tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18282171471110139222024-03-13T23:13:18.245-04:00Live Full TodayLive Full Today. Love Full Today. Everyday.
Guiding, Encouraging & Mentoring People
to more Joy, Peace, Love, Fulfillment and Personal Freedom :) xo
Real life solutions. For real people.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-21057140717596567942018-12-09T13:54:00.001-05:002018-12-09T13:54:21.170-05:00You have it all... <div align="left" style="color: dimgrey; font-family: Palatino, "Palatino Linotype", "Palatino LT STD", "Book Antiqua", Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
It's been a long time since I've been on here, writing... I have been busy, being scooped up by life as I am sure many of you have. Today, I come to share a quick message and to send my love this Holiday season.</div>
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With the holidays upon us, <strong>the focus is on giving and receiving.</strong></div>
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But I ask you to reflect on what you already have.... which is <span style="font-style: italic;">everything you need</span>.</div>
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You have it all.</div>
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<strong>Inside you.</strong></div>
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Giving feels good.<br />Receiving feels good.<br />But all of those good feelings are already there, inside you...</div>
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The reason they come out is because <span style="font-style: italic;">they are available</span>. Because they are waiting for you to trip the switch and release them. Maybe they lie dormant, maybe they’re fleeting, maybe you have ease in accessing them. Whatever the case may be, remember that those emotions, those feelings of bliss, they are <strong>part of you at all times.</strong></div>
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Gifts don't <span style="font-style: italic;">make</span> you happy. You just decided at some point to associate meaning to gifts, and to allow gifts to open your floodgates of feelings. Or giving. Or someone special. Whatever or whoever it is that "makes" you happy. They make you happy because you let them. You decide. The choice is always yours. And those feelings are always inside of you... you just have to pick which ones you want to experience.</div>
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Somewhere along the way, on our journey through life, we may have lost the knowledge that <strong>we have it all</strong>. That we can create anything we want. We can experience what we choose. We can be whatever and who ever we want to be. And so much of that begins and ends with our thoughts.</div>
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I never realized this so much as when I began to see how masterful I was at manifesting what I didn't want to happen. I thought, <span style="font-style: italic;">"What happened to my life? I was on the right track. I did the right things. Then, everything changed."</span></div>
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When in reality, the only thing that changed was my belief in myself. My belief that I had it all. I could do it all. Little by little, that belief chipped away to become a belief that I <span style="font-style: italic;">didn't</span> have it all, I <span style="font-style: italic;">couldn't</span> do it all, and life was <span style="font-style: italic;">hard</span>.</div>
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And so, the next few years became a validation of my new beliefs. And it did, it took me years to finally recognize that I do have it all. And even though I have spent a while manifesting the opposite, what I didn't want, and believing that I was less than, now I have the choice to change the future. To remember who I am. Why I am. And that everything I need is already inside of me.</div>
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That if I can manifest what I don't want, I can manifest what I do want by remembering my true essence and that my thoughts and beliefs and feelings dictate my outer experiences. And the happier I am doing it, the faster it will be.</div>
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<span style="font-style: italic;">“The basis of your life is absolute freedom, the goal is joy, and the result of that perfect combination is motion forward, or growth. Your goal is to find objects of attention that let your cork raise.”</span> ― Abraham Hicks</div>
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So, I am here today, my friends, to tell you that <strong>YOU HAVE IT ALL</strong>. And you always did. Maybe you just stopped seeing or believing it.</div>
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Why are some people just "lucky?" Think about it... Perhaps, it's because they were told (or told themselves) they were lucky enough times that it stuck. And as it became belief, it was continually validated in external life. Things come easy to them because they expect them to. And why are some days just bad days? Because our attention on the bad day allows it to continue to be a bad day. Why do some people feel like they just have no luck whatsoever and something bad always happens? They believe something bad will always happen.</div>
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It's simple... but it's not so simple to adapt. Fear keeps us safe (or so it thinks). But, on the other side of that fear, that hesitation, is freedom. And the life we always dreamed of.</div>
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Keep dreaming, beautiful.</div>
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Never lose sight of the true meaning of life... which is the light, love, peace and joy that is already there inside of you.</div>
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Share that.<br />Give that.<br />Grow that.</div>
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With all my love, love, peace and joy...</div>
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Camille Lucy<br />xo</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: small;"><i>“If you knew your potential to feel good, you would ask no one to be different so that you can feel good. You would free yourself of all of that cumbersome impossibility of needing to control the world, or control your mate, or control your child. You are the only one who creates your reality. For no one else can think for you, no one else can do it. It is only you, every bit of it you.”</i> ― Esther Hicks</span></span></h2>
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#happyholidays #innerguidance #love #joy #peace #contentment #giving #holidays #2018 #christmas #givelove #bethelight #bethelove #bethechange #share #grace #truelove #relationships #TRLE #livefulltoday #lovefulltoday #longisland #portjefferson #spirituality #yoga #myyoga #enlightenment</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-17617266494387686762018-10-01T12:08:00.000-04:002018-10-01T12:08:03.265-04:00What would you do?<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was picking my daughter up from Pre-K. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We walked back to the car, and I heard screaming. The type of absolute blood-curdling hysterics you hear in Horror flicks. I wasn't sure if it was someone playing, or seriously freaking out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I look around and see a boy riding his bike with two dogs next to him. At first glance, it looked like they were taking a nice ride together. But the boy was screaming,<i> "Stop! Stop! Please stop!" </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I processed what was happening as fast as I could, got my daugther in the car, and we drove up where I last saw the boy and two dogs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a large parking lot attached to a Jewish Center, and I thought how lucky he and the dogs would be if they went in there... the road they were on was a main road leading to the highway. The dogs were small and fast and running erratically and could easily run out in the road and get hit by a car. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw something white zip around the parking lot. I pulled in and as I pulled up, I saw the boy sitting on the ground, and two women trying to herd the dogs in. The dogs were obviously upset, scared and in fight or flight. I searched the car for a kennel lead (leash) and walked over. I handed one of the women the lead and she looped one dog while the other woman tried to get the other dog. The boy had been screaming asking for help, he couldn't hold them and was visibly exhausted (emotionally and physically). A woman helping asked me if the boy could use my phone to call his mom. I was about to walk back to my car to grab it when we heard him say, "Mom!" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She was riding over, with a trailer attached to her bike. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The mother attached leashes to the dogs, and they instantly became more comfortable and one of them even jumped up on my leg for some petting. She brought them over onto the trailer, and thanked us all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The boy looked </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">completely defeated. Tears ran down his face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I said, <i>"Are you ok?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He looked at me and said,<i> "Yes... are you okay?"</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Imagine that? This boy that just went through absolute hell and fearing the worst of watching his two dogs die, asked me if <i>I </i>was OK. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The situation was over. Although it only lasted a few moments, it had a profound impact on my day and mindframe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There ARE people willing to help. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There ARE people that care. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">People COME TOGETHER in times of need without asking for anything in return, without even second guessing whether they should help or not. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We ARE there for one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe you were at work. Maybe you were home. Maybe you were at the store. Maybe you were someplace else, not at this place at this time. And maybe, you don't realize there are people out there willing to help YOU, that have giant hearts and compassionate spirits. Maybe that person is you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just because we do not witness something does not mean it isnt happening right now in this very moment. If you do not see it, does not mean it isn't real. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Right now, someone is helping another person. Some one is lending a hand, a heart, a hug.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If we are not looking, we may miss all the beauty around us in each and every moment. All the beauty and love inside the people we share this planet with. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our focus dictates EVERYTHING. What we focus on, we are brought validation for. I have learned this lesson the hard way the last few months and have been getting messages and validation around it for days now. The simple act of noticing the problems cropping up for me, ended up bringing me more problems to the point where I was not even surprised anymore when something "bad" happened. But that attitude (always something, I am not even surprised by this) kept me in a cycle where bad got worse, and I was left totally empty. In so many ways. At this very low point, I realized... focus. Focus is key. Focus is how the laws of the Universe work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you think people are bad, you are never going to get to experience that heart-warming (albeit nerve-wracking) moment where people come together for another. Without question. Without hesitation. With nothing but love in their hearts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The world is NOT a bad place. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">People are NOT BAD. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And there is evidence of this all over. In each moment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I want to honor and thank YOU for the beautiful person that you are. And your individual presence in the collective spirit of all things, weaving this gorgeous tapestry that makes up our beautiful world. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">NAMASTE</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-82408117057975617892017-10-20T10:10:00.003-04:002017-10-20T10:22:48.994-04:00I've got a personal question for you...<div data-blogger-escaped-style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Good morning...</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I had a personal question that I wanted to ask you...</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">I hope you don't mind. You don't have to answer to me directly, but take it as a deep inner reflection and carry it with you today. Of course, if you feel compelled to share it with someone, more power to you. But this is for <em><strong>you</strong></em>. </span></div>
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<em><span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">What thoughts do you allow to haunt and harrass you? </span></em></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><em>And why are you torturing yourself with your thoughts in the first place?</em></span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I received an email with some wisdom from the late Wayne Dyer (an excerpt taken from <strong><a href="https://www.hayhouse.com/10-secrets-for-success-and-inner-peace-hardcover-2" target="_blank">10 Secrets for Success & Inner Peace</a>)</strong> and it was a powerful reminder to take inventory of the thoughts we not only allow in, but the ones we attach to and continue to fan the flames.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">He said,<em> "Every single thought you have can be assessed in terms of whether it strengthens or weakens you. In fact, there’s a simple muscle test you can do to try out any thought that you’re having in the present moment. It works like this: Hold your arm out to your side, and have someone else attempt to push your arm down while you resist. Think of telling a lie, and notice how much weaker you are than if you think of a truth. This can be done for any thought that elicits an emotional reaction."</em></span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Do your thoughts empower you or weaken you?</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Dyer continues,<em> "In a book titled <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Power-Force-David-Hawkins-Ph-D/dp/1401945074" target="_blank">Power vs. Force</a></strong>, David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph.D., elaborates on this method and provides a map of consciousness to show you how every thought computes to either weaken or strengthen you. Authentic wisdom is the ability to monitor yourself at all times to determine your relative state of weakness or strength, and to shift out of those thoughts that weaken you. In this way, you keep yourself in an upbeat, higher state of consciousness, and you prevent your thoughts from weakening every single organ of your body. When you use your mind to empower you, you’re appealing to that which uplifts and raises your spirits."</em></span> </div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I spent much of my adult life bombarded by thoughts, allowing them to take the steering wheel and drive me insane. In college, I would wait until last minute to work on projects or focus on class, put enormous pressure on myself, then crack and crumble under the weight of the impossible tasks I left for myself. Many times I wanted to "start over," by signing out and starting the semester over next round! This is a great irony as I was a natural-born Student. I love learning! And was always academically advanced in my younger years. As I graduated college (with honors, mind you) and moved onto the "real world," I would often participate in the same pattern of waiting until last minute then caving under pressure. I would have about one mini-meltdown a month (if I was lucky, if not more). I would feel unfit, not enough, overwhelmed and just plain old bad. I would cry, ask <em>"why me?"</em> and have a tantrum of sorts. I was not only believing my thoughts but allowing them to weaken me, big time.</span></div>
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This was all totally self-imposed, though I wasn't aware I had control over it at the time. Let's face it, none of us <em>wants</em> to feel bad. We just aren't aware we have a choice! Or that it's easier than we think to shift perception. Honestly, it can be done in a nanosecond but takes time and patience to become habit.</div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Byron Katie said, in her book<strong><em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Loving-What-Four-Questions-Change/dp/1400045371" target="_blank"> "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life,"</a></em></strong> “<em>A thought is harmless unless we believe it. It’s not our thoughts, but our attachment to our thoughts, that causes suffering. Attaching to a thought means believing that it’s true, without inquiring. A belief is a thought that we’ve been attaching to, often for years.” </em></span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I began a meditation practice (finally gave it a try after years of hearing about it and being nudged and guided to give it a whirl), I started to understand that <strong>we are not our thoughts</strong>. Meditation helps release stress from the body, quiet the mind, and teaches us to <em>observe</em> our thoughts with out judmgent or attachment. We slowly come to the understanding that thoughts are unlimited in supply, and we do not have to believe them, attach to them, judge them, hide from them, resist them or act on them. We don't really need to pay them any mind at all! We can just watch as they pass by, one by one, like clouds in the sky. This art of non-attachment and neutral observation allows us to stay standing in our power, not become weakened by these illusionary bullies. Bullies we appoint!</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">In the email passage I received, Dyer continued,<em> "Power urges you to live and perform at your own highest level, and it is compassionate. Force, on the other hand, involves movement. This is unlike power, which is a standing field that never moves against anything. Because force is in motion, it always creates a counter-force. That counter-force constantly consumes, and must be fed, energy. Rather than being compassionate, force is associated with judgment, competition, and controlling others. For example, in an athletic event, your thoughts are on overpowering your opponent, being better than another, and playing and winning at any cost. The entire muscular structure of your body is actually weakened, because thoughts of force weaken you.</em></span></div>
