Realign… and suddenly you are back on track.
Earlier this month, while sitting at my desk, I was overcome with sensations and emotions by way of what I refer to as “involuntary total recall”. It was all at once, disconcerting, confusing and curious. I felt as though I was re-experiencing something from my past, something that had occurred several years ago. I seemed to be instantly projected backward in time to this very difficult period. Intellectually, I knew I had traveled far from that place and was now safe inside the new growth and understanding I had come to know along the way, but emotionally, I was reliving it. I stopped what I was doing and just sat with it, allowing myself to feel it. I was marveling at how fresh and clear it felt. I became the witness. It was so strong in it’s presence, I felt compelled to check the calendar – March 2. I was stunned by the accuracy of the timing of this “visitation”. It was March 3rd, three years prior that I received news that would send me spinning off my axis for the following year!
So, was it a coincidence, that less than a week later, my lower back went out to the point where I could barely move? I couldn’t help but contemplate, yet again, the notion of cellular memory and how we are, in fact, physical blueprints of every emotion we experience. Perhaps if we can learn to really listen to our bodies with compassion and patience when they “act out”, we can get a greater understanding of what is really going on inside our Selves and realign our focus accordingly. Maybe this way, we can ultimately lessen the blows (physical AND emotional) while meeting them with dignity, divinity and grace.
Stay Well!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Coming Around Again... and Again
Float… and suddenly you are winding your way up the spiral.
Just recently, I found myself in a particular situation, that, how should I say, wasn’t anything new. This episode I was dealing with was one where I had found myself several times in the past. So, the stage was set as I agreed to come into the scene, yet again, knowing the history and arriving with preconceived ideas about how things will unfold. So, when things turned in the direction that I had expected, I found myself (yet again) impatient, annoyed and frustrated. First, it was all directed toward my nemesis of the moment, but then I began to look at what was really going on: I chose this, I understood the nature of the situation and I allowed myself to get swallowed up in the drama I was co-creating -THEN, I turned the anger and frustration towards myself for doing so –THEN, I found myself as the witness, watching it all. I continued to bounce back and forth between these perspectives all day. It has been a very interesting unfolding, and I’m still reeling in the amazement of how we continue to take things on in life, over and again, until we learn what we are supposed to learn. Is it about learning patience and acceptance or is it about boundaries and living your truth? Is it about finally closing the book on something or going deeper into it to learn more… I guess the only way to know the answers to any of these questions is to be awake and present in the midst of it all and to make our decisions based on our higher wisdom or intuition - our most useful tool for growing towards authenticity and wholeness – and trust the outcome will be exactly what it needs to be. Because, even when we feel like we’ve come full circle or “been here before” we can trust that we are climbing the upward spiral and we ARE making progress.
Sat Nam!
Just recently, I found myself in a particular situation, that, how should I say, wasn’t anything new. This episode I was dealing with was one where I had found myself several times in the past. So, the stage was set as I agreed to come into the scene, yet again, knowing the history and arriving with preconceived ideas about how things will unfold. So, when things turned in the direction that I had expected, I found myself (yet again) impatient, annoyed and frustrated. First, it was all directed toward my nemesis of the moment, but then I began to look at what was really going on: I chose this, I understood the nature of the situation and I allowed myself to get swallowed up in the drama I was co-creating -THEN, I turned the anger and frustration towards myself for doing so –THEN, I found myself as the witness, watching it all. I continued to bounce back and forth between these perspectives all day. It has been a very interesting unfolding, and I’m still reeling in the amazement of how we continue to take things on in life, over and again, until we learn what we are supposed to learn. Is it about learning patience and acceptance or is it about boundaries and living your truth? Is it about finally closing the book on something or going deeper into it to learn more… I guess the only way to know the answers to any of these questions is to be awake and present in the midst of it all and to make our decisions based on our higher wisdom or intuition - our most useful tool for growing towards authenticity and wholeness – and trust the outcome will be exactly what it needs to be. Because, even when we feel like we’ve come full circle or “been here before” we can trust that we are climbing the upward spiral and we ARE making progress.
Sat Nam!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Effecting Change
Be BIG… and suddenly your arms are wrapping themselves around the world.
The Butterfly Effect: The idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that ultimately cause a tornado to appear (or prevent a tornado from appearing) across the globe. The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena.
