Energy – Robyn McTague Benefits

Team Support and limited Offer

Robyn — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 17:15:38 +0000

An invitation for a small team preferably 8-12 team members
Can be non-profit or for-profit group.
I recently completed my Certified Professional Enneagram Teacher certification.
I am also a certified Motivational Maps practitioner for individuals and teams.
I am adding Enneagram for Teams in a new certification program.
I require a case study with a team to complete this process with.
My time will be at no cost to you. What I do require is each individual complete an on-line assessment and you would cover that cost of 50. USD per person.
It is possible to complete with individual calls though the time required would be more time intensive.
The time frame for my completion is between May 3 and 20.
The purpose and outcome: individual and group Enneagram assessments.
Debrief sessions with individuals and the team.
Understanding your individual strategies for greater self-awareness and development.
Noticing how you might think you show up in the world and how that may be different from how others perceive you.
Understand your specific team dynamics in a new way, how can you build more trust and understanding. Deal with thorny obstacles and communication issues, and receive practical and implemental tools. Unlock fresh team success and positive leadership impact for everyone.
Questions? Message or Email me at Robyn McTague enneagramteacher@shaw.ca or text/WhatsApp 604-644-0017
What is the Enneagram?
“At first glance, the Enneagram seems to be just another system for pigeon-holing people. But look twice and you see it’s describing something central: your core strategy for making sense of reality, your basic life stance. As you investigate the system and compare its insights with your own experience, you may be amazed at its depth and accuracy.
When people initially identify their Enneagram style, they often feel stunned that the core of their psyche has been so vividly exposed.
Sometimes in life there are moments of creative breakthrough – what are called “Ah Ha!” experiences – when you suddenly see the familiar in a new way.
Like motel room lighting, the system seems to first highlight our less attractive features.
The Enneagram is uncomfortably specific about stories we tell ourselves, masks we wear for others, excuses we have for not getting what we want.
It shows us how we trap ourselves with habitual responses, overlook our blind spots and actively defend our illusions and vanities.
We have expectations, we make assumptions; we’re certain of the world that we have in our head. But, sometimes we get things all wrong.“
– Tom Condon
The Enneagram offers a path and a map to move beyond those auto-responses to expressing our gifting and bringing kindness, compassion and engagement within ourselves and with others in our lives.

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The Many Benefits of Deep Breathing

Robyn — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 14:16:09 +0000

Deep breathing is something we often take for granted. Unless we're running a marathon or dealing with a nasty head cold, mostly our inhalations and exhalations go unnoticed.

Are there benefits of deep breathing?

As it turns out, there are some very good reasons to become more mindful of our breathing process. In large part, these reasons have to do with the many benefits of deep breathing.

Deep Breathing Reduces Stress

The bottom line is that slow, relaxed, and mindful deep breathing can reduce physical and mental stress. And a reduction in unnecessary stress and tension supports the human body-mind in all kinds of ways. In short, it's a really good thing!

So, how exactly does deep breathing benefit us? Let's take a look first at the physical benefits of deep breathing.

The Physical Benefits of Deep Breathing

Deep breathing promotes a lowering of blood pressure and a slowing of the heartbeat—both of which are associated with the relaxation response of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the most healing and nourishing way for the body to function, under normal circumstances.

What Is the Stress Response?

The stress response, on the other hand, is associated with the sympathetic nervous system—whose activation puts us into "fight, flight or freeze" mode. When we perceive (real or imagined) danger, our body prepares to go to the battle; run as fast as we can in the opposite direction; or freeze into terrified stillness as we go into hiding. Rapid, shallow breathing often accompanies this response.

And if the danger is real—e.g. coming face-to-face with a hungry mountain lion—this is a completely legitimate and necessary response. But oftentimes our body gets triggered into a fight-or-flight stress response by situations that do not require it or gets stuck in it after the danger has passed. And the tension associated with this can become a chronic condition. The buildup of stress can lead to anxiety and depression.

What Is the Relaxation Response?

