Category: Blog-Soulful Living

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Can you Change your Mindset in 1 Day?

Can you change your mindset in 1 day? This woman says YES!

I believe in the power of Tiny Actions sustainably, consciously, and soulfully applied. 

In fact, I’ve witnessed so much more actual transformation with this approach than the deep dives into a HUGE INTENTION.

The HUGE intention starts off with a bang and then kinda fades a way without a peep.  Think how many New Year’s resolutions and big plans you’ve thought up … and then laid down.  Or rather, they laid themselves down for a long winter’s nap when you weren’t even looking. 

The reason most goals or resolutions FAIL is because they are 
S-C-A-T-T-E-R-E-D.

Scattered intentions are easily discarded, especially when they are believed at a subconscious level to be unreachable.  As if the mind whispers (in a really creepy voice), “You know, you’ve already tried this a bunch of times and it hasn’t worked out.  Maybe it’s best to forget about this dream.  It’s probably out of your league or too much to accomplish this time around. Not to worry, you’re good.” 

The insidious voice is tricky. It has a gravitational pull which maintains your set point (your habitual way of living) rather than your goals. 

When you lay down that goal (again), the voice changes then. Still creepy, it whispers of things better left undone because of some inherent less than capable aspect of your nature.  Such rubbish, this sneaky, creepy influential inner voice 

So, I was pleased to receive an email from someone who was S-H-0-C-K-E-D by the rapid changes in her mindset after just a single day.  

“Kathy! I set my sights on the wealth of knowledge from the Sacred Intent Retreat being life altering.” [Side note …. great intention.  Feel free to steal it!] It certainly was!  My reprogramming of old mindsets through Tiny Actions and Heart Assisted Therapy techniques made a profound difference. I’m grateful, yet shocked, to see how quickly my mindset changed!!”

One sweet benefit of these Tiny Soulful Actions is the stealthy way they operate under the radar of the egoic mind.

Now, you may be wondering just how long these Tiny Tweaks have stayed around.  Given human nature and the tendency to resort back to the zone of comfort called “habit.” 

With the application of a number of new habits, techniques, AND tweaky mindsets, the tiny grew into huge transformation for that woman.  

While the specifics aren’t mine to share, lets just say they covered just about every area of life.  And, no, the tiny in Tiny Action wasn’t really medium size, nor extra large.  It was so teeny that it gave me pause. 

I recall thinking “Now, THAT is one TINY action.” 

Yup.  My “mindset habit” wondered if that teeny movement in perspective and action would make any difference.  I learned something from that lady.  A lot actually. 

In fact, I am now a super fan of the Tiny Action sustainably and soulfully executed.  

I’ve applied tiny movements in all areas of my life over the past 10 months since the first Sacred Intent Retreat was offered.  All I can say is that I am rocking the tiny into an art form. And, I am directly experiencing massive shifts in all areas of my life.  

You can join the experiment next time I offer the Sacred Intent Retreat. We’ll explore the intersection of spiritual, energetic, and success principles in a practical way .. applied YOUR way to YOUR life. 

Don’t take my, or her, word for it.  Explore these principles on your own.  Imagine a day where you explore the area(s) of your Life that are calling you.  And create a meaningful plan that you can successfully execute … with the help of the PlayBook you go home with.  This “tiny” taste is just the tip of the iceberg.


Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

When you’re setting a goal, you activate the competitive nature of your willpower.  Health psychologist, Kelly McGonigal, describes willpower as a competition between the part of you wanting immediate gratification. And that part focused on long term results. Four interventions can tip the scales in the direction of long-term goal achievement. Get enough sleep.  Meditate 10 minutes a day. Get some exercise. Eat a plant based and low glycemic diet. All support the brain’s optimal functioning which are critical for staying on track with goals aligned with your core values. Keeping your energy efficient and enhancing your decision making.

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If the Sky is not the Limit, What Is?

The other day, I noticed I was stuck in a reoccurring pattern.  It was not my favorite.

So I spent some time in my “underworld” to discover what belief was active and how it was playing out.  I looked to see where it began, how it showed up in my life over the years, and how it served me.  I saw the protective intent in its formation and the limiting hold it had over me in its current form.

By the time I was done looking, I felt kind of muddy and tired.  Like I had grappled with a sea monster who lived hidden beneath the waters. 

I plan to venture into those waters again and again in order to witness what hidden creatures within my psyche have a hold on me so that I can break free.  The practice of going within and under to the murky spaces within may not be so much fun.  It can be downright frightening, disheartening, and sobering.  Yet it is essential if you wish to live in and as the light – as you and I so often claim. 

You want to cultivate an unwavering commitment to explore the beliefs you hold about yourself, others, and how life should be.  

A lifetime of conditioning has created an underground “rule set” which is running your day to day existence.  You have to visit this in order to change it.  As you do, it is vital to remember that you did nothing wrong in creating these influential beliefs.  This is simply the result of growing up human.  And if you are reading these words, then I will assume you are one … a human being.

You have a brilliant capacity for learning, deduction, and creative problem solving.  Simply brilliant.

When you are blind to the fact that much of your subconscious “rule set” was created (brilliantly) by your tiny child mind, you are bound by the limits of a child’s lack of perspective, experience, and understanding.  When you recognize that you have a vast collection of mistaken ideas, habits, and perspectives, you have a choice.  You can hide, blame, or judge yourself (or project this onto others).  Or you become eager to explore the depths in order to “weed” out these younger deductions about your identify, how to navigate life, or understand the complexity of interpersonal relationships. 

You become brave enough to dive into the shadow world of your being.  You become your own hero. 

Cultivating a fearless practice of examining your dark, dusty, and at times at times frightening underworld reveals a vast network of misperception.  Revealing these false ideas formed by your tiny mind is freeing.  Rather than protect by holding them tighter, you risk everything by releasing them with love. And you discover that your beautiful adult self can live more freely without these tiny ideas restricting your every move.

