b.Inspired Cafe & Blog

You're Invited - Spring Forward, Life Changing Parties

Hi,

 

How do you know you're on the right path, making the right choices to live your best life and finding the joy of making a difference somehow? Check your calendar, save the dates that call to your heart...You are invited join me and other amazing women at these inspiring leadership events this Spring. One could be the life-changing day of your destiny!

 

 I'm humbled and honored to be speaking at some of our hallowed Chicago universities and conferences to seeker/achievers (like you) to fuel a whole new way to success in Life, Livelihood and Leadership. Are you curious about stirring things up with us? It's time to gather, so we can be the change and feel ignited, supported, hopeful and equipped.

 

4 opportunities coming up-- March 20 through May 28--

One 45 minute phone gathering and three significant leadership events. Themes and take-away benefits include:

 

Amidst today's challenges, we need a whole new way to create success. The old formulas won't lead us into the new future. This is not your father's leadership course or management tip!  Join growth-seeking professionals for a provocative discussion and leave equipped to wake up to the joyful, prosperous life you're meant to lead. Are you ready to learn the secrets of what it really takes? Want to have fun becoming the new kinds of leaders we need for better lives and a better world?

 

· Gain new keys to creating more ease, flow, confidence and highest potential.

· Access the power of becoming Chief Inspiration Officer of your life and livelihood.

· Ignite the best of feminine spirit and left brain/right brain integration.

· Fuel sustainability in performance. 

· Debunk myths and find fresh solutions. Go well beyond "balance"!

· Revolutionize "working smart." 

· See how you really can make a difference and love your life.

I look forward to seeing you at one of these soon! We'll rouse you about "we are the change" for our new future, and reassure you that your first step for the evolution of humanity could be a pedicure and afternoon off! Please help us spread the word, forward this email. When women wake, mountains move.   

 

Registration and info links below.

 

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Spirit of Leadership - Feminine Initiative Free Teleconference
Saturday, March 20^th - 11:00-11:45 Central Time
Speaker Marian Baker, Chief Inspiration Officer

Wake Up Inspired: Creating Success in a Whole New Light

Register at www.thespiritofleadership.net   and get the call-in number.  If you are unable to join us, the calls will be recorded. 

 

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2010 ATHENA International Leadership Summit

Renaissance Chicago Hotel

Monday/Tuesday, April 5-6, 2010

Keynote, Marian Baker

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP: When Women Wake Mountains Move
Upgrade to a whole new way to create success and love your life

Info & Register at: http://www.athenainternational.org
Telephone: 312-580-0111

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Kellogg Women's Business Association Annual Conference

How Does She Do It? Leading Across Work, Family and the Globe

Kellogg School of Management/Allen Center, Northwestern University

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Workshop Facilitator, Marian Baker

 

WAKE UP INSPIRED: Upgrade to the New Way to Create Your Best Success

New Plan/New Story/New World

 

Info & Register at: https://kellogg-wbaconf.campusgroups.com

Telephone: 847-491-5012

 

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Loyola University 2010 Women's Leadership Conference

The Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Friday, May 28, 2010

Speaker, Marian Baker

Work/Life Balance: The New Wake Up Inspired Solution

Info & Register at: http://www.luc.edu/womensleadership/Events_Women's_Leade.shtml Telephone: 312-915-6501

 

Be well, be inspired,

Marian

 

 

 

Everything you need in one cup of tea?

Hi

My Yogi tea tag just now inspired me to drop everything for a moment and write this note to you. It read:

There are three values:
Feel good,
Be good, and
Do good.

That’s the whole enchilada of every spiritual teaching or positive growth program in the universe for what it takes to live your most fabulous, prosperous life.

Enjoy this cup of tea with me. Jot the above down on a post it, brew a cup of tea, and reflect on these three pearls of wisdom.
 
Try scoring your status/satisfaction of each  0-10  Feel Good/ Be Good/ Do Good. Consider “What would help me to Feel good even more/ Be good…./ Do good?...” You get the idea.

Write me with any thoughts. I’d love to hear what comes up for you—and possibly share to inspire the rest of your pals in the Wake Up Inspired virtual community. Thanks!

Happy New Year!  Look forward to being in touch….

