In this fast-paced, media-overloaded world, we hunger for truth, balance, and clarity. We desire human and furthermore, spiritual connection. But, we often find ourselves questioning, “how do I get there”?
Imagine an afternoon where you invest in your reality – not a media-driven adaptation of it. Where you discover that health and happiness cannot be separated from what we think, what we feel, and what we choose to do at any phase. Where you rediscover your voice, without having to compete for it to be heard. Where you release yourself from personal and societal expectations and feel your mind, body, and spirit reconnect.
Diane has connected with Fox Creek Ranch and vineyards to offer a unique experience where women can switch off from the daily chatter and immerse themselves in the serenity and beauty of Mother Nature in Carmel Valley.
Imagine a forum dedicated to you: your journey, your ambitions, and the path you envision. Join facilitator and key note speaker Diane Danvers Simmons as she shares three simple steps “Own it, Feel it, Live it,” for reigniting your spirit, regaining your life balance and living life by your own definition.
Half day Forum: October 7th, 1pm to 5pm at Fox Creek Ranch and Vineyards, Carmel Valley Ranch rd, Carmel Valley CA.
Will include interactive exercises, journaling, simple meditation, Yoga and conclude with a wine reception with appetizers overlooking the vineyards and Valley.
Maximum 24 participant $135 to secure your spot.
10% of profits will be donated to Impower Charity of choice for the month of October 2016.
Own your Power, Feel Your Spirit, Live Your Life with Wit & Wisdom.
Published on HuffingtonPost.com & GalTime.com July 2016.
Give a girl a pair of shoes and she can conquer the world. Marilyn Monroe
Spirituality in Stilettos celebrates a women’s spiritual bliss grounded in her own Truth and style !
Maybe Style isn’t the first word that comes to mind when talking about spirituality, but the secret is that the two are not mutually exclusive; actually together they are a harmonious powerful duo. After all Spirituality is just a big word for the truth and joy of whom we are.
Embracing our spiritual bliss doesn’t mean we have to give up everything we love about style and fashion. In essence, style is the infinite expression of our creativity, our own unique way we present ourselves to the world. The truth we often forget is, style and spirituality have been intertwined since the beginning of time. They are a distinct hallmark of ceremonies, traditions and cultural expression.
Liberate yourself and honor your own Spiritual Style by embracing the following:
Own it – Spirituality and Style is the outward expression of our inner self.
Style gives people a perspective of who we are through our actions and appearance, our reflection for the world to view, an expression of our creative flair. Style gives us the chance to be curious and explore what suits not just our body and situation but our life and all the options open to us.
Think about it for a moment. When we go into a meeting or out on a date, we take time to think about how we want to present ourselves to the world. WHY, because to often we only get one chance at a first impression and we want to ensure it’s a good one. Our outward demeanor is an indicator of our inward expression. It’s not the totality of who we are, but it does give others a clue as to who we are.
Feel it– Spiritual style exudes Confidence:
Each of our unique qualities and style, so take ownership and pride in them and show them to the world. Style is the gauge and companion of our every mood and action. A chosen Style makes a statement without even having to open our mouth. It says I’m comfortable in my skin and with my choices. I know what and how I feel right now.
I’m willing to own my choices, tap into my heart and share who I am and what I have to offer the world…even if it’s not your taste.
It’s the dress that makes us feel beautiful with a pair of stilettos that scream I’m ready to conquer the world. Our favorite pair of jeans and big comfy sweater that says I’m relaxed in my own skin.
Live it -Don’t let a label define you!
Ask yourself, could the label on the garment or the shoe be your name …NO, unless you’re lucky enough to be Donna Karan or Diane Von Furstenberg! A label does not define us, it is not the be and end all of our existence. We give the label life and validity by how you wear it. When you find a designer, a style that highlights all your gorgeous qualities and makes you feel fabulous …then you have style and spirituality working in harmony, it Your label. Stop comparing yourself to another, value and take pride in your own style and truth and trust that others will see and accept you for you, not a label.
Style has a language of it’s own that goes beyond geographical borders
Style has a language that goes beyond the constraints of the spoken word. Style acknowledges and respects diversity and individuality.
