On Listening...

“If we are to be divinely guided in our lives, we must be listening. ”

— Linda Curry

Guest Post by Linda Curry, True Balance Wellness

If we are to be divinely guided in our lives, we must be listening. But how can we ensure we are truly listening?

In our productive lives, listening is not always a walk in the park. After seeing documentary “Walk With Me: A Journey Into Mindfulness with Thich Nhat Hanh,” I was reminded the importance of slow, deliberate movement.

I can still see Thich Nhat Hanh leading his followers through the forest as if in slow motion. Each step onto the earth appeared deliberate and conscious. I sat in the theater able to feel his foot touch the earth crunching the dried leaves, and I could hear each bird and insect coming through.

The clouds drifted as in slow motion as my mind was moving at the same speed. Everything slowed down around me as I became still inside.

When in this state of consciousness and deliberate movement, it is much easier to listen, observe, feel. When present, the guidance is loud and clear. The guidance is exactly what you are conscious to. The foot touching the earth, the birds and insects communicating, the clouds drifting – that is your guidance. Just being present to what is, is the guidance we are invited to follow.

I know most probably hope for divine intervention that catapults you to make a clear business decision that will ramp your revenue 200% in the next month. But that is not what this journey is about.

Being present and conscious of life is what life is.

Whatever happens from there is perfection, on-point, purposeful. Being fully present with each step, word, glance, and pen stroke is all that is asked of us.

The rest will fall into place, into formation for your spiritual journey.

In what ways do YOU practice (or might you practice) deep listening? 

Practice Gratefulness

“Gratitude opens the heart to possibility and the eye to see the good.”

— Rev. Evelyn Foreman

The definition of respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

When we are grateful, we cultivate conditions to open our heart to possibility, and our eyes to good.

To be grateful is to expand our energy, releasing us from a position of defensiveness (one that is guarded with suspicion), to a an open, expansive welcoming, embrace of anyone with whom we might feel in opposition.

In practicing gratefulness, we surrender belligerence and the need to be right.  Rather, we decidedly take a stand in awe, and we intentional marvel at the possibility before us.

It is in times when we feel the least grateful, when we catch ourselves complaining, whining, blaming or shaming, that we need most this practice. 

Let the practice of gratitude, and open-hearted appreciation be the path home to your sacred, most noble self.

What might you find difficult to give thanks for?  How might you start shifting your awareness of the good that can come out it?  Please share as it speaks to you. <3

The World is Loud - Divine Wisdom is Soft

“Life is so much brighter when we focus what truly matters.”

— Rev. Douglas Duerr

Guest Post by Rev. Douglas Duerr

Sometimes we may need to step aside, move away from the noise and listen.

When we take a moment (or ten) to do this, we find a new strength to emit big love into the universe rather than absorbing the loud voices of separation.

Are you listening to your hearts call ... or quickly waiting to speak? 

It’s all about the questions within, filled with a sincerity of our heart and the ability to receive the answer.  It often comes in a gentle whisper.

Today's Affirmation: "The radiance of life reflects love when we pause to truly listen to who we are - Love."

***

What wisdom speaks softly to you thats is the ONE THING tugging at your heart?

The Real Gift of Gratitude

“The inherent gift of gratitude is the presence of mind, body, soul, spirit and being to mindfully live life with relentless embrace.”

— Rev. Evelyn Foreman, M. Div.

Gratitude is a common word.  It is a value many hold dear.

"What is it about gratitude that is so appealing?" You might wonder. 

Let's be straight:  sometimes, with the ground beneath us crumbles, and our heart breaks in a million thousand pieces, and it seems one unfortunate event happens to another, gratitude might be the last thing that sits at the tip of your tongue.

Yet, the instruction for practice is to give thanks anyway.  Not only to say thank you but to cultivate the feeling of thanks - to give thanks for nothing in return.

It takes a strong soul to give thanks for nothing in return.  It requires a noble heart, and willing participant to be present to nothingness.  Can you be this person?

When we give thanks, we become present in life.  When we are present (rather than absent-minded) we are living each moment of our lives fully.

