Blog Posts

A Year in Reflection from Cope Consulting LLC

1/11/2018

January brings a new year and reflections of all that was learned during the past year. I just reviewed the video below that I shared as we embarked on our hero's journey of 2017.

After watching it again, I realized that I go through this same process of reflection as we embark on each new year. I take time to notice, savor, enjoy, and celebrate the bright spots. I then acknowledge the dark moments letting them pass through me, as well as celebrate the resiliency it took to push through all of the hard things to be where I am today. We all have bright spots and dark moments through the year. This experience connects us all.

As we begin our hero's journey of 2018, know that a force field of "Love Light" surrounds us as we travel through the seasons of this beautiful new year together.

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The Power of ME

10/27/2017

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Cope Consulting's 2nd Vlog/Blog was inspired by Dr. Gail Saltz' book, The Power of Different-The Link Between Disorder and Genius. Dana Cope shares the Power of Me that she has gained by facing and pushing through her challenges, because if she can, you can too.

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Turn Every Experience Into a Learning Opportunity

9/7/2017

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Here is our first VLOG/BLOG that combines video with my written reflections about ways to help our youth see every experience as a learning opportunity.

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Igniting Your Creative Flame, Listening to Your Heart and Trusting How Your Dots Will Connect...

9/5/2017

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How do we ignite the creative flame that lives within us? As I connect the dots of the obstacles I have overcome to the place I am today, I realize that learning to listen to my intuitive "heart" voice has been the most important part of my journey.

Growing up I thought that being creative meant having artistic ability. When I picked up a pencil, pen, brush, opened my mouth to sing, or stood on stage to perform, I felt awkward and clumsy. At that time, I could not seem to release the beautiful images in my mind through these methods and thought that this must mean that I was not creative or artistic. Little did I know that these experiences were some of the important dots on my journey to now understand how my voice of vocation has revealed the creative and artistic ability that was suppose to be released through me.

I now understand that all of my life experiences inside and outside of the classroom were important on the road to discovering and sharing the creativity that lived within me. At 12 years old I knew that I was supposed to help every hurting child. The dots leading up to 12 and all of the dots connecting to becoming an educator, and later an educational consultant have provided me with the experiences that now inspire and help me to release my creative gifts. I realize now that I felt awkward and clumsy in my creative pursuits during my younger years because my creative and artistic dots had not been connected to my passion and purpose. Once I was finally in a position of supporting the educational development of children and their families, my creative and artistic flame ignited in all endeavors related to my "heart" work. I also found that there has been no challenge too great that couldn't be conquered when I was doing the work of my heart.

I believe that this is what our goal of education should be. As educators, we are "guides on the sides" helping our youth to connect their dots in discovering who they are. We need to support and encourage them to listen to their intuitive "heart" voice. We then need to help them to positively articulate their needs so that they can learn how to make the education system work for them. We need to support them through the challenges that they face on the journey and be there to celebrate their successes along the way. We are the village, guiding them to align their voice of vocation with their passion and purpose.

This sounds like a simple idea, although it is quite difficult to achieve. Listening to our inner "heart" voice can conflict with the established human constructs. To make this even more challenging, we are often given advice from those we see as experts about how to navigate our journey. Our fear response, "head" voice often responds by saying, "listen to the outside expert for it is he or she that knows the way." However, the expert only has expertise in navigating his/her path and does not know the potential that lies within YOU that is yearning to be realized. The expert can serve as a mentor, but it is only the unique individual, listening to their own "heart" voice within, that will ultimately know the road that is right for him or her. Only YOU can be an expert at knowing YOU.

I have been on a lifelong journey of striving to reach my full potential and it has been a combination of listening to my intuitive "heart" voice and trusting how my dots connect that have kept me moving forward. Once I found my voice of vocation, my creative flame ignited. I believe that as more of our youth begin to confidently listen to and follow the directions provided by their intuitive "heart" voice, we will eventually have a generation positively compelled to contribute their unique gifts to solving our most complex problems. A happier and healthier world is possible when those in it are doing the work of their hearts.

