Sarah hamilton's Blog

This is where you'll find my musings on Gratitude, Inspiration, Stillness and Awe…. "Transform your thoughts, transform your life"

Live life like you’re on Vacation! November 19, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 11:24 AM
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vacationIt’s becoming cold here on the east coast so it got me thinking about vacation…..So wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could live everyday like we were on vacation… everyday? Well you can!  Stop and think about your frame of mind. What do you do differently when you’re on vacation.  Is it that you turn off all the various and sundry gadgets? Or you take a little bit more time for yourself.  What is it?  My favorite is that I have no schedule. Now I know that, that is not necessarily possible in our everyday lives.  We can’t just jump off the bus because we see an exquisite fountain in a park, but what is it that made us see the fountain in the first place?  What is it that sparks us to talk with people who we may never notice in our daily routines?  How differently do you breathe?  Lots of questions I know.  Take some time with this one. Moments in our day are so precious.  How can we stop and look up and look out so that we enjoy that moment like we’re on vacation versus our regular routine?  Again focus on your breath…. How differently do you breathe and why do you do so? Then how can you incorporate that into what you do daily? By allowing the breathe in we can allow for the spaciousness were those moments of spontaneous beauty can happen. I mean we all would love our dream vacation every day… but then again it would stop being our dream vacation then. So how wonderful would it be if we incorporated some of the mind-set into our daily life to make that life as full as if we were on vacation!

So go ahead and give it a try! Live life like you’re on Vacation!

Love and Light

 

My Morning Walks…. July 3, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 8:17 AM
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I recently started a video project where I talk about what has gone through my mind during my morning walk.  And this is big for me and I’ll tell you why:  I have been a professional working actor for 17 years and during that time a certain preparedness was drilled into my head.  Professionalism to me meant to ALWAYS be camera ready.  That means script memorized, hair and make-up flawless and wardrobe top notch.  Going without make and a shower would be simply unheard of… but I wanted something different with these videos.  I wanted to be as raw, open and bare as I could be.  That said I had to be willing to be vulnerable and leave myself alone…. Hence my bare face without a stitch of make-up on.  I barely go to the grocery store without my eyelashes and eyebrows on!  Now here is my guilty confession…. I Like It!  It’s easy and ease is something I can really get behind right about now.  To allow myself to let that go has been quite liberating!  It’s still amazing to me what can happen when you leave yourself alone….

What would you do if you simply allowed it?

Lots of Love!!

~SHC

P.S.  If these videos interest you you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter to see them

 

Breath…. April 15, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 3:10 PM
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slider5bThis is a short little post today due to the fact that my hand is still healing and after a day of typing it needs a little break but….

The last month or so has been wonderfully, insanely busy… with coaching, family, delicious boyfriend, back office to-do’s, finishing my meditation download and promoting my business with The Positivity Project.  And as the days move forward and I move forward the days are filled.  It seems that after I meditate in the morning I’m completely forgetting to be aware of my breath.  This is a crucial aspect in staying in the moment because it’s in the moment where we can be the most aware and of service.  How is your breathe today?

I had just sat down after completing a busy  business day and starting dinner when I gave a big exhale.  You know the kind of exhale where your whole body relaxes and gives into the soft relaxation?  It was rather delicious!  I usually have regular breath check-ins during the day but it didn’t seem to happen today….  How are you when you move through the day and have regular awareness of your breath?  I find it to allow emotions to move through me rather than get stuck.  I find it much easy to remain in the moment.  My pulse and heart rate stay down and I live in a state of gratitude.

 

So I guess I want to know what you to do be aware of your breath and how does it affect you?

Off to breathe!

 

Lots of Love-

~SHC

 

 

 

What’s my opportunity here? March 20, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 12:22 PM
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sky 002 (2)I posted this blog post a few years ago but I thought it was very relevant for today.  Finding opportunities where one might see an obstacle takes work.  Like exercise staying positive is a daily choice….. So here’s the post!

In the last week or so the topic of seeing opportunities were there are obstacles has been a common thread in many of my discussions whether with clients, friends or even myself.  I have been dealing with some back problems…. knowing full well the connection to running a business and my lower back…. but as I lie here on my back I ask myself, What is my opportunity?  And it is so clear… Slow down and the number one thing… Be gentle.  Be kind. We all have obstacles that come up whether they are work related, relationship related or pretty much anything you can see but instead of getting stuck in the quagmire of the conflict ask yourself, What’s my opportunity?   We are always given the chance to learn and grow and the possibilities that come from the openness of a positive outcome far out reach the unhealthy mindset of getting stuck in the problem.