The real gift is not whether you will get something in return when you give thanks.  The inherent gift of gratitude is the presence of mind, body, soul, spirit and being to mindfully live life with a relentless embrace.

What one thing might you give thanks for today to be present to your beautiful, poetic, precious life?  Please share as you are called. <3

Experience Life

“All of life sings; see me, dance with me, I’m here.”

— Rev. Douglas Duerr

Guest Post by Rev. Douglas Duerr

Embrace the Season!  A new season of beauty and wonder is exploding in expression through the symphony played out in her leaves - the crisp air dances to the autumn song as the trees begin to blush against the oh so charming blue sky.

***

What have you noticed in this season of change and how do you practice the courage to embrace it?  Please share as you are called. <3

Today, I am Grateful

Declaring, "Today, I am grateful" is the way to begin any day, every day.

What would happen if everyone on Earth should start the day declaring that they are grateful?

A day at a time, a moment at a time, be grateful.

As Westerners, we live our lives in such abundance, and with so much convenience that we may not fully appreciate it all.  Just the sheer fact that we have food in the frig, clothes that keep us warm, and transportation when we need it is amazing. 

Even if the need is not material, many of us have someone to call 'friend.'  We are surrounded by technology; even reading this post is amazing.  We forget sometimes, the fortunate lives we live.

We can call each other on wireless devices called our mobile phones.  We can see each other despite being on the other side of the globe.  We have access to food, entertainment, and simply luxuries like gourmet coffee.  

Have you stopped today to count your blessings?

Join me in finishing the following sentence, "Today, I am grateful for the following 3 things..." 

Create Space

“In a world where we value collecting things (people, places, and objects), creating space can be a practice that is against the grain.  And yet, it serves us by freeing us of our attachments.”

— Rev. Evelyn Foreman, M. Div.

Space is defined as a continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied. 

In your life right now, just as it is, how much space do you have?

Whether you are answering the question from a tangible standpoint ("I've got no space for another piece of furniture in my house") or from an intangible perspective ("I don't have space for another project in my life at the moment"), being mindful of how FULL your life has become is a point of practice.

In a world where we value collecting things (people, places, and objects), creating space can be a practice that is against the grain.  And yet, it serves us by freeing us of our attachments.

If we take a look at our personal computer and its optimal functioning, we may be able to gain a new perspective.  When the computer runs out of space, we automatically delete or move items out of storage so that the machine can perform optimally. 

What happens when we ignore the need to create space on our computers or mobile devices?

It slows down, freezes or simply ceases to work.

In a similar way, when we empty ourselves of burdens, toxins accumulated through life, releasing energies that have latched on to us that no longer serve us, we perform better.

When we release by purging and surrendering all that no longer serves us, we give up the seemingly good to for better.   This is the practice of creating space - to allow the dynamic flow of life to come, stay a while, and release when the visit is complete.

What might you be holding on to that needs to be let go?  What in your life, do you need to create space for?  How might you begin to loosen these attachments to ultimately be free?

Begin Each Day with a Grateful Heart

“For me, my day begins the moment of waking consciousness.”

— Rev. Evelyn Foreman, M. Div.

How do you begin each day?  Does your day begin after coffee?  Or do you count the moment you place your feet on the floor as the beginning of the day?

There are days when my eyes are still closed, and I lay in bed, feeling the warmth of my sheets. Still other days, I am awakened by the rustling of my children, whispering to each other at the foot of my bed. 

At the point of waking consciousness, I pray.  My prayers is always the same - everyday, regardless of who wakes me or how I wake.  Whether my eyes are opened or closed, my prayer is the same: thank you.

My gratitude extends from the life I am privileged to live, to the lives on my. path:  my loving family, my dear friends and even those who call me to my best and highest self.  

Everyday, I begin with two little words that comprise of my daily prayer: THANK YOU.

How about you, dear One?  How do you begin your day? <3

Make Yourself a Priority

So much of what we do is in the name of service ~ to provide for, to care for, to be in service to another.  In our own way, we contribute to a better world and create the future of planet Earth for our children.