Be well, be inspired,

Marian

Best Fuel for Your New Success in 2010

Hi,

What if 2010 could be an amazing breakthrough year for you? I know it will be for many. However, trying to create a new future using old maps won't work.

 

A new Infinity model will lead to breakthroughs beyond the "old formulas" we were taught about how to achieve success or be leaders. Gain eye-opening insights, new tools, support and have fun with a booster package to fuel your best in 2010.

 

There so many lessons I have learned about what it really takes to create inspired success after coaching hundreds of seeking-achieving professionals for 13+ years. It's my greatest joy to see clients shift into a whole new way of thinking, being and doing for true prosperity, making a difference and falling in love with life. Just a couple examples of what they say:

 

"Where Marian adds so much value is her ability to help people to develop meaningful, actionable plans while also creating the larger shift to greater confidence and the possibilities within you."- Kelly S.

 

"I can honestly say that every exercise and every insight offered by Marian led me to a revelation."- Kathy M.  More comments at http://www.wakeupinspired.com/workingwithmarian.html.

 

If you're ready to go "higher and deeper" with the most beneficial, life-changing concepts (she says, humbly!) here's a new chance:

 

Special Offer:  For the first time, I'd like to offer this effective process, powerful tools and private coaching to people beyond my "full time" clients. This New Year, I am offering a booster shot of three sessions to launch your 2010 at its best.

 

New Fuel for Inspired Success New Year Booster Package

Three 50-60 minute phone sessions, one-on-one with Marian Baker, Master Certified Coach, materials and email support.

 

Package price:  $550

Register by Dec 21 and save--get the package series for $499!

 

RSVP to Laura Franzen at laurafranzen@att.net or phone 847-815-7942. Laura will get you registered and then she or I will call to schedule our appointments to start your three sessions in January.

 

This booster package is a fabulous way to get your year inspiration launched, very affordable with awesome return on your investment. You don't have to commit to a coaching relationship for several months or years. The booster shot series will refresh those questions we rarely ask ourselves in daily living. What do you really want? What really matters? What fuels you? How do you get in your own way? How do you define success in 2010? Who are you meant to be? How will you get there?
 

I have specific workbook templates for 2009 inventory/celebration and 2010 new Vision Mapping tools. We can do whole life or zoom in on livelihood/other emphasis you choose. We'll dive into deeper understandings of how you define success, clear obstacles to letting your best be fuelled with mission in action, and discover the G-force that opens up prosperous flow. I can introduce you to new Inspired Leadership concepts (like Jedi Knight Empowerment to "use the force") or new ways to use Passion meets Profit in livelihood.

 

Best insights gained to share for now:

 

One thing for sure-- don't let the year end pressure get you down and say goodbye to typical New Year resolutions. They don't work. There's a much better way to celebrate the year, release what needs to be cleared away and set yourself up for kicking off an awesome 2010.

Absorb this Success statement:

 

"I leave behind me both my failures and accomplishments. What I do today will create a new and better future, filled with inner joy."-J. Donald Walters

 

Many of you may need to open up to brand new possibilities that are different ways of being rewarded, fulfilled, or paid.  Another key I've discovered is there's a huge difference between being "Driven" and creating your best destiny/ success from being truly INSPIRED. Reflect on this:

 

I don't want to be driven by _____________________

I do want to be moved by _______________________

 

Are you curious? Let's talk soon to see what would be great fuel for unleashing higher potential with more ease, flow, prosperity and joy in 2010.

 

New Fuel for Inspired Success New Year Booster Package

Three 50-60 minute phone sessions, one-on-one with Marian Baker, Master Certified Coach, materials, and email support.

 

Package price:  $550

Register by Dec 21 and save--get the package series for $499!

 

RSVP to Laura Franzen at laurafranzen@att.net or phone 847-815-7942. Laura will get you registered and then she or I will call to schedule our appointments to start in January.

 

If you're seriously considering this, and would like to talk with me directly- just email or call. Marian@marianbaker.com

 

Wishing you all the best for this holiday season and look forward to talking soon!

 

 

Simple Way We Can Honor 9/11 Today

Dear Friends,

The numbers “9/11” will be forever etched in our minds. On this 8th anniversary, let’s collectively take a moment to hit the pause button and ask our hearts: 

What matters most?
What’s the state of our world today?
What would I love to see in our new future?
How might I be the change I want to see? 