Case in point, I have what we think is a pinched nerve in my back… not a herniated disc but more than a pinched nerve.  (It turned out to be an extruded disc and i had surgery) That being said I’m on my back most of the day.  Now for a woman who is EXTREMELY active this could be not such a good thing… I chose to see my opportunity because we always get more of what we focus on. And I for one am not focusing on the obstacle!

So I ask you Where might you be seeing obstacles and can reframe them into Opportunities?

LOVE!

~SHC

 

A Week Ago Today… March 13, 2013

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 9:18 AM
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HandA week ago today I had a torn tendon in my hand repaired.  With every thing that has happened in my life I am reminded regularly of allowing and patience.  The Universe asks me to walk the talk.  I think of myself as a patient person.  I’m often even told on a regular basis that I”m SO patient.  That said I’m regularly tested on this front.  Whether I plan a phone call to discuss an important issue and the person is out of town or I have ordered a time sensitive package and it is late or  traffic is crazy and I think I will be late (notice these are time related for me?).  It could be any or all of these scenarios.  I’m not even going to bring in the health issues that can occur.  I regularly write, coach or talk about allowing. Even saying this word gives me peace.

The Webster definition of Allow is:  1. admit (an event or activity) as legal or acceptable  2. give the necessary time or opportunity for.  “Give the necessary time or opportunity for”,  This is my favorite part of the definition.  When buttons are pushed as they can happen even to the best of us.  How do you return to the start of allowing?  Where you don’t struggle or fight with your given circumstances?  I am a Huge fan of breath… for more reasons than the obvious.  It helps us to return to our natural state of loving.  Loving of self and others.  It centers us.  The breath is a mini meditation. The ability to stay in this state is a bit like being a child.  Most children are very allowing because they have yet to learn their ability to control their surroundings.  They trust.  Ah trust…. So much of what gets in our way is our inability to trust.  If we stay in a state of allowing the trust comes more effortlessly.  Now I don’t mean allow others to do to you anything they choose but allow life to have its grace and kindness that we all seek.

What will you do today to allow (without getting hand surgery)?  To remain at peace with yourself?  How will you stay connected to your breath?

Lots of Love!

~SHC

 

New Years Intentions! December 31, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 10:53 AM
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We hear a lot about making New Years resolutions…. which, so many do not keep (as she smiles sheepishly).  What if we changed them to intentions? Like: My intention is to be more compassionate or My intention is to be more aware of what I put into my mouth…  So this got me thinking… What is the difference between a resolution and an intuition… Well the definitions are:

resolution: (noun) 1. a firm decision to do or not to do something 

intention is: (noun) 1. a thing intended; an aim or plan. (and intend: 1. have (a course of action) as one’s purpose or objective) 

OK… so the difference is that a resolution is a definitive decision and an intention is an objective for change…. To me the intention is a kinder plan for forward movement and the resolution doesn’t allow for life to happen. An intention is a plan to create change.  It sounds as if  I’m saying an intention lets you off the hook, but it doesn’t.  If you intend to do something you still can be held accountable by yourself, friends or a Life coach.  When resolutions are made and then dropped by February we feel a bit like we failed… So how can you create an intention that is kind and loving towards yourself and the world around you? Do you want to be more compassionate, loving, aware of your time, aware of what you put into your mouth?  What…

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What is your intention going into the new year?  What new awareness will you bring into your daily life that you hadn’t done before?  What are you willing to do to keep your forward movement?

 

Happy Happy New Years!

Lot of Love!

~SHC

 

Random Acts Of Kindness! December 5, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 10:32 AM
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Ross and Frances Hamilton on their 50th Wedding Anniversary 2012

 

As some of you may know it was my parents 50th wedding anniversary a few weeks ago and I wanted to share a story with you.  We had a big party for them a week before their day due to the fact that their anniversary was on Thanksgiving weekend.  Dear family and friends were around to celebrate.  We even reinacted a photograph that was taken on their wedding day.  So on the actual day they decided they wanted to go out to a special dinner at a lovely local restaurant.  It was a special experience where the chef came out to chat with them to see how they were enjoying their meal.  And of course my parents ended up chatting with the lovely couple next to them.  My parents are like me and chat with whomever engages them.  You know the kind of people who say “Good morning!”  as they pass people during their morning.  Well… in this instance when my father went to pay the bill my parents found out that this amazing couple next to them had taken care of it, including the tip!!!!  When they told me this it literally brought tears to my eyes due to the unconditional kindness two strangers had shown my parents.

O.K…..So this got me thinking… How do you give back or express random acts of kindness (R.A.O.K)?  I’m a Huge fan of R.A.O.K!!  I do it as often as I think of it.  Whether it’s buying a meal for a homeless person, paying for the car behind me at the toll booth (yes I don’t have easy pass) or  Knitting for Hurricane Sandy relief…. Whatever it might be for you.  I also love the kind of kindness where it isn’t about you.  You give and let that be.  You don’t announce it to the world you just do it so that someone else feels loved!  When we give unconditionally your kindness to others reflects back on you.  By being kind to another you are being kind to yourself.  We live in a world that has a easier time looking at what’s not good… So why don’t we focus on what is Good.

