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.
   

With Grace and Gratitude

Last night I was reading a thread on a social media network that contained this Link about the National Defense Authorization Act and more than a few opposing comments.  As I skimmed through the written portion of the article as well as the comments on the thread, I became more and more disheartened.  Images of soldiers on every street corner, of citizens being "captured" and taken away at will, of my children living in fear of a single misstep all floated around in my head.  This was something else that must be FOUGHT AGAINST!  (The images went well beyond that, but no need to be a complete Debbie Downer here, after all, this Blog is AllSUNNYDaze, not rainy daze....)

Soon after reading this, I went on a little jaunt to buy dog food.  Something about the motion of the car seems to get my creative juices flowing (either the motion or the fact that the car is the only place I can find quiet these days) and so it began.

I was thinking about how awful it would feel to be under complete military control.  Then I thought about the threat of military control or even the perceived threat.  Other people have experienced it and they have survived, but this nation was founded on a completely different set of values.  The more I continued this line on thinking, the more I realized how bad I was starting to feel.  I could actually feel my vibrational frequency lowering, as if I was slowing down inside my car.  In my mind I saw soldiers prevalent everywhere.  They were patrolling streets, roadways, towns, buildings, you name it, they were there in my mind.  The police departments were no longer needed because the local and state laws no longer mattered, only the Federal laws were implemented.  So, in my mind I was completely oppressed and jobless, and still heading to Target to buy dog food.  "At least I still have this freedom," I thought.  And then I began to realize that I still have ALL of my freedoms.  The images of soldiers began to be joined by images of Lightworkers milling around, unassumingly going about their business with serene smiles on their faces.  (The image of Lightworkers was inspired by a poem that I stumbled upon on Facebook.  I can't find it now.  Has anyone else seen it?)
As the new images arose in my mind's eye and the realization that nothing "bad" had happened, I feeling of gratitude began to settle within me.  I brought my focus back to the NOW.  I was in the car.  Driving.  I pulled into the parking lot of the shopping center and marveled at the lights.  Wow.  What beauty!  I got out of my car and freely walked into the store where I saw a young friend restocking shelves.  I innocently asked her how much the items in the dollar bins cost, she whacked me in the shoulder and we both laughed.  I recognized the joy that I was experiencing.  I moved onward through the store, chose to purchase a DVD and then, still experiencing the feeling of awe for simply being able to have this experience, I grabbed the dog food and headed to the checkout.  (For mental imagery purposes, I'm not a large person and while I'm also not the size of an elf, a 40 lb. bag of dog food is not a whole lot larger than I am.....sort of like an ant carrying a sunflower seed.....)
Still experiencing the higher vibrations of of joy and gratitude I completed the checkout and made my way back to the car.
The point of all of this is not the activity that I was performing, it is the realization that it is our VIBRATION that matters!  It is our focus on what we desire and our attention to how we are feeling at the moment that affords us the opportunity to SHIFT to a positive feeling.  Yes, the link that I posted above tells a sad tale.  The possibilities are disheartening.  But there is a gift in all of that!  The GIFT is the opportunity for each of us to look past the sadness; to allow ourselves to look within and find what it is that slows and lowers our vibration, then to find that point of focus that raises us up and reminds us to let our light shine.  Where there is Light, there is NO darkness.  What may seem a battle that is to be met with resistance is actually an opportunity for a change of perspective.
(Please do not misunderstand what I am saying here.  There are times when action is needed.  "Bad" things happen and if we can be of service to assist and help another, then so be it.  We "serve" with grace and gratitude, not from anger or sorrow.)

The point of all of this?  Focus on the little things.  The wonderful things.  After reading and getting the gist of the link above as well as the associated comments, I recognized a dark path just ahead.  Then, I suddenly realized how immensely fortunate I am NOW.  All of the good that exists NOW....the fact that we are currently living in the "Land of the Free"..... that I can go and buy dog food where ever I want....  and from there, I found joy and gratitude in each breath.....  In the NOW.

Breath.  Return to NOW.  What are you feeling right NOW.  What is beyond that feeling?  Just feel it and be with it and just be here NOW and enjoy.

With Grace and Gratitude, thank you for being YOU and for sticking with me through the random thoughts!  

