The sun is shining here in Northwest Indiana. There's fresh snow on the ground. I had a tremendous yoga practice and meditation this morning! I just wanted to put it out there how grateful I am for this wonderfully beautiful day!
If you practice yoga, check out this sequence:
http://21daychallenge.yogajournal.com/challenge/day/20?utm_source=YogaChallenge&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=YogaChallenge
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Change
"Amidst the rush of worldly comings and goings, observe how endings become beginnings." (Taken from one of Dr. Dyer's calendars.)
I believe most people struggle with change. It's the not knowing what will happen; the lack of predictability, the lack of control. If we move through our lives, intentional in our actions toward our goals, the rest will follow. I have to practice letting go of what I do not have control over, knowing the Universe will bring me what I need, when I need it. That knowing is what allows me to get through each worry, each struggle, each issue. Gentle reminders to myself are needed every day, sometimes every moment, to release and breath.
I have to start small. Knowing what it is I want and be thoughtful in obtaining it. Then, I have to let it go, and allow it to come to me.
Sometimes, I get surprised at what it given. Sometimes what is given is something entirely new!
Rambling done! Have a sweet day!
I believe most people struggle with change. It's the not knowing what will happen; the lack of predictability, the lack of control. If we move through our lives, intentional in our actions toward our goals, the rest will follow. I have to practice letting go of what I do not have control over, knowing the Universe will bring me what I need, when I need it. That knowing is what allows me to get through each worry, each struggle, each issue. Gentle reminders to myself are needed every day, sometimes every moment, to release and breath.
I have to start small. Knowing what it is I want and be thoughtful in obtaining it. Then, I have to let it go, and allow it to come to me.
Sometimes, I get surprised at what it given. Sometimes what is given is something entirely new!
Rambling done! Have a sweet day!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Unit 8
At this stage in my journey, the Loving-Kindness and the Subtle Mind, have been very beneficial for me. I have been doing one or the other every day.
I practice the Loving-Kindness for two reasons. One for sending loving-kindness to those I love and then I practice it because there are those I still feel some resentment towards. This practice allows me to continue to let go of the resentment holding me back from reaching a deeper peace and serenity. Specifically, I turn my attentions toward my mother and my ex husband, each for different reasons. This aids me helping to forgive them without dealing directly with them. Dealing with them directly about issues has never worked and I continually work on accepting them for who they are. I still have a relationship with my mom but it is not the one I would prefer and I need to let that vision go in order to enjoy what we do have. I have not spoken to or seen my ex husband in over 3 years. I prefer it this way but I still need to work on letting my anger toward him go.
The Subtle-Mind practice just brings me a sense of deeper awareness. It really does allow for the mental chatter to be unclogged from my brain. It still amazes me how just 15 minutes a day can make me feel rejuvenated yet calm and centered.
I will continue practicing these daily and I plan to move it to twice daily when I feel I'm ready.
Take care!
I practice the Loving-Kindness for two reasons. One for sending loving-kindness to those I love and then I practice it because there are those I still feel some resentment towards. This practice allows me to continue to let go of the resentment holding me back from reaching a deeper peace and serenity. Specifically, I turn my attentions toward my mother and my ex husband, each for different reasons. This aids me helping to forgive them without dealing directly with them. Dealing with them directly about issues has never worked and I continually work on accepting them for who they are. I still have a relationship with my mom but it is not the one I would prefer and I need to let that vision go in order to enjoy what we do have. I have not spoken to or seen my ex husband in over 3 years. I prefer it this way but I still need to work on letting my anger toward him go.
The Subtle-Mind practice just brings me a sense of deeper awareness. It really does allow for the mental chatter to be unclogged from my brain. It still amazes me how just 15 minutes a day can make me feel rejuvenated yet calm and centered.
I will continue practicing these daily and I plan to move it to twice daily when I feel I'm ready.
Take care!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Success is an inside job -
(from the Inner Peace Cards by Dr. Dyer)
What makes you relaxed? How do you bring peace into your life? Can you be confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating? At the same time?
This reminds me of the mindful person so in tune with the present moment they were not startled by unexpected noise during meditation. Ahh, to achieve that level of calm and sense of serenity is a lofty, but realistic goal. I am able to achieve it in small doses. Sometimes, it is while practicing yoga or lifting weights. Sometimes, it is pouring water or typing this sentence. The moments are sometimes fleeting but meaningful. The present moment can never be duplicated. It's now and then it's over.
Challenge yourself to be present in the moment while doing something ordinary or routine. Really notice how your phone feels in your hand, the keys under your fingers. Or, eating that delicious, healthy smoothie. ;) How does it really taste? Can you describe how it feels to pet your dog or cat?
