NOTE: This section originally offered insights/helpful hints to help people "get to the other side" of COVID-19. It was created in March-April 2020; however I am leaving it here to offer help for anyone in need of some bright light to help guide them through any crisis...
The ride is about to begin; you are filled with excitement, tension, and apprehension. The people waiting for their turn, moving around and behind you, begin to close in; your heart starts to race; your breath tightens in your chest. You know, down deep, that you've been waiting for -- preparing for -- this ride for a very long time, longer perhaps than you can even remember.
And you put on the smile for those around you. No, you're not afraid.
But you are. As you edge closer and closer to the starting point, you are terrified -- but you hold that smile in place, not realizing that everyone around you is also terrified.
But there's no turning back now. Even if you wanted to.
Edging closer and closer to the point where it will begin for you, you hear the screams and shouting of those who began the ride ahead of you. You feel for them, you fear for them -- and you fear for yourself. What to believe? Who to believe? You've heard the word, the rumors -- from some, that this ride is no big deal; from others, that it is only for the strong and the brave; that if you have any weakness in body or mind, you may not survive this ride.
And for a moment, you rage. Why are you here? This shouldn't be happening to you. This isn't what you were expecting. You want to run, but there's nowhere to run. There's no place to hide; everyone in the world must ride this ride.
Step by step, you edge closer to the platform and everything within you wishes you could turn back time; wishes you could go back -- you could all go back -- and make better decisions, better plans.
But you can't go back.
The ride is about to begin. Your legs shaking, your breath quaking, your smile vanishing, you watch those who finished the ride before come to a halt; you see them fight to regain their feet upon the Earth; you watch them stumble -- and you watch some fall, and know they might not ever get back up.
And now it's time for you to ride.
You brace yourself and climb into the padding. You feel the harness clamp down around your shoulders with a grip so tight that it hurts to breathe. You feel the growl of the machinery start up. You begin to feel the growl begin to vibrate down to your core. You close your eyes and let loose a plea to the Grace above for mercy.
And you, and the small group of people around you, feel it plunge forward; your stomach turns into a fist within you and your blood churns from ice into fire and back into ice.
And you're shot forward; choice long gone. You feel the surge; feel every slow clink, clink, clink as it climbs to the precipice. Why am I here? Why now? Why me? Why us? Am I strong enough to survive this? Is this my last ride -- with so much left to do; so much hope still germinating in budding seed?
Then all grows calm and still. The first high climb is slow. There's time. Time for you to catch your breath, see the horizon -- see that the sky is still the sky and that the ground is still the ground. You feel the surge of grace. You can do this; all you have to do is hold on and trust that you are strong enough; that you are here at this time and in this place for this very reason -- to feel this ride; to ride this very ride.
You reach out and touch yesterday's stranger who is now, in this moment, family; knowing that you are ONE on this ride; that you are in it together. And this time your smile is real. You shine for yourself and for this person you know not in flesh, but intimately in spirit and soul.
The ride climbs higher; and even though you want to cry and scream, you look to the heights and trust. Clinking higher and higher and higher.... knowing that you can only climb so long before....
You top out... and you fall; your heart drops into the souls of your feet and you hold on; you hold on for dear life.
And you scream, as one. You cry. You laugh. You scream, scream, scream.
Then you hit bottom; feel the crush of the crash to bottom -- but you're still breathing! Then the ride flies high again; then it crashes again; then it flies high again; then it crashes again. There's no time for questioning purpose and possibilities; you just hold on. You breathe. You hold on...
You just hold on. Up and down; around and about; over and under. You just hold on.
It is the ride of your life.
Then a breath later and you pull back into the platform. You did it. You are alive. You see the fear and the excitement; know the hope and the despair of those waiting to ride the ride, and you know that they are you, and you are them.
And you smile at them; a real smile You show them that you made it; that they will make it.
Taking all you have to gain your balance once again, you hold on to anything, and anyone you can -- and you step back onto solid ground once more.
You made it. You all made it.
You know you will always remember this ride; you will take the strength and the courage that you've earned from this ride with you throughout the rest of your days and your lives. You know you are strong in spirit and in light. You know that you can ride the ups and downs, the ins and the outs, of any ride life presents to you from this moment forward; in this lifetime and even into the next.
You take a deep breath; you head back out into the sunshine, back out into the hopes and the dreams that belong to you -- as long as you hold on.
We are with you; we are with each other. We are One.
March 14, 2020
Getting Through Coronavirus Together
Start Filling Your Toolkit
1. Create a Sacred Inner Space! If you haven't already, this is a critical step in your path to remain healthy and/or to fully recover your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and happiness. (For the steps to create your own inner healing, safe, place, scroll down to the end of this blog.)
This is a place that you, and only you, can create; a space where you will ALWAYS be safe and happy. It is the most sacred space YOU OWN. In addition to creating a safe space where you live (an external, "ordinary reality" space), when you have a place within that you can close your eyes and journey to -- a sacred space of beauty, serenity, and hope -- you can move through any challenge facing you, including this virus (and that sense of surreal "world-upside-down" feeling). Whether you are in isolation and need an inner bountiful boost, or are waiting this out with friends and family, going to a space to tap into your core is a gift that will, without doubt, keep on giving. You need this. You deserve this. Even if you are the caretaker and feel as if you don't have time for this -- YOU HAVE TIME FOR THIS! If you don't take care of yourself, you cannot take care of others.
2. Practical - Purposeful - Positive, Positive, Positive! I won't go through the list of "practical" steps you need to be taking right now to stay healthy and/or to recover. You've seen these, you know these, and HOPEFULLY you are fully engaging these (as in: washing hands, social distancing, keeping hands away from your face; getting LOTS of water and rest and healthy foods, and....).
As for "purposeful" steps, these involve staying focused on what you need to do to keep yourself, your family, and your friends on the right track toward complete health and harmony. Don't get lost in the distractions of the political rhetoric, the blaming, or the character beheading. That breeds only anger, despair, fear, and sickness. Move through your day, every day, with purpose. What do you need to do to stay healthy and happy now? Get some fresh air; go for a walk out under the embrace of the sky and the canopy of the trees (when/if you can); open the windows if you can't get outside or sit on your balcony and soak up some sunshine. What you consider "purposeful" now is not what you may have considered purposeful a month ago. Now, we are back to the basics of self-care and care for others. Talk, move, act, eat, sleep with the purpose of getting stronger, healthier, more loving, more caring, more compassionate, and more complete in your humanity (why you are here on this planet at this time). Seek deep within yourself; what is your primary purpose right here and right now? Simply surviving -- or surviving with love, honor, hope, and truth? Now that you have this time, use it with purpose; search within and connect to all that is invaluable to you and to your soul on your current path.
As for "positive" steps, this is simple -- but critical: Stay off the dark path. Follow the light! Turn off the talking-head news that offers nothing but senseless insanity (and often incorrect and misleading) information. What makes you healthy and happy? Now that you have some time on your hands, my dear, pick up that book you've been meaning to read (but never had time for); binge-watch that TV series; pull out the arts and crafts and turn that idea into matter (energy2matter time!); go through those photos and categorize what you love; cuddle up with your cat; dance with your dog! Your mind drives your body, so keep your thoughts on the light side. You will make it through this; you will come out better and stronger and wiser and more loving; you will more deeply know why you do what you do; you won't just survive this -- you will become the best version of your soul's true purpose.