Spirituality doesn’t have a dress code. It offers us a free pass to pay attention to the details in our life, to have fun with your own creativity and express yourself the way you want and feel for the occasion. Remember you can’t please all of the people all the time, so please yourself!
Ultimately, it’s the fire in your eyes, smile on your face, a positive attitude and the energy in your stride that are the best foundation for any outfit and attitude shows the world you’re willing and ready to….Strut down the runway of life dressed in your own truth and style and live life by your own definition.
Diane Danvers-Simmons is a passionate, visionary global citizen who offers solutions to inspire women to embrace their core values and live life by their own definition with wit & wisdom. Through inspired Spirituality in Stilettos programming, uplifting Made by Survivors jewelry, impactful documentaries, and speaking engagements, Diane creates experiences and brands to raise awareness, uplift souls, inspire action, empower and connect people from all walks of life on one universal journey for a brighter, more enlightened future. For more information visit www.ownitfeelitliveit.com.http://i0.wp.com/galtime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Diane-headshot.png
Published June 2016: on Momiverse.com, Dr Laura.com and Hitched.com.
Raising Compassionate, Mindful, Global citizens!
I hate to scare you, Mums, but being a mother is the ultimate job of a lifetime. This is your chance to make an impact, a difference in the world, all while creating a unique and special bond for eternity.
A child is so much more than the sweet helpless one-year old you swaddle in your arms – with those gorgeous doe eyes that gaze up into yours for security, love and guidance. This is a beautiful soul – watching and listening to the person he or she trusts the most – you!
You are his or her lifeline and first role model. I’m not suggesting you put on your crown and robe and start prancing around like the queen of England. This is not about control. It’s about bringing out the best in humanity.
I’m a mother of four – two from my very own body and two older stepchildren. The rules of engagement are different for both sets, but the underlying values are the same.
Own being a mother like a warrior with confidence and self-respect. If you want to raise your child to own their own actions, they need to become independent, creative thinkers. Teach your child to own their place in the world by following your lead.
Your responsibility to your offspring is to nurture and guide them within the protection and support of your love, because the truth is:
Children find in the eyes of their parents the mirror in which they define themselves. Fill them with nothing and they become nothing.–William Galser, psychologist
Prepare your child for a global society with the following Own itfeel it Live it guiding principles. With these principles, no matter what situation they encounter, your children will have the strength and know-how to endure and succeed in a compassionate, mindful, manner.
1. Set safe boundaries.
Kids feel safer when you set boundaries. As your child tests you, he is really testing his place in the world. He is testing your ability to stay rational and present. You are not your child’s best friend. You are the one safe place where your child can find love, truth, and trust.
2. Instill confidence.
Trust your own intuition and choices, but most importantly your child’s abilities and choices. A person can only feel confident if they are given the chance to test their place in the world, explore and try new challenges, so your child can feel capable. Be patient! Engage your child in activities so he can gain strength and knowledge through real-life, everyday experiences – whether it’s making a smoothie that ends up as an artistic wall covering or picking up leaves all over the yard after a storm. Be your child’s cheerleader and let he or she own the experience so he can feel self-respect, capable, accomplished.
Without these experiences of failure and success, your child may think, “Why bother? They don’t believe I can do anything!” Give your child the confidence to avoid becoming a slacker, living off mom and dad for eternity. No, thank you!
3. Nurture success and support individuality.
Children want and need to be productive and valuable members of society. Your role is to create an environment where your child feels his life has meaning and what she has to contribute has value. I’m not suggesting false praise, but rather genuine validation for success. Be present. Listen to what’s important to them, so they feel significant. Don’t judge prematurely. It’s your child’s unique gifts the world needs next, not yours. Let go and encourage your child to be curious, ask questions, and own the outcome with pride and passion.
4. Encourage conversation and eye contact.
Have lots of conversations with your children. Remember the quote “fill them up,” well, I wasn’t referring to just food! It’s only through the simple act of conversation that a child learns interpersonal skills. Ban the electronics from the table and teach your children how to have eye contact, listen, exchange ideas, and respect their own and other opinions. Ultimately, the art of conversation gives a child and your future global citizen assurance that they do have a voice and the freedom to express their own feelings, ideas, and needs!