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<em><span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">On the other hand, if in the midst of an athletic event you can keep your thoughts on performing at your highest capacity, on using your inner strength to muster the energy to be as efficient as it’s possible for you to be, and to have great respect for your God-given abilities, you will actually be empowering yourself. A thought of force requires a counter-force, and a battle that weakens; while a thought of power strengthens you, since no counter-force is called into play to consume your energy. Power thoughts energize you, since they make no demands on you."</span></em></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Energy flows where attention goes. Thoughts become things. These are both quotes you may have heard floating around.. and they're true. What we focus on ultimately determines our quality of life, and the stress we put on our bodies. Too much stress eventually becomes dis-ease and illness. Intangible things like thoughts can and do have physical effects and manifestations.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">So, I'll ask you, again... <em>why are you torturing yourself when you have a choice to remain unbridled? </em>Seems like a silly thing to do once we know we have a <strong>choice</strong> in the matter.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">We came here to experience love and joy in its purest form. It's about time we ditched the old patterns that don't serve us, focus on what does, on what feels good, and stand in our own power and magnificence. You deserve to be happy. We all do. And it's so much easier than you may "think."</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Today, when you feel uncomfortable or stressed by a thought, try just letting it be there. Relax the body, one muscle at a time, take a few deep breaths and see how you feel if you turn the thought around or just don't give it any weight. <em>Do you believe that if you ignore the thought something bad will happen?</em> It's just a thought! If it's important (or pesky) it will come back. You'll have ample opportunity to practice. There's nothing to lose, and so much (sanity and peace) to gain.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">See your uncomfortable thoughts as neutral today, do not judge or resist or attach. Just observe the thoughts are there. And move on, shifting your focus onto something positive. You can even try turning the thought around to make it something you are grateful for.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">For example,<em> "My house is a mess." </em>Yes, it is a mess. This may be true. But... I'm so grateful that I have a house that can be messy. I have shelter, warmth and a place for my family to grow. The mess means we live in the house! We play, we sleep, we eat, we enjoy the space it provides. Perhaps you can even be grateful that your body allows you to clean the mess... you have limbs, energy and a capable body. It may feel strange at first, but this simple shift in focus moves you to a whole new vibration and frequency, and over time, will improve the quality of your life in a huge way.</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Give it a try...</span><span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Unless you want to remain stuck, imprisoned by your own thoughts! But, I don't think you do ;)</span></div>
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<span data-blogger-escaped-style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” </em>— William Shakespeare</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">“Bring yourself back into the pleasures of being human by slowing down and noticing the beauty that is surrounding you now.” Excerpt From Rise Sister Rise, Rebecca Campbell #risesisterrise #rebeccacampbell #beautyisallaroundus #lifeisbeautiful #slowdown #presence #gratitude #baskinitsglory #human #meditation #mindfulness #bethelove #quietthemind #enjoy #greatoutdoors #wednesdaywisdom</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-42092886986994435152017-09-15T12:23:00.000-04:002017-09-15T12:23:00.951-04:00Starbucks Sign: Fall in Love. The Season is Here.... <div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Fall in love... the season is here!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I drove up to the local Starbucks, I noticed a sign they had written on a chalkboard. Though they meant <i>fall in love</i> with all of the delicious fall flavors available now, the saying struck me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's always been something about Autumn that touched my heart, deep within. It always inspired me with a profound sense of appreciation, aliveness, and love. It has to be my favorite time... when the weather drops just a bit, the breeze is cool, the leaves change color and the intoxicating smell of bon fires fill the crisp night air. The colors are vibrant and beautiful, rich in character. You get to throw on your favorite hoodie or snuggle under a blanket. Enjoy hot drinks in awesome mugs. It's an enchanting time of year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I read the sign at Starbucks, I thought, <i>"yes...fall in love." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fall in love with yourself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fall in love with life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fall in love with every single breath you take.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You do not need to be married or in a relationship to fall in love.... You can be single and still fall in love every moment of everyday. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There is so much to fall in love with. Especially this time of year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Falling in love is simply realigning with the divine source that is already within you; the love and light. The spark of magnificence and the truth of all that you are. Falling in love is a feeling that comes from within; we can manifest it in any moment we so choose. It does not need to be directed at a person. It can be directed at anything, anyone, everything and everyone... including ourselves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The feeling of ecstasy that comes with falling in love is the feeling of freedom, of being, of presence and mindfulness. It is our connection to the powerful and limitless energy that moves through us all, that moves through the universe and created worlds. An energy that is always there, always available. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Embrace the process of falling in love. And do it over and over, again. Cherish it, hold onto it a bit longer than usual. Let it move through your body, ignite your passion and joy, and energize your mind and creativity. Bask in its radiance. Let it light you up. And be grateful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, it sure is the Season....it's <i>always</i> the season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's fall in love. </span></div>
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xo</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-32858256776081461652017-09-15T11:52:00.004-04:002017-09-15T11:52:43.185-04:00Today's Card / Message of the Day: Separation is a call for help.... <div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"Attack, pain, fear, judgment, and any form of separation are merely calls for help.” </i>- the Universe Has Your Back cards (Gabbie Bernstein)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How true, how relevant, how powerful is this? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If everything is either an “act of love” or a “cry for love,” such acts as attack, judgment or separation are merely cries for love, cries for help. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whether we are the victim or the perp, recognizing this truth is powerful and transformative. We can extend kindness, compassion and understanding towards ourselves and others. Be gentle; everyone is doing the very best they can in this moment with the available resources. This includes <i>you</i>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Understanding this very simple principle allows you to not get too attached to the external world, to realize that how someone treats you is most often not personal but a reflection of their own inner state. Their pain, their separation, their suffering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We are all in this together;</b> let’s create unity where there is separation and extend love where there is pain. To others, and to ourselves.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#separation #selflove #extendlove #fearisanillusion #bethelove #gabbiebernstein #theuniversehasyourback #cardoftheday #livefulltoday #lovefulltoday #gentleness #acceptance #love #mindfulness </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-16619635165590916822017-08-06T19:41:00.000-04:002017-08-06T19:58:34.339-04:00Day 21 of Oprah & Deepak's meditation challenge [my destiny is joy] - too powerful not to share....<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I participated in <a href="https://chopracentermeditation.com/experience" target="_blank">Oprah and Deepak's 21 day Meditation challenge</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today is Day 21. The message was so powerful, so touching, I had to share it... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Below is what Deepak had to say.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Try to take this to heart... <b><i>as truth</i></b>... and use it to guide your thoughts, words and actions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Namaste, my friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Deepak</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
You know now that within you, you have all the tools you need to access your pure potential, to evolve your dreams into reality, and to live a life of extraordinary design. Now is the time to take your chance as you reach for the stars. It is your destiny.<br />
<br />
Right now, imagine something that you have always wanted but perhaps thought impossible. That one idea that you keep tucked away, perhaps with such care that you may not have even dared to speak it out loud. Yet, you hold onto the dream because it resonates so deeply with you. Close your eyes and see it. Really see it.<br />
<br />
Envision that you are living this dream right now. It is your life, no cutting corners, no holding back. Your deepest dream in motion. <i>What is your life like? What do you feel? </i><br />
<br />
As humans, we have the remarkable ability to transform all we imagine into reality. <span style="background-color: yellow;">Understand that if a deep desire lives in your heart, a dream that is part of your soul's fiber, a path exists to bring it to life. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Abundance</span> in all its forms is our birthright. We were born to enjoy every aspect of life. To experience every emotion. And to discover the seeds of potential that live within.<br />
<br />
As you practice trusting that the Universe is always there to support you, I invite you to continue stepping into your greatest self to experience everything there is, to be confident in the knowledge of who you really are. <b>A radiant spirit worthy of everything life has to give</b>.<br />
<br />
See yourself united with the unlimited potential dwelling within you, and everyone and everything that is part of the Universe. From this place of unlimited potential, give yourself permission to dream big. Tap into that vast reservoir of courage that is available to all as you move through and <i>well beyond your comfort zone</i> into the space of infinite joy, peace, and possibility.<br />
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As you embrace life with passion, seize each wonderful moment and make the most of each adventure. Be bold, rooted in the knowledge that you're as mighty as the Universe itself, full of love, joy and power. You are stardust; a bright golden light and all good things of this lifetime are indeed your divine destiny.<br />
<br />
Consider this centering thought: My destiny is joy. My destiny is joy.<br />
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Throughout the day, envision yourself as the powerful being you are and think about our centering thought. My destiny is joy. My destiny is joy. My destiny is joy. Namaste.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-31557932069080858082017-07-20T06:44:00.000-04:002017-07-20T06:44:18.157-04:00The "How" = Paralysis [Step 1 to addressing this age-old Question]<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I often notice themes in the thoughts, feelings and conversations of those around me and closest to me. The most recent theme that surfaced was what I like to call, "<i>the How</i>."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The How</i> can lead to:</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Confusion</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Procrastination</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Analysis Paralysis</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Immobility</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Laziness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fear</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Avoidance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Distraction-tactics</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Derailing</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Setbacks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and the most dreaded.... <i>nothingness</i>. A total and complete halt and lack of movement. In other words, you stay <b>stuck</b>.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The How</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> is the age-old question we ask when we want to change something. We want something else, want to be something or somewhere different, we want to acquire or achieve something... </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"But, how?"</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> We just don't know HOW to do it, get it, be it, or get there from HERE.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here sucks... <i>but how </i>do I get out of "here?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let me share a story with you. I recently stumbled upon a note I had written someone about four years back. As I read it, I gasped in horror [insert gagging face here]. Someone had asked how I was doing, and I basically said: <b>life sucks</b>. In different words, of course, and in MANY words as I described ALL the ways my life sucked. From my point of view now, it sounded like I could find something negative in any situation. And I did just that. I went on and on about why my life sucked [cue: snoring]. I think the most alarming thing about this message I had written was that this was a story I had told for YEARS. And guess what? Because I kept telling the story, it kept it alive and real for me. The story kept feeding itself and recycling and my situation never changed but compounded to be MORE of what I was complaining about as the years passed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fast forward to 2017... with the story still playing actively in real life, I decided one day to make a new choice. I decided that I was going to stop being the victim in this horror flick and start shifting my perception so that I can not only receive more blessings but RECOGNIZE them as they came along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was a process. It's months later now and I am JUST beginning to fully embrace my life as it is and the challenges, and maintain a good attitude about it. Not just a good attitude, but GRATITUDE for what is, and what isn't. What I complained about in 2013, I am grateful for today. Not an easy switch, but totally doable with practice and patience and commitment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's the problem... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So often we get stuck in the "how" that we live in LACK and keep repeating the same old stories. Our stories are our beliefs and become our reality. With our view so narrow, we can't even recognize the good things that come our way. We are too busy focused on what's going wrong. So blessing after blessing, lesson after lesson, are passing us by... and we are too busy whining and moaning to notice... never mind embrace them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We wonder HOW can we get from A to Z? From here to there? Our options can feel limitless or limited. We don't know the answer and we become incredibly frustrated. Incredibly overwhelmed. And sometimes, hopeless. But here's a teeny, tiny secret wearing a giant red cape, coming to save you.... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You don't have to DO anything or figure anything out to start changing your life. [insert applause here] </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The How</i> is less about doing, and more about <b>being</b>. Being grateful, that is, and shifting your focus, attention and perception. That's it. Pretty simple stuff, kids. Not always so simply to implement and maintain, though, as you have to recondition your brain and programming. And ditch those stories (they really aren't serving you anyway). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, Step 1 in the <i>How</i> is to:</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ditch the story.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Re-focus your attention and energy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Practice gratitude daily.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctOYpXXsZIbJFgWCvy2ox5m1hwjwzvtbkoHKpMyeyfRoJj9NQ738HJDWC_ZMOpgzkAaZc-g87r6f9Zb4Rb2C1v-8oqt1QEr2-lOUC4MZHbBa6Y7I2SYmMS6FoT0jHlmPm1MT_i8Pm-PSn/s1600/gratefulheart-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctOYpXXsZIbJFgWCvy2ox5m1hwjwzvtbkoHKpMyeyfRoJj9NQ738HJDWC_ZMOpgzkAaZc-g87r6f9Zb4Rb2C1v-8oqt1QEr2-lOUC4MZHbBa6Y7I2SYmMS6FoT0jHlmPm1MT_i8Pm-PSn/s400/gratefulheart-01.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Instead of complaining about your job, for example, find ways to appreciate your job and what it gives you. It provides income, learning, opportunity, social interaction... the list goes on, and it's your choice how to create that list. Another example... if you're complaining about how you always have to do the chores around the house, be grateful you have a house to do chores in. Be grateful you have an able body that allows you to do those chores. Shift your focus and perception off of what's missing or wrong, and onto what's right and how much you <i>do</i> have. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's another secret: as long as you're breathing, there is more right with you than there is wrong (<a href="http://www.corymuscara.com/" target="_blank">Cory Muscara</a>). </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> With every breath you take, you have choice and power. And the fact that you're breathing indicates you're alive, and life is limitless. There is always something to be grateful for. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here's how it works. The more you focus on the positive, the more positive things are brought to you. Period. And not only that, you are able to recognize and accept positive things in your life because that is now your focus. <b>Thoughts become things </b><a href="http://www.tut.com/" target="_blank">(Mike Dooley)</a>; the more you focus on the good, the more good things are born and brought to you. If you're busy telling that age-old snooze story, you guessed it: you're going to continue living in the hamster wheel. The more you cling to your story, and play victim, the more it will continue to show up for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">you. And even if it doesn't, that's all you're going to see, anyway.... more story, more drama, more yuck.