Massage Therapy & Reflexology - Locations: Bonita Springs & Port Charlotte, FL
Reflections
 
This is an area I dedicate to posting my thoughts on life, my individual journey and how I see things from time to time. I share my thoughts so those of you who visit here might benefit in some small way from my own experiences, just as I have learned so much by reading and listening to others who share with me.  I continue to change, to develop who I am and how to get the most out of life.  Some of it is very personal, and some of it I am sure will be ramblings of nothingness, but it is what it is, or what it will be.  Ha! What the heck does that mean? Well, here goes..



Saturday, 2/18 - Sometimes I get so excited about life. I don't know what it is, really. There's so much to enjoy! Spending time with friends, laughing, food, sunsets, pictures, sharing stories, enjoying the beautiful sunshine here in SW Florida, .... Sometimes it's just a contented feeling, other times it's a bubbling excitement inside that I can't really explain. No, my life is not perfect. It has it's ups and downs. I can't get everything done that I want to get done, I can't be everywhere I want to be, I don't always get my way, etc., etc. No different than other people. I don't know another word to describe it, though.... a sense of excitement within that can't wait to get out. I came across a Youtube video and found that their Youtube channel has lots of great videos, some in high def, so I'm watching them through my HDTV. Stunning photography, nice music.... here is a link to one of them, and from there, you can view all the videos from their Youtube channel: 


and another:  


Thursday 2/16 - FINALLY got to play some tennis.... Even after 6 hours of massages. I loved it! Is the best exercise, fun, makes you sweat which is good to rid the body of toxins (air pollution, food pollution, stress pollution). Has been a very good week. Am feeling very, very good!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to all.

Monday - 2/13 - A very nice day. More synchronicities.... coincidences.... they seem to happen more often. Or maybe I'm just more aware of them. I "think" something and before you know it, it happens. The world is my playground. There is so much to enjoy, so much fun to be had. Even my work is fun. It feels good to feel good.... So I shall continue to feel good.

Sunday, 2/12 - And so my thoughts assisted in creating a very nice Saturday, and Sunday as well. Another good video on the "thought creates" subject: 
http://youtu.be/FeFuc-qFKoA

Saturday, 2/11 - There is plenty of science now that explains how our thoughts create.... Here is the first in a series of short videos that explain this:

The more you practice controlling your thoughts, the more you can create what you want in your life. I have my ups and downs, wiring in my brain that causes doubts, fears at times. The more I focus on peace, enjoyment, happiness, thoughts on the things I enjoy, the more those things will happen. You don't have to be a servant of your brain. You can use it as a tool for health and happiness. I love it. I love that there is now PROOF of this. If we could just start working on using our brains for good things, then the world gets better and better. "Conscious choice making," as Deepak Chopra says in the 2nd video....

Today, Saturday, I am going to have a wonderful day, taking the day off of work and spending time with a good friend. Looking forward to art festivals and more. Lots to do and enjoy today.


“This present moment is the launching point of your future – so starting today, write a new story about your life as you begin again right now. Fill today with all the thoughts and feelings and new beginnings you want to take with you into tomorrow.” – Dr Jeff Mullan


Friday, 2/10 - As much as I look forward to the brightness and enjoyment of the future, I have taken some time to also look back on the past as a learning experience, analyzing what drew certain experiences to me. I know. A little over a year ago, as I was thinking/meditating/feeling within me what it was I WANTED in my existence, I was also bringing into the formula what I DIDN'T want. I had previously become aware of someone's dishonesty, where I had allowed myself to believe at face value what was spoken to me when it was not the case. Yes, we've all been there. I then began the process of wanting something different, but made the mistake of allowing into my thoughts that I did NOT want dishonesty. I did NOT want someone who would mislead me, as I had been misled before. Well, guess what? You get what you are thinking of. I got the NOT part of the thinking as well as the WANT parts. I got both. I realize even more now, the importance of focusing ONLY on the good things, and not ANY thoughts on what it is you DON'T want. If any 'DON'T want' thoughts creep in, you will get the' DON'T want' as well. I got the nice things just as I had imagined them, and I appreciate all of that which I experienced. But I also got the things I did not want. Deception. Dishonesty, sometimes veiled by omission of truth. When all was revealed, it was extremely painful. It was difficult to imagine this person whom I trusted could say things, draw me in, and then in an instant it was revealed that much of it was not true. Many things were a perfect match, yes, but so was the deception as I had allowed the 'DON'T WANT' into my thoughts. As I opened up and trusted, and focused truly on the good that I was believing, the deception part was no longer a match, and it all fell away. I have felt a sadness that I opened my heart and believed, trusted in the commitments made that were not to be. That's a tough thing to deal with. I suppose we've all been there before. In this little blog here, in my Reflections, I don't write the specifics. But I try to write enough so any readers out there can learn, as I have learned from other peoples' blogs and their sharing. I knew to only focus on the good when creating what I wanted. But it is not so easy. It's important to clear your mind of ANY past experiences, put your mind in the NOW, to create a positive vision of what you want for the future, but imagine as if you have it right now. Allow your imagination to create it as if it is NOW. If you put a DON'T want in there, you will get the DON'T want, and that's what happened to me. Take some time first to put down words, descriptions, all positive, before you begin, and make sure you are in a very good frame of mind at the time of the meditation/focus on the experience. Do this for jobs, friendships, relationships, family issues, life experiences. Anything. Be positive. I am grateful to maintain a kindness within myself to accept what is. I know that there is meanspiritedness in this world, people who don't care about the harm they do to others for their own enjoyment. I pray for their growth in a positive way regardless of how I was harmed in the process. I am grateful to have an open heart, although more cautious than ever now, but still, with acceptance of the world I live in, how it is not perfect, and how my place in it is to help make it a better world by maintaining my lovingkindness within and be an example of that outwardly as well. So, as I have been sitting in peaceful stillness of late, I focus on ONLY what I would like to have, as if I have it now, and if any negative DON'Ts start to slip in, I STOP my thought process, do other things instead, until I can focus on just the good. Today is a beautiful day. It has been a beautiful week. Already, the focusing on the good has proved to be successful. I am amazed at those synchronicities.... maybe I'll write more specifics about them in the future. One in particular is a really good one. Something I thought would never happen ... well, I gave it thought, whether as a "never" or not, and it did happen. Was good. Really good. Makes me smile at how it could be. Regardless of the lessons I've had to learn and the hard way I've had to learn some of them, I am at peace. Contented. Even downright happy. I am a very lucky person in many ways. I am so thankful for the strength within me to get through things, to be loving, kind, with an excitement inside for what good things are in my future, to be able to see the beauty in this world, even though I'm aware of what else is out there. I will continue to enjoy the beauty, and even more than ever, focus on the what I want to create for my future. Here is a nice video about gratitude (click on the link):


Thursday, 2/9 - This website is now in mobile version. Nice. Light work day, I needed the rest. Busy day tomorrow, and next week is another VERY busy week as well. It's a good season here in Florida this year. I am so grateful for the work, for good clients. I had some back issues for awhile, and they are almost gone. Proper exercises, massage, reflexology, and some other changes have all contributed to the recovery. Wish I could get back to playing some tennis. 

Wednesday, 2/8 - What a very nice day. It was a nice evening last night, beautiful sunset, interesting synchronicities, totally unexpected. Beautiful artwork that I am grateful for the chance to see. An amazingly talented person who does magic with the camera and special effects. Then my incredibly wonderful daughter talked my ear off.... haha.... that goes both ways, I'm sure.... we are so close, it is so nice. It turns out, she had downloaded some very nice meditation music about a week ago, and I told her I was listening to something I had downloaded about a week ago also. She said yes, she can hear it in the background and it sounded familiar. So, we investigated, and it turns out, even though we searched with different words, we ended up downloading the exact same video from Youtube, right around the same time. Just another example of how connected we are. I just love that girl with all my heart and soul. We hardly see each other, maybe just once or if lucky, twice in a whole year. Yet, we are so close, we have talked about how we don't even miss each other, it's like we are together anyway.  It is really something special. I feel like I am the luckiest mom in the world. Then this evening, it was so nice to see a very special person. Very nice conversation and was one of those times when we had dinner together but didn't even notice the food. Was very good to see my very special Kentucky travel partner friend. The one who made my heart do flip flops last year. As someone recently said, you can be in love with someone, but it doesn't always mean you can be together. Sometimes other things get in the way. But it doesn't mean you don't love them. He's a great guy, and he also has incredibly wonderful parents. And now, after a VERY long day at work, long commute, and a very pleasant evening, I am happily EXHAUSTED!

Tuesday, 2/7 - Another busy week is under way, the world looks brighter, even though it's a cloudy day. Finding things to enjoy, getting the time and having the motivation to DO, to LIVE, to BE, that is all I seem to want. I appreciate my clients, my work, my daughter (she is amazing), my place of residence, my ability to see the good in just about everything. I am glad that I am who I am. I like me. No, I'm not perfect, and it's not necessary. I just like the person that I am. I have that Wii game, with the balance board, and absolutely love it. If anyone has balance issues, it is a great way to improve the brain/body connection for better balance. They use it at the retirement place where I work one day a week, and some of the residents there are in their 90's and going strong! I want to be that way, too! And so I will.


The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said:

“Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die,
and then dies having never really lived.”


Monday, February 6 - I recently came across this video on Youtube and it is the most beautiful video I have ever experienced. This is truly how I feel so much of the time and how it is that I can navigate through some of the trials and tribulations of my life. A special person recently left my life and it changed everything in an instant. It was a powerful moment that was very difficult to my emotional being. In my search for understanding and a way to get through, I meditated, walked, exercised, analyzed, meditated some more, to help release the tension that was my pain. Through it all, I felt love for myself and love for the people involved. Never anger, just a sense of love and a desire for acceptance for all that is. In my meditations, I set an intention of any assistance "out there" to help to heal within. This video was the one that has helped me the most, and is an example of who I am/how I am/how I live. I wish every single person would take 10 minutes to find a quiet, peaceful place to devote to this video. It is truly how I feel most of the time and is why I have such a zest for living. Just to listen to it, knowing that is how I live anyway, has brought me back to now, and has helped me tremendously through this latest learning experience of my life. Click the link below:



Oh yes, and then of course, on my own website, there is this article which has been good for me to re-read (click on the link below):


Saturday, February 4 - I believe very strongly in health issues and the connection with what is going on in your life, and your emotional health. It's amazing how accurate this can be. When you resolve issues in your life and find yourself to be whole within, that is when you find good health. So long as you allow others to be an influence, and they are not in alignment with the person you are, that's when you find you have health issues. I am grateful for my strength, for drawing to me those things/people that are in alignment with who I am and how I wish to be. Not everything goes my way as I see it at a given time, yet ultimately, everything works out as it should for me when I am at peace within myself. I am grateful for my good health, my zest for life, my positive attitude and way of living. Little glitches here and there, but as my energy within mixes with the energies around, sometimes others have problems that they have to work out and that's where the alignment is not in my best interests. However, that's where my skills come into play, where I can be of benefit to someone else's health and wellness issues by being who I am. I am grateful for the times I help others be better physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. Is a good feeling. My part in making the world a better place.

Friday, February 3, 2012 - Has been an up and down few months, to say the least. Work has been very, very busy and I appreciate that very much. I love my work. A nice side effect from the craziness of the past week is that I've lost the little extra weight I had put on in the past year. And I am determined to keep it off and possibly lose a couple more. Some people say life goes by so quickly. I think they are the ones who go to work, come home, do the same routine, day after day, week after week. There's a comfort and security in that. And I am sure you can pack some different experiences in that as well. But I tend to shake up my life quite a bit. I stay up late, get up early, or sleep in til nearly noon. I eat at different times each day, no set schedule. I sometimes eat breakfast for dinner. I've moved a lot, even to different parts of the country, having lived in New Jersey, Colorado, and Florida. I've had the opportunity to travel some as well, to Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Caribbean, and throughout our country as well. My interests change and are varied. So, with so many changes and such variety in my life, I seem to have many, many chapters. In the past 10 years, I have done so much! It seems like I've packed a lifetime into such a short time. So, in my case, life does not seem so short. And I am not slowing down. There's so much more to do. I have been busy with work, and other things have come and gone. I wonder what the next chapter will be like?

Monday, 10/3/11 - Even with its challenges, life is so good.  I love my life.... the little world I live in... my beliefs.... makes me smile... to enjoy this physical existence at this time... I shall live in the now in this very moment so I can get the most out of it....

Sunday, 10/2/11 - What an incredibly busy week!! Got back to Florida Monday evening, and started back to work Tuesday. Love my work, love my clients. It's a wonderful job to help people be healthy in body and add a bit of discussion of the mind connection and let the healing begin. I was in a bookstore the other day and pulled a book off the shelf by Mike Dooley. I already subscribe to his website, but it usually goes to my spam mail. Well, I put that book back and pulled another one off the shelf that I'm now reading (Mind Programming, by Eldon Taylor), paid for it and walked out. I checked my phone as I walked to the car as I had gotten an email, and it said in big letters on my message screen, "MIKE DOOLEY."  I almost dropped the phone. lol.... synchronicities.... haha.... Love it.

Sunday, 9/25/11 -As I was hiking yesterday, turned my foot a bit on a rock, and about a half hour later, my ankle started hurting, tendons/ligaments on the inside and under my foot. I thought, uh-oh... can't have this as there is another hour down the mountain on some rocky terrain. So, as I say so often, use your thoughts to heal your body, I kept thinking over and over, "my ankle is good, feels good," etc. But it was not working. So I took a breath, changed my thoughts to, "my ankle is healing," and I kept imagining it getting stronger, sort of like on Star Trek when the doc would wave his hands over the person's body and they would heal, and thought of time-lapsed photography as if I could "see" it heal faster. Well, within seconds, I felt it going away. And in less than a minute the pain was gone completely. I thought, WOW!!!! A little later it started coming back just a bit and I did it all over again, and then it was gone. Hasn't returned. I do believe our thoughts can heal our bodies. Practice. Practice. Practice. And BELIEVE it is possible. I do. I believe I was able to do this because of taking the time to sit in stillness, my way of meditating, calming the mind, practicing calming the mind when in a stressful situation, changing my thoughts when stressed to be positive, calm, feeling a sense of connecting to my inner self, the "energy" within that is separate from the physical dense matter, to the "energy" around us all, and most important is believing that it is all possible. The belief is the key. The practice of it all is what makes it easier and easier to do. I don't know how successful I would be if it were something much more serious or debilitating, but as I practice this for the little things, I think it will strengthen the ability in the event of something bigger in the future... but then again, I will continue to imagine health, wellness, happiness, etc., so that no "bigger" event will ever occur. I consider my body to be a very important vessel in which to carry my soul. I thought of that while on the hike. How I am a soul having a phyical experience, as it is said. I kept bringing my thoughts back to the beauty of the moment, surrounded by nature, how incredible it is that such things have occurred - mountains, trees, streams, rocks, but then again, just brought my thoughts back to the moment to enjoy it all and nothing else. Was great when I could do that and not focus on later in the afternoon, or tomorrow, or relationships, or work, which I admit kept popping up in my mind. But every time I gently brought my thoughts back to the present moment, I felt a sense of peace and calm come over me. All stress disappeared for moments at a time. Just like anything in life, the more you do something, the more automatic it becomes as it gets "wired" into the brain activity. I am so thankful for my practice of this. I love life, I love myself, I love my world. And I appreciate the ability to get my viewpoints, my ways out to anyone who reads or listens so that parts of it may help someone else find their own happiness if it works for them, as others have done for me. I posted a good article by Mark Hyman, M.D., in the Links of Interest section about this as well.


Saturday, 9/24/11 - It is done. They are married! We survived and had an incredibly wonderful time. Close friends and family flew to the beautiful mountains of Colorado and shared in the festivities for five days total. What a fun wedding and fun times for everyone. What a wonderful group of people. It was a beautiful setting, beautiful home, beautiful weather.
















Thursday, 9/15/11 - I never want to get into the wedding planning business. Unfortunately, I have to for a few more days. So, to get through, I will say this mantra over and over in my mind as my daughter and I drive all over getting last minute things before her Sunday wedding, "I am a wedding planner.... I am a wedding planner.... I am a wedding planner...."  haha  And I'll have to add.... "we are sticking to our budget...."  lol... And I also must keep saying to myself, "Breathe...."  Thank you, Universe, that I only have ONE daughter.  And her marriage will be forever. They are wonderful, and I am so happy for them. Now, off to get more things done.....

