We are meant to live a life of love. When we're not in love, something's the matter. Unfortunately, most of us, unaware of this, become resigned to disappointment, loss and upset in relationships. No matter how successful we are in other aspects of our lives, many do not feel entitled to the same success in love. This is considered natural as one "grows up" and gives up the fantasies, foolishness and dreams of childhood. But nothing could be further from the truth. It is the fantasies, foolishness, and confused expectations we develop as we grow older that keep the love away.
Being in love is the most mature and realistic thing you can do. It energizes your life, fills you with positivity, creates generosity and makes every moment beautiful. The body heals, the heart is happy. As a great teacher once said, "We never ask the meaning of life when we are in love."
If being in love is our natural state the real question is, what is it that keeps this most precious inheritance away? How can we reclaim it and return to the intrinsic trust and joy we had as children?
Many fear they will be hurt. But contrary to popular opinion, real love never hurts or wounds. It is only our confused expectations that can undermine our lives. There is a Buddhist saying "Give up poisonous food wherever it is offered to you." But most of us do not know what is poison and what is nourishing in our relationships.
Once we know the difference between real and counterfeit love, once we learn the laws of love and how to practice them, we will be able to live a life of love and build relationships that cannot fail. The fact of the matter is that we can begin to do this and turn our lives around at any time.
To begin this process, let us look a little deeper. It always seems as if relationships are difficultdifficult to find, to keep and to enjoy. Yet the fundamental truth is that there is no inherent problem with relationships at all. There is never a scarcity of relationships, there is never a scarcity of love.
Some complain that they can't love because there is something wrong with the person they are with. No one can please or satisfy them. In the beginning they may feel as though they've found the perfect person, but before they know it, conflict develops, irritation grows. The joy of feeling loved and valued, fades away. Most people have no idea why. Ultimately, from the psychological point of view, not falling in love, is not so unusual. In fact, many can do very well, become quite healthy, and yet never get over their disappointments in love.
Spiritually speaking, there's a different point of view. Is a person's very life at stake if they aren't able to truly love? The answer is Yes. Without the ability to know real love, the precious taste of this life is thwarted, and a person may be doomed to living her days as a "Hungry Ghost." But we can change this at any moment. To begin we suspend judgment and disbelief, become willing to become a child once again - explore, play, hug, cry and feel that the world is filled with endless possibilities. We also must develop the ability to say No to all of the people, beliefs, habits and desires which can take our faith and love away.
We need to be willing to allow ourselves to look for and find that which is beautiful and worthwhile in everyone, (including ourselves). And, somehow, let them know.
Falling in love doesn't mean being blind, or entering into fantasy. It means waking up out of darkened dreams to finally see the beauty which surrounds us. A little endurance is required, along with the willingness to face the shadows that will dispel as soon as we invite in the light.
During this SPRING season, let's give it a try. It only takes a moment to do so, but the happiness lasts a long, long time.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Shaman Wants to Know: What are you thinking?
I recently submitted this article to Marshal Creek Center and thought I'd share it here:
There’s a new shaman in town. But there is no need for saging, drumming, or dancing.
This shaman is actually a wise old spirit, here once again. His message is a gentle reminder of an age old perspective that we choose our experiences out of what we think, what we say, what we believe, how we act and what attitude we have. The only requirement to access the magic of this spiritual concept is to pay attention to what you hold in your mind and the stories you are telling yourself. So, what are you thinking?
Our shaman is in good company! The Upandishads taught us “Let one therefore keep the mind pure, for what a man thinks, that he becomes.” And we learn from Buddha that all we are is a result of what we have thought. Our mind is everything, what we think, we become.
Yikes! This could mean that every thought we think is a direct prayer to God, our Higher Power, the Divine Intelligence of the Universe, our personal Medicine.
The media is full of agreement that we, the whole world, are in an economic downturn. Yes, we are being bombarded with bad news. It’s right there clamoring for attention, banging on our doors and on the hood of our cars. But is this the reality that you really want to create for yourself? The shaman thinks not.
When you learn to parachute you are taught “don’t look where you don’t want to go!” The shaman teaches us that our only job as human beings is to be aware of and present to what we are holding in our thoughts. This reminds me of a song I learned many years ago:
Our thoughts are prayers
And we are always praying
Our thoughts are prayers
Be careful what you’re saying
Seek a higher consciousness
A state of peacefulness
And know that God is always there
Every thought becomes a prayer.
So, this is what I’ve learned from my personal shaman. To be consistently aware of my thoughts and the stories I’m telling myself. If my energy feels love and expansive, this is good. If my energy feels fearful with the need to contract and protect, this is not so good. I often stop and consider my thoughts and feel my energy. Is this what I want more of in my life? So I make a conscious decision to change my thoughts from what I don’t want to what I do want.
I am so grateful that our shaman is getting the word out there. He’s taught me to keep my thoughts focused on a world that supports positive thinking and the laws of attraction. The more I think about it, the more I see it in the community around me and the more I experience it in my life. I invite you to think about and dwell on the positive, wonderful, loving ways you want to experience life. Allow the shaman to gently help you keep focused on what you do want.
As you also find evidence of love, abundance and peace in your community we can join together in celebrating with our wise old shaman. Maybe we will burn some sage of thanksgiving, drum the beat of our gratitude, and dance with love and joy in our hearts.
Namaste
Chris Flynn,
Conscious Connections Coach
Holistic Business Consulting
http://www.consciousconnectionscoach.com/
http://slvholisticnetwork.blogspot.com/
There’s a new shaman in town. But there is no need for saging, drumming, or dancing.
