A Letter to my WARRIORS

Happy Christmas Evening, Warriors!

As Mare drives our "sleigh" home from her Dad's house near Bethlehem, PA, we are all taking in the beauty of the shimmering Holiday lights and decorations. I just Love this time of year.  It's a celebration of Light, Giving and Gratitude at the heart of it all; and, when it seems that others have forgotten, it is our opportunity to put our Sati practice to use and BE that Light.

I admit, I struggle with that. A lot. Even in the struggle, though (thanks to the intenSati practice AND Sati Life Warrior training), I find an increasing awareness and recognition when I am out of Integrity with my desired attitude.  Sometimes, I even make a conscious shift from "grumpy pants" to "bringer of Jollity". Sometimes, I fall flat on my face, only to recognize a wee bit after the fact that I could have made very different choices.

My point?

My point is, it's all part of the practice. We are all on a journey, and somehow our paths have crossed through this practice of intenSati. This all comes to mind for me tonight on the twilight of Christmas as I am reflecting back over a season with different meanings for many different people.  This is a time of year that brings out the best and, sometimes, not so much the best in all of us.  No matter our individual Holiday affiliation, though, throughout this Season, there is a feeling of recognition that buzzes through the air.   It's a recognition of mutual excitement, of stress, of joy, of frustrations and childlike giddiness.  I don't know about all of you, but I found this year to be unique. Time seemed to accelerate and before I knew it, it was the last day of Hanukkah, then the amazing celebration of the Winter Solstice on a much anticipated date of 12/21/12, then in the blink of an eye, Christmas has arrived and draws to a close and 2012 will be soon to follow!

My year, like that of many of yours, I'm sure, has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, blessings and recognition of shortcomings, and the recognition that each of us truly matters!

The highlight of my year (aside from the near daily joys of parenting and the amazing accomplishments of the DestinyArts crew) has been the practice of intenSati and becoming a Leader of this life changing program.   I could go on for pages about the shifts, large and small, that have come about for me. Suffice it to say, I feel invigorated and empowered in ways I have never before experienced.

I AM so grateful to all of YOU who have chosen to share even a moment of YOUR journey with me. Whether it has been one class, many classes, or even an intention to attend a class, you have blessed me with your beauty.
Thank You.

I wish you all continued Joy and Blessings and I encourage you to fully activate and embrace your Heart's desires.  All you need IS within You NOW!

I will be at DestinyArts this week for classes during the following times:
Wed. 7pm (tomorrow!!)
Fri.   6:30pm
Sat.  9:30am
Sun. 8:30am
This IS the on going schedule.  I hope to see you ALL very soon!!

Love and Light to you all!

(More about intenSati at www.satilife.com)

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work Some go...... (or, "Shoppers" vs. "Associates")

I have been hearing and seeing a fair amount of buzz about stores opening on Thanksgiving Day this year.  Some stores have done it for many years, and I'm sure folks have buzzed about it all along.  I suppose it is the increase in larger retailers who are choosing to open on the Holiday that has so many folks feathers' ruffled over this.  Initially, I planned to post a simple comment on my Facebook page, but then I had a Textual conversation about this with a friend and the topic took on a life of its own.

There are a couple of points that I want to throw out before I offer my opinion and view options:
1. I worked in a retail setting...clothing stores.....from the time I graduated college until my mid-twenties, so I do have a perspective from which to draw.
2. My wife worked in various types of retail for the majority of her "pre-Mom" career.  (She and I have discussed this topic and share the same sentiments)
3. I currently work in a service profession where I meet all sorts of people, all the time, under varied conditions.
4. I am a person and I know that not everyone shares my perspective.  In fact, no one shares my perspective because it was created out of my own experience from my own journey through this life up to this point in time.  Isn't that so cool?  A UNIQUE perspective!!  (YOU have one too!)


I find it completely fascinating that we humans can find something to complain about in nearly every situation that arises.  we want a job.  we get a job.  we find things wrong with the job.  we complain about the job.  we no longer have a job.  we complain that we don't have a job.  we want convenience.  we want economic growth. we want power.  we want money.  we want joy.  we get what we want and then we find a reason why it's not good enough or why we aren't good enough for IT!  (the "we" here is a gross generalization as are the examples....merely for effect.) 
Now, retailers are offering an opportunity to kick start the Holiday shopping, to boost sales, to boost economic progress and what do we do?  WE COMPLAIN!  We complain for the poor worker who has to leave their family/friends/home to go to a god-forsaken store with irate customers and angry people who are just going to be obnoxious and mean - "spit in your face because you don't have the sale I want" kind of mean.  Because that's just how the "shoppers" are, don't you know?  (If you are a "Shopper", please don't take offense.....you'll get yours, don't worry.)  The poor store associates, as they drag heavy boxes around the store, frantically restocking the shelves in the hope of avoiding some other irate statement from an "S", just have to suck it up and get yelled at ALL day by these "Shoppers", all the while wishing they were home snuggled on the couch and dozing from the overload of tryptophan and 'taters.  (or Tofurkey, depending on your persuasion)  And if YOU have ever worked in retail, you KNOW that this is exactly how it is!  Everywhere. 
Or not.
Then, there are the irate "Associates".  They are all just bitter because the have to be at work, so they don't give a rat's patootie about the Shopper's needs.  Every SHOPPER knows this, right?  Those miserable store Associates, always with their backs to you, blocking the aisle with their big carts of stuff, trying to get it back on the shelves so that it can be grabbed off again!  Why can't they get the price tags and labels right?  I mean, it isn't rocket science, is it?  UGH!  What an AWFUL situation we put ourselves in....as Shoppers, as Associates....(and, by the way, you are either ONE or the other....you might even be BOTH!)

