I am really enjoying the Chopra Center's 21 Day Meditation Challenge. Each day, participants get a free meditation of about 15 minutes. Each day, there is a focus for the meditation. Today's introduction really spoke to me and I want to share it:
Releasing Negative Patterns and Addiction
As David Simon observes, we all are addicted to something. While you may not have a destructive relationship with alcohol, nicotine, or gambling, if you closely observe your thoughts, emotions, and behavior, you may notice that you have more subtle addictions, such as an addiction to approval, perfection, or control – or a compulsive need to be right. At the root of every non-nourishing behavior is a desire to fill unmet needs for security, comfort, self-esteem, and love. Yet acting out a pattern of addiction or compulsion will never fulfill our deepest needs. As the Sufi poet Hafiz advised,
“Learn to recognize the counterfeit coins that may buy you just a moment of pleasure,
But then drag you for days like a broken man behind a farting camel.”
One of the greatest gifts of meditation is the clarity and peace it opens in our lives, allowing us not only to recognize the counterfeit coins, but to no longer feel compelled by them. Meditation helps us realize that all our happiness, love, and wellbeing reside within. In meditation, we tap into our own, inexhaustible source of good as we release the need to seek it outside of ourselves. This doesn’t mean that we don’t enjoy our possessions, relationships, and activities – only that we know we aren’t dependent on them for our happiness. In today’s meditation, we will experience the gifts within and begin to release any negative patterns in our lives.
This was especially touching to me, because about 8 months ago, my husband and I gave up red meat. Then, a friend told me about her sugar addiction and the mental and emotional clarity she gained by deleting sugar from her diet. Back in July, I gave up sugar myself. Of course, any meal plan that eliminates sugar also eliminates alcohol, so I'm alcohol free, too.
I guess I've been patting myself on the back for these healthy new habits and then today's meditation brought me to other patterns I am still dragging behind me: addictions to approval, perfection, or control. Make that and control!
Yes, I see how I allow these obsessions to fill my life and cause me to be anxious and fearful. So, today, armed with a new kind of inner peace, I am setting an intention to go within and rest in that sweet place and allow the real me to come out and play!
Oh, and a note about the other habit mentioned: the need to be right. I gave that one up a few years ago, when a wise mentor asked me if I would rather be right or happy. Anytime my sweet husband or a friend brings up a factoid that I may think is incorrect, I remember this and smile. It's so much more nourishing to myself (and them) to just let them think they are right! In the end, does it really matter anyway?
If you would like to join the Chopra 21 Day Challenge, go here:
http://www.chopracentermeditation.com/bestsellers/MEDITATION_WINTER_2012/register.asp
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Shining a Light
“Hell is the opposite of joy. It is unfulfillment. It is knowing
Who and What You Are, and failing to experience that.
It is being less.”
~ NEALE DONALD WALSCH, Conversations with God
When I look back on my life in Corporate America, I see that I was in a type of Hell; a Hell of my own making! Oh, I made the choices that put me there and I continued to make choices that kept me in that dark, lonely place. No one ever pointed out that I alone could open the door and let myself out. This was something I had to figure out . . . the hard way.
For the past six years, I’ve been a type of guide for folks. My specialty is helping you “get out of Hell.” If you’re interested in getting out of the Hell you’ve placed yourself in, contact me. Remember, I’ve been where you are now. Sometimes, all you need is a guide or someone with a light that is just a little bit brighter than the one you have to show you the way. For many people, I am that light, helping them see a new way to healing, and to a better life.
And, if I can do that for you, it will make my day.
I use a coaching style in my work, which allows you to ask questions, seek answers and grow. I don’t give advice and I don’t do the work for you. If you’re interested in clearing out some of your old stuff, give me a call. If you are interested in equipping yourself with tools and techniques that continue the healing long after your session is finished, I’d like to talk with you. If you are interested in learning new skills that make Earth School a little more fun and your life a lot more rewarding, contact me. If you’ve decided that Hell is no place to live, well you’ve found a friend.