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So <i>How</i> do we change our lives? Step one..... change our minds. And watch life unfold before you... it doesn't seem like much, and you may say, <b><i>"that's it?"</i></b> [insert raised brow] but give it a try... gratitude with a shift in perception is a surefire way to turn a bad mood around, a day around, a week around, a month around, a year and ultimately..... a life. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, hey, you can sit there unsatisfied with this response and continue to ponder your "<i>How</i>" as you stay stagnant, stuck, bland and bored. Your choice!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm going to go with Gratitude ;)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psst.... I am grateful for YOU, reading this. Keep your head up. You're <i>going</i> to get there.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(( to be continued...))</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-68619236514051907162017-07-19T12:57:00.001-04:002017-07-19T12:57:35.824-04:00The Water Bottle "Challenge"....<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was driving back from the store last week, and was hit with a totally unexpected turn of events...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was driving, my water bottle fell over. Yep. That's it... but what's interesting here is that this seemingly insignificant occurrence became an important message for me. And it came bearing not one, not two, but THREE lessons within it... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E6xN6EA4erzpki8f3MOfa_5QzmR493ANRPYVjOwN7mjC1gtK-iKsKhGgbNpUJrdRLBAUXIQoDGGfLK_9Ecn4BnwvbZXGoaKheqG-uoFxEf8axktC80uGkwL1Fa8sZ_i25EUQLkWQ2QhY/s1600/shutterstock_56007487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1E6xN6EA4erzpki8f3MOfa_5QzmR493ANRPYVjOwN7mjC1gtK-iKsKhGgbNpUJrdRLBAUXIQoDGGfLK_9Ecn4BnwvbZXGoaKheqG-uoFxEf8axktC80uGkwL1Fa8sZ_i25EUQLkWQ2QhY/s320/shutterstock_56007487.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you stop laughing or shaking your head I'll continue............ </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(pause)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">OK so, here's the story. I was driving and I had the bottle standing up against my bag and the back of the passenger seat. It fell over. I picked it up. As I refocused on the road, I noticed in my peripheral it had fallen, again. So I picked it back up. I moved it around, adjusted it some and carried on driving. As I approached a red light, I looked over and saw it fall...AGAIN. I laughed, and left it there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, here comes the important part... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could have easily gotten annoyed and my day could have taken a quick turn sour if I let this get to me or feed my "story." A story is something we play like a broken record and attach incidents to. For example, I could have said,<i> "Seriously? Why does everything go wrong for me?" </i>Admittedly this sounds silly BUT.... tell me how silly it is when you spill your coffee while you're driving and you're late to work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, here is lesson numero uno, compliments of the water bottle: </span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We cannot control the water bottle, aka LIFE. But we can absolutely choose how we respond to it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we are hit with stimuli, it's our choice to feed our story, fuel our ego-fire, or take it as it comes and respond differently or more peacefully. I chose to see this very non-important occurrence as an opportunity for growth and learning. A water bottle falling over, seemingly meaningless, became a message for me to share. Through the "challenge" (the bottle not staying up) I was able to uncover a hidden gift. We can always choose to find healing, growth and lessons in challenges. That is our choice. And how we handle what comes to us, will dictate the quality of our moods... and our lives. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Secondly, the water bottle became a symbol for the human existence. <span style="background-color: yellow;">We will often hit a bump in the road, and fall down. The important part is that we get back up.</span> And yes, we will fall, again. It's inevitable as we ride with the ebb and flow and life that we will go up and down and all around. We will stumble and fall, and that's OK. It's all part of life and expansion and learning our soul lessons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The third lesson I took away from this 30-second experience was that we are very much like the water bottle in the sense that, <span style="background-color: yellow;">just because we fall, doesn't mean we lose our value.</span> When the water bottle fell over, I didn't have to throw it out. It didn't lose its value. It's still water, it's still hydrating, it's still good for the body. It was not tainted in any way. When we "fail" or fall, we do not lose our value or worth as a person. We are not muddied, tainted, or ruined. We still remain intact, we are still priceless and beautiful souls in our human bodies. Falling is part of life; part of being human. What's inside does not in any way, shape, or form, get tarnished. Falling and getting up makes us stronger, not weaker. Remember this when you're having a self-loathing, beat-up session after a stumble-and-fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, this can sound very silly from the outside... but any experience we encounter can become meaningful for us. And life holds valuable lessons and messages for us when we are willing to quiet the mind long enough to pay attention and receive them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, to recap:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You are a water bottle. Ha. No, but yes... symbolically.</span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We cannot control our environment but we can control our response.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We will hit bumps in the road and fall, and that's OK. What's important is that we get back up. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just because we fall, does NOT mean we lose our value or worth. Quite the opposite.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take this with you as you journey through life and remember.... it may be a bumpy ride, but it's your ride and you get to choose how to view and experience it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sending positive vibes your way! </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-60845783307632551752017-06-20T10:28:00.002-04:002017-06-20T10:37:54.104-04:00Did some one say "Suicide?"<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am continually surprised when I hear of a wildly successful, seemingly-happy-and-put-together person overdosing or committing suicide. The news is alarming, sad and really puts things into perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Money, fame, and "having it all" does not necessarily mean that someone has peace, joy, love and fulfillment. And though some may appear to be smiling and laughing, this does not necessarily mean it's real, authentic or lasting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's so important we spend the time to see what's <i>inside</i>, not just judge a book by its cover. The people we interact with may be struggling with something we have no idea about. This is why it<b>'s so vital we extend kindness and compassion</b> wherever we go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So often, brilliant, intelligent, empathic and sensitive people are suffering behind closed doors. Even "successful" people that seem to have everything you could possibly ever want could be missing out on life's great (priceless but free) treasures. And at times, the pressure of keeping up with their reputation, responsibilities and role in life can be downright overwhelming. This is something we may neglect to recognize; we see the results of their hard work and dedication but rarely do we realize the time, energy and sacrifices that go into creating and manifesting their success...and maintaining it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hearing the news of a popular wellness professional passing in March, concluded to be suicide, really was an eye-opener for me. <b>A reminder that we are all in this together, we are all one, we are all connected, and we all have ups and downs.</b> No matter what our title, how large our bank accounts, or how popular or famous we are. Suffering does not judge and it is not biased. It can come in many forms, and it can knock on anyone and everyone's door. It's the flow of life... up, down, pain, bliss, up, down, pain, bliss... Like waves in the ocean, they each come and go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we begin to attach to pain and suffering, and the thoughts in our mind, we can create an imbalance and disrupt the flow. This is where many get stuck and ultimately end up in despair. Our "problems" seem insurmountable and appear to far outweigh the calm, peace and quiet moments where we can enjoy life. Anxiety, depression, sadness, chronic pain, insomnia, illness and apathy can all take over and bring us to our knees. Some of the strongest people suffer from these ailments, and often times no one even notices because we are so caught up in appearances: the covers of the book. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ask yourself, <i>do you spend the time reading the inside pages? Do you take the time to try to understand what life may be like for someone else? Or do you make snapshot judgments? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's easy to judge and condemn someone for being short or snippy with you. But the real question is, <i>why are they irritable?</i> Perhaps they are going through something difficult right now. Maybe they feel overwhelmed and alone. I am sure you can relate; we've all been there at one point or another. We must remember that nothing is ever personal and whatever people say or do is a direct reflection of their own inner state of being. It's like a barometer. We can read what is going on for them by how they are acting towards us. The barometer indicates whether they are acting out of love, or acting <i>out</i>, seeking out love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Suicide may be an often-overlooked or swept-under-the-rug topic. It's also highly controversial. It makes some people uncomfortable. Others are in denial about it. Sometimes, we feel guilty when we think about someone committing suicide. Sometimes, we get angry. Some people <i>are</i> suicidal and understand this very delicate, confusing topic all too well and personally. No matter what though... it's real. And according to the <i><a href="https://afsp.org/" target="_blank">American Foundation for Suicide Prevention</a></i>, on average, there are 121 suicides a day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Think about that number. Think about all the people you know, and imagine that 121 of them died today. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States (according to AFSP), affecting over 44,000 Americans each year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sadly, the AFSP estimates<i> "the numbers to be higher. Stigma surrounding suicide leads to underreporting, and data collection methods critical to suicide prevention need to be improved." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Imagine that. <b><i>Stigma around suffering</i></b>. Stigma surrounding something so real, so ever-present and something that affects millions of people. According to <i><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/" target="_blank">Scientific American</a></i>, 1 in 6 Americans Takes a Psychiatric Drug. Antidepressants were most common, followed by anxiety relievers and antipsychotics. We are learning to <i>numb</i> our symptoms, rather than address the underlying issues. We numb our pain, and because of certain stereotypes or judgments, we carry on mostly silent. Mostly alone. <i>How unnecessary is that?</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, for every 6 people you see today, imagine that at least one of them is suffering and trying to compensate and function by taking a prescription drug.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Maybe that someone is you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Remember, we are all on this ride together. We share this adventure called life. And what one person does affects the next... so on and so forth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>So, what can we do? </i>For starters, we can practice healthy habits and make healthy lifestyle choices. The healthier and happier we are, the better we can help others. Mindfulness, meditation, exercise, clean eating, sleeping and resting are all obviously-beneficial practices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We can be consciously aware that we are all united and connected, and treat others with kindness, love and respect. What we give out comes back to us. Extend love, receive love, and the ripple effect reaches many more. Be open minded and curb judgments wherever possible. You are <i>not</i> the other person, so you cannot really say with certainty what is right, wrong, true or false about them, or for them and their lives. Remember, that your judgment and negativity is a direct reflection of what is going on inside of <i>you</i>. Spend some time reflecting on how you can clean house. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are seriously struggling, there are people out there willing to help. We are never doomed or alone, even when we feel like we are. It takes courage to seek out help, guidance or support. But the benefits far out weigh the risks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We cannot continue as a society to quiet, dismiss or condemn our hurting people. We cannot continue to numb our pain, to silence our inner guidance and the voice within us that says something is not right. The discord we feel is an indication that we are not living authentically and in alignment with our true Essence which is love and light. We are resisting, not accepting, hiding, censoring, changing, pushing, conforming in an effort to fit in or out of fear, conditioning and self-limiting beliefs... at the expense of our own joy. At the expense of our own lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We did not incarnate to become zombies walking around high on drugs, low on life. We came to be brilliant co-creators, <i>high on life</i>. This madness dims our sparkle, steals our zest for life and really creates a tremendous amount of pain, suffering and disease in our precious people. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We deserve joy, peace, love and fulfillment. It's our birthright. It's natural to us, and for us. But it's an inside job. And unfortunately, most of us are not trained in real life-skills such as healthy emotional habits, management and spirituality. This doesn't make it impossible, it's available to everyone. It just makes it new to some. And with anything new, there may be some discomfort or growing pains. Just like it took time to become hurt, it may take some time to heal. <b style="background-color: yellow;">But, as long as you are still breathing, there is still hope.</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Extend a hand today... to someone else, for yourself. But walk around with eyes wide open, seeing the aforementioned numbers as a wake up call that we must come together. Every single person that wakes up to Love benefits the whole of mankind, Mother Earth and her creatures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-40414774881965036832017-06-18T13:17:00.004-04:002017-06-18T15:28:11.381-04:00A candid Father's Day reflection...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My relationship with men is just about as expansive and well-rounded as you can get... </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have loved them, hated them, respected them, minimized them, wanted to be them, shunned them, liked them, and been incredibly intrigued by them. They have been my best friends, enemies, I have trusted them and I have majorly distrusted them. They have been victim of my shit, and I have been at the hand of their abuse. They have hurt me, they have loved me, and I have done both to them. I've had many more male friends and relationships than I ever have had with women. And I have had more ups and downs and all-arounds (rollercoaster rides) with men than with women. By far. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a child, I adored my father with every fiber of my being. And I was the center of his world. But there was some conflict there. I was loved so dearly, given anything and everything I ever wanted, but the love felt very conditional in ways. I believed I was to be a certain way, or else I was not treated with love. I was reprimanded. Being just a child, I didn't understand fear, or worldly things or lofty concepts yet, and I was not yet jaded. But as a result of this disconnection to true love and light, the disconnect I could feel between others and their divine self, I began to set up a false belief system I carried everywhere I went that I was not good enough, that I was only loved when conditions were met, that I was able to be pushed aside or victimized for being myself. That being me was fundamentally flawed. And this continued and escalated into my teen years where my relationship with my father began to take a turn for the worse. We were at odds. I was depressed. I was rebellious. There was (real) love lacking and fear/ego had gone haywire.<i> (Of course underneath it all, we loved each other but we did not know how to deal with the reflection the other person held up for us.)</i></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I turned to other men for attention and love. From teens to twenties, I dated more men than I can count and liked a wide variety of them. Most "relationships" didn't last very long. Just weeks, really. And I was on to the next one. I was unfaithful, moving on to someone else almost instantly. Often times, before the current fling even knew I had moved on (mentally and emotionally and physically). </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then, suddenly, there reached a period of time where I became wildly monogamous. And this pattern continued into my thirties. I would find one man, devote my all, and never pass another glance at any other men. A year and a half there, a 6 year relationship into marriage here, another two year relationship there.... and lastly, a two and a half year relationship that brings us to the present. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not much has changed. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This love/hate, push/pull thing has been going on for as long as I can remember. And at the end of it all, I always find myself questioning why I am where I am. Why doesn't love last? I end up broken hearted, disappointed, seeking, sulking, hurting, angry and questioning so many things about myself, others and life. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It comes as no surprise, I bet, that I spent 90 days at the onset of my last relationship asking questions, finding answers and really devoting the time to some serious digging. The result was a book I wrote about Love. <i><a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" target="_blank"><b>The (Real) Love Experiment: Explore Love, Relationships & The Self</b></a> </i>was born. It helped me in ways I didn't know possible and it has helped many others. But still, after the book was finished, my life took a turn I wasn't expecting. And I was slammed with all the ups and downs that I had endured my life-long, and in many ways harder than before. I do have other books brewing, but this time of self-reflection and living the words in my first <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" target="_blank">book</a> have brought me here in this moment. This journey is one that I began fully committed to, and remain today. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Despite my falls, despite my failures and setbacks, despite the pain and anguish I felt on many days, I continue on. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the greatest lesson I continually take from this profound, albeit sometimes exhausting, journey is this...</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our relationships are a reflection of our inner state. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I repeated many times over in the <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" target="_blank">book</a>, relationships are our greatest mirrors and teachers. They show us where we are at, what we need to learn, what we need to let go or of heal, and which direction to go next. Relationships are no coincidence. The people in our lives are there for a reason. As Gabbie Bernstein puts it so perfectly, <i>"the world is your classroom and other people are your assignments." </i></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We must truly honor the people in our lives</b>. They show up when and where we need them, if nothing more than to show us our point of attraction (our own energy). But often times, they come with many more gifts than that... even when the gifts come as challenges, obstacles, discord, disagreement, pain and such. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My weeble-wobble relationship with men is indicative of the flux going on internally. It highlights my own self-worth issues, lack of confidence, feelings of instability, seeking external validation, feeling unappreciated or fundamentally not good enough, wrong or unlovable. </span><br>
