Signs of Life

The world is made up of sounds and symbols. Sounds and symbols are expressions that are loaded with a message or meaning. This meaning can be transitory - that is, this meaning can change to us each day as we are a forever moving, changing system. We are subjected to symbols everyday but unless we are open to receiving a deeper meaning then they may go unnoticed.

Numbers and letters are symbols and if you’re studied Numerology you will have looked at the symbols and meanings in your name and date of birth. Sounds are external expressions of meaning and is a potent force in our lives, that like symbols, can be used to bring much awareness and healing into your life. For example, the “AH” sound, in whatever key or tone feels comfortable for them is an extremely powerful sound–particularly useful for generating peace and compassion. Connecting with the symbols present in our everyday life can connect us with a level of understanding and meaning about our existence and experiences.

We are all familiar with the concept that dreams are symbolic of what is happening deep within our psyche and our daily life is no different. We are bombarded with more information than we are actually aware of  - therefore by taking notice of our observations, especially when events or ‘things’ appear unusual or out of the ordinary, we can become an active observer of who we are in this dream called ‘life’.

The 5 Signs of Life

Here is a simple exercise to discover where you are in your life right now, using symbols. The exercise is based on the excellent work and fantastic book by Angeles Arrien - Signs of Life - The Five Universal Shapes and How to Use Them. I first did this exercise myself at a Development Group not knowing of its origin, later coming across the book by Angeles when I was reading one of her other titles. I imagine her work is spreading across the globe, and I am sure you will find it insightful.

Angeles discovered that there are five basic shapes that appear in all cultures, and that all people give similar meanings to these shapes. There is a connection between the preference we have for certain shapes and our inner-state. That is, shapes are external symbols for what is going on inside us (our worldview). To undertake this exercise is to help awaken and further your understanding of yourself.

Let’s make a start..

Important: Go through each of these steps in sequence. Do not read ahead.

Draw the above shapes in order of your preference starting with your most preferred and finishing with your least preferred. Don’t think about it too much - this shouldn’t take more than 30 seconds.

A brief meaning of the Shapes

Circle = wholeness
Square = stability
Triangle = goals and dreams
Cross = relationships
Spiral = growth

Meaning of the Preference Position

Preference 1. Where you think you are. Your most preferred position. What you are most aware of right now. Where you are most comfortable. BUT. This does not mean where you actually are

Preference 2. Your strengths. Whether you know it or not, this is the strength that you demonstrate without effort. This is part of your nature that is currently strong and that you are using to assist in the growth of preference 3.

Preference 3. Whilst you have ranked this as your 3rd preference, this shape is very significant. This is where you actually are right now. This is what is going on for you right now, most likely subconscious and without knowing.

Preference 4. Your motivation. Past challenges, tests and circumstances that have motivated your current process of change and brought you to where you are right now in position three. You may have resolved or moved beyond the things that are in this position.

Preference 5. Old, unfinished business. Least preferred. That which you have outgrown, dislike, resist or judging. Unresolved issues that you now wish to put aside. You will reclaim at a later date, this is not what you need to work on in the present.

Analyse your Signs of Life

Circle

The circle is about wholeness, independence, seeking identity, standing strong in who you are as an individual. Need for space, love and respect. Fear of entrapment. If you know someone going through this, give them space, let them contact you.

If the circle is:
Preference 1. Your desire for independence currently has your attention.
Preference 2. The journey of individuality is effortless to you.
Preference 3. The process of individuation is happening right now for you.
Preference 4. A past journey of finding your individuality has motivated you to become self-reliant.
Preference 5. You may be resisting or denying this process. What areas do you need to be more courageous? What would you do if you had a strong sense of self?

Square

Stability and security, process and hard-work. Four corners, four directions, four seasons, the foundations for life. Actions speak louder than words. Great for getting things done but a tendency to control and be impatient with others.

Preference 1. Stability and authenticity are important to you right now.
Preference 2. Your inherent strengths are responsibility and the ability to be fully committed.
Preference 3. Stability is occurring at the core of your nature right now.
Preference 4. Past issues around accountability and responsibility have led you to where you are now.
Preference 5. You may be denying the process of stability and responsibility. How can you integrate stability, responsibility and process into your life without compromising what is important to you right now?

