Opening into the Unknown

August 29, 2011

While growing up, my Mom had a quote hung on her bedroom wall, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” That quote is hanging in my head spinning round and round as my sister and I wait in the surgery lounge area at a hospital in Southern California. We are waiting, staring into space, contemplating, quietly anxious, to hear about our Mom’s cancer prognosis. What will it be? How will our lives and the life of our mother change with the words that we hear?

It’s like hanging on a precipice not knowing when or if the earth will give way. We’re making lemons as we sit, giving each other a smile every now and then, enjoying a laugh when my brother-n-law intercedes a joke, telling ourselves everything will be o.k. And what is o.k. anyway?

Pondering the realities of mortality has been one of the greatest spiritual journey’s I’ve taken so far in life, and it’s up front and center as never before. Some of you may stop reading at this point because death feels too scary to think about out, or can be thought of as “depressing.” But in looking straight into our own mortality, we can bring a much greater sense of life and vitality to how we live, and potentially relieve that deep rooted fear!

Contemplate who you imagine around you when you die and what you say to each other; live today as if it were your last day (what would you do differently and the same); send a letter to friends and/or family members thanking them for something they have done for you; walk through a cemetery and imagine the lives of the people there; imagine your own death – how would you die if you could choose? These are just a start to many ways we can address our own death, which ultimately creates more life for us through relieving fear!

My mom’s optimism, smile, laugh, and attitude are what we are thinking of now. How she has been a role model for us, even going into surgery today with courage, honesty, and laughter. We sit in the unknown, opening and hoping. With all the lemonade we’re making, we’ll have enough for a street side stand soon!

Categories: Health & Happiness

My passion, my calling, is for you to be totally you. Through private coaching, in-depth retreats, and online group coaching programs, I help you tap into your intuition and clarify your desires and vision, I guide you to take active steps toward making your desires a reality.

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Prior to working with Angela 1-on-1, I was trying to fit myself into what I’d believed life “should” be, which left me lethargic and unhappy. My life now has a lot of positive and new, as a result of the clarity I developed while working with Angela. Together we uncovered what was true to me.

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Prior to working with Angela, I was feeling trapped in a job that didn’t suit me. I couldn’t make sense of my discontent, because I made good money, helped people, and had great coworkers — what was not to love? I was depressed and suffering from stomach issues, and my personal relationships were suffering. Angela came into my life just when I needed her, and she helped me to see that life isn’t about what I “should” be doing, but instead about what speaks to me. Her grace and compassion allowed me to give myself permission to follow my heart.

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Everyone deserves to work with you! Your work, your presence, your wisdom, your energy is amazing! You were a tremendous help in the beginning of my life transformation journey, and since I started working with you, even though in the beginning it was sooo uncomfortable (to feel my emotions), life has enfolded in a way I could never have imagined!

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Before I started the program, I was feeling a little lost and confused. Life was changing without my approval. I wasn’t sure what I needed to do or where I could go to figure it out. I just knew something wasn’t “right”, but, unsure of where to turn.

After working with Angela, I see every day in a new light. Or, maybe I should say, with a new light. Angela opened my eyes to many things that I never imagined would help. It amazed me how I felt like things were starting to “change” after only a couple sessions.

The program has really helped me to calm and stop the anxiety. It was a great investment in me.

I find myself taking more time to enjoy life! I find more time for living instead of doing. I see my steps instead of just getting to the “finish line.”

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Before I started working with Angela I was feeling very insecure about myself, questioning life and whether I could trust myself in making important decisions.

For years, I’d been searching for a program that not only spoke to me but worked.

I tried several methods, including different types of therapy, exercise, books, and medication, and they certainly played a part in my change but they just weren’t enough. I knew that there had to be something different for me.

When I committed to Angela’s program, I had real, tangible, long lasting changes. Now, when my mind goes to that insecure place I’m able to recognize it for what it is and either stop it in it’s tracks or work my way through it. I couldn’t be more happy.

