Embrace Your Body

Win 6 life coaching sessions, No Kidding!!

This is a contest where everyone is a winner!

That's right! You are a winner. I already know this about you. The question is, do you know this about yourself?
 
If you participate in this contest, you are guaranteed to smile and feel great about yourself. Here is all that is required to play.
 
I want to know how you are embracing your gifts and soaring.
 
Your entry will begin with...
 
I am so proud of myself for...........

The grand prize for this contest is...

Six full length , powerful sessions of life coaching valued over $550.

Now, here's the fun part! Your entry (essay, poem, list, written words) will be returned to you when you least expect it. Out of the blue, you will open your mailbox and discover positive, encouraging words written about you, by you. 

Ready to play? Details below.

Good Luck to all!
 

Blessings!
Beverly

----------------------------------------------------------------

Enter the Embrace Your Gifts and Soar “I Am Soaring!” contest. 

In 500 words or less, please describe how you are soaring in life. Attach your name, address and e-mail address to your entry. Also, please state how you learned about this contest. All of your information is kept strictly confidential and will not be sold or revealed to any other organizations or people. This includes your essays, poems, lists, etc.
 
Begin your poem, list or essay with

I am so proud of myself for...........

Here are some questions to reflect on as another starting place for your entry.

• What are you doing in your life that makes you feel good about yourself?
• How are you proud of yourself for the ways that you show up in life?
• What values do you honor that reflect the most wonderful things about you?
• What challenges have you overcome?
• What accomplishments have you achieved?
• What is beautiful about you, inside and out?

Mail “I am Soaring!” entries to:
Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!
The I’m Soaring Contest
P. O. Box 1341
Jackson, MS 39215

Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your entry. Your entry will be returned to you as a way to remind you of all of the great stuff about you! Won’t that be a nice surprise?

The winner of this contest will receive a total of six, forty-five minute coaching sessions, valued at over $550. All entries will be placed in a basket and one entry will be randomly selected at noon CST on Monday, September 15th.

HOW TO ENTER

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. To enter, complete the official entry form available at www.embraceyourgifts.com.  To be eligible, entries must be completed and received by September 13, 2008. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. All entries shall become the property of Beverly Keaton Smith who is not responsible for lost, misdirected or delayed entries. Entries received by telephone, fax or e-mail will not be accepted. Entries must be mailed to Embrace Your Gifts and Soar! I am Soaring Contest, P. O. Box 1341, Jackson, MS 39215. All entries must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope from the participant.

CONTEST RULES:

The contest is open to all women, age 21 or older.
 
The prize is not redeemable in cash and must be accepted as awarded.

Decisions of the contest judges are final - no substitutions will be available.

One entry per person, deadline to enter: September 13, 2008. Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope must be included with entry in order to qualify for drawing. Attach your name, address and e-mail address to your entry. Specify if you would like to added to our e-mail list and please tell us how you learned about this contest. All of your information is kept strictly confidential and will not be sold or revealed to any other organizations or people. This includes your written entries. 

By claiming the prize, the winner authorizes the use, without additional compensation, of her name for promotion and/or advertising purposes. 

In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Beverly Keaton Smith may not be held liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize.

The person whose name is drawn as being the winner of the specific prize will be required to explain why she wants to work with a life coach before the prize is awarded to her. Life coaching sessions will be provided over the telephone.  Winner calls the coach at a prescheduled time that is determined by the coach and winner.  Winner is responsible for all charges related to her telephone service.
        
Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC
Embrace Your Gifts and Soar!
I am Soaring Contest
P. O. Box 1341
Jackson, Mississippi 39215

Movement Class for Women - FUN!

Movement Class For Women - FUN! I've already put the music together for Move Into Loving Your Body: A Movement Class for Women class and it turned out great! If you live in the Jackson, MS area I Invite you to join us. This lass meets at Millsaps College on January 23 from 6:15pm til 7:30pm. (meets on Wednesdays for 5 weeks) This is more than just dancing! You have to experience this to really understand the benefits. Just to give you an example, one woman put down the cigarettes after a few weeks in this class, one woman lost 10 pounds and another woman started doing new moves for her husband! This class will give you the space to move your body freely without worrying about being judged or having to learn dance steps. You will have time and space to break away from your busy mind and sink into your body and heart. I am on fire about this class! I love it so much! I know you will love it too! For more info, see http://embraceyourgifts.typepad.com/bodyblog/. Already know you want to sign up? Call Millsaps at 601-974-1130. This will be the best $65 you've spent on yourself this year! Hope to see you in class! Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC Certified Professional Life Coach PS: Don't live in the Jackson area? This movement class is portable! You supply the space and participants and I supply the music and leadership.

