Hey All

It's the beautiful month of June in Northern Michigan and Northern Ontario. This summer, I'm pretty much splitting my time between the two. The more time I find for my favorite leisures, the more grounded I become. I'm amazed and impressed with my ability and desire to do little and, consequently, more. 

Lately I've been appreciating the Earth, literally. The lower I get, the more I like it. 

In the more than six years I've been writing this newsletter and sharing my thoughts with you, I've contradicted myself more than once. That seems to be the way I best learn. If I were to go back and read some of my past newsletters, I know I'd be saying out loud, "Just what is that woman talking about?" But when it's in me, it has just got to come out. Consistency has never been my strong suit. Change I adore! So take what works for you, discard the rest and have fun!

A special thanks to those of you who have passed this newsletter on to others. And I do appreciate your feedback. Keep it coming! 

If you're anticipating a transition, personal or business, just give me a call at 231-879-4178 or 877-762-4178. 

Back to Contents
 

Down to Earth

Often our heads are way too far away from the earth, spending much of our time in thoughts, dreams, visions and plans, intoxicating and diverting us from more present and earthly endeavors. We think too much about other's opinions and seek approval. We think too much about what might be right or wrong for us. From this rootless perspective of our heads, we exaggerate our problems, imagining more and worse than is really there. We become dramatic and obsessive. Our ungrounded minds wander off and create chaos, causing our bodies to feel restless and edgy. We run around in a haphazard way, locking our keys in the car, dialing wrong numbers and leaving our wallets at the last establishment we visited. Our "ungroundedness" disturbs everyone in our path.

The moments of the present, of the earth, the ground, can seem mundane compared to the apparently limitless mind. But being grounded, literally, is what enables us to cast aside our heady visions and embrace our truth at the moment, giving us the freedom we need to be present and more alive.

The earth is there to support us. During these great summer months, find it, touch it and use it. 
Spread out in a freshly mowed lawn
Nap on the pine needle bedding of a pine forest
Wiggle your body through the warm sand of a summer beach
Lay back against a sun-warmed rock
Smear on some cooling creek or river clay
Plop in a mud puddle
Lounge on a bed of moss

“God owns heaven, but He craves the earth.” ~Anne Sexton 

“My soul can find no staircase to Heaven unless it be through Earth's loveliness.” ~Michelangelo Buonarroti 

Back to Contents

Peace and much love
Deb
 

The Fine Print
A Note About My Recommendations
I provide links in this newsletter to products and services I am offering or I have personally found valuable. If you are ever disappointed with one of these recommendations, please let them and me know. If they don't make it right, I will.

You can subscribe to this newsletter by visiting the subscription box on my home page at www.portagecoach.com

If you find value in Portage please pass it along and ask your friends to subscribe. Thank You.

Help me stay with you. If you are enjoying Portage, please protect your subscription. If your email address is about to change, please remember to visit my home page and subscribe your new address. And if your email service automatically deletes large broadcasts like this one, let them know you want Portage from Deb Martin to come through.

Portage is published 12 times a year and distributed monthly by e-mail. Comments, submissions and suggestions are welcome. Please forward any or all of this newsletter to those you know will appreciate it and encourage them to subscribe for themselves.

Although this material is subject to copyright, you may reprint this publication, in whole or in part, in your company publication, in training, presentations, or wherever you feel it would be of benefit. This also holds true for members of the media. All I ask is that you include the following: Reprinted with permission from Deborah Martin of Portage at http://www.portagecoach.com

The names of newsletter subscribers are not shared or sold.

Copyright (c)  2007 by Deborah Martin. All rights reserved.