If you have read my posts before, you know that there is always a twist (or moral) to my stories.  This one is no different.  Where do you think this one is going?  (If you have an idea, please contact me ASAP, because I'm not too sure right now.)  KIDDING!  Seriously.  (I just love contrast.  It's the spice of life, ya know!)
I mentioned something in the first paragraph that is the crux of this "moral"....."choosing"......The retailers are CHOOSING to open, and some folks are CHOOSING to be upset by this.  Some even choose to believe that the poor store associates have no choice in whether or not they go to work, and some Associates choose to believe this too.
The thing is, we ALL have choices!  We wake up each day with a clean slate of choices, and those choices begin WITHIN!  (for instance, at this moment, one of the KitKats is CHOOSING to have a foot stomping temper tantrum because her sister CHOSE to exercise her right to self choice and didn't enter the room at the exact time of Kit's request.  Choices.)  We CHOOSE our attitude.  We Choose our responses.  We Choose whether to REACT or RESPOND to a situation.  The thing is, sometimes we get so lost in our own minds that we forget that we have the ability to CREATE a conscious choice! 

How do our choices relate to Holiday hours of retailers? 
We can choose to shop or not shop.  We can choose to go to work or not go to work.  We can choose to be kind and come from a Heart-Centered space of Love in ALL of our interactions, or we can choose fear and resentment as our guide.  We can Choose an attitude of Gratitude - for the freedom to shop, the ability to drive to the store, the means to purchase, the opportunity to work, to earn money, to interact with interesting people, the opportunity to brighten some one's day with a smile and gesture of kindness!  Remember, what we put out, we get back.  Even when things happen outside of our control or conscious choice, we STILL have the choice to decide how we will respond;  Love or Fear - anger/resentment/etc.
I admit, when I worked in retail, I didn't fully understand this concept, and I am still practicing embodying my own choices today.  More often than not, though, (then and now) I find that a conscious choice to come from a space of Love leads to very quick shifts of situations that may have begun on the downside.

So, if you are "that Shopper" or "that Associate", consider exploring the space of Heart-centered Love interactions as you brave the mayhem of the retail circuit.  You have a choice.  You also have a responsibility to yourself to honor the choice that you make.  Do what FEELS best to you and know that a choice is never wrong...just opportunities to grow and learn for next time.

Sending warm wishes for a Blessed ThanksGiving and CONTINUING ThanksLIVING to ALL!!!

See it, Be it

       I woke up yesterday morning, feeling...different.  I did get to sleep three hours longer than usual and had gone to bed earlier than usual, which was totally awesome.  I somehow still felt tired and sluggish, but that was not the only difference.  It was like being in a fog, yet with completely clear seeing.  I felt as though I was experiencing life on this planet, in this body, for the very first time, yet still retained all the memories of previous experience.  

       I had a deep sense of knowing and a sense that I needed to share the knowledge, if only I knew what that knowledge was.....

       So, I did what any logical, foggy minded person with clarity would do.  I ate some breakfast, showered and rushed off to school with a first grader.  After seeing her safely into the school (a minute or so after the first bell, as usual), I returned to the parking lot and bumped into one of the other lovely Mom's.  My brain told me to tell her about this amazing new fitness program that I am now teaching at DestinyArts.  I opened my mouth and realized that the verbal cues were not quite the same as those in my mind.  

       

       I stuttered out some information about intenSati, the revolutionary workout fusing high-energy aerobics, martial arts, dance, yoga, and strength conditioning developed by Patricia Moreno. Combining spoken affirmations with simple choreography, intenSati provides a heart-pumping, exhilarating workout that builds physical, mental, and spiritual muscle. It is fitness at the highest efficiency and empowerment-physically challenging and spiritually mindful. Courage, confidence, willpower, enthusiasm, self-respect, and a strong, healthy body are all results of this powerful practice. The goal of intenSati is to support total integration of body and mind, allowing you to be and experience all you deeply want...right NOW!) 

