In the Jewish calendar, today is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Or, as friends of mine like to say, the day of At-One-Ment. It is arguably the holiest day in the Jewish year, a day of fasting, or recognizing mistakes we’ve made, and of opening our hearts to the Divine.
Although in popular culture there is an aversion to anything that has a tinge of guilt or shame, it’s actually a very powerful, even fundamental, spiritual practice to repent, meaning to acknowledge miss-steps and mistakes, and to return to the Source, to the Divine.
On this day I want to say to you that if I’ve done any harm to you, if I’ve made any mistakes that have hurt you or affected you in any way, I regret them deeply. I ask your forgiveness.
There are many Jewish people fasting today, for 24 hours, and spending time in contemplation, in prayer, in a profound act of returning.
Whether you are Jewish or not, I invite you to sense into the collective energy. Spiritual practice is somehow always more powerful when done in a group, and I invite you into this group energy.
You can take this moment to:
– Breathe, and notice how you’re feeling.
– Ask to be shown any mistakes or regrets you have from this past year.
– Ask in your heart, ask the Divine, “Is love available even here?”
– Notice if your heart has anything to tell you, and if there’s anything you need to do to clean up the mistakes or regrets.
We have a PDF that I wrote on this practice, called “Cleaning up mistakes in business,” which is all about the Sufi practice of tawba, which is the original, or mystical meaning of “repentance” and how to do it in a healthy way that really leaves you feeling clear and healed.
Normally you get this workbook when you take our Remembrance Challenge, but I invite you to grab the workbook anyway, and, if you like, you can take the Challenge. It’s very nourishing.
Click: Cleaning up mistakes workbook.
Three things, for three different situations.
Thing 1: Close to Ithaca, NY? Join me October 30.
I’m leading a half-day in-person workshop. We’re about half full at this point, and I’d love to meet you.
Click: October 30 half-day with Mark
Thing 2: Small Group Coaching with Steve
Steve Mattus, our Director of Education and Community Manager, has become a close friend of mine over these past years. He and I work closely together in guiding Heart of Business, and his skill and wisdom as a coach, as a healer, and as someone experienced in small business development is incredible.
And the guy has one of the biggest hearts ever.
He’s been working with clients, doing amazing work with them, and now he’s starting a small coaching group. If you’re interested, there are only 6 spots. I recommend it highly. Yollana Shore and myself both also have spots in our small group coaching as well.
Thing 3: Scholarships still available for November Heart Sessions Retreat
I’m leading a 4 day retreat called the Heart Sessions. It’s a deep dive for those who need to delve more deeply into their business from a place of sincere heart connection, and also need the practical business strategy as well.
We have a few scholarship positions left.
To be considered for a partial scholarship, here’s what I’d like you to do:
First: Check out the retreat, and make sure you can get yourself there.
Because considering a scholarship will take time and attention, I want you to be sure that you can be there. Check your calendar, and make sure you can schedule the travel to get here and home again.
Second: Check in your heart and see what you can offer.
Our approach of “Pay from the heart” does not mean hurting yourself and giving what you can’t give, but it also doesn’t mean getting so caught in fear that you offer less than feels right to your heart. It means being honest, humble and connected to your heart, and finding what you can offer financially without hurting yourself.
Third: Use the form on the Retreat page to tell us three things.
The three things we want to hear are:
– Why you want to attend the retreat, including what is going on in your business, and what you hope to get from the retreat.
– How familiar you are with Heart of Business teachings and approach.
– What your heart offering would be for the Retreat, and your confirmation that, if accepted, you can be there.
Perfect! Go take a look and let me know:
Click here: The Heart Sessions November Retreat
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Heart of Business Community Update
As a community member, here’s quick access to resources and conversation!
Ready for spiritual nourishment? It’s not too early to start planning – your next Virtual Retreat is scheduled for Friday, October 21, 2016. Register here.
In our Facebook group yet?
In our Facebook group, here are some discussions happening right now:
- After spending time in silent meditation and thoughtful reflection, how do you transition back into the real world? Lots of insightful responses being shared right now – jump on over to the Community and see for yourself!
- Needing practical advise on where to find free stock photos for your website? Check out what your fellow Community members are sharing now!
These are just 2 of the many discussions happening every day in our active, compassionate group! Don’t yet have access? Click here.
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