This shaman is actually a wise old spirit, here once again. His message is a gentle reminder of an age old perspective that we choose our experiences out of what we think, what we say, what we believe, how we act and what attitude we have. The only requirement to access the magic of this spiritual concept is to pay attention to what you hold in your mind and the stories you are telling yourself. So, what are you thinking?
Our shaman is in good company! The Upandishads taught us “Let one therefore keep the mind pure, for what a man thinks, that he becomes.” And we learn from Buddha that all we are is a result of what we have thought. Our mind is everything, what we think, we become.
Yikes! This could mean that every thought we think is a direct prayer to God, our Higher Power, the Divine Intelligence of the Universe, our personal Medicine.
The media is full of agreement that we, the whole world, are in an economic downturn. Yes, we are being bombarded with bad news. It’s right there clamoring for attention, banging on our doors and on the hood of our cars. But is this the reality that you really want to create for yourself? The shaman thinks not.
When you learn to parachute you are taught “don’t look where you don’t want to go!” The shaman teaches us that our only job as human beings is to be aware of and present to what we are holding in our thoughts. This reminds me of a song I learned many years ago:
Our thoughts are prayers
And we are always praying
Our thoughts are prayers
Be careful what you’re saying
Seek a higher consciousness
A state of peacefulness
And know that God is always there
Every thought becomes a prayer.
So, this is what I’ve learned from my personal shaman. To be consistently aware of my thoughts and the stories I’m telling myself. If my energy feels love and expansive, this is good. If my energy feels fearful with the need to contract and protect, this is not so good. I often stop and consider my thoughts and feel my energy. Is this what I want more of in my life? So I make a conscious decision to change my thoughts from what I don’t want to what I do want.
I am so grateful that our shaman is getting the word out there. He’s taught me to keep my thoughts focused on a world that supports positive thinking and the laws of attraction. The more I think about it, the more I see it in the community around me and the more I experience it in my life. I invite you to think about and dwell on the positive, wonderful, loving ways you want to experience life. Allow the shaman to gently help you keep focused on what you do want.
As you also find evidence of love, abundance and peace in your community we can join together in celebrating with our wise old shaman. Maybe we will burn some sage of thanksgiving, drum the beat of our gratitude, and dance with love and joy in our hearts.
Namaste
Chris Flynn,
Conscious Connections Coach
Holistic Business Consulting
http://www.consciousconnectionscoach.com/
http://slvholisticnetwork.blogspot.com/
Monday, February 16, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
REFRESHED with a FULL SOUL
AH... my soul has been quenched! It's my last morning here in my bed, in my sanctuary above the Pacific Ocean. Here are the views out my two windows.
The winter sun is now higher in the sky, yet close to the horizon, creating delightful shadows on my nearby hillside. The tide is in at the moment, so my friendly and boisterous seals are stretching their morning vocal cords on a distant pier... I can still hear you! In the afternoons they take residence on the rocks just below my window and they talk to each other in these deep, throaty, aarrkking sounds. It's all music. And, I'm not clear why the fog horn sounds on clear, sunny days, or clear, moonlit nights??? Again, it's all music! And, of course, Mother Ocean has serenaded this entire retreat. (Will I be able to sleep without her lullaby?)
The winter sun is now higher in the sky, yet close to the horizon, creating delightful shadows on my nearby hillside. The tide is in at the moment, so my friendly and boisterous seals are stretching their morning vocal cords on a distant pier... I can still hear you! In the afternoons they take residence on the rocks just below my window and they talk to each other in these deep, throaty, aarrkking sounds. It's all music. And, I'm not clear why the fog horn sounds on clear, sunny days, or clear, moonlit nights??? Again, it's all music! And, of course, Mother Ocean has serenaded this entire retreat. (Will I be able to sleep without her lullaby?)
My soul is full... my creative juices sizzling with excitement to get home to my studio to create! No, I didn't create all that much while I was here for this week... BIG progress for me, to let go of my goals to produce! while on vacation! INSTEAD?? I actually NAPPED! Deep, deep, afternoon sleep, on our Winter sunny deck, in our deep, oversized recliner that my honey hauled out for me. A deep sleep that had dreams playing on the insides of my eyelids. Dreams with soul messages, about choosing to live ON PURPOSE... on MY purpose. If I am going to teach/lead others, I hafta walk the talk! And, it's all good! I'm thankful for naps.
So I depart with an attitude of extreme GRATITUDE! God is GOOD. I am REFRESHED.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Vacation Time - Time to create, time to nap!
Ahh.... finally, our long awaited vacation! We're at the lovely San Luis Bay Inn at Avila Beach, just north of Pismo Beach. An easy three hour drive from home. We've got an amazing two bedroom suite, a corner unit overlooking the bay and ocean!
First picture is the amazing sun rise on Monday morning.... keep scrolling down, you've got to see Bill's amazing art work!
so, this is my office away from home. I didn't get out of bed till noon today! Can you blame me? it's amazing!
Here's my honey looking out our livingroom deck.
AND! here's my honey finishing up this amazing angel sketch! I did the preliminary rendering via photoshop ( note the computer picture in the corner) Then Bill renders it on a huge 36" square canvas! This man is the most phenominal artist! 
Just look at his precision! Tomorrow I'll add in the color. I love these collaborative paintings!
and I'm so thrilled to be married to this man!
I'll post more tomorrow... he's already plotting out another canvas!