       No, I did not say it that articulately, but for the purposes of this post, I do want everyone to know the details of this amazing program!  (www.satilife.com)

I managed to share the class times, chit chat for a moment or two, then climbed back into my car, wondering what in the world had happened to my conversational prowess. 

I returned home, gathered some goodies and ran out on what turned out to be a very quick errand.  I returned home yet again and promptly experienced a less than stellar heated discussion with my wife.  
Not good.

       She and two of the girls were in the van, ready to head off to Pop-pop's house.  I stormed inside and proceeded to have a grown up meltdown and temper tantrum, including screaming, yelling, flailing my arms about and, eventually, kicking a wall that I REALLY though was backed by a sturdy surface.  (little damage, no worries)  Unfortunately, my wife had returned from the car and heard most of my outburst as she reentered the front door to grab something that she had forgotten.  I felt silly and snapped that I was "having a meltdown", then stormed off to the basement to clean.  (Like a grown up time out, but in this case, simply a task on the "to-do list" of the day.)

       So much for the peaceful, loving spiritual work, huh?  Yep.  I had a moment.  A big moment.  A moment that brought me utter clarity into what one of my 5 year old twins is probably feeling when she flails her arms and legs around while crying and screaming.

       And then it began....the cleaning and the actual clarity.  A glance at the hot water heater reminded me that I REALLY needed to schedule a final inspection appointment with the township and should do that ASAP.  I glance at some flip flops that had been left behind (I thought) by a house guest,  was enough to remind me that I really needed to get a new pair of shower shoes for work.

I began to clean and forgot all about scheduling the inspection appointment.  

The doorbell rang.

       I peeked out the window upstairs and saw a township vehicle in the driveway.  Concerned that I was in trouble, (Maybe he heard my tantrum and was here to fine me for exceeding the allowable neighborhood decibel limits) I sheepishly opened the door.  Turns out he was a Code Enforcement Officer and was here to remind me to get a permit to do the work that I needed to schedule a final inspection for.  Long story short here, not only was he able to determine that the permit was actually on file, but also that it had been picked up by the contractor and everything was A-OK!  He was even able to take care of the inspection right then and there.
      We passed!  Boiler, Hot Water Heater are good to go now!  Whoop!  
    
       What is the point of this?  

       The Code Enforcement officer helped me to realize the POWER of our thoughts and the quickening pace at which we can manifest our desires.

       Only hours before he arrived, I had stated, with INTENSE feeling, that I needed to get the inspection taken care of.  As though sent from above, he arrived and it was done.  This happened for me after a meltdown.....imagine the possibilities with a clear and positive mind-set!  

       Finally, I realized the knowledge that I was (am) to share, to reiterate:
"Time" is quickening, in a way.  Our thoughts, our intentions are coming to fruition much more quickly than we have previously experienced.  It is, therefore, so very, very important that we practice daily, the art of positive thought.  The more joyfully we can express in our thoughts, words and deeds, the more gracefully our desires will flow to us.

       As we think, so shall we become; As we see, so shall we achieve.  That which we can see with our mind's eye, we already have become in some dimension of time......it is only a matter of stepping back in THIS time to allow it to unfold before our eyes.

       Oh, and the flip flops....  turns out, they were left here intentionally by my Mother on her last visit.  She thought they belonged to us, as they had been left at her house after a previous family visit.  They were not ours, but they fit me and so I acquired my new shower shoes....already in my house and ready to get packed into my bag for work.

Remember, if you can See it (in the mind's eye), you can Be it!  (I can now see myself resting happily in dream land....catch y'all on the flip side!  Good Night!)

Focused Passion

Assume the position; the writing position, that is.  Couch cover placed smoothly back on the couch, pillows neatly arranged, Sponge Bob sleep pants on, seated with legs crossed and laptop on my lap.  I’m ready.  I’m typing.  I’m gonna share.  You (at least my Mom, if no one else) are going to read and, hopefully, chuckle once or twice.  Perhaps you will nod in understanding, or breath a sigh of relief when you realize that your days are much tamer than most of ours.  OR, perhaps you will feel envy, seeing that our days are much tamer than most of yours.  It could go either way.

Every once in a while, and a bit more often of late, I find myself feeling envious of folks with a more “mundane” lifestyle.  By “mundane”, I actually mean focused.  Focused in the sense of concentrating on fewer than five things at one time.  I’m not talking multi-tasking, I’m talking life experiences.  Perhaps an example would be best.  Let’s use Steve Jobs as an example.  He found out early in life that he was awesome with computers.  He focused on computer things.  We all know the rest.  

