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How to Build Your Power Posse
Nestled into the great Rocky Mountains under the sparkling Milky Way last night, I launched my Urban Priestess: New Moon Sadhana for women here in Aspen, Colorado. It never ceases to amaze me how deep and magical these monthly gatherings are. We crave connection, quiet, a time to come together, slow down and remember we’re not alone. Others are going through very similar challenges and triumphs. Ahhh….a collective sigh of relief.
Somehow, sharing our stories, listening and feeling each others’ presence helps us feel awake and alive. We all struggle with similar challenges. We gain strength and feel good when we hear truth, offer an understanding nod, a quiet smile or thoughtful feedback.
Bottom line: We need to be seen, heard + felt. (everyday…people!)
Building a “POWER POSSE” will launch you towards your goals more quickly than almost anything else. When you build a solid support system you know you can rely on, the turbulence of life’s wild ride becomes much more manageable.
Who are your 2-3 most trusted friends? Who in your personal life inspires you? Is there an acquaintance you’ve wanted to spend more time with?
I first heard the term “Power Posse” from my soul sister and colleague Terri Cole. “Power Posse” is a group of like minded individuals, seeking to better themselves, support and uplift each other by actively listening and offering honest feedback, encouragement, truth and unconditional love.
In business circles it’s called a “Mastermind Group”. In yoga it’s known as “Satsang” (sat = “truth”, sangha = “community”). Ancient tribes called is “holding council” or a “Moon Circle” – a group that helps you clarify and meet your goals, holds you accountable and provides that extra mojo when the going gets tough.
TIPS TO START YOUR POWER POSSE:
- Identify a core group of key influencers and trusted friends. Choose 1 – 4 other people who inspire you, who you have been wanting to get to know better, who are similarly committed to self-improvement (key word: committed). Ask them if they would be interested in meeting once a week, or once or twice a month.
- Commit to a consistent meeting time + place. (Every member of the group should be ready to commit and excited to build this circle.)
- At each meeting, have a grounding ritual (breathwork, short meditation, prayer, intention setting).
- Go around the circle once + allow each person to simply share what is going on for them, what’s “up” for them in their lives – personally, professionally… anything. Only the person holding the “talking stick” speaks. No advice, opinions or ‘fixing’ allowed. Just holding the space for everyone’s experience.
- After everyone has shared, ask if anyone would like feedback. If so, go around the circle again and offer honest feedback, suggestions, hold someone accountable for goals or desires they have previously stated.
- Ask any probing questions that might have been sparked for you as well.
- Brainstorm solutions to anyone’s problems (if they give permission). Use ‘group think’ to spark creative ideas and new insights. Good to have someone take notes for this one.
- Close by sealing in the energy with a short affirmation, prayer or ritual and offer the energy you have created up to the good of all.
- Don’t forget to celebrate! Fruit, chocolate, tea or a nice glass of wine are the perfect addendum.
SUGGESTIONS:
* The best time to gather is the 3 days around the New Moon each month. This is the natural time of emptying out, simplifying, turning inward. The veil between the inner and outer worlds is thinned…more access to intuition and deeper truths. It also makes it simple to schedule a meeting at every New Moon.
* Avoid slipping into gossip or small talk. Keep to the ‘work’ of your group to sharing honestly, getting feedback, emotional support and insight.
* Keep your group small (3-5 is ideal) so everyone can share adequately.
* Everything held in strict confidentiality.
* You may prefer a weekly Skype session with a trusted friend or mentor. I meet every week with my colleague Terri Cole, not for professional planning, but for emotional support, venting, laughing and sharing. It’s one of my favorite hours of the week! (Good to do on a Monday and also known as “Self Care”!)
If you’re inspired, please post, tweet, pin + share.
Please leave a comment telling us who your 3 key influencers and supporters are and what they offer you!
LOVE!
Ashley
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It does help to know that you are not the only one who is going through such challenge. It gives us a boost of confidence that we are capable of making through such life’s problem. Thank you Ashley 🙂