Tuesday, 9/6/11 - Wow! Life is changing.... this is how we evolve. If everything stays the same, we get stagnant. We have to keep doing, keep going, keep enjoying, keep creating.... in order to evolve.... to learn, to grow. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.... Well, whether I want change or not, it's here. I was so incredibly stiff and sore after lots of work, stress from the move, and all else in life... and was in desperate need of a massage ... or two massages, as that's what it took to ease the stiffness and soreness... along with reflexology which was so needed as well. I am back to normal... haha...whatever "normal" is. Life is good. I live closer to work now except for one day a week. All is well. I am very, very happy.... as usual, but even more so now.

Saturday, 8/26 - Yet another very busy week. Okay, I will admit... after eating the whole pint of ice cream (in two sittings), I felt "sick" for two days, but worked through it anyway since I knew it was from an overdose of sugary ice cream. Must enjoy in MODERATION!! Am currently watching hurricane Irene heading for my hometown in New Jersey. Is not as strong as predicted, but strong enough to be a danger. I was stiff and sore often this past week and so I was looking up refresher information on muscle stiffness, when lo and behold, a post came on my facebook from a health site that I subscribe to about "MUSCLE HEALTH"... imagine that... ask and ye shall receive... and so I got the answer I was looking for ... I NEED to drink more water. I'll admit I am the worst when it comes to drinking water, sometimes only having about 6 ounces in an entire day. How do I survive???? I don't know. I am now forcing myself to sip and sip and sip throughout the day and admit that I am feeling less stiff and sore. I'm moving next week in addition to a busy week so it will be another challenging physical several days. My daughter is getting married in a few weeks as well, and it's a long, 4 day vacation wedding. The next four weeks are going to be nonstop and full of changes. I am hoping after that things will settle down a bit, more routine, steady, with less "changes." Maybe the merry-go-round will stop long enough for me to go off and enjoy some cotton candy..... (smile)....

Sunday, 8/21 - What a deliciously wonderful weekend. Nothing much accomplished, but somehow that's what made it wonderful.... Slept in late both days, wonderful to keep falling back to sleep and having dreams... and more dreams.... even dreamed of my little dog, Scruffy, whom I had not thought about for ages.... has been more than 20 years since she passed away... but there she was in a dream. How nice. Watched lots of late night movies, old black and white ones.... just a nice, relaxing weekend. Came across some very good information as well, things I will try to post in Links of Interest. I enjoy my life. I also enjoyed Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream, the whole pint (4 servings), and also enjoyed the 300 crunches and 20 push-ups I did to help work off the calories. Another busy week ahead, working 6 days in a row, great for the healing of others, conditioning for myself, pays the bills, and makes for productive days after nearly 2 days of rest. Okay, to make it easy, here is one link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/62757265/Unlock-your-full-potential-and-live-a-life-of-empowered-inspiration-by-learning-the-science-behind-getting-your-prayers-answered-every-time

Friday, 8/19 - Friday already. A very busy day ahead, and I'm ready for it. I have been so busy for the past couple months and am so grateful for all this work. It does challenge my endurance at times, but that's what massage is for. I get massage so I can keep my body in top shape to do all the things I want to do, which includes keeping up with a busy work schedule. If it were a requirement somehow that everyone get a massage and reflexology on a weekly or twice monthly basis, the world would be a better place as people would be feeling better with more positive energy around. I think the positive energy is contagious. It doesn't mean being so extra bubbly that everyone wants to squash the person...... haha.... but a nice, serene, contented, peaceful, yet joyful existence that you carry around within. Just being that..... other people will feel it without even knowing what it is. Kindness..... My favorite word.... Lovingkindness.... so today I will be lovingkindness..... Now if only I could figure out what to do with my other website.... www.belovingkindness.com.   Anyone have any ideas?

Sunday, 8/14 - A very cool experience that is yet another example of the mind's ability to assist the body's healing. It has to do with that darn sciatic pain that I've recently been plagued with. The pain appeared again as I did some movements that pulled on those hamstrings again. I knew it was too soon, but did it anyway. I went to bed with a bit of stiffness in my lower back and the left hamstring. This morning, I woke up from the pain, the tightness in my lower back mainly. I laid there for a few minutes and wondered what I was going to do about this as it felt different than before, the tightness more in my lower back. I thought how I needed to apply my thoughts to heal my body and so I told myself how I felt good and my back was healed and so on. Then I went back to sleep. I dreamed that a chiropractor was working on someone and I was there and asked if he could work on me. I don't like getting an adjustment actually, but in the dream, I felt like that's what I needed. He did not adjust me, though... Instead, I woke up. I repositioned myself to lay on my side as I was in such pain still, and my back suddenly went pop, pop, pop... I felt it all in my lower back. I was a bit apprehensive as I laid there, but then realized the pain was GONE! I wondered if it would come back, trying not to be negative about it, but still, the thought was there. To my amazement, yes, it does amaze me still.... the pain was gone. I went back to sleep, and all was well. Got up later, played some tennis, nearly passed out from the heat (exaggerating a bit here), but the pain has not returned. Now, this does not mean for you to forego getting your massages...... NO! You still need them for overall relaxation and also need the reflexology for internal health..... But... your MIND is so powerful, and that's another part of your body to exercise..... use your thoughts, your mind... to heal your body. AND get a massage. 

Saturday, 8/13 - It's hard to believe a week has gone by already since last writing here. Another relatively busy week, although a bit more time off to get some things done.... preparing for some changes that I'm very excited about. I am feeling so good, even though I've had a bit of sciatic pain in the last few days. I realize how it came about - from pulling a case with all my massage necessities behind me for a long distance. It was heavy and the handle is not long enough to make it comfortable. So, I felt my hamstrings pulling as I got close to my car in the parking lot. A couple days later, the tightness went higher and then the sciatic pain began. Some massage, reflexology, gentle stretches and restorative yoga poses are working it out. I am grateful for this experience as it helps me understand when I work on clients with similar ailments. Also, using my mind to help my body. That is amazing as it takes the pain away for moments at a time while I'm focusing on it. Not quite good enough at it though to make it go away completely. Practice, practice, practice. And if not something to practice on, I will not get it. So, yes, I do appreciate a little discomfort sometimes. Okay, back to organizing. I'm so excited about upcoming changes. My life is good, the people in it are a blessing to me. I appreciate it all.

Sunday, 8/7 - My heart was heavy for a bit, but is in a better place now. That's for another area... or maybe for a book someday. Anywho...... to put it as simply as possible, I believe our soul is mixed within our bodies, it is the "energy" between the synapses, the part between two cells where information is transmitted. That information is from our minds, then transferred through the heart energy then to the brain then flows through the body doing whatever our minds are ordering. Sometimes the subconscious kicks in (most of the time.... ALL of the time to a certain extent, actually), and causes reactions as well. Well, it's something like that, anyway. That "soul" is what many people refer to as God. So, for ease of explanation, I will refer to it as God also, or maybe universal spirit would be good as well. Anyway, that means that God is within us, and also around us, and if we just get the physical to settle down, we can get the space between to connect with the outer world and be one with the Universal Spirit. That is the connectedness that many people talk about. And when we die, our physical body lets go, and our soul then regroups together, sometimes looking back at our body on the operating table or wherever, and then goes on to other things. Possibly to return again within another physical body at another time. I will have to go back to the Links of Interest and review those videos again and again until I can put it into my own words. They don't explain it to that extent, but that's the way I understand it as I've seen other videos and other scientists discussing such topics. I feel it to be true. But I want to articulate it myself, in the easiest fashion possible so the word can get out and other people can understand and help me in making the world a better place.

Saturday, 8/6 - Busy week. And I feel great. Making a few changes in my life.... haha... so what's new?  Bigger changes. Work is great, but I've been feeling stuck otherwise, and something or some things need to change in order to be a better environment for my growth. Much comes from within, of course, but it's affected by environment. And it's affected by the perception of that environment. I will post links under the section of my website called Links of Interest that are of Dr. Bruce Lipton's findings, and Max Igan as well.... they explain things so well to better understand our bodies, our cells, etc. There is so much in my head and in my heart about all of this information, and they say it the way I feel it. I am not always sure about my actions when I begin to analyze them, but I do my best to just get out of my own way and navigate through life with more of my intuition. I believe that is what is orchestrating the changes I will be making..... my intuition.... what is best for me. I will try not to analyze too much and just go with the flow of what feels "right." Okay, have to go put those links under Links of Interest.....

Tuesday, 8/2 - August already. Wow. Am feeling like I've recovered from all the activity from last week and kayaking Sunday, and a busy day yesterday. Love my work, and the flexibility of it most of the time. Got a chance to jump in the water and enjoy the beach before a brief afternoon shower. Found a hilarious facebook site about boredom. Having too much fun reading the posts. Love the laughter... but it will only accept boring posts..... so funny. Kinda like the old Saturday Nite Live skits. Lots of work ahead this week. I truly believe to be happy in life you have to have a job you enjoy. I am so grateful.

Sunday, 7/31 - Is early Sunday morning right now, may have to update later in the day. Yoga was intense, and was more than necessary for this body that's been moving, moving, stretching, pushing it's limits all week as it is. But I got through it, and after the 2nd class (I had to take two), I was feeling a bit better. My body does not need the intense yoga, just some relaxing, stretching, holding a basic pose, in order to open up and let the energy flow. Yoga is to prepare for meditation. I get enough exercise with work, so I don't need intense workouts. Some people do, and I must admit that there are times when I do also. But certainly not this past week, nor the next week coming up. Is going to be even busier yet. Amazing for this time of year. Also, I am manifesting things left and right. Opportunities, but I hesitate. Not yet ready. Or something else holding me back. I wish I had a crystal ball to know what direction I should take. I don't think it matters really, what direction. Just do it. Well, I'll start with kayaking this morning with a new friend. I am looking forward to it.

Saturday, 7/30 - What an incredibly busy few days.... wow.... I think I did more this week than in a busy week during season. Today I must catch up with yoga..... My body hurts a bit from so much work, and I could use a massage, but yoga will have to come first. Even lost 5 lbs in the past week. Wow..... Kayaking tomorrow for more exercise....haha... there's no stopping me yet!!!  Loving life and can't seem to slow down just yet.

Wednesday, 7/27 - Someday I MUST write a book... or maybe I should start a blog with an anonymous name.... hmmmm.....

Tuesday, 7/26 - All work and no play? Not for long. Sunday started out with peaceful meditation with a very good friend whom I appreciate so much for sharing his meditation practice with me.... Then an afternoon and evening with my travel/Kentucky friend whom I adore completely, and his wonderful mother, at Siesta Key beach among other stops, drum circle, incredibly unusual sunset, dinner with distant lightning and more beautiful lightning on the way home. They are always fun to spend time with. Then back to work, some winter clients have ventured back to Florida... thank you .... and now to continue with my life's adventures.... what is next? Nice morning..... interesting.... nice afternoon..... very good..... then witnessed the mother duck flying away and leaving her little lone chick to cry and cry as I sat on the lanai feeling so helpless.  How could she do that? Is that how she lost her other two baby chicks? I felt like I couldn't leave, yet there was nothing I could do. Finally.... she came back. I can get back to other things again. Wow. I was stressing out.  Big things don't seem to bother me, but for some reason, that did. I actually felt slightly exhausted as if worrying had depleted my energy.  I am not used to worry.  It's been awhile since I've experienced it and now I know why I don't like it.  A busy couple days ahead.... and more adventures to come.....

Monday, 7/18 - I cannot believe how fast time is going by. How is it past the middle of July for goodness sake???? I post a tiny bit here, and realize it's just the tip of the iceberg of my life. There is so much more in my day to day living.... Things change, circumstances change, and I accept change. I was about to make some major changes in the past couple months and then circumstances changed again.... and most importantly is that I feel very comfortable with whatever changes occur or don't occur. It's a nice, peaceful, easy feeling as the Eagles would say..... The opportunities have been there and for this reason or that, I chose to make a change or not.... staying on the same path at times and then detouring to another in a different part of my life. I am flowing..... it all feels okay. That's what matters most. The nicest thing is that whatever choices I make, whatever path I take, it's all okay. There is no wrong. How good is that? It's great.

Sunday, 7/17 - So, what is new to post here? I have been so busy working...and not enough time in between to do anything very useful. Where is the summer? I will need to work on balance again.... is too much in one direction and not enough to allow for growth. If I keep plugging along without the ability to grow, I will get nowhere, and just keep spinning in the same place. Existing. Not growing. I would rather have the time to grow as well. Some people can do both. I seem to need to have some down time here and there. The good thing is that I'm enjoying it anyway. Just want more "time." Don't we all?

Saturday, 7/9 - I am not so good at time management..... I admit I get lazy when I have time to myself. Need to work on this. Need a massage! Thank you, clients, for the opportunity to help you. The flow of all of us doing what we do best is what makes the world keep working. Let's all get massages and reflexology so we can better connect with our minds and get the most out of our lives.

Thursday, 7/7 - Wow! Busy! I am very grateful to be so busy during the slow season here in Florida. And now with it raining so much..... is good to be busy as there are fewer beach days to enjoy anyway. Making some decorating changes as well, and working on my program of body/mind connections to get the most out of health and happiness.

Saturday, 7/2 - Synchronicities.... coincidences.... wow! I am always amazed at how those things happen. I sat down to meditate last night, with headphones to listen to a guided meditation. Partway through, I realized I was not relaxing and the meditation I chose was not right for me at that time. I remembered how Dr. Dispenza had long pauses in his meditation and how relaxing that was, so I looked on my computer for the meditation that was forwarded to the participants of his workshop. I had not listened to it all the way through in the past, so this was as good a time as any. I looked forward to those long, slow pauses and the way he speaks. As I listened, I realized it was EXACTLY what I needed to hear. I want to create some of my own small workshops similar to his, but more simply stated, as I understand all of what he teaches and is along the lines of what I share with my own clients when given the opportunity. In the meditation, Dr. Dispenza says towards the end to ask, among other things, for a sign, of sorts, something big, for inspiration, etc.... Well, after the meditation, I checked my computer for any new emails, and yes, there was one. It was from Dr. Dispenza's business, an email about a training program for trainers. How's that for a big sign and so quickly!! Amazing.... There were other coincidences, several in fact, but at the moment I can't remember what they were...they keep happening more and more and more... It sure makes life interesting!

Friday, 7/1 - Solar eclipse, new moon.... something about big changes coming especially for those born under the sign of Cancer, and I know from the last two eclipses, that this is true. Not sure of the exact details, but already there have been changes. Challenges of sorts, but not in a bad way. I'm very busy with work, and am amazed at how well I'm keeping up with this new schedule. It used to be that I was so busy in the winter, "busy season" here in SW Florida, then way too much time for beach and relaxation in the summer. But with daughter getting married in September and wanting to be a bit more secure for the future, I'm more dedicated to working through the slow season as well. And enjoying it so long as I can keep up this pace. So, let's see how the next few days unfold and looking forward to a few days of who knows what.....

Sunday, 6/26 - Fun couple of days.... Movies Friday night, but missed an intense thunderstorm while in the movie; looking forward to more storms as we're entering the rainy season here in Florida... then yesterday enjoyed brunch with a special friend with whom I wish I could spend more time, but life gets in the way, it seems.... then the beach, followed by an interesting evening of dancing, great exercise and so much fun... then tennis lesson this morning in the 90 degree/humid weather... what an intense sport! I have much to learn, but is fun learning from a pro! Back to work tomorrow, hoping for a busy week. Meanwhile, doing some research on various topics as I so often do, too much going on in my head... so many interests, so much to learn about everything.... sometimes I feel like a kid looking at the world with such wonder... there's so much out there... so many possibilities.... 

Thursday, 6/23 - Nice birthday.... another year "younger," as I decided a few years ago I am going in the opposite direction.  I've been feeling younger each year, so why not? Everyone thinks you "age" as you get older... but so far, I refuse.  Yes, I'm another year older in number, but that's all. Am sure I'll level off at some point, but not ready just yet.

Here in SW Florida, life slows down considerably in the summer months.... all my winter clients have gone to cooler pastures for a few months (although it gets mighty hot up north, too!).... so I've added a new location to do my work, and am busy again.... not much time for kayaking and summer fun, but that's okay. Law of attraction, power of positive thinking, all that stuff worked again... nice people, nice clients, and keeps me busy. Love my life.....

