Power Flower

Unlike the 1960’s when flower power was in full bloom, this tower of power leans into the knowing residing within each one of us. When you think of the word “success” what comes to your mind? Is it external accomplishments, internal feelings, or maybe a combination of both? One thing is for certain, all of it will lose its meaning if we are not able to tap into the flow of our internal power. That is, the comfort in being the soul you came here to be. It doesn’t involve the physical tangible things in life, the only requirement is presence.

When we were born into this world we encompassed this pure power. It was a knowingness, free from bondage, expectations, guilt, and any other pressures we learned to pile upon ourselves over time. It was free-flowing and full of love and certainty. And then, the unconditional became conditional. We learned how to navigate these expectations through our human responses in hopes of rewards and recognition. We forgot about the nature of our eternal power. The power within all of us as created in God’s eyes.

You are perfect just as you are, even with all your flaws. Especially with those as they bring you to the brink of the angst necessary for your personal growth. The most important piece is to recognize the purpose of your angst. Will you learn and grow, or will you become stuck and shrink? We all have a choice, the question is, will you allow your mind to lead.

The mind may be a terrible thing to waste but the mindfulness of the soul overpowers any thought your mind can create. Trust this insight and your life will have more peaceful moments than your thoughts can imagine. No more monkey mind where you lay in bed at night thinking of a thousand different things you don’t control, but through all the jumping thoughts in your head it’s controlling you! Wouldn’t it be such a relief to finally release your hold on these musings? There comes a time when you must realize they are boulders holding you down, and you’re meant to fly, not sink.

I’ve learned to think of my mind as a separate entity from my soul. Unlearning this tethering hasn’t been easy, and I still struggle with it at times, but the more I practice this observation the easier it becomes. When that monkey gets into my head I allow the thought to pass through me and reel myself back to the center of my soul, where my home resides. I’ll often repeat my favorite angel prayer over and over until I feel a calmness deep within. It is then that I become the power flow~er, flowing through this passage called life with the ease and joy that is meant for me, and for you.

Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

Why is it we fear emotional discomfort so much? Is it we’re afraid we’ll never recover from that uncomfortable feeling? In reality, emotions are fleeting and free flowing, if we allow them to run their course. Just like anything in life, emotions move like the ocean. Sometimes calm, sometimes rolling, and sometimes tumultuous. It’s when we freeze in fear of the feeling that we become stuck in the muck. What if, every time we felt this discomfort we allowed ourselves to become the observer of that emotion? We simply step back, take a breath, and recognize its presence. We can then encourage it to move on through us like a wave, recognizing its fluidity and seeing it for what it truly is. An illusion created by our minds.

If our minds are powerful enough to create turmoil then it clearly has the ability to create peace. With each tear felt, and every grip of the heart, we encompass the wherewithal to move our emotions to a place of serenity. I chose the photo above for that exact reason. Although she reveals the sadness she feels, expressed through a tiny tear streaming down her cheek, she is surrounded with the images of soft bunnies, beautiful bluebells, and tender butterflies, bringing her solace. We all hold the power to bring this peace into our being. We simply need to recall our soul’s path and all it entails. Some of our experiences wouldn’t be considered enjoyable by any means, but they are certainly required for our internal growth. While we roll inside of that dark tunnel we must remember light always shines in the distance. And then it becomes brighter and brighter as we glide into the knowingness of our spirit.

Our souls know what is needed for our spiritual growth. It knows how long to sit in grief, how long to contemplate taking action, or not, and how long to wait before looking for the light again. It is always wise to sit with those feelings and listen for the answers. Your intuition will guide you and comfort you where the discomfort lies. Trust this ability you have within yourself and follow the path you came here to live. All the bumps and bruises will illuminate the meaning behind your fears, and open the gateway to your Light. Trust it. follow it. Be it.

