Unplug!
     Sent 10/31/2006

Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter
By Darla Arni

OCTOBER 2006
Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter is a free monthly, or whenever Darla
can get it out, publication for clients, friends and subscribers who want to
be more creative, energetic and productive in their life and work.
Past copies are archived on our web site: www.darlaarni.com.
© 2006 Darla Arni
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In This Issue:
Unplug!
Quote of the Month
Mensa Moment
Just in time for Christmas

Welcome to new subscribers I presented to and met at the Precious Moments Family Reunion in Carthage, Missouri!
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UNPLUG!

Today is Halloween and tomorrow will be Christmas.

Last week my daughter had a few days off from school so we decided to embark on an all day shopping trip to finally find a pair of boots that would actually fit her growing feet. I of course, had some shopping goals of my own so we were in for a long day.

After spending 30 minutes looking at every sweater in the women’s department of Macy’s, it dawned on me, the store was already decorated for Christmas! I can understand getting things in gear the later part of November for the after Thanksgiving buying frenzy, but October 26th? Once I noticed it, I started seeing Christmas decorations everywhere; in other stores, on the streets and in shop windows, and it made me angry.

Why angry? Because by doing this, stores are simply trying to hurry us into the buying season to boost their yearly sales, make up for a slow summer season, or some other money-for-them motivation. For me this is manipulation and sends a message to the public that they are already behind. I believe we have so many messages from every direction urging us to rush, speed up, and catch up that we are in a perpetual state of BEHIND. When I find myself getting caught up in this I have to stop and take some of my own advice and I believe it can help you too.

In my ‘Creating Balance’ workshop I share my 10 Best Ways to Create Balance and number seven on my list is, UNPLUG. Unplugging involves developing the ability to tune out the noise and distraction of the world around you and focus yourself inward. In “real world, how do I do that right now, today” language, here are some suggestions.
1. Visualize physically unplugging a cord from a plug in and letting it go. You are the unplugged cord and when unplugged you don’t have to keep up, react, or do anything except be. Let go of the pressure, the deadlines, the attention grabbing pull of the world and empty your mind. Try this when you feel anxiety building up during your work day or family tension times. This can be done quietly, without fan fair or attention at your desk, in a car or behind closed doors for 5 minutes or more, whatever your time allows. When used properly it can prevent arguments, panic attacks and physical distress.
2. Just Breathe. In my yoga class we have learned the importance of breathing. Proper breathing can cleanse you, focus you, and relax you. For years in aerobics classes I breathed primarily through my mouth to maximize oxygen, but this class has taught me how to breathe deeply through my nose and out through the mouth with purpose. This type of breathing slows you down and allows you to let go of the world around while simultaneously making you more aware. When I hit a writer’s block, feel overwhelmed with work or develop a headache, I sit back in my chair, methodically breathe this way 10 to 20 times and go back to my work feeling refreshed and often headache free.
3. Stop the noise! When I’m stressed or pushed I crave silence. Too many televisions, radios, stereos, computers, and conversations vying for your attention can be draining and can make you feel out of control. You won’t miss anything if you turn everything off and shove everyone off to another part of the house for a few minutes while you take stock of the situation and come back into balance.

They may sound simple, but the best solutions often are, so start practicing these techniques now and you will be able to handle the next fun but chaotic months in stride.

If you’d like more information on my ‘Creating Balance’ presentation for your place of work or organization, contact me at: Darla@darlaarni.com or 660-529-2969.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, pass it on or print it out!

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!
Are you are interested in turning your “I don’t know what to do with it memorabilia” that is stacked on shelves or stashed in the attic into something useful or attractive? I’m starting a new business ‘Time Frames’ that does just that! Email or call me for more information or if you would like to receive a detailed brochure.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“The time to find moments of stillness and quiet is when it’s the most difficult to do so”-Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz

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MENSA MOMENT
Every day, a cyclist crosses the border between Spain and France carrying a bag. No matter how much customs officials investigate him, they do not know what he is smuggling. Do you?

Email your answer to Darla. The first 5 correct answers will be entered in our prize drawing.

Last Month’s Answer:
Monday and the anagram is dynamo. Congratulations to Lynda Scrivner for being our winner. Please contact me Lynda so I can send you your prize.

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Darla Arni is a Professional Speaker, Consultant and Author of Sharing Creative Energy at Home, Life Compass for Women, and the Sharing Creative Energy Newsletter.

Sharing Creative Energy
e-mail Darla
660.529.2969 voice
660.815.7262 cell

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