Triangle

Goals, visions, dreams. Those of you in this process will feel loved and accepted when others share your dreams and goals. The triangle is the shape for attainment and new possibilities.
Preference 1. The process of setting a vision and goals is important to you right now.
Preference 2. You carry the gift of vision naturally.
Preference 3. This process of envisionment is central to your current development.
Preference 4. Your own process of following dreams has motivated you to make meaningful changes and moved you to where you are now, as designated by the symbol in your position three.
Preference 5. You may be resisting the process of honoring your dreams and setting goals. Why is this? Do you know how to set goals?

The Cross

Relationship. The sign symbolizes the process of relationship and integration. It is about balance. This sign carries the need for connection – to a project, to another person, to yourself. Honor time for shared activities. Fear of loss and abandonment.

Preference 1. Relationships is what is most important to you right now.
Preference 2. The shared journey is effortless. You build relationships easily, you communicate well.
Preference 3. The relationship process is occurring right now.
Preference 4. A past shared journey has inspired you to become more attentive to partnership and teamwork
Preference 5. You may be ignoring the importance of partnership and relationships in your life.

Spiral

Growth and evolution. You will see the same things in a different light. Strong need for variety, novelty and change. Dread routine. Capable of doing multiple tasks well. Flexibility is important. Creative phase.

Preference 1. Process of growth is most important to you
Preference 2. Easy and effortless for you to handle change
Preference 3. You are currently engaged in the process of change
Preference 4. Challenged in the past to make significant changes in your life. Doing this work has prepared you for what you have placed in position 3.
Preference 5. You are unlikely to show interest in growth and change at this time.

Consider and Reflect

Consider the relationships between the shapes and the preferences you have given them.
Tensions exist between the processes of 1 and 5. For example a spiral in 1 and square in 5 shows that you may yearn for change, but part of you is attached for stability and security and as a result may feel unwilling to make the change.
Preference 3 is the key to resolving the conflict between the positions 1 and 5. For example, if you have a square in position 1, and a spiral in position 5 and a circle in position 3, your desire for stability (square in 1) is in conflict with your unacknowledged need for change (spiral in 5), the key to resolution is in supporting your current need for independence (circle in 3).

It is an interesting exercise to do with your partner or close friends. Share with one another what you have and see if there are areas of compatibility or conflict. If you are currently needing time alone (circle) to find yourself as an individual, and your partner yearns for connection and companionship then you’ve got some talking to do about honouring your needs!

If you are in the field of coaching or healing (or any role where the question ‘where are you right now’ is pertinent) then this can be a simple exercise to get the discussion going.

All credit has to be given to Angeles Arrien so look out for the book Signs of Life, to learn more!

Breathing Safe Space

The safe space or inner space cannot really be described – to have real meaning it must be experienced.  It does not require you to master it over 20 years but can be experienced right now.  Breathing is an amazing way to find your own safe space.  Here is a simple way for you to try if you choose.

