archive • being RSS feed for this section

knowing what I can and can’t change

Posted on March 25, 2013 by in being, living, mothering

winter fun

Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.

~ Steve Maraboli

Many of us are craving spring.

I know I am.

It’s hard not to.

After weeks of snow, snow and MORE snow…I’m craving the new season.  I want to open the windows.  I want to smell the fresh air.  I want to feel the warm sunshine on my skin.

But the cravings I have aren’t fitting in well with the 6 more inches of snow we just got.  Or with the fact that the boys have been sick the last few days.  So any plans I had were pretty much replaced with wipes, diaper cream, no chicken noodle soup and laundry.

This past weekend reminds me that there are things out of my control. And although I can’t control everything, I can learn how to stop craving something beyond my control.

It seems like the more I crave something, the less OK I am with the present moment.  Because I’m wanting what IS to be different.  I want winter to go away, dang it!!!  But I can resist and fight it, or simply get over the fact that I can’t change the weather.

Our routine has been thrown out the window.  Any hopes of outdoor picnics and zoo visits are shot.  And the things I really want to do – like work on my e-course, write, paint, go to yoga, play in the warm sunshine – has been put on hold.

playin in spring snow

So in the midst of caring for sick kids, I knew that I had to get out, even if just for a few minutes. While the boys were napping yesterday, my husband and I ran out into the snow to take pictures.

We jumped.  We ran.  We laughed.

And I felt so alive and so free.  This was the recharge I needed to carry me through the rest of the sick, snow day.

The snow has dropped.  My babes are sick.  I can’t change the weather.  I can’t keep the boys from ever catching a stomach bug.  But, I know spring will come – in its own time, in its own way.

And while I learn how to wait patiently,  I can stop resisting.  I can stop craving something that is out of my control.  I can stop putting my energy in the wrong places.  I can remember that I do have the power to change many things in my life.  And when I remember that…I am free.

Your Personal Reflection:

What is holding you back?  Are you trying to control something that is uncontrollable?  Can you let go of the things that are out of your control, and take charge of the things you can change? Start making those changes TODAY, and soon, you will see the true gifts that the much-anticipated new season will bring.

signature-spring

Pin It

let the love pour in

Posted on November 30, 2012 by in being, connecting, growing, Thirty Days of Giving Thanks

You know what I learned from Thirty Days of Giving Thanks this November?  Be love.  That’s it. Plain and simple.

Give love.  Get love.  BE love.

When you give thanks and open yourself to receive the gifts of gratitude, the love pours in.  Your heart expands, your energy radiates and you’re reminded of the important things in life.

Not acquiring more stuff.

Not feeding the chaos.

Not believing the negative thoughts that have kept us from living our truth.

Nope.  Gratitude reminds us that WE ARE LOVE and that LIFE is a gift.

I wish you a PEACE-filled start to your holiday season.  May you find JOY in the simple moments. May you feel gratitude in your heart.  May you laugh and play and be silly.  May you let go of “shoulds” and “have to’s.”  May you be filled with the true gifts of this season – peace, contentment and LOVE.

I will be taking a break from blogging on A Free Spirit Life over the month of December in my attempt to simplify.  I’ll be focusing my attention on my new e-course, Outside In:  A Return to Stillness and enjoying the everyday holiday moments with the ones I love.

Let’s stay connected, though, on my Facebook page!  Stop by and join A Free Spirit Life on Facebook where I’ll be sharing inspiration on creativity, wellness and living a free-spirited life throughout the holidays!  Visit HERE to connect.  And stop by Rhythm of the Home Magazine to read my most recent article, Finding Center and Letting Your Heart Lead the Way.

Your Personal Reflection:

What have you learned from giving and receiving gratitude?  How will you stay centered this holiday season so you don’t get swept away by the stress and chaos, but rather fully experience the gifts of being present and filled with peace, love and JOY?

Outside In: A Return to Stillness

This PEACE-filled online experience starts tomorrow!
December 1st – 31st

If you are still wondering if Outside In is right for you, here is a reminder of the gifts you’ll receive: 

  • two inspirational videos
  • two guided audio meditations to download
  • 31 daily reflections to inspire staying centered and PEACE-filled this holiday season
  • connection to amazing community of life-explorers from around the world
  • tips on starting new traditions
  • ways to cherish family time
  • thoughts on letting go of “perfect”
  • being open to gratitude
  • ways to rest, relax and renew
  • creative, simple gift ideas
  • inspiration to spend less, do less and have more fun
  • ideas on how to stay present (even amidst chaos)
  • setting intentions and preparing for the new year
Give yourself, and others, the best gift this season – the gift of stillness - a gift that will stay with you far beyond the month of December.