Blessed and Tongue Tied

Have you ever felt inspired?  I know I have.  Just a few moments ago I felt inspired to write and update this page after many months of finger tapping silence.  Just as I sat down at a little table at the bookstore cafe, however, I realized that there was a very intense conversation going on behind me and I couldn't seem to tear my ears away from it.  How rude of me.  And how interesting.  I could have done without the food in the mouth talking, though, but that was certainly none of my business, being the eavesdropper. 

They have now taken their drinks and moved on and I am grateful for that.  

Last weekend I had an amazing experience at the Mind Body Spirit expo!  Sharing in the joy with my lovely wife and a wonderful friend on Friday, we perused tables and vendors and treats before the biggest treat of all, an up close and personal experience with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith and Rickie Byars Beckwith of Agape International Spiritual Center.  Wow and more wow.  

I returned on Saturday to see Doreen Virtue.  It was snowing.  October, East Coast, south of New York, North of the Carolinas.....not supposed to be snowing yet!  There was no stopping me for this one, though! I'm not one to be star struck.  Celebrity status is not something that I am overly excited about normally.  I appreciate and respect the work and the individual as just that, a working individual with talents different than my own.  I am grateful for the gifts that they share with the rest of us.  Well, something about this expo blew all of that right out of the water for me.  I will take you back in time to experience this portion of my journey......

Friday.  This day was much easier, as I had my wife and our friend to speak for me.  I said little, as far as I can recall.  I just enjoyed the experience, immensely, I might add.  

Saturday.  This trip I made alone.  As I said, it was snowing.  I hadn't thought about checking the car for an ice scraper or snow brush, but thankfully Target was nearby and I was able to purchase one.  I made it back into the expo just in time to visit a lovely booth to purchase a couple of shirts that I had my eye on the day before.  (These lovely ladies were just fantastic.  I look forward to posting links to their business as soon as I write them for permission to do so.)  It was then time for the Doreen Virtue book signing!!!!!  I had some books and I was getting them signed!!!!  What to say?  I had no idea what to say!  I waited in line, anxious, excited and just plain thrilled to be there....the energy was amazing!  It was my turn.  I handed her the books.  I smiled.  She asked my name.  I smiled.  She smiled.  I thought, "I wonder if she is seeing Angels around me?"  

"guh, SHELLEY," I blurted out.   

Still trying to think of something to say, I finally settled on explaining that she was one of my first Twitter followers.  Yes, Doreen Virtue had followed slmusings on Twitter.  (She's not following anymore.....alas, it was one of 25000+, so I'm not offended.)  My explanation, by the way, was met with a rather blank, but kind stare.  I then realized that someone with her busy schedule probably does not check her own Twitter follows.  She likely has a staff for that.  Oh well.  No matter!  My books were signed and I interacted with Doreen Virtue, Angel Therapist, Spiritual Doctor of Psychology, and Author of more than 20 books!  I happily skipped away, anxious for the reception prior to her lecture.

Fast forward about 30 minutes to reception time.

I scurried to the room where (I thought) the reception was to be held and got in line.  It seemed odd to stand in line for a cheese and cracker style reception, but I figured that maybe everyone was really hungry and maybe Doreen was hanging by the cheese to greet everyone.  Then a very nice lady got in line behind me and kindly explained that this line was for a reading by Deborah King.  (I am not really familiar with her teachings, but the brief explanation that I received was fascinating and I am anxious to learn more.)  Now I was in a quandary.  In attendance at a very spiritually uplifting event, I had found myself in the wrong place, but was it the right time?  I mean, clearly I was here for a reason, but was the reason to get a reading from Deborah King, or to simply learn who Deborah King was?  I had paid quite a lot for the Doreen Virtue full package tickets.  My new friend helped me.  She suggested that I go check out the reception, then return to line if I couldn't find it.  Just then an expo helper came to guide some other wandering souls over to the reception.  I hopped on their train and followed.  (please keep in mind that I was still quite giddy....just thrilled to be there....think "kid in candy shop"....lego addict in lego store.....small child on Christmas morning...you get the point.  (the term "excited utterance" might also come to mind.))

Ok, so enter reception room.

