Nikki Starcat Shields's Blog, page 7

Starcat’s Favorites: Taking Time Off

When you work for yourself, especially when you’re doing something you truly love that’s part of your calling, taking time off can be a bit tricky. It’s hard to get away. I mean, my work is so fun!

Sure, I have time during my work days to take a walk in the woods or have lunch with a friend. But I’m talking about taking a more sustained break.

It’s easier in the summer, when the beautiful weather tempts me outside to swim or hike. Still, sometimes I get caught up in the work: coaching my client...

Theory vs. Practice

When it comes to learning and implementing new ideas, I’m an enthusiastic scholar, but I’m often slow to put things into practice. I’m learning that part of this is thanks to my Human Design – I’m a Reflector, if you know that system. But I digress…

One of my favorite genres to read is self-help and personal development. Most of the time, those books have sections, often at the end of a chapter, where there are journaling prompts or exercises to do.

I confess: most of the time I read them but do...

Starcat’s Favorites: Summer Sunshine

At last, it’s here! Glorious summer!

I know, I know, it’s not everyone’s favorite time of year. So many people can’t tolerate the heat. But me? I love it! So, I’m celebrating.

Last weekend I attended my best friend’s daughter’s graduation party, at the beach. It was such fun! It’s so fun to be able to gather together in person once again. I made a silly appetizer (see the photo) – thank you, Pinterest, for the idea. Heh heh.

We also had a fun family cookout for Father’s Day. Last night, I went t...

I Don’t Mind

 

There’s a quote that’s been rolling around in my head for a few months. In his later years, the Indian sage and spiritual teacher Jiddu Krishnamurti gave a talk in which he offered to share his secret to living a joyful and fulfilled life.  “This is my secret,” he told a rapt audience. “I don’t mind what happens.”

I’ve been embracing this non-attached approach to experiencing life, and it really does make more space for joy, and for equanimity.

As I release my own little petty attachments, I’...

Starcat’s Favorites: Retreats!

I absolutely LOVE retreats. I love leading them. I love attending them.

This week I attended my biz coach’s spring retreat. It was virtual and ran for three days. The picture is my space as I got ready for the first day. Yes, we use Tarot cards and candles at our biz retreat. You know I wouldn’t go for one that’s not witchy in some way!

Retreats are a perfect way to zoom out and get a big-picture view of a subject, whether it’s your business, your writing project, or just life in general.

If you...

Sovereignty & Synchronicity: Some Thoughts

My Word of the Year for 2020 was SOVEREIGN. I know we’re in a whole new year (my Word for 2021 is MAGICK!), but I’ve still been experimenting with the concept and practice of sovereignty.

To me, being sovereign is about being centered in your own experience, and leading from a place of grace and equanimity. I know that historical sovereigns, both kings and queens, have done awful things to their “subjects.” That’s not what I’m going for with my exploration.

[image error] A true queen is a servant of her peopl...

Do As You Like

Have you ever considered only doing what you like?

Aww, come on, Starcat, you might be thinking, that’s just a pipedream. Have you seen my to-do list?

Bear with me, dear busy reader. Let me tell you why this is not only possible, but will help you live a happier life!

I learned about this technique from a few different Law of Attraction teachers – Jeannette Maw and Mike Dooley among them. I’ve been practicing it for a while, and I’m going to put it into my own words to share with you.

Only doing...

Starcat’s Favorites: Dreaming Big

I’ve been busy dreaming BIG over here. It’s lighting me up in new ways, and I’m harnessing the energies of Spring to support my expansion. I’ve already written about that, though.

Here’s what else I’ve been up to recently.

What I’m reading: Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. Apparently some people weren’t a fan of this sequel, but I love it! Sovereign Self by Acharya Shunya. I adore this look at the Hindu wisdom tradition so much. It’s very deep and simple all at once. Cosmometry by Marshall Leff...

The Tidingdale Literary Collective

Spring has finally fully arrived, here in northern New England. I’m feeling the urge to emerge from hibernation, at last!

That’s still a bit complicated, thanks to the pandemic lingering and so forth, but that’s okay. I’m good with a mindful rollout.

During the late Winter and early Spring, much of my creativity has been channeled into a big, bold, expanded vision.

[image error]Introducing…. the Tidingdale Literary Collective (TLC) – a “one-stop shopping” service for thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, professio...

Starcat’s Favorites: Signs of Spring

Dare I say it before the month is really over? This March has been easier than I’d expected, given my rocky history with the transition from late winter to early spring. Maybe that’s because I’ve gone all in with my exquisite self-care.

It could be the signs of spring. We’ve had some nice weather since the Spring Equinox, although it’s Maine, so I’m sure it will snow again at least once. We have snowdrops in our yard. The birds are singing their hearts out.

I’m feeling inspired in my creative an...