Friday, 6/17 - In addition to doing massage and reflexology, I find it is very helpful to discuss for a few minutes at the very least during each massage the benefits of the mind, your thoughts, in the wellness of your whole body. And then it extends even further to the wellness of your life. As you feel better,  your mind can think more clearly, and you can make better choices and decisions for yourself as you become more "in-tune" with yourself. When you release the tensions through massage and the internal "tune-up" through reflexology, in the more relaxed state, you can use your thoughts to create a better you. It all goes together. You can learn, step by step, little at a time, practice... practice...practice.... to use your thoughts, be in control of your thoughts, to tell your brain how to deal with body issues. Tell your body what you want, and then thank your body for giving it to you... a healthier shoulder, an efficient heart, good, strong lungs.... whatever it is, ask for it, then say a big thank you for it..... your body will begin ... slowly.... to respond to this line of thinking. Be patient. It takes time. Oh.... I forgot the important part.... do this when you are RELAXED..... best time is just before you're nodding off to sleep, or just waking up. Then it gets down into your subconscious... but it takes practice, so you have to keep doing it.... and your body and possibly your life will change.... I dare you to try it... for a few weeks, a few months.... and see what happens.  And if you are one of my clients, you already know this works.... as you see how good I feel and how happy I am.
 
Wednesday, 6/15 - Eclipse day... not here, but astrologically is supposed to be significant.  Will see in the next few days...... Wow, what a busy couple of days! Thank you, clients!! Love my work. Played some tennis yesterday, am learning to play tennis, anyway.... just some lessons... I stretched prior, and did some exercises after, and am not sure how or when it happened, but later in the evening, my right foot was in a bit of pain. Okay, a lot of pain, and I was concerned that it could last for several weeks (as a sprained wrist did a couple years earlier). I could hardly touch it, on the outside, what's called the cuboid notch. Upon inspection, it was found to be quite swollen and extremely tender. So, it was wrapped in some ice for about 20 minutes, then again a couple hours later for 20 minutes, and then propped up on pillows for the night. Of course, as that was extremely uncomfortable to sleep that way, I woke up about 6 or 7 times during the night. Each time I woke up, I said several times in my mind how thankful I was for the healing of my foot.... and believed that it would be just fine. It HAD to be as I had a full day of work ahead of me. Upon waking in the morning, I stepped down on it and it was completely well. Again, I thanked the "universe," all the powers that be, within and around me, for such quick healing. I believe it was a combination of the ice, elevation and rest, along with the power of the mind to assist in the healing process. I am so grateful!!!!
 
 
 
Friday, 6/10 - Had another incredibly wonderful day kayaking with a fun kayaking friend, ... and swimming.... 8 hours in the sun, lots of areas covered, dolphins, shells, snorkeling, saw the biggest crab I've ever seen so close to shore... more afraid of ME, thankfully! Started early, 8:30, overcast, thank goodness... was a bit breezy at times, too, made it comfortable. Thankfully, had phone with me, love technology, so I could schedule appointments while kayaking. It's so important to enjoy life. And I do.
 
Addition to Wed., 6/8 - Nice day at the beach except for those biting flies, finally had to leave. When swimming, there was a about an 8 inch long fish with long black and white lengthwise stripes that kept swimming against my legs, am not sure if it was trying to bite me or what!!?? I was pretty far out there, and it followed me all the way to shore. I use almond oil instead of sunblock as I feel it's much healthier for the skin, has anti-aging properties as well as a natural sunscreen, as I understand it. Seems to work just fine, except maybe the fish liked the almond oil. Hmmm..... Then home to finish watching the video that was made prior to the one I posted earlier. It's long, 2 hours, and full of history, science, etc. Personally, I feel it's information we should all be aware of. Thank goodness for the end of it.  Here it is for anyone interested: 
 
Wednesday, June 8 - Yay! No jury duty! Love it when my number is so high it's not included...... I don't want any parts of judging others.... So, was a busy Monday and Tuesday, love my clients, love my work.... Am trying to stay focused and listen/watch this video, is fascinating, really, just need to devote the time to focus on it.... I'm putting the link here because it is so amazing to me and I want to share..... lots of history, science, .... Incredibly interesting... makes a person THINK!!!!!!
 
Monday, June 6 - Tiny bit sore when I got up, mostly my forearms from all that paddling, but it went away quickly. Feeling great. Feeling more solid. Ha! Here I want to be able to somehow be more "vibrational" and move into another "dimension," yet I'm feeling more solid. Crazy thought? lol   Maybe someday it will be possible. Okay, for reality in this time and space, I'm feeling great. Busy day today, another busy day tomorrow. Lots of massage and reflexology. I want everyone to be healthy and happy. In addition, I'm trying to get all my pictures (hundreds) scanned and onto my computer and a disk so I don't have these "tubs" of pictures to lug around for the rest of my life. Groupon has a good promo on this, so I'm going to risk sending them away to have it done for me. Also neverending (is that even a word?) wedding plans for dear daughter. She makes me crazy. Then I remember that she's so much like me. That means I must make "me" crazy, too. Is true. haha..... This is one of my rambling notes here. Bought some coconut milk today, thinking that all the things I read about cow's milk and how it's not something we should drink. So, coconut milk has more calcium, less calories, etc., etc. And then, in case I didn't like the taste, I also bought some Ovaltine chocolate to add to it. It used to be a favorite. And I thought how it might taste like a Mounds bar. lol..... Well, turns out the coconut milk is pretty darn good. The Ovaltine was a deliciously nice addition, as well. Did a fun thing .... uploaded my first Youtube video.  I know, I know... is about time.  Everyone else has done this it seems. Well, it's just a short 30 second video of the hermit crabs running around, there were thousands of them, at Hickory Beach the other day.... so I posted the short video ... the long one was too big of a file from my phone to Youtube. So, if you search for Hermit Crabs at Hickory Beach, it's there. Love this new phone.... A Droid Pro, or something like that.
 
Sunday, June 5 - Wow, I am amazed at how fit I am. A birthday coming up in a few weeks, and I am not so young in years anymore, but I have more energy and more stamina and more endurance than I have ever had. I mean, even more fit and stronger than when I was 18, 20, 25, whenever. It is amazing. Today, 4 hours of kayaking, and that was with a lot of heavy duty paddling, except when I stopped to video the dolphins all around me, and also swimming for a half hour or so, then almost an hour of tennis lessons. And it was 93 degrees today! The secret? Reflexology mainly, and also mind power. I'm reading the book, "Biology of Belief," by Dr. Bruce Lipton. It's all explained in there. Now, Family Guy, on TV (yes, one of my favorite shows), and then look forward to a great week ahead, except for jury duty on Wednesday. Hoping they don't need me, then I'll go kayaking again...
 
Friday, June 3 - It gets easier when I look deeper at myself, figure out my triggers and then.... most importantly, sit in stillness, or as some say, meditate, and reprogram the subconscious so that the conscious triggers no longer exist. How liberating is that! Makes me smile at the abilities that exist within me to navigate through these occasional muddy waters. All is well.
 
Sunday, May 29, 2011 - Memorial Day weekend... a big deal at the Jersey shore where I grew up. Not much at all in Estero, Florida, and without family to hang with for the holiday weekend, I felt the need to get away on my own little adventure. My own mini-vacation, just a few hours from home visiting some of Florida's state parks. Made it for sunset the first night, then today found the most perfect spots to enjoy the beautiful sunshine, water, swimming, snorkeling, shell hunting, a good book, ahhhh..... feels like I'm in heaven.  Life is good.
 
Friday, May 27, 2011 - This was my grandmother's birthday.... I miss her.
 
I wrote a response to someone's post elsewhere, and thought how appropriate it is to someone else's remarks recently about some other things... and realized I apply it wherever I can, so here it is: 
 
I think the fear, anger, hurt, expectations & disappointments of people in this world are part of the negative creation process. I will do my best to keep my thoughts as fearless, kind, peaceful, accepting of differences, and a sense of enjoyment in all the things I do, even when faced with challenge.. to find some sort of joy in making something better .. not an easy task, almost incomprehensible even at times. But with practice, practice, practice, it will be my tiny part of the collective whole to "create"... expand... the good in the world. I'm not perfect, I fall victim to sadness, sometimes a bit of despair as things go wrong, but I try. This is my perspective, my opinion only, of course. I try to well up a sense of calm and fairness and kindness when I think of the people in government even when I disagree. Maybe a tiny grain of those thoughts will somehow make a difference, even for a split second. If everyone did this, maybe it could make a big difference. I don't know. But it's how I think. Just my perspective.
 
Thursday, May 26, 2011 - Be Lovingkindness....
 
Sunday, May 22, 2011 - Calm prevails for the most part. Love it. Enjoyment of life continues. Whether I'm busy with work, play, cleaning, driving, dealing with some little difficulty (malfunctioning phone), I enjoy my life. Kayaking up the Estero River yesterday was so relaxing, peaceful and beautiful. Meditating this morning was blissful, until my feet fell asleep. I must work on my leg-crossing posture to find a more comfortable position so I can continue my meditation past 45 minutes. I feel that I understand certain things about the physical existence and the non-physical "energy" that is within, and continue to search for the scientific basis for it, as well as the layman's words to explain it to others in a way that can help with other people's evolvement as well as my own. If only we can all have the basic similarity of lovingkindness, then we will know peace, safety, enjoyment in all the things we do. It doesn't mean we won't have challenges, but at least they would be of a nature that would not incur physical/mental/emotional/spiritual harm. We can have conflict without harm. Respect for another's beliefs, so long as no harm is done to another. If we can just get to that place as humans, ALL of us, then we can live, love, and be filled with such incredibly joy to experience all the wonders this world has to offer. When we tire of all the fun, we can then lay ourselves down to move onto the next world of consciousness without the restrictions of the physical body. Or, maybe as our planet is shifting ever so slightly and energy is changing, maybe, just maybe, we can access this other consciousness that I believe is within us, "entangled" with the physical being that we are made up of, and we will enjoy our existence even more. So, today I spent some time listening to an interview on quantum physics.  Here is the link, and I'll post it also in Links of Interest:  http://www.streaming-madness.net/watch-online/documentary/stuart-hameroff-interview-the-science-of-consciousness-2003/
 
Although the interview appears to be from several years ago, I don't believe science has refuted it.  What I thought would be a slow week coming up has just gotten busier, and I am so thankful for that, as my daughter's wedding date draws closer....
 
Wednesday, May 17, 2011 - There is a strange sense of calm within me. As I drove the 50 miles one way to South Port Square, in traffic, for two days in a row, and as I have too much to do and probably should be panicking over my daughter's upcoming wedding, and several other things I keep putting on the back burner, I still have this wonderful sense of calm. I hope it sticks around for awhile. I am loving it.
 
Tuesday, May 16, 2011 - As we have many cells in our body that we want to work as efficiently as possible for the good of the whole body, WE, as HUMANS, are like "cells" on this earth, as one consciousness, and would do well to strive to be the BEST we can to assist in the health of our world.
 
Tuesday, May 10th - I am always changing the look of my website, playing with the templates, etc. Does anybody care? Haha.... I will do anyway.  Is hot here in Florida... very hot. Weather is showing more chance of storms over the weekend. Just when I have time to go to the beach. Is okay. I like storms, too. Always things to do at home anyway. Positive, positive.... Still busy... thank you, clients. I am pleased to be able to assist in making your lives a little bit better and it helps me as well. I was thinking the other day how much I actually get out of doing massage... is good exercise for me, is peaceful, nice relaxing music, is not stressful work, except for getting to work, setting up, making sure I'm on time, that sort of thing, gives me a sense of worth with what I am giving back to this world... helping in my little way to make life a little better for others, and it also provides an income so I can support myself... and help pay for my daughter's upcoming wedding. Other things in my life are a bit unsettled, but never seem to be settled so is nothing new. Maybe someday it will be settled. Somehow, I've learned that no matter what happens around me, I am at peace and am happy within myself anyway. Is a good feeling. Is a great feeling. I have my down moments, but they don't seem to get to the core of my being. I'm sure I get stressed at times, but it doesn't shake me. It's not the end of the world when things go wrong. And if for some reason it is someday, it's okay... I think the next world is going to be incredible. So... no worries.... just enjoy this moment and the next and the next.... and have fun while living in this giant playground we call Earth.
 
 
Monday, May 9 - Another beautiful day in Florida paradise. Paperwork, phone calls, appointments, etc. Is a nice day after a complex weekend. Focusing on the future as I keep my feet grounded in the present. How do we stay present in the NOW when we need to also create for what is next? How do we know what we want unless we go back and forth with our thoughts? I suppose as long as we take the time to still the mind AFTER going back and forth, past and future, so long as we sit and still our minds eventually, then that's how we eventually know what we want. Does anyone have the answer to this?
 
Sunday, May 8, Mother's Day - My greatest accomplishment of all is having and raising a wonderful daughter. Anything after that is just icing on the cake. I appreciate my life, my activities, but nothing can beat the feelings I have about my daughter. She is wonderful and I am so lucky, so blessed, so universally rewarded by her presence in my life. And, of course, it wouldn't have happened, she wouldn't be here if it weren't for my own mother. Thanks, Mom.... Happy Mother's Day to you!
 
Tuesday, 5/3/11 - What a week or so.... what a year.... I believe we create with our thoughts, draw to us those things, experiences, that we are feeling. Sometimes it's tricky to determine just what it is we're drawing to us. I "felt" ... and I made choices, decisions, based on those feelings. But there was still resistance. I couldn't understand. I kept thinking, yes, this is what I want. I can "feel" it. But it wasn't so. It was right there in front of me, but I didn't see it. It was something else. I kept asking for "clarity", clear thinking so I could determine what direction to go in. I felt like I was in a fog at times. That was because my head was doing the decision-making, not my heart. When I let go, really let go, it was clear. The sense of calm I now feel is proof that I'm on the right track. My heart is so open and it allows in so much. I love the beauty of my surroundings, I love my experiences, I love the people I am in contact with, I love humanity, I love my family, friends, I love my life. The tension is now gone, that which did not resonate with me. That which I was trying to include that did not belong. Even though I loved, it did not magnetize with my existence in return. Now I am on track. I appreciate how this all works, and I realize I have to continue to practice getting out of my own way and letting in what is right for me. This makes sense to me, maybe only to me, but I'm putting it here anyway. P.S.: There are some people who get into your heart....and no matter what, they are always there...In the physical sense, I had to let go, but in my soul's heart.... never.
 
Tuesday, 4/26/11 - You buy things, you manifest things, you create things..... and enjoy them.... then life goes on and you want new things, new experiences.... if you hang on to all the old, it gets CLUTTERED and new things don't fit in very well.... my spring cleaning is to clear out the old, and allow space for whatever is next. Less clutter, more clarity.... and I can find my keys that much easier.  
 
Sunday, 4/24/11 - Happy Easter... got to spend it with the people I love very much and I am so grateful for that..... thank you, thank you, thank you.... 
 
Wednesday, 4/20/11 - Well, there's one thing for sure... my life is NEVER boring... I do have to remind myself to not make the same mistakes over and over, though, and to get a move on into the next phase of life. Being a true Cancer personality, I tend to keep on trying instead of letting go. I recognize this in myself. And as much as I do make the effort to move on, and live NOW, I still like to hold onto the good parts of the past. Not always easy to get past something, even when I know it's necessary. I have forced myself to get going in life, though. And so it all looks different now. Never boring. That's for sure. 
 
Thursday, 4/7/11 - Still confusion..... Seems I'll be meditating on this one for awhile...Busy week. Glad for that. Happy though, even with confusion.... :-)
 
Tuesday, 4/5/11 - Confusion..... I wish for clarity, clear thinking, clear understanding, knowing without doubt...I must meditate on this to create it...I will tell myself over and over that I have clarity. I am clear. I know. And with faith in that, the best path for me to take will be shown in some way. There are so many possibilities. So many choices. Every movement has a ripple effect and every choice causes different things to occur. I want to do what is best for me and for those around me. I want only the best choice to be the one I choose and let that be shown to me. Not choices, only the best path. Time to meditate. 
 