Because what I really want you to know is this: THERE IS NO HELL, no prison, except the one you create for yourself. Truly. So choose freedom. Today.
And give yourself the gift of: FREEDOM
You truly hold the key. In this moment, you can choose to set yourself free. I offer you the potential for change, for healing, for transformation . . . It’s like I’m offering you a “get out of hell” card . . .I wonder if you will take the first step . . .
In the words of one of the world’s great Statesman:
“If you're going through Hell, keep going.”
~ Winston Churchill
Contact me if I can help in any way.
http://www.soulrevelations.tv
Who and What You Are, and failing to experience that.
It is being less.”
~ NEALE DONALD WALSCH, Conversations with God
When I look back on my life in Corporate America, I see that I was in a type of Hell; a Hell of my own making! Oh, I made the choices that put me there and I continued to make choices that kept me in that dark, lonely place. No one ever pointed out that I alone could open the door and let myself out. This was something I had to figure out . . . the hard way.
For the past six years, I’ve been a type of guide for folks. My specialty is helping you “get out of Hell.” If you’re interested in getting out of the Hell you’ve placed yourself in, contact me. Remember, I’ve been where you are now. Sometimes, all you need is a guide or someone with a light that is just a little bit brighter than the one you have to show you the way. For many people, I am that light, helping them see a new way to healing, and to a better life.
And, if I can do that for you, it will make my day.
I use a coaching style in my work, which allows you to ask questions, seek answers and grow. I don’t give advice and I don’t do the work for you. If you’re interested in clearing out some of your old stuff, give me a call. If you are interested in equipping yourself with tools and techniques that continue the healing long after your session is finished, I’d like to talk with you. If you are interested in learning new skills that make Earth School a little more fun and your life a lot more rewarding, contact me. If you’ve decided that Hell is no place to live, well you’ve found a friend.
Because what I really want you to know is this: THERE IS NO HELL, no prison, except the one you create for yourself. Truly. So choose freedom. Today.
And give yourself the gift of: FREEDOM
You truly hold the key. In this moment, you can choose to set yourself free. I offer you the potential for change, for healing, for transformation . . . It’s like I’m offering you a “get out of hell” card . . .I wonder if you will take the first step . . .
In the words of one of the world’s great Statesman:
“If you're going through Hell, keep going.”
~ Winston Churchill
Contact me if I can help in any way.
http://www.soulrevelations.tv
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Surfing Life
I was thinking about what I "do" in the world and was gently nudged to think instead of who I "be." And who I "be" these days is a surfer . . . a life surfer . . . surfing, gliding and floating around on the current of life . . .allowing it to be easy.
Isn't that what we say when we are on the internet? "I'm suring the world wide web," people say.
Well, I want to surf life!
I was driving home from the office and this came to me. So interesting and novel to look at life this way. Gives us freedom to just "be."
Off to surf a little bit more . . .
Isn't that what we say when we are on the internet? "I'm suring the world wide web," people say.
Well, I want to surf life!
I was driving home from the office and this came to me. So interesting and novel to look at life this way. Gives us freedom to just "be."
Off to surf a little bit more . . .
Monday, August 15, 2011
We went to Houston on Sunday for our granddaughter’s baptism. Avery Catherine Bench was born on June 8 and her paternal grandparents offered to host the baptism at their church. Her parents, Sara and Ryan, went down a few weeks ago and set everything up with the Minister, who is a very nice, friendly man named Steve. The 10:45 AM service on Sunday, August 14 was dedicated to Avery!
Ryan’s grandmother “Gigi” gave Avery a beautiful christening gown. It was white cotton batiste with gathered short sleeves and a beautiful collar and pin-tucking around the bottom. They are going to have her name embroidered on it, as well as the dates of her birth and baptism. Gigi also let Avery wear her tiny gold cross necklace for the day. Ryan’s mother had worn the cross on her baptism day, as well.