Along the way, I have gathered and learned some sage wisdom.  One of them is to fill my own cup first, before serving another.  This practice is not one of selfishness, it is one of preservation.

One cannot serve from an empty cup, after all.  Giving on an empty cup is a path to burnout and resentment. 

If you feel overworked and scarce, stop.  Name one thing you can do for yourself today that will be nurturing for you, be it a walk, 5 minutes of breath, a pedicure, or just washing your hair!  

Make yourself a priority! YOU ARE WORTH IT!  Take care of YOU ... and take loving action (to practice self-care) today. <3 

What's your favorite self-care activity?  Share it with us as you are called! <3

Gratitude Changes Everything

In times when all seems stagnant, awry and unwell, remember to give thanks.

Remember:  Gratitude changes everything.

It has been over 6+ years since I lost my baby through a fetal miscarriage.  At the time, my experience of loss was raw, and I was in deep grief.  Life felt like a burden as I dealt with the experience of grief and deep sadness.  

I wondered if I would ever stand amid the light again as I laid in bed, wondering what and how I could have changed things.

Inspirational readings and spiritual know-how did very little to move the energy along. 

One day, in the silence of meditation, it dropped in like a ton of bricks.  Almost as severe as devastating loss, the practice of gratitude entered my consciousness like an Angel, giving hope and new life.

I started to give thanks and with each passing day, I felt slowly excavated from my stagnation and heavy heart.  

As my heart opened, new life began - so much so that we conceived another time.  

Today, this miraculous conceptions my daughter, who is now 4 years old.  One of middle name is Grace.  It is through grace and gratitude that my life has been forever altered.  For this, I give whole-hearted thanks!  

Did you Know that October is Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month?  Be a blessing: Find out more and learn how to help others through this experience.

What one circumstance in your life might you want to change? 

What of gratitude turns it completely around for you?  How might you give thanks (either by deed, action, or affirmation) to activate this change?

Love IS the Bridge

“Love is faith, a living practice, and path of possibility.”

— Rev. Evelyn Foreman, M. Div.

Love is...

As simple as that. 

I am, Love is.

LOVE: It is the healing, harmonizing, neutralizing energy of the universe.  It is the common denominator that all human beings share.  Rather than race, religion or creed, I believe Love is the human cultural phenomenon that can unite us all.

Love is faith, a living practice, and path of possibility.

What feels as though it is on the other side of a bridge that you'd like to get to?  

What one action item can you accomplish today from a place of LOVE to begin building a bridge?

Turn Your Life Around

Whether hiking or life, once in a while, we might find ourselves caught in a place that we'd rather not be.

In the context of hiking, we might step in a mud puddle that we wish we wouldn't have.  In life, it might be a situation or a circumstance that we'd rather not experience.

Rather than to simply wish it away, I realize it does no good for me to struggle, complain or curse, for that matter!  In both instances, it truly helps to adopt a positive frame of mind so that any problem-solving abilities I might possess will come to the surface. 

Because I would personally rather be in a positive mood than a grumpy one, I stay open to how I might turn my mood from foul to free?

Through life transitions, especially those that seem to feel especially difficult, like grief or losses, I have learned to be present to what comes up. 

As I acknowledge where I am, I give thanks, knowing that whatever is unfolding is conspiring for me.

I dare to pour my faith into knowing and feeling grateful that all of life is FOR me.  As I do so, I loosen my attachments to the outcome of whats unfolding, and miracles unfold.

The practice of gratitude, continual thankfulness for whatever is, enables me to turn my life around.  

How and in which way do you practice that creates positive results? Please share as you are called. <3 Namaste

10 to Zen :: Practicing Surrender as a Path of Remembering

If anyone knows me and my sweet family, they'll know that we are upwardly mobile.  Every couple of years, we are on an adventure, and we live in a new state (body, mind, and spirit), allowing us to renew what we need and release what we do not.

