Last week, I told you about one of my favorite clients, Cathe (not her real name), volunteering to open up and share her progress (and setbacks), her ups and downs, her challenges and triumphs during our coaching calls for a few weeks.

If you missed last week, no worries . . . you should be able to jump in the middle of the story no problem.

[These events and their outcomes will resonate with you, perhaps you can identify with them, and certainly you’ll learn from them beyond the value Cathe’s received from learning to love her body and showcasing her new self- image to create more prosperity in her business through our time together…]

Come to the call…
for a risk free peek into my coaching process with Cathe.

Cathe:  (thoughtfully) I’ve been thinking about answering your question from our last call…what is my body trying to tell me about going on the cruise. I’ve eased up on the crash dieting; and I’m still moving more; and I haven’t gained any more weight as of this morning; and I still can’t get more than one leg into my power suit pants. (laughing and crying) AND I can’t make up my mind to go or not to go…in spite of encouragement from my boss to accept the offer to speak.

SW:     Consider this: is this about your body or your job, your potential promotion?

Cathe:  Huh?

SW:     If your zipper zipped, what would you do?

Cathe:  (a pause, then) I’d go on the cruise!

SW:     (silence)

Cathe:  My pants fit fine last month—

SW:     And what’s changed since then?

Cathe:  The offer…OMG, THEY’RE CONNECTED! My body gained weight as soon as my boss mentioned this wonderful professional opportunity….

SW:     And?

Cathe:  (Amazed) I never thought I was afraid of success, is that what she’s saying?

SW:     She is your body. I encourage you to just ask her J

Cathe:  Ok, ok. I admit it: I felt the stress and may have misunderstood her message.

SW:     Weight gain is one response to stress.

Cathe:  The “C” word, cortisol, right? (LAUGH)

SW:     Right. Whatever, your body’s reaction to stress, weight gain or loss, indicates your body’s need for attention from you. Let’s give your head a break and move your body around your room.

Cathe:  Ok—give me a minute.

SW:     As you have noticed in the past moving creates communication between your head and your body.

Cathe:  Puts the phone down and we hear rustling of fabric, motion, a giggle and then…

Cathe:  Ok, I feel better, but I still don’t have an answer…

SW:     I encourage you to keep communicating with her and you will receive the right answer from both of you, for both of you. So how will you do that more often?

Cathe:  (smiling with hope) Well, I certainly will have plenty of opportunity to move and hear her requests Ha!

SW:     (smiling for her) It sounds like this process is getting easier and you are making it fun! .As you keep experiencing more movement, your decisions will become clear. To communicate with your body, practice your dance—ask the questions and listen for the answer.

You can experience the same thing by joining one of these teleclasses…for a risk-free peek into my coaching process.

January 15, 2013 at 3pm Eastern – Learn How to Include Your Body with Your Work

• Become someone who connects their mind to their body and really knows what the right answer feels like.

January 29, 2013 at 3pm Eastern – Learn that the “E” Word (Exercise) is Easy and Fun

• Learn how to naturally incorporate exercise into your pre-existing lifestyle.

Look for my next email to find out how Cathe answers my last question and read more about her progress in our coaching calls. Until then, feel free to contact me or email me any questions.

To your health and happiness,

Stephanie

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship

A couple days ago I told you about one of my favorite clients, Cathe (not her real name), volunteering to open up and share her progress (and setbacks), her ups and downs, her challenges and triumphs during our coaching calls for the 3 weeks.

Cathe is a normally shy person but professionally successful single mother who shares the same struggles as the rest of us. By opening up her process to getting the happiness she wants and deserves, she feels others will benefit by knowing they are not alone—and what better time to begin than the New Year.

These events and their outcomes will resonate with you, perhaps you can identify with them, and certainly you’ll learn from them beyond the value Cathe’s received from learning to love her body through our time together…

My clients encouraged me to share our times together…and with the permission of those clients the edited transcripts help others discover the benefits of the Body Knowledge System™. Here is the transcript from my week 1 call with Cathe.

Come to the call…
for a risk free peek into my coaching process with Cathe.

Cathe: I eat all the right things, I take the steps instead of elevators, and I move my body AND I feel gross, I FEEL FAT!!! I counted every calorie; I parked in the farthest spot in my office lot; kept accurate records of every calorie I burned at the gym; and I wrote down how full I felt after every meal—as if, lettuce, celery and fat free salad dressing can be considered a “meal”? !

Coach Stephanie: Ok, what happened last week that was different?