The first thing I did was tell my favorite sign language story to an interpreter.  The story involves pizza, lesbians and a miscommunication.  Yeah.  Good one.  (remember the "excited utterance" thing?  yeah....)  After recovering from that moment, I signed in, got my name tag and shuffled off to find a table.  Everyone there seemed to have a large group, so I tossed it out to the Universe and followed the lead of my "guides/Angels/intuition".  Making my way toward the back with my snacks, I saw a table with one lovely lady seated next to a chair with a coat on it.  I deduced that this must be a table with only two people and therefore plenty of room to spare.  I gently asked if I could join her and she graciously welcomed me to her table and into her presence.  What a WONDERFUL wonderful person, and I say that with sincerity, not just because she told me that I was one of the funniest people she had ever met.  (Okay, the compliment was worth more than it's weight in gold, but still, she was (is) super!)  My new friend "El" introduced me to her friend "En" and we chatted like we had known each other all our lives.  Isn't it just wonderful how the Universe works?  As we were sharing, Doreen Virtue was making her way around to each of the tables, visiting and taking pictures with everyone.  She arrived at our table and I got my phone out for a photo.

She said, "Hi, everyone!  Are you having a good time?"  

I stood up.

She stood there.

I smiled.

>pause<

She smiled.

(I have no idea if anyone else was speaking at this point)

I finally realized that there had been a question, so I said, "Thank you, these are my new friends".

I then realized that the question had not had anything to do with my new friends, really.

Doreen then asked if we wanted a picture and I managed to compose myself long enough to muster my two new friends into a photo.  I got a rather blurry shot of them, as I was so excited I could barely hold the camera still.  I then, ever so calmly, made my way over to Ms. Virtue.  Feeling very small, yet full of Love and Light, we posed for our picture.  I think I then said something to the effect of, "blah blah blah blurt blurt blagh....I like pancakes and fruit cups and Angels are really fun....blah blah blah".  

Yeah. 

I'm smooth.

Maybe I didn't really say anything.  I might have asked her out on a date.  I really don't know.  It was weird. I felt weird.  And giddy.  

Truly, it was amazing to meet her in person, especially just a day after being in the presence of Rev. Michael and Rickie as well.  They are such wonderful teachers and sharers of their gifts.  I feel blessed to have experienced this entire event.  

Doreen's talk itself was just incredible.  I am still feeling the effects of the expo even a week later, and am finding such joy all around.  

With that, I close this little update, as it is time to leave the cafe and enjoy a weekend with a dear friend with whom I get to spend too little time.

Many Blessings to all!

Namaste

Mind Set

Just saw that Dr. Oz is about "Can you think yourself skinny" C'MON!!!! Why would any of us be overweight then if all it took was a mental change??? Don't I wish!!!!

I saw this quote today and it struck me instantly as an amazing opportunity.  I should specify that I did not watch the Dr. Oz show, so I cannot speak to the thoughts or ideas that he presented.  I can, however, present some (mostly) educated comments and a (unique?) perspective in regard to the statement above.

"Can you think yourself skinny?"  At face value, this may seem absurd.  The thought that we could say to ourselves, "I'm skinny", and then have all of our "extra" mass disappear into oblivion, seems outrageous to say the least!  I mean, we all know that if we just sit around on the couch just "thinking" about weight loss, all we will do is expand exponentially.  Right? 
Let's first take a look at why we might expand in such conditions.  (and by "expand", I do mean at the waist line, NOT in the field of awareness; although, we would certainly be more aware of the tightness of our britches!)  Follow me into the "field of expansion" for a venture into the world of Wanda Weighinscale, if you dare.....

 

Wanda returns home after a stressful day at work.  She has been busy all day and is tired, hungry and feeling unhappy about her body condition.  In short, she is uncomfortable with her current place in life.  She saw a preview for a show about "thinking herself thin", so she decides to try it.  After all, there are no hours left in the day to go to the gym, besides, she's just too tired to go.  She's tried all of the weight loss plans and diet foods, and nothing has worked for her.  She steps on the scale and consistently sees an unsightly number, bringing her attention over and over again to the fact that she weighs much more than she would like.

Wanda plops herself down on the couch and begins to think.  She thinks and she thinks and she thinks about how she would like to be thin.  All the while she is thinking, she is feeling more and more resentful of her current condition.  She is envisioning in her mind's eye the many thin models and athletes that she has seen on television and in the magazines.  Now she is reminded of the "fat jokes" that she hears around the office and that she used to hear in high school.  Her self loathing is increasing, her frustration is off the charts.  But, she is still thinking about being thin, so surely it must be working.  She continues this process for a week, gradually placing more and more thought on picturing herself thin, even though each time she looks in the mirror she sees someone who is not her image of "thin".  Wanda finishes her "work out" on the seventh day and heads to the scale.  She is disheartened when she sees that she has actually gained a pound.