Blessings to all, and time for another nap!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
An ABUNDANT Way to begin the NEW YEAR
I am about to design a new series of bookmarks and wanted inspirations on abundance to be the theme. Well, the most wonderful Dr. Wayne Dyer has been an inspiration for me for almost thirty years now. So I want to share with you my favorite 20 quotes of his that relate to creating abundance and prosperity:
- "There is no scarcity of opportunity to make a living at what you love; there's only scarcity of resolve to make it happen."
- "Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into."
- "There is no way to prosperity, prosperity is the way."
- "Within you is the divine capacity to manifest and attract all that you need or desire."
- "We are Divine enough to ask and we are important enough to receive."
- "You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being, not because anybody says so, not because you're successful, not because you make a lot of money, but because you decide to believe it and for no other reason."
- "When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous."
- "The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away."
- "Successful people make money. It's not that people who make money become successful, but that successful people attract money. They bring success to what they do."
- "Self-worth comes from one thing -- thinking that you are worthy."
- "Prosperity in the form of wealth works exactly the same as everything else. You will see it coming into your life when you are unattached to needing it. "
- "Our intention creates our reality."
- "Love what you do."
- "Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life."
- "It's never crowded along the extra mile."
- "I will grow. I will become something new and grand, but no grander than I now am. Just as the sky will be different in a few hours, its present perfection and completeness is not deficient, so am I presently perfect and not deficient because I will be different tomorrow. I will grow and I am not deficient."
- "Heaven on Earth is a choice you must make, not a place we must find."
- "A non-doer is very often a critic-that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change."
- "Anything that has been accomplished by any other human being in the physical realm is within the field of possibility."
- "Anything you really want, you can attain, if you really go after it."
All of the above excerpts are credited to Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Our Flier!
Thank you JOHN! for telling me HOW!
JUST CLICK ON THE FLIER AND YOU'LL SEE A BIG, IN ALL IT'S GLORY, PICTURE OF OUR FABULOUS FLIER!!
Well, seems like I don't know how to do this right! (And my granddaughter isn't home to show me how! (lol)... but you can check out our flier here!
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x100/bouldercreekantiquesandart/FirstDayFliercopy.jpg
Thanks so much, and God Bless!
JUST CLICK ON THE FLIER AND YOU'LL SEE A BIG, IN ALL IT'S GLORY, PICTURE OF OUR FABULOUS FLIER!!
Well, seems like I don't know how to do this right! (And my granddaughter isn't home to show me how! (lol)... but you can check out our flier here!
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x100/bouldercreekantiquesandart/FirstDayFliercopy.jpg
Thanks so much, and God Bless!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
EVERYTHING! has Energy!
Duh! you'd think I'd learned that by now, or at least would remember it! Last evening I attended a lecture by my dear friend Jeanine Sande (Reiki Master Teacher and supreme energy worker): http://www.lightenyourway.com
What an amazing woman she is! My big EPIPHANY came when I put two and two together. Owning an antique store for the last 10 years, I've consciously cleared the energy attached to all the myriad items our dealers bring in. Regularly, I walk room to room in the store and bless all the things, the soul/energy surrounding each item, and all the people who have previously enjoyed the ownership and use of those items.
Sounds good... so what's the problem? well... I have two areas in our home that are just heavy and bogged down... cluttered to the max and are overwhelming to approach. Every time I try to organize or declutter these two areas, I seem to get easily distracted by some other "must do" and the dilemma stays static. BOTH of those areas are a stockpile of used antiques and collectibles that I am to either list on ebay or sell in the shop. AND I'VE NEVER THOUGHT TO CLEAR THE ENERGY around these items here in my home! DUH!
So, thank you to Jeanine, for what I already knew... but just didn't remember!! The two areas already feel lighter and more approachable!
And that's my nugget for today!
What an amazing woman she is! My big EPIPHANY came when I put two and two together. Owning an antique store for the last 10 years, I've consciously cleared the energy attached to all the myriad items our dealers bring in. Regularly, I walk room to room in the store and bless all the things, the soul/energy surrounding each item, and all the people who have previously enjoyed the ownership and use of those items.
Sounds good... so what's the problem? well... I have two areas in our home that are just heavy and bogged down... cluttered to the max and are overwhelming to approach. Every time I try to organize or declutter these two areas, I seem to get easily distracted by some other "must do" and the dilemma stays static. BOTH of those areas are a stockpile of used antiques and collectibles that I am to either list on ebay or sell in the shop. AND I'VE NEVER THOUGHT TO CLEAR THE ENERGY around these items here in my home! DUH!
So, thank you to Jeanine, for what I already knew... but just didn't remember!! The two areas already feel lighter and more approachable!
And that's my nugget for today!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Time for WORD OF THE YEAR choice!
I love to go surfing every morning.... blog surfing that is. I love to find sites that reinforce positive spiritual practices. Over the long weekend I found Christine Kane's site, http://christinekane.com/blog/,...She suggests, instead of resolutions, that each new year we select a "Word of the Year".... I think it's a GREAT idea!
I remember leading groups over the years, right around the turn of the year.... one of my favorite processes was "I am the one who....." and we would finish the statement with what we wanted to experience in the new year.
Selecting one word is an interesting concept. But I keep switching! I liked "peaceful" "organized".. but the one that sticks with me is "breakout".... I believe this will be the year I breakout of several patterns of the past... We'll see if I stick with that one by choice time, Jan 1st.
And January 1st will be fabulous because my friend, now partner, Carol Daly http://caroldaly.com/ and I will be co-leading a "First Day" celebration.... more about that in future posts.
