Have you ever paid attention to the synchronicities, the coincidences that happen in your life?  That friend who you hadn’t talked to in years suddenly calls the same day that you were thinking of him/her.  The person in the bookstore who looks so familiar, you just know you’ve met somewhere before (perhaps another life).   There are synchronicities, little coincidences that the Universe (God) uses to get our attention.  If we’re in touch with ourselves, our intuition, we pay attention.  If not, well… sometimes we need to be hit on the head to wake up.

A couple weeks ago, a girlfriend and I were in Florida laying by the pool, catching up on each other’s lives and talking about some personal challenges we’ve each been going through.  The conversation was getting heavy, she’s going through a separation and major life shift.  I’m going through my own mid-life, existential stuff like what do I want to be when I grow up, who am I really, etc.

We were discussing a particularly challenging situation when all of a sudden we both looked up and right there directly in front of us in the sky was this message…

The Universe is Talking to Me

We were both speechless.  This was no synchronicity.  This was no coincidence.  This was the Universe telling us… wake up, we’ve been trying to get your attention…  how much louder do you need us to be?!

This was then followed by…

Remember Spirit

After some moments of silence, my girlfriend said, “Wierd. That freaks me out!”   “No,” I responded, “I love when stuff like this happens.  It’s exciting to me!  It’s the Universe telling me to wake up.”

Enough said.

I’m feeling ashamed for how I’ve acted towards someone who loves me.  Why is it we sometimes treat those we love worse than a stranger? (Not that we should treat strangers terribly either.)

I don’t know what drove me to act so out of character, but I experienced a side of myself I didn’t think I had and I didn’t like it one bit.  As I was told, I am “better than that.”  It took someone else to remind me of who I am.

The Universal Law of Polarity comes to mind.  For everything there is an opposite.  In order to experience light, there must be darkness. We would only know love, if we had experienced not being in love.   To grow and have joy, we must push through chaos and sadness.  We couldn’t differentiate one if we didn’t have the other.

To shine, we must see the depths of our character.  I felt mistrust, followed by despair, then shame.

Life is an interesting school.  We’re all here to learn and the lessons are different for each of us.  If we don’t pass the tests and learn the lessons, we’re bound to repeat our mistakes and be tested again until we get it right.  Whether that’s in this lifetime or another is for our soul to decide.

For now, I will allow myself to feel this shame, wallow in it awhile so that I will remember this.  I’ve shed tears for the hurt I’ve caused, including for the great disappointment in myself (how could I not trust another or myself? so not like me.)

I’ll ask for forgiveness.  Then I’ll forgive myself, take from these lessons and shine my light in the world once again.

You Are Loved (Don’t Give Up)  by Josh Groban
Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world
When you’re heart’s heavy
I…I will lift it for you

Don’t give up
Because you want to be heard
If silence keeps you
I…I will break it for you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved

Don’t give up
It’s just the hurt that you hide
When you’re lost inside
I…I will be there to find you

Don’t give up
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I…I will shine to guide you

Everybody wants to be understood
Well I can hear you
Everybody wants to be loved
Don’t give up
Because you are loved

You are loved
Don’t give up
It’s just the weight of the world
Don’t give up
Every one is to be heard
You are loved

This is the season of giving.   While we should be focused on giving year-round, if we can at least have one time of year when we stop and give our attention to doing more for others then I’m a big supporter of that.

One and a half weeks ago I had an opportunity to fully experience the depth of my gratitude for all the abundance in my life.  That in itself was a beautiful gift.  Yet, by the end of that weekend  I was given one of the greatest gifts ever… to know and understand my personal power.

Brenda at Creating Absolute Wealth, San Diego Dec.2008

I appreciate how blessed I am to have a roof over my head, food on my table, money in my pocket, and the love and support of friends and family.  I was provided many opportunities to know that and to give back to others in many many ways that warmed my heart.

Yet to understand my personal power, that is something for which words cannot express the overwhelming gratitude I felt in experiencing my dream becoming a reality in the presence of like-minded friends.   I will leave it at that for the moment.  But in thanks for that opportunity, I would like to give you — my dear readers and friends — the opportunity to experience a little of the same…

My teacher is giving back by offering a special live event FREE in both Toronto Jan.27th and Vancouver March 10th.   Other cities in North America are available if you check the LIVE EVENT schedule at www.5pillarsofharmony.com  Registration for Toronto is now open; the Vancouver date will open late January.   To register and learn more, simply visit  www.5pillarsofharmony.com , click on LIVE EVENTS, then SEE JAMES FREE and scroll down to click on the date you wish to attend.   I will see you in Toronto!