"How can this be possible," Wanda wonders.  "I've been picturing myself thin, I've been thinking about being thin....."

 

What Wanda has not realized is this.  While she has been picturing herself as thin, she has been harboring resentment that she is not thin.  She has actually been placing her focus on her LACK of thin, which has been pushing her thin away. 

 

So does this mean that it is not possible to "think ourselves thin"?  In my humble opinion, absolutely not!  (Not exactly, anyway)  Let's go back to Wanda....she's still staring in the mirror, feeling sad.  Maybe we can cheer her up a bit.

 

Looking at her over sized reflection, Wanda steps off the scale and slides it angrily across the floor. 

"I love you"....

Wanda jumps and looks around.  She is the only one home. 

"I LOVE you"....she hears it again, this time from the direction of the mirror.

Wanda turns and looks at herself in the mirror.  It's as though her reflection is speaking to her.  She hears distinctly, "I love you just as you are.  Don't you love me?"

Wanda is perplexed.

"I LOVE YOU!  YOU!  As you are!  You are beautiful and you are all I have.  Without you, I cannot exist in this world.  I need you and I Love You!"

Wanda stares intently into the mirror and says, "Who are you?"  

"You!"

Now Wanda thinks there is an echo.  She repeats more slowly and distinctly, "Who.....are......you?"

"YOU"!  She hears, this time sounding much more forceful.  "I am YOU.  I am part of you and you of me.  We are one.  Together, we are you.  Without the you of us, we cannot exist.  I love the you that is you and the you that is in me.  I need only for you to love me back so that we may be One again."

Wanda is not a fan of riddles, and thinks carefully about this.  Suddenly she understands.  Her reflection is telling her that she must love herself as she is and for all that she is.  It is her self-loathing and frustration that is keeping her from feeling complete.  It is not that she is too heavy or too tall or too short or too "whatever".  It is her mind-set that is keeping her from feeling good about herself.  If she is to bring her body back to a state of wholeness and well being, she must begin within.  

Wanda stares intently into the mirror and says, "Thank you".

Her reflection smiles back at her.

Wanda gazes into the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen and a smile that is as vibrant as the sun.  She blinks and the cobalt blue eyes blink too.  It is then that Wanda realizes that she is gazing at herself, not a disembodied reflection.  She recognizes her own beauty.  She sees past the appearance that she has long perceived as over-weight and unattractive and recognizes the glorious light that shines within her being.  Wanda finally feels what it is like to be beautiful, in her own mind.  

From that moment on, Wanda no longer felt the sense of frustration or anger about her physical appearance.  She no longer paid attention to the newest "fad" diet.  She had no need.  Her intention was to love herself and care for her body, knowing that this "vessel" is all that she has to remain part of the physical world today.  Wanda began to honor her body, her spirit and her mind.  Through this sense of honor, Wanda found herself drawn to nutritional teachings that she understood and enjoyed.  She found herself meeting others with similar experiences and she began to exercise more than she had ever thought possible.  

Wanda experienced a change in her mindset.  She learned to love herself and learned that she IS enough, just as she is.  She released the stressful thoughts of "needing" to lose weight and shifted her focus to well-being and gratitude for her life experience.  Wanda's new love of self brought her to a place of joy and thanksgiving that she had never thought possible and with this joy came a new sense of vibrancy and energy.  This change of mind set lead Wanda to a new physique.....one that she had always dreamed of experiencing, but never thought possible.

Thank you, Wanda.

Wanda's story may be one of extremes, but I think it illustrates my point.  While we may not lose weight or gain our ideal circumstance by simply sitting and thinking, a change of our thought patterns is an excellent first step.  It is the CHANGE OF MIND SET and the FEELINGS associated with this change that lead us on our desired path.  A very wise woman has said to me MANY times, "When the intention is clear, the mechanisms for it to occur will fall into place."  And so it is with anything that we desire.  As we set our intention, allow our mind set to shift and feel that what we intend already is, it SHALL BE SO!