So, I'm sure Christine wouldn't mind, but here are just a few of the words she suggested to jump start the important choice making:
Compassion
Delight
Generosity
Effortlessness
Wealth
Gratitude
Abundance
Creativity
Willingness
Change
Growth
Freedom
Mastery
Kindness
Health
Presence
Acceptance
Courage
Confidence
Self-Love
Hmmm.... so many choices! Post a comment and put it out to the Universe... what is your word for 2009 (don't worry, you have 28 days to change it!)
Have a lovely Fall Day!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Who me? and Idealist?
Well.... go figure! I just found this amazing site http://www.typealyzer.com/ that will analyze your blog and give you the Meyers-Briggs results! And this really does sound like me!!
The meaning-seeking and unconventional type. They are especially attuned to making sure their beliefs and actions are congruent. They often develop a passion for the arts or unusual forms of self-expression.
They enjoy work that are aligned to their deeply felt values and tend to strongly dislike the more practical and mundane forms of tasks. They can enjoy working alone for long periods of time and are happiest when they can immerse themselves in personally meaningful projects.
INFP - The Idealists
They enjoy work that are aligned to their deeply felt values and tend to strongly dislike the more practical and mundane forms of tasks. They can enjoy working alone for long periods of time and are happiest when they can immerse themselves in personally meaningful projects.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A light in the Dark - Giving thanks for Michael
I'm posting this picture that I took just this morning. It was one of those things that stops you and makes your catch your breath. I'm actually preparing to list these on ebay and in my soon to be Etsy shop, plus sell in my store. But the glow of the candle's flicker stopped me for a moment to give thanks.
I am so thankful today that my cousin Michael is home from the hospital, after several brain surgeries, and being so close to the other side. Michael's two sisters set up a prayer chain that literally went around the world. Michael had hundreds of people praying for his recovery. The doctors say it's a miracle. I believe in miracles! Now Michael and his sisters are walking to the park in the neighbor hood where they grew up. I talked to him on the phone yesterday and he is so glad to be alive! as we all are!!
So, I say thank you God, the Infinite Intelligence that can heal and put things right.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Art & Soul Retreat
Well, after an amazing retreat at "Art & Soul", I came away with new friends, a multitude of new techniques, good feelings all over, and a successful vendor night. It was hard shlepping around all those tubes of vintage goodies. Good news is that they bought me out and I came home almost empty. Ah... a "need" to go collect more!
I left Portland Sunday at 4pm and arrived in Depoe Bay around 7. By getting in late, it gave me three BEAUTIFUL days to be alone with God and the Sea! It was a wonderful time of emptying my mind and just breathing. With my computer highspeed hookup I was able to sit on my patio, with the ocean just 30 away, and research all day.... which is what I did. I started in the morning researching Spiritual Mentoring and somehow got lost in Sacred Art. I did organize allot of notes and links for the time when I'm about the formalize my outline for my paper.
This is the view from inside my condo, looking out on my comfy chair set up, where I spent all of the early morning, day and sunset! I look forward to going back!I breathed in the fabulous ocean, I ate healthy, I slept deep.... and mostly I just sat... oh! and the whales! Literally dozens and dozens of them, some quite close!. I did take 117 pictures of the ocean and sky from my patio vantage point. Oh... I started off Tuesday morning, bundled up on my patio at 4:30 am. There were millions of stars in the sky and the waves were humundous! Then, some interesting clouds blew in and created a fantastic double rainbow! Right in front of me!
Here they are. Enjoy!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
When circumstances get you down
When circumstances get you down,
perceived or real,
continue on.
Do not go back to error.
When the fog clears,
you will discover
the good that was done.
I wrote these words of inspiration last May when reading Mary Baker Eddy's Science and Health. This last week has been full of overwhelmingly negative circumstances. Fires to put out almost daily. Stresses to pull my monkey mind thinking into the gutter of "poor me", pity potty, "why does this keep happening"... well, you get the drift. All real life circumstances, dramas, and situations that really need to be handled by me.
So, there's been a war going on... mentally floundering in the soup of negativity.... versus letting go and letting God be God in my life. I'm humbled to say I've been a flounderer. (Spell check says that's not a word.... but it was for me!) Just turn it over. Sounds simple. Let go and let God. Well, I'm trying, it's just that.......(fill in the blank!)!!!
OK, the bus stops here! My mantra in my meditation this morning was (breathing in) "God grant me the Serenity" (breathing out) "to accept YOU in my life". duh! 15 minutes past so quickly.... monkey mind shut down.... just some glorious colors and fresh morning air to pervade my thoughts... "God grant me the serenity to accept You in my life"...
When I came out of meditation I was led back to my journaling of last May.... When circumstances get you down ... well a big percentage of mine are perceived cluttered complexities of the "real" life fires, duties and responsibilities that are to be done by me. I'm thinking my perceptions have greatly distorted the realities. Surely, my "problems" are no different today than last month, last year, etc. But it's the way I hold them in my consciousness that determines their hold on me.
Do not go back to error. In other words, keep focused on the goal of Divine Consciousness. Keep my 12 Step commitments. Keep my eyes on the promises. Use the traditions as my guide. What you fight, fights back: so give up the fight! And trust! So I surrender to God "God, grant me the serenity to accept you in my life". That is the only light I need to focus my thoughts on. For when the smoky fog of cluttered circumstances and overwhelm loosen their hold on me... I will discover the good that was done.
Ahhh.... thank you God. The fog lifts, veils of illusion evaporate, and I can see more clearly now.
About my OA journey.... it's been so many years that I've lived an unbalanced life. Esteeming saints and martyrs I've slid into my own pattern of misguided sacrifice and over-work. I've always handled negative events by thinking I'll just work even harder, give up a little more of myself to pour my attention and activities into solving the current problematic situation. So, I'd give up time to pray, meditate, study and write; I'd avoid eating breakfast and lunch; I'd allow clutter and stuff to pile up around me as I try to work from within the consciousness of overwhelm.
