One of the biggest obstacles to learning rests in the environment in which you learn.

If you really want to learn you have to create a trustworthy environment. That’s true for everyone, whether you’re an adult preparing a presentation or a child in elementary school learning math. If you feel tense or embarrassed, rushed or angry while you’re trying to learn something new, you’ll have trouble processing the information and storing it in long term memory. Our “triune-brain” is amazingly complicated and sensitive. It helps to know something about how your brain works so learning, efficiency and progress come easier.

We have three brains in our skull. We also have another brain in our abdomen for intuition and the digestion of ideas, feelings and food – but that’s a topic for another day. The 3 head-brains are the cerebral cortex (cognitive brain), the limbic system (mid-brain) and the brain stem (reptilian brain).

The cortex is your top “thinking cap.” It processes millions of bits of information that rise up from the senses which are forwarded via the limbic or “middle” brain. Your cortex handles complexities like science or language and contemplates issues of the future. It analyzes and handles a multitude of complicated tasks.

Although it is known as the cognitive or academic brain, it is the slowest of the three levels of the brain because it has so much information to process. So the first step toward brain-happy learning is creating an environment with an absence of threat to give your cortex time to absorb.

The limbic system is your brain’s principal regulator of emotions as well as all the data coming from your senses. It transfers information from short-term to long-term memory. It’s also responsible for regulating eating, drinking sleeping, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, hormones, sex, hunger and aggression – just to name a few!

The limbic system is your mental gatekeeper. It is powerful enough to override rational thought from the cortex (above)as well as instinctive response patterns from your brain stem (below). Because your limbic system determines what gets processed, stored and used, positive emotional engagement is absolutely essential. Frustration and/or boredom threaten your mid-brain and shut down learning fast.

The brain stem has no language and typically doesn’t store visual input: this is why we often don’t remember what an attacker looks like. This is the brain that takes over when you feel physically threatened. It reacts immediately if your body feels attacked or threatened and never shuts off. This reptilian brain in you stays on the alert for any real or perceived threats.

It’s imperative that you create both external and internal environments that are non-threatening. External environment can include a designated space to work, good lighting and enough quiet or sounds (music, flowing water) that are comfortable for you.

Just as important: your internal environment. Having positive self-talk is crucial. When you have a friendly inner voice you are more likely to experience curiosity and interest, patience and good humor as you learn.

This week’s Trick of the Trade: notice both your internal and external environments at work, at home, or perhaps even in your car. And if you have kids or co-workers notice how you participate in their environment. Take care of your mid-brain so you can easily “up-shift” into your cortex when you need to. Nurture a sense of calm and trust. Be trustworthy and non-threatening to yourself and others.

Have a lovely week. And remember to leave a comment on the blog and tell me how this works for you.

Heart to heart, Karen

In my last newsletter I mentioned three elements that must be in place for intuition to flourish.

Some of you asked me to go into more depth with each element. Being a Depth Mentor, I’m happy spending more time with these helpful ideas.

Today we look at the first element: Being purposeful without a goal.

It’s commonplace to think up a goal or set an intention and then work toward achieving that goal.

While this is a positive strategy, it is incomplete because attention focuses entirely on the goal, leaving the mood or felt sense attitude of the actual experience unattended. Permit me to offer a complimentary perspective.

Play is one of the essential keys to intuitive intelligence. Are you willing to be present and learn more and more of what play means for you? Are you willing to study your consciousness and become more that? Are you willing to be attracted by what interests you moment to moment? Do you live by such solid rules that you won’t allow yourself to play in your work? Are you willing to be creative?

Are you willing to be purposeful without a goal, because playing is purposeful, but for nothing other than the play itself; and it will take you somewhere, but often not to where you thought it would be if you had focused only on a specific goal. Are you willing to HAVE fun? Are you willing to BE fun? The concept of play is so common you might just tell yourself, “oh yeah, of course I play.” But I’m not talking about what you DO; I’m asking about the level of light-hearted non-attachment flowing through you as you act.

For this week’s Trick of the Trade (conscious energy exchange), begin to gently observe yourself during daily tasks and ask yourself the questions I’ve mentioned here. Notice when, where, with whom, or under what circumstances you keep yourself from being playful. Practice allowing work and life to become more fluid and flexible. Discover the powerful freedom of being purposeful without a goal.

Today’s connection is sweet and simple – we want to give you a quick peek at a magical Retreat.