Wishing you Peace, Joy and Harmony Always

With James Ray at Creating Absolute Wealth, San Diego Dec.2008

There’s something about the ocean.  The sounds of the surf crashing before moving ashore.  Like a call to home, beckoning for attention.

If our bodies are 70% water, it’s only natural for us to be attracted to water.  Like Spirit curling its finger telling us to come, as each wave curls, Spirit’s finger curls… “come, come and listen to me.  I have something important to tell you… you are not alone.  I am here for you and just as I am one with you, we are one with the sand, the surfers, the breeze, the sun.”   We each make up part of the Universe.  All for one, one for all.  As the grain of sand is a moment in time, you are but a particle of the Universe, of God.

And God invites you to become more.  Expand, learn, grow, live fully, love fully, find peace and joy.  Harmony.

A footprint pressed into the beach tells a story of it’s owner.  Where they’ve come from, where they’re going.  Were they in a hurry?  Did they pause to listen to the surf?  Stop to face the sun?

As the wind blows sand on my back, in my hair, on the pages of my journal, I pause and wonder if those who chose this place as home take time to appreciate its beauty every day.

I have a funny thought.  I can meditate to the sounds of the crashing surf two ways.  I can buy a CD of surf sounds (I’m sure someone has made one for city dwellers who live inland; postscript: see attached video).  Or I can choose the real deal and move to the coast.  I miss the ocean.  It called to me once before, 21 years ago, and I listened.  It’s calling again…

written in San Diego, California Dec. 9/08

I recommend reading Hidden Messages in Water by Dr. Masaru Emoto

“Relationships constantly call us to create, express and experience our higher self and higher vibration.” ~ Colleen Hoffman Smith

It’s interesting how people come and go in one’s life.  Sometimes we’re fortunate to have them in our life for a long time, sometimes for a short time.   Regardless whether it’s minutes, days, months or years, each person impacts our life in some form; there is value in every encounter and it brings learning that we carry through life.

If we’re blessed, we have friendships that last a lifetime.  I have friends in other provinces and countries who I consider my closest even though I don’t see them often, or we may only talk once a year or two.  A quick email or a phone call connects us instantly, transporting us back to the times and experiences that we shared together, instantly recreating that bond. 

Then there are friendships we seem to stumble upon (although The Universe always has a plan and nothing is by accident); these are people who impact us in great ways when we least expect it.   They breeze in and out of our life so quickly that it seems like a blink of an eye.   I’ve had such an experience recently where I learned a lot about myself and am forever grateful that this person held up that imaginary mirror  so that I could see in my reflection where I was not being authentic or open.  I had thought I was doing great work to open my heart but the mirror showed that my defences were still in place, my protective barriers were up. 

We put forward a face to the world and sometimes this is not the truth of who we are.   The commonality of us as humans is that we all desire Love and we all have our fears.  And this is where the real work begins…

Namaste

Enjoy the message in this song/video by Natasha Bedingfield.  The lyrics are below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggQAaHJxwwk

I BRUISE EASILY
My skin is like a map, of where my heart has been
And I can’t hide the marks, but it’s not a negative thing
So I let down my guard, drop my defences, down by my clothes
I’m learning to fall, with no safety net, to cushion the blow

I bruise easily, so be gentle when you handle me
There’s a mark you leave, like a love heart, carved on a tree
I bruise easily, can’t scratch the surface without moving me
Underneath I bruise easily, I bruise easily

I’ve found your finger prints on a glass of wine
Do you know you’re leaving them all over this heart of mine too
But if I never take this leap of faith I’ll never know
So I’m learning to fall with no safety net to cushion the blow

I bruise easily, so be gentle when you handle me
There’s a mark you leave, like a love heart carved on a tree
I bruise easily, can’t scratch the surface without moving me
Underneath I bruise easily, I bruise easily

Anyone who can touch you, can hurt you, or heal you
Anyone who can reach you, can love you, or leave you

So be gentle
So be gentle
So be gentle
So be gentle

I bruise easily, so be gentle when you handle me
There’s a mark you leave, like a love heart, carved on a tree
I bruise easily, can’t scratch the surface without moving me
Underneath I bruise easily,

I bruise easily, so be gentle when you handle me
There’s a mark you leave, like a love heart, carved on a tree
I bruise easily, can’t scratch the surface without moving me
Underneath I bruise easily, I bruise easily

I bruise easily
I bruise easily

My Dad was a self-employed plasterer/drywaller most of his life.  My brothers used to help him at jobs on occasion.  One time, my brother Duane felt a little overwhelmed by the work ahead of him and asked, “Dad, where do I start?”  And the reply was, “You start at the beginning.” 