The service took place at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Houston. The church is a contemporary design and featured a wonderful band and great music. (Music has always been my favorite part of worship . . . must have been a Gregorian Monk in a past life or something!) When it came time for the baptism, the two screens at the front of the auditorium read:
The Minister called for Sara and Ryan to approach the baptism font and Tyler (Ryan’s brother) and Meagan (our older daughter) accompanied them as Avery’s Godparents.
Avery was precious. She let the minister pour water on her head 3 times. After the 3rd time, Sara said she looked at her as if to say, “What are YOU going to DO Mom? This is enough!"
He dried her head with a towel and then put oil on her forehead. After he said a few words, he asked to take the baby from Sara. He walked up and down the aisle and let people look at her! I’ve never seen this done, but he and the congregation seemed to enjoy it and the baby was OK.
When they sat down, she squirmed a little and then began to cry.
Sara and Ryan left with her to go to the “Cry Room” and they
put a different outfit on her and she settled down.
Ryan’s grandmother bought Avery the most beautiful christening
gown. It was new and maybe a little scratchy. She felt better in
her pink and purple girly dress and bloomers. Sara’s dad bought
her some little pink shoes that were adorable. Gigi also let Avery
wear HER gold cross necklace. It was really pretty. I’m so glad
Ryan’s grandmother was able to come.
Our family enjoyed the honor of witnessing this blessed event!
Ryan’s parents treated everyone to a Mexican food lunch afterward.
Ryan's Mom, Paula, had a cake made in the shape of a Bible
with beautiful roses and Avery’s name and the date of
the baptism.
So, what are my thoughts on this special day? That life is holy and special and that we have a big responsibility to help Avery grow and learn about the Universe and her unique place in it.
Her tiny feet will grow and take her on many adventures. She is blessed to have so many people who love her and will be here to help her along her way.
She is growing up in an awesome time, with so many opportunities for learning and creating a truly wonderful life. I am honored to be a part of her life!
Ryan’s grandmother “Gigi” gave Avery a beautiful christening gown. It was white cotton batiste with gathered short sleeves and a beautiful collar and pin-tucking around the bottom. They are going to have her name embroidered on it, as well as the dates of her birth and baptism. Gigi also let Avery wear her tiny gold cross necklace for the day. Ryan’s mother had worn the cross on her baptism day, as well.
The service took place at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Houston. The church is a contemporary design and featured a wonderful band and great music. (Music has always been my favorite part of worship . . . must have been a Gregorian Monk in a past life or something!) When it came time for the baptism, the two screens at the front of the auditorium read:
The Minister called for Sara and Ryan to approach the baptism font and Tyler (Ryan’s brother) and Meagan (our older daughter) accompanied them as Avery’s Godparents.
Avery was precious. She let the minister pour water on her head 3 times. After the 3rd time, Sara said she looked at her as if to say, “What are YOU going to DO Mom? This is enough!"
He dried her head with a towel and then put oil on her forehead. After he said a few words, he asked to take the baby from Sara. He walked up and down the aisle and let people look at her! I’ve never seen this done, but he and the congregation seemed to enjoy it and the baby was OK.
When they sat down, she squirmed a little and then began to cry.
Sara and Ryan left with her to go to the “Cry Room” and they
put a different outfit on her and she settled down.
Ryan’s grandmother bought Avery the most beautiful christening
gown. It was new and maybe a little scratchy. She felt better in
her pink and purple girly dress and bloomers. Sara’s dad bought
her some little pink shoes that were adorable. Gigi also let Avery
wear HER gold cross necklace. It was really pretty. I’m so glad
Ryan’s grandmother was able to come.
Our family enjoyed the honor of witnessing this blessed event!
Ryan’s parents treated everyone to a Mexican food lunch afterward.
Ryan's Mom, Paula, had a cake made in the shape of a Bible
with beautiful roses and Avery’s name and the date of
the baptism.
So, what are my thoughts on this special day? That life is holy and special and that we have a big responsibility to help Avery grow and learn about the Universe and her unique place in it.
Her tiny feet will grow and take her on many adventures. She is blessed to have so many people who love her and will be here to help her along her way.