 

Visit HERE to join us.
With love,

Shannon xo

 

giving thanks by being present

Posted on November 22, 2012 by in being, connecting, living, Thirty Days of Giving Thanks

 The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.  When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

~ Thich Nhat Hanh

From my family to yours…we wish you a very blessed, peace-filled, FUN day.  And if you celebrate Thanksgiving…than Happy Thanksgiving Day to you!

My favorite part of the meal is probably the stuffing, even with it now being gluten-free!  And a close second has to be my grandmother’s pumpkin pie recipe with some good old-fashioned whipped cream.  We’ll be chilling at my mom’s house all day – eating, laughing, having ping-pong tournaments, eating some more, playing games, and probably ending the night with some holiday movie (maybe even a little knitting in there, too).  Sounds like the perfect day to me.

No matter how the day turns out, one thing is for certain, I simply want to be FULLY PRESENT with those I’m sharing the day with.  I want to make more eye contact. I want to sit and really talk.  I want to laugh together and share stories and not be distracted.  Thirty Days of Giving Thanks is about finding a moment to be fully present in your day to simply share the love you have for another.  I hope your day is full of wonderful, quality, simple moments with those YOU love most.

Your Personal Reflection:

Be present with the people you share your day with today.  That’s one of the best ways you can show your gratitude.

 

And the random winners of the two spots for Outside In: A Return to Stillness are:
Anushka & Brandina! 

I’m grateful for all of you who entered and who are joining me for this online experience.  

See you in December!

 

the gift of stillness (& your chance to win)

Posted on November 16, 2012 by in being, growing, Thirty Days of Giving Thanks

The most productive state of being is peace.

~ Deepak Chopra

I’m in the midst of making changes in my life and here at A Free Spirit Life.  And sometimes there are glitches.  My old perfectionist self brought a pit to my stomach the last few days as things have been sent through my newsletter less than perfect.  Eeks…I hate that feeling.  And then there’s the old self-doubter who chimes in when someone unsubscribes from my mailing list after I’ve posted something that feels personal and vulnerable. Ugh.

But in the end, I share these things with you because – stuff like this happens when we put ourselves out there. And you know what?  With time, being less than perfect and making mistakes gets easier, too.  So here I am…putting myself out there, facing fear that creeps in now and again, and attempting to shift and sort and stumble and settle into the change.

Change can be tough.  But eventually it’s usually worth it on the other side!  At least that’s what I keep telling myself.  This past year, and up to this very moment, has brought so much change to my life – with many ups and downs.  I feel like I’m on a constant roller coaster ride!  And it’s probably why I want to get off the ride and simply enjoy being still for a while.

So I’m listening to those messages, breathing and letting go of putting too many expectations on myself to make, do and produce.  That feels good to say out loud.  And with patience…I can melt into the spaces between the doing and give thanks for the peace that stillness brings.

Keep reading for your chance to win a spot in my new e-course!

 

We are halfway through our Thirty Days of Giving Thanks challenge, which means there are still 15 days left for YOU to join in.

Simply take a moment each day to thank someone in your life. Send a text, make a call, or write an old fashioned letter.

There is nothing like being on the receiving end of gratitude, except when you are giving it! It feels SO good to be thanked AND to give thanks, because you know you are putting a smile on that person’s face. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Thank someone today. And feel your heart (and theirs) expand!

Today, I am sending a special shout-out-big-old-hug-full-of-gratitude to my dear friend and awesome, AMAZE-ing artist and pretty-much-just-the-coolest-person-ever…MEG.

Meg is really special and I feel like the luckiest to have her as the graphic designer for A Free Spirit Life. She not only helps get my vision across through her artwork, but she is so gracious and kind – even when I give her like 2 days notice to create something! Her newest design is the beautiful Free Spirit Life manifesto that you see on the top of this page – my favorite yet!

So thank you, Meg, for sharing your creative talents with us. I’ve been so inspired by you and I feel grateful to know you.

 

Your chance to win!

NEW!  Outside In: A Return to Stillness

Outside In is a 31-day online experience that will inspire you to stay centered and help you cultivate more peace, meaning and joy this holiday season.

