Belief Patterns

Letting go of preexisting belief patterns has become a natural flow from focusing on ‘being present with self’ in the previous post. Not to lose the fabric of one’s self or throw ethics out the window, but to open up to the possibility that thoughts may have been hindering growth and a more full existence in the past. The object is to be fresh and fully awake for what each day will bring.

If there are beliefs in you about what you can or cannot do, if you are not open to seeing ways around or through a situation, and if you hold fast to past experiences as more than a teacher then you may be limiting your present experience.  Let’s make room for more of the good ‘stuff’ by eliminating what no longer serves us.

My child has adopted a pet lizard in the last month: a bearded dragon named Gandalf.  In watching his lizard grow we have seen some starting signs of molting.  As the lizard’s form grows, we can literally see him shed the old to make way for new; a perfect analogy to my mind in our own process of allowing our inner selves to shed as we grow and change.

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Bravery!

From the movie Ratatouille:

“I know I’m supposed to hate humans, but there’s something about them. They don’t just survive, they discover, they create…I mean, just look at what they do with food!”

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Sometimes the bravest thing you can do in a day is to taste something new and different. One of our favorite things to do is go to the seafood counter with our 4 year old and let him choose what we have with dinner that night.  Living in Texas, seafood isn’t the most popular thing around and I love fostering the ‘odd ball’ choice.

Try something new and strange and scary this weekend with a brave friend!

A plate can have one new item and two old favorites.  The two old favorites can draw you into Mindful Eating.  Close your eyes, chew a few moments longer and see if you can put words or feelings to the taste.

 

Wonderment

Son: Mom, you’re a grown up but you didn’t grow up.
Mother: Sometimes if you’re very smart you can avoid it.  Do you know how? Stay innocent.  Stay with your heart.

Son:  And do silly dancing?
Mother:  Yes, do lots of silly dancing!

Last week I celebrated the beginning of another year in life with my sister, children, and a few girlfriends. After the ladies had to say goodnight we spent a portion of the eve choreographing a popular song and putting on makeshift costumes. We had a lot of fun with the movement.  The conversation above ensued the following day.  Beyond pleased with my child’s observation, I took his words and went flying with them.  Luckily the landing was successful and I can now share retrospect with you.

Love, happiness, and contentment reside in staying innocent as we move through life.  We can be in the world but not of it.  Be a child at the core, delighting in the abundance of simplicity surrounding you. Be cognizant of the wonders at your fingertips everyday.  Be open to the newness of it all, because it will be new to you if you allow.

Take time this weekend to identify with something that stirs childlike wonder within.  There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to go about honoring yourself and your soul. Be in tune with you.  Do what brings you the greatest amount of joy. Listen to your inner guidance and easily move where it leads.

Comments about the activities and moments that set your heart humming are welcome!

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