She is growing up in an awesome time, with so many opportunities for learning and creating a truly wonderful life. I am honored to be a part of her life!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
The Real Horse Whisperer
My husband and I went to see "Buck," which is a wonderful independent film about the man who was the true spirit represented in the book and the movie "The Horse Whisperer." I love horses and my husband loves horses, so we were thrilled when we learned about this film. I wasn’t prepared for the roller coaster of emotions that I experienced!
Here’s what Buck’s website says about the film
This film, BUCK, was created to move people to make changes in how they deal with horses and life's challenges. Buck Brannaman is a true cowboy who has overcome tremendous personal odds. This film intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.
BUCK, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life “horse-whisperer”, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
The film tells the story of Buck’s life in a very realistic, unvarnished way. He doesn’t whine about his childhood, nor does he make excuses for his father. He is a true example of turning our wounds into pure gold.
Here’s Buck’s own website:
http://brannaman.com/
If you are looking for a film that will uplift you and inspire you, go see “Buck.” It will be playing later in August at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth. Better yet, buy the DVD when it comes out and share this heartwarming story with your friends and family. And have plenty of tissues on hand!
Here’s what Buck’s website says about the film
This film, BUCK, was created to move people to make changes in how they deal with horses and life's challenges. Buck Brannaman is a true cowboy who has overcome tremendous personal odds. This film intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.
BUCK, a richly textured and visually stunning film, follows Brannaman from his abusive childhood to his phenomenally successful approach to horses. A real-life “horse-whisperer”, he eschews the violence of his upbringing and teaches people to communicate with their horses through leadership and sensitivity, not punishment. A truly American story about an unsung hero, BUCK is about an ordinary man who has made an extraordinary life despite tremendous odds.
The film tells the story of Buck’s life in a very realistic, unvarnished way. He doesn’t whine about his childhood, nor does he make excuses for his father. He is a true example of turning our wounds into pure gold.
Here’s Buck’s own website:
http://brannaman.com/
If you are looking for a film that will uplift you and inspire you, go see “Buck.” It will be playing later in August at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth. Better yet, buy the DVD when it comes out and share this heartwarming story with your friends and family. And have plenty of tissues on hand!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
More Love . . .
I was holding my granddaughter Avery today, after giving her a bath and settling into the couch. As she lay there, snuggled in her little pink blanket, sleeping so peacefully, I thought of my own Grandmother.
We called her "Granny." For almost 10 years of my life, she lived 7 houses down the block. I spent a lot of time at her house, both playing in her yard, eating her food and helping her with chores. When I think of the concept of "unconditional love," her face comes into my mind. I can close my eyes and smell her talcum-powdered body or the Jergens lotion that she used several times a day on her hands.
Sometimes, my memory reminds me of the Juicy Fruit that she always had in her purse!
I don't recall ever hearing my Granny raise her voice or speak in any manner other than loving. She always wore an apron (except for church!) and always had a pie or fried chicken or biscuits ready at a moment's notice. (Biscuits and her gravy . . . mmmmmmm . . .)
As I sat there in my daughter's apartment, alone with Avery, the love I felt swept over me and I was taken back in time. I was sitting at my Granny's knee in her livingroom, and then outside on her back porch. Eating watermelon was one of her favorite activities and her back porch hosted many of these summertime treats.
At her knee, I would just drink in her love, her way of just "being." And this allowed me to just "be," also. I always felt like I was "off duty" at Granny's house, free to just "be" ME! Isn't that a wonderful gift to give to a child?
So, as I thought of my Granny, I thought of Avery and how very much I want to "be" that kind of unconditional love for her. How much I want to give her the gift of just "being" her.
Those are big shoes to fill, and I'm willing to go for it!
We called her "Granny." For almost 10 years of my life, she lived 7 houses down the block. I spent a lot of time at her house, both playing in her yard, eating her food and helping her with chores. When I think of the concept of "unconditional love," her face comes into my mind. I can close my eyes and smell her talcum-powdered body or the Jergens lotion that she used several times a day on her hands.
