Yoshoda Susan Deschenes – Career Life Institute

Disciplines of Pleasure

I have always been fascinated with energy in many forms, particularly my own. Personal energy can change in a moment or last for what seems to be forever. Energy: like success and failure; that certain spark between people that is ignited; helplessness and hopelessness; joy and creativity; deep, soulful grief, as deep as the Pacific Ocean; the miracle of simultaneity, or magic. But most of all, I am in awe of the profound effects that occur to our energy which are brought about be doing simple practices of earth, air, water, fire, meditation or prayer.

Take for example, how I felt about an hour ago, after returning home from a busy day working in an office. I thought about an article I had agreed to submit to Access and for some reason, the spark or thrill just wasn’t there. I had started several articles and they just died out. I knew, however, that I wanted to write about energy, yet I had none. My brain was at a standstill. I began to feel fed-up and that maybe I really had nothing of value to say.

So, I took my tape recorder into the bathroom, turned it on and filled my bathtub. I got into the tub, laid back and knew that something would come, in time. I even laughed to myself thinking that maybe I would only record running water!

One thing I knew for sure was that whenever I use any one of the practices of the eternal elements (earth, air, water, fire) my energy always turns around, eventually. I breathe and let the tired, low self-esteem thoughts flood my mind. I just hung out in my bath.

After a short time I felt a change and said aloud, “I really like telling stories about myself and perhaps someone else does also.” Voila! My energy returned with zest. And so I have a story:

I was living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, just north of Truckee, at a hot springs resort (also the International Rebirthing Training Center). I had several titles and I was not paid for the work I did. But I loved living there. In the morning, I awoke about 5 a.m. and in the evening went to bed at 2 a.m..

Simply said, I loved what I was living. Never before have I so TOTALLY lived the fullness of my energy. And, I was also fulfilling my heart’s desire in assisting my friend, Leonard Orr.

But I also had to make money. I owned this gorgeous, black, “whupdeedo” Ford Aerostar van which I called my “Om NaMaHa Shivaya mobile.” The monthly payments were $350. So, once a month, for a week, I would go to San Francisco, set up Rebirthing sessions with former clients and give consultations. Sometimes I gave a workshop or worked part-time for a friend who owned a large jewelry wholesale business in the garment district. I also got to spend time with my beloved husband, Pravesh.

One month, I had an appointment at the University of San Francisco’s School of Dentistry, to talk to interns about how to help their patients to relax while having work done. I left this meeting feeling very successful, professional, and excited about subsequent meetings we had planned.

As I approached the corner where I parked my van, I noticed it wasn’t there! I panicked! All of the sudden I read the sign, “Tow-away zone, 4p.m.-6p.m..” Then I vaguely (groan) remembered seeing the sign when I parked, but took no notice (in too much of a hurry). I called the police. They told me my car had been impounded, was located across town and would cost $120 to get it out! Instant terror! Have you ever noticed how under siege your body feels when you are faced with a “we want your money now” edict?

I called Pravesh, who lived in Mill Valley, and asked to borrow the money with assurances I would repay him before I left, seven days later. Also, would he take me to get my car? He was furious. He chewed me out for being so careless (as though I didn’t already do that to myself!). I was even more devastated, both at being $120 in the hole and starting out in disharmony with Pravesh.

I sat down on the steps leading to the admissions area; I couldn’t stop the tears. I was consumed in feelings of hopelessness and helplessness. After my tears subsided, I took out a notepad and furiously wrote thoughts of doom and gloom. Unbridled, they poured out. The more I wrote, the more the feelings of being out of control began to subside. Then, I noticed a change in my energy, in my thinking, I thought, “OK, I have to make money. How will I do that?”

I had completed a cycle of energy, or “temporary insanity,” as my friend Leonard Orr calls such a state. When a feeling is total, it cannot go down any deeper. It can only touch the bottom and begin to move back up. Such was the case with me. Resurrection!

I wrote a list of all the ways I could make money in seven days: consultations and Rebirthing sessions; I would call a friend who sometimes needs computer entry. I then wrote down the names of people I liked and would feel comfortable calling to say that I was in town and would they like a session or consultation.