After all, would you let your 6 years old child chauffeur you around town in your car every day? 

 

While this idea is ludicrous, it is a powerful metaphor for what is happening.  The decision to become aware and do the work may “disturb” you into sadness, disgust, fear, or disillusionment at times.  In these moments, you can consciously engage your intellect which is wiser, more experienced, and knows better than the child mind.  It is then that you must remember (and acknowledge) that your assumptions were never accurate. 

Just like a child’s belief of the monster hiding under the bed was never real. 

Life is a Wonder when you can respond in real time rather than from the conditioned habits of your life. This takes a personal commitment to look deeply at those things which bind you.  To recognize that they did not start out that way.  The ideas you formed when you were young, inexperienced, and often overwhelmed were meant to help you. Be clear now – they are no longer helping you. 

Having the eyes to see this allows you to become a fearless explorer who often is frightened during the process of diving within the murky waters. 

Learning how to “drive your own car” as a conscious, loving, and tremendously compassionate adult is a skill worth cultivating. This process calls for you to be truly kind with yourself and to reach for assistance when the waters are especially choppy.  That assistance may be another person, the Divine in any form, or your own Soul which knows the Truth of your precious nature. 

Letting go the monsters that haunted you then will open you to discover the helpers who want to enjoy you now. 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

When life is hard or problems seem insurmountable, it’s a good time to play, dance, or just get your body pumping.  Giving your brain space to organize and seek a solution. Reducing stress hormones, boosting endorphins, sharpening memory, and jumpstarting creativity.  Especially in the midst of personal, social, and global disruption, play is more important than ever.  Grab your hoola hoop, take a jog with the dog, or dance in your kitchen.  Play will boost your mood and build resilience.

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Do I need to Pack a Bag for this Journey?

I’ve been reminiscing about some of my most intimate relationships recently.

The kind I have with the celestial realm.  The Angels. The Archangels. The Mothers. The Luminous Ones.  The most grounded celestial of all – Pachamama (Mother Earth).  It has been an interesting time.  Kinda like Treasure Mapping my life backwards to discover the Map Markers or key events that led me into these enriching and challenging relationships.  

At first, I thought I stumbled upon them.  (That assumption was quickly corrected.)  

I was shown a series of inner images that linked together the Sacred Invitations to enter the Path of the Sacred Feminine Mystery (although I am crystal clear those words were never mentioned).  Probably the main reason that I didn’t map this path as I walked it was that it was understated.

In fact, most introductions were downright underwhelming. A flop considering the expectations of my mind.

I recall a delicious afternoon at a friends house 15 years ago where we gathered to receive attunements to Archiea Faith.  A female Archangel – go figure – who hung out with Archangel Michael.  Oh yeah, I knew him.  Thanks to a few angel books.  So, I was in and expecting fireworks.  An attunement!  To a Female Archangel (Archeia)!  Oh, how life would be easier and more delightful. 

My experience was a bit of a dud.

 It was lovely hanging out with the ladies and listening to their exquisite experiences.  Mine felt sweet – full of peace and gray static in my inner vision. Then it was done.  I was good.  I liked these ladies and they had cookies. 

What I totally missed at the time was how the depth of that Sacred Invitation would totally rearrange and direct my life forward.

 

Looking back, I realized the next 5 years involved a series of journeys. The celestial kind and the ones requiring an airplane.  They led me to weeklong adventures diving into the Divine with plenty of contact with the (well known) Angels (not an Archiea in sight) and the natural world. About a year in, after I was certified as an Angel Therapy Practitioner®, the Angels suggested that I let them teach me directly.  Again, I was in. 

So, I quit reading angel and spiritual books. I opened to the invitation to be mentored by the Angels. (I figured they knew a bit more than I did). 

Life changed. It became easier (when they weren’t kicking my ass or unpacking my many years of conditioning). All in all, looking back, those 5 years included a lot of healing and transcending my old, limiting beliefs. For that, I am deeply grateful. I got to pay it forward and witnessed the Angelic Mentoring that flowed through me. This was often attributed to me, however in reality, I was just a student along with everyone else.  

A decade ago, I was minding my business at the gym, when I was literally blown off the treadmill.  (Thank God-ess for that red emergency button or it would’ve been even more dramatic). 

Breathing deeply, and not from exertion, I wondered how the photo of The Temples of Humankind in the magazine I was reading had the energetic force to blow me backwards.  (Note to Those in The Know:  just not a great idea when a human is walking on a moving belt). 

So, there that was.  An Invitation to travel to Damanhur for an immersion into their community and The Temples of Humankind (worth a Google to look at the spectacular Temples … hidden in a mountain, created in secret in the Piedmont valley, and dedicated to all Sacred Traditions.  Or check out the Temples photo book in Soul Sanctuary).  

I immersed in Damanhur and the Temples for 10 days, including a spontaneously small group sleep over in the Hall of Mirrors (first group ever).  I didn’t sleep much that night.

I experienced so much at Damanhur and our trip to Turin, yet realized when I came home that I had not even scratched the surface.  That was okay. I figured I would be taught along the way – unpacking more of what was given to me in Italy. After running through the Frankfurt airport to catch my connecting flight (good thing I can read German), I had time for a quick pit stop before boarding.

As I walked out of the ladies room, I faced a poster of the Po River and a the beautiful Catholic Church in honor of Mother Mary.  This temple was originally a Temple to the Goddess (Isis, Great Mother) and was rebuilt in Catholic Italy to honor the Mother in their way.  

It was there that the world tilted and I lost my shit.  