Saturday, 4/2/11 - I'm away for the weekend, taking a massage class, keeping up with my continuing education units for licensing. A good thing, as it is always motivational to go to classes. A very nice group of people to share with, as well. And it's nice to get away on my own. I cherish my alone time to reflect on life, meditate, be peaceful. And have ice cream for dessert. 
 
 
Friday, April 1st, 2011...   Am quitting massage business, coloring my hair back to dark brown, eating ice cream and brownies for breakfast, lunch and dinner til I gain 20 lbs., and running away with the circus.......
 
April Fool's!!!! Except for the hair color.... :-)
 
Tuesday, 3/22/11 -
Back to Florida. What a great trip to Colorado, as usual. I am amazed I'm not sore after that 12 mile bike ride through the hills. I am so grateful for my physical condition. Many years ago, I had more bad days than good. Now, I can't even remember a bad day. Well, maybe about a year ago, I had a cold, I remember feeling pretty under the weather. But with all the activity, work, travel, play... I feel so good. I want to get other people to learn the mindset and ability to feel this way, also. Get up, move.... either exercise, or find something you like to do that keeps you active. Embrace each morning as the start of a new day, and appreciate the wonder of life, of living. How amazing is it how our bodies work, and how, even if we are feeling a bit down, we can concentrate on the good things in our lives and instantly begin to feel better. Keep at that, and see what happens. Keep looking for the good things. Not to say the bad aren't going to happen, but it lessens their grip on us if we just look for something good. Then little at a time, as we keep active, keep positive, and stay calm in times of stress.... getting MASSAGES to help, of course, then the good will come to us more and more and more. The good means whatever makes you happy. Those things that cause you to feel like smiling. Even chores, everyday cleaning, work.... can make a person smile. I can smile washing the dishes, feeling the warmth of the water on my hands, knowing I'm accomplishing something that will make my environment that much more pleasant.
 
Okay, after all day in airports, and squished in the middle seat on the plane, and having to get up extra early tomorrow for work, and knowing I have lots to catch up on, I am still feeling great. Life is good. Sad to leave Colorado and my daughter, but so much more to look forward to. And hopefully will be back there again soon.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday, 3/20/11 - Wow! An amazing couple of days... went to Shambhala Mountain Center, the Buddhist mountain retreat, and visited the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya. It was beautiful, peaceful, and I felt the love, compassion, kindness, and acceptance as I sat and meditated in the beautiful monument. The ride there and back was incredible in itself, as well, and we wanted to stop and take pictures, but were pressed for time. We did take a few on the way back down, though. That evening and the next day were then spent at the workshop hosted by Dr. Joe Dispenza, about our brain, mind, body, and thoughts, and how to change our thoughts to create change in our lives. This is what I discuss so much with clients, and I wanted to learn more of the science behind it. I was glad my daughter attended with me, although she is already a master at positive thinking and creating. It mostly reaffirmed what we already have been practicing and experiencing for some time, but still well worth the experience. Everything was done exceptionally well, a beautiful hotel and conference center, an incredibly delicious lunch provided at the workshop, and a wonderful experience all around. I would love to type more, but my crazy daughter is forcing me to shut off the computer to watch a documentary with her. Having a wonderful time here.
 
 
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 - Made it to Colorado, will be attending a workshop and visiting family. Had a couple "tests" of my patience today while navigating through the airports. The sign said Concourse C for American Airlines. I walk down, go through security, which of course entails taking off shoes, unpacking the laptop, etc. All was well. As soon as I got through all of that, I pulled out my boarding pass for the gate location. It says gate "B7".  What??? "B"???? So, I head to the other side of the airport for Concourse B and go through security all over again. Turns out there are two American flights out of Concourse B. Then, almost as soon as I got there, they were boarding, but I had those morning pangs of hunger and thought about how long the flight would be. So, I took the chance and headed back to Burger King for a breakfast sandwich (only thing around), and as would be the case, there were several people in front of me. I could have been very anxious and worried I would be late, but managed to stay very calm through it all.  I was proud of that accomplishment, as there were times in the past I would have been panicking, or maybe not even taken the chance and starved. Then, before arriving at the connecting airport, they announced that we would be arriving at Gate A21 and my connecting flight would be at Gate C11. So, I get off the plane, get on the skybus and arrive at C11, only to find out that the gate had been changed to A33. hahahaha.... I think to myself, as I head back to the skybus and back to Concourse A, down a little further to A33. Cool, calm, collected.  I was so very proud of myself. They are only minor inconveniences in the world right now. Certainly, nothing to get upset about. And was nice I was getting my exercise anyway. 
 
Friday, March 11, 2011 - A sad day for Japan... Big earthquake. Prayers for the healing of that area of the earth and its inhabitants. Nature is not always kind. My thoughts are not of the anguish or suffering... that would just add to it. My thoughts are of love, comfort, strength, healing. That is what they need to feel. They have enough anguish and fear. Don't give them more. Give them love, strength, endurance.  
 
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 - That old saying, something like, "if you keep doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome, that's insanity," has hit me over the head. haha! I GET IT NOW! haha...... I just needed to experience the "over and over" part. Time to take a different path. There are so many choices to make in life. Each one gives us a different life path. Other people make choices, too, and that can also change our path. I am so excited to start a new path. I signed up for a workshop next week, on the spur of the moment, but it felt right; something I've been interested in for awhile now, and the location gives me the opportunity to visit my daughter, as well. A couple other programs I purchased will have an impact also. They are all somewhat interrelated. Growth. Letting go of some things that were somehow only meant to be temporary, I suppose, and move in a direction of learning more ways to enhance my life, to create more and better things to come. Am sure I'll be posting some articles soon about the new things I'm learning. The strangest thing is that it doesn't seem like I'm actually "learning," but more like reinforcing what I already know. I love that. Okay, today is a day off, plans have changed.... have people to see, places to go, things to do..... Looking forward to it all. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sunday, 3/6/11 - Yesterday was a wonderful, beautiful, busy day. Enjoyed it thoroughly. Wishing, manifesting more.... 
 
Saturday, 3/5/11 - Am I going backwards or forwards? Or backwards but taking a different path from there?  Hmmmmm..... Whatever. So long as I enjoy the journey.
 
Tuesday, 3/1/11 - March already!!??? How did this happen? Time is speeding up, it seems. The perception of "time." Ha! It changes constantly, yet is "time" is always the same. 60 seconds in a minute. 60 minutes in an hour. We are what we think, feel. I've had my ups and downs of late. Doesn't everyone? How we deal with those times is what's important. Good communication is so important and I am so grateful for certain people in my life that allow me to express everything without judgments and criticisms. Those are the relationships I want in my life. And now I have. Ask and you will receive. Believe it as if it were already true, and it shall come to you. I wanted this so much in my life. People to be able to fully communicate with, and so much more. Sometimes it comes to you unexpectedly, from a direction you did not anticipate. But there it is. Thank you, Universe, for the gifts I receive. For my positive thinking, ability to live in the now at times of challenge, and acceptance of myself and others. And so much more. Today is a good day. Now time to get to work. 
 
Saturday, 2/26/11 - Sometimes I think I live in a dream world. Today I thought it was Sunday. Don't know why. Was another busy week, yet I also had some time to myself. Was very necessary. I do need my down time. Recharge my vibrational energy. I learned about EFT, the tapping technique. I had been exposed to it many months ago, but did not really understand it. Now I do. And I found it works pretty well, even with a very basic lesson. I'll study this more, practice it more, and apply it to areas of my life that continue to need some improvement. I truly have a difficult time letting go of those things I've outgrown or recognize that no longer vibrate with me. We fall away from some things, some people as our wishes, desires, thoughts change. I had hoped they would grow together, but instead have moved in different directions. It's okay. I just need to learn to let go. New directions .... I'm experiencing already. I'm a bit afraid to think outside the box, but I'm getting there, slowly. It's all a learning process. So long as my intuition and vibrational energy are in alignment with my thoughts and actions, then I feel I'm on the right path. I need my down time to sit in stillness to connect with my inner self, the inner knowing, to determine what is right for me. I love my life. I must write a book someday. 
 
Sunday, 2/20/11 - What a week!! My thoughts seem to be shifting. I'm realizing some things that were there all along, but I seemed to push them aside, ignore, due to strong feelings. Now, it's much more clear. I'll miss some things in my life in some ways, but the clarity of the situation allows me to look forward in a much better state of mind. My emotions are so darn powerful. My zest for life is bubbling inside, wanting to get out and see the world, experience everything that is fun, that raises the vibration of my being. Anything that pulls me in the wrong direction, drags my positiveness down, must go. Must get out of my life. Only room for good. I surround myself with all those things that are good for me, for my spirit, for my soul. When I reach out and give in a way to share my zest for life and to help another experience it also, it makes me feel great. It's my contribution to this wonderful world. I am thankful for those around me who appreciate the person that I am; for those people who learn from me and those that teach me, also. Focus on the positive and let the negative fall away. 
 
Thursday, 2/17/11 - A very nice day with very nice clients. Is amazing how much I love my work. Is so good for me, too.  To work in a relaxing room, nice music, the massage techniques are similar to doing tai chi, a very good exercise. Always with proper body mechanics so as not to get a sore back or arms. And doing the reflexology is rewarding because I know it's doing so much good for the inside.... heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, etc., etc. My job is helping to create better health for the client, thus, a better connection to the mind/body.
 
Wednesday, 2/16/11 - Sometimes people just go in different directions. I'm glad I didn't take that road. Thank you, Angels, for watching over me. It was only for a time, and now that time has passed.  I am so thankful for the friends I have...wish I had listened to those who love me so the lessons wouldn't have taken so long... But it's all okay. Friends and more.... I will seek same now. Worked half a day, then went kayaking, then chatted with a few friends. I love my life. It's changes, it's adventure. What will tomorrow bring? 
 
Friday, 2/11/11 - Oh, Life..... Relationship issues.  Interesting as I look at them intellectually, analytically. Without emotion. Painful when I allow the emotions to come into play. Levels of commitment and when breached, trust issues. There are many, many good people in this world. My thoughts are to be surrounded by those who have similar beliefs and values and respect. I wish for this in my life. I accept that it is.  Now just let it go and allow it to be. I'm working on this. Will post how it turns out sometime in the future. Time to let go of those situations that don't work any longer and allow those that do to enter my life. Perspective. I love my life.  Just a little bump in the road.  Okay, a big pothole.  It'll get better, just have to give it some time. And faith. 
 
Thursday, 2/10/11 -Thoughts and words DO become life. They do create. Sometimes it takes awhile, but those thoughts and words will eventually catch up. I understand it more and more as I see it in my own life. Be careful what you think. Be careful what you say. I remind myself of that whenever a negative thought creeps into my mind. I will do my best to focus on what it is I WANT and not what I don't what. I will do my best to maintain a positive attitude and look at the good in other people and in situations. Sometimes things happen. I can't create someone else's life. I can't change their journey for them. That is choice. It's up to another to change their journey. I can touch people's lives, but it's up to the other person how they allow me to affect them. My wishes and desires and dreams and wants and needs will be fulfilled. My thoughts and words will draw to me what it is I am seeking. This is how the energy of this world works. Interesting, and amazing as I see it with my own eyes, experience it in my own life. Sometimes it comes in a different form than you think it will. 
 
Tuesday, 2/8/11 - Starting out to be a beautiful day here in Southwest Florida. I see some clouds working their way in, but they'll burn off soon. I'm working a health fair today, doing chair massages, then client appointments after. Chair massages yesterday for well deserving employees, as well. Also working on meditation CD's and other projects. For those of you who read this, some comments via the Contact Us or Guest Book areas would be appreciated. Would you like to see some products for sale here, sometimes a free sample to download? Let me know. I've also created a donation button to assist mainly with health expenses for some who are in need at this time.  I'm grateful for the ability to give some people reduced rates as well, when I can. 
 
Sunday, 2/6/11 - A shift in energy? Realizations? A little more clarity? A little less clarity? Sometimes things come to you in a different package than you expected. You may visualize something, but the feeling that goes along with that visualization is what matters most. The feeling. The vibrational match to that feeling may be in a different form than you had imagined. It's based on the feeling. Not necessarily the image. At least when it comes to people. Or opportunities. I may visualize a job working at a particular place, believing I'll get that job, when in fact, the vibrational match to the good feeling I'm having about the work is for another place. The opportunity arises for work at a different place than what I was visualizing. Or it can be applied to a person. I visualize certain things/feelings/experiences with a particular person, and in fact the vibrational match could be someone else entirely. I can't change a person, but can draw to me the vibration that matches what it is I am feeling. 
 
Friday, 2/4/11 - A busy week! Love it! I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my skills with my clients. Again, more synchronicities, coincidences, power of thought that creates the happenings of my life. I am amazed, even though I know how the Universe/Energy/God works. It still amazes me. I love my life. It's not perfect; in fact, I am very unsettled still. Like a crab without a shell. I often feel that way. Yet, I still enjoy the adventures that each day seems to bring. I am just getting out there and living life and not looking to hide in a shell right now. Will save that for quiet times when I finally get myself into a more secure life where I finally do feel settled. Wonder when or if that will ever happen.
 
Sunday, 1/30/11 - Spent yesterday afternoon kayaking and shelling in Estero Bay and Lover's Key State Park.  Was slightly cool, but very nice. The exercise is great to work off those extra holiday pounds. Yes, I have a few of those. What better way than to enjoy the fresh air, sun and share it with my special guy. Life is good!
 
Thursday, 1/27/11 - The busy season is here. Sometimes more work than I can fit into the schedule. I'm grateful for the opportunity to apply my skills to help people feel better, to assist in the mind/body/spirit connection. As your body feels better, your mind can think more clearly, and the practice of good thoughts, a good, healthy life, lovingkindness to each other, leads to a better world to live in. Smile to friends and strangers alike. Enjoy relationships and connections with family and friends, joke about life in a positive way, sharing laughter, smiles, fun times. We're here to enjoy life in our physical bodies, fun activities, good food. Being happy and feeling great. As we feel good, our "vibration" increases. A happy "buzz" within that spreads to others without realizing it. It's not something we can see. But you know it's effect when people around you are positive, too. If someone is down, use your higher level of "vibration" to assist with their wellbeing. Without taking on the lower vibration of someone else's challenge, offer kind words to raise their energy frequency. As they feel better with help from your kindness, compassion, understanding, a positive charge is emitted and that little place in the world is improved, with the healing energy that's released. When we show love and are loved, it increases the wellness of not only ourselves individually, but also the space we take up on this earth. If we all felt that love and being loved feeling, the whole world would be healed. Although that's highly unlikely, we can at least strive to make it the best we can. I'm doing my best to do my part, and enjoying life in the process. Love others and allow yourself to be loved. Forgive yourself for things you feel you could have done better, let go of negatives and focus on good thoughts, good intentions, happy times to come. And then see how your life will improve. 
 
Tuesday, 1/25/11 - Weather is wild all over the country, and here in Florida, it's storming plenty tonight. Even though it was windy today, we took the kayaks out for a trial run in a quiet canal away from the winds. It's fun to go through a tunnel of mangroves and come out into a quiet, serene area to relax and meditate for a few moments. Back to work tomorrow, and it's going to be very busy for the next couple weeks. I'm ready. Taking time to enjoy life is as important as eating and sleeping, though, and it has been a nice break from work for the past week, enjoying family and friends. Sometimes all we have is work, eating and sleeping. If that's the case, enjoy work. Enjoy the drive to work. Enjoy getting ready for work, even. Find pleasure in every activity, focusing on what you're doing at the moment you're doing it. That's living in the now. Connect to God, the energy that surrounds this earth and more, let that flow into you as you go about your activities. I do that as much as I can, reminding myself of this often so it becomes habit. When there's time to sit and think about other things, I try to imagine what I want my future to be, what I want in life. Even if I don't have any idea how I'll get there, imagining the end resut is a big start to making it happen. I've been doing this for several months now, and there have been plenty of ups and downs as I lose patience at times. That's not the way to go about it. I know these things, yet it's not always easy for me, either. Practice, practice, practice. Writing down what you want is another way to create. Expressing it in a way that describes it as if it's happening right now, is a good way to create it. Feeling good all along while thinking about what you want is necessary, also. Without doubts or worries. I'm working on this. Practice, practice, practice.
 