Be Grateful, Not Guilty

How many of you feel stuck? I mean stuck in your own guilt, you know, the old patterned thoughts that still play in your head and in your bed when you’re trying to sleep at night. Those thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough, you’re not doing enough, and you’re not living up to the expectations of others. My suggestion to you right now is to stop! Stop in your tracks, take a deep breath, and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Why am I doing this to this beautiful Being of Light? Playing those guilt tapes over and over and over again just to please others. This dis-ease has been cultivated by certain people in your life, but it’s you who has signed up for the deal. When you are ready, I have an escape hatch that is foolproof, but here’s the real deal, you have to practice it on a daily basis. And every time you begin to feel that guilt ghost hanging over your shoulder this beam of light will extinguish the haze that mulls around in your mind. Just like that, poof!

This magical beam of light is something every one of us has the ability to practice, and when you do, you will feel a clear difference in your life. What is this special practice? Gratitude. Yes, feeling grateful instead of guilty will ignite your light shining within rather than douse the flames fostered by manipulation and judgment. When you begin to notice everything in your life you feel grateful for, more abundance will naturally show up. But that’s not why we practice gratitude, we practice gratefulness because it is a reminder to ourselves that who we truly are, and living authentically from our soul space, is perfection. Living in the simplicity of noticing that lady bug in the sand or the praying mantis that showed up on that special day is Spirit speaking to you and whispering that ‘all is well’. It’s knowing that who you are is enough, and not just enough, but you are all-encompassing as we are all connected in this vast universe. It’s letting go of the fearful mind games that play in your head and welcoming the warmth of Source into your heart. For it is this connection to God that not only are all things possible, but they are probable.

So the next time guilt comes knocking at your door, whether it is self-induced or literal, take that deep breath, open your heart to your angels, and sing your song of gratitude. And one last thing, shut the door.

Book Signing At Barnes & Noble, Elmira, NY, September 6th!

‘Living, Loving & Unlearning’ is available at Barnes & Noble, Elmira, NY

Come visit and chat with me at my book signing at Barnes & Noble, Elmira, NY, this Saturday, September 6th, 2pm-4pm!

Wink 106fm will be there with me airing the signing LIVE! Bring yourself, bring your friends, bring your kiddies, and join in the fun! 

 

Living, Loving & Unlearning’ is recognized in Ithaca College’s Fall issue of IC View

If you aren’t able to make the signing, ‘Living, Loving & Unlearning: A therapist’s guide to healing and living authentically from the inside out’, is available at Barnes & Noble Elmira in the ‘Self Improvement’ section of the store.

‘Living, Loving & Unlearning’ is also available online at Lulu.com.

Happy day, Namaste!  

 

10 Tips to Push Depression and Anxiety Aside

1.  Exercise.  Move your body to the degree you are able; run, swim, take a brisk walk, dance, ride a bike, ride a horse, train in the gym, ski, move your arms and legs sitting in a chair.

2. Speak Up! Self expression is crucial in the release of feelings, self-respect and caring for yourself.  The more we address the less we repress!

3. Take a yoga class.  Yoga decreases blood pressure, calms your body and mind, and allows you to think more clearly.

4. Include Omega 3’s in your diet. Studies have revealed Omega 3’s decrease depression. In addition, a good whole foods multivitamin adds more nutrients to your diet.

5. Keep your spine in alignment. Follow up with your chiropractor.  An aligned spine clears all pathways through your brain stem, allowing you to think more clearly.  Not to mention, less body pain equals less depression/anxiety.

6. Meditate. Practice sitting in a quiet space at least a few minutes a day.  If your mind wanders bring it back to the present as you focus on  one thing.

7. Laugh! Laughter releases those wonderful endorphins that we experience in exercise.  Watch a funny movie, reminisce about comical times with family and friends, laugh at yourself, just laugh!

8. Make a habit of drinking your Green Smoothie. So many of us don’t get enough fruits and veggies in our diet.  Packing it all into one drink allows you to get a ton of nutrients in one sitting.  A healthy diet gives you more energy and promotes positive thinking.

9. Socialize! Make a point to spend time with like-minded, like-spirited people.  Positive contact lifts our own spirits!

10. Get your Sleep. So many of us are sleep deprived in our fast paced society.  Make it a point to get at least  7- 8 hours of sleep a night.  If you have difficulty falling asleep, take a warm bath before bed, read a book, put on soothing music, drink a chamomile tea…wind down and breathe….

11.  Okay, I’m squeezing in 11, Get a MASSAGE and pamper yourself at your favorite spa!