Cathe: How can I appear as the keynote speaker on the annual company cruise when my power suit zips up my muffin top?

Coach Stephanie: So, what is your body trying to tell you?

Cathe: (a slight whine) I am fat? My head, my calorie calculator, indicates I’m starving.

Coach Stephanie: Is this about your body, or about speaking on the company cruise?

Cathe: ( pause) In spite of everything I know about calories in, energy out, my body gains weight when I really, really need to lose a few to look my best on the speaker’s platform…Professionally this is a great opportunity, a plus…a promotion.

Coach Stephanie: And personally?

Cathe: (long

pause) My kids. I’ll miss my daughter’s basketball playoffs…and my son’s Parents’ Weekend at the University…

Coach Stephanie: I hear you. The sadness in your voice. About not being there for your children.

Cathe: I’m the sole support for them…I need to go on that cruise!

Coach Stephanie: (laughing) If the cruise was to the Gulag would you still feel so ambivalent?

Cathe: (a pause, then a hoot) Honestly? No.

Coach Stephanie: That’s your body speaking, right?

Cathe: Yes…my body always speaks the truth.

Coach Stephanie: Of course she does.

Cathe: Oh! Its 5 minutes to the hour…what do I do?

Coach Stephanie: What does this weight gain, your body, trying to tell you about your speaking engagement, this cruise conference?

You can experience the same thing by joining one of these teleclasses…for a risk-free peek into my coaching process.

January 15, 2013 at 3pm Eastern – Learn How to Include Your Body with Your Work

• Become someone who connects their mind to their body and really knows what the right answer feels like.

January 29, 2013 at 3pm Eastern – Learn that the “E” Word (Exercise) is Easy and Fun

• Learn how to naturally incorporate exercise into your pre-existing lifestyle.

Look for my next email week to find out how Cathe answers my last question and read more about her progress in our coaching calls. Until then, feel free to comment or ask questions on my blog, Facebook, Twitter or by email.

Share Tags: Body Relationship, Inspiration

Although hurricane Sandy has taken its toll on the Northeast including a lack of electricity for a couple of weeks now at my current residence, I wanted to let you know that I’m still able to offer my free tele-classes to you over the coming weeks!

The holidays can be a stressful time so now more than ever, it’s important for you to pay attention and connect with what your body is telling you.

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CHOOSE FROM THESE CLASSES
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November 17 at 2:30pm – Learn how to Bring Your Body to the Party, Eat, and Be Merry

• Get control of your eating patterns during any event.
• Envision your body and you having joy plus control when in new environments or away from home

December 10 at 3:00pm – How to Listen to Your Body during the Holidays – Body Talk 101

• Make exercise an enjoyable part of your day!
• Jump off your weight loss plateau!

December 15 at 2:30pm – Learn how to Bring Your Body to the Party, Eat, and Be Merry

• Get control of your eating patterns during any event.
• Envision your body and you having joy plus control when in new environments or away from home

December 18 at 1:00pm – How to find time for Movement with your body during this Holiday Season

• There’s a relationship between your personality style and what exercise works best for you.
• Discover your ideal movement/exercise style so you’re empowered to create a fitness strategy that you will look forward to everyday!

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YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALONE
==============================

Make this Holiday season different.  Let me hold your hand through Thanksgiving and Christmas, so that by the time New Year’s Eve hits, you can still fit in that black dress that you look so good in.  

So if you know this is right for you . . . if you know it’s exactly what you’ve needed over the Holidays for a while now, get started today by clicking on the session you want above!

If the dates or times of these free group teleclasses are not convenient for you, contact me directly so we can create a date and time between us so that you can still experience and practice this Holiday Material.

With the black dress in mind.

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship, Eating Healthy, Mind Body Connection, Reducing Stress

It’s true that for some folks, the Fall season is the “most wonderful time of the year”.  But for others, it’s also the “most fattening time of the year”.

My question to you: Why does it have to be one way or the other?

Maybe you’re worried about gaining the five, dreaded holiday pounds.  Maybe you’re torn between enjoying all of those holiday goodies . . .

. . . and worrying about if you’d ever recover from your indulgence.

The holidays can be wonderful, but also stressful on many levels.

However, with the right practices in place, you can:

• Say NO to weight gain over the Holidays
• Stop the struggle between your body and your food
• Learn how to make this part of your lifestyle forever
• And avoid the holiday stress!