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"COPE"ING WITH TRANSITIONS LIKE A BUTTERFLY

8/24/2017

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As I reflect on my experience with transitions, I now realize why they have all been challenging. We leave our pattern of knowing, to a new environment where we have to figure out a new pattern. Since we are navigating through the unknown, we do not have a template to follow. Instead, we have to trust that the transformational journey will be filled with all of the experiences needed to move forward in this new context.

While in my backyard and on walks this summer, I noticed beautiful butterflies fluttering by. This experience inspired me to ponder and create this infographic about how the transitions in my life have been like the life cycle of the beautiful butterflies I so admire.

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Happy Holidays and New Year from Cope Consulting LLC!

12/22/2016

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It has been an honor to be a part of your hero's journey. Here is a little holiday video to share our gratitude from our family to yours.
With appreciation,
Dana, Kevin, Jack Roy, and Bow

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THE G WORD

12/20/2016

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I'M POSSIBLE!

12/1/2016

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"Finding Bright Spots" Photo Taken by Dana Cope on Finnell Road in Yountville, CA

In search for my morning bright spots I came across the Audrey Hepburn quote, "Nothing is Impossible, The Word Itself Says 'I'm Possible'!"

It reminded me of this photo that was taken in 2009 by my friend Patti Wessman of our dear friend, Ruben Godinez. Ruben was one of the first artists that worked with us when we were creating an art integration program at Salvador Elementary School. I was able to see the impact he had on students each day, but it was during my visit to his studio, where I was taken by his portrait of Audrey Hepburn.

Since Ruben's passing, this photo has hung in my room as a reminder of the impact that one person can have on our lives. Ruben inspires me to live authentically and reminds me how using imagination and creativity can make what seems, impossible, possible!

This bright spot was created using Audrey Hepburn's quote, Patti's photo, and Ruben's portrait in a free photo editing website called Be Funky. Thank you Ruben. Thank you Patti. Thank you Audrey Hepburn. Thank you Be Funky. :) To find more bright spots please visit our Finding Bright Spots page.
http://www.danacopeconsulting.com/finding-bright-spots.html

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EDUCATIONAL OPTIMISM-FINDING LIGHT IN TIMES OF DARKNESS

11/14/2016

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When I woke up on election day, I felt a deep wave of change that was upon us. I have felt this wave before as my life has been a journey filled with dark times. During these times, I have questioned my own survival and wondered if I could possibly go on in a world that hurts so much. I now understand that going through these dark periods has given me the ability to see strengths where most see challenges and the ability to see bright spots where most feel lost in darkness.

I have learned that in order for me to see the light, I have to be committed to my practice of staying balanced. This helps me to not react and be fearful of the stories that darkness can bring to me. Also, learning to listen to my body has been important, as well as finding strategies to regulate and calm me when my body begins to feel a wave forming beneath my feet.

On this election day, feeling the tide coming in, I read through my Buddha Doodles by Molly Hahn. I then looked through pictures of my loved ones. These "Velcro Moments" help me see the connections and light when I feel a cloud of darkness surrounding me. I also had the opportunity to participate in an amazing guided meditation titled, "Accepting Change" by Sarah Blondin. Westwood Hills beckoned me to explore with my beloved dog, Bow. So quiet and peaceful with the brilliant sun shining upon us, we enjoyed the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. At that moment we were fine. All was well and as I write this, the same is true. Staying in the moment is the key to learning, growing, and moving forward.

Before I knew the results of the election, I felt compelled to write this. After I wrote it, I asked myself if I would feel the same way, if the candidate I voted for won or lost. Looking it over today I can say, "Yes, I feel the same."

Today is November 8, 2016, election day in the United States of America. It is the culmination of a race that has been driven by fear and worry about our future. In order for change to happen, a glass ceiling must be broken. As I reflect on this presidential race, both republicans and democrats have chosen candidates that have defied tradition which open us up to new possibilities for the future. As women we can now see ourselves as a part of the dream of holding the highest office in the United States of America. We have also seen through this election that it is possible to run for president even if politics was not your chosen career path.