Random Tales from a Rainy Day

The less than balmy head of Old Man Winter continued rearing today in the form of very cold rain (the sleet and ice missed us, for the most part, thankfully), making our not-so-plowed streets quite challenging to navigate.  Despite the odds, we all ventured out.  Mare to Yoga, Baby Ruth and the KitKats to dance class and I to a morning of fitness and Martial Arts fun.  Today's story really begins, however, with my fantastic idea of a "quick" shopping trip after the organized group activities ended.

Taking the weather into consideration, I thought that the stores would certainly be slow and would absolutely welcome any customer who ventured through the doors.  Expecting a barren wasteland of parking spaces and snow mounds, I made my way to the local Best Buy/Target/Wegman's plaza.  My crowded spaces radar perked up a bit when I observed the traffic in the turning lane.  Still, I scoffed at the idea that anyone else could possibly have the same sense of adventure that I have!  Onward I trekked.  And then around.  And around.  And around.  Around the Best Buy parking lot I drove until finally a spot availed itself to me.  I happily trotted into the store to retrieve my bargain, only to find that the bargain did not exist AND I was by no means the only customer with a sense of adventure for the day.  Somewhat disheartened, I vowed to place an order from Amazon.com later in the day (for 1/3 the cost) and headed back to my car.  The thing that helped me to keep my chin up was the knowlege that I was going to provide a wonderful spot for someone to park.  All of those folks who had been circling the lot like I had just done would be making a mad dash for this one little spot.  I got out of there as quick as I could, then realized that there were at least five or six open spots around me now.  Apparently everyone else saw me leaving so they left too.  Oh well.

(Don't worry, the adventure continues)

I braved the odds and made my way over to Target.  I think the last time I saw such mayhem in the parking lot was "black Friday".  Between the cars, pedestrians, shopping carts and snowbanks, I wasn't sure which way to go.  I contemplated driving home to park in my driveway and to then walk back, but like I said before, it was cold and rainy.  (and it would have been a 10 mile walk)  Finally I located a parking spot in the Wegmans area.  This was suitable, as I would be ending my excursion with a jaunt into this store.  The downside was the walk to Target, two stores down.  Wishing I had put on some waterproof boots, I sloshed my way through the parking lot, down the sidewalk and into the store.
I was on a mission.  I had my mental list.  It contained two and one half items.  (the one half was for the thing that I thought I might get if I saw one for a good price)
I made my way to thing number one - storage container for Barbies.  On the way I stopped to gaze longingly at the display of rubber rain boots.  I pretended that they were on my wet feet and continued to the containers.  There I met a very nice lady looking for a lid.  Together, we found her lid and solved some of her moving problems.
Yes, a piece of tape with a label on an opaque lid would render the same information as a "see through" lid.  AND, the lid would even fit the container.
She was a very nice lady.  We both chose our special storage devices, wished one another well and continued on our way.  I took a "quick" look for thing "one half" and found many wonderful, shiny, new objects on the way.  The ideas began to flow.  (I think Target has something in the lights that taps into those with addictive/obsessive type personalities.  Somewhat like the coffee at Starbucks.  It's probably not crack, but it must be similar.)  Anyway, I regained my focus and turned the corner.....ah, the bargain bin.  Did you know that kid's clothing is much cheaper than that for adults?  AND, a boys size XL fits wonderfully on someone my size......$4.50 for a champion workout shirt!  BARGAIN!
Regaining focus once again, I trudged onward for item # 3.  Then I saw the pretty colors.  I began to drift toward the fitness aisle and caught myself just in time to weave in front of an unsuspecting customer and her cart.  She bobbed, I weaved and we shared the path.  As we pressed on, I commented to her that I am clearly too easily distracted.  She shared a knowing smile, nod and chuckle and we parted ways.

Having successfully completed my Target quest, I snapped the lid onto my spiffy new container which now contained the rest of my wares and ventured out the door to begin the trek to Wegman's.  Of course, at this point, it had started to rain even harder.  I was really wishing for those rubber boots; maybe even a raincoat or an umbrella!  I looked up and noticed a man in front of me with an umbrella.
I then contemplated acting out the scene that was playing in my mind:
Catching up to the Man with the Umbrella (aka "my new best friend"), I would duck under his cover and walk along with him.  Of course, he would look at me quizzically,  and I would say, "Hi".
Not knowing what to do or say because he would be much too polite to send me back into the rain, he would just furrow his brow and say, "Hello".
"So, where ya going?" I would ask.
"Uh....", he would stammer.
"Well, I'm going to Wegman's.  May I travel with you?"  (Of course, by this time we would be almost there and my mission would have been accomplished whether or not he granted permission.)