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While relationships highlight all of our "shit," our only answer is love, presence and self-fulfillment. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>I learned that we must give ourselves what we seek from others.</b> No man could love me enough or put me on a pedestal high enough (but thanks for trying!) to keep me feeling lovable, good enough or fulfilled. [and on the flip side of the same coin, I had to learn that my value is not determined by anyone else's opinions or actions] That was my job. And I wasn't very successful at it because of the old, non-serving stories and self-limiting beliefs I was carrying around (and still do to a degree). </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If I am seeking out love and acceptance from some one else, validation or to feel important, that means I am not doing the housework and homework. I must find self-love, acceptance and feel good enough on my own. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">How do we do that? We can begin by forgiving ourselves and others. By realizing that we always do the best we can with the resources we have and sometimes we just don't know any better. If we did, we would do better. Forgive. </span>Accept. And be gentle with yourself. We are perfect, divine creatures. We are innocent at our core. And as Marianne Williamson says, <i>"Everything we do is either an act of love or a cry for help (for love)." </i></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even our imperfections are a perfect match for our life purpose and path. All puzzle pieces that create the whole. We are whole already. We do not need anything outside of ourself to be whole or lovable. No one can plug up our holes; only we can fill our own voids by realizing our true essence. By living authentically, honestly and humbly. By being grateful. Gratitude opens the door to so much positive experience and abundance. We are rich; our lives are full of love. We are love. It's our true essence. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Begin to heal the pain from the past by building a state of awareness and presence today. Even if you begin with just one minute a day, being present and aware (amplified by a meditation practice) brings you to the here and Now where everything - including <i>you</i> - is perfect and at peace. You are not your past. It does not define you. And the things from your past do not exist today. You may be carrying them with you and keeping them alive, but it is all an illusion. It's ok to begin to let go... to heal the wounds... to find your true being, your inner child staring at you, waiting for you to return to yourself. Patient, loving, kind and compassionate. He/she is always there. Ready to take this adventure with you.</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Don't judge or punish others for their role in your life; thank them for bringing things to light for you.</b> For showing you what you want, don't want, need, desire, have to heal, change or grow into. Thank them for sharing this intense journey with you, and no matter how it ended, if it ended, know that there were so many gifts left with you both, if you are ready and choose to see it as such. </span></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Byron Katie says, <i>"</i></span><i>All the advice you ever gave your partner is for you to hear."</i> And what does this mean? There's a reason that things bother you, bug you, drive you mad, hurt you, scare you or upset you. And none of it has anything to do with the other person. It's all about <i>you</i>. Your shadow self, the part you deny, and the pain you carry with you from the past to the present. We do not see people as they are, we see them as <i>we are</i>. Always. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not quite sure why men have played the role they have in my life, from a soul-standpoint. But I know it's for a reason. Or many reasons. And I know it has already birthed many miracles in my life and pushed me to become who I am today, which is closer to who I am meant to be and why I came here in the first place. The ups and downs have only been a very clear reflection of my own inner state. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am ready to begin to truly love and honor men, and most importantly, myself. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I am ready to begin this next chapter, to continue the journey to peace, love, joy and fulfillment. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And sharing it with the World Wide Web (the divine web of interconnected beings, that is). </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And so today... I would like to honor all of the men in my life, whether past, present or future. Thank you for the role you have played in making me who I am today. For the lessons you have taught me and continue to teach me. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Forgive me for the pain I may have ignited within you.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you for the love you have given me, for the love I have felt in my own heart. Thank you for showing up as my earthly assignments. Thank you for sharing this magnificent, giant classroom with me. There is no greater honor. </span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the words of <b>Namaste</b>...</span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My soul honors your soul. </i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides.</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I honor the light, love, truth, beauty and peace within you, because it is also within me.</i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In sharing these things, we are united. We are the same. </i></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We are one.</i></span><br>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Father's Day 2017.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">xo</span><br>
<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-50568744728564808652017-05-25T12:44:00.002-04:002017-05-25T12:55:44.499-04:00Thanks, Mom... <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Today I am going to give a huge shout-out to my Mother. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The woman that brought me into this world continues to remind me of why I am here in the first place... She has become (perhaps always was) one of my greatest support systems, friends and teachers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Life is not always easy. And lately, my life has challenged me in so many ways there are days I feel like it's so far ahead of me I cannot catch up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I often get overwhelmed by what is going on around me, my external world, and become defeated and fear-based. Little by little, I lose the glimmer of hope that normally keeps me going. I let people steal my power, my sparkle and my shine. I let a lack of sleep interfere in my normal joy and tolerance. I let life's challenges chip away at my strength, resilience and determination. And slowly, I fall. And hard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was having a particularly overwhelming day yesterday. I said, <i>"I've just had it with everyone and everything." </i><b>(can you relate to this feeling?)</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She looked at me straight in the face, serious as can be, with so much passion and emphasis on what she said, she seemed emotional. She said, <i>"Camille, you have so much to accomplish still in your life. Do NOT let anyone or anything get in the way of that." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was maybe the first time anyone has ever said that to me. Maybe, it was the way she said it that stopped me dead in my tracks. I am not positive why it was so impactful but it literally felt like time stopped for a second. It felt as though she froze time, grabbed the run-away train and put it back on course after being derailed, and I was just observing this from the outside.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I do have so much to accomplish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have so much life to live. And here I am, giving my power away to everyone and everything outside of myself. Allowing "life" to dictate how I feel, where I go, and how far I get. Letting other people and circumstances determine my value and worth. Whether I feel good or bad. Forgetting why I'm here in the first place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I came here with a very specific life path...as we all did. I have lessons to learn, missions to accomplish. We all do. But when we are too busy playing victim, or giving our power away, we cannot live the life we intended to or become the people we are meant to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We must take ownership, fully, and step back into our own Power. We have so much life left to live, and so many things to accomplish. So much joy and love to share and experience. So many opportunities, lessons, insights to gain. <b>Don't lose sight of that</b>. Do not forget that you came here for a reason...and that reason was never to give it all away or shrink away because of people, places or things outside of you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make the choice today to remember why you are here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To remember that you have the Power and the power is in those (your) choices. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Start living. Fully. Today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And when you fall (which we all do), pick yourself back up.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let me remind you today what my Mother reminded me of... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">You have so much to accomplish in this life. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">Do not let anyone or anything interfere in that. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">Stay on track, keep going. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">It's so worth it. And you are so worth it.</b></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-69379922421950718192017-05-07T19:06:00.001-04:002017-05-07T19:27:11.389-04:00Well, that was intense...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, today I got to visit a Barn (for the first time in years) and I went to yoga (for the first time in almost a year). I'd call that a successful day. #success</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Let's rewind for a minute...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQRRVNFFKXmRHt3weOiEUA7SjnE6vZUE2b_PU-58-Nl8jEXxpUoZNXSEFPPLQADwvPvaiBz4M_O00WBIDxTqMUHSwPXcFdOPW_X1ve0kkyN5NYUO_igHSEshEsu3GNqq6Tbz08bVALMpm/s1600/IMG_9775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQRRVNFFKXmRHt3weOiEUA7SjnE6vZUE2b_PU-58-Nl8jEXxpUoZNXSEFPPLQADwvPvaiBz4M_O00WBIDxTqMUHSwPXcFdOPW_X1ve0kkyN5NYUO_igHSEshEsu3GNqq6Tbz08bVALMpm/s400/IMG_9775.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This morning, I got myself and my youngest daughter ready, and drove out to Rockaby Farms in Yaphank where I'll be holding <a href="http://www.reallove.rocks/" target="_blank">my event</a> in two weeks. While I waited for the studio owner to show up, my daughter and I stood outside, the sun blazing, the horses neighing, the chickens doing whatever it is chickens do (she was just delighted by one chicken nearby)... it was so peaceful, so beautiful. I spent much of my childhood horseback riding, on and off, and the Barn and its scents and sensations still resonates deeply with me. We hung around for a while, met with the Studio owner, dropped off some flyers for the event, met one of <a href="https://www.restorewellnessandyoga.com/" target="_blank">her instructors and saw the Reiki practitioner</a>, spent a few more moments outside observing the animals and went back home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My daughter loved the farm just as much as I did. It was a really quiet, beautiful hour. I was in my childhood glory and still happy for hours after. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Later on, I committed to going back to <a href="http://bikramyogasetauket.com/" target="_blank">yoga</a> for the first time since last summer when I had to stop after only going three times (after almost a decade of being pretty sedentary, with the later years pregnant or nursing, then again) due to undiagnosed medical conditions. I've recently had some new medical issues and am waiting on an MRI (I don't often go to the doctors and when I do it usually ends up a mystery to all and I carry on with life as if it never happened), but really felt called to go back to yoga even despite my possible limitations. I called the studio and spoke to a man on the phone that reassured me that <i>starting is what was important, and to go at my own pace. </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just be where you are. </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I treated it that way, and not a competition, just the fact I was going would be a great step. </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This validated how I already felt. I reserved my spot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At 415, I arrived at the yoga studio. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The class begin shortly after, and we set our intentions for the next 75 minutes. My intention was to have the strength to get through the class, sent some love to people close to me, and asked that I also be given the strength to carry myself through the current transition to the next phase of my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not sure if it was the heat (hot Vinyasa yoga), the music (<i>"<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbjZPFBD6JU" target="_blank">Come Away with Me"</a></i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbjZPFBD6JU" target="_blank"> by Norah Jones</a>) or the simple but absolutely profound message the instructor gave, but towards the end of class I found myself crying on the mat (I've only heard of this happening to a select few, and wondered how and why it did). The movement, the message, the music was all reaching me in an intense way. I was deeply moved. She said, quite frequently throughout class, that being on the mat prepared us for life. That pain, and struggle, never lasted. It always ends. It passes. <i>The pain goes away... it never stays. </i>If you hold on, it will move through you and pass. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I was amazed by what my body was able to do after such a long reprieve when I simply focused intently on the moment and quieted the chatter of my mind. I was so much stronger than I realized. I was able to do way more than I imagined I would be able to. I didn't focus on what the others were doing. I just paid close attention to the instructions and my own body. And how powerful is this, when applied to life? When we are not consumed by thoughts of the past, future or present, to comparing ourselves to everyone and everything else, and when we quiet the mind and its chatter and self-limiting beliefs,<b> we can do</b> <b>so much more than we anticipated.</b> We have strength we didn't even realize we had. We have what it takes to get through the pain until it passes, because it never lasts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As you hold a yoga pose (go through a phase of life), if you stay ever-present and fully experience all that is going on in the Now, you gain the strength to get through the suffering and then it ends... just the same way it came. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Albeit emotional for me, and a challenge, this was exactly what I needed (there are no coincidences). I felt compelled to share this story, and instill a sense of hope and determination in <i>you</i>. <span style="background-color: yellow;">Whatever you are going through right now, know that the pain will pass. You <i>can</i> get through it, and you will.</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The instructor also said, whenever we are having difficult in life, <i>"return to the mat."