Breaking a glass ceiling moves us into an unknown way of being in the world where we seek predictable patterns for comfort. Our mind attempts to understand and make sense of change so it looks for the predictable, even if it is not happy with it. When we realize that falling apart must happen for growth and movement forward, we can change our perspective from seeing change as something to fear, but instead as something that is an inevitable part of life.

It makes me think of the writing process. Once a draft is completed it is often difficult to imagine it being different, because it is done and seemingly complete. Sometimes, though, our document doesn't save and we are forced to start again. After the panic subsides, the work of rewriting can begin which often leads to new ideas that wouldn't have been a part of the original work. That is what this election is bringing forward.

When we surrender to what is out of our control, we can then observe the light and dark moments that come forward in times of great change. All may not see it yet, but start observing and noticing, you will be surprised to see the small positive shifts that are happening around you. Yes, there will be darkness, but deliberately shift your focus to the bright spots that surface. When you find them in places that you wouldn't have expected, gratitude will fill your heart. These moments in time help us to trust in the journey and the love that connects us all together.

What I am learning is that I cannot control what is happening in the world beyond me. Trying to do this only ends up hurting me and does not change the reality of what is. But I can choose the perspective I take on how I interpret the changes I am seeing. I choose to reflect on past experiences where I was sure darkness would prevail, but to my surprise life moved on and light emerged despite my fear that darkness would persist into eternity.

Can you think of a time in the past where you were sure darkness would prevail, but light emerged?

I have found that choosing to see the light that comes from darkness and embracing change with love and not fear allows my imagination to dream big! There are many pathways to a desired destination. We don't all have to agree on one, but together we can see these unsettling times as opportunities to examine our systems and make changes that will support us all.

From my perspective, I see two parties that have broken through a glass ceiling which is a shift that connects the two parties together. The system has been shaken up so it can change and evolve which will inevitably impact and further our progress together as a nation. I choose optimism. I choose to believe in the inherent goodness of life and the universe. Please join me. Together we can make what seems impossible, possible!

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WHAT DOES THE PURPLE HEART SYMBOLIZE?

10/12/2016

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Recently I was asked why we have chosen a purple heart shaped stress ball as one of the symbols to represent the work of Cope Consulting LLC. Purple is my son, Jack Roy's favorite color. Every time I see the color of purple, I am reminded of the love I have for him and all that he teaches me each day. Purple also stands for a sensitive understanding and compassionate love of yourself which needs to happen first before you are able to share that same love and understanding with others.

When you squeeze the heart, it offers a reminder that compassionate love and understanding for yourself conquers fear. Fear of change and fear of failure often holds us back from changing systems that aren't working for us. Squeezing the purple heart helps us to quiet down the voices of our worries so we can notice the new door that is opening for us. As we gain the courage to walk through, we see the possibilities that await us. It is at that moment where love conquers fear! We know that we are not alone because change is coming from a place of love and we can trust that we will meet people along the way that will support us through this time. Together, we can make what seems impossible, possible!

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A Year in Reflection from Cope Consulting LLC

The Power of ME

Turn Every Experience Into a Learning Opportunity

Igniting Your Creative Flame, Listening to Your Heart and Trusting How Your Dots Will Connect...

"COPE"ING WITH TRANSITIONS LIKE A BUTTERFLY

Happy Holidays and New Year from Cope Consulting LLC!

THE G WORD

I'M POSSIBLE!

"Finding Bright Spots" Photo Taken by Dana Cope on Finnell Road in Yountville, CA

EDUCATIONAL OPTIMISM-FINDING LIGHT IN TIMES OF DARKNESS

WHAT DOES THE PURPLE HEART SYMBOLIZE?

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Cope Consulting LLC

To make an appointment, call 707-337-2940
or email danacopeconsulting@gmail.com

"Finding Bright Spots" Photo Taken by Dana Cope on Finnell Road in Yountville, CA

Author

Archives

Categories

Cope Consulting LLCTo make an appointment, call 707-337-2940or email danacopeconsulting@gmail.com

Cope Consulting LLC

To make an appointment, call 707-337-2940
or email danacopeconsulting@gmail.com