If you encourage your child to be the author of their own life, they stand a good chance of being effective, happy, healthy members of society. Most importantly, they become the best version of themselves, and in turn, you!
Own it, Feel it, Live it, and Take Pride in Raising a Valuable Global Citizen!
Women’s Foundations are catalyst’s for change and social change is certainly not for the faint of Heart. However, give a woman a voice and a choice and she’ll always rise up to the job at hand with the strongest of hearts.
This is the renewed conviction and sense of purpose I felt when I walked out of the “Women’s Fund Convening 2016″ in San Luis Obispo, Thursday July 14th.
Like minded women from Women’s Fund organizations up and down the Central Coast of California came together to connect missions, share ideas, and develop actionable solutions, to advance gender equity and economic, social, emotional, and physical wellbeing for all women.
Thank you to activist Tracy Gary for sharing her wisdom, educating us and facilitating our discussions for positive change.
It might start with a village, but in truth, it will take tribes of fearless women of every creed, race and age to step up with compassion and commitment to develop, fund and implement sustainable solutions.
The good news is that women are already making a difference everyday in the USA through organizations such as The Women’s Foundation. Only through collaboration and support can we continue to build a better world where not only women, but whole communities can thrive.
Women’s Fundraising lunch Monterey County ”Building awareness in our communities”
As Bertie Elliot said in a recent interview we filmed with her…
“I ask each of you to look into your own hearts and ask …how can I help?
Thanks to members of the Women’s Fund of: Santa Barbara, Monterey, Northern Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern county and Ojai.
Own your choice to make a difference and feel the difference it makes not only in another life, but in yours too. Diane xo
As seen in INTENT.COM, published June 13th 2016. written by Diane Danvers Simmons
Spirituality in Stilettos celebrates the beauty, strength and style of a women’s spiritual bliss grounded in the 21st century with an irresistible twist!
Spirituality is truly a big word for spirit … the truth and joy of who we are and Stilettos remind us that we live in the 21st century with all of its mixed messages and noise. Most of us yearn for clarity, balance and connection but we don’t have a year to eat in Italy, pray in India and fall in love in Bali to find ourselves. We need to keep our feet on the ground, but allow our spirits to soar. You have both, be enlightened and embrace the power of mind, body spirit unity: all while hugging a tree, wearing a pair of stilettos and drinking a glass of wine in a sexy red dress.
Finding your spiritual bliss. This doesn’t mean you have to box yourself in, become holier than thou and give up everything else. In essence, it means you have the ability to expand beyond your physical self; We’re multi dimensional beings, made up of layers of conscious and unconscious experiences and roles all stored in our mind, bodies and soul. Only by approaching life as a whole in all of our glorious shades of perfect and imperfect color can we be our original, exceptional, sexy self …we wear many shoes, so be kind and forgiving with yourselves. Spirituality in Stilettos means different things to different people, so be different and be your own judge.
Follow your bliss. First, there is no secret timeline when it comes to Spiritual bliss. Spirituality is our own journey, whatever that may be. I just ask that you choose yours and not someone else’s. I do encourage you to let the fear creep in, face it, but don’t let it stunt you.
Embrace your childlike wonder, be curious, creative and answers will flow. Bliss comes from what your spirit needs, not textbooks, so when you feel doubt. I want to remind you to ask yourself a simple question. “Who has the right to judge your journey?”
Spirituality is limitless …just like you. It’s abundant energy stemming from our heart, which sees all possibilities. It’s our guiding compass that helps us make sense of the world and how we can live our best life in it. It enables us to cultivate who we are with clarity, the infinite wisdom that unleashes our unique gifts, talents and compassion into the world. When our spirit soars it radiates an irresistible energy, a magnet that draws another closer. It’s a gift for us to share.
Spirituality in style- doesn’t let a label define us. It’s the outward expression of whom we are inside. It’s the dress that makes us feel beautiful, the old sweater that say’s I’m comfortable wrapped in my own skin. It’s the fire in our eyes, the glow of our skin and the confidence in our stride. Let your style reflect how you project yourselves to the world. Stop comparing yourself to another, value and take pride in your own style and truth.