Have you ever considered exactly just how BIG you really are and the impact you have on the world? Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now, says: “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!” Wow, sounds like quite a responsibility. But, what I find interesting is that the road to making a difference and effecting change in the world is, initially, via the inner path, or The Heroe’s/Heroine’s Journey, as it is called. We can get ourselves so caught up in what we think is right for others, when in fact, we are ignoring our own self care, our own issues that could be having a negative effect on the world as a whole. It isn’t until we are at peace with our own truths, and in turn, trust that others are working towards the same, that we can truly effect positive change. A friend pointed out the analogy: One of the first things they tell you on an airplane regarding the oxygen masks, is that if you are seated next to a child, make sure you secure your own mask before assisting the youngster.” You get my drift. The thing is, all this can get pretty dark and ugly before it looks like anything good might be happening, but, rest assured - that’s a big part of it. And, as you gradually emerge back into the light, bringing your Heroine’s golden experience to the community, you can rest within the peace of knowing that by simply tending to your own work, you are effecting positive change in the world, no matter how small or large you may think that is.
Peace.
The Butterfly Effect: The idea that a butterfly's wings might create tiny changes in the atmosphere that ultimately cause a tornado to appear (or prevent a tornado from appearing) across the globe. The flapping wing represents a small change in the initial condition of the system, which causes a chain of events leading to large-scale phenomena.
Have you ever considered exactly just how BIG you really are and the impact you have on the world? Eckhart Tolle, author of The Power of Now, says: “You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!” Wow, sounds like quite a responsibility. But, what I find interesting is that the road to making a difference and effecting change in the world is, initially, via the inner path, or The Heroe’s/Heroine’s Journey, as it is called. We can get ourselves so caught up in what we think is right for others, when in fact, we are ignoring our own self care, our own issues that could be having a negative effect on the world as a whole. It isn’t until we are at peace with our own truths, and in turn, trust that others are working towards the same, that we can truly effect positive change. A friend pointed out the analogy: One of the first things they tell you on an airplane regarding the oxygen masks, is that if you are seated next to a child, make sure you secure your own mask before assisting the youngster.” You get my drift. The thing is, all this can get pretty dark and ugly before it looks like anything good might be happening, but, rest assured - that’s a big part of it. And, as you gradually emerge back into the light, bringing your Heroine’s golden experience to the community, you can rest within the peace of knowing that by simply tending to your own work, you are effecting positive change in the world, no matter how small or large you may think that is.
Peace.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Bite The Bullet With Loving Kindness
Learn… and suddenly the teacher in you is emerging.
It’s a known fact the physical body needs applied stress to stay healthy and thrive. Our bones need gravity and weight bearing action in order stay strong enough to support us and carry us throughout our lives. Weight training induces tearing of the muscles so during the time of rest, the healing of that action can create strength. Most of us intentionally push our bodies to the limit in order to stay strong and healthy, so why do we have such a problem with life’s mentally and emotionally challenging events? Couldn’t it be, that on some level we have chosen our hardships so that we may grow and learn and be strong? The way we handle life’s early obstacles can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of our future challenges. We are who we are because of our hardships, not because of our joy, not really. As we work through our painful, lost, angry and confusing times, we can find solace in knowing that on the other side is even more strength, more resilience. Anyone of us alive can appreciate, in hindsight, the lessons learned and knowledge gained from our misfortunes.
Paul McCartney said: “…and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Perhaps, taking our lessons with a dose of loving kindness for ourselves, strengthens the love we put out.
I honor our life’s mission while here on Mother Earth - to learn and grow and connect with one another and to live a full and loving life, awake and aware with dignity, divinity and grace.
Sat Nam!
It’s a known fact the physical body needs applied stress to stay healthy and thrive. Our bones need gravity and weight bearing action in order stay strong enough to support us and carry us throughout our lives. Weight training induces tearing of the muscles so during the time of rest, the healing of that action can create strength. Most of us intentionally push our bodies to the limit in order to stay strong and healthy, so why do we have such a problem with life’s mentally and emotionally challenging events? Couldn’t it be, that on some level we have chosen our hardships so that we may grow and learn and be strong? The way we handle life’s early obstacles can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of our future challenges. We are who we are because of our hardships, not because of our joy, not really. As we work through our painful, lost, angry and confusing times, we can find solace in knowing that on the other side is even more strength, more resilience. Anyone of us alive can appreciate, in hindsight, the lessons learned and knowledge gained from our misfortunes.
Paul McCartney said: “…and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” Perhaps, taking our lessons with a dose of loving kindness for ourselves, strengthens the love we put out.
I honor our life’s mission while here on Mother Earth - to learn and grow and connect with one another and to live a full and loving life, awake and aware with dignity, divinity and grace.
Sat Nam!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Serenity Now
Expand… and suddenly you are embracing it ALL.
I can remember when I was young, in my parent’s bedroom, hanging in a frame over the dresser mirror, was a prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
…and the wisdom to know the difference.
I had read it many times over during our years in that house, realizing, even at a young age, the power of those words and the usefulness in memorizing them. Although, I haven’t lived it verbatim everyday, the Serenity Prayer has served as a reminder throughout my life how much time we can spend being stuck, mired in our own ideas of how things are “supposed” to be, consistently leaving us open for disappointment.