In my appointment book I marked the days and wrote in the times that I wanted to see those potential clients. I knew that to make things happen in the physical world, making time or space for those things to happen increases the likelihood that they will happen. By the time Pravesh arrived, an hour later, I had my entire week planned. I felt positive and more in control. Every time I take action, the feeling of fear or being out of control disappears.

By Friday, on the fifth day, I had repaid Pravesh and had make my usual $500 for the week. I had not realized that I had a “$500 a week barrier” and I was able to burst through that. (By the way, many people have such a barrier.)

By the week’s end, I had a wonderful time with Pravesh and with my clients and friends and felt proud and secure that I had made the money that I needed to take care of myself. After a week full of work I was brimming in energy. I had made a special point to “do my practices” which relax me enough so that people will want to be around me. And, I had a great time!

Leonard Orr coined another phrase: “The Disciplines of Pleasure,” which are very simple and available to most of us. These are practices of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire, Meditation or prayer. Since our bodies are made up of earth, air, water and fire (digestion; the electricity of an inspiring thought), it only makes sense that when any of those elements are out of balance or missing, we feel it in the forms of tiredness, wanting to give up, anger, indifference, confusion or even physical illness.

Whenever you feel or hear some say, “I’m bummed out,” the antidote is clear; withdraw from people and hang out with fire from a fireplace or even lit candles (at least five). This is known as Fire Purification, because when you are in the presence of fire over a period of time, you’ll become more clear, creative, energetic, relaxed and joyful. Greeting the sunrise or sunset in silence is another form. Fire literally burns off the death urge (any life negating thinking or actions) and negativity.

The Earth Principle is also included in this remedy; being out in nature. Other forms of this principle are playing or listening to percussion instruments, fasting, movement, exercise, massage, and having a career you enjoy.

Years ago I adopted this practice of taking time out from the world–a day of aloneness and silence. At day’s end, I am usually bursting with energy, creativity, and deep, deep satisfaction for just being ordinary ME! Taking time off, regularly, can literally save your life and this is, for most people, the most difficult activity: stopping.

Bathing twice daily is the Water Principle (preferably in a bathtub), in the morning to dissolve the deep sleep, dreams, items left over in your mind from the previous day and a wonderful way to emerge from the nightly womb-the bed. Bathing before your evening meal washes off the psychic energy that we all collect during the day and allows moments to stop and make the transition into the evening.

There are hundreds of breathing techniques: the Air Principle. How about, right now, breathe in fully–high into your lungs–and let the air just drop out, freely, effortlessly, as though you were pouring water out of an upturned bucket. No pushing out, just letting go. A simple breathing exercise can instantly shift your energy, it can bring you energy! Chanting by moonlight is another form of air purification, as is getting out of your bath and letting the air dry your body.

Here is a simple breathing exercise which Leonard Orr created for Americans who want to do everything in 30 seconds; it’s called 20 Connected Breaths:
1.    Take four short breaths, breathing in and out in such a manner that there are no gaps between breathing and letting your breath “drop” out.
2.    That is one set of breaths.
3.    Repeat this four times – four short breaths and one long breath.
4.    Don’t be afraid if you feel sensations in your body for it is just energy that you feel. Do this daily and you’ll gain a lot of knowledge about your breathing.

Incorporating these simple practices into your life may give you more heaven than you now know, but you have to do it to know even that. Try one regularly, then another and another and become the scientist of your own energy body.

Elemental purification cleanses, nourishes and balances. Do it and you will understand what is meant by “Disciplines of Pleasure.” Enjoy!

The Lemonade Stand Principle

I wonder if I was born an entrepreneur. Maybe I just learned, at an early age, that it was more fun to have money than not to have money.

My earliest recollection of my ability to earn money was at age 6, when I sold flowers which I took out of the nearby Lutheran Church garbage bin.

Faithfully on Mondays, the church secretary would put the flowers in the bin; and faithfully after school (first grade), I would take the flowers out, tear out the bad spots and sell them. I would go along the neighborhood streets, door-to-door, peddling my flowers minus the bad spots. I was successful at it. People would give me coins for my little bunches of flowers tied by a red string and when I would get to my last bouquet, I’d knock on the door of the home where the Catholic nuns lived. A very warm and loving sister would give me a small picture of Jesus, in lieu of coins, for my flowers. I did this every Monday like clockwork.

