“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.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that YOU are exactly where you have always intended to be. Laugh, Cry, Breathe, Appreciate just how powerful you are and just how cared for you are to be where you are right this very moment.

We breathe, we chose.  We give and take.  We take and give.  It is all just right to learn what is needed and find what is wanted.  It is just perfect.

Can we begin the day with our breath and our acceptance that it is just right, right now.

Depression and Spiritual Awakening

Ted Talk with Lisa Miller

 

Life gets busy.  Sometimes it is so FULL that you do not even know if you’re enjoying one bit of it.  You might hear yourself sigh more, dropping or forgetting things and just noticing a negative attitude leaking and then pouring out.  I looked at our calendar and realized there are no breaks for a while, no days just to catch up or be lazy.  I quickly realized that this was stressful and bringing on my ‘Negative Nancy’ alter ego.

This is life.  It’s what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans, right?  It’s the days that make your head spin, the meetings you dread, the family in town, the trips to pack and plan for and the endless laundry, dishes and toys to clean up.  This is life.  It’s not next month and it doesn’t reside in the quiet moments alone.  It can be loud, messy and unrelenting.  I literally said out loud, “you can go with the flow and enjoy what your life is right now or you can fight it, wish it away and even break down into tears. What’s it gonna be?”   Without a breath, my heart and brain jumped to: “ENJOY!!”  Nothing horrible is happening, it’s just a fast flow right now.

We can enjoy.

 

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

 Trust your process.

Below you will find attainable goals for enjoying and soaking in the very moment you ARE!  If there is one of these mindfulness moments that speaks to you- start small and simply with 2-5 minutes or 1-2 thoughts or 3-5 breaths.  It doesn’t have to be a massive shift in your world and day to make a difference in your perspective with time.

Mindfulness Moments: 

• Gratitude Journal / Board (on your fridge, bathroom mirror or office desk.  1-2 pieces each day that brought joy, a smile, a sigh of relief….
• A midday ‘Breather’.  Set an alarm on your phone or computer for the time of day you like to grab coffee or a snack or check Facebook quickly.  Instead or in addition to this break, take a Breather, 3-5 breathes.  Count your inhale and exhale and bring them to an balanced number.  For instance, a 3 second inhale and a 3 second exhale.
• Name a Yoga Pose or any posture that you feel good and revitalized within and start your day with that pose, while in the kitchen making breakfast or even while you are still in bed!
• Name a Yoga Pose that brings comfort and end you day with 1 pose, while you’re watching a show or brushing your teeth, or when you settle into bed.

Small steps that are achievable in our busy lives is the key to bringing in a new habit. They will grow naturally with time if they serve you and if they don’t experiment with a new Moment just for you.

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.