3. Remember the Golden Rule! That is, treat others exactly the way you would want to be treated (especially if you were sick). Yes, tensions are high and we will lose our tempers and get annoyed with others. Yes, stress may work to twist minor nuisances into major nightmares -- but only if we let that happen. In all of our interactions, we must act with love, compassion, and caring for others. When you get through this, and you will, remember that you will have to face yourself in the mirror. Will you be horrified that you hurt them, made them cry, made them despair? Or will you smile with the amazing knowing that you were there for them, that you did your best to fill them with hope and love? As always, it is your choice. Choose wisely. There are consequences that you cannot imagine, especially when you cross the veil, that come with how you treat others. And helping others is always one of the best healing tonics available to humans; so drink it up!
4. Stay Connected to Others! You are not in this alone. There are others who are feeling the same sense of dread, fear, and despair -- and when you reach out, you can flip all of that negativity into a sense of hope, love, compassion, and optimism for all concerned. Do you know someone who is self-quarantining? Then call them! Do you have family members or friends you haven't spoken to because of "this-or-that" squabble (that really means nothing, in the long run)? Call them! Yes, use social media to reach other, but the personal connection of a phone call is worth all the money in all the banks. Let them know that they are not alone; and in doing that, realize that you are not alone. We are family.
We are, AS A WORLD, in this together. It is up to each one of us, and all of us, to stand up and share this experience in the highest and most hopeful and loving way possible. Your experience during these times is the "story" of hope and survival that you will tell your children and your grandchildren; this is the enduring mark you will leave on your soul and on the souls of others. No little fight you had with him, or no little slight you felt from her, matters at all right now. We are all sparks of light on this journey, and every effort we make to reach out to console, comfort, connect, and care for others will "enlighten" our path.
I will make every effort to connect to Spirit and "channel" messages of hope and inspiration to you; hopefully, every day during this crisis. I will do everything I can to be "here" for you. But you must do your part too! CREATE YOUR SACRED SPACE TODAY! This space will serve as the "command center" of your healing; and your healing will, in turn, spread across the Universe to heal others. Take care of yourself; LOVE with all of your being; CARE for yourself and others as if life depends upon it (because it does).
We are in this together. And, we will, my dear, get through it together!
Blessings!
Kristina
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN SACRED INNER SPACE
March 15, 2020
Embracing -- Experiencing -- Enlightening Your Emotions
Today, and the days ahead, are going to be filled with some definite, and perhaps some severe, ups and downs; highs and lows. Here are a few simple "tools" for your emotional toolkit, to help you embrace the ride.
Embrace your emotions. We are human beings, and we are here to FEEL all that our humanity brings to us: sadness, anger, frustration, joy, happiness, despair, delight. It's all part of the ride, and to deny any of our emotions is to deny our humanity (and, holding down the volcano only results in increased stress, dis-ease, and negativity). If you are sad, move through that sadness -- it's the only way to truly reach the other side: peace and harmony. So, engage as many of these tools as will help you on your journey:
1. Positive Morning/Evening Affirmations. In the morning, before we even open our eyes to greet the day, our brain is at work: what is the day going to bring? OMG, we're working from home or we're under quarantine! But BEFORE your mind travels down the dark path of how we're going to get through this crisis, own your power and repeat three times at least three positive affirmations. Such as: "I own this day and all that it entails, and my immune system is strong -- and I am strong -- and I will overcome this virus;" OR "I will stand strong as a shining light of love and care for myself and others in need;" OR "I am healthy, strong, vibrant, and loving, and compassionate." OR...
In the evening, when you are cozying up your bed and trying to still the thoughts and concerns of the day, take control of your thoughts and beliefs. Go to your "sacred space" (see above for how to create this essential healing space!) and walk your beach, swim your pond, sit under your trees -- and repeat your affirmations. You can use the same affirmations from the morning or create special ones to move you into a deep, healing sleep (and, yes, SLEEP is essential to moving through this time/space in a truly healing/healthy way).
Fully engage these positive affirmations morning and night. You will be better able to get up and smile at the challenges of the day, rather than sink into the abyss of uncertainty. Own you power! And, you will be better able to enjoy a healthy, rejuvenating sleep.
2. Journal. Yes, I know. This can already be your go-to way to engage your inner spirit, or it can be something you think is a colossal chore. There are many reasons to journey. It engages you in the here and now, in the moment of this crisis and this opportunity; it allows you to feel and release negative fears and emotions and anxieties; it connects you with your spirit and your inner strength. And, when you do get to the other side of this, which you will, you will want to remember how you journeyed through it! This is an epic period in time for the entire world, and taking just a few minutes to jot down how your're feeling; what you're dreaming about and planning for; what you need and want to do tomorrow to make sure you have a strong, healthy, loving day.... is essential.
3. Talk/share with Others About How You are Feeling. This is critical. We are in this together! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Feelings of isolation lead often to despair. You want to nip this in the bud, my dear. Everyone is on this ride with you. Many are happy right now; many are sad; many are encouraged; many are discouraged. When you reach out and talk with others, and share what's going on in your day, you will not only help yourself, but you may also help them. And, believe me, helping others provides a blast of healing for your immune system, for your spirit, for your honor, and for your enduring hope.
4. If You Can, and As Long as You Can, GET Outside in Nature. Whether it's sitting on your front porch steps, your balcony, or the stairs to your apartment -- get outside. If you can only open the window, OPEN THE WINDOW! Feel the sun on your shoulders, feel the breeze caressing your face, watch the robins go about their spring business; hike to the top of the hill and sit on that warm rock. Just being outside will boost your ability to ride the ride; you will see that the world has not ended. It may be upside down at the moment, but it will right itself. Summer will come. We will get to the other side of this. Being outside will heal your heart and your mind; touch the Earth. She knows that we humans are struggling; and she will continue to provide for our needs -- as she always has.
Bottom line: own your power; don't get lost in despair when you are one breath away from feeling that sunshine on your shoulders; feel the emotion and ride through it; tomorrow will come and when it does; own it as YOUR Today as well -- and in wellness.
We are in this together -- and together, we will ride the ride with love and grace!
Blessings!
Kristina
________________________________________
March 16, 2020
Flip the Switch: Own Your Breath = Own Your Health
In the center of every moment, just like this one, depending on what you are thinking, saying, doing, anticipating, hoping/praying for, believing in, or fearing, your body moves into one of two modes:
Tips:
________________________________________
________________________________________
Blessings!
April 14, 2020
Deep Breathing: Practice Makes Healing
Then a breath later and you pull back into the platform. You did it. You are alive. You see the fear and the excitement; know the hope and the despair of those waiting to ride the ride, and you know that they are you, and you are them.
And you smile at them; a real smile You show them that you made it; that they will make it.
Taking all you have to gain your balance once again, you hold on to anything, and anyone you can -- and you step back onto solid ground once more.
You made it. You all made it.