 

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Ross and Frances Hamilton on their wedding day 1962

By being kind to another you are being kind to yourself and this reflects out on the world.  So let’s get together and start a R.A.O.K campaign! What will you be doing this week to give other!!  I invite you to share what you are doing!!

 

Lots of Love

~SHC

 

 

What are you Gr8ful 4? November 29, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 12:36 PM
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A few years ago I did a Gratitude Experiment for a month and blogged about it…. And you know what I miss it. The intensity of it…

I’ve kept a Gratitude Journal for well over a decade now and I have always found myself to be a very Gr8ful human but I got to wondering…. What would be different if I stated my gratitude not only throughout the day but out loud so that others heard me.  Well I found out a few very powerful things:

  • It immediately pulls you into the moment and quiets the chattering monkey and the gremlins.  It allows you to hear your own authentic voice.
  • By sharing with others what they are Gr8ful for we energetically hold their and your intentions at a higher more healthy level for Gratitude to grow.
  • Hence the more you find to be Gr8ful for, the more you have to be Gr8ful for!

This month-long experiment was amazing! So what was an experiment, became be part of my everyday life.   Here are the 5 things I am Gr8ful 4, for today!

Today I’m Gr8ful 4:

  1. Beautiful delicious Sunshine!
  2. My scrumptious Boyfriend!
  3. Knitting for others!
  4. Organic and Locally made Nubian Heritage Shea Butter
  5. Chinese Herbs

I invite you to join me! Start telling me what you are Gr8ful 4 and see what shows up in your life. Tweet it, Facebook it or simply comment here.  I’d LOVE to know and share in this journey with you.

 

Lots of Love!

~SHC

 

Allowing…. November 26, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 10:05 AM
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I think of myself as a patient person.  I’m often even told on a regular basis that I”m SO patient.  That said I’m regularly tested on this front.  Whether I plan a phone call to discuss an important issue and the person is out of town or I have ordered a time sensitive package and it is late or  traffic is crazy and I think I will be late (notice these are time related for me?).  It could be any or all of these scenarios.  I’m not even going to bring in the health issues that can occur.  I regularly write, coach or talk about allowing. Even saying this word gives me peace.

The Webster definition of Allow is:  1. admit (an event or activity) as legal or acceptable  2. give the necessary time or opportunity for.  “Give the necessary time or opportunity for”,  This is my favorite part of the definition.  When buttons are pushed as they can happen even to the best of us.  How do you return to the start of allowing?  Where you don’t struggle or fight with your given circumstances?  I am a Huge fan of breath… for more reasons than the obvious.  It helps us to return to our natural state of loving.  Loving of self and others.  It centers us.  The breath is a mini meditation. The ability to stay in this state is a bit like being a child.  Most children are very allowing because they have yet to learn their ability to control their surroundings.  They trust.  Ah trust…. So much of what gets in our way is our inability to trust.  If we stay in a state of allowing the trust comes more effortlessly.  Now I don’t mean allow others to do to you anything they choose but allow life to have its grace and kindness that we all seek.

 

What will you do today to allow?  To remain at peace with yourself?  How will you stay connected to your breath?

 

Lots of Love!

~SHC

 

Noticing a trend…. November 19, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — sarahhamiltoncoaching @ 11:02 AM
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I’ve been noticing a trend on Facebook and Twitter recently.  People and pages will post status updates and the world responds accordingly… but… On the posts that are rather innocuous or even lovely, sweet and charming the responses are completely catabolic… unhealthy or negative.  I know that this is nothing new but it does seem to be escalating.  I am, to this day baffled at those who chose the catabolic response versus the anabolic or healthy response.  We choose or thoughts, reactions and feelings.  For example.: There was a picture of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama sitting in a restaurant looking very loving and the caption was a conversation to exemplify a healthy marriage and the world started ripping apart the President.  No matter how one feels about our President the sentiment in the picture was really beautiful.  So my question is this Why does most of the world gravitate towards the negative when we know we can choose another way? Why do people find it easier to be destructive with their comments then compassionate.  It’s just not nice!  What we feel as a society that is ok to say to another has always flummoxed me.

Are we bombarded by this catabolic “stuff”, yes.  But do we have to choose it? No.  Compassion is the truly only way.  When we are confronted  by this toxic behavior it is our job to remind ourselves to be as compassionate as possible. I just keep thinking that if one is as hard as they are on others… How hard must they be on themselves….  I keep thinking about that age-old adage… “When you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all”

Sending Love and ease out to you all!

~Sarah

 

 
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