Author: valeriecameronmerritt

At any point in the day, in repeating cycles, in this ever pressing and turning reality we know as life, you may find yourself carrying weight in various forms.

If we can pinpoint the areas where we feel stuck or held back by habits or by forces outside of our control, we can begin the process of letting them go.

When you know thoughts, actions, or beliefs are holding you back or keeping you tied to a certain way of being that you may have outgrown, you also know it’s time for change.  To change, we have to let go of what was.  This can be difficult. Depending on the requirements of your situation, it may only be a matter of time and patience,or you may have to go through steps associated with grieving before letting go.

Hold presence with yourself this week to recognize the ways in which you can help yourself to let go.

 

“We do not really see through our eyes or hear through our ears, but through our beliefs.”  – Lisa Delpit

Our culture defines us. It may dictate how we communicate, the customs we include in our life, and the way we view the world.  To make an effort to see ourselves apart from our culture and to look at others apart from theirs may be a challenge.  It is well worth the effort to see another human for their core essence and not for what has coerced their current circumstance.  Integration of various cultures can be a beautiful part of our lives or it can be a limiting barrier, depending on your interpretation of “different”.

“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.” -Linda Grayson 

Hope you can make time for both this weekend!

– Jessica &Valerie

 

The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.     -Robin S. Sharma

Meditation on quieting the mind:

I breathe in, and notice thoughts passing.

I breathe out, and let the thoughts go along without me.

Slowly inhale and exhale for counts of 5 while mentally repeating these words.

Everything seems to be attached in some regard or another.  We want to welcome commonality and unity, but these may lead to feelings of attachment if sought for more than their offering in the present moment. When caught in analyzing our minds can go deeper into layers of control and perhaps obsession.  Expecting fulfillment through people, places, or things can be a hindrance.  We may understand the concept of non-attachment and even find ourselves committing to the idea, but an active practice takes diligence and patience in realization.

When it is time to detach, these flowers will know it, the branches will know it, and they will surrender to their cycle.

Depression and Spiritual Awakening

Ted Talk with Lisa Miller

 

Any pace is a good pace. Be gentle with your soul and steady your heart.

 Trust your process.

When you are outside in the coming days, in your garden or on a city street, practice a feeling of appreciation for all that you observe.  To the plant: you are my favorite plant.  To the bird:  you are my favorite bird.  To the car passing:  you are my favorite car even though you are rattling or blowing smoke, you are still my favorite car.  To the crack in the sidewalk: you are my favorite winding crack in the cement. To the cloud: you are my favorite fluffy cloud in the sky.

This practice will assist in uplifting you and you will in turn be better able to uplift others.

 

Placing a smile on your face, even when you may not feel like smiling can be the fastest path in spiraling upwards.  Lift yourself and others with a smile!