Or Stephen Hawking (I guess I’m into the “Steve’s” today) and his Physicist skills.  He focused on string theories and chaos and the like.  Focus....and it paid off for them, for sure!  Let’s even take the local garage mechanic, who, as a wee lass decided that she could fix anything with an engine, focused her skills and opened the best mechanic shop in town.  (I’d like to meet her, by the way....I bet she’s hot in her greasy jeans and t-shirt)  

These are focused people.  There is definitely something to be said of finding your passion and sticking with it.  I sometimes envy those folks because from my perspective, it seems like a Zen life - calm, focused, relaxing.

So what if your passion seems to span the cosmos?  (Some call it Attention Deficit Disorder; or, “Jack of all trades, Master of none”;  “Renaissance Man”; etc.)  

I tried sticking with one thing once.  A few times, actually.  I have stuck with many things many different times, but usually it is simultaneous.   I can trace it back many years, but I won’t.  I’ll stick with the now.  

My drawer of hats (baseball style caps, mostly) is nearly overflowing, and truth be told, it is a perfect representation of the “hats” that I choose to wear on a yearly, monthly, daily basis.  

My most important hat is, of course, that of Parent.  

I have a consistent, full time, paying job.  I love it.  Sometimes I don’t “like” it much, but I do love it and am filled with Gratitude for it.  (And I get to wear a cool hat with a shiny thing on it.) (If you’ve read other posts, you know I like shiny things.)

I practice and teach Martial Arts.

I practice Reiki.

I learn as much as I can as often as I can about Spirituality, different views, ways of learning and modes of Being in the world, and I tend to branch off in more directions than a Canadian Maple tree in this regard and I love every minute of it!  I’d love to study long enough to get a PhD in something involving the New Thought, Ancient Wisdom way of Being.

This summer I completed a Spirit Guide Coach Course with Deborah King.  Yes, I’m now (technically) a Spirit Guide Coach, but to actively coach, I really would need to spend time focusing on the practice and meditation aspect for more than 5 seconds a day.    

I LOVE fitness and athletic activities.  Movement is my thing, whether I’m moving, assisting someone else with their movement or directing them to someone who can adequately assist their movement needs.  

I have a passion for photography, writing and self-affirming guidance and creativity, hence the advent of SouL Musings.  (www.soul-musings.com)

I am passionate about my partner’s business and all of the folks who help to bring it to a point of thriving....we are still on our way, and I am confident that as Destiny unfolds, so too will the Art of thriving in business!

In a single day, I might dabble in each of the “things” listed above and more!  And, in that day, I also might find myself getting aggravated because I didn’t leave enough time to clean the house or reorganize the kids’ toys so that we can find our living room.  It is in these times of aggravation that I wish I was more like the local mechanic.  Passionate about engines from day one and focused from the start.  

This morning I had a sort of re-awakening moment as I sat down (I won’t say where I was sitting....some may consider that TMI) to write in my journal, meditate and check facebook while I brushed my teeth.  I read a post on Facebook that offered an explanation of “symptoms of the shift” or “Ascension” (the increase in the evolutionary process that we are said to be experiencing at this time.)  (BTW, I say “that we are said to be experiencing”, for those who are a bit more skeptical.  I firmly believe that this is happening, especially since I experience most of the symptoms and, heck, I am a Spirit Guide Coach!  I get messages.....I just don’t always “hear” them.)  Anyway, after reading this I got in the shower, still pondering what I had read.  During my meditative shower experience (which lasted all of about 3 minutes because we were running late for our morning Yoga class), I thought about the fears of future finances, sadness of past experiences, excitement of future prosperity, joy of past celebrations and it occurred to me (again), as the word NOW flashed across my mind, ALL I need IS within me NOW!  (That, btw, is an intenSati affirmation....another of my newfound passions.)  Truly, in one blink of an eye, I felt fearful, angry, sad, joyful, triumphant and blessed, and I hadn’t even finished shaving my armpits!  If all of that could happen in just one moment, then clearly the choice was/is mine to make - how do I CHOOSE to feel today?  What PASSION do I CHOOSE to pursue today?

My life is busy. 

My thoughts are quick little buggers.

It is My life, My thoughts, My experience, My CREATION and I LOVE IT!  The world truly is my Oyster, just as it is YOURS.  Through practice, focus and joyful bliss, we can create Pearls no matter what we do, simply by BEING present for each Moment as it comes.

Thank you for staying present in this moment.  Love and Blessings.  

A(n) iShake and a(n) iSentence

I made a commitment to myself (in the "cyber-presence" of a large group of amazing people) for three things to take place this month.  (This is part of an amazing program called Sati Life Warrior Training.  See satilife.com)
This month, I am peacefully meditating for 20 minutes each day;
I am creating, with joy and ease, 5 new cards each week for the SouL Musings "Today I am Willing...." series; and,
I am writing, with ease and grace, for 20 minutes daily in my Blog and/or in my journal.

Check off number 3 on the list for today.