Well, of course I'd feel drained, that I've sacrificed for naught. So 5pm rolls around and then medication that will soften the edgy anxiety is a nice, huge, glass of wine, followed by a tripple portion dinner. (After all, I was so busy all day I hardly ate at all!) Eating and drinking so much, so late at night, gave way to a restless, miserable night, where I'd often make more promises to myself that tomorrow will be different. After all, I can control things, I can make what ever needs to happen, happen. Tomorrow I will work harder, longer, take on more responsibilities.... whatever it takes to MAKE things go right.
Ugh... I don't even like thinking about that mindset. Yet, it's been my dysfunctional code of operation for years and years. All the time thinking that I had control... and if I just work harder.
Ah... the 12 Step program (OA-90) has me eating weighed and measured meals, three times a day. Calling my dear sponsor every morning to commit to those meals. Meditating, reading and writing BEFORE I boot up my computer. Such a simple precept. My monkey mind wants to mess it up and complicate it so things will feel familiar. Yipes!
It is so simple. I will not go back to "error".
I am so thankful for this awareness.
When circumstances get you down, perceived or real, continue on.
Do not go back to error. When the fog clears,
you will discover the good that was done.
Do not go back to error. When the fog clears,
you will discover the good that was done.
Monday, September 8, 2008
"The Audacity to Perceive"
Ahh... a nice day off yesterday! But first... I get to report I've had a SEVEN STAR week! Each day that I've been loyal to my OA-90 food plan, I've given myself a STAR. Childish? maybe, but the accumulation of the stars and the right brained activity of actually drawing the star and doodling a bit, really is a pleasant reward. I've never eaten so many veggies before! While it has been a challenge to have enough variety in the house/fridge, my body is just feeling better. And, the food plan allows for plenty of quantity, so I'm feeling full and satisfied, and actually hungry at meal times.
The most wonderful feeling is to be able to watch TV at night and not feel the munchies! My habbits have been to eat late, and eat allot! often 8-12 oz of protein with a little salad, and of course, some wine.... a thing of the past now! A great REWARD is the deep sleep I'm getting after eating balanced meals! And some interesting dreams too.
Somehow, organizing my meals into weighed and measured, committed meals, has played out in my regular day to day life as well. I seem to have more time, be more organized somehow. This week, I'm really going to watch my time management to see just where it all goes, and hopefully to direct more into decluttering my environment and actually creating art.
So, yesterday I took some time off to spend with Brit. We attended the Church of the Inner Light in Santa Cruz/Aptos.... and we were both blown away by the amazing music and the hugely inspiring talk! "The Audacity to Perceive". Rev Deborah Johnson moves about the platform and talks without notes! Serendipity! I had to write down this quote: Pain pushes and Vision Pulls.
In OA-90 it is the pain that gets us into the room, onto the plan, and it's the VISION of living a healthy, happy, fuller life that pulls us along. One of the affirmations reads: "I have the audacity to challenge paradigms that do not support my divinity"... My divinity is about walking my talk.... living a life that is God centered, calling forth Divine Light to be my guide throughout the day in ever action.
Paradigm: stress/anxiety over perceived lack of finances: I became rather stressed last week concerning finances.... after meditation I turned everything over to God and asked that I be aware, moment to moment, that my actions are coming from my God-Center. Somehow, the stress and anxiety lifted, and I was able to perform and do the work that needs to be done by me, in a timely and orderly, and relaxed way! I've even had time to read more, study more, and journal more! Amazing.... and I am grateful.
Spending time with Brit was delicious! so much talking and sharing. We saw "Momma Mia" to finish off a wonderful day! I am so profoundly and richly rewarded with this amazing young woman!
Well, I could write on about other paradigms I'm ready to evaporate, but my day is about balance and it is time to move onto my next function.
I love writing here, and allowing Spirit to unfold. And I am eternally grateful! Thank you God!
The most wonderful feeling is to be able to watch TV at night and not feel the munchies! My habbits have been to eat late, and eat allot! often 8-12 oz of protein with a little salad, and of course, some wine.... a thing of the past now! A great REWARD is the deep sleep I'm getting after eating balanced meals! And some interesting dreams too.
Somehow, organizing my meals into weighed and measured, committed meals, has played out in my regular day to day life as well. I seem to have more time, be more organized somehow. This week, I'm really going to watch my time management to see just where it all goes, and hopefully to direct more into decluttering my environment and actually creating art.
So, yesterday I took some time off to spend with Brit. We attended the Church of the Inner Light in Santa Cruz/Aptos.... and we were both blown away by the amazing music and the hugely inspiring talk! "The Audacity to Perceive". Rev Deborah Johnson moves about the platform and talks without notes! Serendipity! I had to write down this quote: Pain pushes and Vision Pulls.
In OA-90 it is the pain that gets us into the room, onto the plan, and it's the VISION of living a healthy, happy, fuller life that pulls us along. One of the affirmations reads: "I have the audacity to challenge paradigms that do not support my divinity"... My divinity is about walking my talk.... living a life that is God centered, calling forth Divine Light to be my guide throughout the day in ever action.
Paradigm: stress/anxiety over perceived lack of finances: I became rather stressed last week concerning finances.... after meditation I turned everything over to God and asked that I be aware, moment to moment, that my actions are coming from my God-Center. Somehow, the stress and anxiety lifted, and I was able to perform and do the work that needs to be done by me, in a timely and orderly, and relaxed way! I've even had time to read more, study more, and journal more! Amazing.... and I am grateful.
