"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."
~ Alan Cohen

“Softly and kindly remind yourself, 'I cannot own anything.'
It is a valuable thought to keep in mind as you struggle
to improve your financial picture, worry about
investments, and plan how to acquire more and more.
It is a universal principle which you are part of.
You must release everything when you truly awaken.
Are you letting your life go by in frustration and worry
over not having enough? If so, relax and remember that you only get what you have for a short period of time.
When you awaken you will see the folly of
being attached to anything." 
~ Wayne Dyer

"Joy is not the result of getting what you want;
it is the way to get what you want.
In the deepest sense, Joy is what you want..... 
You are in integrity when the life you are living on
the outside matches who you are on the inside."
~ Alan Cohen

"They must often change,
who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.” 
~ Confucius (C. 551 – C. 479)

All of 2011 so far has been about responsibility, work, structure and laying foundations.  It's been a period of preparation and even tension.  Coming full swing into the energy of October, we move into a cycle that pushes to a stage of evaluation and asks us for release. We come to a point asking us to let go, to make choices and to allow things to be different from here on out. 

If you need a boost for fresh ideas or how to see things differently, I recommend this article by Christopher Penn, where he discusses how powerful triggers can be to help us shift our emotional and mental states. "Simple Pleasures."

Also check out "Freedom After Financial Crisis" by Tracy Vincent. An insightful article about processing change and loss.

I expect in many ways that the next 5 weeks will feel a bit more comfortable to most everyone.  The tension that has been in place should loosen in some areas, possibly break in others.  (Remember that slow energy build I've been talking about?) And as I mentioned before, I believe we'll see the markets gain some predictability by the end of October.  Just remember, predictability is not the same as profitable.  I see this more as a lull period where things calm down a bit and allow people to catch their breaths, take a break and re-evaluate the important things in life and the next steps to take.  If the markets become a place where these potential tension breaks channel through, it might be a good time to look for deals. There's energetic tension present, it will release or relax somewhere.  Markets or not.

It's important to note that sometimes during periods like this, we are presented with events that stimulate choice, release, re-evaluation and adaptability.  Sometimes it takes a smack on the head to help us realize we're not moving and we are stagnant.  Sometimes it takes a flush to get things moving again.  The energy present during this time desires flow and movement much like water.  YOU choose where and how it should channel.  If you don't, it will be chosen for you and you may not be as comfortable with it. 

It's a good time to...