So, I’m offering a 90 minute Lifestyle Holiday Retreat on Saturday November 10th at 2:30pm Etd to help you zero in on solving the challenges specific to this special time of year. You’ll get the information you need . . . exactly when you need it.

Sign up here!

In this class we will:

• Address the areas around food, exercise, & family relationships that help us feel good or bad.
• Learn three specific Body Knowledge System® skills to help you find the choices that fit you.
• Have time for you to ask questions and get guidance on your needs.

If you’re tired of just “getting through” the holidays, then free yourself and join me for a 90 minute Teleseminar by telephone, in the comfort of your own home on November 10^th 2012 starting at 2:30 pm Eastern.

PLUS! 

When you sign up before October 26th you will also receive a no cost ‘Healthier You’ Session with me. Schedule it now. Again you must sign up before October 26th to receive this session for absolutely no cost.  It’s my holiday gift to you.

PS. Can’t stand the weight gain and want to enjoy the Holiday Season? Then read on….

Let’s begin to be best friends with our bodies…

Here is what I know to be true:-)

• As you maintain communication with your body, you’ll discover your style by applying principles that will liberate you and away from other peoples’ standards.
• You will shift your emphasis from outside yourself and your body back where it originated and still belongs: within yourself.
• As you practice being more clear about your relationship with your body, you can adapt to any event.
• You will see life benefits that extend beyond what you had considered pertaining only to the body— exercise and eating. You may see that you deeply enjoy your work when you are in an authentic, thriving partnership with your body. You may find more sacred connections in your everyday life— connections that weren’t apparent before.

Sign up today!

To your Health and Happiness,

Stephanie

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship, Eating Healthy, Reducing Stress

Years ago, I was fresh out of college . . . and with my drama degree in hand, I decided to up and move to New York City, unsure of what was next — but knowing that I had to do it and give it a shot.
But then reality set in.  In fact, it hit me over the head.  Standing in line after line, in the cold rain, in the dark alleys, always thinking, “This time it’ll be different . . . this time I’ll get the job.”
But every time . . . the loud faceless voice came from behind the lights and yelled, “GET OFF MY STAGE! …NEXT”.

Now THAT is rejection— Is it any wonder we all fear it?

Humiliated and discouraged…decided that I’d had enough.

I wasn’t myself anymore.  I was sad, I was tired, and I was hungry.

But there was NO WAY I was giving up on my dream of dancing, performing and choreographing. Then something inside told me, “You can make your dreams come true…just try it somewhere else.”

So, I did.

=========================================================
HOW TO OVERCOME CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT YOU

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I crossed the river to New Jersey and started fresh.  
After experiencing so much, I decided it was time to create an environment where women didn’t have to experience the same rejection that I went through.

So I created choreographed dance/exercise routines held in Churches/ Temples/ Elks Clubs and Hotel conference rooms where I could have dance studios all over New Jersey and within a few months, I was leading hundreds of women to find the dancer inside themselves.

They were able to express who they were, in a safe place, without ANY fear of rejection.
They were getting fit and being happy with no outside judgment; pure bliss for them on the dance floor of life.

=========================
HOW THIS APPLIES TO YOU

=========================

I want you to experience the same freedom that every single woman in those rooms felt.  It is time to cast off the chains that have enslaved your mind and your body for far too long.  It’s time to ditch the burden that weighs heavily on you each and every day.

This is about freedom with your body.

And because my life’s mission is to help women rid themselves of the chains and burdens that enslave their minds and bodies . . .
. . . I’m putting together a small, intimate, tightly-knit group of women who are ready to make that transition — from slavery to freedom.
If not now, when?

Sign up for a conversation with me (where you learn more about this sustainable, fun system).

Body Knowledge System® is a sustainable, fun system where you learn and practice tools and techniques where you craft life’s dances in all areas of your life to happily dance on the stage of Life!  Find out more!

Come aboard! Its time!  Make an appointment with me to have a conversation to make sure this path is right for you now.

Share Tags: Body Relationship, Dancing

Here is a sample of more conversations I have been having with those who are experiencing the Healthy Lifestyle Resource Kit

Q.  What’s the difference between my “body brain” and my “brain brain”?

A.  When my client referred to her “body brain” on the audio, she referred to her body’s intelligence— the essence of my system.  When we respect our body’s innate intelligence; learn to access and share it; learn to communicate back and forth, we will co-create a body knowledge system that works for you.

 -Dana S, Parker Ranch, CO

Q. What do you mean by “separation”, “estrangement” between me and my body?  I can’t go anywhere without her…

A. Nor can I, however,  I am ALWAYS CONSCIOUS of her presence where ever, whenever we are, and whatever we are doing while we’re doing it. Her support, her friendship, her input creates the life we both love!