You know you will always remember this ride; you will take the strength and the courage that you've earned from this ride with you throughout the rest of your days and your lives. You know you are strong in spirit and in light. You know that you can ride the ups and downs, the ins and the outs, of any ride life presents to you from this moment forward; in this lifetime and even into the next.
You take a deep breath; you head back out into the sunshine, back out into the hopes and the dreams that belong to you -- as long as you hold on.
We are with you; we are with each other. We are One.
_______________________________________________
March 14, 2020
Getting Through Coronavirus Together
Start Filling Your Toolkit
Today, and in the days ahead -- as we all face the challenge that COVID-19 brings to our path -- I will be providing practical, Spirit-filled messages and inspirations ("tools") to help you tap into your unlimited core and stay safe, sound, healthy, and hope-filled -- and to fill up your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual "tool kit" to help you move through this challenge with
healing grace.
This is a place that you, and only you, can create; a space where you will ALWAYS be safe and happy. It is the most sacred space YOU OWN. In addition to creating a safe space where you live (an external, "ordinary reality" space), when you have a place within that you can close your eyes and journey to -- a sacred space of beauty, serenity, and hope -- you can move through any challenge facing you, including this virus (and that sense of surreal "world-upside-down" feeling). Whether you are in isolation and need an inner bountiful boost, or are waiting this out with friends and family, going to a space to tap into your core is a gift that will, without doubt, keep on giving. You need this. You deserve this. Even if you are the caretaker and feel as if you don't have time for this -- YOU HAVE TIME FOR THIS! If you don't take care of yourself, you cannot take care of others.
2. Practical - Purposeful - Positive, Positive, Positive! I won't go through the list of "practical" steps you need to be taking right now to stay healthy and/or to recover. You've seen these, you know these, and HOPEFULLY you are fully engaging these (as in: washing hands, social distancing, keeping hands away from your face; getting LOTS of water and rest and healthy foods, and....).
As for "purposeful" steps, these involve staying focused on what you need to do to keep yourself, your family, and your friends on the right track toward complete health and harmony. Don't get lost in the distractions of the political rhetoric, the blaming, or the character beheading. That breeds only anger, despair, fear, and sickness. Move through your day, every day, with purpose. What do you need to do to stay healthy and happy now? Get some fresh air; go for a walk out under the embrace of the sky and the canopy of the trees (when/if you can); open the windows if you can't get outside or sit on your balcony and soak up some sunshine. What you consider "purposeful" now is not what you may have considered purposeful a month ago. Now, we are back to the basics of self-care and care for others. Talk, move, act, eat, sleep with the purpose of getting stronger, healthier, more loving, more caring, more compassionate, and more complete in your humanity (why you are here on this planet at this time). Seek deep within yourself; what is your primary purpose right here and right now? Simply surviving -- or surviving with love, honor, hope, and truth? Now that you have this time, use it with purpose; search within and connect to all that is invaluable to you and to your soul on your current path.
As for "positive" steps, this is simple -- but critical: Stay off the dark path. Follow the light! Turn off the talking-head news that offers nothing but senseless insanity (and often incorrect and misleading) information. What makes you healthy and happy? Now that you have some time on your hands, my dear, pick up that book you've been meaning to read (but never had time for); binge-watch that TV series; pull out the arts and crafts and turn that idea into matter (energy2matter time!); go through those photos and categorize what you love; cuddle up with your cat; dance with your dog! Your mind drives your body, so keep your thoughts on the light side. You will make it through this; you will come out better and stronger and wiser and more loving; you will more deeply know why you do what you do; you won't just survive this -- you will become the best version of your soul's true purpose.
3. Remember the Golden Rule! That is, treat others exactly the way you would want to be treated (especially if you were sick). Yes, tensions are high and we will lose our tempers and get annoyed with others. Yes, stress may work to twist minor nuisances into major nightmares -- but only if we let that happen. In all of our interactions, we must act with love, compassion, and caring for others. When you get through this, and you will, remember that you will have to face yourself in the mirror. Will you be horrified that you hurt them, made them cry, made them despair? Or will you smile with the amazing knowing that you were there for them, that you did your best to fill them with hope and love? As always, it is your choice. Choose wisely. There are consequences that you cannot imagine, especially when you cross the veil, that come with how you treat others. And helping others is always one of the best healing tonics available to humans; so drink it up!
4. Stay Connected to Others! You are not in this alone. There are others who are feeling the same sense of dread, fear, and despair -- and when you reach out, you can flip all of that negativity into a sense of hope, love, compassion, and optimism for all concerned. Do you know someone who is self-quarantining? Then call them! Do you have family members or friends you haven't spoken to because of "this-or-that" squabble (that really means nothing, in the long run)? Call them! Yes, use social media to reach other, but the personal connection of a phone call is worth all the money in all the banks. Let them know that they are not alone; and in doing that, realize that you are not alone. We are family.
We are, AS A WORLD, in this together. It is up to each one of us, and all of us, to stand up and share this experience in the highest and most hopeful and loving way possible. Your experience during these times is the "story" of hope and survival that you will tell your children and your grandchildren; this is the enduring mark you will leave on your soul and on the souls of others. No little fight you had with him, or no little slight you felt from her, matters at all right now. We are all sparks of light on this journey, and every effort we make to reach out to console, comfort, connect, and care for others will "enlighten" our path.
I will make every effort to connect to Spirit and "channel" messages of hope and inspiration to you; hopefully, every day during this crisis. I will do everything I can to be "here" for you. But you must do your part too! CREATE YOUR SACRED SPACE TODAY! This space will serve as the "command center" of your healing; and your healing will, in turn, spread across the Universe to heal others. Take care of yourself; LOVE with all of your being; CARE for yourself and others as if life depends upon it (because it does).
We are in this together. And, we will, my dear, get through it together!
Blessings!
Kristina
HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN SACRED INNER SPACE
Here are some easy steps to create your vital “genesis” point for all spiritual work.
Read through these steps first; get a sense of how you will go about following each step in order to create your inner “sacred space” – and then do create this essential place within:
- Select a time and a place where you can focus all of your attention, and intention, on creating this space. (That is, your bedroom, a reading nook, a warm bath.)
- Leave all of the electronics outside of this space. (This is always a best practice. You need the time and space to be free of distractions, pulls and tugs, and endless chatter!)
- Get comfortable. (Loose clothing; perfect room temperature; safe and cozy surroundings)
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths – breathe from the belly, not the shoulders or chest; feel the life energy flowing through your body from head to toe, and then let it go. (Take in healing, life-affirming energy with every “in” breath; release anything everything that no longer serves you (whatever that may be, don’t think about it – just trust!)
- Set the intention to bring to “mind” (the center of all creation) a place that makes you feel safe, happy, comfortable (be it a favorite beach, a mountain meadow with a stream, a forest path near a lake, a mountaintop....)
