Welcome Change… Welcome Life September 6, 2008

“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!!”

 

As I surfed the internet (what a wonderful connector that technology is), I came across a beautiful video that I feel captures the essence of how we should feel about change in the human experience.  We can count on change to always be there.  Just as we count on the sun to rise tomorrow.

Two statements especially made an impression on me, although there are many in the short video:

* Change is part of a creative life.

* Direction is so much more important than speed.

 

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

Today August 18, 2008

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.

Breath of Life August 6, 2008

There are many times where I find myself so caught up in the doing that I forget about being.  It is critical to take time to just be… meditate, journal, walk in nature, breathing… yes, I said breathing.  When we allow ourselves these times it is when our intuition (our higher self) can be heard, hence the importance of quieting ourselves from daily life and just BE.  Everyone can find at least 2 minutes in their day for this.  It doesn’t take much.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of working one on one with a friend Anna who teaches Pranayama Yoga.   Her focus is on helping people BREATHE properly which then allows them to connect with their inner self and live life more fully.  She told me of her new grandchild and how wonderful it is to just watch him breathe as he sleeps.  In his sweet slumber, a baby’s belly rises and falls in fullness of breath and peace.  There is no effort. (Pictured below is my Italian cousin’s new baby… how peaceful and beautiful!)  In western society especially, our environment and personal life circumstances move us into a path where we become shallow chest breathers… we literally cut ourselves off from the fullness of Life by not taking in the fullness of oxygen that our body, mind and spirit needs.

Beautiful Baby

In my morning with Anna, we spent some time in stillness and focusing on how I breathe, then we went for a slow walk outdoors so she could illustrate how one should breathe as we walk.  Inhale, then exhale as you step forward, inhale, exhale again as you step forward.  It’s more complicated than one realizes when you’ve had 40+ years of doing it another (improper?) way! 

I look forward to more sessions with Anna and seeing the progression.   As a child when I was terribly upset, I could cry so hard that I literally cut off my breath and wouldn’t take air in.  This would then push me into hyper-panic mode, making it worse.  Someone (my mom or sister or brother) would have to slap me on the back to jolt my breathing.  Interesting… I have no idea why that was (past life trauma?) but I have carried that experience through life and have always felt the desire to “breathe better”.  In the week prior to my meeting with Anna, I became more aware of my breathing and the moments that I would almost unconsciously hold my breath.

Anna said that this is a long process to learn how to breathe properly but that it’s benefits in all aspects of life are immense.   The first step is to connect your awareness to your breathing.  I encourage you this week to notice this.  Your Breath of Life.  What could be more important?

Excerpt from a Too-Honest Good Girl June 21, 2008

I was raised a good Catholic girl.   I admit I may not have followed the rules of the Church but I don’t stray too far when it comes to the rules of Life and interacting with people.   The Golden Rule of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me is foremost in my mind.   I have been accused of being “too honest” and “too loyal.”   (When did those fall out of fashion?)

When four of us entered the Moulin Rouge in Paris last week, we were asked at the door if we had cameras.  Two of us did, only one of us admitted to it (guess who).  We didn’t have intentions of taking photos as we knew it wasn’t allowed, but we had our cameras in our purses the whole week (what tourist doesn’t in Paris?)!   Being the too-honest girl, I of course nodded my head “yes” and was asked to hand over my new digital camera in exchange for a coat check tag.  The others muttered comments like “good luck getting that back.”  My husband shook his head in that you’re-too-honest-for-your-own-good sort of way that he’s done before.   Part of me did have some hesitation as I removed my digital card before handing it over.  No scrapbooker worth her photo-safe adhesive would be separated from her photos… a camera is replaceable, but photos of a dream vacation are not.  How else would I prove to you I was at the REAL Eiffel Tower?  It was a non-issue as I collected my camera easily at the end of the show.

