Changing my site.

While not completely giving up this blog I invite you to join me at our new page.  This is where you will be able to read our latest posts and watch the video's we so enjoy creating.

We look forward to keeping interesting and informative ideas in the forefront.

Thank you for reading; you provide the energy to keep us moving in a positive direction.

If you "like" us it would be appreciated.  

Tripping-Over-Enlightenment

After the Ecstasy, the Laundry

One of my favorite books has that title and was written by Jack Kornfield. I highly recommend all his writings as they are full of truths and spiritual guidance.

In it he quotes "the Hindus tell us that the child in the womb sings, "Do not let me forget who I am," but that song after birth becomes, "Oh, I have forgotten already."

It seems quite easy to "forget" our true spiritual nature, become separated from our knowing self. Human life requires much from us and is extremely demanding. Too often we spend our time focusing on the material or our need to be propped up emotionally.

Take time this year to re-connect with self. Listen to spirit when it speaks. Remember....brain and heart are tools for us to use. Only spirit speaks honestly to us.

Create your life with joy and enthusiasm, practice loving intentions and gratitude.

Release negative images and thought which separate you from hearing.

This truly can be the best year of life, if you choose it to be so.

Send love and light to others so they also may find their way...find the calm inside and extend it forward.

Become determined to live 2011 fearlessly and joyfully.

Happy Halloween!

My favorite thing about Halloween is .......my daughters birthday. Happy Birthday Erin, we love you!

This is my favorite Halloween song. Once you hear it, it simply goes around and around in your head....sorry.

But the real reason to celebrate this day was to honor the spirit.

Have a great big "spooky" day!

Believe In Yourself

Learn to trust your spiritual self. 

Live a positive life. 

Enjoy each moment in time.

Believe in possibilities.

Experience the journey.

Pro-crastination!

Finally, something I am truly gifted doing, putting things off!
 
n.[L. crastinus of to-morrow, from cras to-morrow.]
Procrastination; a putting off till to-morrow. [Obs.]

I generally am pro everything in attitude being a positive person. But wait a minute, you mean to tell me being pro something isn't always a positive idea? Golly!!

This comes up today because it is du,du,dah......tax week! And guess who hasn't completed theirs yet. That obvious huh.

Frequently we use the excuse the we simply didn't get around to it. We put off today what we can do tomorrow, figuring then we will have more time. Usually finding out that was an illusionary idea hiding in front of the logically thinking brain, providing more time to delay reality.
n.

1. 1. an erroneous perception of reality.
   2. An erroneous concept or belief.
2. The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.
3. Something, such as a fantastic plan or desire, that causes an erroneous belief or perception.
4. Illusionism in art.
5. A fine transparent cloth, used for dresses or trimmings.

 But wait, there is a cure and it can be yours free today only.

Simply check on the item below and all your problems will disappear. Well, ok, maybe not all of them, perhaps none of them actually. But it will give you that incentive you said you were waiting for.

So enjoy your day and complete something on your do list. Set yourself free from at least one of those lingering issues playing with your monkey brain.

Connecting With Spirit Via Mother Nature

Many years ago I found the easiest way to replenish my spirit and soul was to work the earth. No matter what was going on, getting my hands dirty and nurturing the soil beneath my feet always grounded me in reality.

Frequently problems which seemed daunting were easily resolved before my work was done. Solutions often popped into my head as well seemingly out of nowhere, for those pesky issues which remained to be resolved.

The earth is forgiving and comforting, asking for little and providing so much without a second thought. Perhaps that is why we associate the earth with mother for there are many similarities.

Spring is a wonderful time to re-connect with nature and your spirit. Even if you never intend to grow anything and hate bugs, take time to inhale the energy flowing freely around. Look to the sky and enjoy the warming breezes. Notice the "all" ...blend into the oneness. Smile inside your soul!  Let go of your worries and concerns. Relax your physical being!

Plant a garden....a flower?

Don't be afraid of the mud. Have a great day.....enjoy Mother Nature's bounty.

The Human Spirit Still Exists

Early yesterday this morning I received a call from my Mom. She wasn't feeling very well and needed to make an appointment to see her Dr. Before this can happen there are blood tests deemed necessary prior to the visit tomorrow.

Most of you already know Southwest PA has seen record amounts of snowfall. This creates the ability to navigate streets and parking places very difficult for everyone, but especially the elderly.

I know enough to tuck the snow shovel into the car before setting out to her apartment. While the sidewalks were somewhat shoveled out, the snow was then dumped into the street. The snow plow shoved it back against the curb. Do you see where I am going with this? Correct, it is very difficult to get her from the street into the car, hence the shovel in the back seat.

After a brief time utilizing said shovel, I deemed it safe enough to cross over the curb and to the car. Of course, Mom wasn't so sure, still shaky on her feet and worried her walker might take off without her, dumping her unceremoniously into the street.

I am pleased to report all went well to and from the blood testing center. But what I am extremely happy to report is how wonderful all those stranges were we met on our journey.

Every step of the way, someone offered assistance. They were sincere, pleasant and showed genuine concern. All had positive energy and willing to share a moment with complete strangers. I really think one or two of them was somewhat disappointed we managed without them.

So, just when your think the never ending cold weather, the poor economy, or just plain negativity has taken over, do not despair. A light still shines in many, perhaps we simply forget to see it sometimes.
 
So in closing, I wish to thank those willing to come to the aid of others. I also encourage those who don't think to offer help, to put yourself in the shoes of those needing assistance. Like they say, "There but for the grace of God," ponder that.

Just think, we get to do this again tomorrow! I wonder who we will met on our way?

Moving Day!