- GO there; using every sense you have (sights, sounds, tastes, smells, textures) and draw upon the depths of your spiritual creativity. Knowing, and affirming, that this is your “sacred and safe” place; that only love and light can dwell here with you:
o Build a cabin (crafting walls, floors, rooms, nooks) and decorate it with flair and fun (from blankets on the bed to curtains on the windows to a rug in front of a fireplace);
o Bring in a lake (with a wooden dock that creaks as you run down it and dive into the perfect, soothing, water); a stream (with an area of large, smooth boulders you can rest upon to soak in the warm sunshine on your face and shoulders); the ocean (with warm dunes that you can rest upon; where you can walk and feel the gentle waves wash over your feet and hear the song of the gulls and feel the tease of the breeze....)
o Add a swingset (yes, let your feet touch the sky and remember what it’s like to be as innocent as the child who still dwells within your heart); add a piano (where you can play and create music); a trampoline (to jump and flip and play on); basically, bring in, build, create and craft as many (or as simply few) details as you desire!
- Own this space. Know that you can come here at any time; to ponder problems with the intention of receiving answers; to just rest and relax; to heal the space within the space of your atoms; to swim and hike and search for seashells – to see, sense, hear, feel, and connect with the source of healing and light and Spirit.
Blessings!
________________________________________March 15, 2020
Embracing -- Experiencing -- Enlightening Your Emotions
Today, and the days ahead, are going to be filled with some definite, and perhaps some severe, ups and downs; highs and lows. Here are a few simple "tools" for your emotional toolkit, to help you embrace the ride.
Embrace your emotions. We are human beings, and we are here to FEEL all that our humanity brings to us: sadness, anger, frustration, joy, happiness, despair, delight. It's all part of the ride, and to deny any of our emotions is to deny our humanity (and, holding down the volcano only results in increased stress, dis-ease, and negativity). If you are sad, move through that sadness -- it's the only way to truly reach the other side: peace and harmony. So, engage as many of these tools as will help you on your journey:
1. Positive Morning/Evening Affirmations. In the morning, before we even open our eyes to greet the day, our brain is at work: what is the day going to bring? OMG, we're working from home or we're under quarantine! But BEFORE your mind travels down the dark path of how we're going to get through this crisis, own your power and repeat three times at least three positive affirmations. Such as: "I own this day and all that it entails, and my immune system is strong -- and I am strong -- and I will overcome this virus;" OR "I will stand strong as a shining light of love and care for myself and others in need;" OR "I am healthy, strong, vibrant, and loving, and compassionate." OR...
In the evening, when you are cozying up your bed and trying to still the thoughts and concerns of the day, take control of your thoughts and beliefs. Go to your "sacred space" (see above for how to create this essential healing space!) and walk your beach, swim your pond, sit under your trees -- and repeat your affirmations. You can use the same affirmations from the morning or create special ones to move you into a deep, healing sleep (and, yes, SLEEP is essential to moving through this time/space in a truly healing/healthy way).
Fully engage these positive affirmations morning and night. You will be better able to get up and smile at the challenges of the day, rather than sink into the abyss of uncertainty. Own you power! And, you will be better able to enjoy a healthy, rejuvenating sleep.
2. Journal. Yes, I know. This can already be your go-to way to engage your inner spirit, or it can be something you think is a colossal chore. There are many reasons to journey. It engages you in the here and now, in the moment of this crisis and this opportunity; it allows you to feel and release negative fears and emotions and anxieties; it connects you with your spirit and your inner strength. And, when you do get to the other side of this, which you will, you will want to remember how you journeyed through it! This is an epic period in time for the entire world, and taking just a few minutes to jot down how your're feeling; what you're dreaming about and planning for; what you need and want to do tomorrow to make sure you have a strong, healthy, loving day.... is essential.
3. Talk/share with Others About How You are Feeling. This is critical. We are in this together! YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Feelings of isolation lead often to despair. You want to nip this in the bud, my dear. Everyone is on this ride with you. Many are happy right now; many are sad; many are encouraged; many are discouraged. When you reach out and talk with others, and share what's going on in your day, you will not only help yourself, but you may also help them. And, believe me, helping others provides a blast of healing for your immune system, for your spirit, for your honor, and for your enduring hope.
4. If You Can, and As Long as You Can, GET Outside in Nature. Whether it's sitting on your front porch steps, your balcony, or the stairs to your apartment -- get outside. If you can only open the window, OPEN THE WINDOW! Feel the sun on your shoulders, feel the breeze caressing your face, watch the robins go about their spring business; hike to the top of the hill and sit on that warm rock. Just being outside will boost your ability to ride the ride; you will see that the world has not ended. It may be upside down at the moment, but it will right itself. Summer will come. We will get to the other side of this. Being outside will heal your heart and your mind; touch the Earth. She knows that we humans are struggling; and she will continue to provide for our needs -- as she always has.
Bottom line: own your power; don't get lost in despair when you are one breath away from feeling that sunshine on your shoulders; feel the emotion and ride through it; tomorrow will come and when it does; own it as YOUR Today as well -- and in wellness.
We are in this together -- and together, we will ride the ride with love and grace!
Blessings!
Kristina
________________________________________
March 16, 2020
Flip the Switch: Own Your Breath = Own Your Health
In the center of every moment, just like this one, depending on what you are thinking, saying, doing, anticipating, hoping/praying for, believing in, or fearing, your body moves into one of two modes:
- The Stress Response: This is the "fight-or-flight" battle-ready mode your body shifts into at the first sensation of threat; blood, oxygen, nutrients are shuttled away from heart and brain and other "normal, day-to-day" functions and sent to arms and legs and energy stimulation stations -- so that you can run from or defend yourself against that lion, tiger, or bear that has now chosen you for dinner. This is an innate function created when we lived in caves, when not responding to immediate -- and very real, tangible -- threat was sure death. It was never meant to be a long-term solution, just a quick way to stay alive for the moment. Unfortunately, this response is triggered even when you merely think you're in danger -- talk about thoughts being things; your brain knows no difference, which now makes this response very, very debilitating (unless, of course, you are being chased by a bear....).
- The Relaxation Response: This is the "all is clear" mode your body shifts into when there is no real (or perceived) danger. All blood, oxygen, nutrients, energy storage and distribution centers, and all organs, are in perfect harmony and balance. This is the optimal level of body, mind, and spirit -- and it places the body in a space for health and healing.
Your body can ONLY be in one of these modes at a time: so YOU DO have a choice: Victim or Victor.
When I was working on my Masters in Psychology, my thesis was on determining which of three "relaxation" techniques was the most effective for modern, every-day stress: progressive relaxation, guided meditation, and deep breathing.
By far, and without question (and this is confirmed by many research studies) deep breathing is the easiest, most immediate, and most effective way to "flip the switch" from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response. In most cases, it only takes from 30 to 60 seconds (!) to flip the switch.
It is easy:
- Close your eyes (and connect with your inner space)
- Focus on your breathing (and only your breathing)
- Close your mouth and take in a slow breath through your nose
- Count to three, and slowly (and very gently) allow your belly to fill with that life-giving breath;
- Slowly (and very gently) release the breath
- Repeat.
Tips:
Make sure your belly gently expands; and that your shoulders DO NOT rise. If you've ever watched a happy, healthy baby breathe, this is how they do it. Shoulders neutral, belly gently moving in and out.
To enhance this even more, while you are counting to three, express three positive three-word affirmations (or repeat the same one). (For example, "I am healthy, I am strong. I am in control of my life and my living."
So simple. So basic. So power-filled!