Later on, after selling all of my flowers I took my accumulated pictures of Jesus and gave them to some to the old folks at the nursing home next door to the church.

Somehow, at an early age, I had an “eye” for what could be special to someone else for which I could be paid. I must also have been undaunted, creative, imaginative and have had a measure of freedom from my parents. I am certain, though, that I tremendously enjoyed this. I made special friends.

Whenever the carnival would come to town, I’d go to the “penny pitch” and return home with enough ash trays, glasses, bowls and plates to set up shop. With my card table placed in front of the house, right alongside the sidewalk, I’d sell my wares for ten cents each. I made a profit and I always sold out!

Then I really got into business with my lemonade stand, which I would faithfully set up every Saturday morning and keep it up until 2p.m. At age 6, I was selling lemonade at five cents a glass. I remember making my table beautiful with a tablecloth (I also ironed at a young age) with the finishing touch of red and orange geraniums in a green Coke bottle.

Kids came, so did heir mothers. Even the scary old woman who lived in the proverbial darkened mysterious house down the street sent a note, via the passing mailman, that she wanted me to bring her a cup of lemonade. So I did and for my efforts she gave me twice the amount – 10 cents. That was an interesting lesson: I learned about going that “extra mile”.

I then expanded to include red Kool-Aid for 3 cents a glass because it was cheaper to make and I cheated a little on the sugar. The old woman gave me a 20 pound bag of sugar she no longer used and people liked my Kool-Aid. Later when lemons got costly, I added different flavors of Kool-Aid, even putting some dry Kool-Aid powder in small envelopes for 2 cents. Kids could buy it, pour it out onto their hands and lick the dry and sour powder. As summer came on I included frozen Kool-Aid ice cubes for one penny each. By then I was 8 years of age.

Some days were filled with many trips to the house to get more cold ice water of Kool-Aid ice cubes; other days I went to and from the house because I drank more than I sold! I stayed with this venture for three summers and most Saturdays during school.

I must confess, though, that my Mom put a halt to my entrepreneurial spirit when I charged 5 cents for neighbor kids to wiggle the stiff body of my dead cat Rusty who was on the porch in a box waiting to be picked up by the Humane society!

As I look back, I was in Lemonade Stand Training School, for I learned some lessons that are with me still. I learned:

I, independently, could make something happen.
I had earning power.
To use and sell products that I loved.
I could sell things for money or by trading.
How to negotiate (negotiate means that both partied are satisfied with the deal).
How to be generous. (I would give someone a whole glass of lemonade so they could taste it. Most people would, in turn, buy more. I also gave many free glasses to my buddies.)
To be consistent.
To have completed transactions.

The idea that I learned from my friend Leonard Orr-to have many sources of income-is a smart one and can liberate you from the dependency created by one source of income and the tremendous fear of having it taken away. It can be easy when you relax your mind, become inventive, move from the idea of “selling” to “offering” and let go of attachment to “making the deal”. You can be employed full-time and get involved with products or trade and “do it on the side”.

YOU CAN SELL IDEAS. HSU and CR (local colleges) sell ideas. If you have ever paid tuition, you have purchased ideas. You can sell ideas by giving a class, workshop, a seminar. You can be a consultant if you have something to advise or teach.

YOU CAN SELL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES. There are Avon ladies and Mary Kay consultants; vendors at the Farmer’s Market and North Country Faire; there are sidewalk sales and yard sales and garage sales; there are parties to show beautiful and unusual baskets, Tupperware and intimate apparel; there are Sunrider and Blue Green Algae to take for inner health and cleansing; there’s Toby across from Arcata City Hall selling flowers; and Don in the Arcata Plaza selling hot dogs and sausages.

He is a great entrepreneur. He expanded his business as he saw what people wanted: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and tofu hot dogs. He will even give you a shoe shine! There is no end to what can be available for you. Just select a service or product for which someone will be willing to pay you.

The workplace in 21st century will be a different configuration than we’ve known in the past. Our mentality of largeness seems to be turning around to more simple form. Did you know that home-based business comprises more than 50% of all new businesses in the U.S. and 75% of the new businesses in Canada? The rise in mail-order catalogues and multilevel marketing of products is testimony that people want to buy either at home or in a more personal manner.