As the Great Mother spoke to me and strongly put forth her Sacred Invitation, I stood there crying while women bumped me gently on their way out of the ladies room.  As I slowly boarded the plane, I realized that while I thought I had come to see Damanhur (and I’m grateful I did,) the revelation of Her simple instruction made things clear. 

I’ve spent the last 10 years unpacking that short conversation.  And now I live it.

So, the answer to the question: “Do I have to pack for this Journey into the Sacred Feminine Mystery?” is a big fat no. 

However, if you are interested in exploring, through your own direct experience, the teachings of the Sacred Feminine through the archetypal representations of this energy, please join us for the next round of classes.  Beginning next Tuesday evening, we will dive into relationship with the 7 Archeiai (those lovely Feminine Archangels) to discover how they support the Action of the Feminine (and your ability to live it). 

You will meet the Great Mother, the Liberator, the Sovereign, and the Muse. All archetypal energy which is seeking first relationship, then embodiment.  

What you discover will be yours.  For this energy and Way of Being is seeking those who wish to live in the flow of stillness, receptivity, nourishment, delight, and ease.  Life has a way of showing you the way and these beautiful mentors will do the same.  Join us if you feel called to jump into your own personal invitation … which will reveal itself in the perfect time and perfect place.  

I’ll be there with you as we meander together along this beautiful path, knowing we have all the time we need to unpack the gifts and wisdom which will certainly be flowing.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research from the University of New South Wales suggests how trusting your gut instinct can help guide faster, more accurate decision making. Measuring intuition, participants were exposed to emotional images outside conscious awareness while attempting to make accurate decisions. The results of the study found that even when people were unaware of these images, they used this information to make more confident and accurate decisions. Intuitive awareness, as a topic of research, is gaining ground as it is considered more than just a fuzzy feeling. Einstein credited intuition for some of his success. If it was good enough for that genius, why not for you?

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Talking Trash about Trash

Instagram disturbs me.  

That is,  when it is not amazing me.  My mind has been blown again and again by the most creative works of art on the planet – the never ending array of sea creatures who quietly inhabit the oceans on our beautiful planet.  

Soon after I got on Instagram, I dumped most of the inspirational folks I followed so that I could make room for the creatures who were swimming, crawling, and decorating our oceans.

So I could learn from the humans who were documenting their existence, educating me on their features/functions, and creatively improving the health of the oceans. I enjoyed my favorite art museum appearing underwater all over the world as Jason deCaires Taylor anchors his sculptures on the ocean floor to create artificial reefs.  As I became more enamored with my underwater friends, my sense of wonder turned into a sense of horror. 

These precious creatures are our neighbors and we are killing them slowly.  

I knew some of this. Most people have some idea of the amount of plastic in the oceans. I was doing some minimal effort toward decreasing my contribution to the plastic problem.  By minimal, I mean minimal.  I was very good at recycling, used my own bags sometimes, picked up trash wherever I went, donated consciously, and ordered lots of 4Ocean bracelets.  However, as groups like @4Ocean, @recycleseas, @ocean.diary, and others shared their images and I began to research the issue, I realized there is a frightening amount of plastic and trash in the ocean. And it is getting worse.  

I also recognized that my minimal effort was the result of my comfortable lifestyle and (up until now) innocent ignorance. 

I had been schooled in the belief that if I recycled a plastic bag/bottle or used a reusable water bottle or grocery sack, I was somehow part of the solution. I have a distant memory of my youth with people throwing McDonald’s bags out of car windows and food wrappers on the ground as they walked.  Luckily those days are gone yet they created in me a habit of picking up trash especially in natural environments so it does not end in streams, rivers, and lakes (all headed to the ocean).  After witnessing images of trucks dumping trash into rivers, surfers paddling through oceans of floating plastic, analysis of the micro plastic particles in fish, and a baby turtle caught in a plastic cap (having crawled through a crack), I realized something else entirely. 

My ignorance was deadly. And I was disturbed enough to change my behavior.   

 

I took a look at our family’s giving plan and found that we already were contributing strongly to organizations focused on cleaning the oceans, environment, and protecting marine/animal habits. We agreed to increase our environmental volunteerism and talk more about the issue with those interested. We radically decreased our use of single-use plastic and adopted an ongoing commitment to taking the “next step” especially as we live in this modern, convenient world of “plastic around everything we purchase.”  We have a long way to go, a lot more to learn, and a lifetime to contribute.  And we are committed to changing our own behavior. 

I was haunted by that video of the truck dumping trash into the river.

So I researched and learned how 10 rivers (8 are in Asia) are responsible for 88 – 95% of the ocean plastic due to a number of factors. These include lack of waste management systems, flimsy laws, an influx of plastic products, absence of policy, and a lack of education about the impact on our ecosystem. Not to mention an emerging market for plastic packaging as income increases allowing more purchasing. These products are typically in mini plastic pouches/bottles which are affordable, thus creating a wealth of plastic refuse.

I learned about “garbage gyres” which are vortexes of trash which cover miles of ocean. 

Even more distressing was the fact this visible or floating trash represents only 5% of plastic pollution while 95% percent is submerged.  95%.  Cue more distressing Instagram videos of sea horses eating plastic and (poignant) rescues of sea creatures being cut free from plastic lines. There are lots more facts, but you know how to Google and if you are interested, I hope you will. 

After learning about the problem, I wondered what genius power of humanity was working on creative solutions. 

I checked into one of my favorite feel good organizations: 4Ocean.  Started by surfers who were dismayed by the plastic strewn over the Bali beaches and in the oceans, they began to pay fisherman (who could not fish due to polluted waters) to “fish” for plastic.  I wear and gift my 4Ocean recycled bracelets (representing the removal of a pound of plastic) to remind myself and others of the benefit of changing our ways. Yet, I know they are dealing with the aftermath of a problem that must be addressed at its source.