Every time you start to feel that wrench in your stomach, that knot in your chest, that fire in your belly, and you start to wander down the dark path, KNOW THIS: Darkness begets Darkness. Light begets LIGHT. It is your choice, since -- for the most part -- lions, and tigers, and bears stay on their side and we stay on ours, we have the power to control our thoughts, our dreams, our anxieties, our beliefs, our emotions, and our ability to heal and stay healthy.
YOU have the power to flip-the-switch to health and healing within the core of every second of every day -- light up this moment; this NOW. Owning your own breath gives you the power to own your health, and your ability to mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually move through this, or any other, crisis on your own terms.
Own your breath = Own your health.
FLIP THE SWITCH TO HEALTH, HEALING, AND LIGHT.
Blessings!
Kristina
Kristina
________________________________________
March 19, 2020
Routine to the Rescue
Under normal
circumstances, doing the “same-old, same-old” can be beyond boring. These are
not normal circumstances. Focusing your mind, and as soon as you wake up each
and every morning, can provide a tremendous power boost when it comes to
getting through your day – and the next few days.
When your mind is free to
wander, it’s far too easy for it to wander down a dark path, leading to undue
anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
But there are ways to
focus your mental energy into purely positive, life-affirming, channels. For
example:
· Pull
Out the “To Do” List: Yep, this is a pretty basic and, yet, pretty
power-filled way to focus your energy (and thus, your “matter”) for the day ahead.
This can be as simple as listing the five “top” things you need/want to
accomplish during the day – or it can be as complex as: wake up; embrace
positive intentions for the day; play with/feed/water the dog/cat; shower; eat
breakfast; reach out to people you care about – and people you know who need to
be cared about; (if you’re working from home) check in with the boss and get to
work…. Running the routine from the time you get up in the morning until the
time you’re ready to go to bed (go to your “sacred space” and embrace positive
affirmations) and get some critically healthy sleep.
· Set
Up a Daily Routine: Yes,
in order to keep things as “normal” as possible, it is a good idea to “format”
your day. Get up at a set time; exercise for a set time; sit in the sun and
soak up the heat at a set time – and for a set time; get to work – and work –
for a set time; eat at a set time; play at a set time; etc. If things are
arranged in a pattern, it calms the nerves and soothes the stress. And, it will
make the days go faster; and it will help you be more positive and productive. AND
DON’T FORGET TO ADD TIME FOR ART, MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, JOURNALING – TURN THIS
CRISIS INTO AN OPPORTUNITY; DO THINGS YOU’VE BEEN WAITING AND WANTING TO DO.
ADD AN HOUR (OR MORE) A DAY INTO YOUR ROUTINE THAT LIFTS YOUR SPIRIT AND MAKES
YOU SMILE AND SING!
· Binge
Watch for Distraction:
Yes, I said it. There’s something (big) to be said about pulling out the old
series that you’ve been wanting to watch from beginning to end, and just going
for it. (Of course, at your “set” time each day). Staying off the
“talking-head, but-we-don’t-know-what-we’re-talking-about” news.” Yes, keep an
eye out for legit news and information (and you know what the legit channels of
information are: the CDC; city/county/state websites; organizations that your
trust, etc.), but watching something that makes you feel like something is
still normal out there is essential right now.
The idea here is own, and stay in
control of, your time. And, the more “regular and routine” your times feels to
you, the more your brain will stay on the positive path – which, in turn, will
keep your emotions on the positive path.
(NOTE: As mentioned in an earlier blog,
feel your emotions, don’t run from them; they are who you are, and their only
true power to alter your course of health is if you try and keep them squashed down.
It takes far more energy to try and NOT cry than it does to just let it out.
Cry. Scream. Jump up and down. Only when you’ve moved through the emotion, and
let it fully run its course, will you be free to reconnect to the power of the
positive.)
Blessings!
________________________________________
March 21, 2020
REMEMBER TWO “T’S”:
TODAY and TEMPORARY
Today: Yes, this is absolutely the time to
embrace the “one day at a time” belief system – and that “one day” is Today. As
soon as you open your eyes in the morning (or before) or ever put feet to
floor, remind yourself that today is what it’s all about. You can even use this
as one of your positive affirmations “I Own Today; Today is Mind.” An exceptionally
easy way to reign in the anxiety, the boredom, the frustration, the worry (basically,
all of the negative thoughts and emotions) is to own your power of time. Today IS
your day. What are you going to do with it that will help you stay happy,
healthy, and in harmony with purpose and positivity? No, this isn’t child’s
play – this is the adult, power-filled way to stand up and know you can do
this; you are doing this.
Temporary: Yes, this is temporary. This is not the
new normal; being at home is simply a way to stay healthy and avoid getting the
virus or a way to rest and recuperate the fastest way your body can from the
virus – in a happy, positive-focused way. Your mind leads your body – so lead
it in a healthy way. And, when you remind yourself (again, before your feet
ever touch the floor) that this is temporary, with set limits on the time and
space this will continue to occur, you will be better able to take that deep
breath and focus on TODAY.
Remember these two words;
keep repeating these two words. Own these two words. They are true: Today
and Temporary!
Blessings!
______________________________________________
March 23, 2020
Saving Grace of Sleep –
Vital to Your Body’s Ability to “Protect and Serve”
Yes, everyone knows how
important sleep is. When we don’t sleep – or don’t get enough sleep – we get
sick, sicker, and …. much worse.
Why is sleep so essential?
Because it provides the internal time and space for our bodies to heal from the
day’s events, to heal damaged cells (from bad food, pollution, and any/all
types of toxins – including the Coronavirus), and to kick our immune system
into that perfect level of ability to defend life and limb.
Four Stages of Sleep –
All Critical Right Now!
Just the basics (more
information, which you can get by doing some research, is always available):
REM stands for “rapid eye
movement.” NREM stands for “non-rapid
eye movement.” A normal sleep cycle begins with NREM sleep, followed by REM
sleep.
The stages of sleep: NREM
sleep: Stage 1: Your eyes are closed, but it is still easy to wake you up.
Stage 2: You are now in a light sleep. Your heart rate slows down and your body
temperature drops. Stage 3: This is the “deep sleep“ stage. It’s harder to wake
you up at this point, and if someone does, you’re more disoriented. REM sleep:
Stage 4. This stage occurs around 90 minutes into your sleep, and is the stage
where you experience dreams. During this stage, your brain is more active and
your heart rate and breathing quicken. (Adults spend about 20 percent of their
sleep in the REM stage, while babies spend about 50 percent of their sleep in
this stage.)
Both REM are invaluable to
health and healing. NREM makes up 75-80 percent of our total sleep time. Many
of the crucial benefits of sleep take place during NREM, including tissue
growth and repair. This is the time where energy is restored and vital hormones
(for growth and development) are released.
During normal circumstances, sleep is critical for your brain, your neuromuscular system, your cardiovascular system (for just about every system in your body); it is also a critical element in your emotions and mood. Lack of sleep (you know this) makes you disoriented, cranky, irritable, and less able to handle daily stressors. Healthy sleep improves cognitive functions, mood, and your ability to flip the switch from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response (see blog above).