For the month of December, you will receive a daily reflection – a simple reminder on how to let go of the stress and chaos that often comes with this time of year, so you can simplify your “to do” list, enjoy being more present and move at a slower pace.

My hope for this e-course experience is to offer you a moment of stillness that will help you stay balanced so you can have more fun during the holidays – so when it’s all over, you won’t look back feeling like you over-spent, over-consumed, over-ate and over-did-it. Rather, you will feel recharged, peace-filled and content.

Outside In: A Return to Stillness

To enter for your chance to win a spot in Outside In, leave a comment below by Wednesday, November 21st.  I’m giving away 2 spots and winners will be announced Thursday.  For your second chance to win, join my A Free Spirit Life Facebook page (let me know if you are already a fan) or send out a tweet.

For more information, or to register, VISIT HERE.  Feel free to email me with any questions.

Class runs December 1st – 31st, 2012.  Gift certificates are available!

Peace, love and light to you!

Shannon xo

Your Personal Reflection:

What does stillness look like to you?

returning home

Posted on November 14, 2012 by in being, Thirty Days of Giving Thanks

A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.

- George Moore

We just returned from a road trip to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 70th birthday.  Although the boys were still feeling queasy throughout our journey, overall the long weekend to Northern Wisconsin was filled with fun and special moments.  We enjoyed an early gourmet Thanksgiving feast (thanks, Tom!) and a lovely home cooked meal (thanks, Mable and family!).  We reconnected with family, made new friends, played games, explored the woods and I even enjoyed some quiet time writing my new e-course in a darling local coffee shop (one of my favorite things to do).

As much fun as it is to break routine, eat different foods and spend time with friends and family, there is just nothing like returning home and sleeping in your own bed.  We’ve laid low the last few days sinking back into our daily rituals.  It feels good to go slow.  And in between the resting, the laundry, and the puppet shows with the boys, I’m loving writing thank you cards (the old fashioned way) to some of the people who mean so much to me.

Today marks the new moon, which is always a good time to start something new.  So my Inside Out community of amazing life-explorers have joined together and we’ve started a “Self-Care 7-Day Challenge.”  For the next 7 days we are committing to “letting go” and “dropping what we’re dragging” by adding more physical movement to our day.  Just 30 minutes a day of physical activity (a brisk walk, yoga, Zumba, a run or swim…) each day for one week to get our blood pumping and to take action to make change in our lives.

This morning I did a workout video before making breakfast and I felt so energized – not only because exercising simply feels good, but also because there is something quite symbolic and wonderful about starting a fresh, new day by doing something good for your soul.  And it’s these simple acts of self-care and kindness that keep me grounded to that peaceful place in my heart that is with me where ever I go.

For Thirty Days of Giving Thanks today, I’m sending my gratitude to those special souls in my life who continue to motivate me on my ever-changing path and who inspire me to return home.

Your Personal Reflection:

Today is a new beginning – a fresh clean slate.  What will your moment of self-care be?  Is there a voice inside you gently guiding you towards change?  Observe and listen to the messages your heart is sending you, and thank someone in your life that inspires you to be yourself.

 

Outside In: A Return to Stillness 31-day reflective experience begins December 1st.  Join us!  (Gift certificates available.)

new e-course coming this december!

Posted on November 2, 2012 by in being, connecting, growing, Thirty Days of Giving Thanks

Outside In Ecourse from Shannon Kinney on Vimeo.

Today I’m thanking all of my Inside Out life-explorers, Facebook friends and blog readers as part of Thirty Days of Giving Thanks (there is still time to join us for this November challenge)!  You have supported me in so many ways and I am forever grateful.  Thank you for the comments, the friendships, the love and care you have given me over the years.  I appreciate YOU so deeply and feel very blessed that I get to share this part of my path with you.

If you would like to receive a special discount for my brand new e-course, Outside In: A Return to Stillness, simply make sure you are friends of A Free Spirit Life Facebook page by visiting HERE. I’ll share the discount information on Facebook the day registration opens – November 4th!   (If you aren’t on Facebook, just contact me and I’ll email you directly with discount details.)

Outside In: A Return to Stillness

The new 31 day e-course that will inspire you to stay centered this holiday season.
   December 1st – 31st

For more information about this exciting e-course experience, click Outside In for details.