The workplace in 21st century is also going to be one of the multi-careers and simultaneous careers. If you are able to change with the changes this can be an exciting time in making money to take care of your needs. Leonard Orr says that: we should stay with a career or product for at least 5 years or until we have become successful with that career or product so that we create patterns of success rather than failure.

So, I’ve created what I will call the “Lemonade Stand Theory” as a way to expand your income. If you think about it you have probably done it. For fun, jot down all of the jobs that you have ever had- all of the things you have ever sold. Then write down all of the things you have done without pay but that you could be paid for. You may be reminded of your capabilities and experience.

Naturally, you must have the “glue” that holds it all together. I think that is made up of personal energy, inspiration, self-esteem and the willingness to show up or have you or your product out where people will know about it, where they live or shop or hang out. Display it or have it available, or you be available and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Susan Yashoda Deschenes teaches classes in clientele building and in relaxation. She lives in Arcata and drinks lemonade to this day.

Bubble Your Pleasure, Bubble Your Fun

Some years ago, a friend saw an item for sale and immediately thought, “Yashoda will love this”.

I did. Her gift was a bubble wand – the kind that made huge bubbles! With practice you could even encircle your body with these bubbles! And, if you added glycerin to the soapy water, glorious rainbows filled bubbles as they drifted towards the sky.

The more bubbles I made the more fun I had. I loved the way I could use the wind, gently turning my arms and body in a graceful way which made the bubbles. I knew I wanted to sell bubbles as extra income.

Some time before, another friend and teacher, Leonard Orr, told a group of us “If you are really intelligent, you will create many sources of income – 50 sources of income!” I thought he was daft, that it was easy for him to say because he is fairly well-known and is in many money making adventures. But I remember what else he said: that when we have one main source of income a sort of dependency gets created; along with that comes an unconscious fear of losing that source of income. I also knew of people who were in stifling uncreative jobs for that very reason. So, since I already was selling other things, I decided to broaden to three sources of income.

I called the manufacturer and purchased 200 bubble wands, at about $2.15 each. That was a sizable amount for me at the time, but I had this feeling that I could have fun and make money.

My bubble wands arrived, I put on my best working boots and hat, something colorful and crazy in between, and set off for the Canby County Fair in Canby, Oregon, I rented a space and set up my table, bucket and a simple sign that said: “Mystical, Magical Bubbles…Bubble Your Pleasure, Bubble Your Fun!”

And I did. I had fun. I got so INTO making the bubbles, watching each as a surprising, magical occurrence, that I completely forgot that I was selling! Why, people were asking ME if they could GIVE ME money so they could have their bubble wand.

In three days, I was delightfully wiped out! And substantially filled out in my wallet! I sold the wands for $10 (I knew they retailed for $12) or two for $15. I ordered more and sold them whenever I saw the opportunity, gave some as gifts, traded some, even took some as I traveled to Europe and India. I sold them atop a hotel in London and traded my last wand in Katmandu for a night stay in a guest house – if I did the demonstration! Yes, I was successful at selling these bubble wands.

Leonard also says it is smart to always have something to sell, I learned a valuable secret that has remained with me still:

I was fired up by the product, thinking and feeling them to be so wonderful for me to demonstrate and for people to buy and,
I forgot I “had” to sell them which gave me freedom to relax, to play…to sell!

Apart from my setting up and showing up, this experiment was not only easy, it was effortless because of the fun that I had.

It is intelligent these days for all of us to create many sources of income. There are wonderful products that can be sold person-to-person, services and ideas (giving a workshop or class). That is how money is made: ideas, goods and services. Think about something that “turns you on”, “gives you a hit” or “fires you up”. Get a few and sell them and make a profit. Do you remember how good you feel when you find something that’s fun as well as a bargain? Well you can do the same for people you know or strangers by offering them something that can enhance their pleasure or practicality of life.

Note: No one will do without because you “turn a buck”. It is not true that there is only a limited amount of money in Humboldt County. All it takes is imagination, some creativity and energy on your part. And this is how most money making ventures begin. Leonard Orr likes to make money jokes, here’s one: It is the not that money is the root of all evil…It is the lack of money that is the root of all evil.

Susan Deschenes leads classes in clientele building, energy breathing and spiritual purification practice in Humboldt County. On her last pilgrimage to India, she left California with a train ticket to Montreal and $75…She returned 2 years later with $300 and never-to-be-forgotten experiences in England, Spain, Austria, Italy, India, and South Africa using these principles.