</i> Be with yourself. Quiet your mind, tune into your body, and come back to your original intention(s). Stay intently focused in the present moment and know that you have what it takes. You are strong enough. You are beautiful enough. You are worthy and priceless. The pain comes and goes, but your everlasting, magnificent Self shines on and carries on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">With so much gratitude and love in my heart, I left class... to return to life. Knowing that I have what it takes to get through the challenges and extend love outward, and that one day the pain will be gone. And all I will remember is the beauty of the experience and journey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sending so much love and light to carry you through anything you may be going through right now, any suffering or pain, and to lift you and bring you hope during the challenging times. I'll see you on the other side, my friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Namaste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-42054558594507928372017-04-23T19:42:00.001-04:002017-04-23T19:47:17.606-04:00Everyone's hair is messy sometimes... <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though I have not pushed my daughter in any which way to strive to be "perfect," and in fact I have tried to tell her to relax a bit (with a lot of "who cares"), she tends to be a little perfectionist. I can't judge; when I had the time to tend to the details, I was one, too. Dot all your I's and cross all your T's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Apparently, when I was a little girl I would get mad if there was one tiny bump in my pony tail. However, my mother always made sure my hair was perfect. So I must have picked this up from her. No one liked doing my hair because I always gave them a hard time and made them do it over.... many times. <i>(arghhh)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I do my eldest daughter's hair upon her request (the only one who has hair long enough to do anything to), I don't really pay attention to the bumps or loose, fly-away pieces. For starters, she has really curly hair! I've never promoted perfectionism and it's been an eternity since I cared about what my hair looked like (<i>who was that person?</i>). Now that I remember how I was, it's quite humorous... but she takes her hair out multiple times before the bus comes and makes me redo her hair. Sometimes she gives up on me, and does it herself. It's just never <i>good enough</i>. I'm certainly not good enough at it. And it has to be <i>perfect</i>! No bumps! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She goes on to tell me about so-and-so's hair and how it's just perfect and slick back... not one bump!! And I try to tell her that no one is perfect. And I highly doubt that so-and-so has perfect hair everyday. That would be near impossible. And who cares, anyway? It's just hair. You're 7 (OK, I admit in writing this, I realize that sounds sort of dismissive! I just try to get her to lighten up a bit).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She displays other behaviors that vividly illustrate her perfectionism in play (did I mention she's a Virgo?). And I wonder how she developed them when I haven't really promoted it or enabled it. The more kids I had and the older they get, the more I realize how some things are just <i>so individual</i>... it really has so much to do with personality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, the other day something very funny happened. I never really think she's listening to me because she fidgets and changes the subject and acts very antsy when I try to have "talks" with her or teach her life lessons. So, imagine my surprise when she threw my advice back at me like a hot potato. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me: We really have to change all your shirts before company comes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her: Why? It's fine...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me: Yea, but there is dirt all over them from playing outside.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her: So what mom? No one is perfect. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me: (chuckle) You're right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her: You told me this. Now I'm teaching <i>you</i> a lesson. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Me: Oh, thank you... (laughs)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her: Everyone's hair is messy sometimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes.... everyone's hair is messy sometimes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And by hair... I mean hair...and <b>life</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Thanks, little one. I am glad you were listening.... and I appreciate the reminder. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-22334568387228082622017-04-12T06:30:00.000-04:002017-04-12T06:30:07.882-04:00Living Lack versus.....Living.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://livefullytoday.blogspot.com/2017/04/addendum.html" target="_blank">Previous Blog</a>: </b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">Incorporate things <i>into</i> your life, instead of feeling lack that you do not have time (money, resources, etc.) for them. </b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Common perception is that when we don't <i>have</i> something, there's a reason. And we have a laundry list of reasons <i>why</i> we don't have that said something. Ultimately, our perception and mind-frame is rooted in <b>lack</b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">All those (countless) days that I was waiting for "one day" to come, I would envision my dream life in my mind's eye and it felt <i>wonderful</i>. I would be exhilarated, an so excited! But shortly thereafter, my excitement and bliss would turn to dread and helplessness and anger and sadness and a whole assortment of juicy emotions that all could be traced back to lack. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>What I want is not here now. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>I want it now. Why is it not here now? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>I can't have it now. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Why can't I have it now? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Why is this my life? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Why am I here now? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>Why? Why? Why? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">While some of the questions helped me to reflect and modify what I was doing, most of it was fruitless, and kept me stuck in this rabid cycle of negativity. Which, in turn, would keep my external life showing up in much the same way, validating the fact that I was living in lack. Such is the Law of Attraction and vibration.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After becoming aware of my lack-mentality, it still took me a very long time to address it and shift it to a new, healthy perception and inspired action(s). Although we are often looking for ah-ha epiphany, sky-opening, water-parting moments of enlightenment (I sure am!), some times our processes are just </span>gradual evolutions that very well may resemble <span style="color: #38761d;">grass growing</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I kept receiving the message, <b><i>"incorporate things into your life." </i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At this point, I'd heard the message so many times... yet I still felt the sting of bitterness that my life was not what I wanted it to be. And I was finger-pointing why it wasn't what I wanted it to be. Even so, I slowly began doing what I could, squeezing things I saw in my dream-life-vision into tiny pockets of time in my actual life. I would read in the bath while the water filled up, or while putting my girls to bed, or while waiting on line or on hold on the phone. I capitalized on every free 2 minute interval I could find. I began a meditation practice right before bed, even if it was just for 5 minutes. It wasn't much but it was <i>something</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then one day, as I mentioned in the <a href="http://livefullytoday.blogspot.com/2017/04/addendum.html" target="_blank">previous blog</a>, it hit me (this was brought on by slight nudges and then the more obvious face-slapping, signs I was receiving or passages I was reading): without a real connection to who I am, I will never be whole, happy, peaceful, or content... but with self-discovery, exploration and expression, there is <i>nothing more</i> that I need. This was definitely an ah-ha moment... though perhaps it wasn't of grandiose proportions (<i>Score! I'll take it!)</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The real reason my life felt so empty was not because I wasn't exercising, reading, drawing, painting, being creative or crafty, writing, going out, getting dressed up (cue the laundry list...and while this list of things "missing" didn't <i>help</i> the void, it was <i>not the root</i> cause of it). It was because I had lost sight of who I was. I had stopped self-expressing. I had quieted my voice. And I began living a version of life that did not exemplify who I am and what I am about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once we re-align with our true selves, any small moment we spend doing something is meaningful. And if we can't do something, that's okay too. But those moments where we incorporate things <i>into</i> our life, feel amazing. And the more grateful we are, the more opportunities open up for us to incorporate even more great-feeling things in (or at least our eyes open to more ways we can). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">This blog is a living example. I wrote a book in 2015, and I have barely written since. I kept feeling the nudge, "</span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">you should be writing</i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">..." but always had a reason I couldn't write (too tired, not enough energy, writer's block, nothing to say, not enough time, etc.). It didn't take much for me to sit down and write yesterday and today. And it felt really good to be able to do it. And it's inspired me to continue on. Sometimes we have to just Shut the F*&$ up with the excuses and just </span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">make</i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;"> time, even if it's 30 seconds. Half the battle is overcoming our mind-frame that says we </span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;">can't. </i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">One of my favorite quotes is by Jim Rohn,</span><i style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><b>"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse."</b></span> </i><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">So true. You just can't argue with that (well, you <i>can</i>, and you <i>will</i> if you're still playing the victim card, intentionally or not... but the heart of the matter is, it's dead-on). People <i>find a way</i> when they want something bad enough.</span></li>
</ul>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living in lack, or <b>perceiving</b> our lives (or selves) as <i>missing</i> something, is a sure-fire way to keep it going and circling back around time and again. You can find yourself in a rut for years, if not decades. But, if we are just slightly open to the possibility that we can incorporate things <i><b>into</b></i> our lives, a whole new world opens up at out fingertips. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Perception is powerful. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Self-expression is vital.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And everything is <b>figureoutable</b> (<a href="http://www.marieforleo.com/2016/05/everything-is-figureoutable/" target="_blank">Marie Forleo</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-51119187759104368472017-04-11T13:55:00.001-04:002017-04-11T15:00:44.091-04:00Addendum.....?<span style="color: red; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes I write blogs, then afterwards about 10 things come to mind in rapid succession that I want to write to explain something in further detail, or piggyback on... it just never feels like I give <i>enough</i> to fully embody what I am trying to say or the points I am trying to get across. And the messages have so many layers! <i>(insert playful shrug and pout)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In an attempt to satisfy my own neurosis, I am going to try something out. Subsequent, explanatory blog posts that are in sequence, addressing what was written prior. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>So, why do we continually do things that are not good for us? </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Why do we stay status-quo, when how we are living is not really lighting us up or fueling our passion-fire? </i></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Why have we given up in so many areas of life? </i></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We look externally to plug up our holes, to find fulfillment or happiness. We spend so much time "waiting" for something to come, for "one day" to arrive, for something to "change." Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't... But anything that is found outside of us can only be temporarily satisfying at best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We stay as-is out of fear; fear of failure, rejection, success, the unknown, feeling unworthy or believing conditioned thoughts that really don't serve us or our purpose here. Maybe we don't feel good enough, or don't believe we deserve more. Maybe we don't think it's possible, that there's not enough to go around, or we've been told we're just a "<i>dreamer</i>." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"Stay safe, Dreamer. Play small. Stay with what you know. Don't get too far ahead of yourself... it is NOT safe." </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After careful observation, I have come to many conclusions and insights, and have a deeper level of understanding about myself. For years, I have fallen victim to my own circumstance. I always felt I didn't have "enough" - enough time, money, etc. Something was always in the way... it was just a small bug, not an epidemic, so I stayed status-quo, succumbing to my circumstances and waiting for things to change "one day." I felt that this was being <i>patient</i>. I called it all sorts of positive-sounding words. I believed it, though, and kept waiting... patient...patient...patient... (And, I'm not really that patient so this wasn't easy and consumed large quantities of energy to maintain).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In hindsight, after flailing and struggling my way through this "awareness" and "enlightenment" thing, it's become clear as day to me that there is only one thing I truly need in order to have joy, peace, love and fulfillment. There's just one set of requirements that trumps all else. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">First, there is the understanding that I am not missing anything externally. <b>I am not lacking anything that the external world can give me. </b>And nothing the external world can give me will make me whole. </span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Suddenly having free time and getting out of the house more often will not make me happy long-term. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Going out and having fun will not make me whole. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Buying things or consuming food or drinks will not light me up with passion and fire to fuel my days. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If I am not living my truth, self-expressing and living authentically, there is absolutely nothing that the external world can give me or that will come "one day" that will keep me happy and living fully. And, on the other side of the same coin, there is nothing else I need when I am living freely, exploring and expressing. I am content, playful, enthusiastic... I am whole and inspired and at peace. I can live Love, which is what we truly are. </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>There is absolutely nothing in this world that can replace our own self-expression</b>. When we are betraying ourselves <i>(living a lie, omitting, hiding who we are, giving up, settling, staying stuck, quieting our voice, not listening to our intuition, etc.)</i> and not shining our unique light out on to this world, there is an emptiness inside us that keeps us wishing, wanting, waiting, plugging holes and playing small. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When we realign with our inner Truth, become aware of our inner guidance system and feelings and emotions, shift our focus and our perception off of lack and onto curiosity about who and all we are, life becomes fun, again. Exciting. Meaningful. Joyous. Fulfilling. Peaceful. The list goes on and on... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>All we really need is to be connected to ourselves</b>, to the source and essence of who we really are. To gently allow - and maybe even welcome - ourselves to be loving expressions of what makes us who we are. Embrace our individuality. Our imperfect perfection. Our divine design. Celebrate what makes you who you are. Live your truth. Speak your mind. Say no when you mean no. Say yes when you mean yes. Be boldly authentic. Fiercely passionate about what drives you and lights you up. Reconnect with the childlike wonder and presence you once knew so well. Invite your inner child to play... and to heal. Soften the walls around your heart, replace bitterness with gratitude, and enjoy the peace and stillness that can be found in each beautiful moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Move. Speak. Play. Work. The options are endless... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="background-color: #fce5cd;">Incorporate things <i>into</i> your life, instead of feeling lack that you do not have time (money, resources, etc.) for them. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But whatever you do, do not wait for "one day" to come. Today is one day. And the only day that matters.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Namaste, friends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Love and light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">xo</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-38379909358509528292017-04-09T19:52:00.003-04:002017-04-09T19:58:05.206-04:00Just can't let the bad stuff go....<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">On and off throughout my life, I was a cigarette smoker (this may surprise you as it doesn't really fit my persona). The on-again, off-again trend began late in high school. There were periods where I smoked for years, and then there would be years I was smoke-free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After gathering enough data about my cigarette usage through this weeble-wobble, love-hate relationship, I began to realize that I felt much happier when I was a non-smoker. Smoking made me irritable and I would build life around the habit. I also used a smoke-break to plug holes or fill gaps I wasn't interested in exploring in "real life" like stressful moments as a coping mechanism, boredom, or a full belly. And, I felt guilty about smoking...even tho I really did enjoy it (probably because I associated it with void-filling). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So, here is <i>this</i> <i>thing</i> that I know is bad for me on so many levels. </span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It's unhealthy for my body (cue endless research, both personally and professionally... yes, I would get sick more often as a smoker than non).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It makes me irritable.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I feel bad about smoking.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It sways my thinking (coordinating life around when I am going to smoke).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No, nix #4... it actually hijacks my brain.