Shackles off living

Big Peace December Day 30

Last night I wrote about napping more in 2009. But this morning I wondered what stops me napping more. And usually it's the drive to do more/more/more - answer emails, write more articles, drive myself, more driving myself. When I'm feeling highly creative and live and work from my Big Peace place, I feel exhilerated versus exhausted.

One tool I've come across that can really help me identify if I'm setting myself up for exhaustion or exhileration is from Martha Beck's (Oprah's favourite and mine too) book Steering by Starlight. She talks about making 'shackles on' or shackles off' decisions. Shackles off decisions taste of freedom, fun, love. Shackles on decisions make you feel trapped, gloomy, and wanting to chew off your own arm to escape.

Here's the interview I did with Martha earlier this year.

http://www.bigleaplife.com/audios/marthabeck0902_26un08.mp3

Today's exercise is to identify what daily decisions and actions make you feel 'shackles on' and what makes you feel 'shackles off.'

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Sandra]

I love Martha Beck. I have her 4 day win book and it's so accessible. She is so sensible. One of these days I will take her advice - honest!

Thanks for the Big Peace December. I haven't been able to visit everyday but I've dipped in and out and most of all it has reminded me to stop and breathe for just a moment.

Have a fabulous 2009. I definitely want to come to one of your retreats in 2009.

[Ann]

Thank you for the Big Peace December. So often during this month what you've written or the tasks you've set have been just what I needed at that moment in time. You are such an inspiration; so generous and honest.

May 2009 be peaceful and fulfilling for you, your family and all those you coach and support through the Big Leap and the Big Peace.xx

[Joanne Ingham]

Yes, I love Martha Beck too - thanks for the interview, it was great to hear it again. As far as daily tasks go - I've discovered this morning that food shopping in Tescos is definately shackles on!!!
Many Thanks again for the Big Peace Blog, I've enjoyed every day. Please carry on - I'm going to miss it in January!!!!
All the very best to you Suzy and wishing you lots of Very Big Peace in 2009. Joanne x

[Caite]

Happy New Year to you Suzy...may you find a corner in your personal Big Peace where the angels sing and you are waffting around in white!!! I too shall miss the daily log in..and I too thank you for all your inspiration, the effort and the chance you have given me each day to really look at my self. ;-)
Caite x

[Jules]

I've just re-read Steering By Starlight over Christmas and it felt like a completely new book as if I were reading it for the first time! Perhaps because I have been working with you Suzy it speaks to me so much more. Can you get her to come over to London and do something just for the Big Leapers? I've looked at her African retreat but it is very expensive. I love this quote from her book "Out beyond the right and wrong way of doing things there is a field. I'll meet you there."
Looking forward to working with you and more leaping in 2009!!!
www.julesritter.com.