Your Personal Reflection:

Think of someone who has offered you love and support on your path?  Reach out and thank that person today.

returning to nature

Posted on September 5, 2012 by in being, connecting, i love happy

i love happy is…

dancing like a tree.

We are all (well, mostly) moved in to our new home in the woods.  And I was going to write a post about the roller coaster feelings I’ve been having.  The fear that has gripped me.  The sadness that has crept in.  The frustration of things breaking and not going our way.  The amount of muck that has been unearthed – physically, mentally and spiritually.  And the pure joy that has stopped me several times in the midst of the chaos – like the deer that have greeted my path, or the sun rays reflecting on the lake, or the sweet and playful moments with the boys.  But today, the fall issue of the Rhythm of the Home online magazine was published, and I re-read the article I wrote for it several weeks ago.  It’s as if my past self wrote a letter to my future self, and in this moment I feel reassured by my own words.  Change does bring up so much fear and it does take courage to walk forward and let go.

Life is a dance, and that’s the reminder of this season of change.  As we start to make the transition from summer to fall, take some time to explore Rhythm of the Home’s newest issue for tons of inspiration, including my article, Dance Like a Tree.

Your Personal Reflection:

Do you feel connected to nature?  Do you feel connected to YOUR nature?  Take some time to dance and connect with nature and see how that helps you stay grounded while things around you…and within you…change.

And the winner of my Inside Out e-course random drawing is…Kim!

For the very last chance to win a spot in Inside Out – the last session of 2012 – visit Rhythm of the Home’s blog to enter the give-away going on now.  (And if you don’t want to to miss your opportunity to connect to a world-wide community of life explorers while discovering and celebrating YOU and your changes, register for Inside Out today because it starts Monday!)

going for it

Posted on August 2, 2012 by in being, i love happy, living

i love happy is…

knowing when it’s time to move on.

What’s come over me?

Seriously.

There is so much change going on in my life, I can barely put it into words.  In many ways, I don’t even recognize myself.

Several weeks ago after picking blueberries we decided to drive by a small lake community in our area that we’d heard about, but had never seen.  We drove down the hill and into the woods to discover a hidden oasis.  My eyes instantly filled with tears. My husband had the biggest smile on his face.  It was as though our hearts simply knew that our new home was there waiting for us.

My husband grew up in Northern Wisconsin on a small lake resort in the woods, and I grew up visiting the mountains and lived in Boulder, Colorado for a few years.  We have both longed to find a place that would help us return to nature.  And on this day…we found it.

There was only one house for sale in this area.  We put a bid on it just moments after we discovered it.  That is very unlike us.  We are both Capricorns.  We aren’t impulsive. We think about things.  We plan it out.  We have back ups to the back up plan.  But on this day, we were being guided by a force that told us this is the one.  Go. For. It.

And so, after living in our current home for the past 10 years, we are moving.

The new house isn’t quite our style, but we have exciting plans to remodel and build an art studio/workshop for both of our businesses in the future.  Until then, a fresh coat of paint is all it needs.  The house sits on an acre of beautiful wooded trees, it has a huge garden, wildlife and lots of privacy.  The neighborhood is a mix of eclectic lake and mountain-style homes on a small, private lake.  We are thrilled that we will have the peace and quiet of living in the country along with the community vibe.  We’ve heard the neighborhood regularly has activities going on, like Easter egg hunts, 4th of July parties and pool contests – just what we want for our two little boys.

In preparation for the move, we’ve been clearing and purging and packing and letting go.  We’ve been celebrating and saying goodbye and reminiscing and feeling nostalgic and not looking back.  We’ve been frustrated and scared and nervous and excited.

And as I transition from this home to our new one, I’m seeing how my practice in letting go is really paying off.  It’s helping me move on much quicker than in the past.  It’s helping me be really ok, and actually happier with less.  It’s teaching me how to keep and stay on budget.  It’s reminding me to practice and relish living in the moment.

We’ve put a lot of love and care into our home.

We’ve enjoyed many parties and celebrations here.

This is where we started our family.

We have shared so many memories in this special place.

Many of our things are now packed in boxes.  The “to do” list is expansive.  There are a lot of unknowns.  And we are ready to let go.  Because it’s in the letting go, taking healthy risks, facing the fears of uncertainty and going for it where we learn and grow the most.

In many ways, we are starting over.  And yet, with each passing day, we know that everything changes.  Each new day is a new start.  So the fear wanes, the tears turn to joy and we embrace what life has to offer, because hope and trust and faith (along with the back up plans) will carry us through.