I was thrilled when 4Ocean created a post on Haiti and hired locals to clear the trash. 

I’ve witness first hand what Haiti looks like as there is no centralized trash collection, waste management process, or government funds/policy to support this small island with lots of people.  The streets are lined with trash, often burning, as people in the overcrowded cities and countryside alike are left to dispose of their own trash.  Good people.  Human people.  Who just happen to live in a place that has no sanitation/waste management system. I checked out the Instagram photos of a Haitian beach cleanup crew – saddened and gladdened by the photos. And for some inexplicable reason today, I decided to read the comments.

Lots of people were talking trash about trash … and the awful people who created it.

I won’t reprint those comments here.  You can imagine the mix.  Lots of saddened people.  Lots of compliments for the wonderful 4Ocean people.  And lots of awful comments about the disgusting humans who are wrecking our planet and who should know better.  It was sobering. I realized that Instagram doesn’t offer a “mirror” option. It doesn’t ring a bell when our own innocent ignorance is revealed with the ease of typing our impulsive response.

Social media doesn’t offer a teachable moment where we might see ourself in those we judge so harshly.

It is easy to be angered, saddened, and judgmental when you see the horrors of these photos and videos. I’ve had all of those reactions. And if you haven’t lived in a place where there is no sanitation nor waste management system, let alone laws to govern safe behavior, then you really can’t walk in their shoes. Or spend the day as an 8 year old in Manilla waist high in a dirty river (of trash) scouring for plastic to sell so you can feed your family.  I realized at the end of the day, I must educate myself more fully, significantly (not comfortably) change my behavior, and participate with others who would likely welcome a chance to go beyond the bare minimum.   

I’m inspired enough to be uncomfortable because I love those sea creatures and the interdependent way we all inhabit this one world.

There are lots of avenues to learn more.  Here is just one article pointing toward the problem of plastic pollution and those who are focused on finding the solution.  Kudos to them. I dove into those websites to explore the proactive and responsive strategies as both are needed.  I was grateful to see organizations involving young people as they will inherit these (plastic) oceans. 

I’ll continue to use Instagram as a mechanism to disturb and delight me. (Although I’ll skip the comments from now on).

Whatever it takes to keep my focus on taking small steps to clean up the world around me – my home, my property, my neighborhood, my behavior, my world.  From there, I’ll join others who are doing the same.   

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Reforesting heads below Sea Level. The loss of ocean sea grass and plants due to pollution is dangerous for the planet. Until recently, replanting the ocean floor seemed insurmountable. Australian marine ecologists have succeeded in replanting two vital species with the help of local citizens.  Volunteers collect sea grass shoots that wash up on shore so scientists are free to replant.  Providing a “nursery habitat” to juvenile seahorses, crabs, and fish. Scientists worldwide are interested in adopting this model.

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Hot Yoga Mess

“I had a near death experience in yoga today.” 

This was the text I sent my daughter after my first experience in the Heated Flow Yoga class at my new gym. I had no idea what I was getting into when I ventured into a large, dimly lit yoga studio that was already uncomfortably warm and full of people of all ages. 

By full, I mean really well attended by lots of well toned people. 

This is a good sign, I mused, thinking that it must be a good class. So, I tuned into myself and began to stretch as more bodies poured into room bringing their energy (and heat) with them. This was certainly a different experience than being at Live in Joy Yoga in Audubon which is my favorite yoga studio.

The class began in a familiar fashion and I felt a sense of comfort as we began moving with some gentle poses. 

The differences in this type of class were noticeable but understandable.  I was in a gym after all, not a yoga studio. The music was modern, like you might hear on the radio, instead of the familiar yogic chants or ambient music. The language was commonplace rather than yogic, yet it still referred to the wisdom within and a higher influence. I closed my eyes and followed the flow.  It felt good.  “Do your own flow now at your own pace,” invited the instructor.

Wait, what?! The music turned way up. My body heated way up. And the roomful of yogis began engaging the poses like they all knew the drill (turns out they did). 

Now this was interesting and a bit distracting. Yet, when I tuned into my breath, the movements, and the pulsing music that sounded like something my kid listened to, I actually discovered a really cool flow. Kind of like a mix between a yoga class and a rave.  It was fun. I was good again. Just as I was getting into the experience, the music was turned down and my mind returned to assess the situation.

I was hot. Really hot. I realized I hadn’t sweated like this since I was in a sweat lodge ceremony many years ago. 

My tiny towel was defenseless against my wet limbs. My sense of well being diminished. Just in time for the next flow series. A new flow series. New loud music. Lots more sweat and a bit of slip and slide.

This was way more challenging and I felt like a novice. Everyone else looked like they were filming a power yoga video. 

Okay, then. This was good. Listening to the instructor as a strategy to distract myself from my overheating body, over beating heart, and straining limbs, I recognized a familiar universal message in her words. I felt my energy flow and my being relax. The body didn’t exactly follow, however it became easier. 

I began to feel like I was on a spiritual retreat as I followed her pointing toward my inner wisdom, a universal source of good, and the unity of the group. 

That was a much better focus than on my mind’s suggestion that I might actually expire and travel heavenward during the class.  As I began to breathe in the heat, I enjoyed the idea of all these people sharing in this message while detoxing and getting fit. I decided I like the gym a bit better because of this yoga program. 

I learned a lot in that yoga class/rave/sweat lodge/spiritual retreat experience. 

I realized I didn't like hot yoga. And so I will return to it in order to discover what my discomfort and the challenge will reveal to me.

 

 I learned I have a lot more strength to build in my body as evidenced by my yogi friends leaping on their mats and flowing with strength and grace. I would like to experience that strength in flow, so I will return to that practice. I loved the loud music as I flowed my body, so perhaps I need to get out and dance more. 