During normal circumstances, sleep is critical for your brain, your neuromuscular system, your cardiovascular system (for just about every system in your body); it is also a critical element in your emotions and mood. Lack of sleep (you know this) makes you disoriented, cranky, irritable, and less able to handle daily stressors. Healthy sleep improves cognitive functions, mood, and your ability to flip the switch from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response (see blog above).
There isn’t one area of
your overall well-being that isn’t enhanced by getting enough sleep each and
every night. And, considering these aren’t “normal” times, sleep is a crucial
tool in staying healthy – or recovering your health.
How to get a good night
sleep? Well, there are obvious ways. Although binge watching is a great
distraction, it is not the best thing right now to stay up all night doing it
(even if you can sleep the entire next day) because establishing a pattern of
sleep (going to bed at a certain time every night and getting up a certain time
every morning) makes it easier for your body to slip into that essential healing
state. When you alter the pattern, like staying up all night, it will take you
days to recover your pattern. Is it worth it? Not right now it isn’t.
How much sleep do you need?
Recent research, which only covers “averages” suggests: infants (ages 0-3
months) need 14-17 hours a day; infants (ages 4-11 months) need 12-15 hours a
day; toddlers (ages 1-2 years) need about 11-14 hours a day; pre-school
children (ages 3-5) need 10-13 hours a day; school-age children (ages 6-13)
need 9-11 hours a day; teenagers (ages 14-17) need about 8-10 hours each
day; most adults need 7 to 9 hours (although some people may need as few as 6
hours or as many as 10 hours of sleep each day); older adults (ages
65 and older) need 7-8 hours of sleep each day; women in the first 3
months of pregnancy often need several more hours of sleep than usual.
The key is, however, if
you feel drowsy during the day, you haven’t had enough sleep! Learn from, and
listen to, your own body. How many hours of sleep make you feel alert, more
positive, more energetic? Find your pattern and stick to it – especially right
now!
Sleep Tips:
- Establish a routine: Pick a time to go to bed (and put everyone else to bed). Pick a time to get to get up every morning (remember, routine to the rescue).
- Stay away from caffeine and other stimulants (obvious one).
- Exercise – or not? Know your own patterns when it comes to exercising. Do you sleep better after a workout or does it pump you up so much you can’t sleep? This is when knowing your body is vital! What works for one person does not work for another!
- Turn off the electronics. You can catch up in the morning. This isn’t the time to fill your mind or your heart with the troubling ups-and-downs of what’s going on. This is the time to put the worry and stress on the shelf for the night and get some healing sleep.
- If you haven’t already, create a “sacred space” to help you transition from the hectic day to the healing night. Shut your eyes, take some deep breaths (from the belly), go into your safe, sacred space and embrace your positive affirmations. (Words are not just words; words are power. Words create our mental framework of how we act and react to what’s going on around us; words intensify positive – or negative – thoughts and emotions. WORDS ARE POWER; positive words/affirmations, when they mean something to you personally and resonate throughout your being, are power.)
Sleep is critical.
Healthy, deep sleep will give your body the power to heal and to stay healthy. This
is a gift given to you at birth; this is a gift that should not be taken
lightly; this is a gift that could save your life.
Sleep Well!
Blessings!
______________________________________________
March 25, 2020
Nothing to Fear but
Fear Itself
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in his
inaugural speech in 1933, offered the following words of candor and hope during
a very dark time in American history (during the depths of the Depression):
“I am certain that my fellow Americans
expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a
candor and a decision which the present situation of our people impel. This is
preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly.
Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This
great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So,
first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear
is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed
efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Yes, we have a virus to contend with – a
very serious virus – but unrestrained fear leads to paralyzing panic, and paralyzing
panic leads down deserted dark roads of disarray and disaster. Even if there is
something to truly worry about, mindless panic only enhances the unnecessary pain.
If you start to feel that panic begin to
swell: STOP! Own your power – focus on your ability to keep your feet on the
solid Earth under your feet. Focus on “today” (Carpe Diem) and that this is “temporary.”
Create and enhance your “sacred space.” Fully embrace positive affirmations
morning (noon) and night. Take five minutes (or less) to engage in deep, belly
breathing (to flip the switch from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response).
Get deep, restful sleep each and every night. Stay calm and focus on: health
and harmony.
Follow official sources of information; Stay
up-to-date on TRUTHFUL facts you need to know to keep you and your
family/friends/loved ones safe; Do everything you can to keep you and your
space clear and clean (after all, now is a good time to do some healthy Spring Cleaning);
Keep yourself focused on tasks and activities that keep you upbeat; and believe
that you are doing everything possible to stay healthy or return to vibrant
health.
We are in this together; we are getting
through this together; and we will overcome this challenge in a way that unites
us as the family we already are.
When fear comes knocking at your door,
open the door, look it directly in the eyes, and smile. “Hah, go away boogeyman. No time for you! And if you come knocking again, know that there’s only
love and light here.” Shoo it away, close the door, and go back to making that
pie… coloring in that book…. watching that show…. taking a warm bubble bath (or
putting the kids into one) …. snuggling up
with that book….
Ah, so much to do … who has time for
that nonsense fear? Not you! Not any of us!
Blessings!
______________________________________________
April 06, 2020
Laughter is STILL the
Best Medicine
It may not seem like there’s
a lot to laugh about – or find humor in – right now. But this is where choice
comes into play; we have free will and we have the power of choice when it
comes to how we see, perceive, receive, give, and live our moments (yep, one at
a time).
Right now, we can give
into the darkness that looms at every edge of our horizon, or we can accept
what is going on (because it is going on), and make the choice to take a small
step (big one, if you can) to: take a deep breath (belly breath); remember the
two T’s (Today; as in seize this day; and Temporary; as in this is only a temporary
situation); and connect to that powerful ally within our emotional and
psychological arena and laugh.
Why laugh?
Well, according to
research (yes, you have some time on your hands, research laughter!), there are
many critical ways in which laughter assists our health, happiness, and
harmony. This includes, just to name a few, the fact that laughter can:
- boost immunity (by reducing stress hormones
and increasing the ability of immune cells to fight infections – which is
critical right now);
- release endorphins (those “feel
good” chemicals that can increase a sense of well-being and reduce pain);
- relaxe muscles (helping you flip the
switch from the killer Stress Response to the healing Relaxation Response)’
- burn calories (not like going to
the gym, but enough to lose 3-4 pounds a year);
- protect the heart (laughter
improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can
help protect against cardiovascular issues)
- improve your mood (duh); and
- strengthen your resilience in dealing
with the issues (roller coaster) of life.
Yes, there are even more
reasons to laugh – but those are pretty critical in times such as these.
Tips for Connecting with
Laughter:
- watch
funny shows/movies on television (why not? Better than watching horror and
distress right now – unless you want to feel worse);
- tell jokes (okay, yes, this is an art – but why not learn/practice that right now?
There is a rhythm to telling jokes, and practice makes perfect. We often admire
people who can pull of the perfect joke, why not study their form and give it a
try for yourself! When this is all over, and it will be over, this is a
life-long ability to make others LAUGH too!)
- read
funny/humorous stories (there are such things, if you look/search for them. I
remember being a kid, and trying to beat my sister to my grandparent’s copy of
the Reader’s Digest – just to flip through the pages and read all the jokes.
