Coaching and counseling can go from the concrete business type right down to the abstract and existential. My fellow coaches and I meet often to discuss all sorts of topics and many of us specialize in a variety of things like the populations we work with (children or Christian for examples) or problems and solutions like business coaching, goal-setting, motivation, relationship repair, divorce, anxiety, stress, addiction and depression to name a few. Most of us are qualified to work way outside our niche but perhaps we discovered a passion or, people chose it for us in terms of what clients we attract. Maybe we came from a different background like corporate and thus have some excellent experience to add to our coaching training. I, for example, studied marriage and family therapy and have worked in fMRI research and mental health. I also share the small-business solutions that are a part of being self-employed because I deal with them regularly.

This week I chose to take a hard left and talk about something much different from the seemingly organic life coaching and counseling topics like motivation and business tips. I realized I was achieving many of things I have set out to achieve, but still, I was not at peace in my heart. Additionally, I have had mixed feelings about religion, psychic work, spiritual and the such which thus became a little red flag inside of me nudging me to get to the bottom of this. I believe if you are interested in psychology or coaching you are a scientist interested in the processes of the human mind. And everyone is a little bit of psychologist. I think many people can relate to my being raised religious, but being more spiritual in my adult life. I simply take the best of many philosophical perspectives and religions and applying each as it feels appropriate. I was thinking about my life. Where I was and where I wanted to be were not aligned. And I think many people fall into this trap from time to time. It occurred to me perhaps this spiritual area of my life, for which I have had a loose relationship with, may have something to do with the discontentment. I began to think maybe becoming more spiritual would help me re-center.

So I searched for the answer like the curious scientist I am. Turns out even searching for an answer implies there is a spiritual destination to arrive at and thus not so spiritual. But I admit I am learning. How bout you??

By simply asking dear friends and fellow coaches what they thought about spirituality, I quickly found out many interesting things. It turns out, people have much to say on this topic!! Thirty-seven threads later on a Facebook post, I was surprised how heated the topic got. This was the part that created my dislike of this topic. But I also found beauty in how people practice their spirituality in all sorts of ways. From creativity, to the arts, to nature, to connecting with gurus, to philosophical debate this is a big part of many people's lives. For many it arrived in creative outlets like drawing and photography.

It was a bonding moment with a few people whom I had never known this side of them. Friends in hip-hop music like the legendary Julio G. of whom I have been a friends with for almost 10 years. We just had never talked about religion and spirituality before. @JulioG1580KDAY has been around since the early inception of mainstream hip-hop as we know it today. And, it turns out, he has a spiritual side to be celebrated! Who knew I would find spirituality in hip hop!? He shared beautiful stories about other legends and conversations they had shared. I'm talking the likes of Russell Simmons. Julio is the guy who has worked with NWA, Easy E, Cypress Hill, Dr. Dre, Snoop, and on and on. His legendary radio career started at the original hip-hop station 1580KDAY and LA Radio station "The Beat". Julio's down to earth Libra heart shines. I just did not expect to find 'G.O.D' at the Rainbow Bar and Grill on Sunset with Julio. But I did! Talk about a guy with a wonderful relationship with God. His one piece of wisdom that helped me connect spiritual to religion. "God does not have a religion." Thank you Julio.

In my mind I thought if I did certain rituals like meditating for example I could reconnect with this part of me. Turns out meditating takes practice! And I have a long ways to go. But people showed me pictures they had snapped and how spirituality is all around. I found that I do many things that get me in touch with nature and creativity and the present. Hiking drawing and amateur photography quickly bring me to the present or at least give me a fantastic place to think undistributed. So for me it was easier to start with that. And even Instragram became a creative calming outlet. Could it be spirituality had something to do with hip-hop music, creativity, technology and art? Why not!?

I think I did have part of it right, in that spirituality is loose and free forming versus religion which has a neatly packaged presentation to follow. And neither is better than the other, just different. I learned spirituality is not a checklist of things to do like mediate, give thanks, and boom! Now you are enlightened. I was treating my spiritual side like a business coach with a destination or goal to be reached as some people kindly pointed out. I was grateful for the insight. Thus the goal quickly left me. But the ultimate take away is this...nothing written here or anywhere is absolute or meant to be fully defined.

Do you have creative outlets you'd like to share? Would love to hear from YOU!

XOXO

Julia

info@juliamobassaleh.com

As you know this group consists of many women from different backgrounds and personalities, but one of the things that have brought us together is our desire to reach out to those in need and to come together as a team to provide support for those less fortunate.

Lipstick Sister Christina led by example this past weekend when she participated in Cycle 4 LA’s BEST to raise funds for children in need.

LA’s BEST is an organization that provides a safe and supervised after school education, enrichment and recreation program for elementary school children ages 5 to 12 in the City of Los Angeles, by providing them with caring, responsible adults and engaging activities that connect each child to his/her school, family and community.

LA’s BEST was created in 1998 by Mayor Tom Bradley, to address an alarming rise in the lack of adequate adult supervision of children during the critical hours between 3-6 p.m. They serve 28,000 kids at 186 elementary school sites in Los Angeles in neighborhoods most vulnerable to gangs, drugs, crime and at schools with the lowest student test scores.

The Cycle 4 LA’s BEST event was a tremendous success raising a total of $64,000!

We are so incredibly proud of our Sister Christina for her time and dedication to this cause and feel honored to have her as a member of this organization.

To get involved with LA’s BEST please visit their website and find out how you can participate, remember that every little bit counts and makes a HUGE difference in someone’s life!

XOXO

Hi Ladies,

So here is a favorite of mine to take care of your sweet tooth, just don't make a habit of it LOL!

Decadent, moist, delicious, jam packed with taste… Winner of Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, Wonderland Cupcakes deserves a visit.

They’re little handfuls of sweet goodness for $3.25 each. Try the salted caramel, you won’t be disappointed.

Restaurant Review : Wonderland Custom Cakes (Bakery, Dessert, Cupcakes) $$

My star rating: *9 out of 10*

Wonderland Custom Cakes

107 S Fair Oaks Ave

Pasadena, CA 91105

Neighborhood: Pasadena

(626) 486-9977

XOXO

Amy

Azzurra Capri is making a difference by collaborating with Justice Doll Org, helping women who have been victims of human trafficking. When you purchase a doll all the proceeds go this wonderful organization. They provide shelter, medication & job creation program which helps restore Hope & Dignity in African women.

We hope to get a helping hand from you!

For more info: diana@azzurracapri.com

XOXO

Diana