Spending time with Brit was delicious! so much talking and sharing. We saw "Momma Mia" to finish off a wonderful day! I am so profoundly and richly rewarded with this amazing young woman!
Well, I could write on about other paradigms I'm ready to evaporate, but my day is about balance and it is time to move onto my next function.
I love writing here, and allowing Spirit to unfold. And I am eternally grateful! Thank you God!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Thoughts on Meditaion from "My Stroke of Insight"
Whew.... time flies by so quickly! We returned home from a wonderful week away and geared right up to get ready for school, plus I had to work the last four days of August in my shop. I love the shop, but there is always catch up after being away for any length of time! Took over a week just to unpack my suitcase. But life is good, that these are my problems. I am thankful.
Been squeezing in some great reading! Just finished "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor... an amazing story of a brain scientist who witnessed her own brain shutting down as she had a stroke in her late 30's. The story was one thing, very interesting and inspiring, plus there was an education on the working of our brains. But the spiritual message of the story was clearly profound.
Meditation comes hard to me... the formal, sit down, quiet the mind, and become One. My mind is always chattering away, thinking about the day, inspiring about the future. Jill talks about the separation of the right and left brain functions:
My left hemisphere is preoccupied with details and runs my life on a tight schedule.
my right hemisphere is all about right here, right now. It bounces around with unbridled enthusiasm and does not have a care in the world.
So, there is this duality of thinking and staying organized, and the reality of bliss and joy from not containing thoughts, just being. Somehow, picturing the two separate functions, separate sides of my brain, creates another dynamic. My peaceful state of mind does not have to come up through all the chaos of my thoughts, my thoughts just need to be gently set aside. I've always pictured the mind as a giant ice burg, the surface being our conscious life and then below the surface our thoughts, and below that our deepest connection to the Unified Field of Divine Love, God. So, when I sit in mediation, it takes great effort to allow that quiet state to penetrate upward through the mess of thinking.
I think that by beginning meditation time with right-brain thoughts, art, music, nature, and just allowing myself to set aside organization, duties, "shoulds" etc, it will open the delectable door to deeper connections.
She also said:
“our minds are highly sophisticated “seek and ye shall find” instruments. We are designed to focus in on whatever we are looking for. If I seek red in the world then I will find it everywhere.
So, with the right (brain) preparation, right (brain) thinking, and right (brain) FOCUS, I can allow myself to slip more gently into deeper states of consciousness.
And, I'll finish this post with one more of Jill's thoughts:
The first thing I do to experience my inner peace is to remember that I am part of a greater structure – an eternal flow of energy and molecules from which I cannot be separated. Knowing that I am part of the cosmic flow makes me feel innately safe and experience my life as heaven on earth.
I am so thankful for the insights! Thank you Mother, Father, God, Divine Light.
PS I welcome any comments about your experience with meditation.
Been squeezing in some great reading! Just finished "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor... an amazing story of a brain scientist who witnessed her own brain shutting down as she had a stroke in her late 30's. The story was one thing, very interesting and inspiring, plus there was an education on the working of our brains. But the spiritual message of the story was clearly profound.
Meditation comes hard to me... the formal, sit down, quiet the mind, and become One. My mind is always chattering away, thinking about the day, inspiring about the future. Jill talks about the separation of the right and left brain functions:
My left hemisphere is preoccupied with details and runs my life on a tight schedule.
my right hemisphere is all about right here, right now. It bounces around with unbridled enthusiasm and does not have a care in the world.
So, there is this duality of thinking and staying organized, and the reality of bliss and joy from not containing thoughts, just being. Somehow, picturing the two separate functions, separate sides of my brain, creates another dynamic. My peaceful state of mind does not have to come up through all the chaos of my thoughts, my thoughts just need to be gently set aside. I've always pictured the mind as a giant ice burg, the surface being our conscious life and then below the surface our thoughts, and below that our deepest connection to the Unified Field of Divine Love, God. So, when I sit in mediation, it takes great effort to allow that quiet state to penetrate upward through the mess of thinking.
I think that by beginning meditation time with right-brain thoughts, art, music, nature, and just allowing myself to set aside organization, duties, "shoulds" etc, it will open the delectable door to deeper connections.
She also said:
“our minds are highly sophisticated “seek and ye shall find” instruments. We are designed to focus in on whatever we are looking for. If I seek red in the world then I will find it everywhere.
So, with the right (brain) preparation, right (brain) thinking, and right (brain) FOCUS, I can allow myself to slip more gently into deeper states of consciousness.
And, I'll finish this post with one more of Jill's thoughts:
The first thing I do to experience my inner peace is to remember that I am part of a greater structure – an eternal flow of energy and molecules from which I cannot be separated. Knowing that I am part of the cosmic flow makes me feel innately safe and experience my life as heaven on earth.
I am so thankful for the insights! Thank you Mother, Father, God, Divine Light.
PS I welcome any comments about your experience with meditation.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday Aug 26th, at Angel's Camp Touched by Taize
What a day the Lord has made! I have spent delicious hours today, perched on our deck, with a view of the rolling hils and oaks, surfing through the net, uncovering insightful spiritual inspirations! I'm doing the early prep work for my doctorate papers due next Spring. Googling "spiritual mentoring", wealths of information surfaces. In this state of mind, open to God's direction, it's no wonder that almost everything seems connected and related to my life and studies, right now, right here.
During the past month or so I've been studying the Bhagavad Gita, page by page, always amazed at the correlations between the ancient Vedic scripture and the relatively new 12-step Big Book teachings. Always going within, always connecting with our brothers/fellows.