I left a hot mess: breathless, shaky, and unable to do much more than walk slowly on a treadmill in the air conditioning to reorganize my body. “Next time,” I thought, “I’m bringing a bigger towel.” 

I hope you find experiences which take you out of your comfort zone into a space where your heart beats a bit too quickly and your footing is unsteady. And when you notice this, I hope you can stay and lean into the fullness of the experience for it has the potential to teach you something important.

Leaning into discomfort goes against our ancient stress response system which prepares us to fight or flee when the tigers or pirates appear. Or in my case, a challenging hot yoga flow class.

Being aware that life holds discomfort and the possibility for change helps you prepare for the inevitable so you may lean in and discover something.  Train yourself to breathe deeply and remain centered while you become curious, find your edge, and gently travel beyond it. When you stretch into the unfamiliarity of a new, challenging experience, you may unearth how your habitual way of living has kept you tethered, most often without your conscious awareness.

Freeing yourself from inner restrictions reveals the potential for magnificent life.

Invite your inner curious child scientist to explore life beyond the known way of being – beyond your comfort zone. When you lean into the situation at hand, your innate skill, desire, and enthusiasm arise. You discover you are capable of living an extraordinary life and that the world, with its many needs, is waiting for your gifts.   

So, grab a towel and sweat a bit as you allow your higher potential to descend.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

If yoga isn’t your thing, you can still benefit from a single pose. Known as the corpse pose, Shavasana, typically comes at the end of your yoga practice.  Allowing you to deeply rest as you lie flat on your back.  Arms relaxed on either side of the body with palms facing up.  Your legs sprawled outward with feet apart. Keeping your head and neck aligned. And if you’ve just finished a walk, yoga class, workout, or a day at work, this pose will help you integrate the changes made in your energy, mind, emotions, and body.  Just a few moments in shavasana, paired with conscious, slow breathing, can do wonders to slow the mind and soften the tension in the body. If you fall asleep? That’s okay! You clearly needed a nap.

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Lost in the Woods

 

I’ve recently awakened the desire to go hiking and spend more time exploring the trails in New Jersey and other locations. 

So, my husband downloaded a new app with a wide selection of hiking trails in our area and chose our first 5 mile hike. It was rated “moderate” hiking difficulty which was good for me. I enjoy our walks in nature tremendously, but I was hankering for a little elevation and variation. Since a weekend hike in Rocky Mountain National Park was out, we popped in the car to celebrate Labor Day with an enjoyable walk in the woods. 

I love to explore new places by wandering around without a plan, discovering what is around me. My husband, on the other hand, is a map kind of guy. Or in this case, an app kind of guy.

We arrived at a tiny gravel lot, grabbed our bottles of water, and headed down the deserted path. How could we go wrong? There were white painted trail markers on the trees and we enjoyed being in the shaded woods as a respite from a sunny day with temperatures in the 90s.

It was a delight to be immersed within hundreds of trees with a hint of the stream’s gurgle beyond the ferns. The blue sky and white clouds peeked through the trees as if to check on our progress, yet the rays of the sun were only lightly visible. 

We strolled along as if we were the only people in the world on this path.

Apparently we were, as we didn’t see nor hear anyone for over an hour. There was a peace that descended when we were immersed within the natural sights and sounds of the forest. Even my husband relaxed his noticing of the changing color trail markers and we enjoyed quiet conversation interspersed with long periods of silence. The sight of massive roots of a fallen tree, minnows swimming by the edge of the stream, or a surprising tree of burning orange leaves was good for the soul.

Faced with a fork in the road, we simply went left as the absence of trail markers left us to our own devices.

We spied two deer leaping across the path ahead and disappearing into the dense brush.  It was a delight and we decided it was clearly a sign we were headed in the right direction. This was our first indication that perhaps we weren’t reading the signs correctly – trail signs or nature signs – as we ended up stuck in a field of prickly grasses with nowhere to go. So, we turned around. At the next fork, we got serious about looking for trail signs.

How hard could it be? After all, we were walking on a 5 mile loop. A loop is a circle, or so I thought.

Back on the path, we continued our leisurely hike as my husband called out, “Here comes your elevation! All 124 feet!” Peering around him, I saw a tiny hump in the path. Okay, so we weren’t in the Rocky Mountains. We stopped on a bridge and looked for fish while the trees protected us from the driving sun above. Relaxed and at peace, I was content in our meandering. And then we hit another split in the trail and absence of trail markers. This was beginning to become a theme. 

I didn’t object when he pulled out his app with the GPS. Good news: we were halfway through the loop. I felt a deep love for that stinkin’ app.

I was aware that while I wasn’t tired, I was pretty darn hot. The benches that appeared did not seem appealing for a rest stop. They looked like they had been carved in the 1800s and were covered with elaborate webs. Truth be told, I noticed I was a wee bit wilted on my first hike through this hilly terrain (yes, there were very tiny hills now). And then I saw it: a thin tree had fallen across the path. Unlike the others we had climbed over which had moderate to large trunks, this was a slender tree. The remarkable thing was that it was still growing. Its trunk was bent and the leaves were fluttering in the wind.

I felt an affinity for that little tree who just laid down and took a nap, right in the middle of the path.

 

Soon after this wonderful sight and a few more tiny inclines and declines, we came to another fork in the road. It was confusing, so we got out my favorite app. Turns out it was no help at all and the GPS, which had given us such hope, was suddenly suspect. We were back at a previous choice point and had to either go in an unknown direction which logically took us away from our car or backtrack via a path which meant we had miles to go before we could rest.

As we headed back from whence we came, I was no longer a fan of meandering nor of that silly app. I was also aware that the trail markers, which were absent at the choice point, were now abundantly clear – as if some ranger had gotten paint happy.

