The Fine Art of Alignment
September 2003

Consequences of Mis-Alignment
Being out of alignment in our lives can create strong “symptoms.” When this happens we may feel unhappy, frustrated, impatient, worried, confused, angry, discouraged, apathetic, or bored. Resultantly, we don’t always take the best care of ourselves, which ironically seems to compound the feelings.
Doing the Work
The learning path to alignment is filled with opportunities to grow, and takes as long as it takes. Good news! The answers are already within us. All we need is to reclaim our strength, turn inward, get honest, and practice loving who we are and who we are becoming.

Start by taking the time to know and understand yourself. If you are unclear about your goals, values, and aspirations or are unwilling to develop and share your gifts and talents, how happy do you think you can be?

The Secret Self
“Playing it safe” may seem easier, but it actually creates complications and leaves you with that subtle “something is missing but I can’t put my finger on it” feeling.
The “somethings” missing are the unexpressed parts of yourself- your gifts, interests, etc. Authentic expression equals fewer struggles, less complication. Which is easier, “being” or “pretending”?

Into Flow
Powerful. Flow, to me, is the absence of struggle, an ease of movement, where things seem to fall into place. This is where the “doing the work” comes in handy. Slow down.

For me, I sat down quietly for 10 or more minutes (meditation) daily, and did yoga 4 or 5 times a week. Suddenly things happened. Innumerable and supportive things. I felt calmer, clearer, focused. Journaling provided new ideas and insights. I realized I wanted to emphasize intuition and spirituality in my life and work. Once I made the decision to honor that part of myself, things clicked.

How to Begin
A List: List what brings you joy, what you enjoy doing, reading; consider the times you were your happiest and examine what you were doing; list the things you have always wanted to do but were afraid to try. Once you have made your list, select a theme. Start small. Examples are: creativity, spirituality, community, health, fitness, laughter.

Sample Actions: In sync with your theme, get into action, whether you take an art class, journal, join a book club, go on a hike, register for a triathlon, begin a meditation practice, whatever!  Get out there and see what it is like to place yourself in an environment that celebrates this unexpressed part of you.

Plan Around It: Take out a calendar and for the next 6 weeks, schedule something weekly that moves you toward your alignment. For the highly motivated, nightly before bed decide what single step you will take tomorrow toward your alignment. (Keep it simple - no 2 hour projects. It can merely be a phone call inquiry.) Upon waking you know your one action for that day. Five or six a week =’s 20+ a month. That’s action!

Curious for more tips on aligning with your Self?  Go to my Free Tips to see how!

About Robin:

Robin Peglow Berg of www.SoulMoxie.net is a Life Fulfillment Strategist --a consultant, coach and speaker devoted to guiding others to have the courage to live a fulfilling life with soul.

She shows highly driven, successful women entrepreneurs and biz leaders how to create a new model for success that is energizing, deeply meaningful and helps them to thrive no matter what. She applies 10 years of coaching, consulting and speaking to craft strategic programs for long term success. 

You are welcome to reproduce this article with full attribution to Robin Peglow Berg and Soul Moxie.