Yesterday was a little rough.  The day was great, as days go, but the commitments were not as fluid as the day.  Plenty of excuses were available, but those are daily events, so really can't be excuses.  (There are three main excuse options and they are all under the age of 7.)  Mostly, I blamed my iPhone.  I woke up completely "Un-ACTUALIZED" (Hey, it happens).  (Oh, if you aren't sure what I'm talking about, see the post just prior to this one.)  I like to be the first one up in the house so that I can enjoy some moments of quiet before beginning the race.  I'm not even sure if I was the first one up or not yesterday, because I was so irritated by the fact that my phone was (is) still sitting in a bag of rice, completely useless.
The interesting part is that the day before, when it actually practiced its ability to dive into a small container (I have to say, it made very little splash and was quite graceful with the glide across the bottom of the dish pan), I laughed.  Not a, "Oh this is so funny" laugh, but a "Wow, look what the Universe offers when we need to WAKE UP" sort of laugh.
Yesterday, I was not laughing.  I was grumpy and agitated.  Completely in contrast to the previous day.  Again, interesting!  What does contrast offer?
It offers us an opportunity to step back, observe, and make a decision as to what FEELS better.  What FEELS better to me is the ability to laugh at the unexpected little things that come my way.  (Like the iPhone iDive)
Let me be clear in that I am not saying that we laugh at tragic events or giggle at a person's hardship.  I am saying that, when offered circumstances in our individual awareness that offer us a place to choose our attitude, we can collect into our memory banks the "feeling" associated with our chosen reaction.  Once placed into the bank, we can then choose which is best the next time we have an opportunity for reaction.  THIS IS CALLED PRACTICE!!!!!
Back to my original thoughts, my "blame" for not accomplishing my full 20 minutes of writing and meditating yesterday (I did create 2 new cards) began with the grumpies due to wet phone syndrome, followed by "needy" children, pets and then more procrastination later in the afternoon.  By the time evening rolled around and I opened my journal, my pen was sliding off the page and the legible words were forming sentences of gibberish because I was nodding off.  Maybe dreaming counts as meditation, but that's not quite what I meant in my "I AM" statement.
This morning, I re-committed.  TODAY, I AM easily completing my "I AM's"!  And the rush began....  quiet time for meditation? (not yet)
My internal OCV (Obsessive/Compulsive Voice) began to shout:
"MUST GET TO THE DRY CLEANER!!!!!!!!!  THEN TARGET!!!!!  THEN WORKOUT!!!!  CHANGE THE LIGHT BULBS!!!!  GO TO THE DENTIST!!!! MAKE THE PHONE CALLS!!!!!!!"
("by the way, your phone still isn't working," it chided.)
"Good luck with your I AM statements!"  (also loaded with sarcasm....Thanks, OCV!)
So, I dove into the car with my dry cleaning, feeling a bit rushed and frustrated that I would be shifting my expectations once again.  I turned on the radio and the CD in the player began to sing to me in the sounds of the amazing Ricky Byars Beckwith:

"I AM the Radiant Light of God, 
I shine the Light of Love.
When I stumble, I live
by the Light of my Faith,
Shining both night and day.
I AM the Radiant Light of God
I shine the Light of Joy......"
(The song is "Radiant Light" from her Album "The Love Project")

And how true it is!  We ARE the Radiant Light of God, "actualized" in our full potential at a given moment or not, we ARE the Radiant Light!  Sometimes we dim our own light by "cramming" too much into one space, but mostly, it is our doubts and our needless worry that dims our light.
Thank you, Rickie.  As always, you have brought joy and insight to my awareness!

I returned from the dry cleaner and realized that I hadn't had breakfast.  I made a shake (Herbalife....email me for info if interested in a health shift), and I sat down with the computer to fulfill my writing Promise.  I AM Lovingly, Graciously and Joyfully writing for 20 minutes today!  (Actually, it was more like 40 and NO, that does not count double for tomorrow!)
Love and Blessings everyone!

(I'd love to read your comments....helps me to know if I'm on track with what I'm offering!)

♡

The Current "Climate" AND AAAs (Soul Side Assistance)