First, a reminder for all of us (yes, I need this reminder myself sometimes!) that if we can’t play we can’t learn and if we aren’t learning we aren’t playing! Even more, intuition gets shut down without these three elements flowing:

• Being purposeful without a goal, so essential to both learning and playing;
• Creative spontaneity requiring presence and a non-threatening environment;
• Curiosity and interest allowing for unexpected happy mistakes and discoveries.

Here are some High-Lights from Remembering Who You Are; The Alchemy of Light, our amazingly rich, deep and powerful alchemical retreat experience last weekend:

• a lovefest of sisterhood between both new and familiar women alchemical pioneers who attended
• group energy practices and healing lessons
• learning, playing, laughing and loving
• walking the labyrinth under an ancient mother full moon
• dream journeying
• 5 minute mandala drawings
• a light show of the makings of our selves and our cosmos
• group meditation, practices and meal times
• lots of conversations, sharing and laughter
• unique training; for example, the 4 essential elements of alchemy to take your Gold into the world
• shortcuts for communicating with your sub-conscious and freeing intuition

I just returned from a two-day Mastermind meeting.

Working closely with other like-minded women who also share their passion-blessings through their work, creates such clarity! We all went home with surprising “to-do” lists that we couldn’t have come up with on our own, and with confidence that our voice and dreams are fully supported. I’ll have pictures soon on Facebook, I promise.

Also, I’m writing this newsletter just days before I join other women in the retreat to “remember who you are: the Alchemy of light.” We’ll create clarity around individual passion/freedom, mastery/excellence and unique contribution/service for each participant. Oh, and I promise pictures soon from the retreat as well.

There’s an on-going joke at my house that has two meanings. It goes like this: When in doubt, ask, “What would Koko (Coco) do?”

The first meaning refers to my dog, Koko. In the slim chance that he’d ever be doubtful about anything, he’d either lie down and take a nap or go run around and play. Not bad solutions when you think about it.

The second meaning refers to Coco Chanel, who happens to be one of my favorite woman entrepreneurs. She came from very humble beginnings yet she learned early to build her life into a creative, unique success. We can learn a lot from her.

In 1883, in the little village of Saumur, France, she was born out of wedlock to her mother and a traveling salesman. When she was 12 her mother died and she lived in an orphanage until she was 18. During those six years her talent and skills were born: she became a seamstress. She unleashed this blessing and revolutionized the fashion industry while liberating women from the frills and corsets that marked the Edwardian era.

As she reshaped her life she reshaped women’s fashion into simple, comfortable, functional and elegant concepts. What would any of us do without the “little black dress?” She built an empire by believing in her passions and putting her unique voice into the world.

She said, “The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”

Entrepreneur is defined by dictionary.com as, “a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk.” Today, more and more women start their own solo-business: therapists, counselors, coaches, writers, trainers, consultants, teachers, artists, musicians, accountants, virtual assistants, web designers, and healers of all kinds, just to name a few.

Coco also said, “Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.”

As true intuition awakens, decisions become easier and clarity shows up more often. You’ll know right away what to release and what to strengthen. And, of course, it always helps to surround yourself with a group of smart, trustworthy, experienced, successful companions on your journey.

For this week’s conscious energy exchange, take a little time to reflect on and personalize Coco’s two quotes and Koko’s two options. You’re liable to feel more positive and have more clarity. At the very least you’ll have a good nap.

Together let’s continue to:
Activate intuitive living…
Amplify intuitive education…
Animate intuitive business…

Heart to Heart,
Karen

Everybody breathes. Everybody has intuition.

However – most people aren’t aware of their breath or that they breathe shallowly, ineffectively or even backwards. When we learn to properly sing or get into yoga, meditation, mindfulness, tai qi, chi gong or any martial arts we begin to learn how important breathing is and how to do it effectively, efficiently and well.

The same goes for intuition. I hear the word “intuition” used a lot these days. It may be the new popular “buzz” word. But just like breathing, although it’s natural for everyone very few really get “into” it and understand what intuition is, how it works and what it can do for us when we spend time to recognize and develop this incredible aspect of our consciousness…aspect of who we are.

What’s in popular media is mostly a general misuse and huge misunderstanding of intuition. What I see is true…just incomplete. It’s like seeing a feather and thinking you’re holding an eagle…it’s not the same thing.

I want to help you know what it feels like to hold an eagle and not mistake a random feather for the real thing. I want you to have the immense satisfaction, freedom, power and joy of experiencing true intuition. Your life will never be the same. You’ll know authenticity, confidence and connection.