Some were okay; some were downright giggle-fests!)
Be creative. Find ways – in
big and little things – throughout your day that make you feel better, from a
small smile to a very large laugh.
Laughter is still the best
medicine. It may be difficult to find the humor in our current situation, but
we can take a break (frequently) throughout our days to seek out the things
that make us laugh – and make those around us laugh. This will, in turn, make
us feel better physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually (Spirit
loves a good laugh!).
We can do this. We have
the power to choose – and to make choices that fill our bodies, minds, and
souls with the deep-seated power of the positive.
Laugh.
Blessings!
______________________________________________
April 09, 2020
Spring Cleaning –
Releasing Energizing Power!
Cleaning (de-cluttering,
cleansing, sorting, recycling, and donating) releases and clears energy –
immediately moving energy from heavy, weighed-down stagnation and sickness to free-flowing
health and harmony.
While you’re riding the
roller coaster – binge watching (comedy and light-hearted shows, hopefully); working
from home (not 24/7, hopefully); working your way through the unemployment labyrinth
(you can do it – persevere!); reading (they’re called the “Classics” for a
reason); listening to music, dancing, learning a new language, playing games
(use your “today” wisely, knowing that this is only” temporary”); making masks
for yourself and others (a “must” for you and yours; a true “gift” to all
others); and taking care of yourself and others (absolutely mandatory) – there is
another, VITAL, thing you should be
doing: cleaning your way to health and the space to breathe freely!
First-level Cleaning
While you’re doing all of
the above-listed things, it’s easy for the clutter and chaos to build up – and take
over – home spaces. This chains down the energy, locks it into darkness and dankness,
and keeps it from flowing in a healthy life-affirming way. It’s way too easy to
let the dishes, the trash, the clothes, and the clutter to pile up. If you value
your health and sanity, don’t let this happen. “First-level” cleaning is just that:
the day-to-day cleaning.
Just get up and do it –
you’ll take your power back (either the clutter owns your space or you do – it’s
your choice). Do the dishes, wash the clothes, take out the trash and recycling
(yep, keep doing that; our Mother Earth needs it), clean the bathrooms and the
kitchen! Yes, you’ll be exhausted, but in a GOOD way (the best way possible).
Then when you crash on that couch to watch the next episode of that TV show,
you’ll have a smile of relief and power on your face. Are you in this with others
– family, friends, lovers? Then bring them onboard this power-manifesting endeavor!
Make a schedule (and stick to it – with great rewards) and have everyone
participate in this cleansing process. Then you’ll all be able to sit down (and,
more importantly, sleep at night) with a smile.
Deeper-level (SPRING)
Cleaning
Spring cleaning is in our
DNA; it is THE WAY. The knowing, and the knowledge, that Spring is the time to
shed the old, outdated, unnecessary, energy-depleting chaos and clutter
resonates down to the core of our being. Spring cleaning is essential. It is
the time to be free and clear – and revitalized – with the birthing season.
Yes, you can! Yes, it
sounds like a lot of work – but it doesn’t have to be. While you’re watching
that TV show, pull out that drawer by your bedside, set it down in front of you,
and clean it out! Start a sorting process: this bag is trash; this bag is recycling,
and this bag is donations (remember, one person’s trash is another person’s
happy, happy day!). One drawer at a time, clean them all out.
Then hit the kitchen
cabinets! You know you’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time. Now
is the best time. The intense, and immediate, power you will feel will fuel
your health and your healing: physically (yep, it’s a good workout); mentally
(you’re achieving a major goal); emotionally (wow, can it feel any better to have
all the gunk gone?); and spiritually (yes, Spirit does love a clean, happy,
fresh, open space – like every garden and grove around her beautiful Earth).
Yep, then the bathroom –
at least under that vanity (you know, where you’ve been piling up this and
that). Put that mask on (a fresh one than can then sit for at least 12 hours
while nature restores it to health), and the gloves on, and the environmentally
friendly cleanser and scrub it down.
Yep, then maybe the hall
closets, under the bed (isn’t it better to KNOW what’s under there rather than
just have nightmares wondering what’s under there?), down in the basement, up
in the attic.
CLEANING IS POWER, PEOPLE!
It’s not a chore (although it does take effort) – it’s a soul-clearing, mind-easing,
deep-breathing, body-healing gift to you and everyone else within your home.
There is no better time
than now to clear, clean, and cleanse your home. This is your space; this is
your HOME. The energy you will free up, and take back, will make every minute
of this endeavor (and, yes, it can take several days to fully accomplish this)
WORTH the effort.
Like wild-and-free rivers,
like the breezes and the winds, like the sailing clouds, like the breath in
your body – energy must flow or it stagnates and breeds dis-ease and
dis-harmony.
You can do this, and now
is the time to do it. Be free and clear of all chaos and clutter. This is the
time to own your home, your power, your health, and your life.
There’s no power like
cleaning out the old and opening up the windows and the doors to invite in the
fresh and the health. I promise you, when you are done, you WILL FEEL THE
POWER; you will be able to move energy2matter in a positive, healthy, vibrant
way. Own your home; own your space; own your health.
Blessings!
______________________________________________
April 14, 2020
Deep Breathing: Practice Makes Healing
Yep, deep breathing again. In fact, this is so critical that it would be good to go back to the March 16th blog (see above) and read it again.
Then, watch this video and learn from a doctor on the front lines how critical this skill is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rcab_RObOg&fbclid=IwAR2OVLr_dUkfARQ_KINidK-sN0NcKxjwf3ajDtvHTlrGyCo_dNHvhuj71Yw
Watch it. Learn it. Practice it, practice it, practice it. Then show it to the people you love and have them learn and practice it! Not only is the deep-breathing technique the key to flipping the switch from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response on a daily basis, it could very well increase your ability to move through, and survive, COVID-19.
Is that worth a few minutes of your time? You bet -- your life!
Blessings!
Then, watch this video and learn from a doctor on the front lines how critical this skill is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rcab_RObOg&fbclid=IwAR2OVLr_dUkfARQ_KINidK-sN0NcKxjwf3ajDtvHTlrGyCo_dNHvhuj71Yw
Watch it. Learn it. Practice it, practice it, practice it. Then show it to the people you love and have them learn and practice it! Not only is the deep-breathing technique the key to flipping the switch from the Stress Response to the Relaxation Response on a daily basis, it could very well increase your ability to move through, and survive, COVID-19.
Is that worth a few minutes of your time? You bet -- your life!
Blessings!
______________________________________________
April 18, 2020
Experience the Power and
the Grace of a Core Essence: Gratitude
Yes, on one level (a superficial
level), it seems counter-intuitive, especially during a crisis, to dive into
Gratitude.
Gratitude is Power.
Gratitude, a core essential element of our true souls, opens up our hearts,
minds, and entire being to the power of Light. When we are engaged, truly
engaged, in feeling and expressing gratitude, the darkness (sadness, despair, frustration,
anger, self-pity, etc.) shrinks back until it is consumed and subsumed by the
LIGHT.
In other words, it’s a
choice to banish the darkness (dis-ease, dis-harmony) for a physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual shower of joy, peace, balance, harmony, and health.
