lystn

The concept of social distancing doesn’t seem to bode well for creating romance and connection. But, during this time we have a unique opportunity to enrich our lives and the lives of others. To discuss different strategies of how we can grow in heart, mind, and spirit, Marni welcomes Dating with Dignity’s Master Coach and Guru of the 5-Keys program, Sherrie Toews and our Director of Training and Master Coach Tessa Alburn into the Den.    Key takeaways from this episode:  3 strategies to create intimacy and connection How to decrease fear and anxiety Creative ideas for virtual dates The importance of turning inward during social distancing How to be generous with yourself    Inner Resources Help You Move Away from Fear and Anxiety [4:38]  Tess Alburn says the number one thing we ladies can do to keep ourselves positive during this unintended slow time is to be present. Focus on what is happening at the moment. No what if's, or thoughts about what was. We are alive and today is beautiful!    There are several ways to stay present:  Meditation Breathwork Grounding Being in nature   Sheri adds that it is important to stay focused on self-appreciation and what feels good in our bodies. Be curious and creative if your usual routine is not enough. Take baby steps but try new things while keeping structure in your life.    Be careful not to make up stories about what you think you can't have or can't do. Routines will support you. You haven't lost control and you still have choices.    Don't fall down the rabbit hole of disempowerment and into a victim mentality. Give yourself a smile.   Creating Relationships During Social Distancing [13:35] Marni reminds us to be intentional about creating intimacy and connection during social distancing. There are ways to create new or enrich current relationships, even our relationship to self.    Practice these three suggestions:  Tend current relationships or focus on the relationships we want to create. Turn inward.  Be generous with yourself and with others.   Virtual dates will likely become part of the new normal, at least for now. It’s easy to make the most of it while having fun and creating deep connections. In the last podcast episode, Mike Goldstein told us the process of asking for a virtual date. Now it’s time to get creative.    Give yourself permission to be playful and risk it. Let yourself be sweet to someone.      Social distancing offers a unique opportunity to turn inward and deal with your internal stuff. Anytime you feel challenged by the stillness, practice some emotional self-care. Start by acknowledging your feelings. Be honest about your fears and anxieties and give yourself permission to let them go.    Be generous during this time and generate some love.    Ask yourself ‘why does what I am feeling make sense?’ If you are critical or self-sabotaging yourself now, practice being an observer and stop judging yourself. Your inner critic may yell at you but if you stay in non-judgment you can calmly choose the next step.    Talk to your body parts to understand how you may be holding on to stress from unexpressed feelings.    Generosity towards oneself isn't selfish. It helps us learn to receive and to create a loving relationship. Choose something daily to be generous to yourself with. It could be 15-min or an hour. Consider who you want to become? Ask yourself what your high ideals are. What do I care about?    Being generous to others in this time of need can lift your spirits and the spirits of another person. A good example of things you can do is to color your own hair but send a check to your hairdresser.    Make a Connection: Visit Our Website Join Our Dating Den Facebook Community Here! Learn how to attract your perfect equal...watch our latest training here! Interested in working with us? Book a Breakthrough session at DWDVIP Get a Free Coaching Session with Marni on Our Podcast - Sign up Here to Be a Guest On Our Show Download a Complimentary Copy of our Book - How to Find a Quality Guy Without Going on 200 Dates Dating Den Podcasts #83, #104, and #155 with Sherrie Toews and Tessa Album 36 Questions To Ask In Virtual Dating with Mike G