1. Lie on your back or sit on a chair if you think you might go to sleep.  I really recommend you lie down as it helps you to really let go.  Make sure you are warm.  If you have a sore back, place a pillow under your knees to support your back. Point your toes upward. Let your spine relax straight.
2. Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your nose.  This is very important as breathing in an out through the nose sends a deep message of peace to your body.  As you are doing this scan your body for tension. As best you can let your body melt into what you are lying on.
3. Bring attention to your breathing and place your hand on your navel. Inhale and exhale. Notice - are breathing into your upper chest, or is the belly truly moving. People who are nervous will breathe short, shallow breaths in their upper chest.  Inviting that breath to deepen into the belly will really help you to relax and let go.
4. Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose into this area. Notice how your belly rises and falls with each in and out breath. Your chest should move only the slightest amount, if not at all.  Just gently find you own rhythm with the breath.  Just like a wave comes in and a wave goes out.  The breath comes in and the breath goes out.
5. Continue to inhale through your nose and exhaling through your nose or mouth. Feel yourself letting go, falling back into your own body.  Really allowing yourself to relax and to just be totally here within your body.
6. Start to become aware that within you, deep in your belly is a safe space. An amazing safe space that is just for you.  This is the home of your spirit and if you choose it you can breathe all the energy and love that you need from here.  If you choose you can connect with your own core wisdom, your spirit, your wise self.  This space is safe.  Breath in deeply just how wonderful it is to be truly safe.  Notice how wonderful it is to just be here.  Leave your troubles, your worries outside this space.  All there is here is this amazing feeling of love and space.  Make it real for yourself, image the colours, the images, the beauty of this space.  Really allow yourself to be here.  It is as real as you choose it to be.
7. Continue to breathe this space for about five or ten minutes.  If you like you could do it once or twice a day. You can also breathe into your belly while standing, driving or walking. After a couple of weeks of gently practicing this you will notice an enormous difference in your quality of life.
8.  At the end of each breathing session scan your body once again. Notice how different you feel after breathing.

The breath of compassion, of love is an amazing gift and I share it with you with much love.

Tania

Create your own Inspiration Board

Dream a little dream

It is easy to lose sight of one’s dreams and inspiration.  The routine of everyday life can make it seem dull and stuck.  This exercise is an invitation to explore, to become inspired and to play with what makes life wonderful for you.  Even if you have never done anything artistic in your life – this is a great creative exercise.  The aim is to create a storyboard that inspires you and reminds you why you are here.  This is great fun to do by yourself or together with loved ones.  Anyone can do it.

You will need:

• Several magazines with lots of pictures and words.  Second hand stores, markets and garage sales are a great source.  Buy yourself a great pile of them.
• A large piece of cardboard (you can cut up a big box and paint it or buy A3 or A2 coloured card from any stationery shop. It needs to be strong enough to hang on the wall.
• A good quality glue stick (not from the $2 shop they fall off)

The Exercise:

Go through the magazines and cut out any words, images or colours that move you or inspire you.  Some examples might be wisdom, beauty, peace, healthy, vitality etc. Find any phrases that speak to you anything that speaks to your heart. Just let yourself go – don’t analyse just browse, cut and be inspired. When you feel you are complete stop.  Leave it for an hour or two or overnight.  (Note: If you are doing it with someone else cut out things individually and then come together and notice what words you have doubled up and what words you both might have missed.  It is a great one to do as a couple or as a family to choose what kind of life you want to create together.)

Come back fresh and get your cardboard and your cut outs.  Arrange the words and images on the cardboard in whatever way feels right for you.  Don’t glue it yet.  This exercise is not about looking great it is about inspiring you and reminding you what your life is about.  No one else needs to see it so go through and really choose the words that sing to your heart.  Leave the rest behind.  Choose only those pictures that move you and mean something to you or simply make you laugh and feel happy.  This is your inspiration board.  If you have words or feelings missing go find the words or simply write them on a piece of paper and add them. (Note if doing your board with someone else place your words and images at the same time and just share the space.  Because it is joint make sure you are both happy with how it looks and feels and what words are included.   I totally recommend you do individual boards first before doing a couple board.  This enables your own creative expression as well as having a shared experience.)

Again leave it a while.  Come back and look at it and make any changes you want until it feels done.  You can glue it now.  When the board is complete stick it up on the wall, somewhere that feels safe and private (this is your exercise and if you allow others to comment too much on it you will loose the whole point of it which it your own inspiration and creativity).

Notice over a week:

• Is there anything missing?  If there is add it on
• Have you been drawn to particular words, images or phrases?  How do they relate to your life right now or what is missing from life right now?
• How do you bring inspiration into your every day?

I hope you enjoyed it.

Coming Soon - Articles to Inspire & Motivate

We are currently engaging a number of writers who are experts in their own field of achieving life success and passionate about self-empowerment. We will be writing articles that will inspire and motivate you to achieve success in all aspects of your life - health, wealth, relationships, personal & spiritual growth, meaningful contribution, work & career, and so on..

Watch this space!