So, today I came upon the community of Taize... a little village in the heart of the Burgundy region of France. It seems that year by year, more and more people come there to join in the life of the community for a short retreat or to seek the journey in the Christian vocation.
Here is what I've learned: On visiting Taize, one is immediately struck by its cosmopolitan nature. The members of the community and those who are visiting come from different parts of the world. The variety of language and race is immediately obvious; yet the oneness and unity of all is almost tangible. One becomes very much aware of the vastness of the human family and of the links that exist between us. In the community of the peoples of the world, God has chosen to dwell.
and...We belong to each other because we are members of the same body. If part of that body is hurting, we are all hurting; if part of that body is oppressed or downtrodden then we are all oppressed and down-troddened. Our calling is to be present to each other in all the realities of living, just as God is present to us in our humanity.
Roger, the founding brother, teaches his brothers in the Rule to "keep inner silence always, and you will dwell in Christ." He see inner silence as a prerequisite for prayer. In the world of tension and anxiety, where conflict is often the order of the day, he encourages us all to strive after inner silence. Inner silence "makes possible our conversation with God."
"In every person lies a zone of solitude that no human intimacy can fill: and there God encounters us. There, in that depth, is set the intimate festival of the risen Christ. So henceforth, in the hollow of our being, we discover the risen Christ: he is our festival."
"Perfect joy is self-giving. Whoever knows it seeks neither gratitude nor kindness. It is sheer wonder renewed by the sight of the generosity of the Giver of all gifts, material and spiritual. It is thankfulness. It is thanksgiving." The joy which the brothers of Taize seek is the joy that comes from living in the precious present. It is to live in the 'now,' for it is in the present moment that God is loving and saving us. This true joy comes from within and is born out of simplicity of life. To experience this joy the brothers of Taize constantly strive to simplify their model of living.
So, digesting and assimilating this powerful information, reaffirms the power of our "fellowship" and community and the need for going within to the silence of the Divine Principle, God, the Unified Field of Bliss and Love.
As always, I am so grateful!
During the past month or so I've been studying the Bhagavad Gita, page by page, always amazed at the correlations between the ancient Vedic scripture and the relatively new 12-step Big Book teachings. Always going within, always connecting with our brothers/fellows.
So, today I came upon the community of Taize... a little village in the heart of the Burgundy region of France. It seems that year by year, more and more people come there to join in the life of the community for a short retreat or to seek the journey in the Christian vocation.
Here is what I've learned: On visiting Taize, one is immediately struck by its cosmopolitan nature. The members of the community and those who are visiting come from different parts of the world. The variety of language and race is immediately obvious; yet the oneness and unity of all is almost tangible. One becomes very much aware of the vastness of the human family and of the links that exist between us. In the community of the peoples of the world, God has chosen to dwell.
and...We belong to each other because we are members of the same body. If part of that body is hurting, we are all hurting; if part of that body is oppressed or downtrodden then we are all oppressed and down-troddened. Our calling is to be present to each other in all the realities of living, just as God is present to us in our humanity.
Roger, the founding brother, teaches his brothers in the Rule to "keep inner silence always, and you will dwell in Christ." He see inner silence as a prerequisite for prayer. In the world of tension and anxiety, where conflict is often the order of the day, he encourages us all to strive after inner silence. Inner silence "makes possible our conversation with God."
"In every person lies a zone of solitude that no human intimacy can fill: and there God encounters us. There, in that depth, is set the intimate festival of the risen Christ. So henceforth, in the hollow of our being, we discover the risen Christ: he is our festival."
"Perfect joy is self-giving. Whoever knows it seeks neither gratitude nor kindness. It is sheer wonder renewed by the sight of the generosity of the Giver of all gifts, material and spiritual. It is thankfulness. It is thanksgiving." The joy which the brothers of Taize seek is the joy that comes from living in the precious present. It is to live in the 'now,' for it is in the present moment that God is loving and saving us. This true joy comes from within and is born out of simplicity of life. To experience this joy the brothers of Taize constantly strive to simplify their model of living.
So, digesting and assimilating this powerful information, reaffirms the power of our "fellowship" and community and the need for going within to the silence of the Divine Principle, God, the Unified Field of Bliss and Love.
As always, I am so grateful!
Monday, August 24 Angel's Camp
Oh, we are so lucky to have our TimeShares! The drive down to Angels Camp is just three hours from the high county of Yosemite. We were going to just stay here at Angels camp and drive in each day... but I'm so glad that we actually camped right there in the valley. Now we have the amenities of a full kitchen, two bathrooms, etc.... plus a lovely deck that looks out on the golf course. I've been in the pool allot, doing my water aerobics.
Didn't mention in my Yosemite posts about how difficult it was to get out of the low beach chair I just had to have! Plus, riding my bike really stressed my knees. I was just feeling so owie, old and out of condition... of which I am! Swimming on the other hand, allows me great exercise and stretching. I have great plans though, of biking, hiking, and really moving my body with comfort and ease. That is a goal I keep my internal eyes upon!
I'm still struggling with the darned food plan... weighing and measuring and all of that. I've stayed away from flour and sugar... but their is a pouty me that is pissed off and feels sorry for her self. I should at least be able to have a glass of wine. Then, I remember how it used to be.... I'd have good intentions of just one class of wine, or just a normal serving of crackers and cheese... but then, I'd end up wanting and consuming more.... finishing the bottle of wine and the cheese and crackers.... feeling bloated, not sleeping well, and once again, vowing that I would practice moderation the next day.