Monday, 1/24/11 - What a wonderful surprise Saturday evening, as my travel friend and more, whom I adore, surprised me by coming down to visit. Okay, so I consider myself a happy person, but I am so much happier now.  I will focus on the present, have good thoughts and appreciation of all that is, and will do my best to manifest more of this wonderful feeling I am experiencing.
 
Friday, 1/21/11 - And life goes on. Have been having a great time visiting with family, surprising my mother for her 80th birthday, with the whole family getting together. And all getting along. I'm happy to be me. I'm a lucky person to have a nice family, to have the opportunity to fly up and spend time together, including my daughter and her fiance. And then to spend time with friends, as well. Catching up on the goings on in our lives. Will be back to work soon, with a renewed appreciation of the warmth of Florida, since the temps are dropping swiftly around here.
 
Thursday, 1/20/11 - Being in love is agony when separated from the person you adore for weeks/months. Being in love is awful, unless you can spend time with the person. Then it's bliss. Just my experience. 
 
Monday, 1/17/11 - Thank you, clients. I have the best clients anyone could ever wish for. I am so very lucky to have the life I have. Such nice friends, also. Sometimes it seems like every day is a new adventure. Makes me smile. So many good people in my little world. Tomorrow I'm off for another adventure, to spend time with family that I haven't seen in quite awhile. Then back again to continue with work, and enjoy friends. One of these days I'll meet the right person to settle down with who wants the same things as I do, with that mutual feeling so many seek. I thought I met him, then not sure. I seem to require much communication and togetherness, with words of affirmations and mutual commitment to each other. Oh well. We each have our own perspective on what we want in a relationship. But friendships for sure. Maybe that's even better. Meanwhile, I smile when I wake up, look forward to the activities of the day. I bought a couple kayaks, didn't know how I was going to get them transported to my home, or how I was going to store them (limited space), but knew I wanted them for exercise, sun and fun, and knew it would all fall into place somehow. I focused on the fun it would be to go paddling around here in the local places, not how to get it done. And by doing that, the solutions appeared. I did contemplate a bit on roof rack options, but even that fell into place and led me to another potential opportunity. Funny how things happen. Timing. By not worrying about any of it, it just flowed.  Thank you to friends for their help, and I look forward to enjoying solitude with kayaking, also sharing funt times with others and lending them out as well. I feel like I'm at a turning point with a couple different things. I feel really good right now, even though some things appear not to be working out as I had hoped. Maybe it's meant to be that way and it's the Universe's way of moving me towards what is really a vibrational match instead of me trying to make something work that obviously isn't. Makes me think my work within myself for wholehearted acceptance and understanding is taking hold. Finally. Lovingkindness always. That is so important to me. My favorite word, lovingkindness. 
 
Sunday, 1/16/11 - A wonderful day for a Reiki II class. I had taken Reiki I and Reiki II in the past, but had not applied it as taught, so this was a refresher, a renewal, and an advancement to what I had already been given. It was a wonderful day. I was amazed at the effect during my own treatment session. It will take me awhile to process through all that happened. Was absolutely an incredibly wonderful experience!! Afterwards, came home, and watched the remainder of football, and was happy the team I was rooting for won.... as well as enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with my "family." Then a two-hour nap while listening to sound therapy music. A strong sense of peace and calm, as well as a feeling of excitement while messaging with my Kentucky friend and travel mate who may be visiting again soon. Looking forward to a busy day tomorrow, and soon a trip up north to visit all my immediate relatives. Let go of the past, let go of the future.... be here NOW. At this moment, I appreciate all that was and all that will be, and feel a sense of calm, peace, and love for everything and everyone.
 
Wednesday, 1/12/11 - It's not always easy to put a positive spin on things that don't work out the way I plan. It's not always easy to figure out why things don't always work the way I want them to. I make plans, think I'm looking forward to them, then things change. Why? My thought is because it wasn't a "vibrational match" and so was not good for me after all. If only I could learn to trust that and let it go. This is a quote I came across a few hours ago, "Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don't try to figure anything out. Don't try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest. -Tilopa.  How appropriate and something I'll try to practice.
 
 
 
Monday, 1/10/11 - A beautiful day here. Nice weekend, too. I enjoyed a local state park, watched football, enjoyed time with friends. I love my life. I love being me at this stage of my life. I am enjoying my work, my friends, the inner peace and joy I feel, and appreciate the opportunities to share with others. I'm responsible for only me. I'm practicing meditation more and more and feeling that beautiful connection more often. It's easier as time goes on. I am not at all certain how my life will unfold; so much is unsettled, uncertain. Sometimes that bothers me, other times I embrace it as the adventure that life is, and feel excited anticipation for whatever will come next. 
 
 
Sunday, 1/9/11 - Day off from work. Nice day for a bike ride between football games.
 
 
 
 
 
Saturday, 1/8/11 - Multitasking is giving me a headache. Busy day. Great week.  Thank you, clients. Trying to settle myself down for a bit, as work is getting so busy. Basically, that means I'm trying to calm my social calendar and focus more on work and rest. I realize how much I love summer and fall, and the reason I CAN enjoy it so much is because I work so hard in the winter/spring. And am very, very happy about that. I have found the work that perfectly fits what I have always wanted..... work that I enjoy doing, that provides an income as a secondary purpose, not as the primary purpose, and that allows me the freedom to pick my free time somewhat during season and more freedom for major trips during summer/fall.  
 
Thursday, 1/6/11 - Nice day. Trying to calm my mind.... too busy for adventures right now.... Focus ... Life is good. 
 
Tuesday, 1/4/11 - Solar eclipse today somewhere in the world. I think they'll be able to see it in Europe. Astrologically, it affects everyone to some degree. How best do I move forward, I'm not sure. Work is busy, and that's great. All is well with work. Thank God I love my work. It's flexible, I can make my own schedule for the most part, take time out for me when I need and want to. I enjoy my clients, enjoy helping them, enjoy sharing my craft in a way that makes their life better. We manifest/create what we want in life. We think things, have emotions about things, and that's what is drawn to us. So, it's important to think what you WANT, and not what you don't want. It's important that I think of things I want, without fear, without concerns or worries. I might think, "I want a new car," but then I would think, "I can't afford one just yet," and the second thought is bad. I will draw more of THAT to me if I think THAT at all.  At the moment, I really don't want a new car. But I do want to get an oil change...... I also want to get motivated on some projects I've been thinking of, formulating in my head.... it's time to get motivated and DO something more than think about them. Put them into action..... I have a tendency to waver back and forth on things I want....."I want this, ... but...."  and that is what prevents those things from working out. I would like to keep my thoughts more positive and not let them waver...... 
 
Sunday, January 2nd, 2011 - What a busy work week it was for the end of 2010. Thank you, Universe!! Spent New Years Eve and New Years Day with friends, sharing food, conversation, and the start of a New Year.  I enjoyed meditation this morning, as I am going to try to do every Sunday morning. The peace and calm within stays with me all day, and it's becoming easier to get myself to that place of relaxed connectedness. I see the good and the beauty in all things that I focus upon. I want to continue to see this good and beauty. 
 
Saturday, Christmas 2010 - A very nice Christmas with my Florida "family." I'm grateful and appreciate the good people in my life. An incredibly wonderful Christmas dinner! Good friends, good food. Merry Christmas!
 
Thursday, 12/23/10 - Christmas is just a couple days away. I am late as usual in getting things out. I tell myself it just extends the Christmas holiday a couple extra days when people get things late. But there is no excuse except brain fog of late... I have a tendency to hang onto some things longer than I should... and so I did again. Time to clear out what doesn't work, and start anew. The night of the eclipse was the clincher. Astrologically speaking, something was supposed to happen to make a change in my life. It did. The signs were clear. It was obvious. And so, among other things, I will be working on a project that I'll be including on my website at some time in the future. I am thankful for the motivation. As one door closes, and it was nearly shut for weeks, another door opens, new things to work on, to focus on. Business is great, and I'm starting to see more clients from the past. Florida is getting crowded. I love this time of year. Summers are quiet and I love that, too, but need the energy of the people to keep things lively. I want to go back and open that door again, but know it's best to keep it closed. Focus on the now, and focus on the future. 
 
Saturday, 12/18/10 - Another week.... every week has so many changes!  Go to Links of Interest for good articles and websites... I love the synchronicities that keep occurring.... so important to keep thoughts on a good path... so important to maintain a happy, uplifting outlook on life. I'm learning more and more how to maintain a more positive sense of calm even when others around me are going through a difficult time. I don't mean to be cold or distant or unsympathetic. I have compassion for the challenges of other people, but I cannot allow their downward spiral to drag me down also. My challenge is to maintain my own positive sense of self and the world around me even while witnessing the negatives within others. As I maintain my own sense of calm and peace, I am hopeful it will be a positive force for the challenge in some way. I'm reading about neuroplasticity, and it's not like this ability to create a good life for ourselves is something that happens in an instant.... the science behind it explains how it takes practice..... I feel like I'm getting better and better at it as I keep practicing the mindset of creating and drawing to me all the things I want. I enjoy my life so much! Every day is an adventure. What will today bring?  I'm hopeful if anyone reads this, you will take the time to go to http://www.nanettegeiger.com/breakthroughblueprint3 and listen to what she says.  
 
Saturday, 12/11/10 - Seems it's been awhile since I've last posted here. Life's ups and downs. The Mr. Wonderful in my life of a couple months ago has moved back to his home state. A good friend and maybe someday more again. What a wonderful time we had for awhile, adventures galore. We meet many people throughout our lives, some more than others, depending on work, social life, families. I have a varied and full life with work, friends, social life. I get too busy, I think to myself I need some R&R and next thing I know, all my activities settle down. Then I get bored, restless, and think I want some adventure, and OMG.... there's no telling what will happen. Some people have a plan for their life, and follow the steps to get to where they're going. My life seems to be lacking a plan, at least for now. Yet, that's what makes it so much fun. At least for now. I'm enjoying NOW.... 
 
Tuesday, 11/23 - Acceptance. I'm working on this. My thoughts are so important here. My emotions especially. Being a Cancer woman, and it WAS just full moon, I am a bundle of emotions. Something that takes extra work to control. Ups and downs in life. Usually everything is great. Keeping life simple, though, becomes boring. Yet, too much activity and I then crave some relaxation. Catch-22. Now the planets are shifting, something about Jupiter moving into another sign. That planet always seems to have an impact on my life. Will just have to see what it does this time. I started working on a Reflexology training guide to use for a workshop. This will take some time as I tend to be a perfectionist in my work. But no stress, just happily beginning the creative process. I'm looking back on materials I used several years ago when teaching this. But I want it even better this time around. I'm thankful for my smart guy friend who is gently nudging me to get it going. I appreciate that as it's sometimes difficult to motivate myself. And listening to brainsync tapes while working, as well as during sleep. I'll see if I get smarter, more productive, etc., and if so, I'll market the hell out of those tapes. Ha! 
 
Friday, 11/19 - How am I doing with change? Surprises. Unexpected revelations... a roller coaster of emotions that is sometimes hard to control. That "wild-child" of thought. Out of control. lol.... I'm getting through. A day off today, has been a busy week, but my body feels great. I love my work. My clients are wonderful people. I'm glad to have the opportunities that I do to make the world a better place in the ways that I can. I love to learn and to share what I learn. Obviously, it's other peoples' sharing that has helped me to learn. It's kinda like a "pay it forward" sort of thing. Even when I get down, the world I live in is a beautiful place. And because of that, I'm not down for very long. Always looking for solutions to things, and anticipating the challenge conquered and how good that will feel. Then the solutions appear. Or the problem is solved. Or the challenge is resolved. Sometimes it's just letting go of something. And looking forward to whatever may come next. The most difficult thing is letting go of something that you want so much. But if I let go, and just let flow, maybe the right things will come along. I want a bigger TV. I think I'll just focus on seeing it in front of me, enjoying it in my mind, and then let go of that thought and see what happens. Let it come to me. And other things, some material things, also experiences that I want. Think of them, imagine them, then let it go. Don't hold onto what you want, let it go and let it happen. That's my advice. Now I need to listen to myself and take that advice personally. Off to meditate and get on with my day. 
 
Thursday, 11/18 - Okay, major upsets in the world of Dawn. How do these things occur? What causes the negatives to filter in when you think you're being so positive? I am still learning so much. But one thing I DO know is that the tools I use, the positive thinking, the meditating, stilling my mind, helps TREMENDOUSLY. Letting go.  I think part of it is thinking too much sometimes. haha  Don't our minds always go, go, go? We think constantly.  It's not easy to control this wild-child called the "mind".  haha  That's exactly what it is.  A wild child.  I must practice more to discipline and teach this wild child mind to make the best of the world. Not to suppress, but to create and enjoy in a good way.  I'll think of my mind as a wild child and guide it into a happy existence.  lol  A funny way to think of it.  Meanwhile, getting through a tough time.  Thankful for my work and my focus on clients, and all the things work offers me.  And enjoyment of friends. And anticipation of good, fun things to come.  Like kayaking on Sunday. I've been wanting to do that for so long now.... will be fun! 
 
Saturday, 11/13 - A busy work day. All my clients were wonderful. Even in quiet, it was so good to work on them. And when there was conversation, it was meaningful. Informative. Helpful. I love my work. Tonight, a few of us watched a movie, documentary actually, about Ram Das. His perspective, his past, his present, his thoughts of his beliefs after dealing with a stroke. It was powerful in parts and touched me. Even just before watching, before I even knew I would be watching it, I questioned some things about myself. Am I too positive, am I too "preachy"? Do I try to always convey that I'm "up" and life is so very good? Should I be this way? What am I doing in my life? What should I do? I know I'm still learning, and I want to get it right. When I watched this, amazingly, it helped me answer some of these questions. Most amazing to me is that I had been thinking certain thoughts throughout the day and here were some of the answers to these thoughts so soon. It's probably too much to write here, and I know I have to write a book someday. I know I want to teach people, those who are interested, in how to get to this place of peace, calm, yet excitement for life, and how to cope, deal with life when the struggles and roadblocks appear. Yes, they will appear. I have my own struggles. I have my own difficulties, I have my own sadness at times. I have my own challenges. I don't necessarily post what they are here. But they occur. I do have my own suffering at times. But..... but..... I have an open heart, for myself especially, and for the world around me, and for those I come in contact with. When challenges occur, I do my best to turn them around, make positive again. Most important is that I continue to love myself. Care about myself. Sometimes, even if unfounded, it seems that I only have myself. Then I remind myself that there's God also. The energy/essence/life-force of the who world we live in and beyond. That, to me, is God. And that is full of love to flow through me and be with me always. So, when challenges occur, I depend on that. And soon, I feel good again. And the more "good" I feel, the better my life gets. So why not feel that love, feel that "good"? And keep the challenges away. Can I figure out a way to teach this to others? Do I have all the answers? No, of course not. But I'm grateful that I've got a few answers, that I've learned some ways to make the world a better place and my love for the world causes me to want to share. 
 
Friday, 11/12 - What a week. What a couple of months! I look back on the last 3 months, actually, and it's incredible how much has occurred. I absolutely love my life! Even with its ups and downs, or rather, the uncertainties, I love being me. Okay, so obviously, I've had a good day. Manifesting this and that, and laughing out loud when things happen. Let me give one example.  Today was spent at the beach with the Mr. Wonderful in my life, looking for the most awesome shells, one of our favorite activities. Beautiful weather here in SW Florida. Each going our separate ways, he on the beach, me walking through the water mostly, and then almost telepathically it seemed at times, looking up to see where the other was, and getting back together to compare our valuable finds. After a spell of not finding anything too spectacular, I asked for help from the Universe. "Please God, guide me to some great finds, and let me know they're there." I was trying to be specific. I wanted to find something really good and I wanted to KNOW it was right there. After those thoughts, I KNEW it would happen. That's the faith part. So, I then forgot all about the asking and continued to wander through the water and the beach. After a short while, I wandered to a different area up on the beach and over a hill. It was a strange feeling, but I most deliberately walked right around a bend and reached right down to the ground to this one shell out of many. It turned out 90% of the shell was buried, and when I dug it up, I couldn't believe how pretty it was. I laughed out loud, realizing how I felt like I was "led" there, as if I had been pulled. So, then I thought, okay, I want to find another one. For a moment I felt that was selfish, then I thought, NO. It's not selfish. Ask and receive. There was NOTHING wrong with wanting more. I did stop and think how I appreciated so much the spectacular find, thanked the Universe, and so then asked again for more. Within about a minute, I came across another, slightly smaller but even more beautiful, shell that nearly matched the first one. Again, I laughed out loud, amazed and yet not amazed, at the same time. At the end of the day, we took some of the best ones out of the bag and laid them out. It was the best shelling day yet. After a beautiful sunset, it was time to leave, head back for a delicious swordfish dinner and then to the airport where I unfortunately had to say goodbye to my Mr. Wonderful for awhile. The whole last couple of months has been amazing. I keep "manifesting" things, events, happenings. Appreciate what I have, feel love for others, love for myself, then ask for what I want, feel as if it were, knowing that because I thought it, then it shall happen, and then letting it go, so it can happen. The hardest part is keeping the negatives, the doubts, the down moments at bay. Don't let them in. If they creep in, turn them around as fast as I can. I'm still learning, still practicing all of this, and there are some brief times when it's not as easy as I write here. But they are so brief, and then it is so very easy again.  
 