“We aren’t out of the woods yet!”  Who knew my husband had such a sense of humor?

Hot as all get out, I took stock and began rationing my water.  Very soon, I realized that getting lost in the woods was detrimental to the annoyed or anxious mind. The surrounding landscape was as calming when we were lost as it had been when we were all gung ho and full of vigor. As we walked, my husband and I began to notice places we had seen before and it became a game of sorts. We even ran across another couple which gave us hope that we would rediscover civilization. Back into our confident meandering, we didn’t feel the need to ask how to get out of the woods. We figured we were on the correct path.

How many detours could there be on a loop anyway? [Two more, but who’s counting?]

Spoiler alert: we made it out of the woods and returned to civilization. None the worse for the wear, we were so busy pulling the sticky leaves from our shoes and clothing that we almost missed the sudden appearance of that other couple. They were calmly strolling up the paved road beyond the gate. Apparently, that “unknown direction” not only led back to the parking lot, but did so in an easy and timely fashion. 

When my husband mentioned that the app had an upgraded version for $2.99/month with more trail details and an improved GPS function, I handed him 3 bucks and told him he was in charge of next week’s location.

And then I took a mini nap on the way home – just like my favorite tree.

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

The Japanese Society of Forest Medicine researches the therapeutic benefits of forests on human health and wellbeing. Forest bathing involves walking slowly, mindfully as you open the senses, notice your response, and enjoy the ecosystem.  Statistics indicate that the average American spends 93 percent of the time indoors and about ten hours a day on social media. That can’t be good for your health. Forest bathing research revealed benefits such as strengthening the immune system, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, boosting overall sense of well being, and improving cardiovascular and metabolic health.

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Stuck to Soaring

Summers are my happy time being a warm weather creature living in the Northeast United States. 

The comfort of warmer weather, longer days of light, and a slower pace are soothing to my soul.  This combo also invites me to spend as much time outdoors as possible.  And I get the thrill of rediscovering what I call my Sacred Pond in the Pocono mountains.  

I call it mine because I am the only human inhabiting the space. 

To be fair, this summer I shared the pond with a hundred thousand water lilies, a blue heron who was fishing, butterflies and bees gathering nectar, a white duck taking a meticulous bath, birds singing, trees dancing, clouds traveling above offering intermittent shade, a beckoning path, and a blank page.  Even though I was the last to arrive and only visiting, I loved to claim it as my happy place. Settling in on the first of many mornings, I arranged my chair in my typical sunny spot.  

I prepared to gaze upon the wonder of the space, but a damn bush was blocking my view. 

I felt a surge of indignation (at a bush no less) for limiting my capacity to enjoy the natural arena.  Recognizing that bushes have a right to grow, I settled my mind into an appreciative space.  My body naturally released layers of stress as I simply looked around and followed the sounds of the natural world.  All seemed to be in perfect order … until I’d glance through that damn bush to try to see a whole section of the damn pond. I noticed I “glitched” each time my gaze swept in that direction. 

It was like trying to see the play on stage when a (damn) tall person was sitting in front of me.

I solved that one by limiting my range of vision.  Again, I settled into a peaceful place.  No longer bothered by the limit I refused to see. That was a fine solution until the hot sun started cooking me.  No small breeze was offsetting that fire in the sky. So, I moved my chair up the path to the shade of the pine tree. 

Wow!  What a view!  I had my pond back with no obstruction! 

Who would’ve thought that a small elevation in my “view” – a shift in my perspective would reveal the solution to my dilemma of being stuck in the bushes?!  Apparently Life knew it was that simple.   

Shifting perspective. Elevating my point of view.  I got the message. 

Many luscious moments later, my eyes strayed to the sky where a magnificent bald eagle was circling. She flew in circles – coming closer to me with every loop.  I stood to witness the majestic creature and I marveled at how clear her vision was to locate a mouse from such a high elevation. 

It was as if nature was making a point of teaching me the benefit of changing my perspective. 

As I stood to follow her flight pattern, I began to see the radiating energy patterns flowing in all directions from the eagle.  Once I witnessed this, her flight pattern shifted.  I was transported as she demonstrated the expanding interactive potential of energy when in a “flow pattern” – when one was in a coherent relationship with the surrounding environment. I craned my neck to gaze above me through the tree tops to track her movement. 

Nature was making a point of teaching me the benefit of changing my perspective.

 

And then I jumped out of my skin.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you” said a man as he walked past me.  Seriously, where did this stealth walker come from?  My new friend was out on his weekly mushroom foraging trip.  Mushrooms?  I thought I might get another level of the lesson about expanded perception – the psychedelic kind. I was wrong. Turns out he and his group of friends spent their weekends trapping turtles, foraging for berries and mushrooms, and some other “live off the land” activities. 

I was gifted with a glimpse into a way of living that was foreign to me. 

Bald eagle forgotten, I entered a fascinating conversation with this slightly hyperactive mountain man. We examined the berries nearby, looked at the painted turtle tracks, and discussed how to forage mushrooms without wiping out the crop (so selfish).  I learned what it was like to grow up right up the road and how my magical pond was once a pristine swimming and fishing haven until my beloved lily pads invaded the lake. What I learned about beavers was fascinating! 

And then he was gone as quickly as he arrived.  

I settled back into my chair and found my perspective had changed again. I was more spacious. I felt part of the landscape as if I was now in a new conversation with the land, sky, and creatures which made up this pond. In the course of an hour, I was expanded.

I went from stuck in the bush to soaring like an eagle to finding myself a part of this Sacred Pond.

Everything here was part of the whole, including me. Settling in once again, there was nothing left to do but enjoy myself in the flowing conversation all around me. 

And I spent some extra time loving that little trouble making bush that started everything. 