Move To Inspiring Music by Heather Small

"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"

"Proud" by Heather Small
Hear this great song by clicking on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbkysd9mQho 

"If you don't move, you won't move."

"As you grow older, if you don't move, you won't move."

~Yvonne Dowlen, 81-year-old figure skater.

Watch Yvonne in action and hear remarks she makes about keeping movement alive in her life.

Video: http://www.dailyherald.com/galleries/benskate/index.html   

Read her story here: http://www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=301466

Move Into Loving Your Body Class

Move Into Loving Your Body: A Movement Class for Women is scheduled to return to Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi on September 26th, 2007. The class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Final class is on October 24th. Cost is $65 for all five classes! Call Millsaps to register. 601-974-1130

Have Great Music and Speakers. Will Travel!

The movement class is portable. You supply the space and participants and I will bring the music and leadership. Minimum of six participants requested.

Happy Moving!

Beverly

Completions

Tonight completes this session for the Move Into Loving Your Body class at Millsaps College. Updates about new sessions will be posted as they are scheduled. The next few months will be a time of travel, training and adventure for me so classes will most likely begin again in August or September 2007.

I am always a little sad to see a group dissolve. Each woman brings a unique portion of her spirit to the group and that energy can never be replaced by anyone else. I've had a great time playing and moving with the women in this group. They are so wise and have shared their wisdom with me and each other. We've laughed and cried our way through this movement class. Such is the way of life. (for more on endings, the Embrace Your Gifts and Soar! blog)

For this week's playlist, I took several songs off of the soundtrack from the movie Hitch. If you want to listen to fun, lively and uplifting music, I recommend this one. It's a winner.

The movement class that I offer is portable. If you have the space and a group of women who would like to 'Move Into Love with Their Bodies', contact me to learn about how to make this happen. 

All my best to you!

Beverly Keaton Smith

                              

What Do You Love About Your Body?

I came across this video and learned that Heather Mills doesn't just have one leg. She has one real leg and three artificial legs. Her perspective about her disability is very inspiring. She's got a great sense of humor too! If you have a few minutes, click on the above link and watch the first couple of minutes of the video to see what I'm talking about.

Watching the Larry King's interview with Heather makes me feel grateful that I have two healthy legs. I can hop, skip, dance, walk, jump, kick, climb, stomp, ski, swim, ride a bike and move with relative ease! I never have to worry about one of my legs falling off! This is truly something to celebrate!

What's a good way to celebrate your body?

Make a list of twenty things you love about your body.

Come on! You can do it! You might even feel like making

a list of more than 20 things! Just give it a try and see

where focusing on the good things about your body takes you.

This week's music:

Vital Information: Where We Come From

 

Great jazz to get you moving!

Keep moving toward loving your body!

Beverly Keaton Smith

A Shout Out for Lungs!

I'm sitting in my home office attempting to work. I am distracted by screams of delight from kids outside. It's obvious that spring break has given them a ticket to freedom. I get curious so I look out the window and am shocked to see two young girls swimming! I've never seen anyone swim in this lake. That water has to be cold and what about all of those snapping turtles and fish? Do they care about that? Heck no! Those two girls are just having fun and moving freely. Don't you know they will sleep good tonight?

I bet they are doing some deep breathing too! They are so active that they need the breath. And as we said last night in the Move Into Loving Your Body class...

Breath is Fuel!

Are you breathing right now? Give yourself a little boost by taking a couple of deep breaths. Exhale as much as you can and then it will be easy to take a solid, deep breath in. Remember, it's okay to make noise when you breathe! (If you sound like you are getting ready to sneeze OR like you are sighing heavily, this is a good indication that you are making your lungs very happy!)

Why move the breath in this way?

Breath is Fuel!

In honor of the breath, we focused on LUNGS in the movement class last night.

How often do you think about your lungs? Why not take a moment right now to be thankful for them? Gosh, we couldn't breathe, talk or live without them! Thank you lungs for serving the body so well even though we often forget about you completely!

So how do you honor lungs in a movement class. You guessed it! Through the breath.

Breath is Fuel and fuel comes in handy when you are participating in a movement class. Oh how fun it is to honor the whole body! So often we disrespect the parts of the body we can see and totally neglect the parts of the body we can't see. The movement class is focused on generating love, respect and appreciation for the body, inside and out.

So, is there a special movement for focusing on lungs? Possibly. However, there are no special movments to follow in this movement class. You move in your own way and decide if  and how you focus on a particular part of the body during the class.

The main point of the movement class is to move and connect with your body in a way that works for you. That's just what we've been doing too! That way, love for the body and self just happens.