Sunday, 11/7 - Has been a busy work week..... looking forward to lots of work this winter season in SW Florida...helping people to connect to that inner peace. Massage and reflexology are two ways to help the body to heal, calm the mind, and make that connection to the deeper self within. Life is good.   
 
Saturday, 11/6 - At this moment, I need to practice what I preach. Sit in silence, appreciate. Think of what it is I want, the emotion attached to it, feel it, let it go. I believe all that I wish for will occur, in due time, maybe not in the same manner that I expect, which is why I need to focus on the emotion, not the details specifically. Am still learning as I go. I feel okay. As I practice this, I feel that sense of peace returning, then disappearing, then returning. That's where it's important to practice this on a regular basis so it's not so difficult to reconnect to when it feels that I'm a bit disconnected. Sometimes the excitement of life is not as strong, and that's okay. So long as I have that sense of peace within. That's what's most important. And I am grateful for it as I reconnect. When I do massage, I sense this peace within and focus on the client's well-being. In this way, it also reinforces this within myself. And when I get massage, I feel it as well, of course. The letting go of tension is so good for the physical body, and then it allows the mind to relax as well, then lets the sense of peace and calm to the innermost parts of my psyche, that spiritual connection so that all is in balance, mind, body and spirit. That's when good things flow. Okay, it's time for me to go and get a massage as well.  Happy Saturday to all. 
 
Thursday, 11/4/10 - Has been nice to get back to work after long vacation and a couple more adventures on the water after returning. What fun life has to offer! Challenges, too. Ups and downs. Keeping a smile, acceptance of things that are out of my control, and focus on what I want are helpful in navigating through life. Some down time here and there is good for me. Relaxing. Doing NOTHING every once in awhile is a way of connecting back to my inner self, the steering mechanism within to be guided into whatever is next. I'm living in a physical world. I like that. But I also want to stay connected to the spiritual part, the deeper sense of being that helps guide the physical experience, to stay in a flow with what works for me. We each have our own path. I want to connect with those people who blend well with me and me with them, friendships, clients, and a good, solid relationship with the right person. I am working on allowing this to occur naturally, to be guided in all the right ways with the help of the spiritual connection I sense. My intuition. It's sometimes difficult to just let go of control. Focus, yes. Control, not necessarily. I'm still learning on my journey through life. I'll continue to ask the Universe, God, the energy that flows through all things, to guide me in the right direction. And now to get on with my day.  Happiness to all. 
 
Thursday, 10/28/10 - Finally returned home from a 3 week vacation. What an amazing country we live in here. Up through Gatlinburg, Tennessee, through Kentucky, out to Denver, up to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, back to Denver,out to western Colorado, back through the mountains to Denver again, Colorado Springs, then to Kentucky, to panhandle of Florida, sunset at Siesta Key, then home. Wow! Over 7,500 miles in 3 weeks. So many sights! All on a budget, so not the best eating, but somehow the adrenaline of what we were seeing and doing kept us going. And with all the hiking and activities, I am feeling great. I couldn't have done that years ago, but with massage and reflexology tuning up my body, and now with a better mind/body connection as I appreciate, love and imagine the life I want, I can do it all, and did. After getting in last night, was back to work today, and all is well. I am so full of appreciation for my life, for the people around me, the world I live in.  Lovingkindness to all. 
 
Friday, 10/22/10 - Have been going, going, going. I realize the importance of time to sit in stillness, be calm, let all tensions release from the body, appreciate everything, and allow life to unfold as I wish it to. I find when I don't do this, I can get a little irritable, or a sense of being "uncentered." It is an important practice, and with all the activities of late, it's difficult to find the time or aloneness to do this. But the importance of how much better it makes me feel causes me to realize that I MUST find the time and solitude to fit this into my life. 
 
Monday, 10/18/10 - Yellowstone National Park is stunningly beautiful, as well as the Teton Mountains. A day at Buffalo Bill's Historical Museum and long drive back to Denver with more stunning views before the landscape flattened out. A short stop in some hot springs bath house to rejuvenate, then the skies darkened. To end our drive, we stopped to listen to a very loud band, at my daughter's request, and you would think this would be a nightmare. Haha.  They were very energetic, unbelievably loud, but was fun to dance or jump up and down as they seem to do, for a bit. I guess I allowed myself to get caught up in the enjoyment of it. This is a lengthy vacation, not returning until end of the month. Is interesting to think how this all came about. I wanted to drive to Colorado and take time to see this and that. I thought I was going by myself, but asked a new friend to accompany me, and since then it's all taken on a life of its own. I'm allowing myself to enjoy the now, not think too much, or at least trying not to, of the future. It is what it is. What does that mean? It just is. I don't know what the future holds. I will continue to focus my thoughts on what I want, and allow it to happen, however that may be.This is not always easy for me because I don't always know what it is I want. I already have a sense of peace within me most of the time. That seems to be the most important thing to me, my most valuable possession is that sense of peace, that feeling of love within that just wishes to be shared. Sometimes lately it doesn't even need to be shared. I'm just happy to have it within. 
 
Thursday, 10/14/10 - Okay, so I did get the date wrong yesterday. Enjoying this trip immensely, and don't care about the date. Today were buffalo, buffalo everywhere. Beauty in every turn. I feel like a child with wide-eyed wonder at this world I live in. Is beautiful. And all the people we meet are nice, full of information to share, considerate. I have lots of visuals in my memory to call upon when I wish for nature, peace, appreciation for all my life experiences. I am in good company with Mike, who shares with me the amazement of our surroundings, the beauty our world possesses. I am ever so grateful for the way all this has come about, as it's taken a life of its own. 
 
Wednesday, 10/14/10 - If the date is not correct, it's because I'm on vacation and I can't keep up with everything, even the day or date! There is so much beauty in our country, so much to appreciate! I am thankful for this opportunity. One moment at a time. Enjoying. Appreciating. Manifesting more and more and more. Today was a fantastic day, as was yesterday and the day before that. Life is not only good, it's wonderful! 
 
Saturday, 10/10/10 - What a date!  Am out and about the country, enjoying the incredible beauty that nature provides. The colors! Beautiful weather! Meeting new people, enjoying all of it. Okay, this week I am allowed to have expectations. In fact, I'm going to expect certain things as those are the things I'm wishing for and believing will be. These things I wish for, experiences I imagine, are the expectations of the faith I have in manifesting our path. Our future. I have to be sure to expect these things to come to me, in whatever form they will. That's the difficult part. Sometimes it's in a different form. For example, I may want a particular job opportunity and I think about it with a certain company. In the end the opportunity does come up, but with a different company. I have to be open to the end result occurring, but not in the actual way it happens. My perspective is what counts the most. Okay, back to planning my future. The near future for the moment, at least. Will save the far future for another time.  Happy days to all who read this. Love, peace (sound like a hippy for goodness sake!), kindness to everyone, and pay it forward with kindness, as well. Enjoyment of every moment that occurs. Not easy, I know. I have my own ups and downs throughout a single day. A word from someone can bring my vibration down, but that's because of my own reaction to it. As soon as I feel that bit of hurt, that down feeling from someone else's action or words towards me, as quickly as possible I shift my reaction, change my perspective, and move on to make the next moment a good one.  I'm the only one in control of my own perspective.  And I want it to be the best. 
 
Tuesday, 10/4/10 - Looking forward to my next adventure, and with good company for sharing. The best, really. I am thrilled about this. I am reaping the benefits of practicing my beliefs. I learn as I go, am admittedly a late bloomer to understand these things. The last four years has been quite a learning experience. It's been real tough at times, but by sticking to my beliefs of treating others kindly, looking to the positives, even in the lessons and challenges, my life has been much improved, my happiness, peace, contentedness within grows ever stronger. Nothing is for certain. Appreciate the right here and now. Keep positive to keep it going, though, to continue to enjoy, to manifest/create the life I want. To blend this with someone else's creation is the ultimate. To allow. To believe. To enjoy.
 
Thursday, 9/30/10 - I do my best not to have expectations, and that way, I'm not disappointed. So far, that's been working out well. This way, I enjoy things as they happen. Or, maybe I do have some expectations and they're being met. I'm not really sure, sometimes. I struggle with things sometimes. Planning things means expectations. Looking to the future means expectations. Means believing in things. I can't make someone else be a certain way, but by imagining what it is I want, then letting it go, I expect that to come to me. And keep the good thoughts coming so it continues in a good way. So far, that's exactly what's been happening. I'm getting stronger at this. It does take practice. I'm practicing. Appreciation. Love for something, love back to myself, God's love towards me, focus on what I want, imagine it, daydream about it, feel it with my emotions as if I had it right now, whatever it may be. Then let it go and let it happen, being sure to have the faith that it will happen. The old saying, 'Let Go and Let God.' Exactly. Let it go. Then appreciate everything some more, and go about my day. I do this, believe in this, and it's working beautifully.  Am working on getting even more specific now, what do I want further down the road. Am guided to think that way a bit now. Okay, so I will.  Tentatively, at first. I'm sure it'll get stronger and more sure as time goes on. The unknown is a bit scary for this Cancer personality. I'm breaking out of my shell, though, and it feels pretty darn good.  Hmmmm... so would some ice cream right about now....... :-)   
 
Saturday, 9/25/10 - It's been a very, very good week. Work has been busy, and free time has been meaningful and enjoyed. It's getting easier as time goes on, with practice, to bring myself to a relaxed state of peace and calm within. Sit, reflect, appreciate, dream, allow.
 
9/19/10 - I just experienced a most beautiful weekend.  I am so filled with appreciation of my life. 
 
9/9/10 - I posted an article (you can access from the menu), not written by me, but is an excerpt from www.positive-thoughts.typepad.com.  It's called "The Power of Love," something I believe in wholeheartedly. Love everything as much as you can. Focus on anything good and feel Love, and watch what starts to happen in your life. I'm not saying my life is perfect. But by feeling this more and more, it gets easier and draws the good to me faster. I practice this, getting myself back UP when I'm feeling down, accepting the down for the moment, giving it a good cry if I have to, then getting right back to Loving myself, the air I breathe, nature, the earth, people I come in contact with, strangers, experiencing that good feeling within. Then just watch how things start to change. The problems seem to slip away, or they're that much easier to get past. And I wonder if a negative thought is what brought that problem in the first place. I'm sitting here thinking that it could be a struggle at first; some people are more inclined to worry and complain about everything, is the way their brains are wired. But with practice, just as with learning a new sport or language, practice makes it easier and easier, the brain actually gets rewired, and it becomes more automatic. I'm getting near the automatic stage. You might say, oh, yes, for YOU, maybe it's easy. Well, it wasn't always. It took PRACTICE. And still does. I had a down moment yesterday. A short time of being unsure of myself, insecure. But after beating myself up for a little while, and accepting that I was feeling terrible, I sat, calmed my mind, accepted that I felt that way, realized that I didn't HAVE to, it was under my control how I felt... So I changed how I felt. I let go....... let go of any thought or feeling that was bringing me down. Stayed sitting and letting go until I could feel love pour into me. Love for myself, love from all around me and into me. And then good things came my way.  It was almost instant. It's amazing how good I felt shortly after when those good things came about.  And there's no doubt in my mind that it's that Power of Love, for myself, for everyone and everything around me, that draws these things to me. I feel like I'm connected to the energy of our collective consciousness, God, and it gives me the ability to create my life. I am no better or worse than anyone else. I have learned a skill is all it is. We can all learn this skill. Practice, practice, practice - Love.  
 
9/7/10 - Directions. I think of my life as moving along a highway, then taking a different road and going this way or that. Sometimes there are people in the car with me, other times I'm by myself. Right now, I'm by myself for the most part, but occasionally have a friend or two along with me as I go here or there. Then I drop them off, and on I go. By myself. Is nice, peaceful, relaxing. Where am I going? I seem to have lost a bit of focus, not sure. Feel comfortable at the moment to just drive. No particular destination. But that means I'm not working towards a goal, not motivated to DO anything. Is it time out of life for awhile? Maybe. There are opportunities to take this road or that, but for some reason, I am choosing to just drive right by. Maybe I can turn around later, maybe not. I made a new page on this website, called "Links of Interest."  I'm always coming across articles on other websites that resonate with me, and so I would like to post them here, sometimes with the full article, sometimes just the link.
 
I'm content, happy to be me. Taking a little time out for me, knowing I'll be turning onto a different road soon, and life will change yet again. 
 
9/2/10 - Communication. Some people like lots of communication, others seem to shy away from it. Why shy away from it, my analytical mind wants to know. We have thoughts, feelings, emotions that guide us through our lives. I feel we should be in touch with them, enjoy them, but be in enough control so they don't control us. Share with our partner to deepen the care and love. Share with friends. Share with our children our thoughts, fears, wishes, goals, feelings. The communication connects us. Deepens the bonds of whatever that connection may be. I am enjoying so much my friends and our nearly daily conversations. I feel that with this depth of communication I am evolving more quickly, learning different perspectives, feeling that a more solid foundation is being developed for what I actually do understand about the world we live in and more. After the last half a year, I realize how incredibly important it is for me to have good communication with the person I'm involved with, and will be sure to manifest this in the future. I thrive on it. It feeds me. My communication with my daughter couldn't be better... she is the most incredibly wonderful person I know. And to know she is a part of me, and that my actions created her and guided her is so fulfilling to me. That I gave to this world the blessing of her existence.... wow.  When I do my work, I feel the love I have for her, I feel the love I have for my beloved pets who have passed, but the love remains. I feel the love I have for friends, for our world, and I'm filled with a sense of peace and calm. My goal is that these thoughts create a healthy energy to flow through me to assist in the health and well-being of my client. We are all in this world together.  It's my goal to make it a better place with my presence in it. Let go of the tensions within, feel with our minds, our hearts, communicate with our thoughts to connect with the universe's energy, communicate with our friends and loved ones, enjoying life's experiences, having fun with the world we live in, making it the best it can be. 
 
8/26/10 - Back to work. Feels good. I don't want to be away from work for too long. Many changes in the last couple of months. A short-lived relationship ended, amicably, mutually not quite satisfying to either of us, but both mutually caring about each other. Friendship only. There are so many different aspects to a personality. Astrologically speaking, one could have the moon in Pisces and another in Virgo, and maybe that's not a good mix. Differences in the way people are brought up, differences in perspectives, different likes and dislikes. We accept each other as we are, but sometimes the likes and dislikes don't blend so well. But if we were all the same, how boring life would be! Meeting new people is a fun experience, at least for me, as well as when I find someone whose personality blends nicely with mine. Maybe it's only for awhile. Maybe for years. I've experienced both. It's all good.  I move on through life, experiencing new people, new scenarios. My very close friends are my anchor, so to speak, they are like family and as I go through various changes, I'm ever so grateful for their friendship and love. It's so easy for me to get to that place of peace within now, so easy to accept changes, so easy to enjoy life. Since I'm always trying to analyze things, I wonder why it's so easy to flow through transitions like this. I feel so good. So many things to look forward to, and with a sense of freedom that feels like I was just let out of a cage. The green grass outside is beautiful. The stew my friend made last night (and leftovers for lunch) is delicious. Life is good, and I'm enjoying the journey. 
 