Gratitude is such a core
essence, that it is the first lesson I move my students through: walking a “Day
in Gratitude.” To spend one day (even a part of one day) walking in the light
of health and joy and an inward/outward expression of gratitude wraps you in a
light so powerful that your spirit can be seen and experience far into the heavens.
What is Walking
a Day in Gratitude like? Enlightening!
Well, it starts with first thought; first feeling; first knowing. Thanking the
gifts and power and processes of your own body:
- thanking your eyes for the sights of colors; thanking your hands and your feet for the textures of touch and weight; thanking your organs of brain and heart and liver; thanking your pineal, pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands; thanking your cardiovascular, neuromuscular, pulmonary systems,as well as the actions and interactions of blood, and oxygen and nutrients that empower you to use your eyes, your ears, your nose, your breath and your body so you can rise and shine;
- thanking the products of undies and jammies and pants and shirts and dresses and shoes; products of shampoo and soap and toothpaste – and all the plants, people, and processes that came together in a dance of creation that provided your with the products;
- thanking the food (plants, animals, nutrients, minerals, vitamins) and the water (water is life) that nourish and feed body, mind, and spirit so you can live and thrive;
- thanking the home around you – and it’s walls, and windows, and doors, and floors, and ceiling (and all the plants, people, and processes that came together in that dance of creation and provision) that provide you and yours shelter day-in and day-out; day and night;
- thanking all that nature provides when you step outside and KNOW you are one with the clouds that flow and cleanse, the father/grandfather sky above you; the mother/grandmother Earth below you – all that come together: the winds that cleanse the skies the clouds that gather and escorts the moisture to the seas, who restore and begin the cycle of rains again; the soil that binds the grasses and the grains and the greens – who skirt the trees and the bushes and the flowers that hold and nourish and support the birds and the bees and bears and dogs and the cats and the ….humans;
- thanking the humans around you – your friends, your family, your lovers, your neighbors; the people within your house, your neighborhood, your town, your city, your country, your EARTH; thanking them for the laughter, the love, the sorrow, the teachings, and the lessons that enrich your life;
- thanking the connections and interconnections that dance within and weave a tapestry of life that is ONE and ALL; as us and them, as we and ours and yours and mine; thanking the space within the space between the atoms;
- thanking the seen and especially the unseen (behind the scenes and the veil) for support and compassion and grace and truth and honor;
- thanking Spirit (by any name) for One and All – and the chance to breathe and dance and love and touch and feel and think and kiss and hug (one day soon) and LOVE;
- thanking your courage and your bravery to come and experience this dance and ride of life; the ups and downs; the emotions and the thoughts and the ability to know and show gratitude.
Yep, there's so much to be grateful for, even in times like these, that it will blow your mind!
Yep, walking a minute in
gratitude brings life and light to the spirit the body and the soul – and reminds
the soul of the purpose of this journey; the expression of energy into matter,
so that it does matter in light.
Try it. Try it for one minute,
five minutes, an hour – of walking in gratitude. You will see more, touch more,
love more, and be more alive than you have ever been.
You will be full. Of
Light. Love. Connection. Interconnection.
How do you walk in
gratitude?
Easy.
Say “Thank You.”
Yep, that’s it. There are,
of course, many ways to say “Thank You” – a smile, a word, a touch (one day
soon), a hand of support, a note filled with uplifting and grateful words….
See, sense, know, touch,
embrace, give, receive, and be one with all that there is to be grateful for – and say Thank You.
You will find the heart,
your heart and your spirit, in this time of crisis. And when this time has
passed, you will know that you brought hope and love and light into the
darkness (your own and that of others), and you will smile.
And you will know that you can walk in gratitude all day, every day -- and always have the power to banish the doubt and the darkness and embrace the grace.
Thank You.
Love You.
Blessings!
______________________________________________
April 27, 2020
Something to Always Keep
Close: Hope
A little mythical background….
Pandora’s Box: According to ancient Greek myth, Pandora was the
first woman on Earth. She was created by the Gods; each one of them gave her a
gift, thus, her name in Greek means “the one who bears all gifts.” She was
created as a punishment to humans. Zeus wanted to punish people because
Prometheus stole the fire to give it to them. She was created from clay – to be
as beautiful as Aphrodite.
Pandora was a very curious individual.
Pandora was given a box or a jar, called
“pithos” in Greek. The Gods told her that the box contained special gifts from
them – but she was not allowed to open the box ever. Pandora tried to control her curiosity, but
she could not. She opened the box and all the illnesses and hardships that the
Gods had hidden in the box started coming out. Horrible things flew out of the
box including greed, envy, hatred, pain, disease, hunger, poverty, war, and
death. All of life’s miseries had been let out into the world.
Pandora slammed the lid of the box back
down. The last thing remaining inside of the box was hope. Ever since, humans
have been able to hold onto this hope in order to survive the wickedness that
Pandora had let out.
In this midst of our own
trying times, the gift – and power – of HOPE is within each and every one of
us. We are not yet through to the other side, and there are still many
unanswered questions – but we are in this together. We will persevere, in love
and hope.
I know you got this now,
so I will close this tool chest with HOPE. Hold on to hope every single day;
keeping in mind “today” (today is just one day, and seize it with life and
gusto) and “temporary” (even though it may seem like this is dragging out, it
will come to an end).
And PLEASE take care of
yourselves and take care of the others around you. You may be young and healthy
(or believe that you are) and this virus is not a threat to you – but we are in
this together and we must take care of each other – as well as our own needs.
Or we may be responsible
for putting another human (vulnerable) being into a hospital or send them to
their unnecessary death.
True “Freedom” comes with
a great deal of responsibility. There is no honor – but a great deal of
self-centered foolishness – in trying to rush back to “normalcy” too soon. That
endangers all of us, especially those who need the support, strength, and
caring of others so that they too can hold on to hope.
Please continue to do the
right, decent, loving thing: stay home as much as you can; wear those masks;
keep your distance; minimize outdoor running and biking (yes, there are studies
proving that these endeavors spread the virus faster and farther than just
walking out there; which makes them extremely self-focused and uncaring). She
is your sister; she is your mother; he is your son; he is your grandfather.
Take care of yourself and take care of them as well.
Hope is for all of us.
Hope is a gift – a treasure – and when used for self and others; it will get us
through each and every single day, until the day we can once again hold hands; wrap
others in our arms in the depths of a hug; gather to dance in the streets; and
laugh that belly laugh with true love, gratitude, and compassion for all life.
Then, because Mother Earth
is still calling for us to step up, stand up, and focus our renewed strength
and enduring gratitude – day-in and day-out – on doing everything in our power to
restore The Way of balance and harmony – and SAVE our precious plants, animals,
birds, insects, trees, bushes, flowers, rivers, lakes, oceans, and all
connected and interconnect life.
While we still can.
And, we must hold on to
the Hope that we, as One and All, will work to save our Earth.
I HOPE you well; I HOPE
you love; I HOPE you care enough to remember that we are all in this together.
I HOPE that we all take the lessons we are learning in this world-changing time
and remember who we really are and why we are truly here at this time on this precious
planet to do the work that must be done to save our dreams and our hope.
Blessings!