Music for this week: Dr Alban, It's My Life 

Certain to keep you Moving!

Onward!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Good-Bye Stress!

Dashing here and there, phone calls, work, e-mails coming and going, ideas popping constantly, wanting to do it all even though there is no way squeeze "all" in, family obligations. Oh please stop the world!

Life can get overwhelming even on the best days. So what's a girl to do?

Free Movement! 

'I felt free. I didn't expect to feel so free.'

'Coming here and moving takes my mind off of everything!'

Hearing general statements like the ones above from women who participate in my Free Movement class indicates that moving to music is a good way to give stress the boot.

Here's the kicker. Sometimes you don't even realize you are stressed out until you jump out of the stress bucket and onto the movement playground. When the class is over, you feel better. Then, you look back and realize, oh I was stressed out!

Yes, I have a non-scientific poll to back up my claim that Free Movement decreases stress. Sometimes I ask the women to check in by telling the group how they are in that moment. I ask them to give a simple answer on a scale from 1 to 10. Below 5 is not so great. Ten would be absolutely fantastic. Almost every time, when we do a second check in after moving to music, the women report a higher number, which means their state of being has gone up a notch or two.

Particpating in this class so simple. I create the space and you design the class in a way that fits your needs, your mood and fittness level.

Wow! It's so fun! The time flies by. Before you know it, you are ready to go home, take a nice hot shower or long bath and bask in the warmth of well-being that comes from the satisfaction of knowing that gave your busy mind a vacation as you nourished your body and soul.

Ahhhh....

Clapping loudly for Free Movement and feeling great!

Thank goodness we have bodies that allow us to take part in all kinds of delights!

Today's music: Brand New Day from Savage by The Eurythmics.

Annie Lennox powerfully reminds you that you can always push anything negative out of your life and start anew. Oh yea, this woman's voice is definitely a gift to the world!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Movement comes in many forms

Last night's class was a lot of fun. Even though one woman felt bad and sat out for most of the class and another woman had an aching back, we kept moving.

Movement does not always have to look big.

Movement might be simply nodding your head or tapping your foot. Possibly, it consists of tuning into your heart and focusing on the gift of its constant movement. I am so glad that the women who had low energy chose to attend to the class. I love that they realize that they determine how they show up in this class.

As a human BEING, you are always in flux. You might feel like moving in the biggest ways possible one week and the next week you might have a headache and not feel like moving at all. In this class, you have full permission to show up and participate at the level that matches your state of being. Yes! In this class you go with the flow. If your body is telling you to move slowly, then move slowly! If the body tells you to hop up and down on one leg, then start hopping! Each time you listen to the guidance of your body, your mind and body connection is strengthened. This is a gateway to inner wisdom, wholeness, confidence and feeling good.

All forms of movement are appreciated and embraced in this class. Each woman is empowered to listen to her intuition and follow the guidance of her body and heart. 

Come move with us! Next session begins March 6 at Millsaps College.

"This class changed my life! I wouldn't change anything about it!" ~participant

Today's Music: It's Gonna Be A  Lovely Day by S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M 

Onward!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Impossible!: It's Possible!

Ever feel like your dream is too big? Maybe even impossible to achieve? 

Let your inner little girl listen to

Impossible!: It's Possible!

from the 1965 television version of Cinderella.

(sung by Lesley Ann Warren and Celeste Holm)

An inspiring song for your grown-up self?

SOAR! by Christina Aguilera...(I LOVE this song!!)

Both are guaranteed to lift you to a place of possibilities!

Onward!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Moving Away From Low Energy

We had fun last night! I truly love every woman in this class. Each one sparkles in her own special way. I love the insights they share and their great suggestions for making this class even more fun. Who knows how this class will evolve over time?

Last night I was not feeling so great. A cold had zapped most of my energy. It was tempting to crawl into bed, skip the class and disappear for the night.  However, I'm the one with the music so bailing out was not an option.

After about 10 minutes of moving around to music, my cold took a back seat and I stepped into the bliss of moving. Dancing always creates a shift for me. Doubts, low energy, hesitation and worries fly out the window. The platform becomes fun, freedom, aliveness and gratitude. Even though my energy was not at a peak, I did not hold back.

This activity enhances my well-being as much as getting a massage, meeting with a good friend or getting a pedicure. Bottom line: it makes me feel good about myself! I hope it does the same for the rest of the women in the class. I am pretty sure it does by the feedback I'm getting. I'm happy to say that most of them plan to return for the next session that begins on March 6. So, the fun and well-being continues!