The good news is that we can use deep breathing techniques to invoke the relaxation response (associated with the parasympathetic system)—and reset our system to a more kind and appropriate relaxation response.

Deep abdominal breathing can slow a racing heart, and lower or stabilize blood pressure. It also encourages full oxygen exchange—i.e. the nourishing intake of incoming oxygen and release of outgoing carbon dioxide. These are among the most powerful physical benefits of deep breathing, and the relaxation response that it supports.

But these physical benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. What's equally impressive are the mental-emotional benefits associated with deep breathing.

The Psychological Benefits of Deep Breathing

Physical tensions often go hand-in-hand with psychological stress. A feeling of anger may manifest as a tightly clenched jaw. A knotted stomach can be an expression of feeling "worried sick." Extreme sadness may be experienced as tightness in the chest.

So, releasing physical tension very often brings in its wake the release of psychological tensions. When we use deep breathing to elicit the relaxation response, any stress-related mental-emotional tensions quite naturally dissolve. As chronic anger, sadness and worries are released, our psychological health improves.

How to Practice Mindful Deep Breathing

Mindful deep breathing is a common feature of practices such as yoga, meditation, qigong, tai-chi, and progressive muscle relaxation—all of which evoke the parasympathetic relaxation response.

The first step is to become mindfully aware of your breathing. Close your eyes and bring your attention to the sound and feeling of your breathing.

Notice if breathing is slow or rapid.
Notice if it is deep or shallow.
Notice if it is smooth or choppy.

Just notice these things, with an attitude of spacious curiosity, without judgment or mental commentary. This is becoming mindfully aware of your breathing.

The next step is to gently deepen the breath so that you can feel it in your belly. This is called abdominal breathing, which engages the diaphragm—the dome-shaped muscles at the bottom of the ribcage.

If you'd like, you can lie down on a couch, bed, or carpeted floor. Lie on your back with your knees hinged and feet flat on the floor, bed, or couch. Place the palms of your hands gently on your lower belly. As you inhale, allow your belly to rise into your hands. As you exhale, feel your belly releasing back toward your spine. This is deep abdominal breathing—which can help you to relax.

Get Into the Habit of Breathing Deeply

To cultivate the habit of relaxed deep breathing, create a daily routine. Set aside 15-20 minutes once or twice a day, to practice mindful breathing. First thing in the morning, and then right before bed, is one great option.

Little by little, you'll begin to notice and appreciate a deepening of the relaxation response—and all the healing benefits that can come with this.

Enjoy!

Questions or comments? Please feel free to contact me. I'd be honored to support you in the cultivation of deep breathing practice, as one way of building confidence and strength and enhancing your overall well-being.

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Create More Energy and Focus in Your Day

admin — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:41:04 +0000

Do you desire more energy and focus in your day?

Have you found yourself running around, feeling like you have spent a lot of time and effort and still haven't accomplished what you set out to do?

We can all feel scattered at times. If there are deadlines looming and you're feeling a bit run down physically, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Here are 3 tips to assist you in creating more energy for what you do want.

When you get up in the morning, do you hit the ground running? Often we think that if we get moving and get on with our day, we'll accomplish more.

Tip#1

Start your day with 10-20 deep breaths.

Best before you get out of bed, as we use the advantage of the liminal brain state to deepen our intent. While you're taking these breaths, set an intention for your day. Ask yourself, What do I want my day to be about?

Not only what I want to accomplish, but how do I want to feel?

What do I want to bring to the world today?

It could be as simple as - I want to smile with everyone I meet today. It can also be I want to accomplish writing 6 pages today. Or it can be a combination of a feeling and work on a project.

Post it on a sticky note if you need to remind yourself, and check in with yourself throughout your day.

Tip#2

Feeling a slump in your day? Instead of reaching for the coffee, how about getting a glass of water? You're probably dehydrated and your mind and body are not functioning properly. As you drink your glass of water, take a few minutes out and listen to a song. Something you like. It can be calming or energizing, it doesn't matter.

The respite from what you were focusing on will help clear your mind, and raise your vibration and when you come back to your work you'll have a fresh view.