I had big plans and many words written here on this very page.  Big plans to finally create the "masterpiece" that I promised back in April - the "SOUL SIDE ASSISTANCE" (loud booming voice) aka "AAA(s)", which stands for "Awareness; Allowing; Actualization (of self).  I was going to tell you about this guy named Abraham Maslow who created this theory called the Hierarchy of Needs (which states (in essence) that when all basic needs are fulfilled, a human can then reach their full potential and become "self-actualized", aka, all that they can be.)  As written, this is a nearly insurmountable task.  I was going to go into detail about Maslow's Theory, tell you about the research that I did from old college textbooks, tell you about the amazing Spiritual events that I have attended (i.e. Revelation at Agape International Spiritual Center during which I got to listen to a talk by Jean Houston who is amazing and actually knew Abraham Maslow; and a Soul Sisters Retreat, also at Agape - talk about Women of Power - WOW!);  I was going to mention the political climate of the day and touch on the "plight of women" as our personal rights seem to be in question once again.  I was planning to go into some detail on all of this (and had written much of it) when one of my little dears came to tell me that dinner was ready.
I closed the computer and went downstairs to enjoy a tasty dinner, after which I graciously went to the kitchen to do the dishes.  While doing preparing to do the dishes, I checked in on the social network to see what important news I had missed in the last ten minutes. (Not much)  I came upon a lovely video that I wanted to watch - Abraham-Hicks, "Be Happy".  I propped the phone on the window sill and scrubbed and watched.  Down came the gals from their bath.  With everyone talking at once, there was no way to hear the video.  I, in my haste to finish the dishes so that I could get back upstairs to finish this post, quickly ushered everyone out of the kitchen, dried my hands, reached for my phone to back up the video and promptly dropped it right into the dish water where it slid as far away from my hands as possible. (I had no idea that iPhones were such good swimmers!)  I scrambled to grab it and rushed it to the EHD (Emergency Hair Dryer) where my lovely wife waved the whirring dryer as best she could.  The phone is now sitting on the counter in a bowl of rice, sim card airing out on top.  Fingers Crossed.

I say all of that in lieu of what I was going to write because in keeping with the theme of "Actualization of Self", I think I have actually actualized past the point of the previous post.  Why?  Because I laughed when the phone fell in the water.  Why?  Because of the irony!  I was hastily and gruffly telling the kids to pipe down and get moving so that I could watch a "Be Happy" video while I quickly did the dishes so that I could rush upstairs to finish a Blog post (which I do NOT get paid to do - though I will happily accept donations - just sayin') about Soul Side Assistance, Awareness, Allowing, and Actualization.
Kersplash!
Oh, how I do love the Universe and the silly little tricks that come along.

What happened was, the kersplash of the phone snapped my back to reality.  It brought me to a keen sense of Awareness of the present moment.  There was nothing I could do but Allow the moment to transpire.  The phone was in the water, I grabbed it, had it blown dry, plunked into a bowl of rice and now am continuing to Allow electronic nature to take its course.  (again, fingers crossed).  In those very moments, I was all that I could possibly be - no more, no less.  In those moments, I requested some Soul Side Assistance, it arrived with its gifts, and, having all of my other basic needs fulfilled, I became fully Actualized in that moment.
I keep saying in "that moment" because that is truly all that we can ever do.  Maslow's theory seems to indicate that once someone reaches the state of Self Actualization, they are there to stay.  At the same time, his theory indicates that getting to that point is nearly impossible.  But, if we break it down moment by moment, we afford ourselves much more opportunity to fully reach our Divine potential.  Each day there are a multitude of opportunities for us to be wake up, Allow the fullness of life to enter into our Awareness, and fully Actualize into that very moment.

Before I leave you to your own Actualization, I would like to share this:

I was in the shower the other day after having read a few posts on our beloved social network of Facebook that were controversial and divisive to say the least.  (I was showering because it was morning and that's what I do, not because I felt dirty from reading the posts.  Hey, with some of the stuff out there, the latter is certainly possible!)  As the water trickled over me, I suddenly felt a wave of sadness wash over as well.   The negativity was weighing so heavily at the moment that I threw the question out to the Universe (i.e. Angel Guides, Spirit Guides, Higher Self, etc): "What is the purpose of all of the negativity and what can I, one person, do to assist to bring in some light?"

In the blink of an eye (or the drip of a droplet), this is what came to me:

"Contrast.  We need it to see the contrast.  The contrast allows us to choose what we want to focus on.  The negative allows the good to shine that much brighter.  Depending where we are in our path, we may or may not have the awareness to step out of the negative and notice the good that is all around us.  By seeing and experiencing/observing the negative, we have the opportunity to capitalize on and share our Good.  By allowing our individual Light to shine through, we can help others to see their own good and assist each other in sharing our individual and collective gifts with the world."
AWARENESS of the "negative" ALLOWS us to see the contrast.  We are then free to fully ACTUALIZE in the fullness of our Divine Nature to embody and release the GOOD that is still within and all around us.


As we begin to wake up and become AWARE that we are more than THIS, we can then open our hearts to ALLOW the more (the Divine) to flow through us and AS us.  It is then, in that moment that we have ACTUALIZED our full potential.  It may be only for a moment, but the more we practice, the more often those moments will occur.
(and not always at the expense of an electronic gadget)

An Armadillo kind of day

The eldest has been deposited at school and the rest of the gang has headed out on a journey to Pop-pop's house, leaving me to my own mischief for the day.  I have about 55 minutes before I need to leave the house for a visit to the eye doctor and some errand-running and I SHOULD be cleaning the bird cages right now.  The morning sunlight beaming in through the mini blinds and casting it's gleam over the laptop and across the table has distracted and inspired me, however.