That's today's ramblings!
Be well.
What makes you relaxed? How do you bring peace into your life? Can you be confident, emotionally neutral, loose, and free-floating? At the same time?
This reminds me of the mindful person so in tune with the present moment they were not startled by unexpected noise during meditation. Ahh, to achieve that level of calm and sense of serenity is a lofty, but realistic goal. I am able to achieve it in small doses. Sometimes, it is while practicing yoga or lifting weights. Sometimes, it is pouring water or typing this sentence. The moments are sometimes fleeting but meaningful. The present moment can never be duplicated. It's now and then it's over.
Challenge yourself to be present in the moment while doing something ordinary or routine. Really notice how your phone feels in your hand, the keys under your fingers. Or, eating that delicious, healthy smoothie. ;) How does it really taste? Can you describe how it feels to pet your dog or cat?
That's today's ramblings!
Be well.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Divine wisdom guides me
This appears to be the card I wrote about not too long ago. Must have meant I needed to hear it, again. Today, I believe this means I am safe in knowing that all of the choices I make today will be the right choices. As long as I am able to let go of the things I have no control over, I am safe.
A side note: Thank you all for prayers and good thoughts directed at my son's family. Baby is holding her own, assisted with oxygen and Mom is stable and still unconscious. We were able to spend some time with son and get him out of the hospital for a few hours. Thank you all again.
A side note: Thank you all for prayers and good thoughts directed at my son's family. Baby is holding her own, assisted with oxygen and Mom is stable and still unconscious. We were able to spend some time with son and get him out of the hospital for a few hours. Thank you all again.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
In need of some prayers, please
My oldest step son has a girlfriend with MD. She has been hospitalized for the past few weeks with H1N1. She was 6 months pregnant. We just got news they had to put her into another medicated coma, her lung collapsed when they put in a tracheotomy, and they delivered her baby girl at just under 4lbs. Baby is strong right now, Mom not so much. Son is very overwhelmed. Please put them in your prayers today and send them healing thoughts.
With all my heart, we thank you so very much.
With all my heart, we thank you so very much.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that weaken you.
(A Dr. Dyer card from 10 Secrets...)
Today, I was going to put off meditation until later in the day. Weakened thought turned around and did it anyway. I'm so glad I did. Each time I meditate, practice yoga, and/or coordinate my breathing with lifting weights I feel so much MORE.
I'm in a position I've never been in before. For the first time in my life, I am not the bread winner in the family. I'm very blessed to be in a position to stay home and attend school full time. My husband has just returned to work and now I am really a stay-at-home mom. I'm not struggling but simply exploring why I seem to have a bit of a hard time accepting this as the amazing thing it is. The feminist in me, the influence of society, and the talkings of some members of my family get into my head. I know I am fortunate in my position. At the same time, my husband and I put effort and planning into making this possible and it's difficult to understand the opposition I get from some people. I am going to continue meditating on letting this go and practicing loving-kindness for those who don't get it.
On a lighter note, it smells like spring outside and I just may go stomp around in puddles.
Today, I was going to put off meditation until later in the day. Weakened thought turned around and did it anyway. I'm so glad I did. Each time I meditate, practice yoga, and/or coordinate my breathing with lifting weights I feel so much MORE.
I'm in a position I've never been in before. For the first time in my life, I am not the bread winner in the family. I'm very blessed to be in a position to stay home and attend school full time. My husband has just returned to work and now I am really a stay-at-home mom. I'm not struggling but simply exploring why I seem to have a bit of a hard time accepting this as the amazing thing it is. The feminist in me, the influence of society, and the talkings of some members of my family get into my head. I know I am fortunate in my position. At the same time, my husband and I put effort and planning into making this possible and it's difficult to understand the opposition I get from some people. I am going to continue meditating on letting this go and practicing loving-kindness for those who don't get it.
On a lighter note, it smells like spring outside and I just may go stomp around in puddles.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Unit 7 Meeting Aesclepius
What a beautiful day! The sun is shining here in NW Indiana and the temp is high at 43 degrees!
I have to admit I was a little skeptical going in to this meditation simply because I didn't think I was ready. I've been meditating every day this week with the subtle mind meditation and loving it. Being able to concentrate on my breathing is much easier than visualization and imagery for me. However, I used my Dad as my focal point and went deep a few times. When my attention wandered, I was able to bring my focus back each time for just a few more moments. When I was done, I felt very connected to my father and the earth. (note: my Dad passed away in 2003.)