In reality, by the time I finished playing out the scenario in my mind, I was almost at Wegman's.  "The Man with the Umbrella (aka "my new best friend") had already ditched me for another direction.

Wegman's.
It was a MADHOUSE!  I wondered if there was a storm brewing, then remembered that the Superbowl is tomorrow.  Gotta get everything fresh for the big game!  Not I.  Nope.  I was there for three things...maybe four or five, but no more than that!  Twisting and weaving, dodging and ducking, I maneuvered my cart in any direction I could go.  Then I realized that I should probably get out of the entryway before someone saw me dancing.  (I love the security camera and screen where you can see yourself when you first walk in!)
Seriously, I did twist, weave, dodge and duck to get through the store.  It was like driving on the Garden State Parkway in heavy traffic.  You've got to keep your head up, eyes open and scan for openings and brake lights, then just GO!
Making my way through the store and having more than a few near collisions, I realized that I was nearly laughing out loud.  Normally I would have found this to be a very stressful situation, but today I found it quite entertaining.  I even found a smile for the folks who glared at me for asking them to pardon me rather than ramming into them with my cart.
Finally, in the mustard aisle, after another series of near misses, I made another friend.  A lovely lady and I shared a dodging situation due to a "thinker" in the middle of the aisle.  Having successfully navigated around this person, I blurted out my fantastic idea to my new friend.
"Ya know, there should be pull off spots in the aisles.  We could call them 'thinking booths'.  These would be small areas where you can tuck in and study your list or just contemplate your next move.  They will be like phone booths, but not.  And they could contain a map of the store, this way, you can plan your attack!  Then, when you arrive at your desired purchase, it could be a 'push-by'.....a 'grab-and-go.  No more than 5 seconds will be allotted for anyone in front of any product.  If you can't figure it out in 5 seconds, you don't need it and you must move on."
I moved on after that.  I may have startled her, but she did laugh.  A little.  (Besides, I really do think there should be "thinking zones" in the supermarket, esp. on busy days.)
I maneuvered up to the registers and then it dawned on my that I had no reusable shopping bags.  Being a woman of green that I am, this pained me a bit.  Then I realized that I did, in fact, have my brand new  container from Target in the cart!  How lucky!  I could fit nearly everything in my new box with my Target goodies.
It was my turn to pay and I confessed to the cashier that I did not have a bag.  She assured me that it was ok.
I then stated proudly, puffing out my chest a wee bit, "But I DO have this crate"!
She laughed.
(She was pleased, as I was, that I had such an ingenious idea.  At least I think that's why she laughed.)
She looked at the items in the crate and asked if I would like her to scan them from there.  I replied that I would rather she didn't, as I had already paid for them at Target.
We shared another laugh and a few more smiles and nods and then the paying was complete.

Feeling quite lovely about my experience overall, I headed back toward the car.  Of course, by this time I no longer had any concept of where I had parked, but at least I did know that I had driven there to begin with!