-Leslie L, Frisco, TX

Q. When you talk about personal Styles, do you mean behavior?

A. Yes, and choices, activities, decisions you make based on so many factors genetically and environmentally influenced.  Some of us are RE-ACTORS who try the latest fad diet, exercise craze, shoe style foisted upon us by the media. Others are PRO-ACTORS, the pioneers, the seekers who keep trying any and everything until they find something that works—for a while. The Styles express your natural selection, intrinsic solutions, in other words, WHAT WORKS FOR YOU!

-Mildred Q, Philadelphia, PA

My system teaches you how to identify your style in every area of your life, and then how to incorporate it into your life. One Style does NOT FIT ALL, and may not apply to every area in your life…find out which style fits each activity with Your Body Knowledge System.

Go here and get it now!

Share Tags: Body Relationship, Eating Healthy, Life Balance, Mind Body Connection

Your Personal “Fun Factor” always guarantees a great time!

Regardless of your role at the event, put the JOY back into en-joy-ment!

FACT: You will be relaxed, happy, and enjoy any event as soon as you discover your Style and apply it to your role at the event.  Ask your body, ‘Are we having fun, yet?’  Your answer depends on your personal comfort zone…beyond the physical; your comfort zone includes your emotional, spiritual and psychological state, as well.

Your body never lies. When you listen to her answer, you learn what you feel like in your comfort zone anytime, anywhere, with anyone.  My clients check in with their BFFs, their bodies on a regular basis by asking that most important question: “Are we having fun, yet?”

Events & You

As an invited guest:       

• Wear comfortable clothes, shoes, and a smile.
• Just before entering the event, dance your practice, practice your dance
• Control your consumption of food and alcohol
• Keep your foot far from your mouth
• HAVE A GREAT TIME meeting new people and catching up with familiar friends and family

As the hostess:                

• Wear comfortable clothes, shoes, and welcoming smile.
• Dance Your Practice and Practice your Dance.
• This is YOUR party so do it YOUR way!
• Decorations, Food, Drinks, and Favors are simply a conversation away—with YOUR BODY.

• There is Magic in Motion:

  • You and your body circulate to create associations among your guests;
  • Spread your positive energy around;
  • Steer potential friends toward each other, potential enemies away from each other; and
  • Set the fun example, by having a GREAT TIME at your own party!

As the honored guest: 

• If you’re the bride, take off your Jimmy Chou’s after the ceremony and replace them with bunny slippers!
• If the attention on you creates discomfort, help the hostess with her social obligations. Helping always contributes to increasing your fun factor!
• If you LOVE being the FOCUS of everyone’s attention, DO NOT DISAPPOINT! Talk to your body and ENTERTAIN THE TROOPS with song, dance, speeches, and pictures of your last vacation! (I’m kidding about the pictures)
  

P.S.  When you “Dance your practice, practice your dance!” the whole world dances with you!

Do this to increase EVERYONE’S FUN FACTOR!

If you would like to have a conversation with me, please contact me, or if you would like to be in a free group tele-class, learn more here.

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship, Life Balance, Mind Body Connection

When you apply the Body Knowledge System®, you and your body will host a very successful event with confidence, because you are doing it your way! When you obligated yourself to provide the celebration, you owe it to yourself to celebrate with your guests. When you have a great time, a glorious time; your guests will share in your spirit, especially the affection everyone has for the HONORED GUEST.

1. Become the generous hostess who provides all your guests people with all of the food, frolic and fun but please yourself and your body first—
2. Work WITH your body when making decisions as to the Who-What-Where-When-How of the event. What makes her feel good, makes you feel good, too.  Fun for you, means fun for your guests!
3. You are NOT responsible for anyone’s expectations, only your actions

No Early Bird Specials, Chez Stephanie!

I truly enjoy entertaining guests in my home. Rhythm (my body) and I take great delight giving dinner parties, because we schedule “Me Time” to take care of ourselves first.  After spending the morning giving to myself first, by the time the first guest arrives, Rhythm and I welcome them into our home in eager anticipation of giving to others.

PS: Why stop the celebration when the door closes behind the last guest?

Dance Your Practice and Practice Your Dance to keep the spirit going, and the spirits flowing.

If you would like to have a conversation with me, please contact me, or if you would like to be in a free group tele-class, learn more here.