Mary Kay, the cosmetic queen, used to say that you eat an elephant one bite at a time.  Break whatever it is you’re faced with down into small bits and work at it slowly.  That’s how things get done. Keep the end in mind, I believe that was Stephen Covey’s words.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling overwhelmed these days.  Mostly it’s because of expectations I have for myself and my life, and I feel I’m not meeting them or accomplishing all I wish.  So the retreat time I took away was to refect on what it is exactly I want to do, what is my purpose, and who will be joining me in that journey. 

So, how do we go about tackling a seemingly overwhelming life to-do list?  Step back, take time, meditate, find clarity and decide what is most important in this moment.

One of my favourite to-do list activities comes from Abraham-Hicks.  They call it the placemat process (because Esther Hicks wrote her list on a restaurant placement); I call it the Universal Manager’s to-do list.  Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the center.  On the left side write “My To Do List for Today” and on the right side write “Universe’s To Do List”.  On the left, write only those things that you wish to accomplish today that require action (a phone call to a client, an errand, that sort of thing).  On the Universe’s side, write all those things running around in your head whether they are short-term or long-term activities and goals.   I have found two things happen when write this daily lists:

1. It takes a lot of pressure off of me because I know I need to focus on only a few things and the Universe will take care of everything else in good time.  

2. The Universal list seems to get accomplished much faster than I anticipate!  Because I’ve let go and put it in the hands of my Universal Manager.  I have faith it will get done and it always does, in a timely manner.  It’s important to note though that these items must be things I truly want.  It must be in my vibration, it must be authentic for me.

Try this activity… you can learn more about it in the Abraham-Hicks book Ask & It is Given (or the audio book processes)

Well, isn’t this a great topic to ponder?

We’re all guilty of at times neglecting someone or something in our lives… including ourselves.   I’ve unfortunately neglected writing in this blog for several weeks… all with good reason.  But I have surely missed it.   I am happy to report I’m taking a week’s retreat all by myself in the country so that I can offer some much needed attention to my meditation and journalling practice which has also been neglected.

So, please do check back soon as I have much to write about and will post again very soon!

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  ~ Mohandas Ghandi

This is a quote I live by… I carry it with me wherever I go.  Literally.  I have Passalong Cards with this quote that I carry in my purse and to share with others.

I had a conversation about change and life recently.   I enjoy exploring outwardly and inwardly and acknowledge that while change can be scarey at times, it is a necessary part of growth and life.  I know that everything I create in my world will help me to learn, grow and move towards greater soul expression and expansion in this lifetime.  The person I was conversing with wasn’t quite on the same page.   Safety, security, and following cultural patterns that society sets is hard for many to venture beyond. 

Walking the tight rope in the treetops

And yet where I see myself heading is beyond those patterns.   Crossing that line in the sand, daring to stretch the circumference of my comfort zone to envelop new and rewarding challenges.   Welcoming change — inviting it,  actually – as I move into an exciting time where the lessons may be hard, yet ultimately fulfilling my purpose.   

Life may be a tight rope walk at times, moving around obstacles and overcoming challenges but my Faith holds me in safety.  Gentle hands ready to catch me when I stumble.  Leap and the net will appear, I remind myself.   You have to do the hard stuff to enjoy and appreciate the fun stuff.  Walk the tightrope, feel the fear, and before you know it you’re going with the flow… ziplining 1000 feet at 50 km/hour yelling “woo-hoo!!”