Your Personal Reflection:

Is there something in your life that you’ve been hesitating about?  What fears are holding you back from moving forward?  Now, more than ever before, is the time to let go, face your fears and go for it!

the courage to be YOU

Posted on July 24, 2012 by in being, breathing, connecting, creating, growing, i love happy, living, loving

i love happy is…

the love, light, wisdom, beauty and courage of this amazing soul…

Inside Out Rave from Shannon Jones on Vimeo.

If you are still wondering if Inside Out e-course is right for you, please take 3 minutes to watch Shannon’s touching video.  Spots are filling up with so many amazing women.  I would love for you to join us, too.  Class begins September 10th and registration is now open.

Your Personal Reflection:

Are you living the life of your dreams?  If not, do you think NOW is the time to begin?  Let’s face our fears together…

Let Go of Distractions and BE Together

Posted on May 11, 2012 by in being, connecting, living, mothering

Life moves pretty fast.  You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

-Ferris Bueller

I woke up in the middle of the night.  You know, those kinds of nights where the thoughts running through your mind steal your precious moments of deep sleep.  Awake.  Eyes wide open. Watching the moonlight casting shadows on the wall through the shutters.  Listening to the sounds of my beautiful boys and husband breathing peacefully beside me.  Feeling grateful for their beating hearts.  Feeling grateful for my beating heart.  Loving those baby feet in my face. Knowing that these moments are precious.  These moments are fleeting.  These moments are happening right now.

And a quiet, yet very clear whisper spoke to me.  Let go of distractions.  Let go of distractions. Let go of distractions.

I let out a sigh of relief.  Ahhhhhh.  Yes….this sounds nice.

If you are a mother, you know how hard it is to not be a professional multi-tasker!  Heck, even if you don’t have kids…you are wildly busy too!  Who isn’t?  That seems to be the nature of our world, doesn’t it?  go…gO…GO…and don’t you dare stop because when you do you’ll finally see and feel and sense how incredibly exhausted, overextended, overcommitted and distracted you really are…  Let go of distractions.  (Here’s a video I created last year called: Find Stillness in this Go, Go, Go World.)

If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know this seems to be a reoccurring theme for me. Slowing down.  Clearing clutter.  Letting go…

And I find it takes practice.  A lot of practice.  I move slower.  I let my heart lead the way.  I let go of the “to do” list.  And then…eventually…the rushing, the stress and the “to do’s” creep back in. Practice.  Breathe.  Let go of distractions.

I have felt a major shift lately, though.  A shift in how I view my life.  A shift in consciousness maybe?  Who knows…  Maybe it’s just that I tire more easily these days.  Maybe it’s because I see how fast my kids are growing.  Maybe it’s because I see my parents and everyone in my life getting older.  Life truly is moving faster than I want it to.  But I know in my body and soul that the more I resist that simple fact, well, the grumpier I get.  And that’s when I miss out on those special moments happening right before my eyes.

What I know is that I like doing one thing at a time whenever possible.  I like moving slower.  My shoulders relax. My worry lines soften.  I laugh more.  And I play more too.  I feel more gratitude and have more compassion when I take time to notice the little things.  The list still seems to get done (well parts of it anyway).  And the more I let go of distractions, the better we ALL seem to feel.  Daily life just feels happier and is a lot more fun, too.

Sure, I still have many things on my list.  But the urgency to get them all done RIGHT NOW lessens the more present I become.  So when I hear, ”Mommy, will you play dress-up with us?” my new mantra, Let go of distractions, gently reminds me not to miss out on the love that is always there, RIGHT NOW, in front of me.  It’s up to me to be present enough to see it.

Yes, we all have a million things we want to do in a day and in this lifetime, yet the more mindfully we walk, the more open our hearts will be to receive the gifts life has to offer.

Give all the mothers you know big hugs this weekend.  Thank them for the love and joy and care they share with the world.  And if you are a mother, give yourself a break and a big hug, too! You are doing enough.  You ARE enough.

In honor of Mother’s Day, let’s turn off our cell phones, unplug our computers and clear the agendas so we can enjoy the special moments that come from simply being together.

Your Personal Reflection:

Relax.  Breathe.  Smile.  Be grateful for the gifts in your life.  And practice letting go of the distractions that keep you from being fully present with the world.

Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course registration is now open.  The early bird special runs now through the end of May.