8/23/10 -On vacation, and loving it. Much needed! Didn't realize how much. I think that's common, how we keep pushing ourselves, going, going, going, same scenarios from day to day, week to week. To get away, a change of scenery, new experiences, people, can be enormously uplifting. Has a different energetic feel. Is it because of the energy of the locale? Or is it my own mindset? Maybe both. River rafting, hiking, camping, horseback riding, art festivals, museums, and more. So much activity, I'm amazed at my endurance. I am so happy to be me. 
 
8/10/10 - Life has it's ups and downs. But because I take care of my mind/body/spirit, I'm able to deal with the downs.  I've learned a lot about people in the last couple years. Am still learning.
 
8/6/10 - Am in need of words of affirmation.  I guess we all have some emotional needs from time to time. I admit that I'm human. In the mornings I often sit outside, appreciating all the world has to offer in my life, all the good I experience, all the blessings that have come my way. I think and speak out loud words of affirmation for myself.... sometimes that's all a person has.... him or herself. Others are busy with their own lives. I usually want to be the "strong" one and speak those words to others, to enhance their lives, and I do so sincerely, feeling these words from the heart, from the center of my being. Then there are those moments when I would like to hear them also.... if not.... maybe it's time to get a dog.... :-) 
 
8/1/10 - Something I wrote back in February:  "A plant grows when it is nourished by good soil for it's foundation.  It grows when it gets a regular dose of water. It grows when it is in a sunny, pleasant environment.  It grows better when it "hears" or has the vibration of good music (proven with scientific experiments).  It spreads out for others to see, to enjoy. We grow when we have a good foundation.  We grow when we experience regular doses of what nourishes our body and mind.  We grow when we are in pleasant surroundings, with good "sounds" in our ears, surrounded by a good environment.
We grow and spread our branches/leaves outward so others can enjoy our beauty.  We grow from within to be a part of the world around us. I grow from within to spread my branches out and touch others with my essence.  I am a part of the world around me."
 
7/31/10 - A slow day after a busy week. Busier than I expected, a nice surprise for the middle of summer here in Florida. But today is slow, and difficult to handle. I want more. I love my work, and want to build up more business in the Cape Coral area, since I'm here most of the time. But I realize it takes time. Can be frustrating, though. I am working on manifesting more business, but more importantly, I would like to manifest a balance between all the places I work, as well as time for me. I wonder sometimes if I'm going in the right direction. Then I think that every direction is the right direction, it's just what you do with it. I'm not sure. At this moment, right now, I'm not sure. I'm a bit unsettled. Not getting exactly what I want, but not sure what to do next. There's a lesson here, somewhere. I just hope it's not a difficult one. 
 
7/22/10 - This is the slow season in Florida, yet I've been comfortably busy. I have some free time as well, and I enjoy being more laid back these days, not doing too, too much.  Am very excited about vacation next month!!!  All is well, feeling good, listening to my sound therapy tapes, sharing my thoughts and perspectives with others, studying more massage techniques, health, nutrition, psychology. I value my friends, and appreciate their understanding of the time I devote to other interests. The peacefulness I feel within is perfect for doing my job, as well. I can calmly connect my energy with my clients so they can get the best massage ever. 
 
7/9/10 - Lots of changes in the past month or so. I have now added another place to my work locations, this one in Cape Coral. Is a beautiful location, very nice people, delightfully decorated, a pleasure to work there. Other opportunities sprung up, but I chose this as I meditated on it and asked for "signs" for direction. Those signs came through, guiding me as I requested. This is a strong belief of mine. Appreciate what I have, who I am, what I experience, then think of what I want, feel as best as possible with my imagination as if it already is, then let the thoughts go, and appreciate my life again. Then go about my day and see how things unfold.  My sensitivities get in the way at times, with occasional insecurities, which I guess could be called a lack of faith. As much as I try to avoid those feelings, they do creep in at times. I allow the thoughts momentarily, accept that I feel a certain way, then try to rationalize it, bringing myself back to faith again. I admit, I do struggle with this from time to time. Is he right for me? Am I right for him? Am I where I should be? Am I doing what I should be doing? When I analyze it all, I am happy, I enjoy my work, my workplaces, the Florida weather, my health, my friendships, and I look forward with a calm enthusiasm towards my future, whatever it may hold. I feel as though I'm equipped in mind (most of the time), body and spirit to continue with living life in a way that fulfills my wishes, allowing my happiness, my love of life, humanity, spirituality, generosity, to spill out of myself and touch the lives of others in a positive way. Lately, I've been focusing on living in the present more, letting go of the past, even the positive reflections of the past. Live now. Live right now. Enjoy this very moment and what I'm doing. Feel deeply this very moment. Focus on NOW.  Appreciate NOW. Feel good about NOW... and the next NOW and the next. Sometimes that's best. I am happy right now. Life is not perfect, but I am happy.  
 
6/27/10 - A few days after my birthday, and the day after a major eclipse, astrologically speaking.  Was supposed to be a big impact on relationships within my horoscope. Seemed to pass just fine... all is well in Dawn's world. 
 
5/31/10 - Memorial Day.  As much as this day has become a symbol of the beginning of the "summer" season in many areas, it is more importantly a day of remembrance for all those men and women who have served our country in the military. I think about those people and their families who live on forever touched by their loss. We live in a complex world and we're continuously evolving. Just as we grow as children into adults, we're learning sometimes through trial and error, not always getting it right the first time around.
 
It's another beautiful day here in SW Florida, enjoying a quiet, relaxed morning. It's been a nice couple of weeks since my last posting. I'm working on what's next in my life. Work is a little slower since many of my clients have left the area and returned north for their summer. This gives me the time to focus on me again. I'm exercising to tone and build up my endurance, don't want to lose stamina just because the work schedule has lightened up. I also focus on what I want to do next, besides learning everything I can about diet, nutrition, exercise, healthy mind, body and spirit. I'd like to write about how I lost 50 lbs six years ago, yes, another person to share their story. I want to keep it simple, easy to follow, as I feel it was and still is.  I feel great, just shy of my 52nd birthday. I want others to feel this great, too. I want to touch other peoples' lives in a way that enhances theirs, makes their life more enjoyable and less stressed. I also want to write about the ability to create what you want by using your mind, your thoughts, your feelings, to make your life whatever you want. I'm working on this with my own thoughts. As in all things, I am also working on patience. I want things when I want them, and don't have patience, which unfortunately causes me stress.  I have to work on this. I'm also learning by trial and error.  
 
5/13/10 - Been a month since my last post. All is still well in Dawn's world.  Life is good. Steady. Enjoyable. I appreciate each day as it comes. Little challenges are easy enough to navigate through. Sometimes thoughts of things in the past get to me and I may have a down moment or two or three. But it's not too difficult to bring my thoughts back around to appreciation of today. It takes practice, practice, practice. Still so much to learn in life. Am still learning how to speak up and express myself, what I want, my views. I tend to keep things in. My sensitive nature is great for doing my job, working on people, as it allows me to be very tuned into my clients. But personally, for myself, it's a bit of a challenge. Yes, still so much to learn in life. 
 
4/13/10 - Just another wonderful day.  Like yesterday and the day before that. Whether it rains or shines, each day is good. Am reading a very good book, "Quantum Success," and it has all the good stuff that I believe in and try to apply to my way of life. Work is busy, friends are great, special friend is wonderful. All is well, even with the little challenges that come up from time to time. By applying the principles described in the book, as I've been doing for some time now, the challenges are less, and I'm beginning to reap the benefits of the good life I've been working on creating for myself. The journey is fun! 
 
3/30/10 - Full Moon!!!  As I reflect back on the past year and all the changes I've been through, I realize that I've grown leaps and bounds.I have grown so much in the past year!!!!
 
3/24/10 - Another good week.  More positive experiences as I focus on what's good, what I want, and the lovingkindness I feel within me for all.  I practice using my mind, my thoughts, to create good health within, to draw those things to me that are needed for that good health, if necessary. And to use my thoughts to create the life I live, the enjoyment I have in all the things I do. I did notice I was starting to get irritable, ever so slightly, at traffic, or difficulty opening a jar, silly things. Why was I starting to feel this way? Well, turns out I NEEDED A MASSAGE!!!  The ever so slight tension within my muscles was starting to get to me. I wasn't even aware of it until after the massage, and then the irritability disappeared. Now I can focus with a more positive attitude towards the things I want... and allow them to happen.  
 
3/17/10 - Happy St. Patrick's Day whether Irish or not.  Is cold and rainy/gloomy again here in SW Florida, only in the 50's this morning. Not feeling like Florida at all this winter. But I still woke up enthusiastic for this day. Feeling good. Looking forward to working on clients, doing the best job I can, and then enjoying time off as well. Am focusing on better health with a low-carb eating plan for a short time, and will attempt to get back to doing some yoga. I will work on manifesting my enthusiasm for yoga as it's gotten away from me a bit with a busy work schedule and social schedule taking precedence. Not a bad thing, not a good thing, just is.  At least I can go through the yoga postures in my mind while I'm driving to work, imagining how it's toning my body and mind, and that's a little bit of help. haha  Works for me when I don't make the time otherwise. I'm feeling good with my direction in life, enjoying the new path I'm on, and looking forward to creating whatever it is I want as I go along.  
 
3/12/10 - Power of Positive Thinking. Law of Attraction. So much information on these topics. I am a firm believer as I've experienced the effects of my thoughts and wishes/fears in my own life. Someday I'm going to write a book about this. I've been fine-tuning this in my life, which is a constantly evolving process. Practice, practice, practice. You don't learn and apply this overnight. I think it takes time to develop this ability to make it work best. It works whether you realize it or not, but to apply it in a positive manner is what takes practice. There's a science behind all of it I believe, and some researchers are putting it together. I understand some of it now, and that just seems to make it even more fun to "play" with. What do I want in life, what can I think about and draw to me? My thoughts are a powerful tool. A few weeks ago, I did some feng shui stuff and used that as a tool as well as writing down what I was going to create in the next week. It worked perfectly!  As I continue doing massage and reflexology,I believe it fine-tunes other peoples bodies at the cellular level, and helps them to think more clearly and create what they want in their lives as well. I love my job. I love my life. 
 
2/21/10 - Got through another weekend of Yoga Teacher Training. All good, but I know I need to study and practice more. I can do this......and I will.
 
2/10/10 - A whole month has gone by... got a little chilly here in sunny SW Florida, been a bit more bundled up.  People up north dealing with blizzards, though, so there is no room for complaining, of course. Except that I MISS THE SNOW! haha  Yes, I do. Sometimes.  Business is busy, now that there are a lot more people here in Florida for the winter months. It's important to maintain a balance between work and play, enjoy both, keep active, laugh with friends, and get rest when the body says it needs it.  Focus on good things, good thoughts, finding fun and joy in everything I do.  When something starts to get me down, I accept that, but then think about the things I'm grateful for, the incredibly wonderful life I have, the way I'm surrounded by good people, and meet good people everywhere I go.  Law of attraction, power of positive thinking, allow my thoughts to create the world I want, the good health I enjoy, the fun I find in all the things I do.  It feels good to feel good.  I am happy.
 
1/10/10 - Wow! A New Year! The end of the year was tough, and so was the beginning.  Endings, beginnings, endings, same old issues.... The calendar doesn't care.  Am I learning anything??? Am I stuck??  It's important to be true to myself. What is best for ME.  Is that selfish? NO!!!! If I compromise on important things for myself, I won't be able to GIVE fully and completely to others in the future.  Yes, there are things we compromise on, and then there are things we should not.  I need to learn the difference.  I am learning the difference.  One thing is for sure.... I NEED regular massage so that my mind can work more clearly.  The daily tensions build and exercise and hot showers are just not enough.  I NEED REGULAR MASSAGE, just like I suggest to everyone else.  This is something I MUST incorporate into my weekly schedule.  Yes, I feel good physically, but there is that ever so slight underlying tension from the ups and downs of life, and they are starting to get a hold on me.  Time for massage.....
 
12/2/09 - FULL MOON - Hmmmm.......Nice!! 
 
11/30/09 - CHANGES
Is there a shift in my energy of late? Something seems to be changing. My thinking? As I had tried to be more open and sociable, meeting new people, it seemed that people had expectations from me. Wanted more than I was able to provide. Expectations. I can't live up to others' expectations. Is this why some people are more solitary? So others won't want so much from them? So they won't have to be put in a position to say NO? I think it's time to work, study, study, do my research.  I think I was spreading myself too thin for awhile. We need to remember to take care of ourselves. We can do this through our thoughts, but also be aware of our actions towards others and toward ourselves. Time to be kind to my own physical body and mind.  Am reading the book, "Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d" by Candace B. Pert, Ph.D.  Her research and knowledge explains so much of what goes on with our thoughts, feelings, and how it is physically affecting our bodies. This is why I do the work I do, and why I enjoy it so much. I do believe massage and reflexology are two therapies that are so important to our health and to our ability to enjoy life. 
 
11/24/09 - MY JOB
I enjoy my job so much!!  I am so thankful for the skills that help people.  I started out stressed today, got a late start, running a little behind.  Was a bit frazzled.  Until I worked on my first client. That is when I calmed down, as I was able to help my client with massage and sometimes words of encouragement.  I enjoyed working today. I feel good.  A little tired, but feel good.  Looking forward to another good day tomorrow.  I love my job!!
 
11/15/09 - KINDNESS
I am kind to myself. I am kind to others. I do the best I can. I don't do this for rewards. I do this because it feels right for who I am. It feels like I am meant to be this way. Kind. Making the world a better place because of the privilege of being in this world in the first place.
 
11/13/09 - LOVE
Just some notes on "LOVE" as I research my Yoga books in preparation for Mind/Body/Heart/Soul Workshop:
- From "Wheels of Life" by Anodea Judith, Ph.D.:
"Relationships endure when an overall balance is maintained. They end when one or both partners feels the relationship has gotten out of balance and does not have the capacity to return. This can be due to an imbalance of taking and giving, an imbalance in basic life force, in spiritual evolution, money, sex, power, housework, childcare, communication, or any of the other elements that play out in the arena of relationship. It must be remembered that this balance is dynamic rather than static - it fluctuates over time. It is the overall totality that must contain a basic parity if the relationship is to survive.
Balance within ourselves gives us the best shot at maintaining balance in our relationships with others. It must be done with the fullness of the heart as the center of being."
D.H.Lawrence: "You have to balance love and individuality, and actually sacrifice a portion of each."
"Love is the natural relationship between healthy living things. We need only to believe that it is around us at all times and in all things to find it within ourselves."
"Affinity is a term used in chemistry to describe the tendency of one substance to enter into and remain in combination with another substance. This occurs because of an intrinsic fit within the atomic structure of the substance.  The result of affinity is bonding. When two substances with affinity for each other come together, they bond, forming a more permanent connection. Each has something the other is lacking. On a simplified level, it is the attraction of opposites seeking to balance themselves. 
Human bonding can be so similar to chemical bonding that we often refer to it as "chemistry." We may not always understand why we feel drawn toward someone, but the feeling is there, nonetheless, and it is often irresistable. 
Most often, the person has something in his or her energy field that we want and need. If we're lucky, we have something they need, too, and a bonding can occur, good for the duration of the affinity feelings. As the heart chakra is the center of balance, it is fitting that love itself arises, initially, out of a natural tendency to merge and balance our energy with other living creatures.
This is not to say that we have an affinity only for those who are opposite to us. Many times, finding someone that shares our views can also give us that feeling of affinity -- the peaceful sense of validation that comes from finding one who understands. The energy we project outward finds a matching energy reaching in. Again, our chakras, both open and closed, are searching for balance. It is not based on polarity as much as the organism seeking enhancement for its next stage of unfoldment.
The most important aspect of affinity, however, lies not in our chemical attraction to others, but in the development of affinity within the composite parts of the self. When we have this sense of affinity, we emanate a vibration that is loving, accepting, and joyful. This allows, and even encourages others to find their own sense of affinity. Self-acceptance is our first chance to practice unconditional love. It doesn't mean that we have to give up striving to be better, but that we have acceptance and compassion for ourselves, and it then becomes easier to make personal changes.
Affinity can also be seen as a vibrational quality. When we are "in affinity," the harmonious state we feel gives coherency, to everything we say or do, like the tones of a scale in harmonic resonance. We radiate love because we have created a coherent center within ourselves, which in turn harmonizes the surrounding circumstances.
So how does one go about creating this sense of affinity? By taking a little quiet time to talk to yourself. All it really takes is checking in with yourself now and then. Are there ways you could treat yourself better? Are there parts that need attention? Do you treat yourself as well as you treat others? Our very strength lies in the unity and harmony within all parts of ourselves. Only then are we able to effectively give to others. If those parts are all tuned into the center, the heart of the organism, they then are simultaneously tuned to each other and enter a natural state of affinity."
 