Jamie, Bozeman, MT

I was feeling stuck in my life, not sure of where I wanted to go, afraid of losing my marriage and not being able to raise my teenagers.

After working with Angela, I’m now more confident, grounded, and happy than I have in my entire life. I am more trusting in the unknown. I feel more confident I am doing the right thing.

I feel more able to be in the moment. I worry less about the future. My kids seem more relaxed. My marriage is more peaceful and enjoyable.

I am more clear about my desires, and I am more able to take time for myself without guilt. I am trusting more than ever in my life, the power of a source greater than myself to guide me.

Mary, Great Falls, MT

Before working with Angela, despite my life being circumstantially “fine”‘ I was feeling “stuck” and living with a very guarded heart.

While working together, I found myself more awake and alive and open to life and the people I love and truly care about it. I had been living in my head way too much.

I now have a centerdness, a calmness and a way of mindfully responding to sometimes stressful situations instead of mindlessly reacting to them. Angela gave me the tools to live in a much more peaceful manner.

Ken, Bozeman, MT

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Evette, Bozeman, MT

After taking the 1-on-1 program with Angela, I feel more at ease with myself. I am more open and patient with myself and with others. My life is different because I have learned the tools to become less reactive, more mindful and more loving with myself.

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Angela is truly a gift in the work she does. She holds space for you to work through things and is there to hold you accountable in a kind, gentle way.

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The 1-on-1 program has changed the way I view the world and my life! I am more connected to my heart and my intuition, and have more of a sense of possibility. I have more trust that things will work out.

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Angela made it possible for me to live more out of my intuition and truly savor each unfolding moment more than I ever have.

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Angela taught me such valuable tools for accessing my authentic and truest self. I’m remembering to breath more, pause more before I react, and, best of all, I’ve become more gentle with myself. What a gift to the soul!

Jamie, Bozeman, MT

With Angela’s caring guidance, I was able to become more aware of my feelings and where they were in my body. I am now able to listen to and trust my intuition and take action when it aligns with my true self. I have a clear sense of vision for my next career and am taking steps toward this vision with the attitude of imperfect action.

Mariah, Bozeman, MT

After working with Angela, I’m happy to be me as I am now, and so curious about others as they are at that moment as well. I experience so much less stress and so much more joy!

Rebecca, Big Sky, MT

Angela reintroduced me to meditation, journaling, and just being present. She showed me how asking “what is true” can lead to clarity. Now I am able to come from a more peaceful and grounded place.

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Angela helped me to see my belief of not feeling worthy, and provided me with the tools to dissolve this belief. By becoming aware of how this belief caused my actions and reactions, I am finally able to own my decisions without feeling inhibited by what others might think.

Shannon, Bozeman, MT

Angela’s guidance and encouragement in the practice of meditation has been paramount in this journey towards inner peace and self-acceptance. As reflected in her name, Angela has given me wings, for which I am forever grateful.

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Angela is a beautiful person and inspiring and supportive coach. I feel more peaceful, more connected to myself. My purpose is gradually unfolding and I continue to invite and embrace more fun and intuition into my days.

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In her 1-on-1 program, Angela suggested practical, intuitively-based assignments to help me stimulate my own intuition and remember the love for others that I had long ago buried. My sense of zeal in the spiritual adventure has been awakened.

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Before working with Angela, I had entered a prolonged period where I felt like I had lost control of my life and that I was racing from minute to minute and day to day just to accomplish my work.

Because I was under considerable stress from a demanding career, I didn’t have any energy left for my children, wife, or friends. And most importantly, my own physical and mental health were suffering and I was becoming perpetually irritable and unhappy.

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The most important change is that I feel more relaxed and in control of my life. I have learned to set boundaries with my work so that I can spend meaningful (and stress free) time with my family and with myself. I continue to meditate on a daily basis and I use this time to focus on my mental health. I have learned to slow down and enjoy each passing day.

Christopher, Bozeman, MT

Opening into the Unknown

About the Author: Angela Patnode

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About the Author: Angela Patnode

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