Change


Doesn’t feel like there is change in the air? It’s more than just summer surrendering to fall and more than simply one season fading into the next. It seems we are shifting into a completely different way of being and venturing into unchartered territory. I know for many of my friends and clients, there has been a sense of being disoriented, distressed and overwhelmed. Admittedly I have had plenty of those moments, however, I predominately feel a sense of excitement, optimism and anticipation.

It seems we are all being asked to step up our game and blind spots are clearly being revealed. I know my boundaries have been tested and my courage challenged, but I feel there are reasons for all of it. Sacred text advises us to “know thyself.” I believe the opportunity to cultivate self-knowledge and personal power is increased exponentially through challenge and change. The people who want to hold tightly to their victim stance are suffering more than ever, but if we are willing to let go of our story, sit with our challenging emotions, look within and go deeper, there is a wealth of wisdom available to each and everyone of us.

While dealing with confusing or challenging situations or emotions, I will sit still for a bit, quiet my mind and ask myself “what is my soul trying to learn” and “what is the highest good for all concerned,” the wisdom is always forthcoming. This inner counsel provides solace, advise, direction and guidance. It takes discipline to sit in silence, especially when pain or confusion is present – and the more we need it the more we seem to resist it. However, this simple practice can make change so much less confusing and painful!

I believe we are more divine than human and this present time is supporting us in knowing and embodying this truth. Taking the time to quite our mind and go within is a powerful way to reduce the chaos, reestablish our alignment to Source, and find our center. It is also a profoundly helpful practice as we continue to navigate through change and expand in our consciousness and awareness.

When we decide to stay in the center of our hearts it not only lights the way more clearly for ourselves, it lights the way for all of those around us. Be still, sit in the center of your heart and align with the light and wisdom within. These are indeed powerful and exciting times and I am happy to be here now – how about you? Let me know your thoughts and feelings, I would love to hear from you!

Balance


This week I am going to discuss the balancing act of being divine and being human. Most of us have heard the saying “we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” What does that mean? To me it means we are much more than we think we are. The human aspect is a very small, yet very important part of who we are. It is helpful when we are in great pain or emotion, (anger, grief, sadness) to remember there is an aspect of ourselves that is peaceful, safe, content and happy. Often our discomfort can pull us out of our center and into the chaos of life. This is natural, but it can be helpful to remember, that we are much more than our small selves, our stories and our pain.

I believe as humans we are here to experience and explore. Our greatest gifts (and challenges) are free will and choice. This can be fun and exciting; it can also be painful and confusing. What I have found to be helpful in those painful and confusing moments, is to remind myself that life can be like WATCHING a movie, not BEING the movie. Sure that is a choice, but when life is challenging, it can help to have a more removed perspective and some space between oneself and their story.

Challenging relationships are one of the richest areas for both confusion and growth. So often people want to hold on to their stories of being a victim, being wronged or taken advantage of that they never see the situation as it was meant to be…an opportunity for growth, healing and learning. I once had a student I found very challenging. I thought if she would go away it would make things better and easier. What I did not see for some time was she my teacher. I had set an intention to get stronger, so here came an individual to help me claim that intention. When she showed up, I felt confounded and confused by her deeply entrenched victim story. All the while, I perceived myself as a victim of her energy! When I finally extracted myself from the movie, backed up, got into the seat at the theater and asked myself; what is my soul trying to learn? The answer was strength, courage, speaking up and clear boundaries.

The divine part of me wanted to embrace this student, the human part, not so much. So I honored my spirutal aspect (I love you and honor your journey) and I honored my human aspect (this relationship does not feel good). So I released her with love, respect and a couple of recommendations to counselors who may be better able to support her. The lesson was big, uncomfortable yet profoundly liberating once I got it. Next time I will know more, and move through future challenging situations, with more grace, clarity and ease.

We have a choice to view everything on our human journey with a spiritual context. This is not only helpful but immensely liberating. Do you have a story to share? A question to ask? Comment me or email me directly at yes2miracles@aol.com.