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know I am happier when I am a non-smoker.</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But, letting go of this <i>thing</i> that I know is no good for me, <b>isn't easy. </b>And I wonder, <i>why the f*&# is it so hard to stop??? </i></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It is incredibly hard to let go, and leave it behind, <i>even knowing</i> all about the itemized list above. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, here's the thing. Smoking just is. It's neutral. It's not good or bad or anything. It just exists. What makes smoking "bad" is the meaning we put on it, the data we collect, the feelings we have, the emotions we bury with it, the patterns and conditioning that we now attach to the habit, the ways we use it to <b>numb ourselves</b>. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I think the most dangerous "side effect" of my smoking addiction was how I used it to numb myself, to avoid pain and discomfort and to develop less than healthy coping mechanisms for life. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a poem I heard recently at a <a href="http://www.limindfulnessandcoaching.com/" target="_blank">mindfulness seminar</a>, and I think it'll beautifully illustrate what I wish to say next... </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>The Guest House</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>by Rumi</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This being human is a guest house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every morning a new arrival.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A joy, a depression, a meanness,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">some momentary awareness comes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As an unexpected visitor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Welcome and entertain them all!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">who violently sweep your house</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">empty of its furniture,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">still treat each guest honorably.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He may be clearing you out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">for some new delight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The dark thought, the shame, the malice,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">meet them at the door laughing,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and invite them in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be grateful for whoever comes,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">because each has been sent</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">as a guide from beyond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Pain comes to us bearing gifts just the same that joy does. We never know what lies at the front door, but if we welcome it, or at least <i>allow it, </i>we may uncover the wisdom asking to be seen and shared. We are here to have a human experience, yet so often we are trying to avoid the emotions and feelings that come along with that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To give up something - person, place or thing - even though we know it is not good for us, we must commit to change, to welcome the unknown or at least accept it, and all of the human experience that comes along with that. Fear of the unknown can be crippling, and so often we stay in the clutches of something that isn't good for us, just because it's what we know and it's <i>safe</i> because of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What many of us may not realize is that until we fully feel our emotions, they stay stuck and trapped inside us. In order to release something, we must fully feel it. We do not have to attach to it, or identify with it, but we must let it move <i>through</i> us... when we are numbing ourselves, avoiding pain, building life around vices, and justifying our behaviors when we know that something isn't right for us, we are dimming our own light... we are breaking our contracts and promises we made long ago... we are resisting our own highest good, perhaps, and not embracing this beautiful life experience at its fullest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To feel the joys of life, we must be open... and that means we are open to feel <i>all</i> of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After quitting, I realized the discomfort faded slowly and the pain was only temporary. But the benefits were so great, once I got through that initial pain period of withdrawing and driving myself mad, I couldn't remember why I ever smoked in the first place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Change = discomfort. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But just like setting a bone, the pain is only temporary and once it is over, you are left with the permanent gift of having something being right - and healthy - for you in the long run. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Emotions come like waves. Joy comes and goes, pain comes and goes. Each is temporary... taking turns, like the waves in the ocean. This is all part of our humanity; this is why we are here. We did <i>not</i> decide to inhabit Earth as feeling, thinking Humans... just to find every which way to kill ourselves, numb ourselves, dumb ourselves down, avoid the experience we signed up for, and cruise through on auto-pilot. We came to have a physical experience and to feel... to <i>really</i> feel... and that includes pain, pleasure and everything in between. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes. Giving things up is hard. Even when we know they're bad for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But... what's even harder is living your life, knowing you <b>haven't really lived at all</b>. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-24341101754904115882017-03-23T10:28:00.004-04:002017-03-23T10:28:43.651-04:00You'll never look at food the same way, again, if you do this... <div style="font-family: palatino, 'palatino linotype', 'palatino lt std', 'book antiqua', georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<b>*To sign up to receive these by email, join the list at <a href="http://madmimi.com/signups/86572/join">http://madmimi.com/signups/86572/join</a></b></div>
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Raisins....... yay or nay?</h2>
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I've never been a big fan of raisins. They sort of creeped me out. So, when <a href="http://www.limindfulnessandcoaching.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Cory</a> emptied bags of mini boxes of raisins on the table during the class I attended this past Sunday, I wasn't thrilled but I was excited for the exercise <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">(If you did not receive the email I sent out about the class, you can read it <a href="https://madmimi.com/s/420ac9" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">here)</a>.</em></div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">Let's rewind a second: if you are new to receiving my emails, this may seem like a strange email. I agree. But hear me out before deleting and spamming me! Most of my emails are short, sweet and inspirational. This one will be a little big longer, as there is a lot of information here.</strong></div>
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So, the purpose of the raisins was to learn about Mindful Eating. This is a practice that brings us back to the present moment and allows us the unique opportunity to use all of our senses and <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">really</em> pay attention. So often, we eat on the fly, shoving food in our mouth almost unconsciously, not even tasting or enjoying the food or experience. And, often times we eat to fill voids, not because we are actually hungry. Through Mindful Eating, we learn to pay attention to our body's signals, messages and needs while also discovering how beneficial a simple practice can be <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">(for those of you wanting to know some benefits of Mindful Eating, click <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=benefit+sof+mindful+eating&*" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">here</a> for a Google search that will bring up plenty of articles with information).</em></div>
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So, what was this practice we did in class? It was really fun; I actually felt like a little kid and almost giggled in excitement and curiosity and amusement.</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">These were the instructions:</strong><br />* Pretend you are an Alien visiting this planet and you've never seen raisins before.<br />* Take a raison out of the little red box.<br />* Hold it in your hand, examine it with your <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">sight</strong> for a few moments and find words to describe it. Mine happened to look like a brain!<br />* Next, use a pointer finger to touch and <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">feel</strong> the raisin. What does it feel like? What are some words you can use to describe it?<br />* Bring the raisin up to your nose and <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">smell</strong> it. What does it smell like? How would you describe the smell?<br />* We laughed as we did the next part, because it is really weird and silly to think about <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">hearing</strong> a raisin, but try it out, anyway. Some people said they heard crackling and popping.<br />* Last, we put the raisin up to our lips and held it there for a second. By this point I was actually looking forward to eating the raisin even tho I never liked raisins! Cory asked us to pay attention as our tongue and lips participated in bringing the raisin from lips to mouth. Then we chewed and <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">tasted</strong> the raisin, slowly, paying attention to the sensations and whatever came up for us.</div>
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So, what is the point here?</h2>
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After this exercise, I was sort of alarmed at how unconsciously I eat my food. With 3 kids at home, half the time I am chewing what's left of my food that I haven't given away, carrying a baby, cleaning up and waitressing for the other 2. I have little to no involvement in the eating process, let alone enjoying it or being present in the experience of it. This little raisin changed the way I view food and my daily activities which look more like sleep-walking on autopilot than living. I thought to myself, <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">"Wow, who can stay unhealthy when they practice mindful eating?"</em> For one, we learn to eat when we are <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">hungry</em>... (what a foreign concept!) and not just to fill a void with junk food, or have an emotionally/boredom-induced overeating session (guilty!).</div>
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Ironically, I lost my sense of smell and taste due to congestion and a cold the day following the course. At this point, I began eating foods for nourishment alone since I couldn't taste anything anyway (lots of green drinks I don't normally like). When my taste and smell came back today, it was exhilarating and I am <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">so grateful</em> for all these senses we get to enjoy but often take advantage of.</div>
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We spend so much time unconsciously living life, we don't even realize we are driving to work, eating food, or showering. Our mind is elsewhere, our thoughts are scattered and often not productive or helpful. A simple practice like Mindful Eating (even if we just try to practice it here and there) can curb so many of our vices, and eradicate sources of unhappiness. Like I mentioned in my last email about <a href="https://madmimi.com/s/420ac9" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Mindfulness Meditation</a>, the benefits to practicing Presence in your everyday life are enormous and backed by much scientific data at this point.</div>
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You are here to live your life, boldly and authentically, and to experience the world through your senses. Your physical body gifts you these amazing privileges and while we are here, why not enjoy what we can? There will always be hard days, challenges to overcome, and pain... but we can choose with every new breath to become aware, mindful and cherish the everyday moments in our lives.</div>
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I'll be reporting my real-time results from my commitment to Mindfulness Meditation everyday until the next class Cory teaches in April. So far I am only on day 3... but I am loving it now that I actually gave it a shot. <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">The power lies in the shift of focus and awareness, and detaching from all those nagging thoughts that normally rule our day.</strong></div>
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Let me know your thoughts and experience(s) if you care to give Mindful Eating or <a href="https://madmimi.com/s/420ac9" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Take Five</a> a try!</div>
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Sending love and light.<br />xo</div>
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For Inspi-pics, check out my Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/</a></div>
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Check out my blog posts at <a href="http://livefullytoday.blogspot.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">LiveFullyToday.Blogspot.com</a></div>
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If there is anything I can do to support you on <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">your</em> journey to transformation, please do not hesitate to reach out.</div>
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Check out my first book here: <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.TheRealLoveExperiment.com</a></div>
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In the interim, join me on Facebook for daily inspirations: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-28977612243759277882017-03-23T10:26:00.003-04:002017-04-10T16:37:07.559-04:00Take Five...<div style="font-family: palatino, 'palatino linotype', 'palatino lt std', 'book antiqua', georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<b>*To sign up to receive these by email, join the list at <a href="http://madmimi.com/signups/86572/join">http://madmimi.com/signups/86572/join</a></b></div>
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Take 5...or 10....0r 20. Just take 1 if you have to, but take it!</h2>
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I went to a class yesterday in Plainview, "<a href="http://www.limindfulnessandcoaching.com/3-hour-intro-sayville.html" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Mindfulness for Beginners</a>" with <a href="http://www.limindfulnessandcoaching.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Cory Muscara</a>. So much of what I learned just reaffirmed messages I have been receiving lately and nudges that my intuition has been trying to get me to notice. Not just notice, but to pay attention to and put into practice.</div>
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Cory calls Mindfulness, <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">Shifting from Surviving to Thriving.</em> He talked about how to "shift from living on “automatic pilot” to living with greater awareness, presence, and intentionality." And the route he teaches to get you there is Mindfulness and meditation.</div>
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So many people think of meditation as something far-out-there or something they "can't do" (I was one of them - I wanted to learn to meditate but didn't know how or if I could quiet the mind long enough to). The class was a great start to the practice, and I really enjoyed it.</div>
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As Cory validated, so often we live on "auto pilot" and are not really present. Our bodies are someplace, but we are elsewhere (our minds, with thoughts in the past or future). It's so healthy for us to stop and take a few moments, even just one minute, to become aware and present fully in the moment. Here and Now.</div>
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The health benefits and scientific studies around the benefits are impressive. And so many companies, organizations and schools are adopting these principles because of the findings and evidence showing how important meditation or mindfulness is to productivity, reduction in stress and illness, and overall wellbeing and happiness.</div>
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We all deserve to give ourselves the peace of mind that can come from Mindfulness Meditation. You can start with as little as one minute a day. Cory taught us an exercise that can be done in about 30 seconds called, "Take Five."</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">Instructions</strong>:<br />
* You look at the palm of your left hand and trace your fingers, one at a time, up and down with your right pointer finger, beginning at the thumb.<br />
* Align your breath with the finger motions, as you go up, inhale... and as you draw down your finger, exhale. Continue to do this each finger.<br />
* Pay attention as the finger slides up and down, the sensations you feel, and really absorb that experience and moment.<br />
* If you catch yourself "thinking," simply say"<em style="vertical-align: baseline;">oh, that's a thought"</em> and let it go without judgment, bringing yourself back to the exercise and present moment.</div>
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If you like, you can then move onto the next hand. Or do it, again, on both hands. Something as simple as this can bring your awareness to the present moment, shedding negative thoughts for long enough to ground you in peace and bring you back to yourself.</div>
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Give it a try and let me know what you think. I am committing to meditating everyday until his level 2 course in April. I'll keep you posted on what comes up for me! And I'll be back to share with you an awesome exercise he did with a raisin! Sounds silly, but it was <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">so powerful</em>.</div>
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Love and light to you, my friend.<br />
xo</div>
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For inspi-pics, check out my Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/</a></div>
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Check out my blog posts at <a href="http://livefullytoday.blogspot.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">LiveFullyToday.Blogspot.com</a></div>
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If there is anything I can do to support you on <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">your</em> journey to transformation, please do not hesitate to reach out.</div>
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Check out my first book here: <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.TheRealLoveExperiment.com</a></div>