 

“Your only obligation in any lifetime is to be true to yourself.” ~ Richard Bach

I just met an amazing woman named Amy.  No, she didn’t provide me with inspirational quotes; she didn’t share a story of hope, overcoming struggles in life; she didn’t push me away from an oncoming bus.  Amy sold me a lip gloss today.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately “how can I give more value” to others in what I do?  Amy gave me a lesson in providing ultimate value; and her investment was simply her knowledge and enthusiasm.  It reminded me of the adage people will not remember what you say, they will not remember what you do, but they will always remember how you made them FEEL.  In the 15 minutes I spent with her at our local drugstore cosmetics section, Amy made me feel like a Queen, sincere in her words.  And to think I almost didn’t allow her into my world as we so often do with sales staff.  Here’s a bit of our brief exchange: 

Amy, ”Hi, can I help you with anything?”

Me, “No thanks, just browsing.” 

Amy, “Well, okay, but please PLEASE… if I can help with ANYTHING, do let me know.  I study all this makeup and can tell you everything about it, really I can.” 

She studies makeup?  She sure seemed passionate about it.  As she turned to walk away, I relented, ”Well, okay, I’m looking for a lip gloss.”

“Lip gloss!  Well Lancome is Number One in the lip gloss category – it really is – and we don’t sell Lancome at this location.  But I can show you some great Smashbox colours.”  She led me away from the budget Cover Girl section (hey, it’s good enough for Christie Brinkley and Cindy Crawford, isn’t it?) to the trés chic and sleek Smashbox counter.  I didn’t even want to ask…Amy proceeded to show me three colours that would be “perfect” for my complexion, flowing with compliments about my summer tan and clear skin.  She might have used ”gorgeous” in there somewhere (even my husband hasn’t used that adjective in a long time; Amy was beginning to seduce me). 

What I liked about Amy was she was as sure about the makeup she recommended as I am sure about the services I offer my clients.  She very eloquently suggested I must have a proper lip liner and moisturizing lipstick to use with the gloss.  As she showed me products, she painted a romantic visual for me.  “Just look at this packaging… can you see yourself pulling out this beautiful piece from your purse at a club in Yorkville?  By the way, Sears has a sale on cosmetic bags.  First floor, Promenade Mall, great selection, you MUST go.”  

Not even thinking that it has been 10 years or more since I had been to a club in Toronto’s trendy neighbourhood, I nodded along and added the lip gloss with the tasseled dispenser wand to my burgeoning collection on the counter.  For a fleeting tenth of a second it crossed my mind that in the next couple months I would be tossing that baby in the garbage can.  Oh well, Amy really seemed to know her stuff and I was smiling as I listened to her paint a picture of how women deserve to feel beautiful and have this experience.   And yet, it was clearly obvious it wasn’t about what she could sell me; it was about what she could DO for me.  Three times she referred me to other retailers who had what she felt I needed, from Fall clothes to cosmetic bags to makeup.  I liked this girl in the blond ponytail and black suit.  She loves her job and helping people. 

As we prepared to settle at the cash, she asked if I was using a good moisturizer to extend my summer tan.   I thought I was but apparently I needed what she had.  In the bag it went.   I went in for a $10 lip gloss and left with 4 other products, $98 later.    I was glad to pay for the experience of spending 15 minutes with Amy and how she made me feel.   True retail therapy at its finest!  I’ve decided Amy is my Cosmetic Guru.   From now on I’ll visit her because it’s not just make-up with Amy, it’s the package deal.   And there’s nothing like being seduced when you want to feel like a woman.Amy gave me a great lesson in giving more value… no matter what we do, we can always give more with kind words and enthusiasm.   Thank you, Amy Pearl at Shoppers Drug Mart Oak Ridges, I’ll be back. 

CHALLENGE FOR YOU:   Make a list of at least 10 ways you can give more value in your daily exchange with your clients, family and friends.  

OPEN YOUR HEART:  Start with a smile, it costs nothing.  For a lesson in great customer service, watch this inspiring true story from Simple Truths about a young man with Downs Syndrome who changed the culture of the grocery store where he worked and gave customers more than they expected: http://www.stservicemovie.com/

Today I choose loving thoughts.

Today I choose what is best for me.

Today I choose to do only that which makes me feel good.

Today I choose to be reflective.

Today I choose to be grateful.

Today I choose to be free.

Today I choose to love myself.

Today I choose to be Light.

Today I choose to shine.

Today I choose to be courageous.

Today I choose to follow my soul path.

Today I choose to be an example of possibility.

Today I choose focus.

Today I choose to be conscious.

Today I choose to open my heart.

Today I choose to be in the present moment.

Today I choose to be happy, joyful and alive!

Today I choose to be ME.