Now- here’s a really important “approach” to the last question. Let it be a small step. Don’t get derailed by “what on earth could little me do?”  

Martin Luther King said “You don’t have to climb the whole staircase, just be willing to take one step.” (or close to that!) 

President Obama and others are making this a national day of service and doing good deeds. You and I can each find a way to love thy neighbor a bit more today- or coworker, partner, family or fellow drivers in jammed parking lot.  

Simply ask “How could I be a bit more loving today?” and then follow your heart’s wisdom. I KNOW this will make a difference in us being the change we want to see. Each drop adds up until the pitcher flows. 

Below is a correction (and reminder) of a conference I am speaking at the first weekend in October, where I’d love to spark  more of that “we are the change” conversation and stir up passion about how do we take responsibility for creating more joy in our own lives?! I look forward to opening up the dynamic dialogs with you.

******

Please join me and our amazing keynote, Marianne Williamson at a new women's leadership conference you won't want to miss, October 2-3, 2009, in Lake Forest, Illinois.

 

http://www.thespiritofleadership.net/home.html

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP: When Women Wake, Mountains Move
The New Leadership Model for the 21st Century
Friday, October 2 : 9:00 - 10:30 am
Friday, October 2 : 11:00 - 12:30 pm

Our world needs inspired, conscious feminine energy now more than ever. That takes vitality, heart and courage. This requires smart self care and recharging your own spirit. Learn how supporting yourself and each other creates harmony and soul satisfaction within your own life as well as fuels harmony in the world. Tap into the power of feminine energy for the essential evolution of leadership. Blend the best of both worlds: healthy, joyful spirituality and pragmatic ambition & achievement. Debunk myths and find new solutions. Go beyond work/life balance tips! Discover how to actually "Be the change" as a conscious, inspired leader.

 

You’re invited. Women’s Leadership with Marian Baker and Marianne Williamson

Please join me and our amazing keynote, Marianne Williamson at a new women’s leadership conference you won’t want to miss, October 2-3, 2009 in Lake Forest, Illinois.

 Link: Spirit of Leadership Conference

INSPIRED LEADERSHIP: When Women Wake, Mountains Move:

The New Leadership Model for the 21st Century

Friday, October 2 : 9:00 - 10:30 am
Friday, October 2 : 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Our world needs inspired, conscious feminine energy now more than ever. That takes vitality, heart and courage. This requires smart self care and recharging your own spirit. Learn how supporting yourself and each other creates harmony and soul satisfaction within your own life as well as fuels harmony in the world. Tap into the power of feminine energy for the essential evolution of leadership. Blend the best of both worlds: healthy, joyful spirituality and pragmatic ambition & achievement. Debunk myths and find new solutions. Go beyond work/life balance tips! Discover how to actually “Be the change” as a conscious, inspired leader.

What an honor to share a magazine cover with the one and only Marianne Williamson!

 

 The Spirit of Leadership: Reawakening the Feminine is an invitation to women of diverse backgrounds and experiences, talents and circumstances, colors and shapes, to connect in common purpose: to acknowledge, support and express their innate abilities to lead... as only women can.

Join us and be inspired by women who have found ways to love, relate, work and create soulfully. Be a vital part of inspired leadership that activates expression of our best selves, in all areas of our lives!

http://www.thespiritofleadership.net/ws_marian-baker.html

Register, more info http://www.thespiritofleadership.net/index.html

Group rates, info: 847-309-8621

 

 

 

Discover something new about your life...

My pal Paul Quinn graciously invited me to his book release party. As I read a sentence in the intro I was moved to sweet tears- maybe the most important 12 words ever.

“Know thyself is not a personal indulgence, it is a global imperative.”

This reminds of a favorite quote in the Wake Up Inspired book:

“Your own self realization is the greatest service you can render the world.”  

                                                                                                -Sri Ramana Maharshi

Both of these wise men spark us to do the wonderful work of self discovery, reflection and transformation (with a super incentive plan!). It often starts with a craving for just wanting to feel better personally; more fulfillment in work, enhanced ease in relationships, less tension, more joy in life. As a coach I have the privilege of knowing that even as people come in “to get a better life for me” that this ultimately evolves into becoming a person who wants to “make the world better because of me.”