To that end, we’re announcing that we are now the International ACADEMY of Intuitive Entrepreneurs. “Academy” means “a formal society whose purpose is to promote a particular knowledge or culture.” We have enhanced our presence and purpose to develop and support the culture of developed consciousness and intuition in every aspect of life.

Academy also implies a level of scholarship or study and that’s important to us. We respect modern science and ancient wisdom and believe they weave together perfectly in the new world we’re living in. We can’t be good teachers unless we’re willing to learn.

Three Questions for YOU:

1. Are you ready to stop the BS (belief systems) that no longer serve you?
2. Are you ready to turn inward & finally find truths & relief you’ve been looking for?
3. Are you humble yet a powerful life-long learner and teacher in your own right?

Then you are part of our world tribe, our tribal academy of learners and leaders. Right now we welcome everyone from the US as well as our friends in Canada, Portugal, France, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia.

Remember: Consciousness is Queen…and King…and they are in desperate need of communion. This week, as you live as your current knowledge, expertise and identity leave some space inside for wonder, growth, and learning. Intuition is a science and art which can open and change your world in powerful and beautiful ways. Have a good week.

Additional note: Information on Heart of Courage Intuitive Coaching certification will be available at the retreat.

Next Sunday is a special Father’s Day for me. Although he doesn’t fully arrive until October, my grandson will make my daughter a Mom and my son-in-law a DAD. Oh yes, and me a grandmother… yikes and wow. So Happy Father’s Day everyone!

Not all men are open to their intuition – but they can benefit from your experience. Please send in a story, memory or comment involving “Fathers and Father’s Day.” What was the coolest thing your Dad ever did? If you didn’t have a dad around, did anyone fill in? Let’s share some “Father” stories. Please post them on the blog.

There are dads or dads-to-be who will benefit from your experience, wisdom or humor.

When I was a little girl – before I was five – my older sister, younger brother and I looked forward to a bedtime ritual we had with our dad. We kids would go to bed and then want a drink of water. My parents wanted us to stay in bed…so I think Dad came up with a little idea that soon grew into quite a creative project. Unlike the famous Waltons who would say good-night to one another, our family called out in unison, “Bring me water in something funny!”

He would bring us anything that could hold water – teaspoons, jars, frying pans, vases and any number of creative or silly water-holders. I remember jumping into bed, sitting upright and pulling the covers up to my chest in one movement. I sat in rapt excitement waiting for the precious bedtime surprise and giggle.

I look back on those days and am amazed at how inventive and playful he was during those times. That’s a glimpse of him I’ll always treasure.

This week’s Trick of the Energy Trade: open your heart to good men everywhere. It’s not easy being a dad. And a heart felt Happy Father’s Day to fathers young and old, experienced and green-behind the ears. Your babies need you, your older children need you and your women need you.

Let’s celebrate fatherhood together…and please be sure to leave a comment.

Today (June 7) is my sister’s birthday and I’m thinking about the immensity, complexity, intensity and love between sisters and among women in general. So while I’m wishing my sister a happy day and a year full of dreams coming true, I also wish the same for all my sisters – including you.

I just finished this month’s individual calls with the amazing members of the MindMatrix Mastermind group. We spoke about our latest class: “The Rise of Feminine Energy on the Planet – What is it? Why now? How does it affect me and my work?”

Truth is…I wish I could wave a magic wand and every woman could experience the beautiful soul growth that these women are going through.

I heard the word “vulnerable” from everyone. Of course! We feel vulnerable when we’re changing and growing. A sense of vulnerability lets us know that we’re birthing ourselves into entirely different beings.

Let’s face it, we undergo an identity shift when we grow beyond our conditioning and no longer apologize for being who we are. As we move forward there might be an undercurrent of fear of being left out or laughed at for going for our dreams.

But too many women waste so much time waiting to be rescued or validated from the outside, while walking around doubtful, confused or numb. It’s so much better to feel the aliveness of vulnerability – which is birthing-in-progress – than to constantly need approval and permission to be unique, creative, happy and free.

So today, please accept this simple gift which says;

“You are not alone; I’m right here beside you.” This is also for you, and you might want to have fun and say it out LOUD:

My New Birth-Day Proclamation:

• My potential…limitless,

• My gifts…worth sharing,

• My heart…full and open,

• My life…soulful daring

• My future…awakened caring,

This week’s Trick of the Trade energy exchange: Every day a Happy Birth-Day!

Celebrate your vulnerability as inner validation of the truth that you’re growing and birthing a new you. At the same time, appreciate that other people are feeling vulnerable too or suffering some level of numbness, so be kind…and keep growing!