Spiritual connection is a lot to process. What we take for granted is our breath; without it we do not exist so take a deep one, and expand your thinking. Take time daily to sink into the quietness, to clear the clutter in our minds and reenergize. Connecting our mind, body and spirit enables us to remember our desires and what’s important to us, not what others expect. By connecting to our core we can make better sense of our place in the world and handle situations and people. It isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being aware.
Spirituality In Stilettos in the 21st century is smart but not always easy to wrap our minds around…and it’s not something that solves all of life’s ups and downs, but it enables us to have faith and hope. Faith in yourself, hope in living in your dreams.
Whatever yours are, I encourage you to allow yourself to be open to the gifts or challenges you’ll face. Once you block out the fear, let your spirit in, trust your intuition, accept and Own your own course, Feel the difference and joy it can bring to your life…then you’ll be truly Living it … and you’ll be ready to strut down the runway of life dressed in your own truth and style.
Diane Danvers-Simmons is a passionate, visionary global citizen who offers solutions to inspire women to embrace their core values and live life by their own definition with wit & wisdom. Through inspired Spirituality in Stilettos programming, uplifting Made by Survivors jewelry, impactful documentaries, and speaking engagements, Diane creates experiences and brands to raise awareness, uplift souls, inspire action, empower and connect people from all walks of life on one universal journey for a brighter, more enlightened future. For more information visit www.ownitfeelitliveit.com.
By Diane Danvers Simmons, creator of Own It, Feel It, Live It, for eHarmony Advice, published June 7th 2016.
In this fast-paced, high-tech world we often feel lost, confused, and absent of meaningful connections to self and others. We’re becoming numb, deflated to the negative behavior of the housewives of stupidity and the fantasy images too often portraying our gender.
Our lives spin like a revolving door and we certainly don’t have a year to sit on a mountain top to find ourselves, but here’s the secret, we don’t need to find ourselves …we’re right here, housed in this gorgeous vessel called a body, that’s been with us since the day we were born.
We just need let go of what think we should be and remember to just BE true to ourselves and recognize that our total well-being cannot be separated from what we think, feel, and do for a meaningful life…but how do we get there?
Own it, Feel it, Live it: These are three simple steps, our mantra for a new way of living by reconnecting and rebalancing our mind, body, and spirit, our core essence, for a deeper feeling of self, clarity, and growth for a happier, healthier whole life.
Step 1. Own Your Power
Be self-aware: step into a relationship of trust and well-being with no one other than yourself. Owning it takes courage, raw honesty, and real work, but it’s the place we need to go if we really want to understand why and where we stand today. Take back ownership of your life by…
Accepting responsibility for the choices you’ve made, good and bad, and understanding how they’ve impacted your relationships and the world.
Acknowledge that only you can change your story, your mindset, your attitude, your situation to be the author of your own story.
Acknowledge that our lives are a collective of past, present, and future. Take the best of the past, be present in your daily interactions and embrace that everything has a time and a place, so you can live a full engaged life.
Let go of toxic situations that deflate your soul. You don’t have control over other people’s choices or behaviors, but you do your own.
Step 2. Connect to Your Feelings
We are all pure energy in motion fed by our heart, ignited by our spirit, distracted by our minds, all housed in our bodies. The question for most is whether we feel balanced, connected to our whole being and passions or are we fragmented, confused, and stagnant?
Be present in your emotions by:
Feeling the waves of joy and pain that a life well-lived brings: allow yourself to be vulnerable, notice what triggers you, where and how you feel tension in your body, breathe through the emotion, journal it and let it go, so you can keep walking forward.
Actively engaging our senses daily: for example, when greeting a friend, look into their eyes, hear the tone of their voice, and embrace them so they feel your presence. When we enliven our senses we heighten our intuition for more fulfilling experiences.
Connecting to our breath, our hearts, our life source through meditation, a walk in nature or yoga to feel the wisdom and joy of your mind, body, and soul flowing in unity, hear the beliefs you hold true and embrace total well-being.