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In the interim, join me on Facebook for daily inspirations: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-4966243281529712432017-03-23T10:24:00.005-04:002017-03-23T10:24:59.476-04:00The Sweet Stuff... <div style="font-family: palatino, 'palatino linotype', 'palatino lt std', 'book antiqua', georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">
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I've always been one to enjoy a dessert item after eating. It's just been a habit I formed based on craving sweets after meals. It never became a problem and I never thought anything of it... until this week.</div>
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I have been reaching for more and more (vegan) chocolate, cookies and anything sweet throughout the day, more often. It's like my appetite for it became insatiable.</div>
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It wasn't until someone tried to pin me down with "diabetes" and asked why I was eating so much sugar that I realized perhaps there was something more to this sweet craving than I originally thought.</div>
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From my health coaching schooling, I know that cravings can say a lot about us, our needs and what's going on both physically and emotionally. Cravings can indicate a nutritional deficiency but they can also alert us to emotional deficiencies.</div>
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I decided to Google the emotional reasons behind sugar cravings, as I have been going through a lot lately within myself and felt I may find something of value there. Not surprisingly, this is what I stumbled upon on <a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">MindBodyGreen.com</a>:</div>
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<em style="vertical-align: baseline;">Sweet cravings are probably the most frequent craving people report to me. These people are often working too long and hard, moving from one to-do list item to another and feeling exhausted. The real reason for this craving is they aren’t experiencing enough joy — it's evaporated into their daily grind.</em></div>
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As a working mother of three girls, two of them under 3 years old, I find little time to enjoy life and often hop from one to-do to the next, leaving a laundry list (and lots of actual laundry) behind of things I didn't yet get to that have to get done. Sleep is lacking, the winter brought with it many "bugs" that kept the children awake through the night, uncomfortable, and rest is considered a luxury that I cannot often afford. Paired with my struggles lately that have been popping up on the emotional journey after committing to ditching the defensive attitude I sometimes react with, books I have been reading that trigger things inside of me, and a general lack of time to do what I enjoy and makes me Who I Am, it's <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">just no wonder</em> I reach for the sweet stuff.</div>
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My body has been <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">craving joy</strong>. And while there are healthy food alternatives to the sweet stuff I reach for, nothing - and no one - can fill that gaping hole except for me. Our body is always speaking to us. The awareness it brings can lead us to powerful discoveries that help us through to transformation.</div>
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Finding out what I did on Google was no coincident. I needed to find this, read it and realize what is missing. It's now my job to make myself whole, again, and make healthier choices for my life.</div>
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Our internal guidance system is always on, always sounding off alarms and guiding us where we need to go. It speaks to us on the regular. Once we begin to listen, and trust this inner wisdom, we are on the road to discovery, healing and well-being.</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">What is your body and intuition speaking to you that maybe you have not been listening to? Take some time today to think about this...</strong></div>
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Sending love and light.<br />xo</div>
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For inspi-pics, check out my Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/</a></div>
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Check out my blog posts at <a href="http://livefullytoday.blogspot.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">LiveFullyToday.Blogspot.com</a></div>
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If there is anything I can do to support you on <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">your</em> journey to transformation, please do not hesitate to reach out.</div>
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Check out my first book here: <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.TheRealLoveExperiment.com</a></div>
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In the interim, join me on Facebook for daily inspirations: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-22484431806460843292017-03-23T10:22:00.001-04:002017-03-23T10:23:27.491-04:00Growing up is an "unbecoming"<div align="left" style="color: dimgrey; font-family: Palatino, 'Palatino Linotype', 'Palatino LT STD', 'Book Antiqua', Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.3em; padding: 0px; unicode-bidi: embed; vertical-align: baseline;">
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<br />
I've been reading an amazing memoir book by Glennon Doyle Melton, made famous by her raw and open blog, <a href="http://momastery.com/blog/viral-posts/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">Momastery</a>.</div>
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One of her recent realizations in the chapter I am on is about how becoming a "grown up" means <strong style="vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="vertical-align: baseline;">unbecoming</em></strong>... we are always seeking to become something bigger, better, or do something more, better, different. But so much about learning our Soul Lessons is about undoing, unlearning, de-conditioning, deprogramming... going back to the Start of it all. Going back to who we were before the world had its affects on us.</div>
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"Can you remember who you were before the world told you who you should be?" — Danielle LaPorte</h2>
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So much of who we are is lost in the world as we "grow up" and maybe part of "growing up" spiritually means re-learning and reclaiming those parts of ourselves, maybe just some of them, or by at least becoming aware of them. Removing ourselves from the conditioning, the judgments and the self-limiting beliefs we have picked up, learned, programmed in our psyche and basically brainwashed ourselves with for years and years. Part of living happily is living <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">authentically</em>. Getting to the core of Who We Really Are.</div>
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Today, I wish you precious moments, reclaiming stolen memories, and a day of peace as you sift through the chaos of things and find Who You Really Are, and what really makes you happy.</div>
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Let your Soul sing today... even if just briefly.</div>
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xo</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino lt std" , "book antiqua" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: italic; text-align: left;">Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/ **Growing up is an unbecoming.** **Glennon Doyle Melton** #momastery #glennondoylemelton #LoveWarrior #awakening #unlearning #deconditioning #beyou #beyourself #selflove #loveyourself #speakyourtruth #glennondoyle #glennon #unbecoming #idontwannagrowup #growingup #learnandlove #livefulltoday #lovefulltoday #camillelucy #vegan #innerchild #innerwisdom #bethelight #bethelove</span></td></tr>
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For more inspi-pics like this one, check out my Instagram page: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/camille_lucy_26/</a></div>
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If there is anything I can do to support you on <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">your</em> journey to transformation, please do not hesitate to reach out.</div>
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Check out my first book here: <a href="http://www.therealloveexperiment.com/" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.TheRealLoveExperiment.com</a></div>
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In the interim, join me on Facebook for daily inspirations: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday" style="color: indianred; text-decoration: none; word-break: break-word;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/LiveFullToday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-15737816899635413402017-03-07T10:43:00.000-05:002017-03-07T10:43:39.976-05:00Cherish the everyday moments...<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had shared an Instagram video on Facebook yesterday and went on (which I rarely do these days) last night to edit the hashtags. I watched the video then hit something on the screen by accident. It brought me to a video I posted years ago when I was more active, personally, on Facebook.</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From a video of my Rottie, Raja, jumping through the snow when I lived in my co-op, to a video of my eldest daughter when she was just a few years old, singing, to a video of my late Rottweiler, Ursa, playing in the snow... one by one, I watched the videos with <i>major</i> <i>nostalgia</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was at that moment that I truly realized how the small, everyday moments are what really create our life. These are the memories that we make, the feelings we take with us, the laughter and joy and tears and pain. All of it. At the time, our everyday lives may seem insignificant or mundane, but these moments become buried treasures. Once uncovered, they gift us with access to true, priceless gems. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sure, at the time I took a video of my dog playing, I was laughing and enjoying myself. Or when I recorded my daughter singing to a cartoon on TV, I thought it was uber cute. But finding those videos last night really warmed my heart, and I felt like I recovered a lost part of my journey. I had forgotten all about those moments. And I was able to appreciate them so fully, for the beauty I had surrounding me. And all the love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now that my Ursa girl has passed on, and it's been many years since, or my daughter has been growing up so fast, I can look back and realize that perhaps I could have been more grateful for what was right in front of me... all the time. Not just some of the time. I could have been more present. I could have showed up more fully. Normally I don't encourage use of the words, "should, would, could" but in this case, looking back, that lesson was really driven home for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Cherish the everyday moments</b>...they are the moments that slip away, that we wish we could relive once they are over. How I would just jump at the opportunity to play with Ursa one more time, or snuggle with my daughter when she was my only child and we had all the time in the world to be together one-on-one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It may seem difficult when we are faced with busy lives and messes, spread thin, or overcoming obstacles and stress, to be mindful, present and live fully in each moment - especially when those days seems humdrum or less than exciting or fulfilling. But there is <i>always</i> something to be grateful for. There is definitely something we have <i>right now</i> that one day we may miss and <i>wish we still had</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life moves on; it is always evolving and so are we. Presence and gratitude are two keys to a life lived with more joy, peace, love and fulfillment. These everyday moments are what make up the tapestry of who we are, and our great adventure on this fascinating planet in our miraculous, beautiful bodies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today, I encourage you to cherish the everyday moments. Be fully present and aware, as much as you can be. Keep practicing and it becomes easier and easier to access this mindful space where love and beauty are the focus and feelings that surround you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I may have come across those videos by accident, and while they brought me some sadness, I know that it was not a coincident that I stumbled across them. I was meant to take home this message, and to share it. To remember to truly cherish <i>all that is</i>, <b>as it is. 🙏</b></span><br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-59962547534501825582017-01-02T09:13:00.003-05:002017-01-09T22:30:43.139-05:00Examine your body with new eyes...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fWYrVunT7kk" width="480"></iframe>
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As you begin the New Year, and after having perhaps indulged in numerous abundant feasts, I invite you to examine your physicality with new eyes. And while doing so, I ask you to stay connected to the miracles of your beautiful body. Focus less on the “calories” and more on the function.</div>
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Like a child, or an animal, examines things and revels in their newness, I ask you to remove the fog from your lens of the past and see - <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">really see</em> - as if you have sight and understanding for the first time in the present moment. Remove old judgment, old stories and broken records of beliefs that no longer serve you, and open your heart to the endless possibilities of meaning and gratitude.</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">Your body is your life’s vehicle.</strong> Not only is it a means of transportation, it houses your priceless existence and allows you to experience all there is. It performs miracles every single day, in every single moment. It works with you, not against you, and protects you from harm. The body has so many incredible jobs. Your safety isn’t its only responsibility, albeit an important one. Your body is the epicenter of your world. And through it you have physical senses and opportunities for indescribable joy, fulfillment and pleasure.</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">There is a reason that a mindful practice of an everyday chore like doing the dishes can be so rewarding and exciting.</strong> When we take the time to fully experience the moment with all of our senses, we begin to feel and notice things we never did before while “sleep-walking” on autopilot. Like the sound of the water running, the feel of it on our skin, the scent of the soap bubbles, the way the food melts away and runs off the plate into the sink like a rock being picked up by the river and carried away, the peace and tranquility that can be found by getting lost in this too-often-considered “mundane” or “tedious” household activity. Time stops, stress melts away and we are brought back to this very moment in time - <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">which is all we ever have.</em></div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">Your body allows you to experience extreme and unlimited physical pleasures</strong>. Not just the obvious ones like sex or reaching orgasm, but so many often-overlooked ones; simple ones, extraordinary ones and everything in between. You are gifted the great blessing of physical intimacy and connection: hugging, touching, holding hands, kissing, holding a newborn baby, tickling a child, petting an animal. You are able to taste food and drink, different textures and flavors and temperatures. They all relate to your mouth in unique ways and you get to decide if the relationship is one you enjoy or not. You are able to smell perfume, the grass after its cut, a bonfire, the salty beach air. You can read a book, be awe-struck by the sight of a mountaintop or canyon or the great Northern Lights, and you can watch your kids play and having fun. You can resonate with powerful music, listen to the birds chirp and the calming sound of the rain as it falls on the rooftop and hits the windows. You can interact with others, hear what they have to say, and speak back. You may be able to carry and birth a baby, breastfeed or snuggle a little one to sleep.</div>
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<strong style="vertical-align: baseline;">Your body is so amazingly equipped to serve you, it’s a mystery how anyone can feel bored.</strong> New experiences are available to us in every new moment, and it’s our choice how to spend that time. We can run, meditate, sleep, eat, play, work, sing, read, watch a movie or TV, write, draw, paint, play sports, dance, stretch, swim, drink, climb, make love, sit, stand, headstand, do flips or do nothing but be ever-present.</div>
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What matters most is the joy you are experiencing, the newness you are reaching for, the activities you are reveling in and appreciating maybe for the very first time because you never stopped long enough to actually <em style="vertical-align: baseline;">see and hear and taste and touch and feel.</em> How many calories you consume is a far cry from what’s important. Sure, you want to be healthy and feel good. That is necessary for longterm health. But to nitpick the size, shape, color, and condition of your physical body against what you feel it “should” be, is to greatly underestimate and overlook your life’s most precious, valuable, and unlimited source of freedom, expression, joy and fulfillment.</div>
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Your body is the gift that just keeps on giving. This holiday, and always. In every moment. Open yourself to new sight, allow it to offer you the abundance you intended to enjoy, and surprise yourself at how amazing, exciting, new, juicy, delicious and rewarding life can continually be in every moment.</div>