I'm sure most of have moved at least once in our lifetime. I confess to far too many moves. My last move was about three years ago. I tell everyone my next move is across the street (to beautiful little cemetery) or about one mile from here to a nursing home.

I have also helped others. Just last week I assisted a dear friend in her transition to a new space. Of course this was during the largest snow storms we have had in years! Something I am sure her son will never let her forget. While it was a lot of work, it also had many moments of fun and lightheartedness. It also was a nice diversion from shoveling.

But moving has taught me a few things also.

What seems like a great idea in the first place, becomes less appealing with every additional box you carry.While you are looking forward to the newness and changes it might bring, you can't help but wonder if you are making a mistake and will miss the old place. Things feel like they will never be organized again, or ready for the movers. You experience a sense of joy for your new space, while morning the loss of the old. You definitely under estimate things a lot: like the amount of work it will take and the time and energy required; before, during and after the move. Plus finding enough energy to deal with the issue of unforeseen problems, which have a way of always popping up.

Which on moving day leaves one to appear......like a dear in caught in headlights!

But over the years I learned this little secret.

You carry your home with you, like a turtle and it's shell. It doesn't matter where or how often you move. It doesn't even matter if you have a permanent home.

Because home really is where the heart is.

What we long for is a sense of security, a sense of love, a place where we feel nurtured. 

The secret is......We carry that inside us...it is your spirit and can provide all you seek. It goes where you go and requires only that you ask for assistance. When you do....you are welcomed home! 

No matter where you go or what you have in life you can always go home. 

Just connect with your spiritual haven.

Todays Sunday School Parable.

Often when I meet with clients the idea of change comes up; usually met with resistance.

Resistance is a cover for fear of change, failure of attempt, or lack of intent in the first place.

The usual comeback is, they will "try" to change.

When someone tells me "they will try"....I hear:
Ya, that sounds good, I just want to get the heck out of here, it always worked saying it before, and ....I don't believe in myself.

My response....forget the trying...to me that means....you would like to change, if it was easy; but most life changes require self discipline and taking a risk.

Fortunately, life is always presenting opportunity for change,the universe constantly providing new life choices. Sometimes these occur gently in life, sometimes they are forced upon us.

Spiritually we are designed for change, as a human.... not so much.

Do not allow age, financial situation, perceived family obligations, or the position you see yourself holding in life, stop you from being your authentic self.

Intent....the most powerful force in the Universe. Use your power wisely!

Sunday School Starts Promptly at 10!

Since it is Sunday I decided to start off with music to uplift your soul, if you like chanting that is. If not, just move on to the next paragraph, thanks.
Monks

Ok this part is for those preferring more.....mainstream Sunday morning music, if you know what I mean.
Tennessee Ernie Ford -Peace In The Valley

And of course, ... a room rocking spirituality!  My dad's favorite group.  

For my mom, a wonderful oldie but goody.
How Great Thou Art - For my mother.

And last but certainly not least....one of my favorites. please enjoy the music, your day, and find time to be grateful....now on to our lesson.
Cherokee Ava Maria

PRAYER

Anyone ever attending a Holiday family meal, knows they tend to bring out both the best and the worst of prayers. You can actually see people shrinking in their seats, hoping no one asks them to lead the prayer. Unless you are fortunate enough to have the family "religious leader" willingly take over, you end up either skipping the idea all together or someone stumbles over a few words, anything just to be able to eat.

Public prayer seems to make most of us very uncomfortable......why? Perhaps we don't know how to pray. None of us want to look silly or sound stupid, best to just sit quietly and "pray" someone else will step up.

Prayer is a personal choice. Pray or not pray, how to pray, what do you say, who do you say it to; all questions encountered by each of us at some point. If we have answered theses questions our thoughts are kept to ourselves, uncertain how others feel.

If you follow a particular religion the answer is easily provided for you. But if you don't partake of a structured form of faith what do you do? Actually the answer is simple. Just be thankful....for everything and everyone. God already knows what you need, what you want so it is redundant to ask for anything.

So if you desire to pray, speak from your heart without fear, God isn't grading you, and he has a sense of humor. Or.....just say "thank you God for everything", amen.

Amen!

Renewal - How Do You Refill Your Spirit?

Sometimes we might feel like we are hanging by a thread. Daily life keeps moving faster, with ever increasing expectations and demands on our time and energy. Usually by the end of the week we are run down, out of ideas.

Overtime this may make us depressed and feel like we are living our version of "Groundhog Day".The Movie

It is difficult to stay positive, loving and productive day after day. Our energy levels and inspirations can get a little on the low side, beaten down by the daily grind.

Sometimes our spirit needs to be recharged; energized to renew the being within.

How?

Seek something with the ability to touch you to the core and wake your spirit. It could be a movie, some song, a special person or place that is relaxing and nourishing. Or it could be allowing a spontaneous, joyous instant like playing, singing or dancing.  Whatever your spirit responds to.... has the ability to re-new.

Find that moment in time when life can hang suspended...just for a second. Allow your body to say "auhg", your shoulders drop softly, your mind stop racing, simply feeling the flow within. You then walk away awake and aware of life again, knowing you can handle it a little easier now.

Sometime these moments are individualized and private. Sometimes they can occur publicly and in great numbers. In my opinion, the world shared exactly such an amazing moment last year on the British version of American Idol.  The effect around the world was extraordinary. No matter how many time you watch this video it inspires and heals your soul. Individually she is spectacular. collectively the energy is overwhelming. Pay attention to the others, their emotion is truly inspiring.

Susan Boyle.....in her 15 minutes of fame.....was an angel we were fortunate enough to experience. I Dream A Dream

Find your safe haven or something that makes your spirit soar. Inhale the spirit energy into your being with joy and gratitude. Be thankful for your life. Renew yourself so you can radiate outward and share.