Our philosophy that life is to be lived, embraced and experienced has given us the courage to relocate where we want, anywhere in the world.  This privileged lifestyle has paved way for us to meet amazing people everywhere we have resided, and we love it.

This gives way to clear out not simply the physical items, but also the emotional baggage that may have collected. 

One of the most amazing gifts about moving often is the opportunity to clear out what we no longer need.  

Intentionally releasing the item(s) frees the energy to travel back from wherever it came.  This list is part of our moving list now, and I'm sharing it in case anyone wants to join us in surrendering that which no longer serves ...  Aho!

Drunk ... On Gratitude

Who would have guessed that anyone can put the words drunk & gratitude in an inspirational message?  

Rumi was a genius in so many ways, with intoxicating words that lure my spirit into the courageous act of possibility!

No one says the practice of gratitude had to be controlled and tempered. 

Let's take a hint from nature - and change our way of being every so often...let's be grateful.

What would unfold if every ONE of us became totally overtaken and completely grateful for EVERYTHING?

The world would be a marvelous place of appreciation and our life would be an immersion of cherished experiences. 

Happy People & The Inner World

The power of the mind, coupled with the human spirit, is an incredible duo.  

There are two ways to experience life. 

The former is to look at our outer circumstances and allow our 5 senses to be the driver of our happiness, a measure of success and self-worth.  The latter is to allow our inner life to inform our degree of happiness, the measure of success and self-worth.

We've all heard of the saying: if you believe it to be true, then it's true for you. 

This means that regardless of fact, stats or story, if I believe something to be true, my heart and mind will align to make it so.  The brain, after all, has evolved to support this, even in the so-called objective data of observation. 

Our faith deepens what we will see, regardless of fact.  

I remember the times in my life when I was unhappy.  knowingly or unknowingly, I said yes to blame, shame, criticism, complaint, and judgment.  Just re-reading this post sentence makes me feel icky.  Why would I have chosen that?

Well, for starters, I 'm not sure if the choice was one of conscious awareness.  We all slide up and down the scale of conscious awareness (sometimes, taking many trips a day), don't we?  This is part of our human beingness.

As awakened individuals, our task is to be present to our own "icky."  Regardless of situation or circumstance, when we feel our icky coming on, our job is to be aware of and stay vigilant to our attitude.

We can stop ourselves from the rising negative tide by deliberately focusing on gratitude, and engage ourselves in the practice of counting our blessings.  This simple mindful process can lift the clouds and change the weather, raising awareness the good that surrounds us all.

Choose happiness today! 

Have you undergone such a practice to turn your frown upside down?  Please share the experience with us as you are called. <3 

Life is a Series of Tiny Little Miracles

Life is a series of tiny little miracles, and when I am present to this, I am profoundly grateful.

Even before conception, the pattern of possibility is imprinted in our DNA.  Each moment, each breath, each millisecond, life is a miracle.  

One miracle, strung together with another, in each moment of our lives, we become who we are, and we realize who we are to be.

What better way to express thanksgiving but to embrace each moment, living fully in alignment with our soul's purpose?

Whether we accept it, or not, each one of us is a miracle, unfolding as an expression of sacred life. Realize this, and be grateful <3.  Namaste.

Pause...take a breath. 

For moment, what are you present to that is profound to you, dear One?  

Your work is to discover your world and with all your heart, give yourself to it

Giving something with "all your heart" is a gift of devotion.  What is truly worthy to give ourselves to?  ... to give all our heart to?  ... to give all our love to?

My gift is a legacy that was handed down to me by my late mom: to be Mom, sacred guardians for my own children.

My mother devoted her whole life to create an opportunity for her children to live their lives unencumbered.  In unimaginable ways, It is because of my mother's love and devotion that I am possible today.

My work of discovering my world - my family and children - was 33 years in the making before I realized what I was willing to give all my heart to.  The work of discovery is not a fast road, nor an easy one.

It has been a journey, one that has lived many lives of it's own. As I continue to grow and allow life to discover me, I make decisions now that continue to feed my work, knowing that I am the One I've been waiting for.  What sacred work awaits you on your journey?  Have you discovered yet what you are wlling to give yourself to?