Step 3. There’s life and then there’s living…
To live life we choose to be flexible, mindfully observant, and joyously present. When our mind, body, and spirit are working in harmony, we function as a whole being, not a fragmented one. By blocking out the noise we can pay attention to our own voice, desires, gifts and needs with clarity thereby enabling what we think, feel, and do to flow seamlessly with confidence for happier, healthier lives. We’re free to BE who we are, what we love, and to love.
Each day dip into the silence and ask these simple questions to stay on the path to living life by your own definition:
What am I choosing to focus my attention on, am I investing in my own dreams or someone else’s?
What feelings or sensations did this bring up in my body and where in my body?
Am I just functioning and going through the motions or am I participating in creating and living the life I want or just waiting for it to happen?
Diane Danvers-Simmons is a passionate, visionary global citizen who offers solutions to inspire women to embrace their core values and live life by their own definition with wit & wisdom. Through inspired Spirituality in Stilettos programming, uplifting Made by Survivors jewelry, impactful documentaries, and speaking engagements, Diane creates experiences and brands to raise awareness, uplift souls, inspire action, empower and connect people from all walks of life on one universal journey for a brighter, more enlightened future. For more information visit www.ownitfeelitliveit.com.
It’s live from Carmel !!!…I’m happy to announce that the first collection ofSpirituality in Stilettos “Own it, Feel it, Live it”jewelry is now available for purchase at: http://own-it-feel-it-live-it.myshopify.com/.
I created the Own it, Feel it, Live it symbol as a beautiful piece of jewelry to remind women everywhere that we have everything we need inside of us. It’s fluid design embodies unity and connection to self, each other and the world at large, promoting one universal heartbeat for a brighter, more enlighten world!
Special thanks to:Fred Dias, graphic artist for helping me create the OFL logo and the shopify website; Jewelry designer, John Rox in Lake Tahoe, for taking our vision and making it a reality; Sarah Symons, founder of “Made by Survivors” and the young women she employs for producing the first silver collection of pendants and bangles which I’ve named “Sarvela”.
”Sarvela” is Sanskrit for“connected to all”. Through this collection we have been able to connect with and support each of these talented artisans so that they can become independent; “rise up”, let go of their abused past to move forward and live a healthier, happier life. It is in this way that each of these women personifies the core essence of Own it , feel it, live it.
My goal with Spirituality in Stilettos is to empower women and girls to believe in themselves, follow their dreams and to focus on the positive effect we have emotionally and socially when we support each other.
A portion of Jewelry sales go toward targeted programs, film and foundations to raise awareness and action.
Stayed tuned as we step into the next chapter with purpose!
Own it, Feel it, Live it, Diane
Shopping site can be accessed through the “Own it Feel it Live it/Spirituality in Stilettos” website jewelry page or by going directly to http://own-it-feel-it-live-it.myshopify.com/.
Three session workshop
Balancing Mind, Body & Spirit
in the Modern World with Wit & Wisdom
There are no coincidences… it’s just up to us, to be present,
take notice & act.
Diane Danvers Simmons
In this fast-paced media driven world, we hunger for truth, balance, clarity, and authentic growth, with the desire for more meaningful, emotional, social and physical connection. But how do we get there?
Diane will share three simple steps “Own it Feel it Live it , “to help reignite your spirit and regain your life balance, through a unique three part Spirituality in Stilettos experience, connecting you to your greatest source of knowledge YOU.
Join Diane in a safe haven where you can pause and rediscover the value and joy of investing in yourself. In this way, women will be reminded of the importance of paying attention to the details of our lives through the power of self reflection and the core reality that health and happiness cannot be separated from what we think, what we feel, and what we do at any phase of life. SIS offers a multidimensional approach, blending the best of East and West to help women nourish and enrich their everyday lives while remaining grounded in their very own truth and style.
The series flows into three parts, all of which bring the essence of, Own it, Feel It, Live It to life through unique teachings, fun, insightful interactive exercises, journaling, yoga, meditation, sensory awareness, and discussion … along with some surprises!
Workshops June 4th, 5th & 8th 2016
Spirituality in Stilettos
Own your power, Feel your Spirit, Live your life with Wit & Wisdom
By Giving women an opportunity to explore, connect, and rediscover the value and joy of investing in themselves, Diane’s Spirituality in Stilettos (SIS) workshops, highlight the power of mind, body, spirit unity to promote total well-being for a happier, healthier life.