Whew.... I'm glad I wrote that down.... I feel GREAT RELIEF that I don't have to put myself though that anymore! So, the minor struggles I'm having, trying to weigh and measure, to eat the prescribed foods, is so worth NOT having the stuggles of out-of-control eating and drinking..
Another great happening for me today, was the start of my research for my two doctorate papers! Actually, I spent several hours researching. It was a fabulous break from the self centered thinking I've been doing. I'm excited to research and write my papers. More about that in future posts. For today, I am thankful for my struggles.... I think by accepting them and allowing them just to be, it is letting go and letting God take over. It's just information, not my identity. Thank you God/Goddess, for the blessings in my life!
Sunday Aug 24, leaving the Valley
Whew... everyone is tired today... and just feeling lazy. But we have to pack up. The valley is soooo crowded, it's really starting to bug us. Our neighbors have had their music turned up high! I agree with Brit, that it's just too comercialized and too crowded for real peace and enjoyment. I've had to do allot of spiritual work to not let the noise bother me.... just letting go and letting God help me focus on just the beauty around me. So, we took off for higher points, driving up to above the tree line, the High Country of Lake Tenya, elevation around 8000-9000 feet! We're all tired and dirty, but relieved to get back to some quiet enjoyment of this vast country! Sadly, I'm really out of sorts because of feeling like a failure with my food plan. The ice chest is burried too deep in the car to bring out for lunch, so we're eating cereal and grapes for lunch. Wah, wah, wah.... I feel like such a crybaby. I didn't expect to have negative feelings or thoughts during this trip. Visiting Yosemite was to be a deeply profound spiritual experience. Not that it hasn't had those moments.... there has just been these occasions of yucky feelings and discouragement. I have stuck to my no sugar or flour though... even with the kids having their treats. I know on some levels and I am on the right path... I'm just not eating the required weighed and measured foods.... What's bothering me is that I am so loyal, once I decide to commit to something... and here I am, after my internal struggles, feeling like I've failed anyway. Guess this is what "feeling the feelings" is all about, rather than dumbing out or eatting my way though discontent. It feels kind of raw and very real. When I notice that I'm sliding into this kind of funk, I do some deep breathing and short mediation, calling for the God within me. While levels of this discontent is going on.... there are also divine moments of joy and bliss, when I breathe in the high mountain air and really allow myself to feel deeply, to my core, my connection to the All.
I look at granite rocks, HUGE GRANITE ROCKS, and on one level see them as solid and unmoving, yet on another level KNOW that they are in a state of constant change and movement.... and just a small part of God's Huge Universe! I drew a "zendoodle" mandala which I can't really post, but the writing that goes with it is here: "My heart is opening to deeper places within me. The womb of my life and soul as I travel deep inside me, I find the whole of the Universe that I am at One with." Thank you God for these blessings!
Sat. Aug 23, just too wonderful!
Today the kids are off on a hike to Vernal Falls, and I took a great bike ride around parts of the Valley. It's so crowde
d here... but the smell of Yosemite and the views are breathtaking! I'm finding it discouraging and trying to stick with this foodplan idea. This is the first get-away where I haven't had my favorite snacks or wonderful drinks to help be relax and enjoy. Watching the kids eat smores, chips, etc... has been hard. I feel like a baby, here is God's wonderland.... and here I am sad about the foods I'm not getting to eat! With all my preparations... the milk has gotten a funny taste in it, I forgot the oil and the yogurt... but I don't want to focus on the negatives.... this is truly GODS PARADISE! And I'm thankful at such a deep level for this beauty and that I have the ability to be here enjoying it! We were so lucky to get a campsite right on the river, with Glacier Point to the right and Half Dome right in front of us! The river is deep here and a great swimming hole. I'm not doing much thinking or journaling... I'm just soaking in the peace and tranquility, especially early in the morning before the other campers wake up. The steep walls of the valley seem to cradle me and give such great comfort! And I'm so grateful that Brit and David could hike to Vernal falls and jump in! They came back early, totally exhausted! Here are the pictures, first of Vernal Falls from a distance. Note the little rock at the bottom... because the next picture is of Brit jumping off, into the pool at the base of the falls. Brit has been so supportive of my food plan.... she wants me to be able to take hikes like that next year with her! Thank you God for this amazing venture!
d here... but the smell of Yosemite and the views are breathtaking! I'm finding it discouraging and trying to stick with this foodplan idea. This is the first get-away where I haven't had my favorite snacks or wonderful drinks to help be relax and enjoy. Watching the kids eat smores, chips, etc... has been hard. I feel like a baby, here is God's wonderland.... and here I am sad about the foods I'm not getting to eat! With all my preparations... the milk has gotten a funny taste in it, I forgot the oil and the yogurt... but I don't want to focus on the negatives.... this is truly GODS PARADISE! And I'm thankful at such a deep level for this beauty and that I have the ability to be here enjoying it! We were so lucky to get a campsite right on the river, with Glacier Point to the right and Half Dome right in front of us! The river is deep here and a great swimming hole. I'm not doing much thinking or journaling... I'm just soaking in the peace and tranquility, especially early in the morning before the other campers wake up. The steep walls of the valley seem to cradle me and give such great comfort! And I'm so grateful that Brit and David could hike to Vernal falls and jump in! They came back early, totally exhausted! Here are the pictures, first of Vernal Falls from a distance. Note the little rock at the bottom... because the next picture is of Brit jumping off, into the pool at the base of the falls. Brit has been so supportive of my food plan.... she wants me to be able to take hikes like that next year with her! Thank you God for this amazing venture!
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