Paul’s favorite “tool” happens to be Tarot. Forget everything you probably think of when you see this word. Paul is a grounded, intelligent, no-nonsense professional. There’s always something fun and deeply profound about tools like Tarot cards, working with the energy of higher truth more than strategic, left-brain figuring things out. In Tarot for Life, Paul transforms the Tarot from fortune-telling into the ultimate Self Help tool for intuitive guidance, empowerment, and well-being. 

  Info/order book: http://tarotforlife.net/

Tarot for Life: Reading the Cards for Everyday Guidance and Growth

 

“Paul Quinn has seamlessly integrated the best of Tarot tradition with a new vision for the twenty-first century. While maintaining respect for the Tarot as a divinatory tool, he also demonstrates its estimable value for personal development and increasing consciousness of one’s life path.”

- Dr. Kenneth James, Jung Institute of Chicago

“Tarot for Life is a masterful guide to better understanding your inner self and the challenges life brings on. No one better shows you how to use Tarot as it was designed to be used, for dialogue and conversation with your Higher Self. This book is a delightful way to grow to your fullest potential. I love it.”

- Sonia Choquette, Ph.D.
author, Trust Your Vibes, The Psychic Pathway, True Balance

Paul offers readings face-to-face and also by phone.

For more info, visit http://tarotforlife.net/

        

                                                              

New Eyes

Rainy day and I’m sleepy already at 1pm. There’s a self-promised to-do list to tackle. I grab a notebook and umbrella for a brisk walk to the corner diner with intention of rebooting and making real progress on the big picture vision.  As the cool rain sneaks in to lick my face, I notice how left-brain productivity wants to dominate and wonder if what I really need is to chill, not force more thinking. “Empty yourself and let the universe fill you.” How much more right-brain energy do we all need after decades of the opposite conditioning?

In the new Sounds True catalog, Tami Simon writes a beautiful letter from the publisher, encouraging us to cultivate a wisdom culture. “As our outer world undergoes widespread restructuring, what is needed are people with rich and grounded inner lives, people who can lead with vulnerability, learn from each other, and lift each other up.”  Amen, sister! (btw, new audios look wonderful- check out SoundsTrue.com)

It’s part of my destiny to be a catalyst for this evolution of humanity; to equip the new kind of leaders to actually be the change our world needs now. I look forward to discussions about that with you. Today, however, I feel moved to share something more private and precious.

Something happened in the diner.

We need a little a back-story. It’s almost a year since I wrote “no accidents” after I smashed my skull in the street, almost died and lost the use of my right eye for months. [If you saw me today, you’d never guess. Both eyes open, look normal. I’m extremely grateful for what doctors called a remarkable recovery for a lucky woman.]

Jill Bolte Taylor (Stroke of Insight author) would ask, “What did you gain from this?” Falling off that silly scooter deepened a mystical journey into a voyage beyond logic or reason, filled with rebirth and emergence of a soul stronger in Love than ever before.

My beloved meditation teacher, Sri Eknath Easwaran would augment this with the delight of how God-Love comes in and uses us. Every morning I meditate with St. Francis – make me an instrument of thy peace and other passages from the great mystics.  I recently unplugged for the month of March and sort of lived like a monk in a sacred place in California, meditating and mantram walking lots and lots. Back at home my daily practices are more consistent and deepening. That’s a minor miracle right there. LOL

My ego-saboteur harps, “Geez Baker, after all this meditating you’re not changed. And you haven’t done anything of substance with this be-the-change leadership stuff yet. Who the heck are you to equip new leaders anyway?”  He’s just doing his thing, following the inner critic job description.

OK, back at the diner.  A couple got up to leave and I felt drawn to them. They were so adorable, how loving they were with each other and I just felt gushy love for them. What a cute couple! My heart leapt.

So? Here’s the icky, private part. Their physical bodies were quite obese. It’s hard to describe how my eyes just didn’t see that in the gushy love moments that could have been seconds or an eternity. I’m ashamed to admit that I would have judged or noticed that 2-dimensional form for most of my life. I didn’t “see” with those eyes until they were much farther away, outside the window, down the sidewalk. This intense wave of humility overcame me. Oh, I am being rewired. My God.