As is typical, it has been quite some time since my last Blog post.  It's not for lack of things to say or write, believe me!  If anything, quite the contrary.  I tend to get that "deer in the headlights" feeling and end up frozen in the left lane of Writer's Block!  So here I sit, tapping away and realizing that my thoughts are still as scattered as the remnants of the fall leaves in my yard as the wind whips them around on this blustery spring day.

I keep hearing the phrase "Wherever you go, there you are" echo in my mind.  (That, by the way, is also the title of a fantastic book by Jon Kabat Zinn).  It is such a true statement.  We ARE wherever we ARE any time we go anywhere!  The beauty of it, and the theme that has been popping up for me again and again of late is that we are ALWAYS where we need to be at a given point in our lives.  Even in the midst of turmoil and seeming tragedy, we are where we need to be.  It may feel uncomfortable, but it is for our growth.
Now I have two different paths of thought on this as I continue to type:
The "crappy" times help us grow, however, it takes a sense of awareness to allow the growth to occur.  Getting bogged down in the severity of the situation does little for our growth and development.  (I'm picturing a sad sap sitting under a pile of manure that just keeps falling and falling and falling on top of them.)  (stinky)  More on this shortly.
The "Happy" times ALSO help us grow, and again, we must have the sense of awareness to recognize the growth opportunity.
It is so easy to get lost in the emotions (whether "crappy" OR "happy") that we are experiencing at a given moment and lose sight of the Inner Potential that is seeking to bloom from the experience.  Let's take a quick peek back at the pile of manure (hold your nose), and to help paint the picture, I'm going to borrow an acronym from a women's self-defense seminar that I had the honor of assisting with some time ago.  For my part of it, a used the South American 3 banded armadillo (the APAR) as an example.  The letters had different meaning for that seminar, but the premise is the same.  (btw, this particular Armadillo can roll itself into a complete ball, leaving no opening for predatory attack in it's armor).  We could do the same as we are buried under the pile of manure, but if we roll up once we are under there, we'll have all the "crap" inside our shell as well.....
Back to the Apar.
Awareness, Presence, Allowing, REALIZATION

AWARENESS
......a key factor is to recognize the first drop of poo and stay on top of it as it falls.  Then, as the pile grows, so too, do we!
PRESENCE
We absolutely MUST remain present in each and every moment.  As our attention drifts to the past or future, we miss the NOW.  (in the manure example, we miss the flying poo and get a gob in the eye)  Looking from a brighter perspective, there is also good to be found in each moment as well.  It is entirely possible that a diamond ring is encased within a poo patty!
ALLOWING
As we are aware of our potential, aware of our surroundings, aware of opportunity and present in the moment, we also must ALLOW ourselves to feel and ALLOW those feelings to flow through us.  As we open to allowing, we open ourselves to more opportunity for growth, development and unfoldment (a phrase I have learned from Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith).
REALIZATION
Here, we begin to REALIZE the "Can do" attitude.  Growth is inherent!  It is possible and it IS happening, whether we are ready or not, it's occurring!  We also may recognize our need for "AAA(s)" - SOUL-SIDE ASSISTANCE!
(and with that, I must abruptly end this post with a vow to continue and expand on each of the snippets above.....sooner than later....please keep checking back!  I will fill in the three A's and also take a short journey through Maslow's hierarchy of needs and more!)

Blessings and Namaste'

"All of My Needs Are Met" (and so are Yours!)

This is a "textversation" that i had with a dear friend this morning. I think many others can benefit from this as well, so here goes....(DF = Dear Friend; M = Me) please excuse any formatting issues, as this is posted from my (very) Smartphone.

DF: "Looking to my gem ( that's you) for a gem .  What is the best thing Eileen said to you 'the other day?'"

M: "...one of my favorite reminders is, "when you set a CLEAR intention, the mechanisms for it to manifest will fall into line.". (slightly paraphrased, but that's the gist)."

DF: "Nice, and how do you set a clear intention?"

M: "Well, you state what you want.  An affirmation, for instance. Ie, "my body is beautiful and I take care of it thru healthy eating and fitness activities.".  Or, "I am now experiencing a perfect loving, romantic relationship with a loving partner with whom i share a mutual love and respect.". Just a couple of options."

DF: "Thank you, perfect, got it."