Tip#3

Close your eyes. Take a few moments to rest your eyes and mind. All the screen time and focus create overstimulation and weary eyes and brain. As you close your eyes, think of a place in nature you love. Your brain doesn't know the difference between being there or not and will produce the same calming effect for your mind and body.

That's it for today.

Post a comment and let me know if you used any of these tips and how it went for you.

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How To Stay Healthy and Heart-Centered

admin — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:39:11 +0000

One of the ways I rejuvenate and renew is by traveling. I love feeling the freedom of going somewhere I have never been before and I feel such a sense of adventure.

There are critics who say don’t travel to countries where there is a sex trade, or other unconscionable activities occurring. I take the opposing view, that we should travel to these countries that need our help and support those people in a healthy way.

Forget the all-inclusive. The money doesn’t go to the local people.

Instead, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and help the local economy directly.

This can be challenging for people as they witness the poverty and living conditions they are not used to seeing. This is where self-awareness and opening your heart come in.

In my travels to S.E. Asia, I traveled with G Adventures, a company that works with local businesses that support local people and this takes the guesswork and legwork out of finding reputable places to support them.

In Hoi An, Vietnam, we had a lesson on noodle making and a delicious lunch at Oodles of Noodles. On another day we ate at Streets Restaurant. Young people receive 18 months of training and learn to work in the hospitality industry.

The slogan is “ Good Food helping Good kids.”

http://streetsinternational.org/

Both days were very inspiring and you could feel and see the gratitude of these young people and how hard they were working to make our experience truly memorable.

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia we took a Cyclo Tour. It was really enjoyable seeing the highlights of the city from this vantage point. The Cyclo Centre is an NGO to support approximately 1400 drivers a day. Various programs such as English language training and health checks are included in this program.

http://www.cyclo.org.kh/

In Phnom Penh, we also visited the killing fields and S-21, a school that became a prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Both visits were very challenging emotionally, and at the same time very important to witness. The government had considered closing the killing fields, and luckily the area is still open to view.

There are 2 survivors of S-21 who sell their books daily at the site. I purchased Bou Meng’s book, as a way to support him. Unfortunately, the website on his card is not currently accessible. (www.ksaemksan.info). I also did a short interview though it was challenging through an interpreter.

http://www.voacambodia.com/a/survivors-sell-books-at-prison-that-once-held-them-138139178/1359237.html

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, we visited the New Hope Community Centre and village and had dinner in a related restaurant. This is a grassroots, NGO organization, that is helping sex worker, their children, and others get off the street and become educated. http://www.newhopecambodia.com/

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, I visited an elephant sanctuary. There were 2 elephants under a year old. I had the joy of feeding them bananas and sugar cane, and getting in the mud hole to help wash and scrub them. It was sad to see an older elephant with part of a missing ear because a past trainer had used a hook and torn his ear.

http://rantongelephant.com/

Back in Bangkok, Thailand, before I headed home I spent a few days on my own.

The way to get around the city is by tuk-tuk. I had decided to get a skirt made and asked my driver to take me to a specific store. I had to be firm and clear with him, to keep him on track to take me to the store I wanted. He showed me that he received a gas voucher for taking me to his sponsors. I ensured he received one when we arrived where I wanted to go. He then asked to take me to several other of his sponsors, before taking me to my next stop. By visiting, whether or not I purchased he received more gas vouchers. If I did purchase, he received more. He told me he came to the city to work and his wife and child were several hundred miles away and he went back every couple of weeks. I could have become annoyed or angry with him for wanting to take me to various places. Instead, I was able to come from a place of compassion and agreed to the visits. In the tailor shops, I had a look and left. In the souvenir/jewelry shops, I found some nice jewelry including a ruby studded elephant necklace, and bargained for a good price. The next morning my driver was again outside the hotel, waiting to take me around. He took me to the places I wanted to go, came back at the requested time and I again visited some of his sponsors and I enjoyed the free tuk-tuk ride. The last morning he came by and we said goodbye and shook hands as he went off to look for another fare and I walked around enjoying my last morning in the city.