I wonder what teachers are going to show up on your path to demonstrate the practical power of changing your perspective. Hope they come soon and help you soar. 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Project Reset, part of New York City’s court system, offers those charged with minor offenses a 3 hours art class instead of court.  The courses vary from hands on creation of art, museum visits, and restorative talking circles. Reset was so successful, cutting low level misdemeanor processing by almost half, that it spread to New York’s other boroughs. Imagine the creative potential of close to 40,000 people given another change to avoid criminal records or jail time. Practical creative solutions. Now that’s a work of art.

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Light Bathing in my PJs

Sunday was a brilliant day as I found myself immersed within a day long practice of “Light Bathing.” 

This wasn’t my plan nor did that term pop into my mind until I was already deep within the process.  With my morning shake in hand, my plans rearranged themselves when I was called to engage my Soul in meditation.

Sitting in my pajamas on my back deck, journal nearby, I closed my eyes and dropped into the moment. 

The birds sang.  My neighbor swept his patio. Planes occasionally flew above me.  The breeze rustled my hair.   I wandered through a visually rich inner landscape.  My Soul Conversation was enlightening.   Amidst all of this movement, Stillness emerged.  

I felt lit from within as I basked in the warmth of the sun. I was light in every sense of the word.

 

Opening my eyes, I noticed my dog resting nearby. He looked regal as he soaked in the sun – totally at rest and seemingly content. I realized that he often sought the light patches in the house or spent time resting in the sun on the back deck. Totally at rest and seemingly content. 

Moving inside, my plans rearranged themselves again when I felt the desire to attend to my plants.  

This again was unexpected. After all, I had a Dead Plant Sale when I lived as a resident advisor in the undergraduate dorms during grad school.  I was clearly missing the ‘green thumb’ gene, yet here I was with a desire to tend to my plants.  I have only one type of plant in my home and office given my seeming inability to keep them alive. Whatever type of plant I have, it is very forgiving and truly resilient. 

I discovered that my plants were thirsty, the leaves wilted, and the vines long overdue for trim.  

So I watered them.  Trimmed them.  Talked to them.  Promised them more care.  Finally I moved them all into the light. 

When my husband came home, I informed him that our plants were “Light Bathing” until tomorrow.  

I was struck by that term.  I actually felt a warm pleasure throughout my body when it was said aloud.  I noticed that I had turned on the lights that day in all of the rooms around me – using light as an accent of the beauty and tranquility of my surroundings.  

Later in the day, while hiking in the woods, I noticed the presence of light everywhere.  
I walked through ribbons of light in the denser forest and in bright sunshine through the field.  When I prepared and ate my dinner, I blessed the food and those who brought it to me with Light.

I recognized that Light Bathing was not a new thing – it was a normal part of life.  My dog already knew this, as did my plants.

Creating a new art piece that evening, I felt the lightness of enthusiasm and enjoyment while translating an inner vision into physical form. I chanted while I worked and consciously poured light into every layer of the mixed media painting. 

My day ended with a practice to Steady the Light. 

I resourced my energy field – physical body with the vital life force arising from the Earth and descending from the Heavens. Grateful for the day, it was no surprise to discover that it ended much as it had begun …

I was light soaked.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

A recent Gallup poll reported about a third of workers in the US are unhappy and disconnected at their jobs. Research at Central Michigan University found that exposure to natural elements seemed to have a positive impact on workers. Sunlight exposure revealed an even stronger influence. Indirect sunlight was associated with a decrease in depressive symptoms while direct sunlight was related to improved satisfaction and sense of loyalty at work. Employers, take note! 

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The Glow of Giving

I grew up with generous giving. 

Not that it was discussed. More like witnessing some folks modeling “how to” giveof their time, money, and talent.

(By folks, I mean mine.)

I didn’t think it was anything special.

More like a way of life.

Like treating my cheerleading squad to burgers at McDonalds (when you could do that without robbing your bank), mentoring young people, sponsoring worthy projects, and volunteering their time.

So, it was a no brainer to share my stuff and volunteer my time.  

It certainly wasn’t required nor a part of building a “college worthy” resume of community service. (Today’s pressure on kids to volunteer as a way to impress does feel a bit off, even though the side effect may be a good one.)  It was just something we did.

When I was young, it was fun, made sense, and I had company.

So, I shared clothes with friends, ran backyard fairs for muscular dystrophy, and volunteered as a candy stripper at the local hospital. 

(Full disclosure:  I did skip on the “feeding the patients” duty as I was more into drinking milkshakes while hiding in the library with my friends. And I wouldn’t have been caught dead in those pink and white striped pinafores outside of the hospital. My adolescent self shudders to think of it to this day).  

My husband and I shared this desire to raise our daughter within this model of “generous giving.”

From the time she entered school, she was involved in projects and discussions about giving.  She was used to volunteering, gathering school supplies, delivering Holiday gifts, and shopping for specific families in need.  We discussed as a family how we might support worthy projects around the world. And how to say no to the countless requests we received over the phone or at the cash register if they didn’t fit into our giving plan (even when they were someone else’s worthy project).

Kids don’t miss much.

She noticed when I quietly picked up the check for the older woman dining alone we had chatted with at dinner. I hadn’t known it at the time. When she pointed out an older man eating alone one evening, she asked if we could pick up his check. In time, I witnessed some of her own acts of generous giving and realized she must’ve witnessed other small anonymous actions.

Fast forward to this week and the surprise appearance of the “Awww” Factor or Awe Factor. 

I knew my Dad wanted to reach out to friends and colleagues to fund next year’s tuition costs for the Love Orphanage kids in Haiti. Great idea. Really worthy AND much needed. We had 19 kids on the road to education with the Be a Difference Maker program my daughter had created. The goal was to create sustainable funding so all Love O kids could receive the education they deserved.

