Community Spotlight
Recently, Natural Awakenings caught up with Dr. Gloria A. Burrell, owner of Creative Insights. Gloria is a therapist who deals with quantum physics, the subconscious and spirituality.
#1: How did you get into your profession?
I fell down the proverbial rabbit hole when I wanted answers that went beyond the scope of traditional resources. I didn't think it was unreasonable to ask 'how' does one love oneself beyond doing nice things for oneself? Where does the 'feeling' of self-love come from? The answers I was finding all dealt with doing things on the outside of me to feel good on the inside. Somehow this seemed backwards. Dissatisfied I flippantly said to myself, "okay, I'll find the answers myself!" Boy, I had no clue what this meant or the journey it would take me on. The Universe answered me with a crystal clear thought that said, "what you want has energy, form and structure". As radical as this sounded, it made sense. My next question was "how?" and the answers kept coming.
#2: Any words of wisdom or to live by:
It is easy to feel small when you are attempting to do something big. Do it anyway!
#3: Best business advice:
There are many things I could say after twenty plus years of having my own business that I will encapsulate in the following 10 guidelines:
1.treat your customers the way you would like to be treated
2. listen to what your customers are not saying
3. be sincerely interested in your customers
4. find ways to laugh and make them laugh
5. avoid making decisions from fear
6. do your inner homework as far as loving, trusting, accepting, believing in and being on your own side-the more you are able to do these things for yourself the more successful you will allow yourself to be
7. treat your business like your best friend
8. be honest with yourself and your clients
9. value respect and your integrity more than the dollar
10. have fun!
#4: Proudest professional accomplishment:
When I was attending Marylhurst, I was able to write for 35 credits. My advisor warned me that papers were usually not approved for credit the first go around and you only wrote for one class at a time. I told my advisor that I would write for 2 classes at one time, being 6 credits, and I would get them. He smiled. And I always did receive the 6 credits for my papers on the first go around until the time I requested 12 credits (72 pages long) and was denied. I went straight to my advisor and he asked me if I had 3 qualifying factors to get the 12 credits and I said 'yes'. He advised me to add another class for 3 more credits that was called a research class. When I looked the class up in the syllabus it said the cl ass could receive 3 - 6 credits. So I asked for 6 credits so I could obtain the initial 12 credits I was requesting. I received it! The additional credits were pertaining to my original work that my business is based on. The advisor smiled and shook his head when I told him I was awarded the 12 credits.
#5: Proudest personal accomplishment:
My proudest personal accomplishment was giving birth to my son at home in my own bed!
#6: If I could learn something new, what would it be?
This is really not a 'if I could' but more of 'when I take the time to do it' I would like to learn the languages of my heritage: Spanish, German, Apache, French!
#7: Favorite expression:
Energy flows where attention goes.
#8: If (when) money were (is) no object, I would produce a radio show teaching individuals, professionals, teenagers and couples how they communicate with their energies. If (when) money were (is) no object, I would produce a spiritual movie. If (when) money were (is) no object, I would fund a school for children and teenagers teaching them how to love and know they had worth.
#9: Favorite movie:
Okay, how can I select one favorite movie? I loved Men of Honor, The Razors Edge, Thunderheart, Lady Hawke, Déjà vu, The Shawshank Redemption and SeaBiscuit.
#10: Favorite book:
My favorite book is Dr. Paul Pearsall's The Heart's Code. A courageous book broaching the subject that the heart does more than love and feel, but actually can think, remember and communicate. The book is full of heart transplant stories, scientific research, personal experience and wisdom from shamans. Excellent read for everyone with a heart!