Let Gratitude Guide Me

There is always a deeper story to every thing.  The deeper, underlying story is the unfolding of my sacred journey.  

When I come upon challenges and difficulties in life, I might often wish it away, wondering how I got myself into such a predicament? Yet, when I get still, and present to the moment of struggle, I realize it is an opportunity.  

The most poignant challenge that comes to mind is giving birth.  In the middle of birth, when all is in the process of unfolding, I remember wondering how I could get away from the difficulty.

The experience of natural birth has provided me a 1st hand experience that what is before me is in fact, a gift.  

Many blessings came from birthing my 1st child.  Not only did I receive the gift of my son, I learned earnestly to "lean into it."  With this, learning that the experience of birthing itself is guidance to trust the intuitive process of emergence, for baby and my own soul.

The experience of moving past the difficulty is the guide that came for me.  With it, I was taught to trust. I now use this pattern of recognition whenever I am confronted with a challenge.

As I accept the challenge before me, I relax into the idea that, for whatever reason, what I am confronted with in this present moment is here to serve me.

I give thanks knowing that what is before me is guiding me back to the Truth of my being. For this faith, and for this guidance, I am grateful.  

What difficulty have you had in the past that you now recognize as a guide from beyond?  Please share as you are called.

Live Life As If Everything is Set in Your Favor

I absolutely LOVE this reminder: "Live life as If EVERYTHING is set in your favor" because it is!

When I was in my early 20's I met Nicki. Nicki was about 5 years younger than me, but what she said made a huge impact on my perspective of life.

I was faced with difficulties of choice and challenge as any 20 something year old would.  I honestly cannot remember what my challenge was, but I remember what she said to me.  

She asked me to look back on all the challenges in my life - every single one of them. She even asked me to call up the most difficult moments that I wished was not so.

And then, she asked me to get present in the moment.  And when I did, she reminded that I am, as I was present, perfectly okay. I am safe, no matter what. 

She asked me to realize that whatever occurred in my past has already happened and that, as things are working itself out right in THIS moment, they too, will be okay.

Without even knowing it, she helped me understand and to subscribe to the belief that truly everything conspires to my favor!  

Everything, ALWAYS works out - either I win, or I learn. Either way, I ALWAYS come up on with abundance overflowing.  This is a miraculous truth:  that everything is set in my favor!  Thank you, and bless you, Nicki, for your sage advice and wisdom!

Can you relate to a difficulty, that you can see now how it has served you?  Please share as you are called.  Namaste, dear Heart.  Light in you as you remember your soul and unfold with grace. <3

Be Grateful

I declare every Thursday as Thankful Thursday!!

Let us BE GRATEFUL.

As I give thanks, I become present to the power of how my attitude sets me up for my experience.  When I practice mindfulness and give thanks for the abundance of the present moment, I become present to the gift that is my life.  

Immediately, I remember that I have everything I need to succeed and live happily: oxygen, water, food, shelter, clothing.  Everything else that is present - which is ALWAYS so much more than the basic necessities - is a bonus!  

I become present to the abundance that overflows, continuously, creating for me experiences of grace, mercy, and serendipitous fortune!

As a human being, there are times when I forget just how abundant my life is.  (Anyone ever experience this forgetfulness?) 

When mindfulness of thanksgiving is absent in consciousness, I notice a less ideal experience.  I might feel it in my body as constriction.  The voice in my head speaks loudly, sometimes shouting.  My breath becomes a bit shallow, and I feel tightness all around.

“Come back to your heart. ”

— Give Thanks

In times like these, when I feel restricted, I get to return to the sticky note on my desktop:  "Come back to the Heart."  

My road back is always a change of mind - to the positive!  Rather than anything else, I choose again to cultivate gratitude.

Gratefulness puts me on the right track. Again and again, I return. 

Join me in returning back to the heart - give thanks today for 3 things present in your life.  

Mine are: My precious children, the love of my husband and gift of sacred friendships.  What are yours?