Sometimes, my memory reminds me of the Juicy Fruit that she always had in her purse!
I don't recall ever hearing my Granny raise her voice or speak in any manner other than loving. She always wore an apron (except for church!) and always had a pie or fried chicken or biscuits ready at a moment's notice. (Biscuits and her gravy . . . mmmmmmm . . .)
As I sat there in my daughter's apartment, alone with Avery, the love I felt swept over me and I was taken back in time. I was sitting at my Granny's knee in her livingroom, and then outside on her back porch. Eating watermelon was one of her favorite activities and her back porch hosted many of these summertime treats.
At her knee, I would just drink in her love, her way of just "being." And this allowed me to just "be," also. I always felt like I was "off duty" at Granny's house, free to just "be" ME! Isn't that a wonderful gift to give to a child?
So, as I thought of my Granny, I thought of Avery and how very much I want to "be" that kind of unconditional love for her. How much I want to give her the gift of just "being" her.
Those are big shoes to fill, and I'm willing to go for it!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
My New Love Child . . . Avery
Or, maybe I could say, "Child of Love!"
My granddaughter was born yesterday. Her name is Avery Catherine Bench and she is precious, perfect and pure love! She can teach us so much about love and trust. She trusts that all of her needs will be met. When she is hungry, she cries or makes little sucking sounds or tries to eat her fist. She doesn’t say, “Oh, should I eat now?” or “I’m too fat,” or “I’m too skinny.”
Yes, she asks for food when she’s hungry and someone attends to it. When she’s wet, she cries or makes those little noises and kind of scrunches up her face. Then we know to help her, to take care of what she needs.
As I watched her, I thought of how much the Universe is like this; if we will allow good things to come to us. We create a desire, put emotion behind it and it manifests.
What gets in the way is our:
· shame
· limiting beliefs
· guilt
· lack of deservedness
· feeling that the world is a scarce or scary place
How pure and innocent she is. Just think, she has:
· No shame
· No limiting beliefs
· No guilt
· No lack of deservedness
· No feeling that the world is a scarce or scary place
In fact, she is PURE LOVE! She loves everyone, unconditionally and we love her, unconditionally, too. At this point, she hasn’t stayed out all night or skipped school or done any of the things that usually bother us parents. She is just this little bundle of joy and love and happiness.
I want to be like Avery: trusting and pure love. As it says in the Course in Miracles:
The awareness of love’s presence is our natural birthright.
Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all of the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
Teach only love for that is what you are.
So, I want to recapture that state of Pure Love. Thank you, Avery, for teaching me about Love!
My granddaughter was born yesterday. Her name is Avery Catherine Bench and she is precious, perfect and pure love! She can teach us so much about love and trust. She trusts that all of her needs will be met. When she is hungry, she cries or makes little sucking sounds or tries to eat her fist. She doesn’t say, “Oh, should I eat now?” or “I’m too fat,” or “I’m too skinny.”
Yes, she asks for food when she’s hungry and someone attends to it. When she’s wet, she cries or makes those little noises and kind of scrunches up her face. Then we know to help her, to take care of what she needs.
As I watched her, I thought of how much the Universe is like this; if we will allow good things to come to us. We create a desire, put emotion behind it and it manifests.
What gets in the way is our:
· shame
· limiting beliefs
· guilt
· lack of deservedness
· feeling that the world is a scarce or scary place
How pure and innocent she is. Just think, she has:
· No shame
· No limiting beliefs
· No guilt
· No lack of deservedness
· No feeling that the world is a scarce or scary place
In fact, she is PURE LOVE! She loves everyone, unconditionally and we love her, unconditionally, too. At this point, she hasn’t stayed out all night or skipped school or done any of the things that usually bother us parents. She is just this little bundle of joy and love and happiness.
I want to be like Avery: trusting and pure love. As it says in the Course in Miracles:
The awareness of love’s presence is our natural birthright.
Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all of the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.
Teach only love for that is what you are.
So, I want to recapture that state of Pure Love. Thank you, Avery, for teaching me about Love!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