The series comprises of three 2 hour Spirituality in Stilettosexperiences where women can switch off from the daily chatter. This new format gives each of you time in between the Own it, Feel it, Live it, sessions to reflect and come back to discuss within the group or in private
Own it – Sunset Center, Carmel, CA: June 4th 1.30pm – 4pm
Own Your Power: Take the first step to enhanced self- awareness. Take ownership of your life, your choices – Self reflection/awareness exercises, journaling, interactive exercises with group and discussion. Held at Carmel’s premier performing arts center for artistic and educational programming in the heart of Carmel’
Feel it – OM Oasis Yoga studio, Carmel,CA: June 5th 1.00- 3PM
Feel your Spirit: Nourish, Reconnect, balance and free your mind, body and spirit to flow in unity for improved health and well-being. Express yourself through the movement of Yoga, simple meditation, journaling in Om Oasis’s beautiful studio offering an energizing , inspiring space saturated with natural light
Live it – A Carmel Wine Tasting room, June 8th 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Live your life with Wit & Wisdom: Join us at a local wine tasting room, where you’ll have the opportunity to celebrate “Living it” with Friends old and new. Enjoy delectable wine-tasting flights and sumptuous appetizers during the concluding LIVE IT session. This reception will feature lots of camaraderie and some interactive exercises intended help you embrace the lessons learned through Own it and Feel it so you can live it the way you choose and Strut down Life’s runway in your own Spirituality in Stilettos.
More details
This is an event you won’t want to miss, Ladies — An affirming and enlightening opportunity to explore the strengths of a multi- dimensional approach to life, and demonstrate what a powerful difference can be made when we come together and support each other in a common goal. Maximum of 20 spots available.
To make your reservation & ensure your spot at this unique OFL series, please e–mail Diane@ownitfeelitliveit.com for cost and sign up by May 19th 2016
For more information about Diane Danvers Simmons and her work with Own It, Feel It, Live It, visit her official website at www.ownitfeelitliveit.com.
Special thanks to the Sunset Cultural Center, Carmel, for inviting me to be a keynote speaker as part of the Healing Arts Series. The series mission is to foster community vitality through education and enrichment programs such as, Spirituality in Stilettos – Own it Feel it Live it (OFL), for better wellness in our everyday lives.
Heartfelt thanks, to over 65 people who filled the room ready to open their minds, and hearts to connect, and support each other as they listened to the value of paying attention to the details of their lives through three simple steps, OFL, to reconnect, rebalance and reignite mind, body, and spirit. It was so rewarding and inspirational to watch people be open to new ways of thinking, go within, embrace the philosophy of mind, body, spirit unity, laugh, cry and to share their experiences as the evening unfolded with the entire group.
Forums such as these reinforce my belief in the importance and power of human connection, to self, each other and the difference we can make when we come together to support each other in personal growth and empowerment. My hope is to help people expand with love, trust, and compassion, rather than be held hostage by fear.
Genuine Connection and Community is key to our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of mankind!!
Immense gratitude to my friends and family who continue to push and support me on my journey with SIS/ OFL…you know who you are and I love you !!
It was such an honor to be the keynote speaker at the IMPOWER group`s luncheon this past week with over 225 business women and men in attendance. These women and men recognize the importance of collaboration and reinvesting in themselves, each other and the community as a whole.
What a great crowd…where else can you get over 225 people in a room to close their eyes, be totally silent and practice a meditative breathing exercise!
I felt such positive energy while sharing my journey to create Spirituality in Stilettos, the philosophy of “Own it, Feel it, Live it” and the power of mind, body, and spirit unity. My number one purpose was to remind and inspire women to value who they are and what they have to offer the world…which is A LOT Ladies!
It truly is empowering, as well fun, to meet like minded women who are committed to creating environments where women in business can come together, connect, exchange ideas and teachings for meaningful growth; with the added bonus of supportive male co workers in attendance.
Many thanks to co founders Margaret D’Arrigo – Martin and Cathy Schlumbrecht for believing in me and most importantly creating such a tremendous forum where meaningful partnerships and friendships are established and fostered to grow.
