive or not, to know my journey for today or plan for tomorrow and not have to account to anyone else.

I loved the freedom at saying ‘Yes’ to me

As we continued on, my Power of Seven session mate and I discovered our paths are similar, yet we were polar opposites. Different race, backgrounds, even countries  however our life paths were so interconnected we drew strength, gained insight and supported each other through this process. Lisa created a shelter for us to share, grow and emerge.

With Lisa’s guidance of over our language and reminders to checking with our bodies not our intellect, I felt changes happening before I saw changes as I acted them out.

My anxiety over who I present to the world is no longer valid. I now present Me. There is no division and I don’t apologize for who I am.

Thank you Lisa!

Mary R - Toronto,ON

A big discovery for me was being mindful of the words that I choose. This was something that I rarely ever paid attention to but as I wrote, I began to see patterns in the words and Lisa was able to point out where the word I chose was not serving me. I have learned that my words are powerful and carry impactful messages. Using new words that work for me and writing a story of my own choosing instead of blindly following the ‘Rules’ that I held for myself has been a transforming experience.

Your magical, loving energy was the catalyst which has allowed layers and layers of old stuff to be peeled away. I’m full of excitement about my life, and the life I am co-creating with my husband.

Lisa has a wonderful energy about her. The after effects of this discussion were extremely meaningful to me and the changes are definitely long term. I felt support during this discussion and had insight like never before.

The LeaderSELF Coaching Circle was an adventure. It created an opportunity for me to seriously consider leadership attributes that sat comfortably with me. As I discovered what these attributes were, and how they resonated with the person I continue to evolve into, with guidance from Lisa and encouragement from my coaching circle colleagues, I was able to see my LeaderSELF from multiple new and empowering perspectives.  The big change for me is that I no longer need to routinely dissect external events or understand behaviours. Instead, I focus on honouring my LeaderSELF…and the more I do it, the easier and more joyful it becomes.

The LeaderSELF coaching process became integrated into my daily life, and I found myself bringing real issues, challenges and experiences to the group for discussion, and was grateful for the on-going conversation over the extended period of time which permitted feedback and adjustment that addressed my everyday interactions.  I would recommend the LeaderSELF Coaching Circle to anyone who is interested in exploring what it’s like to recognize and then access their authentic voice.

Through our group discussions, monthly follow up meetings and individual coaching sessions, my transformation has grown exponentially. While I know that I am not the woman I was over 18 months ago, I am so very aware that who I am now is radically different from who I was just over 5 months ago. I am choosing to take the lead in my own life, explore potential and possibility, and create and choose those experiences which light up my world. And, for me, the most powerful result of being part of the LeaderSELF Coaching Circle has been that who I know mySelf to be has expanded and evolved to encompass the intensity and immensity of my spirit.

I went into the 5-day retreat mentally and physically exhausted, not knowing if I could bring my whole self into the room, but during the week the insights regarding how I interact with family members were profound and I am astounded by the fundamental new awareness I developed about myself.  Lisa’s willingness just to sit and be there for me as I struggled with myself created a safe environment allowing me to acknowledge who I really am in this moment. Thank you Lisa so much for this opportunity and to everyone who supported my journey.

Right from the start, Lisa was confident that within four sessions I would be able to present publicly by addressing my fear differently. I was skeptical. But I was desperate and time was running out, so I agreed. Three weeks later I delivered the first presentation I felt proud of. Last week I presented in front of 150+ people at a national symposium and received encouraging feedback from colleagues.  I highly recommend Lisa. She is engaging, refreshing, honest and fun…..And, I miss her laugh.

One word that would describe it perfectly is “awakening”. Yes, I woke up; I woke up from a deep long dream that seemed like my life. My first impulse was to call it a nightmare but no, it was not a nightmare as it was my life and it was perfect as it was because it got me to where I am now.  You know when you dream things just happen “to you”, you don’t really have control over what’s going to happen next, well, that was my life until the Decloaking. What I know now, deep down in the tissue of my body is that I HAVE a choice, always. I also know that no matter what that choice is, it is always perfect. If I decide not to make a choice, that is also perfect as it is MY life and I live it awake.

Lisa easily and effortlessly lead me to an AH-HA moment. From now on I will remember to look up (towards the sky) when I want to transcend my current environment and be the person I have the potential to become.