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Let's bring in 2017 in the very best way possible.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-57369065081089824712016-12-08T14:05:00.001-05:002016-12-08T14:06:52.115-05:00What Would LOVE Do?<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(50, 51, 51); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #323333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I invite you to stop frequently throughout the day today and question: <i>What would Love do? </i>Question your intentions, listen for the whispers of your Heart and Soul. Pause long enough to hear the silence as it speaks to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Angry at someone?</b> Ask yourself, <i>what would Love do?</i> How would you act if you were acting purely out of Love and not fear or ego? Would you still be angry? Use this technique to uncover your real feelings and core issues that lie deep beneath the surface anger.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Frustrated with your life or a current situation?</b> Ask yourself, <i>what would Love do?</i> If you were to view this circumstance with eyes of Love and pure light energy, would you see it differently? Is there a way to find opportunity in this challenge presenting itself? Life happens <i>for</i> you, not to you. Everything is a mirror, showing you ways you can grow and learn more about yourself. Is there a way you can find appreciation for your circumstance, rather than create more tension around it? Remember, your thoughts and beliefs become your tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Feeling insecure or not worthy?</b> Ask yourself, <i>what would Love do?</i> How does God see you? How does your Inner Being, your Higher Divine Being see you? If you were to see yourself in this way, you would just fall in absolute love with all that you are (and aren’t). Even your “flaws” are perfectly suited for your life’s mission(s) and purpose. You are a masterpiece, crafted in pure Loving energy. The non-physical part of you just adores your “human.” You’re quite a character, you know? Really. You’re fabulous. Start believing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Don’t have a Love life? Think again.</b> Be your own "Someone Special", first and foremost. Give yourself the Love and attention you crave. Teach others how to treat you by how well you treat yourself. Then, extend that love out into the world through Kindness and Compassion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Today (and everyday), try to appreciate all the Love that there is in your life, no matter how that looks: kids, friends, family, loved ones, spouses or significant others, animals, businesses, hobbies, passions… the list is endless. Love takes so many different forms. If we look close enough, we will see so many examples of how much Love we have right Now. And don’t forget to take time to treat someone special (YOU) to some extra TLC. The world will be a brighter place: the better you feel, the bigger your shine. The bigger your shine, the greater positive impact you have on the whole of humanity. We all need you to continually ask yourself, <i>what would Love do? </i></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-77623456934530234722016-12-08T13:53:00.001-05:002016-12-08T13:56:13.064-05:00As You Move Through Your Days, Be Gentle...<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When you open your eyes in the morning, <b>be grateful</b>. Be still. Set an intention for the day, repeat a mantra or commit to working on something you struggle with. Each day, maintain your baby steps towards a better you, to feeling better and reaching for those good feelings and thoughts. Try a little harder, but <i>be loving towards yourself</i> each step of the way. Stop beating yourself up over everything. <b>Be gentle</b>. You are a beautiful soul, and your expansion, transformation and self-development are a process. Everything takes time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This physical life is <i>very temporary</i>. It's time to see who you really are and why you came here. To realize your brilliance, and allow it to shine. It is very wasteful to spend your days harboring bad feelings and limiting your expression of light and love. There is no value in that whatsoever and only brings pain. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Check in with yourself throughout the day</b> to see how you’re feeling, where you’re at, and how you can change directions if you’re struggling. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Allow</b>. Allow your love and passion to flow. Allow creativity to be born through you. Enjoy what is. And dream for more. Live an authentic life, practice freedom of expression in all forms. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Respect your body</b> for the incredible vehicle it is, it houses the most priceless gift of life. Move, walk, dance and sing. Have fun doing it. Enjoy nature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Stop focusing so much on what's missing</b>, and what doesn’t feel good. Start to feel good about what is (and isn’t) and how miraculous it all is. It is okay to not have it all right now. We always have what we need in each moment. There is beauty and love and abundance around us at all times. All we have to do is open our eyes, and shift our focus and perception.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Practice acceptance and surrender (pseudo) control</b>. Not everything means something. And not everything is personal. Meet challenges with Grace, and live with integrity. <i>Be kind</i>… to yourself, to others, to animals, to the Earth. <i>We are all in this together.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>When you go to bed at night, quietly reflect on the day</b>. What challenges did you face? What could you have handled more gracefully? What can you forgive yourself for, or someone else, to move towards true healing? What can you shed light and love on to transform and absolve for a fresh start tomorrow? Honor the gifts bestowed upon you, focus on what felt good, and intend to strive for your desires, again, when you rise for a new day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Again, <i>be gentle with yourself</i>. And life. It's all a process. <b>But it’s all so very magnificent.</b></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04322951024606830784noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1828217147111013922.post-4416700182241228222016-09-11T18:48:00.001-04:002016-09-11T18:48:27.815-04:00Wisdom from the Womb (...to honor 9/11)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3fOzFZaD_6avtx_XFaFfHgfdxijx7eLoIB6PXwu-QVCF6FvDssxyDSOVZ5b09VtORVkDQhhMioMhWTV9MMcJW_pFu8VC43e02ApBzi7TUC4e-XOJy1MmN-Pujat_S7TqeDFIU7PLQQGO/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3fOzFZaD_6avtx_XFaFfHgfdxijx7eLoIB6PXwu-QVCF6FvDssxyDSOVZ5b09VtORVkDQhhMioMhWTV9MMcJW_pFu8VC43e02ApBzi7TUC4e-XOJy1MmN-Pujat_S7TqeDFIU7PLQQGO/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presence is always the answer.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">On days like today, the anniversary of 9/11 </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">(Wow, where did 15 years go?)</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">, we often stop to remember… to find meaning amidst the chaos, to honor those lost, to celebrate their lives, and to be still and humble and vulnerable and full of love.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">But how quickly do we fall back into our old patterns? Most days, we are so consumed by our own human drama that we lose sight of the big picture and what matters most. We are stuck in a hamster wheel, obsessing over the past or worrying about the future. We play the same record of old stories we've told ourselves repeatedly and now believe. It's on loop. Playing and playing and playing, forever dictating our thoughts and actions. And consequently, our external lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">The cure to this madness, as we briefly experience on days like 9/11, is Presence. Presence is <i>always</i> the answer. It can - and will - bring us back to our heart-centeredness: that space inside us where we feel a deeper connection and meaning to all of life. A space where we move in sync to the One beating drum, the heart beat and pulse of All There Is, the natural rhythm and flow of existence. This is the place where we stand still, breathe, and honor life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Babies and children are masters at Presence</b>. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">And they’re also great Teachers for us. They’re probably born with more wisdom straight out of the womb than we have and practice as adults! I have found that there is much to be learned from watching them as they journey through their first few years, in particular. They are definitely not stuck in some old story about the past. They are not all that concerned about what's for dinner tomorrow or the next day, or what may come to pass in the following days. For the most part, they are very grounded and anchored in to the Present moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">It's a delight observing babies and children. For one, they absolutely revel in the newness of each experience and fully cherish every moment of it with<i> all </i>their senses. They want to touch and feel it, taste it, smell it, see it, hear it and explore all there is to it. They are very present and very aware of each moment they are living. And as a result, they are masters at other very important ways of being that lead to pure love, joy and fulfillment, such as:</span></span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Receiving: </b>Little ones have absolutely no issue asking, and actually <i>expect</i> to receive plentifully! They're not shy about asking for what they want, and they are definitely not too proud to accept their granted wishes. Asking and receiving come very naturally to them. They feel they are more than worthy, and in fact, they may not understand why you say “no!” As adults, we develop all sorts of “lack” language and stories as to why we cannot receive or why we can’t have something, or shouldn’t ask for it or expect it, but this is a non-serving and very limiting behavior and mind frame. Each one of us deserves all that we desire. Ask and it is given. Children understand this, and they know you must ask if you wish to receive! If you pay attention to kids for a while, you’ll come to learn how easily and effortlessly they give, ask, receive (and repeat) as a natural and instinctual way of being. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Forgiveness: </b>Kids do not generally hold onto anger or resentment or grudges. Most times that something (perceived as negative) happens, a moment later they are off, happy, again, back to whatever they were doing or onto something new that interests them. They rarely self punish, and forgive themselves almost instantly for whatever it is they have “done” (or said, or didn't do, etc.). Babies certainly don't understand hate or a lack of forgiveness. Their minds are very clear, and they have not yet had time to create attachments and meanings and stories about their surroundings and the people in it. Once a situation is gone, kids just let the thing go. They’re back to being “best friends” with the kid that knocked them down or stole their pencil. They’re back to playing after dishing out a bad attitude to Mom or Dad. Once the moment is over, it’s <i>over</i>. And they’re <i>over it. </i>Wow, what a powerful way of being. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Gentleness and Acceptance: </b>Babies and children are gentle (with themselves and others) and overall, very accepting. If they can’t reach the toy they want, they just keep trying. If they fall when they are learning to walk, they get back up and try, again, a moment later. You’re not going to catch a toddler beating himself up over the fact that he didn't poop in the potty today. Nor are you going to hear a young child say how “dumb” or “fat” or “worthless” they are just because they didn’t get something right the first time. They just accept where they’re at, what is, and move on with a gentle presence and grace. Think about how much happier we would all be if we could accept where we are at and just keep trying, again, with as much enthusiasm as the first time? </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Love: </b>Babies and children are vulnerable and loving. They give with their whole hearts and are not afraid of getting hurt. They do not withhold their love, or guard it, (or pretend to love something they don't!) until they have learned over many years that perhaps being open is risky. Babies and children smile and laugh and hug and kiss and touch and play and give (and receive) openly and willingly and abundantly. They are so brave, so bold, and so beautiful. What a miraculous blessing, to witness love <i>flowing freely</i> to and from children and babies. No limitations. No boundaries. No walls being built to keep love in or out. Just a pure flow of pure love and light energy. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Play: </b>Kids do not take life too seriously. And they understand the importance of play! You’re not going to hear a child tell you that they can’t play just yet, they have to clean up their room first (maybe a select few tidy gems, but not the majority). Or that the day is ruined because it’s raining outside. Play is a creative expression of our imagination and our Self. It is at the root of manifestation and an incredible attribute that children possess. Play keeps us totally present in each new moment, and in touch with our creativity and inspiration (which means literally to breathe in and be filled with Spirit). </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Expressing Self: </b>In addition to play, babies and children have no filter when it comes to expressing the Self. When they are upset, or scared, they cry. When they are happy, they smile and laugh. They show their emotions and feelings verbally and physically and without censorship. They’re not embarrassed to fart or pick their nose, or if they fall or don’t win a game. They just haven’t learned judgment in that way yet, or to expect to <i>be</i> judged or nitpicked or disapproved of by others. In this way, they do not harbor bad feelings. And like forgiveness, they move through each moment without taking the past with them. They are unapologetically themselves, here and Now. If they feel like yelling, they don't care if you're at the supermarket or church. If they want to cry, they're going to cry. If something is funny, expect a fully-body-and-belly laugh right then and there. Adults find this embarrassing sometimes. But really, it’s magical and beautiful. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Intuition: </b>Little ones are very sensitive to energy, observant and in-touch with their feelings. They haven't yet learned to question themselves. They know their bodies very well. They know when something doesn’t feel right. They know when the dog is sick. And they know when Mom and Dad are not happy. They’re much more empathic and intuitive, as they are closer to their Source energy and alignment than most adults that have learned conditioned behaviors and responses. Their receptors are “clean, shiny and new."</span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Observing: </b>Children and babies observe without judgment or attachment. They see a thing for what it is, in the moment. They learn by using all their senses to gather information, and by using their intuition to feel it out. They also look to adults and the people around them to develop a sense of things. When a baby falls, she will stop and look to her parents for their reaction, before reacting herself. If they get scared, she will most likely cry. But if they laugh and clap, baby will most likely smile and laugh, too. They see life with new eyes, and clear lenses. Everyday is a clean slate. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Clarity: </b>Children also see with clarity. They have eyes of awe and wonderment. Everything is new and fresh and fun and exciting. They are enthusiastic, and <i>open</i> to seeing things for what they are and all they can be! Without judgments and attachments, they can see farther than us adults can with our narrow, limited view that is designed by our past experiences. Without bias, they can decide what they think and feel about a person or thing in real time, based on what they <i>see,</i> not what they think they “know” already. </span></span></li>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: normal;"></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Optimism</b>: The world is a treasure chest to babies and children. They do not seem to understand the concept that the world <i>isn't</i> full of endless and infinite possibilities and that they can do, have and be whatever it is they want… when they want it, how they want it and where they want it. They have an abundant mindset. And this keeps them inspired, enthusiastic and energetic. And that inspiration then fuels their continued optimism and limitless, abundant-thinking. It's a very simple yet tremendous positive cycle of cause and effect. </span></span></li>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Unfortunately, as we all start to grow older, these powerful attributes become diminished by an increase in learned conditioning. We show less and less of ourselves, begin to build walls to guard our hearts, and start to self-<i>loathe</i> instead of self-love. But, our lives are so short and so precious and so meaningful that it does not serve us one bit to actually “grow up!” Kids have got it right. We should be listening to (and learning from) <i>them</i>! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">I was drying my hair yesterday morning. My almost-10-month-old was on the floor nearby. When I turned the dryer on, her eyes grew in size. She stared at it, listened to it, observed my reaction as I lifted it to my head. She waited to see what reaction I would have to this very strange creature or contraption she had never seen before. Remember, babies and children are not exposed to everything we have or use, and have absolutely no idea what most things are! So, she was very intrigued by the hair dryer. She kept coming closer, and maintained steady eye contact to make sure it was safe. I laughed and smiled, and she did the same. It became a pleasant association and experience for her. It was really touching to <i>observe her</i> as she observed me and the hair dryer and displayed most of the characteristics mentioned above, in just a short few minutes. It was beautiful being so present with her and sharing in this new moment with her. And I didn't have space or time to think about something that happened to me, or what I am going to do about something in the future. I enjoyed this moment and enjoyed my daughter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">What better way to honor Life than to fully experience each moment, thereby living our full potential with every passing breath? By appreciating the beauty and wholeness? Connectivity, variety and contrast?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Today, on 9/11, I hope you reach some form of inner peace as you remember and celebrate those that have passed on from this life. And in their honor, celebrate <i>your own</i> life<i>,</i> <i>as you're living it</i>. Don’t push it off for tomorrow: a tomorrow that is unknown, and not guaranteed on this planet. All you've got is Now. And the answer to all of your problems is Presence (...and being a big kid!). </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">A message from the collective consciousness of those lost: </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Do not waste your days, dear friends. Reach for fulfillment and totality. Revel in life and play and see with eyes like a babe. Be open to receiving the gifts this wonderful world has to offer you. Listen to the whispers of your heart and soul. She will not lead you astray. Embrace each other. Share love and equality. Hold hands on this walk of Life and hold one another up. Make the most out of each moment in time. And be free. Free to express. Free to love. Free to share. Honor one another. Honor your own light and divinity. Keep it close to your heart and let it guide your way. In peace, we leave you. Go. Be free, dear children. </span></i></span></div>
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