The Energy of Success

Truly successful people have certain energy. They are happy because they are engaged in work that they love doing. My definition of successful person is someone who has tapped into their personal, divine motivation and built a career out of it. They get pleasure out of serving people in a pleasurable and profitable way.

What a wonderful thought: Happy people working to make other people happier while expressing their own individual way of earning their income and engaging in work they love! Work being joy must be what Edison knew when he said, "Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration." If we are motivated by that 1% inspiration, we enjoy the perspiration. If we aren't, then our work can become 100% drudgery, and that definitely leads to "burn out." However, even divine inspirations can become drudgery if we don't understand and practice certain emotional, spiritual and energy bodies in balance.

In addition to the surge of well-being that satisfied clients give us, as well as doing what we love, we must ultimately come to realize the unique qualities of our energy. It is smart to recognize that being in the presence of people can either be a source of nourishment or can drain us. When the nourishment is happening, we can go on and on. But when we are drained by people for too long, we become ill or burned out. So why not begin simple practices, everyday, that will support the nourishment of your body and energy and mind.

The following are simple practices using the basic elements of the universe-earth, air, water, and fire–and meditation/prayer that I learned from a great western yogi teacher, Leonard Orr.

Earth Element

Any type of daily movement-like walking around your block once a day; being engaged in any type of work you love; and food mastery. Since you are the scientist of your body, you can experiment with fasting for one meal to begin. You can eat only fruit for one meal or for the entire day. You can gradually increase the length of your fast if you want to cleanse your system and give your digestive system a rest. You'll love your break-fast in the morning! Just remember you fast for pleasure not denial.

Air Element

Take notice of your breathing. Learn simple breathing exercises. You can do the "20 Connected Breaths" exercise which Leonard Orr created for Americans who want to do everything, in 30 seconds. Just take 4 short breaths, connecting your inhales to your exhales with no gaps or holding in between and then 1 full breath. Repeat this sequences 4 times. Whatever you feel is energy. And if you feel dizzy, it may be indicator that you are usually underbreathing.

Water Element

The simple act of bathing daily can be profound. Bathe or shower in the morning an immediately on returning home at he end of your day. It is a wonderful way to wash off the psychic dirt we accumulate during the day.

Turn the shower to a little cool water just when your are finished. This seals your energy centers (chakras) and helps you keep balance a little longer.

Fire Element

Fire means sun awareness, candle gazing, or sitting before an open fire. Better still, sleeping in front of an open flame. The energy of fire extends beyond the fire itself and can be felt on your body and in your aura (the energy field surrounding your body). I especially use fire after I have given a workshop, when I feel ill or plagued with negative thinking, fear, doubt, disappointment or confusion. It always burns away the "downside" of life's' experiences. Fire is also a cure for "burn-out," which just means your are overloaded by work and people. Hanging out infront of a fire will do wonders for you.

Meditation and Prayer

Setting aside quiet time for yourself or going to a special location that is peaceful and quiet is another simple way of purifying or cleansing your thoughts and connecting with your heart. When we are in the right relationship with ourselves and with God/Universe, all of our relationships are better and our life seems to flow.

The practices are simple and can only be experienced through direct experience. Just thinking about it cannot give you the same results. You might do a 30-day experiment and begin with one or more or these practice. The positive results will be in your thinking, your feeling body and in the results you are easily able to create in your life.

I also strongly recommend you set aside a full day, preferably one-day a week, to be completely alone and NOT be involved in your usual work. If this seems impossible with your busy life, start with setting aside 3 hours just for you and then gradually expand this time. Just take time out from the world–read, work in the garden, wonder, rest, write letters to your loving friends and family, or write in your journal. This practice helps me tremendously. I think about my next project or next day's events. I turn down the answering machine and review it at the end of the day, which is usually Sunday. When you do this in the presence of fire you get a multitude of benefits. I always get my best business ideas during this time–the inspirations just spontaneously come.

(Yashoda Susan Deschenes has been teaching Energy Breathing for 14 years and has provided training throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, and South Africa. She is the mother of 4 beautiful daughters and 1 BEAUTIFUL grandson.)