My eye and the eye of God are
One eye
One vision
One knowledge and
One love.
- Meister Eckhart

And this, my friends, is how we are going to ‘Be the change,” and lead the evolution for a world that works for all.

There are other little examples happening. When I heard a child “annoyingly” crying in the store, my knee-jerk response was to meet her eyes and be love with her. (not typical, results may vary :-)) She immediately stopped crying and we had a spirit to spirit lovefest, until her mother abruptly strolled her away and she started wailing again. External forms are dissolving into that oneness more and more. The inner eye is first instinct before the outer eye gives it’s opinion.

I first fell in love with Easwaran in the book Your Life is Your Message. (title inspired by his hero, Mahatma Gandhi.) He addresses the grand agendas of a harmonious planet and global peace. The punch line keeps coming back to individuals’ own personal commitment to “quietly change the world by changing themselves.”

These tiny moments in diners, stores and living rooms are so subtle and easily dismissed as nothing to write home about. And they are everything.

I can’t begin to describe how humbled to my knees on the floor this gift  feels. I know if I don’t keep meditating and doing my work, this could fly away. And I have a deeper appreciation for how one whiff of this is what keeps someone devoted to their practice. It makes me want to become a better person in a way I’ve only tasted or admired.

Closing Our Eyes

When you are a little child,

You are told to

Close your eyes and

Make a Wish

When you grow into an adult,

beyond the rails of a crib and begin climbing ladders,

You decide to close your eyes

(using the latest empowerment visualization) and

Set Goals.

As you evolve into a realized human being,

You practice closing your eyes and do your best to

Surrender to a higher Truth.

When you become one with All there is,

You close your eyes and

Truly See.

May we all be able to find new eyes to view our lives with greater compassion and confidence and be the change for the world we get to create together.

Be well, be inspired,

Marian

Belt Tightening, but Looking Good

Hi,

We’re all belt tightening. But do we have to look frumpy doing it? Or wait another 12 months to buy a cool new shirt for summer fun? What if we just say no to clogged prosperity? “Waking Up Inspired:  From Banker to Biker Chick” was a celebration story about grad client Denise Maple’s fabulous new adventure. To read previous story:

http://binspiredblog.typepad.com/binspired_cafe_blog/coaching_tales/

I just saw the coolest summer t shirt designs- and she’s having a sale! I don’t think you need to ride a motorcycle to enjoy the VaVaVroom spirit of female power and hip fun. I love the “Ride” design- which one is “so you”?   

Check it out ladies, may your bargain shopping engines begin.  T-Shirt Design Link

Be well, be inspired,

Marian

Morning Fuel or Pause Button

My dear friend Jan passed along this Peace Mantra. This is a perfect Morning Ritual inspiration and keep it handy for Hit the Pause Button moments throughout the day.

May there be peace within today. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.

Pass it on some more. We are being the change for better lives and a better world. :-)

Feeling Down? Booster shot to ignite your next move...

I was having one of those days- feeling a bit down or unsure how to get up and get going.

Watching this changed everything.

Watch Video

Now, I confess to being one of the most positive, upbeat, plucky people I know (which may be annoying at times, I get it. Even in my old advertising career, my last job review said  "positive attitude" was "off the charts" with a dozen !!) So if the author of Wake Up Inspired is feeling down, we can appreciate how many of our friends, colleagues and global citizens are feeling really sad, afraid, stuck, etc. these days.

When I was in art school I got "A in concept, C in execution." That makes me laugh, as I can see this pattern is still floating around- e.g. I can be so fired up with a brilliant new vision for a workshop, article, the next book, and then hit the wall of actually building that in the world of form. So, there I was feeling foggy about how to move forward or how hard it might be. It's easy to slip into procrastination or tell myself I'm supposed to meditate some more before getting into action. Then the line "Anyone Can Choose Happiness" catches my attention in an email from a friend. Even opening her email was part of my procrastination. However, what a gift inside! You must watch this. I was moved to tears and knocked into conscious awakening of finding the spirit within, and "get over myself" in wonderful ways. I hope this is a beautiful boost to fuel your next move as well. Let the love begin and your inspired action flow.

Watch Video