He was proud of my daughter’s intent and signed on as a Difference Maker. I watched my daughter edit her Grandpa’s letter to seek funding for private school tuition. Reverse generational modeling. I enjoyed that immensely.  And then we all moved on. 

Out of the blue, the gifts rolled in. Just like that, lives were transformed.

The impact of strangers. Based on their trust in my Dad, inspiration generated by my daughter, a worthy need, and, most likely, a habit of generous giving. I felt that warmth of happiness spread through my body.

You know, it is a scientific finding, that warmth thing.

Research links prosocial giving and happiness as a universal phenomenon.

 

Even when controlling for individual’s income around the world (across 136 countries), people reported greater satisfaction in their lives when they were giving to others. This is especially true when three things were in play: giving is a personal choice, there is a sense of connection (to strangers or those known to you), and an impact is made. 

As the thank you letters and pictures of the children left our home yesterday, I felt we were batting 3 out of 3:  choice, connection, impact.  

Warm hearted, I realized that being a witness to giving also had its perks.

I was deeply moved. You could say I had a glow from giving – even from the witness seat.

At the end of this story, all 19 Love O kids are funded! Another year of the Change Their Lives type of influence for these future Difference Makers in Haiti.  Check out their sweet Thank You below (from last June’s Culture Camp).

Better than a milkshake any day.

Remember that choice, connection, and impact are important. Feel free to find your own place to make a difference with your time, talent, or moolah. This big wide world has needs are vast, so feel free to warm your heart your way.

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Research has identified one way more money can make us happier. Having a lot? Sure. That’s one way as research shows happiness rises with income (but only until $75K). Another biggie: you tend to be happier when you spend it on others. Kids already know this. One study focused on the innate pleasure received by the act of giving. 2 year olds were found to be happier giving away their Goldfish crackers from their own pile than using someone else’s stash. Research apparently is for adults. Kids already have this super power. Share your fish.

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Am I Present?

I was lost in a dream the other day. Caught up in an old story about how to live life – my way. 

I felt the stress of this dream – occurring in the light of day with eyes wide open. This was my clue that I was dreaming. Stress – a friendly reminder that I had my knickers in a knot over something I thought was a problem. I noticed my tension and took a breath. Enjoying another deep breath, I asked one question:

“Am I present?” 

Of course this is a trick question. Each time stress offers the invitation to ask this of myself, the answer is the same: “No, I am not present. I am lost in the story of me and the way life should be.” Yet, the beauty of this undefended awareness is the opening of potential of noticing what is here. What would happen if I took a few minutes to really notice what was happening?

“Noticing” is a simple practice which has the potential to bring you rapidly into contact with what is happening.

It is so simple that this powerful practice is often engaged in a cursory fashion or overlooked altogether. This is especially true in our fast paced, self important culture. Silly really – this wasting of our precious engagement with Life – in order to get one more thing done, to get someplace faster, or to stay lost in our storyline just a wee bit longer.

So, I drop within the moment and notice.

I breathe consciously and tune into my body. The breath moves me in unpredictable patterns if I let it, as if there is a wisdom in the rising and falling code that unlocks tension I did not realize was there. When I notice my body, places of tightness automatically soften as if they were just waiting for my glance in order to relax. My posture shifts. I feel younger, gentler, and more trusting.

It doesn’t matter why my mind is scattered, my body tight, my breathing shallow, or my attention turned inward. 

Without a need to know anything, I just allow the breath and inner awareness to move as it will. Everything breathes, softens, and opens. This happens rapidly when I enter the action of noticing with an open mind and heart, willing to be with whatever I encounter without having to create a story about it.

At some point, without effort, my noticing turns to my environment.

The texture of the fabric of my clothing or furniture, the sounds near and far which harmonize with the movement of the light and my breath, the array of colors and objects patiently waiting to be seen. As my awareness broadens, the perceptions integrate into a living story worth exploring.

I realize that my stress has dissipated – my personal story has dissolved.  

I recognize the awareness of one pulsating, moving presence. There is a conversation occurring – Life is speaking and Life is listening – and I am that. The wisdom flows unimpeded and is easily translated within this relaxed Presencing experience.

I realize that my stress has dissipated. My personal story has dissolved.

 

Ah yes. This Presence. So familiar once noticed.

It seems surprising that I had forgotten this way of being – so real and true. And yet, it is understood that dreaming is a habit. Not only mine, but a habit for most. This makes me even more grateful for the question that arises within me, unbidden now, at times when I am lost in the old stories. I welcome the trickster who lives within the question like I welcome an old friend who knows me well and cares for me deeply.

“Am I present?” always leads me down a rabbit hole worth exploring.

Like one of my favorite mythical heroes, Alice in Wonderland, I may remember more than I expected when I venture down the path of this exploration. Simple enough, this practice of noticing.  Yet powerful enough to boost my intuition so I can tune in more fully to the Divine conversation.

I was lost in a dream yesterday.

Asking myself the question “Am I present?” This automatically interrupted some nonsensical story and dropped me into breathing and noticing. 

And then I woke up.

In my pajamas, in my bed, while it was dark and the birds had yet to sing. I took a breath. I noticed my body, my bed, my room, and beyond within. Grateful for this habit that empowers me even when I sleep.

So dreamy. This sense of wakefulness. 

 

Peace be with you and with all.  No exceptions. 

HeartWarming

 News

Multitasking is touted as the super power which guarantees success. That’s a myth. Rather than helping you accomplish more things faster, it actually interferes with you doing anything well.  The benefits of the well known adage “Be here now” are backed up by science. Slowing your pace and placing attention on what is right in front of you has been shown to increase productivity, happiness, and …wait for it … charisma. When you’re fully present, people feel understood and supported. Increasing potential for positive relationships, which are one of the strongest predictors of happiness and success.  Bust that myth.