To the defense of the others, I understand their skepticism as just 10 minutes later the guys were handing over 50 euros to the waiter in order that we could have a better table.  Considering we arrived quite early and there were many open seats, I guess I was naive to think my polite request of the maitre’d would get us a better view.  After all, he explained, the rules of the house would not allow a group of 4 to sit at the (better location) tables for 6 people.

My request being dismissed, the guys made the traditional offer to the waiter to ”make it worth his while” which was apparently familiar to him because he was quick to ask us to show him the money.  It seemed the house rules could be broken for a price as we were promptly seated center stage to enjoy the show.  (I  noticed later that various groups of 2 and 4 were sat together at the tables for six.)  Many would say this is simply how the world works.  I prefer to see this as an exception rather than the rule.

Examining my conditioning to follow rules, I’m reminded that if we follow them blindly opportunities are missed.  A perfect metaphor of this came to me last summer in Lake Tahoe when I was attending a self-discovery retreat.  My new friend said that she wanted to walk to the end of the pier.   The pier had a big gate with chains, a padlock and a sign that said Authorized Personnel Only.  ”We can’t,” this obedient girl said, “it’s all locked up.”   “Just go give it a push and see,” her new friend replied.   Of course, it opened easily with a slight push.   I had her take a photo as a reminder to include in my spiritual scrapbook – obstacles sometimes look bigger than they really are, it’s our fear that holds us back.

Just another example of the Universe opening doors to match our desires.  Our job is to be willing to take a leap of faith and awaken to opportunities in disguise.

CHALLENGE FOR YOU TO OPEN YOUR HEART:   When was the last time you did something completely spontaneous and out-of-character?  If it’s been awhile, then it’s time to… sing karaoke in public, run through a sprinkler on a hot day (fully dressed), be seen in public without makeup, bare your soul in a blog… you write the script, you make the rules of your life.  Wear the colour orange – that’s a good one for infusing some colour energy into your spontaneity!  And take a photo… we need these reminders on occasion.

QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK:  “Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life so. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Busy, busy, bzzzz, zzzz…. June 2, 2008

It’s been 7 days since my last posting.  Interesting perspective:  that statement sounds like either a confessional or an accomplishment depending if you’re a Catholic or a recovering alcoholic.  I used to be the former, never was the latter;  I suppose I can combine the two and now say I’m a recovering Catholic.   Kidding aside, I have respect for both, just having some fun with words.

Which brings me to my topic… language and the words we choose.  I believe the 2 most powerful words we can say are ”I am…” and anything that follows those words are like a decree, a declaration and an invitation for more of the same. 

I had the pleasure of being at our local Street Festival yesterday.  A large portion of the main street through town is closed to traffic and I’ve heard numbers close to 50,000 pedestrians visit this annual event.  I had a vendor’s table there, as it’s a wonderful way to connect with the community and promote awareness of my business and services.   As I greeted visitors to my table with the usual “Good afternoon, how are you today?”, I cannot tell you how many times the response was “not bad.”   Hmmm, I suppose that’s better than not good.   I’ve used these same words many times; we do it so unconsciously without realizing the intention we are putting out there with our words.   Now, I certainly hope to receive honest answers when I ask the question so if one is truly struggling through their day then I suppose “not bad” is a polite way to say “I’m not doing well but don’t really want to get into it with you, thanks for asking.”   However, when one says “not bad” we are focusing on the negative.  Even if your day is a struggle, don’t you still have much to be GREAT-ful for?  You can walk, you can see, you can talk, you can hear, you can choose to be at a festival, you have freedom, you have a beautiful day, you can read this blog, you have… so much.  Perhaps we take too much for granted.

I’ve noticed my chiropractor doesn’t greet people with “how are you?”  He’s trained himself to greet people with “Good to see you!”  Very smart.

The next time someone asks you how you are, answer honestly… but if “not bad” is your routine response, try one of these:   Great!  Marvelous!  Fantastic!  Super-duper!  Wonderful!  Awesome! 