Each time I meditate or practice deep breathing, I feel a little more centered, clearer, and I always gain more confidence in myself. This confidence isn't about anything specific. It's just I get more of a sense that I'm doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing right now. Each step I take, each activity I do, each thought I have just seems more right. I'm going to continue doing the things I do. I'm also going to start exploring the possibility of finding a mentor, a guide, to help me take my journey to another level. But, until then, I'm going to pay some closer attention to my assessment and start outlining more paths on this journey.
"One can not lead another where one has not gone him or herself," is another way of explaining how we, as healers, must fully experience our paths and our journeys to whole health and happiness (Schlitz, Amorok, & Micozzi, 2005). Although everyone is unique and their journey's will be equally different, we must commit ourselves to our own healing in order to guide others. I believe we do have a responsibility to our clients for our own development. This is to not say we won't have issues or experiences but we should be able to practice awareness and have the ability to address them in the appropriate manner. As I stated previously, I am going to continue meditating, working on and exploring my assessment, and begin looking for a mentor.
Be well everyone!
Reference
Schlitz, M., Amorok, T., Micozzi, M.S. (2005). Consciousness & healing: Integral approaches to mind-body medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Aromatherapy
Hey all!
Does anyone know a legit site to go to for certification for aromatherapy? There's nothing in my area and there are so many sites, I'm not sure where to start?
Thanks in advance!
Does anyone know a legit site to go to for certification for aromatherapy? There's nothing in my area and there are so many sites, I'm not sure where to start?
Thanks in advance!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Unit 6
Hey readers!
The universal loving-kindness meditation is a wonderful exercise in expressing the desire to achieve, well, loving and kindness toward others. I definitely like this exercise and will continue to practice it. I tended to get caught up in not knowing what I was supposed to be saying. So then I’d open my eyes to read and really have to bring my focus back.
The assessment process is very similar to the wellness wheel I use for myself and clients. I believe I’m fairly balanced. I also believe I’ve made some progress in many areas if I compare this assessment to the last wellness wheel I did. I discovered I’ve made some progress in the area of interpersonal and psychospiritual flourishing.
One of the areas I believe needs to have more focus is in the worldly aspect. I am not currently working in my field or my former field (mental health). But, I struggle with letting that go and just being in the moment of the journey of learning. On the other hand, I’m itching to be with clients again. To be helping people. I miss it and in this path I’ve been on I’ve discovered I don’t want to work for someone else, i.e. an organization or company. So, I’ve been making lists and mulling over ideas. I believe I need to continue this educational journey, continue meditating, and check out some places of interest for possible future work.
Would love ideas, inputs, or words of wisdom!
Be well!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Truth
Today's card is about truth and integrity. Well, to tell the truth today, I just don't feel good. I got slammed with an ear/sinus infection yesterday. I don't usually get sick but thanks to a past drug problem, I have really horrible sinus issues and every once in a while it makes for an ear infection. Blah!
But, it's another beautiful snowy day in my world. I'm going to finish up my assignment, do some yoga, and rest.
But, it's another beautiful snowy day in my world. I'm going to finish up my assignment, do some yoga, and rest.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Have fun!
That is today's card taken from "The Answer is Simple" deck by Sonia Choquette. I love laughing! I love to make people laugh. I did post a link yesterday to share my laughter with others. I hope you enjoyed it. If not, please take a few minutes to watch it. Institute it in your work place. It's hilarious! I'm not sure what I will do for fun today. I don't plan it. It just happens. I do believe a good belly laugh can make the day so much brighter.
Have you ever played the "ha" game? The first person yells "ha", then the 2nd person yells, "ha, ha", etc. You have to start over every time someone really starts laughing.
Be well everyone!
Have you ever played the "ha" game? The first person yells "ha", then the 2nd person yells, "ha, ha", etc. You have to start over every time someone really starts laughing.
Be well everyone!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Unit 5 The subtle mind practice
I very much enjoyed the subtle mind practice. (Thank you, Professor for doc sharing it) I’m used to meditating in nature with no voices. So, the sound of the waves and my own breathing felt very natural to me. My focus did drift off at times and it was funny because the thoughts were so random and were of no issue to me. I was able to continue pulling back to focusing on my breathing and a few times I was aware but unaware. It was awesome!
Not to say that I don’t like the loving-kindness meditation because I think it has a purpose and I will continue to use it. However, the subtle mind practice is more to my liking. I think it really depends if I want to find peace and clarity or if I want to send some thoughts out to the universe.
I think of my yoga practice as an example of finding a connection of spiritual wellness to mental and physical wellness. The more I practice, the more I am in tune with my breathing and the movement of my body. When I am holding a pose for any length of time, I have to reach deeper inside myself for strength. And, a lot of the times, it is not physical strength that I’m looking for. It goes beyond that. I have to find a place in my mind where only I exist and at the same time, I’m existing outside my body and mind.
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