Share Tags: Body Relationship, Dancing, Life Balance, Mind Body Connection

FACT:  Events occurring in June contain four of the top ten anxiety inducing situations (marriage, family changes, debt and travel).  When you’re stressed, your body has one of these three reactions:

• Freeze, Flee, or Fight. 

Regardless of your specific response to stress inducers, your body’s reaction is always an extra dose of cortisol which slooooooowwwwwssssss your metabolism almost to a stop.

The result? FAT!

Celery or Chocolate Éclairs: regardless of what you eat, when you are stressed, you will get the most “bang” possible from every bite.

How ironic that when you want to look your best for an upcoming event, your body betrays you.

No! NOT TRUE! It is YOU who betrays your BODY!

The Body Knowledge System® is the Stress Solution for Event Anxiety.

1)      Body talk keeps it real.

2)      Comfortable clothes create confidence, enhance enjoyment, and reduce stress!

3)      Make each event easy on yourself…you are a guest, not the main attraction.

Client Story

Dahlia felt her stomach tighten as soon as she saw the return address embossed on the creamy linen envelope containing an invitation to her niece’s elaborate June wedding in Beverly Hills, CA. Aware of the upcoming event for months, she had dreaded this moment due to the family’s expectations.  Her hand shook as she stared at the RSVP card. Taking a deep breath, she reached for her copy of the Body Knowledge System®. Flipping it open to page 288, she read the introduction to the “Events & You” chapter. Her heartbeat slowed as she continued reading the reassuring words and the notations she had made in the margins. By page 308, she felt her smile return as she reviewed her notes addressing this event. Those notes were a product of her rediscovery of a real relationship with her body and the deep friendship that had been developing since she began to practice the Body Knowledge System® with her coach, Stephanie Wood, PPC.

Remember: Whether it’s a family event, or a networking opportunity, or a party with total strangers, or people you really don’t want to be with, BKS has a hot flash for you:  JUST SAY NO, THANK YOU!  And feel your anxiety slip away…taking the cortisol with it.

As an alternative, send a gift, and spend the day at the beach, the movies, or with a good book.

If you would like to have a conversation with me, please contact me, or if you would like to be in a free group tele-class, learn more here.

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship, Eating Healthy, Reducing Stress

Myth-stakes for May

MYTH: “April Showers Bring May Flowers” is a commonly accepted “myth” that creates false expectations for both months. According to the national weather service, measurable rain fall has less to do with the calendar and everything to do with climatic conditions…which vary from year to year and place to place. For instance, in Hawaii other tropical climates, every month produces ageless blossoms.

FACT: Regardless of when or where flowers appear, we appreciate their fragrance, color, and the promise of eternal youth.

My Story

“You need a lift,” said the sales person as I was shopping for a new dress for my 55^th birthday the last day in April.

After trying on several selections, I found the right one. Smiling, I emerged from the dressing room and asked for her feedback of my selection. Watching her face closely for a reaction, her expression was of stunned surprise, not smiling-not frowning, simply staring straight ahead.

“You need a lift,” she hissed, as she pointed a well-manicured index finger at my breasts.

Huh?” I responded.

“If you intend to wear that dress out in public, you need a better bra…”

‘Better’ as in ‘perky’, as in ‘uplift’, as in ‘younger’—BG, or Before Gravity.

Five years ago, B BKS, or Before Body Knowledge System®, her remarks would have reduced me to tears.

Now? No way! Today, it’s MY WAY!

BKS® identified my comfort level and provided me with the confidence to understand where she was coming from without any need or desire to react to her issues.

For a woman who resists the effects of each passing day on her appearance, this salesperson’s May flowers may never bloom.

And what a tragedy that would be…

Because if she were aware of the support her body gives her every single day, she might accept, even welcome, the comfort her body wants to provide.

Body Knowledge System® supports YOU, your way.

Her

remarks are her issue, not mine—

Her perception indicates her estrangement from her body, and the support it’s there to provide, if only she’d open herself to the BKS® option.

Learn more about the origins, the seeds of your judgments, when it applies to others…then tune in to your personal Body Knowledge and smell the flowers…

PS:

Unlike May flowers that are dependent upon the soil, sunshine, and rain,

the flower that is you is never dependent upon the weather or the environment, or

someone else’s opinion of your appearance.

Your outcome stems (pardon the pun) from your input: body, mind, spirit!

I would love to hear your comments.

To your health and happiness,

Stephanie

Share Tags: Body Image, Body Relationship, Mind Body Connection, Self Esteem