M: "When we set an intention or state an affirmation, it is important that we are specific about the "what" but not the "how". God/Universe will provide the path for us to get to the "what" and as long as we are a vibrational match to that which we are wanting, the path will be clear to us.  It is also important that we remain open to the possibilities. One thing that Rev Michael says  in his books/recordings is "all this or something better".  Just remember, we are ALL perfect creations. Spiritual beings here in this body, on this Earth having a Human experience.  Sometimes it is easy forget out divine essence and truth of who we are. We get caught up in the daily happenings and forget that our true purpose here is to experience joy and happiness.  We also forget that joy and happiness are already ours!  Our True nature, our Essence IS Love!   So, when we find ourselves seeking outwardly for that "thing" or "someone" to "make" us happy, we need only remember that we already have everything we need within us. We ARE LOVE - JOY - HAPPINESS and ALL OF OUR NEEDS ARE MET!  Xoxoxo"

Ode to "Joe's"......

     Grocery stores frighten me.  Well, perhaps "frighten" is too strong of a word, but I certainly experience some degree of anxiety when I enter an unknown store.  It's like visiting a new planet for the first time.  There are all sorts of things all over the place - shelves, food, perishables, non-perishables, produce, canned goods, bottled goods, bagged goods, crunchy things, soft things, you get the idea.
Wondrous places, these "grocery" stores.  It takes me a while to warm up to one, and when I do, I like it to stay the same.  No re-organizing please.  Aisle 1 is for produce and produce only.  Cereal and healthy snacks in aisle 2, etc.
     Today I went to Trader Joe's.  I go there for one particular item and that item is located on the right side of the store, second set of shelves in from the wall.  It was there, anyway, the last time I was in the store.  Today was different.  Even the entrance was in a different location.  The entrance was moved about 20 feet to the right.  I nearly walked into the window trying to get in.  Don't worry, I figured it out before I looked completely stupid. Besides, I was chatting on the phone as I was walking, so folks probably just figured that I was talking to my reflection in the window.  The confusion had only just begun.  I entered the store (which I do not frequent, so it's always a bit intimidating) only to find a complete and total reorganization.  Instead of wine and beer in front of me, it was oranges and bananas.  I love oranges and bananas, but at this point I was FEELING bananas!  And people.  People everywhere!  It seemed like an impending snowstorm shopping excursion!  (and no snow in the forecast, by the way)  I stood still in an attempt to get my bearings, then realized that if I didn't move I would soon be run down by any one of a number of shopping carts.  I shuffled in, then realized that I might need a basket so I exited the entrance, grabbed a basket, darted back in and stood still for a few more seconds.
     Every person in that store was there to be in my way, I'm certain.  They all knew I was coming and they got there first.  They were waiting for me. They were laughing.....all of them....laughing while planning mayhem and confusion at my expense.
     Okay, that part isn't true, but it was really busy.  I wondered while I wandered around and around, dodging carts, people, small children and produce.  I looked for peanut butter, cheese and juicy oranges.  I found carrots.  Carrots are good and they were on my list so I grabbed them and put them in my basket.  Much to my delight, on the opposite side of the store was a shelf full of the very item that I was seeking - Organic, sulfite free Red Wine.  I grabbed a couple of bottles and continued my quest for peanut butter.  I found salsa for someone who couldn't find it herself.  I dodged carts, twisted out of the way of small children and marveled at the long checkout lines.  I wished that I could open the wine.  Giving up on the  peanut butter, I made my way to the last checkout line and snuggled in behind a man and three small girls.  We were next to the many different types of beer.  I gazed at the shelves wondering if I should taste test a couple of brews.  I opted to remain in line as a wonderful and seamless transition of cashiers was taking place.  As the customer in front of me was leaving with his goods and I approached the register, one cashier left and another slid in with her till.  It was a lovely dance that they did.
     Also at this time another store associate needed to pass behind me.  (I should note that I was wearing a short bill cap, a scarf, fleece jacket, ripped jeans and blue converse sneakers - not a fashion plate, but comfy).  So as I squished up against the check-out counter for this associate to pass behind me, he said, "Excuse me, Sir".
     I turned and glanced at him and said matter-of-factly, "No problem, Ma'am".
     What?  His hair was longer than mine......
     I didn't look at him long enough to see his reaction, but I think he got the point.
     The cashier was quite kind and quite empathic.  She started to ask how I was, but quickly shifted to, "are you ok?"  (I guess the annoyed look was still plastered on my face.)
     I regained my cheerful demeanor (note sarcasm here, as I did NOT open the wine in the store), and smiled at her.  "Oh, yes, I'm fine, thank you.  He just called me Sir, so I called him Ma'am.... figured it must be opposite day.  This is how I entertain myself," I told her, sheepishly.
      The cashier got quite a kick out of my antics.  I graciously paid for my wine and carrots and dodged my way out the door into the parking lot.  There was a very nice lady in the parking lot who helped me safely cross the street by gently herding me with her cart.  So kind.  She was very nice.
     I left and went to Whole Foods for the peanut butter and other obscure items (like bread and cheese).  Whole Foods feels safe.  They may not carry $6.49 bottles of organic wine, but they have great bananas and I know where the peanut butter is.