So how do I stay healthy and heart-centered? What I have learned is that we are all mirrors of each other and as we see those living in difficult situations, our own fears can surface. This is when we need to find compassion for ourselves and how we are feeling.

If we don’t have compassion for ourselves, how do we have compassion for others?

It is only when we open our hearts and acknowledge how we are feeling that we can have that compassion for others. And when I find myself drifting to thoughts of judgment or fear, I re-center in my heart and remind myself we are all humans and doing the best we can.

It is easy to go into sensory overload and it’s important to take some time for self-care when you are traveling. In SE Asia, massage is inexpensive and a great way to relax and unwind. Grab coconut water in a real coconut and sit and people-watch. Not only will you hydrate and balances your electrolytes, but you also get a different view from being on the go all the time.

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, I had the best pedicure. The reason was I got to see a slice of the life of a family. Basically, the storefront was the family’s living room. The husband was watching sports on television. As I was soaking or drying the woman went about her daily tasks. I watched her changing the food and water on the family shrines, feeding the cat, etc. . She was so relaxed and nonchalant, it was a great reminder to me to slow down and enjoy whatever I was doing.

Travel helps me come back to who I am and recenter.

What do you do to rejuvenate and balance your life?

The post How To Stay Healthy and Heart-Centered appeared first on Robyn McTague Benefits.

Travel With Heart

admin — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 17:36:59 +0000

Instead, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and help the local economy directly. This can be challenging for people as they witness the poverty and living conditions they are not used to seeing. This is where self-awareness and opening your heart come in.

In my recent travels to S.E. Asia, I traveled with G Adventures, a company that works with local businesses that support local people and this takes the guesswork and legwork out of finding reputable places to support them.

The slogan is “ Good Food helping Good kids.”

http://streetsinternational.org/

Both days were very inspiring and you could feel and see the gratitude of these young people and how hard they were working to make our experience truly memorable.

http://www.cyclo.org.kh/

http://www.voacambodia.com/a/survivors-sell-books-at-prison-that-once-held-them-138139178/1359237.html

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, I visited an elephant sanctuary. There were 2 elephants under a year old. I had the joy of feeding them bananas and sugar cane and getting in the mud hole to help wash and scrub them. It was sad to see an older elephant with part of a missing ear because a past trainer had used a hook and torn his ear.

http://rantongelephant.com/

Back in Bangkok, Thailand, before I headed home I spent a few days on my own.

The way to get around the city is by tuk-tuk. I had decided to get a skirt made and asked my driver to take me to a specific store. I had to be firm and clear with him, to keep him on track to take me to the store I wanted. He showed me that he received a gas voucher for taking me to his sponsors. I ensured he received one when we arrived where I wanted to go. He then asked to take me to several other of his sponsors, before taking me to my next stop. By visiting, whether or not I purchased he received more gas vouchers. If I did purchase he received more. He told me he came to the city to work and his wife and child were several hundred miles away and he went back every couple of weeks. I could have become annoyed or angry with him for wanting to take me to various places. Instead, I was able to come from a place of compassion and agreed to the visits. In the tailor shops, I had a look and left. In the souvenir/jewelry shops, I found some nice jewelry including a ruby studded elephant necklace, and bargained for a good price. The next morning my driver was again outside the hotel, waiting to take me around. He took me to the places I wanted to go, came back at the requested time and I again visited some of his sponsors and I enjoyed the free tuk-tuk ride. The last morning he came by and we said goodbye and shook hands as he went off to look for another fare and I walked around enjoying my last morning in the city.

If we don’t have compassion for ourselves, how do we have compassion for others?

My last comment, for now, will be about how I am prepared before I even leave.

I have been a teacher of an energetic healing system that incorporates a grounding and shielding system for many years. http://www.traininginpower.com/

This helps keep me present and feeling safe, with the knowledge that I can use my tools when I need to. The more I stay present, the more joy I find in having my experiences help to learn more about myself.

If you don’t already have a practice that helps you, you might want to consider one that feels right for you.

In closing, happy travels with an open and compassionate heart.

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