Last night we celebrated being a woman, feminine energy and having a body. Talk about a reason to move with joy! Today, I feel a tinge of soreness in my legs. Just enough to tell me that I did something last night. This soreness is my body's way of keeping the energy of our celebration alive.

Thank you body!

Onward we go!

Beverly Keaton Smith

Why Move to Music?

Moving to music connects me with my body, takes me out of my busy mind, makes me feel confident, alive and heart centered. Not to mention, I get an incredible endorphin rush from the physical movement involved. I instantly feel more comfortable in my own skin and this spills over into other areas of my life too. In general, this freeing activity makes me feel great all over!

~Beverly Keaton Smith, CPCC

Instructor of Move Into Loving Your Body: A Movement Class for Women

Move Into Loving Your Body: A Movement Class for Women

Free Movement happens when you crank up the music and let your body move in the way that it wants to move. Give yourself permission to break free from censoring your movements as you listen to the guidance of your body. No need to worry about looking good and proper in this class. This is your time to take a break from your busy mind as you connect with your body.

Many possibilities follow as you get out of your mind and into your body. Inspiration, bliss, healing, growth and freedom are just a few of the positive outcomes that can break through during Free Movement. For more details about this class, please see the frequently asked questions below.

Comments by Participants

When I am moving to music I forget about everything that has been on my mind.

Wow! It took very little movement to get my heart rate up. I never knew it could be this easy.

Tonight I skipped around the room!  I tried it and I could do it! I feel like a kid again!

I never know what music will be played but I know it going to be good!

I’ve started moving to music at home too. I’m already feeling a difference in my body.

I feel like the women in this group are my sisters even though I don’t really know them yet.

I love doing this. It is just for me! Nobody else. Just me.

I've had so many shifts in just a few weeks! It's so exciting!!

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I wear?

Anything comfortable that allows you to move freely. This could be warms-ups, loose pants, leggings or a fun skirt. It is completely up to you.

What kind of shoes do I wear?

Rubber soles are good. Some prefer to go barefoot.

What are some of the benefits of taking this class?

Burn calories
Relieve stress
Experience a reunion with the often neglected body
Feel more comfortable in your body
Actually love your body!
Tap into the wisdom of the body
Release stored emotions
Connect with fabulous women
Receive tips and tools for living a more fulfilled life
Become empowered by breaking out of your comfort zone
Hear different kinds of music
Experience positive shifts in other areas of your life
Pure joy!

Will you give me an idea of what happens in this class?

We begin the class with an opening circle. At this time, I will toss out a theme or point of focus for the class. We start with slow music and everyone warms up their muscles and bodies by stretching slowly. The music gradually becomes more upbeat and women move accordingly.  Each woman sets her own pace throughout the whole class. The music plays for about 50 minutes. Toward the end of the class, the music gets slower to allow space for a cool down period. When the music is over, we gather back into a closing circle and there is an opportunity to briefly share any insights or experiences that occurred for them during the movement. There is no pressure to share. The opening and closing circles are usually about ten minutes long.

What kind of music is played?

There is a wide variety of music. Most of it has a solid, steady beat. The slower music is very relaxing and soothing.

What if I don't like the music?

I play a wide range of music so odds are good that you will like a lot of the music. It is very possible that you will not like all of the music that is played. I hope you don't! The opportunity for growth is strong when you manage to find something you do like about music you would not normally listen to. How do you usually respond to things you don't
like? Do you make the best of it, find something you do like about that particular thing, pout, get mad or something else? All emotions can be played out in movement. If you don't like the music, why not just stomp out your frustration? Moving to music you are not fond of actually gives you a golden opportunity to move creatively.

Are there any rules?

1) Pay attention to your body. Stay within your physical limitations. You are responsible for your physical safety.
2) Be supportive of others. No judgement here. Everyone is moving in their own way and it is all perfect!
3) Be supportive of yourself. This is a time to push away any negative voices that might try to whisper in your ear. 

The movement floor is like a playground. You can step on the floor, move around any way you want to and let yourself be free. These rules are put into place to keep the playground safe and fun.

Will anyone see me?

All of the windows are covered so no one will be peering in to see what is going on during this class. You will be seen by the women in the class but most of the time, the women are focused on themselves. Rest assured, this is a safe environment to explore different ways to put your body in motion.

Anything else I should know?

Please keep yourself hydrated throughout this class. It is good to start drinking water before you come to class. Bring a 32oz water bottle and plan to drink lots of water or Gatorade by the end of the evening. 

Other questions?

Call Beverly at 601-291-4763 or send e-mail to Bev@embraceyourgifts.com

Ready To Play?

Call Millsaps College to register: 601-974-1130

Location of class: Millsaps College
Meets on: September 26, October, 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Price: $65