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Celebrate Yourself!


I have heard it said, the most wonderful gift you can offer the world is to be authentically yourself. Most of us grew up hearing we need to behave in a particular way to get approval, we need to get good grades, we need to dress a certain way, be cool and do certain things to impress our friends and peers. So we learn to contort and conform in order to be loved and accepted.

It is easy to lose our authentic shape – it is easy to forget who we truly are. For many years I struggled with chronic fatigue. As I participated in a Masters program at the University of Santa Monica, entitled “Health, Consciousness and Healing” I got to the core emotional root of this debilitating health challenge. What I found was I wanted people to like me. I made myself smaller and smaller in order not to offend anyone. There is an analogy that one third of the world is going to love you, a third will be indifferent, and a third will hate you. I had a revelation! I needed to find my authentic shape and be who I really am so the right people will love me and the right people will not love me – so I decided to celebrate myself!

I started ask myself questions like: What do I really like? What makes me happy? What brings me joy? Well, I love high heels, I love the color purple, I love painting and creating and I love sparkly and blingy things. Shortly thereafter, my wardrobe changed, my makeup changed, and my attitude changed. I started feeling happier and I was lot more amused with life. I was finding my authentic shape. Perhaps there are some people who don’t like me…but I am so busy being happy, I don’t even notice it!

A big part of finding our authentic shape is getting in touch with our inner child. Often when we consider what brought us joy as a child, it is what will bring us joy as an adult. As a child I liked drawing, picking flowers and swinging, but as an adult I simply did not have time for that “silly stuff.” However, when we make time for the silly stuff, the stuff that brings us joy, the quality of our lives change, our vibration increases, and we begin to attract amazing opportunities and wonderful people into our lives.

Now rather than judge myself, my flaws, odd habits and idiosyncrasies I celebrate them. I see myself through the eyes of amusement, acceptance and love. As a spiritual seeker my goal is to learn to love myself no matter what. I no longer look to the opinion of others to determine my value. I look inward and upward to claim my value. I used to feel like a piece of a puzzle that was always trying to fit in. Now I am a piece of the puzzle who has found her shape and life fits in around me. Life works so much better from this perspective!

What can you do to celebrate yourself ? What brought you great joy as a child that you could take time to do for yourself now? Celebrate yourself! Do something to make yourself feel good! Then write to me and share your experiences, your learnings and your joy!

Do have a question? Is there a topic you would like me to address? Comment me or write to me at yes2miracles@aol.com I would love to hear from you!

YES! YES! YES

Mandala Monday – YES, YES, YES!!!

Joseph Campbell has a wonderful quote: “The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty YES to your adventure.” I was inspired when I read this, so I wrote a letter to God saying YES: Yes to my adventure! Yes I want to go deeper! Yes I want to reach higher! Yes I want to expand! And YES I want to awaken!

Abraham Hicks has said only 2 people out of 10 are really committed to being here – and I get it! It is HARD to be human! The majority has one foot in and one foot out of the earthly experience…this is why most struggle so intensely physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. I admit, for many years I was one or those people, and life did not work very well. As I have taken greater responsibility, and started to say yes, the tides have turned in a positive and powerful direction. It takes courage, patience, and faith to commit to being human, to commit to ourselves, to healing and expansion. You have probably heard the saying: Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t. The majority of people are afraid of change, and control is the biggest addiction we have as human beings.

There is a big difference between “getting old” and “growing older.” We have a choice, we can either expand or contract as we age. Unfortunately elders are not revered in our society, but there are the rare individuals who do not allow society to dictate who they are, what they do, their value, or their zest for life. Dr. Maya Angelou is in her 80’s and one of the most revered and dynamic elders of our time. I believe this is because she keeps saying YES to life, YES to learning, and YES to love.