Fortunate misadventures

We are expecting treasured guests any minute, so I am taking a few moments to begin the tale of today's adventures.
It all began this morning, which really should come as no surprise.  When else would the day's adventures begin?  Unless of course it's a nightshift day.  That would, of course, indicate that the day would begin at night.  No need to confuse things, though.
I got out of bed and slid my chilled toes into my warm, snuggly slippers, then donned my soft and fuzzy bathrobe.  It has snowflakes on it and I love it.  I headed downstairs and straight for the coffee pot.  Morning routine out of the way and two lovely young ladies ready for adventure, Baby Ruth, KitKat #1 and I began some fun with Photo Booth.  We had a grand time "riding the roller coaster" and playing with the special effects.  Not long after this, it was time to head off to Kindergarten registration, handled by my lovely wife.
Fast forward a few hours to the afternoon "appointment".  I scheduled my first "One to One" session today at the semi-local Apple store.  By "semi-local" I mean that the store is located about 30 miles away, but I am partial to this one because of the kind sales person that I encountered during a visit with a friend.  I should note also that I have had this computer for about 9 months.  I purchased a full year of One to One lessons since I am switching from PC to Mac.  I am just now beginning those lessons, so I want to pack as much in as possible!
I met my Tutor for the day, a lovely gentleman by the name of Jon.  He was nice, funny, personable and quite knowledgable.  I am certain that I dazzled him with my Mac-literacy.  He gave me tips and taught me new tricks.  I now know how to use keyboard shortcuts, swipe my fingers in various configurations across the track pad and balance a ball on my nose.
The most significant part of the visit (significant in regard to this post, that is) came when Jon and I began the quest of determining the source of an iWeb blog comment issue.  (For some reason, when attempting to post a comment to the blog, the user gets a very distorted comment screen.  This is a known issue on message boards, but has yet to be fixed from what I have seen.)  At the time, we were viewing my web page (here come's a plug....), http://www.soul-musings.com and reviewing some special features of iWeb.  Jon was unsure of the solution to the comment posting issue, so he did what any humble tutor would do.  He asked a co-worker.
Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker puffed his chest out and strutted over to us.  He said, "Oh, well, you need to ."  (as he was saying this, he reached between us and began to tap on my keyboard.  
Slightly concerned, I said, "Uh, wait, what are you doing?"
Continuing to tap, he said, "Well, the configuration just needs to be reset in order to....." (I tuned him out at the words "Configuration and reset".  (I should also note that I know enough about computers to be quite dangerous, and my reasoning for the Mac Class is to continue my seamless transition from PC to Mac, as well as learn the subtleties of a new system.  I know full well what a "configuration" is and I did NOT want mine "reset"!)
Quite in-dignified by my questioning of his performance, Mr. Brilliant-pants proceeded to puff up and tell me something about resetting the browser settings after publishing the website in order to get everything to appear as it should.
Now, had he been patient and finished listening to the explanation of the issue, he would have heard that the problem exists not ONLY on my system, but also on that of anyone who has attempted to access my comment section.  He would also have heard that there are, in fact, discussion threads about this same issue on various web sites.
It was at this moment that I observed all of my carefully CONFIGURED Top Sites (akin to "bookmarks", but quicker to view/access and clearly easier to erase) disappear and RESET back to the default setting.  I then saw myself grabbing Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker by the wrist and twisting his arm into the shape of a "Z", followed by a swift knee to the inguinal crease and then a kick right in the head.  Thankfully, part two of this visualization was just a fantasy.  (Thankfully for Mr. Brilliant-pants, that is.)

Jon sat with his head on his hand, mumbling apologies as I declared, "YOU JUST ERASED ALL OF MY TOP SITES!  WHY?  WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?"
I dared not turn around, as I feared that part two of above fantasy would come to fruition.  Mr. Brilliant-pants mumbled something about being sorry and just trying to help, but that's what had to be done, so he was sorry, sort of.  (Yeah, and your fish swam sideways through his castle, so I just "had" to flush him down the toilet.)  Thanks, Man.
As I inhaled a deep, cleansing breath, I realized that iWeb and my entire business was still visible on the screen.  I quickly closed the program before any more RESETTING could be done.  As I did this, the irony and overall significance of the situation came to me.
My business, SouL Musings, is about Raising the Positive Vibration of the Soul.  At this moment I was vibrating, alright, but not so positively.  I looked at Jon, who was mortified, and said, "You know, my day job is very different from this business here (pointing at screen).  This business is all about a calming, Zen-like attitude and focus.  I am going to return to that focus now, as all things in life happen for a reason and for us to learn from them."  (Yes, I said all of this.  I think I was scaring him.)

The truth of that matter is, however, all things do happen for a reason.  Even the most seemingly frustrating situation can have a positive outcome if we allow it.  The reconfiguration and resetting of my top sites lead to my learning of a way to set my preferences to avoid this issue in the future.  (I knew that the resetting was possible because I had accidentally done this previously and had FINALLY gotten them back to my desired settings.)

I also learned something about EGO.  Mr. Brilliant-pants was quite pleased with his knowledge of Macs,  Safari, and iWeb.  He was eager to demonstrate this knowledge.  So eager, in fact, that he didn't listen to the full explanation, nor did he take the time to consider that the "student" may have had a tiny bit of a clue about the situation at hand.  While he was coming from a place of helpful desire, his ego took over when I questioned his actions.  None of this was intentional on his part, but it was highly frustrating from my point of view.