A couple good quotes:
 
When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.
This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
 
11/8/09 - YOGA
Wow! What a day of yoga teacher training yesterday! First, Jackie's class in the morning, then 3 hours with yogi, Christian Valeriani, in the afternoon.  What a workout! I definitely need to be more flexible, and it's not going to happen with swimming and regular exercise. Yoga is the way to go because it not only helps the body, but helps the mind, spirit, as well. The whole philosophy, way of life, of yoga is so much more than just exercise. There is a connection between mind and body. Is it that I'm not flexible enough in my thinking? By opening up my body and becoming more flexible, will there be more flexibility in my life? Hmmmm.  I don't know if I can handle anymore in my life right now. It's pretty full.  Oh, there's always room for more!!! Heading out for more yoga this morning, connecting the Universe/Energy with my spirit, and then more teacher training this afternoon.  What a wonderful day to look forward to!
 
11/1/09 - START OF NOVEMBER
Can't believe it's finally November. Here in sunny Florida, it of course still feels like summer. Yet, with the time change and slightly cooler mornings (although not yet), things will start to change. In astrology, I noticed some changes are coming. Will have to read up on that as a bit of a guide.  I will believe in all good things to come my way. And so they will.
 
10/30/09 - ANOTHER WEEK GONE BY
This was a nice week.  Not outstanding, but nice. Work went well. Was so good to connect with people and listen and help. As the physical body accepts the touch of massage and reflexology and begins to relax, the mind is calmer, the spirit is calmed and rejuvenated, the connection between mind and body becomes stronger. What a wonderful job I have. I am so thankful for the skills I have acquired and how I am fulfilled by my work. In fun time, I have enjoyed my friends immensely. I am so blessed with good people around me. My energy was a bit low as I extended myself a little more than my physical body was ready to do. My mind wants to be and do and continue without rest, but my body says "slow down" every once in awhile. Then I have to admit, not everything goes completely my way. I have to remember that I can't make decisions for others. I can only be myself and be happy with that. I am happy with myself. Live by example. I continue to be kind, caring, giving, fun, helpful, understanding. I have to learn to slow down and let my body rest when it tells me so. Don't fight sleep, embrace it as the fuel necessary to calm and replenish, just as food is necessary at mealtime. If I don't allow the needed rest, then the physical body may break down and not function as effectively. So, a couple low-key days this week amidst a busy schedule other days, and that allowed time to reflect on what I want out of my life. Who I want to share it with, what I want to do next. Not all the answers are in my control, however, and I must accept that.
 
10/25/09 - TIME FLIES
Wow! What a busy couple of days. Staying positive, being true to the person I am. Being kind, happy, understanding, accepting, open to new experiences and people. I am blessed by this Universe. I seem to only meet good people. Or is it I only see the good in people? No, I do meet good people. There are so many good people around. We don't always think the same or like the same things, but I seem to meet good people wherever I go. Even the clerks at the grocery stores always seem to be so nice. How can I be so lucky? I am so happy and I want to share that with everyone I come in contact with in the ways that I can. I like to smile, I like to laugh. I like to be supportive of others, understanding. For a moment or two in the last couple of days, certain thoughts started to get me down. But I used my tools -- appreciate, appreciate, appreciate, focus on the NOW. "Embrace this very moment," I said to myself. "Enjoy this moment, appreciate all the good right now." I didn't ignore, necessarily, but by living at that moment, it did not allow certain thoughts to control me. I controlled the thoughts instead. Put them in their place, so to speak.  And went on enjoying the day, moment by moment. In time, those thoughts were dealt with and resolved for the time being. All is well.  The enjoyment I got from the last two days is immense. I am embracing my life. I am enjoying my energy, my health, my friends. The weekend flew by. Now to look forward to a new week and new adventures.
 
10/23/09 - YOGA
Just a beautiful day studying and practicing yoga. And acceptance of those things I have no control over. Letting go. It's not always easy, but if I don't "let go," the frustration and resistance could manifest as sickness or draw negative experiences into my existence. I don't want that. We can manifest what we want by being open to the fact that it may be in a different form. Be open that whatever it is you want, if you think positively, and with the belief that it is in the process of happening, then whatever it is will happen. You can allow it to happen. The practice of yoga helps to center me, helps to calm me, and helps me to accept and allow.  Was a mixed bag today of ups and downs. Okay, downs and ups. I'm ending on an up. 
 
10/22/09 - BOUNDLESS ENERGY
The last post of 10/18, I started with "I feel good."  Today, I feel great.  I've had a couple of long, but very rewarding work days. I cherish my clients. I appreciate the opportunities they give me to help them with my skills.  I manifest like-minded clients, and that is exactly what I get. I manifest good times with friends, and that is what I get. I manifest happiness within myself and that is what I feel. I keep reading about "allowing." Is amazing when I start to focus on something and then all these articles appear in emails, magazines, etc., that relate. That's manifesting, too.  Today I picked up a book that was sitting on the table, and opened it up to browse. It's a wonderful book that I came across a couple years ago and as I skimmed through several pages, I was amazed that all the things I believe in were in print. It didn't feel like I was learning anything new, but was just confirming what I already knew. That book is called "The Science of Mind," by Ernest Holmes. Later, I learned that it's affiliated with a particular religious belief, but at the time I didn't know that. All I knew was that everything it said, I already understood as true. My favorite quote is "Ask and ye shall receive; believe it as if it were so and it shall be."  Now, I'm not particularly religious, but I know Jesus said this and I am a firm, very firm believer in this. Today, as I picked up the book, I came across the section entitled, "A Formula for Effective Prayer."  There, in all caps, are the words, "THE THINGS WE NEED, WE ARE TO ASK FOR--and WE ARE TO BELIEVE THAT WE RECEIVE THEM!" It goes on to explain it in more detail, saying "When we pray we are to believe that we have." That belief is faith, and that faith is allowing. It allows the prayer to be answered. Prayer to me is thought. Thought with intention. Whether we realize it or not, our thoughts are creating. So, we should be very careful what we think. Good thoughts, full of love, full of life, full of joy, happiness, and the emotions we feel as we think them, and faith that our good thoughts are creating that which we are thinking, is what makes it all happen. So, I was happy to come across this passage in the book as I felt already today how good life is, and how I continue to manifest good people, good things, good opportunities, good clients, happiness, and the boundless energy to enjoy it all. And that's exactly what I have right now.  And then, my next wish/prayer/desire is to share this with all the people I come in contact with. How good is that!
 
10/18/09 - APPRECIATE SUNDAY
I feel good. Saturday night was a gathering of friends for a birthday celebration for a very special lady. Reconnecting with old friends, meeting new friends, and exploring a new area where people gather to enjoy life. Was fun. I think that's the biggest secret to our existence. To enjoy life. And it shouldn't even be a secret. When we enjoy life, we open up our hearts, our minds, our physical bodies to experience good food, conversation, friendships. To share, which further enhances our joy in living. And all that brings an abundance of more joy as we reflect and appreciate all the goodness around us. It doesn't mean there aren't any problems. But if I continue to focus on the good things, the problems seem less significant, and then the answers to the problems will have a better chance of being discovered. I appreciate this Sunday. I appreciate the past week and all the experiences I have had. I appreciate my work, my play, my new friends, my old friends, my family, my life. I look forward to answers to any problems and a new week of all good things coming my way.
 
10/17/09 - ANOTHER NEW DAY
I suppose some people have very structured, routine days. They get up at the same time, eat breakfast, get ready for the day, etc., etc. I have no routine. Each day is different. I get up at different times, I eat at different times, I work at different times and places. To me, each day is a new adventure.  The other day I was lucky enough to GET a massage, along with giving a massage to another therapist.  I happen to be in excellent physical shape, what with practicing reflexology on myself so much of the time. It tunes up the insides, all the organs, glands, inner workings of the body. Through the years, I have gotten better and better physically, and now, at 51, I am more fit than I was at 18. It amazes even me. So, as I feel good so much of the time, I don't actually get a massage as often as I should. Plus, my resistance to RECEIVE causes me to turn down those times when it's offered, "Oh, I feel fine, no need to give me a massage. But how are you? Do you need one?" And since I feel the calmness and relaxation of the person I'm working on, I do get a lot out of giving a massage anyway.  But, the other day, I did receive a massage. It was more needed than I thought. Although my body is in good shape, my mind has not always been. The tension is often in my mind. Massage helps the body to relax, yes. But it also helps the mind to relax. When I allowed my mind to relax, concentrate on the ability to let go and receive, focus on the breath, then guess what?  Resistance disappears and I start to receive, allowing the law of attraction to work that much better.  Again, I am grateful for all the world has to offer me. I appreciate the people in my life. I appreciate the path I'm on as I get the most enjoyment out of living that I can.  I appreciate the tools I'm acquiring to do just that.  I appreciate another new day and a new adventure.
 
10/14/09 - STARTING OVER
I wonder why sometimes things happen the way they do? Is it to strengthen me? When we get through life challenges, we feel good again. And we feel stronger. And then challenges that come up in the future are that much easier to conquer. We build skills that help us through. So, I am able to practice what I preach. I pulled myself up, focused on the good in my life, and started to feel better and better.  I appreciate. I accept. I allow everything to be as it is. I allow others to be as they are. What choice do I have in that, anyway?? I can only change my perspective and myself. So, I accept what is, as it is, and nothing more. You can't make a cake if you don't have all the ingredients. So, then I focused on what I want. I focused on all the ingredients I wanted, and I believe they will come to me. Tuesday afternoon, I had a wonderful conversation with someone I consider a good friend, someone who I believe will always be a friend. It is my belief that we both manifested this friendship. Life is good when you have friends. Then a connection with a new person who seems at first glance to have many of the ingredients that I want. In the short run, a new friend to share with.  I can't help but wonder, but then pull myself back to earth and focus on the now. Appreciate the now and go no further. Feel the good emotion at this moment with no expectations, no judgments. Just enjoy the now. My positive thoughts, focusing on the things I want, the things that feed my soul, are being drawn to me. That's my belief.  Am I being specific enough? Am I being too specific? Is that possible? I don't know if there's a balance there. I guess I'll just have to live life and see.  I am so happy to be the person I am. I love the energy I feel inside. I love the sense of compassion and kindness and joy I can create within myself by my thoughts. And then you never know what the Universe will bring to you. For so long I've walked around with that tension feeling inside the middle of my body, just below the diaphragm. The solar plexus area. Even when I feel good, I often feel that subtle tension. I'm working on letting go of it now, to allow.  Allow what? To allow myself to relax and receive whatever the Universe (God, Source, Life Force) gives me as a result of my positive thoughts. Even my acceptance of letting go of something that is only an illusion is a positive thing. It releases the negative feeling I had when I realized it was only an illusion. Acceptance. Recognizing that my perception was inaccurate, accepting that, owning/admitting that to myself, opens up a stream of positive energy. As I release that tension, and I focus on what it is I want, and believe ... BELIEVE ... that it is so, then it shall be.  Of course, I don't have this perfected yet. Maybe never will.  Each time I try this, whether it's finding my lost keys, finding a better job, whatever, I will get better and better at it. I want to be surrounded by good, kind, positive people who accept my kindness, compassion, my gifts, AND ... this is something I wasn't doing before ... I want to be on the receiving end of all those things, as well.  In yoga training, I learned that when you tend to exhale out more easily and more slowly, and pause at the end, you are more of a giver. When the inhale is slower and easier, then you are a receiver. Well, when I exhale, it's very, very slow, with a huge pause at the end where I am virtually at peace without a breath, then it's more of an effort to inhale. That's a giver, and I know I am. That sounds all well and good, but it's not. There should be a better balance between the two. So, I'm practicing my breath work to inhale with less effort, and exhale just a little faster, not pausing so long at the end of it.  Maybe that will bring more balance into my life with the giving and receiving. As much as I find pleasure in the giving, I think I need to let go and allow myself to receive, also.  To receive the attention of those around me. To fill me up with what I need/want (I don't like the word "need"), as I give to others.  Okay, this is rambling today. I hope it makes some sense. As I practice this type of writing, I will manifest that I'll get better and better at it.  So, I'll go through my day, my evening, my night, with no judgments, no expectations except that all good things will come my way, and I will have the wisdom to see with clarity, and not an illusion.  And I will continue to work on manifesting what I want, and eventually, I do believe it will happen.  Friendships. Good friendships.  They feed my soul.  Appreciation for all the good in my life. Acceptance. 
 
10/12/09 - CATCHING UP
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Got back from Colorado, had been thinking about yoga teacher training as the next step in my growth and ability to share my skills and beliefs with others in a way to enhance people's lives, to make the world a better place. I had already decided to start the yoga teacher training on Saturday. Class started and I was able to focus on that. The next two days of training were great. I'm going to learn so much, and I'm already realizing it's much more than I expected, especially in how it may change my life. I'm excited. Started reading the materials I have to study for this training. Wow. Will be much more to me, to my growth. A lot to learn. I'll need much focus. Funny thing happened this morning - sharing coffee with my friend, she shared her Goddess Guidance cards with me. Is nice to pick one and see what it says, and is amazing how it always seems to resonate with what's going on in each of our lives. Mine today was the "Butterfly Maiden" - Transformation.  Wow. "You are experiencing enormous change right now, which brings great blessing." I must give credit -- this is from "Doreen Virtue, Ph.D., Guidebook for the Goddess Guidance Oracle Cards."  Just seems to fit perfectly with where I think my life is headed. 
 
 
 
Important note in my studying right off the bat - We practice asanas (postures) so we can perfect them to the extent our bodies can, maybe modified for some, but so we can be in a pose and "feel alert and unstressed" as we are in it. Each asana (posture) is to be done with sthira, "steadiness and alertness" and sukha, "ability to remain comfortable" in that asana. 
 
 
10/11/09 - CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER
 
Clear out the clutter to allow "in"
 
Open up space.
 
Too many "things" are around to avoid focus on yourself.
 
Too much is "on your plate," too many obligations, taking on too much is done to avoid focus on yourself or something else, such as a relationship or other important aspect of your life that needs your attention. 
 
Clear out the clutter.
Simplify your life - activities, obligations, schedule, and focus on "self."
You will then be able to release obstacles of your past, fears of the future, blockages to your openness, you will then be freer within yourself, have more clarity to give and receive love, happiness, and all the joy this life has to offer you.
 
 
10/9/09 - MEDITATION
 
Close your eyes.
Relax.
Breathe - slow...... deep...... fully in......fully out.
There is a ball of white, crystalized light.
It's beautiful, bright, full of energy, knowledge, love.
It enters your body at the base of your spine.
Slowly, it travels up your spine as you continue to breath deep, slow.
Slowly, it travels down your spine.
In your mind, look at your hands. Appreciate them.
Look down at your body from above, with a feeling of love towards yourself.
Stay there for a few moments to feel this appreciation for yourself.
In your mind, look around the room from above, feeling love for everyone and everything there.
Now you are outside looking down at the building you are in, sending love, appreciation.
Now, further away, you look at the town, sending love.
Now you are out in space, looking at the earth, sending love,
Taking time to send love to each of those places that may need more healing and peace.
Feel joy, a sense of freedom, love, happiness towards the entire earth as a whole.
Nothing else matters at this moment.
Only how you feel - joy, love, happiness.
Stay there as long as you feel comfortable.
Then slowly come back, to the earth, to the town, to the building, to the room, to yourself.
Slowly open your eyes, appreciate all that you see around you.
Take that feeling wherever you go. That feeling is food, nourishment for your soul.
Love to all.
 
 
This is from something I was observing and wrote down as I sat on the lanai:
 
10/8/09 - "Watching ducks fly together onto the lake out back, "talking" as they swoop in and land. Swimming together, crossing in front of each other, enjoying the moment as that is how I perceive they live, then finally settling onto the edge, preening themselves, as other birds wander around nearby.
Lovingly paired together."
 
 
How did this make me feel?  It made me think about how nice it is to just be.  To experience this moment. Not the past, not what's next, but this very moment. And how nice it would be to share this moment with someone you love.
 
 
 
 
 
 
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