Another word that is overused is BUSY. ”I am so busy!”  Whenever I hear that response to my question “how are things with you?”, and it’s said in that rush, rush tone of voice like they’re doing me a favour to talk to me, well they’ve lost my attention.  We’re ALL busy.  I don’t think I’m any busier than you or you’re any busier than me.  For the past year I’ve been consciously avoiding the use of that adjective.  

In the world of blogging, apparently a blogger shouldn’t keep their readers waiting too long between posts or they won’t return.  My apologies for the past week… I have a very full life!  I enjoy my activities every day and keep myself occupied doing the things I choose to do or… I’m doing my best to approach with a fun spirit the things that simply need to get done.  I do have challenges; having a fun spirit and a grateful heart allow me to ease through challenges in life more elegantly.

Because when it’s all said and done… how would you like to look back on your life?  Do you want it to be “not bad” or GREAT!!!  It’s your choice.

QUOTE FOR YOUR SCRAPBOOK:  “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”  John Lennon

CHALLENGE TO YOU:  In your daily or weekly schedule, take the time to feed your soul with activities that give you joy and passion.  Sometimes you need to step back from the busy busy activities in order to be more productive.  Go for a walk around the block, meditate, write in your journal or scrapbook.

My Manifesto and Musings May 13, 2008

Use the good china.   Every day this side of the grass is a special occasion, so celebrate!

Tell people how they’ve made a difference in your life.  One never knows when life will come to a close; take advantage now of all your opportunities.  

Take time each day to be thankful.

Make a difference:  Be inspired and inspiring to others.

Learn about yourself… grow and evolve.  Remove yourself from the comfort zone.

Be inclusive, not exclusive.

Listen to uplifting music and watch movies with positive stories (Pay it Forward, Peaceful Warrior, The Ultimate Gift are a few).  Feed your mind as carefully as you would feed your physical body.   Well, maybe allow some popcorn for those movies.

Make a list of things you want to do and make plans to do them in this lifetime… because if you reincarnate as a cow, that won’t be very condusive to sitting in a Venice concert hall enjoying Vivaldi (whew, glad I checked that one off my list in 2005)!    I actually had this list long before The Bucket List was released to movie theatres, but that’s another good flick.

Have a sense of humour and don’t take yourself too seriously.  Be goofy some of the time.

Choose wisely the times to be goofy; and if not, the good news is you will perfect the motion of “open mouth, insert foot.”

Know your limitations and embrace them… they are a part of YOU!

Love fully.  Holding back results in your receiving only as much as you give.  You want it all, don’t you?

Remove “can’t afford” from your vocabulary.  It speaks of lack and poverty, which begets more of the same.  Be financially responsible and choose where and when to invest your money and time.

Protect your time.  Others will spend it easily if you allow them.

Choose wisely who you spend your time with… I recommend energy uplifters, not energy suckers.

Welcome Change!  It’s the only true constant.

Save  yourself the heartache – you can’t outrun the Truth, so don’t even try (I’ll have a story for you on this another time).

When travelling, do your best to speak the local language, even if it’s just a greeting or please and thank you.  Hello, Goodbye, Aufwiedersein, Adieu… I draw the line at wearing leiderhosen though.  It might look great while in Austria, but back home in Canada you’ll get some looks.  (Apologies to the Germanic languages for any misspellings.)

Now and then, put your face up to the sun, close your eyes and soak in the warmth and life-giving energy.

Always see the bright side.

Wear sunglasses if it gets blinding, there’s a reason common sense is a highly-sought-after quality. 

Be willing to take responsibility for everything in your life experience.

Apologize when necessary and be the one to take the first step to forgive. 

Respect everyone equally, and remember to include yourself in there, too.

Bless those who challenge you for there is learning in every encounter.

Handwritten notes and cards are always in style.   Failing that, video email  is a lot of fun and more personal than text email!

Embrace technology. And when it frustrates you, think of typewriters.  How did we ever run this world without computers?!

Don’t burn the candle at both ends, get plenty of rest.  So on that note… I bid you goodnight.

I’d love to hear your additions to my manifesto.  It really could be endless.