A dear friend and yoga teacher, recently pointed out the benefits of “the middle way”- as the Buddhists call it - resides in the calm or contented states of being. In other words, not attaching to only joy or fighting so hard to avoid misery and pain. We must live with both in the world. Therefore, the best thing we can practice is expanding within the space between. Therein lie the serenity, courage and wisdom of complete acceptance of whatever may come.
Thank you, Dejisan, for that powerful reminder!
Peace.
I can remember when I was young, in my parent’s bedroom, hanging in a frame over the dresser mirror, was a prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
…and the wisdom to know the difference.
I had read it many times over during our years in that house, realizing, even at a young age, the power of those words and the usefulness in memorizing them. Although, I haven’t lived it verbatim everyday, the Serenity Prayer has served as a reminder throughout my life how much time we can spend being stuck, mired in our own ideas of how things are “supposed” to be, consistently leaving us open for disappointment.
A dear friend and yoga teacher, recently pointed out the benefits of “the middle way”- as the Buddhists call it - resides in the calm or contented states of being. In other words, not attaching to only joy or fighting so hard to avoid misery and pain. We must live with both in the world. Therefore, the best thing we can practice is expanding within the space between. Therein lie the serenity, courage and wisdom of complete acceptance of whatever may come.
Thank you, Dejisan, for that powerful reminder!
Peace.
Monday, January 14, 2008
** News Flash**
Read all about it!
Update on LAS VEGAS LULULEMON GRAND OPENING:
http://thesucculentwife.typepad.com/succulentblog/2008/01/lululemon-athet.html
Thanks for all your support, everyone, and thank YOU Anne-Marie for bringing Lady Guru to the West Coast!
Sat Nam!
(Photo by Anne-Marie Kovacs)
Update on LAS VEGAS LULULEMON GRAND OPENING:
http://thesucculentwife.typepad.com/succulentblog/2008/01/lululemon-athet.html
Thanks for all your support, everyone, and thank YOU Anne-Marie for bringing Lady Guru to the West Coast!
Sat Nam!
(Photo by Anne-Marie Kovacs)
Monday, January 7, 2008
Why Not?
Leap… and suddenly you realize you are the net!
We all share a common illusion: that we are in control. Of course, we do have the capability to make choices, and those choices will surely have an impact on the direction we take, but I think we can get into trouble when we become attached to the idea that those choices we make will actually bring us safety and security, when in truth, how could we possibly predict that? It really hit home in a big way, one day, when my husband and I were debating yet another scenario of polar opposite opinions. It occurred to me, neither one of us was wrong, just lobbying for our own sense of security. Isn’t that what every decision and choice we make in our life is ultimately based upon? Security, comfort? Could it be this is why we feel we sometimes need to fight so hard - to defend our fundamental sense of security and wellbeing? When, ironically, the idea of security for one person, can translate into sheer terror for another! One person can feel better talking out her issues when another may feel more secure keeping them inside; some people feel safer investing in stocks, others in real estate; and maybe some find more comfort remaining in the familiar, while others fear boredom or stagnancy and look for change.
I found had to allow myself to, yet again, grieve another major loss – the letting go of the concept of stability, safety, security – and come to a resolve and finally a comfort and liberation in letting go, to have faith I will play my part on whatever stage is set, to relax and ask “why not?” instead of “why? ”, and to be open to the newness that every moment brings while truly respecting the path of others.
Peace and many blessings.
We all share a common illusion: that we are in control. Of course, we do have the capability to make choices, and those choices will surely have an impact on the direction we take, but I think we can get into trouble when we become attached to the idea that those choices we make will actually bring us safety and security, when in truth, how could we possibly predict that? It really hit home in a big way, one day, when my husband and I were debating yet another scenario of polar opposite opinions. It occurred to me, neither one of us was wrong, just lobbying for our own sense of security. Isn’t that what every decision and choice we make in our life is ultimately based upon? Security, comfort? Could it be this is why we feel we sometimes need to fight so hard - to defend our fundamental sense of security and wellbeing? When, ironically, the idea of security for one person, can translate into sheer terror for another! One person can feel better talking out her issues when another may feel more secure keeping them inside; some people feel safer investing in stocks, others in real estate; and maybe some find more comfort remaining in the familiar, while others fear boredom or stagnancy and look for change.
I found had to allow myself to, yet again, grieve another major loss – the letting go of the concept of stability, safety, security – and come to a resolve and finally a comfort and liberation in letting go, to have faith I will play my part on whatever stage is set, to relax and ask “why not?” instead of “why? ”, and to be open to the newness that every moment brings while truly respecting the path of others.
Peace and many blessings.
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