My sister came to visit. I asked her if she would come to the studio with me, she said YES (yippee!) I asked her if she would paint, she said NO 🙁 I knew better than to try to convince her. I have learned the hard way; you cannot force someone to go where they do not want to go. When we got to the studio, I asked her which color called to her, she quickly picked out a metallic bronze. Then I asked her which mandala shape she liked and she chose a powerful 6 pointed star. One step followed the other and soon my little sister was deep in the creative process. She kept saying yes to each next little step…and before we knew it, she had birthed an extraordinary work of art (which is featured on this weeks blog!) I am so proud of her, and I encouraged her to be proud of herself. It takes great courage to step out of one’s comfort zone, to surrender control, and do something they have never done before.

My sister inspired me to keep saying YES, YES, YES! Yes to Spirit, Yes to me, yes to being of service and yes to each next little step (even if it is scary or uncomfortable). And I promise to take the time to acknowledge myself and express gratitude for being on this amazing, crazy, fun-filled, human adventure!

Are you saying yes? Are you at least thinking about it? Share your thoughts, feelings and comments – I would love to hear from you!

Blessings


This morning I was feeling somewhat irritable. I decided to go sit down, be still and meditate. At the end of my meditation, I considered all that I have to be grateful for and started to create a “Blessings List.”

In the past, if I did not feel good I would attempt to run away from myself. I would do busy work, and like a gerbil on a wheel, I would run, but not really be productive or get anywhere. I have found out the hard way – outrunning anxiety or pain doesn’t work. In fact, I received a few speeding tickets and experienced a couple of fender benders while in this frustrated state of being!

As I created my list of blessings I felt my heart start to expand. As my list got longer and longer, I took a deep breath and began to feel more peaceful. I know this practice helps to calm me down, it increases my vibration and points me in a more positive direction in my day and my life. I also know this practice makes me a less selfish, more patient, and a more attractive human being! Instead of quickly running out of Starbucks with a frown on my face, I am more present and happily holding the door open for the next customer.

I believe our pain comes from our disconnection from Source. I also believe Source is the energy of love, compassion and appreciation. When we direct our focus on appreciation and our blessings, this helps reestablish our connection and line up with Spirit once again. Life ALWAYS works better from this state!

I went on to have a very productive day, I attracted wonderful people, had great conversations and manifested incredible support with some of my projects. Would this have happened if I was disconnected and grouchy? Maybe, but I doubt it. So, the next time you are feeling anxious, irritable, or just plain blue. Take some time to create a Blessings List, as you get into the groove, you may find your list getting longer and longer. You may also find that you are starting to feel better and better. Then give me a shout and let me know how creating a Blessings List worked for you!

Surrender


Yes, it is that time again, Mercury is in retrograde. Many people are feeling stuck, frustrated and unable to move forward. What I suggest to clients, students and friends during times like these, is the act of surrender. What exactly does that mean? In my book “Manifesting Love from the Inside Out,” I describe surrender as being willing to relax, release one’s white knuckled grip on life and trust the organizational skills of the Universe. It is the opportunity to stop telling Spirit what we want, and instead listen to what Spirit wants from us.

Non-resistance is the key to the greatest power of the Universe. Buddha says our pain comes from attachment, when we surrender we do not have to necessarily give up our preference, but we consciously relinquish control, we soften and surrender our resistance. The same energy that can move the planets around the sun and turn embryos into babies, can take care of our lives – if we allow it. But first, we have to open our minds to it, trust it and invite it in.

We are a predominantly “doing” based society. What do we do? How do we make more money? How do we fix it? How do we make it happen? There are times when we can bennifit greatly from surrendering, inviting Spirit in and relaxing. When we allow ourselves to simply BE, what we need to DO can then show up gracefully and easily without the pain and frustration of pushing, controlling and efforting. The process of relaxing and surrendering, literally lines us up with the energy of the Universe.

So during this Mercury retrograde, rather than asking the question: What do I need to do? Ask instead: What do I need to surrender? What do I need to release? Then be open to the wisdom that comes forward…then write me and share your wisdom with me!