The moral of the story?  Listen.  Listen to the totality of the question being asked or statement given.
Allow.  Allow the question or statement to merge with your own knowledge of the given subject.  Respond.  Respond to the inquiry from a place of humility and common ground.
I am certain that this lesson was mine, not that of Mr. Brilliant-pants Co-worker.  I hope that he gleaned a bit of newfound knowledge as well, but I am absolutely CERTAIN that I did!

In the final moments prior to our guests arrival, I was reminded that the cars needed to be pulled forward in the driveway.  This is a task that I am made for!  Out the door I went in my slippers with their handy dandy rubber soles and warm fuzzy insides, tiptoeing gently over the ice that had reformed from the melting snow earlier in the day.  I made my way gingerly around the mini-van and attempted to press the "unlock" button on the keyless entry device.  Unfortunately, I hit the "lock" button instead.  More unfortunately, before I could grab the door handle, I slipped on the ice causing an acute loss of balance.  Fortunately, there is a large pile of snow next to the van to soften the fall and shorten the distance of same.  More fortunately, as my hand slid into the snowy glove, I applied adequate pressure to the "unlock" button, thereby unlocking the doors of the van.  You see, all seeming misfortunes have their way of becoming fortunate!

Love and Blessings everyone!

Raising the Vibration

 Yesterday was January 11, 2011.  1.11.11.  If you are a fan of my SouL Musings Facebook page, you may have seen the following post (which I copied and pasted from a friend - can’t take credit for it):

Mother Earth needs our help....On 1/11/11 at 11:11 am your local time, we are organizing a global wave of love. All you have to do is get into the feeling of love and tone the AH sound 11 times. Let's stand together and sound a wave of healing that WILL be heard around the world. Sound is energy that can transform the world. Can you spare 11 breaths or about 111 seconds for Humanity? If visualization comes easy to you, visualize feeling love. If you are not good at visualization, grab your lover, hold your baby or child, snuggle with your pet, or smell some beautiful flowers. It doesn’t matter how you get there so long as you find a place of unconditional love that you can hold and build for approximately 11 breaths or 111 seconds. We will then tone the heart sound Ahhhhhhhh 11 times while holding the thought of love in your mind/body/spirit. Imagine you are exhaling pure unconditional love out into the world and with each exhale a pink cloud of love embraces mother earth restoring Earth and humanity to a divine state of perfection. Don’t try to imagine what a divine state of perfection looks like. Just trust and believe that it does exist and hold that feeling of love. If you have never toned before it is so easy and we do it all the time after a good meal. Inhale slowly until your lungs are full, on the exhale try to hold the AH sound until all the air is expelled from your lungs slowly. Repeat 10 times for a total of 11. Don't trying to hold it to long or you will lose your breath. That’s it. Imagine the exuberant feeling of love and sound your trumpet ahhhhhhhh. Please invite ALL your friends and let’s start a wave that will be heard around the world. Sound is healing. *1 Corinthians 15:52* In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

    As I borrowed a quiet moment at 11:11 AM and trumpeted the “ahhhhhhh” or “ommmmm” sound while generating a feeling of unconditional love to surround our planet, I wondered why I don’t do this more often.  This particular moment (and again at 11:11pm) was certainly one of great power and also a perfect time to coordinate with others across the globe, but there is certainly no need to wait another 100 years to practice raising the vibration of love across our planet.  

    In the essence of time, (I had hoped to spend more time with introspection and chatter in this post, but circumstances dictate that I must be brief today) I propose this:

    Each day at 11:11 (or 10:10, or 1:11), take a moment, come back to your heart center, breath deeply, inhaling unconditional love and joy deep into your own Divine Being and the exhale this feeling, holding an image of our planet with waves of this love surrounding her.  (Or any other visualization of your choosing.)  The more we do this as individuals, the more we share in proliferating the positivity for all.  The more we intentionally focus our energy, the more we train ourselves to stay in the vibration of Love and Joy without the need for a reminder.  

    We are living in a time of great possibilities.  The energy of our planet is shifting and we are more than capable of shifting with it, creating more positive vibrations and more GOOD than we have ever imagined.  It is up to us to determine the course of the shift as well as our flow along with it by remaining open to the possibilities, focusing our attention on unconditional love and gratitude and sharing our Divine gifts with one another.

Love and Blessings.

Namaste’